Apparatus, computer program and method

Abstract

A user equipment comprising means for: collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node; receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment; after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; and when the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

Description

[0001] APPARATUS, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND METHOD

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Various example embodiments relate to data retention. Some examples relate to data retention for Artificial Intelligence (Al) / Machine Learning (ML) models.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] User Equipment (UE) devices may collect information. This information maybe used for training AI / ML models.

[0006] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0007] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a user equipment comprising means for: collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node; receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment; after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; and when the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0008] According to some examples, the third radio access network node comprises the second radio access network node.

[0009] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: receiving, from the first radio access network node, a configuration for collecting the data for training the machine learning model, wherein the configuration comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0010] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: receiving, from the first radio access network node, a message comprising a handovercommand or a radio resource configuration release command, wherein the message comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0011] According to some examples, the data for training the machine learning model comprises at least one beam measurement for a set of beams.

[0012] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: sending data to the first radio access network node.

[0013] According to some examples, event comprises a handover from the first radio access network node to the second radio access network node, and wherein the means are further configured for: postponing sending the data to the first radio access network node during the handover.

[0014] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: after the event, sending the data to the first radio access network node via the third radio access network node.

[0015] According to some examples, the event comprises entering an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state and wherein the indication indicates that the UE should retain the data after the event, and wherein the means are further configured for: after the event, entering a connected radio resource configuration state and then performing the sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0016] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover from the first radio access network node to the second radio access network node, wherein the first radio access network node is the same as the second radio access network node and the handover is between two cells of the same radio access network node.

[0017] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising: collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node; receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio accessnetwork node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment; after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; and when the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0018] According to some examples, the third radio access network node comprises the second radio access network node.

[0019] According to some examples, the method comprises: receiving, from the first radio access network node, a configuration for collecting the data for training the machine learning model, wherein the configuration comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0020] According to some examples, the method comprises: receiving, from the first radio access network node, a message comprising a handover command or a radio resource configuration release command, wherein the message comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0021] According to some examples, the data for training the machine learning model comprises at least one beam measurement for a set of beams.

[0022] According to some examples, the method comprises: sending data to the first radio access network node.

[0023] According to some examples, event comprises a handover from the first radio access network node to the second radio access network node, and wherein the means are further configured for: postponing sending the data to the first radio access network node during the handover.

[0024] According to some examples, the method comprises: the event, sending the data to the first radio access network node via the third radio access network node.

[0025] According to some examples, the event comprises entering an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state and wherein the indication indicates that the UE should retain the data after the event, and wherein the means are further configured for: after the event, entering a connected radio resourceconfiguration state and then performing the sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0026] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover from the first radio access network node to the second radio access network node, wherein the first radio access network node is the same as the second radio access network node and the handover is between two cells of the same radio access network node.

[0027] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when loaded into an apparatus, execute a method comprising: collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which a user equipment is served by a first radio access network node; receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment; after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; and when the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0028] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which a user equipment is served by a first radio access network node; receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment; after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; and whenthe data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0029] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising means for: sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or the an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

[0030] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover, and wherein the means are further configured for: performing a handover operation of the user equipment from the apparatus to the radio access network node According to some examples, the means are further configured for: sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for collecting the data for training the machine learning model, wherein the configuration comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0031] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: sending, to the user equipment, a message comprising a handover command or a radio resource configuration release command, wherein the message comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0032] According to some examples, the data for training the machine learning model comprises at least one beam measurement for a selected set of beams.

[0033] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: receiving, from a network entity, information indicative of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0034] According to some examples, the means are further configured to perform: determining the indication based on at least one of: a vendor of the apparatus and a vendor of the radio access network node; information indicating that the data should be retained during the event when the radio access network node is in afirst area; information indicating that the data should not be retained during the event when the radio access network node is in a second area.

[0035] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: receiving the data from the user equipment.

[0036] According to some examples, the means are further configured for: receiving the data from the user equipment via a second radio access network node.

[0037] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover from the apparatus to the radio access network node, the indication indicates that the user equipment should not retain the data during the event and wherein the apparatus and the radio access network node have a different vendor.

[0038] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover from the apparatus to the radio access network node, wherein the apparatus is the radio access network node and the handover is between two cells of the apparatus.

[0039] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method comprising: sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or the an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

[0040] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover, and wherein the means are further configured for: performing a handover operation of the user equipment from the apparatus to the radio access network node According to some examples, the method comprises: sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for collecting the data for training the machine learning model, wherein the configuration comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0041] According to some examples, the method comprises: sending, to the user equipment, a message comprising a handover command or a radio resource configuration release command, wherein the message comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.According to some examples, the data for training the machine learning model comprises at least one beam measurement for a selected set of beams.

[0042] According to some examples, the method comprises: receiving, from a network entity, information indicative of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

[0043] According to some examples, the method comprises: determining the indication based on at least one of: a vendor of the apparatus and a vendor of the radio access network node; information indicating that the data should be retained during the event when the radio access network node is in a first area; information indicating that the data should not be retained during the event when the radio access network node is in a second area.

[0044] According to some examples, the method comprises: receiving the data from the user equipment.

[0045] According to some examples, the method comprises: receiving the data from the user equipment via a second radio access network node.

[0046] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover from the apparatus to the radio access network node, the indication indicates that the user equipment should not retain the data during the event and wherein the apparatus and the radio access network node have a different vendor.

[0047] According to some examples, the event comprises a handover from the apparatus to the radio access network node, wherein the apparatus is the radio access network node and the handover is between two cells of the apparatus.

[0048] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when loaded into an apparatus, execute a method comprising: sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or the an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during atime period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

[0049] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or the an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

[0050] Some embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0051] LIST OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] In the following, the invention will be described in greater detail with reference to the embodiments and the accompanying drawings, in which

[0053] Fig. 1 shows an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied;

[0054] Fig. 2 shows an example method for data retention at a UE during a handover;

[0055] Fig. 3 shows an example method for data retention at a UE during a change in state for the UE from an active mode to an inactive or idle mode;

[0056] Fig.4 shows an example of a method;

[0057] Fig. 5 shows an example of a method; and

[0058] Fig. 6 shows an example of an apparatus.

[0059] DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0060] The following embodiments are exemplary. Although the specification may refer to “an”, “one”, or “some” embodiment(s) in several locations of the text, this does not necessarily mean that each reference is made to the same embodiment's), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment. Singlefeatures of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection of an embodiment, it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to apply such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

[0061] For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrases “at least one of A or B”, “at least one of A and B”, and “A and / or B” means (A), (B), or (A and B). For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” means (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C).

[0062] Embodiments described may be implemented in a communication network, such as any of the following radio access technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Micro-wave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE radio access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, 3G) based on basic wideband-code division multiple access (W-CDMA), high-speed packet access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, and enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G (also called NR), or any future RAT such as 6G. Moreover, communication within the communication network may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (M1M0), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), and / or Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM).

[0063] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network node” refers to a node in a communication network via which user equipment may access the network and / or which is capable of controlling radio communication and managing radio resources within a cell. The network node or network device may be referred to as a base station (BS), an access point (AP) or an access node. The network devicemay be, depending on the applied technology, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (1AB) node, a low power node, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, or an aircraft network device.

[0064] Moreover, in connection of split radio access network (RAN), the network device may refer to a centralised unit (CU) of a base station and / or a distributed unit (DU) of a base station. An interface between CU and DU may be referred to as an Fl interface in NR. In the split RAN architecture, node operations may be carried out, at least partly, in the central / centralized unit, CU, (e.g. server, host or node) operationally coupled to the DU, (e.g. a radio head / node). One CU may control one or more DUs, acting at least as transmit / receive (Tx / Rx) nodes. In some embodiments, the DUs may comprise e.g. a radio link control (RLC), medium access control (MAC) layer and a physical (PHY) layer, whereas the CU may comprise the layers above RLC layer, such as a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer, a radio resource control (RRC) and an internet protocol (IP) layers. Other functional splits are possible too. In practice, any processing task may be performed in either the CU or the DU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the CU and the DU may depend on the applied implementation.

[0065] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example, a terminal device may be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), or a Mobile Station (MS). The terminal device may include a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, USB dongles, an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medicaldevice and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, and the like.

[0066] A term “resource”, as used herein, may refer to radio resources in time domain, in frequency domain, in space domain, and / or in code domain. Some examples of resources include e.g. a physical resource block (PRE), a radio frame, a subframe, a time slot, a subband, a frequency region, a sub-carrier, a beam, etc. The term “transmission” and / or “reception” may refer to wirelessly transmitting and / or receiving via a wireless propagation channel on radio resources.

[0067] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a communication network to which examples disclosed herein may be applied. The communication network or a cellular communication network may comprise a network node 110 providing one or more cells, such as cell 100, and a network node 112 providing one or more other cells, such as cell 102. Each cell may be, e.g., a macro cell, a micro cell, femto, or a pico cell, for example. The cell may define a coverage area or a service area of the corresponding access node.

[0068] The network node 110 may provide a user equipment (UE) 120 (one or more UEs) with wireless access to the communication network. The wireless access may comprise downlink (DL) communication from the network node to the UE 120 and uplink (UL) communication from the UE 120 to the network node. Examples of uplink channels comprise physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) for transmitting control information and physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) for transmitting data towards the network. Examples of downlink channels comprise physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for transmitting control information and physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) for transmitting data towards the user equipment.

[0069] There may be a plurality of UEs 120, 122 in the system. Each of them may be served by the same or by different network nodes 110, 112. UE may be configured with dual connectivity (DC), wherein the UE, e.g. UE 120, may be connected to multiple network nodes 110, 112. The UEs 120, 122 may communicatewith each other, in case device-to-device (D2D) communication interface is established between them via a so-called sidelink (SL). Such D2D communications may be referred to as machine-to-machine, peer-to-peer (P2P) communications, or ve-hicle-to-vehicle (V2V), for example.

[0070] In the case of multiple network nodes in the communication network, the network nodes may be connected to each other via an interface. LTE specifications call such an interface as X2 interface. An interface between an LTE node and a 5G node, or between two 5G nodes may be called Xn interface.

[0071] The network nodes 110 and 112 may be further connected via another interface to a core network 116 of the communication network. The LTE specifications specify the core network as an evolved packet core (EPC), and the core network may comprise e.g. a mobility management entity (MME) and a gateway node. The MME may handle mobility of terminal devices in a tracking area encompassing a plurality of cells and handle signalling connections between the terminal devices and the core network. The gateway node may handle data routing in the core network and to / from the terminal devices. The 5G specifications specify the core network as a 5G core (5GC). The 5G core may comprise e.g. an access and mobility management function (AMF) and a user plane function / gateway (UPF) and other functions. The AMF may handle termination of non-access stratum (NAS) signalling, NAS ciphering & integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, security context management. The UPF node may support packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection and quality of service (QoS) handling, for example.

[0072] Some examples relate to Al / ML models. Some examples relate to data retention for training Al / ML models. Such data may include, for example, beam measurements for a selected set of beams (e.g., Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSl-RSs)).

[0073] Some examples relate to a situation where a UE (e.g., a UE in a Radio Resource Configuration (RRC) Connected mode) logs data configured by a serving base station (e.g., a gNB) and the serving base station can retrieve the collected data. This retrieval could be performed by a UE information procedure as an on-demand basis. If a handover (HO) happens the serving base station might not be able to retrieve the data on time, as HO cannot be delayed. Currently, after the HO, the UE retains the logged data. After the HO the UE indicates that logged data is available and the target base station can retrieve this data and forward it either to the source base station that configured the data collection or a data collection entity in the network.

[0074] Some examples avoid a situation where the data collected by the UE while being served by a source base station (source radio access network node) is available to a second base station (radio access network node) that later serves that UE. The second base station may be a base station that the source base station hands over to, or a base station that the UE is served by after the UE enters an RRC IDLE / INACTIVE state while being served by the source base station. This may be particularly important when the source base station and the second base station are operated by different vendors - in such examples a vendor of the source base station wishes that the vendor of the second base station is not able to see what information the UE is requested to collect for AI / ML model training. Network vendors may wish for their Al / ML model training processes to be kept secret from one another.

[0075] According to some examples, a source radio access network node (e.g., a source gNB) provides an indication to the UE it is serving as to whether the data collected for network side model training is to be kept or released after an event, which may comprise the UE undergoing a handover from the source base station to a target base station, or may comprise the UE entering an RRC IDLE / INACTIVE mode.

[0076] The indication may be provided along with a data collection configuration, or may be provided by the source base when the handover command or command to enter an INACTIVE / IDLE mode is sent to the UE.

[0077] The source base station may decide that the UE should keep the collected data based on information received a network entity (e.g., O&M system) that triggers the data collection initiation in the gNB. This configuration can be a simple generic indication whether to configure the UEs to keep or release the collecteddata, or this can be specific to the handover target: a retention area (e.g., a list of cells or target gNBs) is defined where the collected is to be kept or released at handover. The area definition can be similar to the legacy Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) area configuration (see AreaConfiguration in 3GPP TS 38.331). Two options are considered below. In option A), the indication for the UE to retain collected data or not during the HO is indicated in a data collection configuration. In option B), the indication is sent in a HO command. The generic configuration can work both with Option A and B, while the area specific configuration can be used for Option B only.

[0078] In other examples, the source base station may decide that the UE should keep the collected data based on the configuration of the source base station. This configuration can be a general configuration, or it can be a retention area configuration as explained in the above paragraph.

[0079] Fig. 2 shows an example method for controlling data retention at a UE 220 during a HO from a source base station 210 to a target base station 212.

[0080] At 201, source base station 210 receives a data collection configuration from a network entity (e.g., Operations and Maintenance (0AM).

[0081] The configuration may contain an indication about whether UE 220 should be configured for keeping the collected data at handover (“Configuration for Data Retention at HO”). This configuration can be a single indication whether to keep the collected data or not during handover. This can be indicated by 0AM to the Radio Access Network (RAN) in different ways, for example, by choosing specific Trace References reserved to allow data retention in connected mode logging with extensions during a handover or by introducing a new Job Type “connectedmode logging with data retention during handover events”. Alternatively, this configuration can contain a retention area configuration where the collected data should be kept (or released). Note that it is possible that there is no external triggering entity. In such examples, the source base station 210 decides to start data collection.

[0082] For option A), at 203a source base station 210 sends the data collection configuration to UE 220. This configuration may comprise an indication (“DataRetention at HO Flag”) that the UE should keep or release the collected data at a handover. Source base station 210 may determine this indication (by setting a flag for example) based on the “Configuration for Data Retention at HO” received at 201 or based on its own configuration.

[0083] For option B), source base station 210 sends the data collection configuration to the UE without indicating data retention.

[0084] At 205, UE 220 performs the data collection as configured at 203a / 203b.

[0085] At 207, HO preparation is performed. It should be noted that it is possible that the source base station 210 and target base station 212 is the same base station, i.e., UE 220 performs a handover between cells belonging to the same base station 210 / 212 (intra-gNB handover).

[0086] For option A, at 209a, source base station 210 sends a handover command to UE 220 without indicating data retention, as the indication was received in step 203a.

[0087] For option B, at 209b, source base station 210 sends a handover command to UE 220, the command including the indication (“Data Retention at HO Flag”) that UE 220 should keep or release the collected data at the handover. The source base station 210 may set this indication (e.g., by setting a flag) either based on the “Configuration for Data Retention at HO” received in 201 or based on its own configuration. When determining the indication, source base station 210 may also consider the target base station’s capabilities (e.g., whether the target base station 212 supports the forwarding this data), load conditions and the connection to the target base station 212 (e.g., whether the connection to target station 212 supports the data forwarding).

[0088] At 211, UE 220 keeps or releases the collected data according to the indication received at 203a or 209b.

[0089] At 213, UE 220 performs the handover from source base station 210 to target base station 212. During or after the handover UE 220 indicates if there is available collected data to be retrieved by the network (e.g., by being sent to base station 212 or by being sent to base station 210 via base station 212) if it was keptduring the handover.

[0090] Fig. 3 shows an example method for controlling data retention at a UE 320 when UE 320 enters an RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode from an RRC connected mode.

[0091] At 301, source base station 210 receives a data collection configuration from a network entity (e.g., Operations and Maintenance (0AM).

[0092] The configuration may contain an indication about whether UE 320 should be configured for keeping the collected data at when entering an RRC 1NAC-T1VE / 1DLE mode (“Configuration for RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode”). This configuration can be a single indication whether to keep the collected data or not during such an event. This can be indicated by 0AM to the Radio Access Network (RAN) in different ways, for example, by choosing specific Trace References reserved to allow data retention in connected mode logging with extensions when entering an RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode or by introducing a new Job Type “connected-mode logging with data retention during handover events”. Alternatively, this configuration can contain a retention area configuration where the collected data should be kept (or released). Note that it is possible that there is no external triggering entity. In such examples, the source base station 310 decides to start data collection.

[0093] Two options are considered below. In option A), the indication for the UE to retain collected data or not during the UE entering an RRC 1DLE71NACT1VE mode is indicated in a data collection configuration. In option B), the indication is sent in an RRC release command.

[0094] For option A), at 303a source base station 310 sends the data collection configuration to UE 320. This configuration may comprise an indication (“Data Retention at 1DLE / 1NACT1VE”) that the UE should keep or release the collected data when entering an RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode. Source base station 310 may determine this indication (by setting a flag for example) based on the “Configuration for Data Retention at 1DLE / 1NACT1VE” received at 301 or based on its own configuration.

[0095] For option B), source base station 330 sends the data collection configuration to the UE without any extension for indicating data retention.At 305, UE 320 performs the data collection as configured at 303a / 303b.

[0096] For option A, at 309a, source base station 310 sends an RRC release message indicating that UE 320 should change from an RRC CONNECTED mode to an RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode, without any extension for indicating data retention.

[0097] For option B, at 309b, source base station 310 sends an RRC release message indicating that UE 320 should change from an RRC CONNECTED mode to an RRC INACTIVE / IDLE mode, the command including the indication (“Data Retention at 1NACT1VE / 1DLE”) that UE 320 should keep or release the collected data when entering RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode. The source base station 310 may set this indication (e.g., by setting a flag) either based on the “Configuration for Data Retention at 1DLE / 1NACT1VE” received in 301 or based on its own configuration. When determining the indication, source base station 310 may also consider the target base station’s capabilities (e.g., whether the target base station 312 supports the forwarding this data), load conditions and the connection to the target base station 312 (e.g., whether the connection to target station 312 supports the data forwarding).

[0098] At 311, UE 320 enters RRC 1NACT1VE / 1DLE mode and keeps or releases the collected data according to the indication received at 303a or 309b.

[0099] At 315, UE 320 enters RRC CONNECTED mode. UE 320 may connect to target base station 313 (or any other base station, including base station 310). At 317, the serving base station for UE 320 may collect the data from 305, depending on whether UE 320 retained the data or not based on the indication at 303a or 309b.

[0100] There are several possibilities how the “Data Retention at HO Flag” can be encoded over the Uu interface. An example is presented in Table 1. The “Data Retention for INACTIVE / IDLE” may have similar encoding.

[0101]

[0102] Table 1: An example of “Data Retention at HO Flag” encodingFig. 4 shows an example method. The method may be performed by a UE, such as UE 220 or UE 320, for example.

[0103] At 400, the method comprises collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

[0104] At 402, the method comprises receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment.

[0105] At 404, the method comprises, after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication.

[0106] At 406, the method comprises, when the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

[0107] Fig. 5 shows an example method. The method may be performed by a base station, such as base station 210 or base station 310 for example.

[0108] At 500, the method comprises sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or the an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

[0109] Fig. 6 shows, by way of example, a block diagram of an apparatus 10. The apparatus 10 comprises, for example, at least one processor 12 and at least one memory 14 storing instructions 15 that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus 10 at least to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. In an example, the at least one memory and the instructions (e.g. a computer program code, software), are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus 10 to perform the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof.A processor 12 may comprise circuitry, or be constituted as circuitry or circuitries, the circuitry or circuitries being configured to perform phases of methods in accordance with example embodiments described herein. As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as, as applicable: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit's) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a user equipment, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessors) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0110] The memory 14 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology. The memory may comprise a database for storing data. The memory 14 may be at least in part external to apparatus 10 but accessible to apparatus 10.

[0111] The instructions 15 may be comprised in a computer readable medium or a non-transitory computer readable medium. A term non-transitory, as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. random access memory, RAM, vs. read only memory, ROM).

[0112] For example, the apparatus 10 is a terminal device, such as the UEdescribed herein. As another example, the apparatus is comprised in such a terminal device, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the terminal device. The apparatus 10 may be caused or configured to perform at least the method of any of Fig. 4 or 5, or r any one or more of the embodiments described.

[0113] As another example, the apparatus 10 is a network node. In another embodiment, the apparatus is comprised in such a network node, e.g. as a chipset configured to control the network node.

[0114] The apparatus may comprise one or more entities of any of protocol layers, such as a MAC entity, an RRC entity, an RLC entity, a PDCP entity or a PHY entity. In some embodiments, the entity is configured to perform at least the method of the embodiments described herein.

[0115] The apparatus 10 comprises a radio interface 16. The radio interface 16 may provide the apparatus 10 with communication capabilities. The radio interface 16 may comprise a receiver configured to receive information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transmitter configured to transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The receiver may comprise more than one receiver. The transmitter may comprise more than one transmitter. The radio interface 16 may comprise a transceiver configured to receive and transmit information in accordance with at least one cellular or non-cellular standard. The transceiver may comprise more than one transceiver.

[0116] The apparatus 10 may comprise a user interface 18 comprising, for example, at least one of a keypad, a microphone, a touch display, a display, a speaker, etc. The user interface 18 may be used to control the apparatus by the user. The user interface 18 may be external to the apparatus 10. For example, the apparatus 10 may be connected to another device, such as a computer, either via wireless or wired connection, and the apparatus 10 is controlled by the user via the computer.

[0117] In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described herein may be carried out by an apparatus comprising means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Means for performing method steps as disclosed herein may include software and / or hardware components of the apparatus 10. Forexample, the at least one processor 12, the memory 14, and the computer program code form means for carrying out the method or methods as disclosed herein, and any of the embodiments thereof. As used herein the term “means” is to be construed in singular form, i.e. referring to a single element, or in plural form, i.e. referring to a combination of single elements. Therefore, terminology “means for [performing A, B, C]”, is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C. Further, terminology “means for performing A, means for performing B, means for performing C” is to be interpreted to cover an apparatus in which there is only one means for performing A, B and C, or where there are separate means for performing A, B and C, or partially or fully overlapping means for performing A, B, C.

[0118] Even though the invention has been described above with reference to an example according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the invention is not restricted thereto but can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiment. It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Further, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but are not required to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

22Claims1. A user equipment comprising means for:collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node;receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment;after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; andwhen the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

2. The user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the third radio access network node comprises the second radio access network node.

3. The user equipment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from the first radio access network node, a configuration for collecting the data for training the machine learning model, wherein the configuration comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

4. The user equipment according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from the first radio access network node, a message comprising a handover command or a radio resource configuration release command,wherein the message comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

5. The user equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the data for training the machine learning model comprises at least one beam measurement for a set of beams.

6. The user equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the means are further configured for:sending data to the first radio access network node.

7. The user equipment according to claim 6, wherein the event comprises a handover from the first radio access network node to the second radio access network node, and wherein the means are further configured for:postponing sending the data to the first radio access network node during the handover.

8. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the means are further configured for:after the event, sending the data to the first radio access network node via the third radio access network node.

9. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 6 or claim 8, wherein the event comprises entering an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state and wherein the indication indicates that the UE should retain the data after the event, and wherein the means are further configured for:after the event, entering a connected radio resource configuration state and then performing the sending the data to a third radio access network node.

10. The user equipment according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the event comprises a handover from the first radio access network node to the second radioaccess network node, wherein the first radio access network node is the same as the second radio access network node and the handover is between two cells of the same radio access network node.

11. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising:collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node;receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment;after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; andwhen the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

12. A computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:collecting data for training a machine learning model, wherein the collecting is performed during a time period in which a user equipment is served by a first radio access network node;receiving, from the first radio access network node, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the first radio access network node to a second radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment;after the event, retaining the data or not retaining the data according to the received indication; and25when the data is retained after the event, sending the data to a third radio access network node.

13. An apparatus comprising means for:sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or the an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the event comprises a handover, and wherein the means are further configured for:performing a handover operation of the user equipment from the apparatus to the radio access network node15. The apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the means are further configured for:sending, to the user equipment, a configuration for collecting the data for training the machine learning model, wherein the configuration comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

16. The apparatus according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the means are further configured for:sending, to the user equipment, a message comprising a handover command or a radio resource configuration release command, wherein the message comprises the indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.2617. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein the data for training the machine learning model comprises at least one beam measurement for a selected set of beams.

18. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 17, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving, from a network entity, information indicative of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain the data during the event.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the means are further configured to perform:determining the indication based on at least one of:a vendor of the apparatus and a vendor of the radio access network node;information indicating that the data should be retained during the event when the radio access network node is in a first area;information indicating that the data should not be retained during the event when the radio access network node is in a second area.

20. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving the data from the user equipment.

21. The apparatus according to of claims 13 to 20, wherein the means are further configured for:receiving the data from the user equipment via a second radio access network node.

22. The apparatus according to of claims 13 to 21, wherein the event comprises a handover from the apparatus to the radio access network node, the27indication indicates that the user equipment should not retain the data during the event and wherein the apparatus and the radio access network node have a different vendor.

23. The apparatus according to any of claims 13 to 22, wherein the event comprises a handover from the apparatus to the radio access network node, wherein the apparatus is the radio access network node and the handover is between two cells of the apparatus.

24. A method performed by a user equipment, the method comprising:sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

25. A computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following:sending, to a user equipment being served by the apparatus, an indication of whether the user equipment should retain or not retain data after an event, the event comprising either a handover from the apparatus to a radio access network node or an idle or inactive radio resource configuration state of the user equipment, wherein the data is collected by the user equipment during a time period in which the user equipment is served by a first radio access network node.

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