Data volume reporting in buffer status reports

Abstract

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure a User Equipment, UE is provided. The UE is configured to determine that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered; and to exclude information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a Logical Channel, LCH, or a logical channel group, LCG, from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR.

Description

DATA VOLUME REPORTING IN BUFFER STATUS REPORTSTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various example embodiments relate to data volume reporting in buffer status reports.BACKGROUND

[0002] This section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

[0003] Buffer Status Report (BSR) and Delay Status Report (DSR) are MAC Control Elements (MAC CEs) defined in 3GPP specifications. These are messages that are used to inform the network about the status of uplink data buffers in the User Equipment (UE).

[0004] Present disclosure provides some solutions related to data volume reporting in BSR.SUMMARY

[0005] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in this specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

[0006] According to a first example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a user equipment, UE, comprising:means for determining that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered;means for determining a data volume of retransmission data; and means for providing information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0007] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the UE further comprises means for determining receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

[0008] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission atthe UE.

[0009] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the configuration indicates how to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR.

[0010] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the UE further comprises means for determining based on receiving the configuration for BSR that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0011] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR report in a secondary buffer size field, wherein the secondary buffer size field is a field assigned for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data.

[0012] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately for different Logical Channels, LCH, or Logical Channel Groups, LCG.

[0013] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the means for providing information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR are configured to report, for different LCHs or LCGs, the information on the data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission on respective LCH or LCG.

[0014] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the means for providing information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR are configured to use a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCG.

[0015] In some example embodiments of the first aspect, the means for providing information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR are configured to use a certain LCH of a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs.

[0016] According to a second example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method, comprising:determining at a UE, that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered;determining a data volume of autonomous retransmission data at the UE; andproviding, by the UE, information on the data volume of autonomousretransmission data in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0017] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises determining receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

[0018] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0019] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the configuration indicates how to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR.

[0020] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises determining based on receiving the configuration for BSR that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0021] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR report in a secondary buffer size field, wherein the secondary buffer size field is a field assigned for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data.

[0022] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately for different Logical Channels, LCH, or Logical Channel Groups, LCG.

[0023] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to report, for different LCHs or LCGs, the information on the data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission on respective LCH or LCG.

[0024] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises using a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCG.

[0025] In some example embodiments of the second aspect, the method further comprises using a certain LCH of a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs.

[0026] According to a third example aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program instructions configured to cause performing anymethod of the second example aspect or associated embodiments.

[0027] According to a fourth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a user equipment, UE, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UEto determine that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered;to determine a data volume of retransmission data; and to provide information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0028] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to determine receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

[0029] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0030] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the configuration indicates how to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR.

[0031] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to determine based on receiving the configuration for BSR that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0032] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR report in a secondary buffer size field, wherein the secondary buffer size field is a field assigned for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data.

[0033] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately for different Logical Channels, LCH, or Logical Channel Groups, LCG.

[0034] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to report, for different LCHs or LCGs, the information on the data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG separately from informationon data volume of other data waiting for transmission on respective LCH or LCG.

[0035] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to use a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCG.

[0036] In some example embodiments of the fourth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to use a certain LCH of a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs.

[0037] According to a fifth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a network node comprising:means for determining receiving, from a UE, a BSR including information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0038] In some example embodiments of the fifth aspect, the network node further comprises means for providing the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0039] According to a sixth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method comprising:determining receiving, at a network node, from a UE, a BSR including information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0040] In some example embodiments of the sixth aspect, the method further comprises providing the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0041] According to a seventh example aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program instructions configured to cause performing any method of the fourth example aspect or associated embodiments.

[0042] According to an eighth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a network node comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network nodeto determine that a BSR including information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE has been received from a UE.

[0043] In some example embodiments of the eighth aspect, the instructions further cause the network node to provide the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0044] In some example embodiments of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the configuration indicates how to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR.

[0045] In some example embodiments of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR report in a secondary buffer size field, wherein the secondary buffer size field is a field assigned for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data.

[0046] In some example embodiments of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately for different Logical Channels, LCH, or Logical Channel Groups, LCG.

[0047] In some example embodiments of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the BSR reports, for different LCHs or LCGs, the information on the data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission on respective LCH or LCG.

[0048] In some example embodiments of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the BSR uses a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCG.

[0049] In some example embodiments of any one of the fifth to eighth aspects, the BSR uses a certain LCH of a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs.

[0050] According to a ninth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a user equipment, UE, comprising:means for determining that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered; andmeans for excluding information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a Logical Channel, LCH, or a logical channel group, LCG, from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR.

[0051] In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the UE further comprises means for including in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0052] In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the UE further comprises means for including in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time.

[0053] In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the UE further comprises means for determining receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

[0054] In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the configuration indicates that the information on data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0055] In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the UE further comprises means for simultaneously triggering the BSR and a Delay Status Report, DSR, at the UE responsive to determining that the data volume of retransmission data exceeds a threshold. In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the threshold is indicated in a configuration from the network node.

[0056] According to a tenth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method comprising:determining, at a UE, that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered; andexcluding, by the UE, information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a Logical Channel, LCH, or a logical channel group, LCG, from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR.

[0057] In some example embodiments of the tenth aspect, the method further comprises including in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0058] In some example embodiments of the tenth aspect, the method further comprises including in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time.

[0059] In some example embodiments of the tenth aspect, the method further comprises determining receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

[0060] In some example embodiments of the tenth aspect, the configuration indicates that the information on data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded fromthe BSR.

[0061] In some example embodiments of the tenth aspect, the UE further comprises means for simultaneously triggering the BSR and a Delay Status Report, DSR, at the UE responsive to determining that the data volume of retransmission data exceeds a threshold. In some example embodiments of the tenth aspect, the threshold is indicated in a configuration from the network node.

[0062] According to an eleventh example aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program instructions configured to cause performing any method of the tenth example aspect or associated embodiments.

[0063] According to a twelfth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a user equipment, UE, comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UEto determine that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered; andto exclude information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a Logical Channel, LCH, or a logical channel group, LCG, from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR.

[0064] In some example embodiments of the twelfth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to include in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0065] In some example embodiments of the twelfth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to include in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time.

[0066] In some example embodiments of the twelfth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to determine receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

[0067] In some example embodiments of the twelfth aspect, the configuration indicates that the information on data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0068] In some example embodiments of the twelfth aspect, the instructions further cause the UE to simultaneously trigger the BSR and a Delay Status Report, DSR, at the UE responsive to determining that the data volume of retransmission data exceeds athreshold. In some example embodiments of the ninth aspect, the threshold is indicated in a configuration from the network node.

[0069] According to a thirteenth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a network node comprising:means for determining receiving, from a UE, a BSR that excludes information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE; andmeans for determining data volume of retransmission data at the UE, the determination using at least data volume reported in the BSR.

[0070] In some example embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, the network node further comprises means for providing the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0071] In some example embodiments of the thirteenth aspect, the means for determining the data volume of the retransmission data are configured to use one or more of the following for the determination:a difference between data successfully received from the UE and a data volume reported in the BSR,a data volume and related remaining time reported in a DSR from the UE, a known trigger for retransmission, anda validity lifetime of data before it is discarded as outdated by the UE.

[0072] According to a fourteenth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method comprising:determining receiving, at a network node, from a UE, a BSR that excludes information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE; anddetermining, by the network node, a data volume of retransmission data at the UE, the determination using at least data volume reported in the BSR.

[0073] In some example embodiments of the fourteenth aspect, the method further comprises providing the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0074] In some example embodiments of the fourteenth aspect, the method further comprises using one or more of the following for the determination:a difference between data successfully received from the UE and a data volume reported in the BSR,a data volume and related remaining time reported in a DSR from the UE,a known trigger for retransmission, anda validity lifetime of data before it is discarded as outdated by the UE.

[0075] According to a fifteenth example aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising computer executable program instructions configured to cause performing any method of the fourteenth example aspect or associated embodiments.

[0076] According to a sixteenth example aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a network node comprising:at least one processor; andat least one memory including executable instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network nodeto determine that a BSR that excludes information on data volume of retransmission data at a UE has been received from the UE; andto determine a data volume of retransmission data at the UE, the determination using at least data volume reported in the BSR.

[0077] In some example embodiments of the sixteenth aspect, the instructions further cause the network node to provide the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0078] In some example embodiments of any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the BSR excludes information on a data volume of retransmission data associated with a LCH or to a LCG from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG and / or the configuration configures the UE to exclude the information on a data volume of retransmission data associated with a LCH or to a LCG from the buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG.

[0079] In some example embodiments of any one of the thirteenth to sixteenth aspects, the BSR includes information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE and / or the configuration configures the UE to include information on the data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0080] In some example embodiments of any foregoing aspect, the retransmission data is data for which a retransmission timer has expired.

[0081] The computer program disclosed herein may be stored in a non-transitory computer readable memory medium. The term non-transitory as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e. tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g. RAM vs. ROM).

[0082] Any foregoing memory medium may comprise a digital data storage such as a data disc or diskette, optical storage, magnetic storage, holographic storage, opto-magnetic storage, phase-change memory, resistive random access memory, magnetic random access memory, solid-electrolyte memory, ferroelectric random access memory, organic memory or polymer memory. The memory medium may be formed into a device without other substantial functions than storing memory or it may be formed as part of a device with other functions, including but not limited to a memory of a computer, a chip set, and a sub assembly of an electronic device.

[0083] The various means of various example aspects may comprise a processor; and a memory including executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the performance of the means.

[0084] Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects of the invention. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] For a more complete understanding of example embodiments of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0086] Fig 1 shows a simplified example scenario;

[0087] Figs. 2-6 show flow diagrams of methods according to some example embodiments;

[0088] Figs. 7 and 8 show block diagrams of apparatuses according to an example embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTON OF THE DRAWINGS

[0089] An example embodiment of the present disclosure and its potential advantages are understood by referring to Figs. 1 through 8 of the drawings. In this document, like reference signs denote like parts or steps.

[0090] Solutions of present disclosure may be applied in 5G or 6G network technologies, for example. It is however to be noted that various example embodiments of present disclosure may be equally applied to other mobile networks and radio communication technologies (e.g. future technologies or earlier technologies). An exampleof applicable network technologies is 5G-Advanced, which corresponds to 3GPP Release 18 and beyond.

[0091] The embodiments of present disclosure are discussed in the context of communications and communication procedures involving a user equipment (UE) and a network node. The UE is to be interpreted broadly to cover any type of communication device that may perform communications over a wireless communications network. The UE may be e.g. a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop, a computer, an loT device. The network node is to be interpreted broadly to cover any network entity involved in air-interface procedures of a wireless network. The network node may be a base station (gNB in 5G) or part of a base station, for example.

[0092] In Radio Link Control Acknowledged Mode (RLC AM) the transmitting entity may have RLC data Protocol Data Units (PDU) that are pending for retransmission. Such data is referred to as retransmission data in this disclosure. The retransmission data is data that has been transmitted (at least) once, but for which it has been determined that a retransmission is needed. In the following, the term retransmission data may refer to autonomous retransmission data or UE initiated retransmission of data. That is, the term retransmission data may refer to data which the UE has (autonomously) decided to retransmit without an explicit retransmission request from network. The retransmission data may be data for which a retransmission timer has expired.

[0093] The RLC retransmission of RLC AM and small packet delay budget may be relevant for example in the context of extended reality (XR) applications.

[0094] Buffer Status Report (BSR) and Delay Status Report (DSR) are MAC Control Elements (MAC CEs) defined in 3GPP specifications. These are messages that are used to inform the network about the status of uplink data buffers in the User Equipment (UE). According to 3GPP specifications, the UE shall consider the following as RLC data volume for the purpose of MAC BSR:RLC Service Data Units (SDU) and RLC SDU segments that have not yet been included in an RLC data PDU;RLC data PDUs that are pending for initial transmission;RLC data PDUs that are pending for retransmission (retransmission data).

[0095] For the purpose of MAC DSR, the UE shall consider the following as delay-critical RLC data volume:delay-critical RLC SDUs and delay-critical RLC SDU segments that have not yet been included in an RLC data PDU;RLC data PDUs pending for initial transmission, and containing a delay-criticalRLC SDU or a delay-critical RLC SDU segment;RLC data PDlls that are pending for retransmission (retransmission data).

[0096] In addition, if a STATUS PDU has been triggered and a t-StatusProhibit timer is not running or has expired, the UE shall estimate the size of the STATUS PDU that will be transmitted in the next transmission opportunity, and consider this as part of RLC data volume for MAC buffer status reporting and as part of delay-critical RLC data volume for MAC delay status reporting.

[0097] Now the following challenges have been identified in the buffer status reporting in relation to a situation where RLC retransmissions take place and in relation to corresponding reporting of data volume of retransmission data.

[0098] Confusion and / or inefficiency on the network side e.g. in resource allocation may be caused if retransmission data (a first group of data in the RLC buffer for which at least one transmission attempt has taken place and that are pending for retransmission) and other data (a second group of data in the RLC buffer for which a first transmission attempt has not yet taken place) are treated the same in data volume calculations for the buffer status reporting. In such case, the network side cannot distinguish between the (autonomous) retransmission data and other data (i.e. “new” data for which no initial transmission attempt has taken place). This may lead to adverse prioritization among UEs in resource allocation: for example, the gNB (network side) may prioritize UE#1 over UE#2 based on that UE#1 has more buffered data waiting for transmission, while the data in UE#1 buffer may be only or mainly (autonomous) retransmission data whereas the data in UE#2 buffer may be entirely or mainly new data for which no initial transmission attempt has taken place. It is to be noted that alternatively, the gNB may want to prioritize the UE with (more) retransmission data over the UE with less retransmission data.

[0099] Present disclosure provides solutions that may enhance data volume reporting in BSR. One or more embodiments disclosed herein provide solutions that may enable improved resource allocation in network as the network nodes may be provided with ability to distinguish between buffered retransmission data and buffered new data that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time.

[0100] In general, present disclosure provides solutions wherein information on data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE, or wherein the information on data volume of retransmission data is excluded from the BSR (i.e. not included in the data volume reported in the BSR). In this way, the network side is able to deduce data volume of retransmission data and take that into account in further steps.

[0101] Fig. 1 shows a simplified example scenario, wherein one or more embodiments of present disclosure may be implemented. Fig. 1 shows a UE 101 and a network node 110 of a cellular network. The network node may be a base station or a gNB element. The UE 101 and the network node 110 interact with each other at least partially over a wireless interface. Various messages are exchanged between the UE 101 and the network node 110 to establish communication connections.

[0102] Figs. 2-6 show flow diagrams of methods according to some example embodiments. The flow charts of Figs. 2-4 concern operation at a UE, such as the UE 101 of Fig. 1 and the flow charts of Figs. 5-6 concern operation at a network node, such as the network node 110 of Fig. 1. The methods may be implemented in one or more computer programs comprising instructions for performing the steps of the respective method. One or more of the steps of the flow diagrams may be optional and the order of the steps may vary from the shown order.

[0103] The method of Fig. 2 comprises the following steps to be performed at the UE:

[0104] 210. It is determined that a configuration fora BSR has been received from a network node. The configuration for a BSR may be received at the same time with receiving from the network node a configuration concerning retransmission for RLC or as a part of the configuration concerning retransmission for RLC.

[0105] 211. In an embodiment, the configuration for a BSR indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE. The other data waiting for transmission may be data that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time, i.e. this data may be new data in the sense that it has not been transmitted before. The indication may be explicitly defined in the configuration or mere existence of the configuration may implicitly define that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR.

[0106] 212. In an embodiment, the configuration for a BSR indicates how to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR.

[0107] 213. In an embodiment, it is determined based on receiving the configuration for BSR that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE. That is, the configuration implicitly provides an indication that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR. The type of reporting used for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmissiondata may be fixed in this embodiment.

[0108] 220. The UE determines that a BSR to the network node is triggered. The BSR may be triggered based on reaching a certain volume of retransmission data, based on a timer, or based on some other factor.

[0109] 230. The UE determines a data volume of retransmission data. This may involve including the data volume of retransmission data in a secondary internal report that is separate from reports related to other data.

[0110] 240. The UE provides information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0111] 241. In an embodiment, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR report in a secondary buffer size field. The secondary field may be a new field assigned for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR. The configuration for a BSR received in step 210 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0112] 242. In an embodiment, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately for different LCHs or LCGs. There may be a secondary buffer size field for each reported LCG. The configuration for a BSR received in step 210 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0113] 243. In an embodiment, the UE reports, for different LCHs or LCGs, the information on the data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission on respective LCH or LCG. The configuration for a BSR received in step 210 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0114] 244. In an embodiment, the UE uses a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs. That is, the retransmission data on multiple LCHs or LCGs may be mapped to the certain LCG that is dedicated to reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data. In this embodiment, the information on the data volume of retransmission data may be indicated under the LCG ID of the dedicated LCG. The configuration for a BSR received in step 210 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0115] 245. In an embodiment, the UE uses a certain LCH of a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs. That is, the retransmission data on multiple LCHs or LCGs may be buffered to the certain LCH that is dedicated to reporting the information on the data volume ofretransmission data. The configuration for a BSR received in step 210 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0116] The method of Fig. 3 comprises the following steps to be performed at the UE:

[0117] 310. It is determined that a configuration fora BSR has been received from a network node. The configuration for a BSR may be received at the same time with receiving from the network node a configuration concerning retransmission for RLC or as a part of the configuration concerning retransmission for RLC.

[0118] 311. In an embodiment, the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0119] 320. The UE determines that a BSR to the network node is triggered. The BSR may be triggered based on reaching a certain volume of retransmission data, based on a timer, or based on some other factor.

[0120] 330. In an embodiment, the UE determines a data volume of retransmission data. This may involve including the data volume of retransmission data in a secondary internal report that is separate from reports related to other data.

[0121] 340. The UE excludes information on the data volume of retransmission data from the BSR. In this way only data volume of other data is reported to the network node. The network node may then determine the data volume of retransmission data based on the data volume reported in the BSR and other information that may be available for the network node.

[0122] 341. In an embodiment, the UE excludes information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a LCH or with a LCG from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR. The configuration for a BSR received in step 310 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0123] 342. In an embodiment, the UE includes in the BSR information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE. That is, data volume of other data associated with a certain LCH or LCG is reported in the respective buffer size field of the BSR, whilst the information on data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG is not included in the respective buffer size field of the BSR. The configuration for a BSR received in step 210 may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0124] 350. In an embodiment, the BSR and a DSR are simultaneously triggered at the UE. It is to be noted that simultaneously triggering does not necessarily mean exactly the same moment. Instead, there may be minor variation.

[0125] The BSR and the DSR may be triggered responsive to determining that the data volume of retransmission data exceeds a threshold. The threshold may be indicated in a configuration from the network node. By simultaneously triggering the BSR and the DSR one may achieve that accurate information is provided to the network node for determining the data volume of retransmission data.

[0126] The method of Fig. 4 comprises the following steps to be performed at the UE:

[0127] 410. It is determined that a configuration for retransmission at RLC has been received from a network node.

[0128] 420. It is determined that a configuration fora BSR has been received from a network node. The configuration for a BSR may be received at the same time with receiving from the network node a configuration concerning retransmission for RLC at step 410 or as a part of the configuration concerning retransmission for RLC.

[0129] 430. The UE determines that a BSR to the network node is triggered. The BSR may be triggered based on reaching a certain volume of retransmission data, based on a timer, or based on some other factor.

[0130] 440. The UE starts constructing a MAC Control Element (MAC CE) for the BSR. Information on data volumes from upper layers is received.

[0131] 450. Information on data volume in Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer is received.

[0132] 460. Information on data volume in RLC layer is received. The data volume of retransmission data is kept separate from the data volume of other data.

[0133] 470. In an embodiment, the UE includes the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the MAC CE for the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data. This may be performed as defined in one or more of the steps 241-245 of Fig. 2.

[0134] 471. In another embodiment, the UE excludes the information on the data volume of retransmission data from the MAC CE for the BSR. This may be performed as defined in one or more of the steps 341-342 of Fig. 3.

[0135] The steps 470 and 471 may be alternatives to each other and both are not necessarily present in the same embodiment.

[0136] However, in yet another embodiment, both steps 470 and 471 may be involved. In such case, if the UE is configured to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the MAC CE for the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data, the UE may perform the step 470, and if the UE is not configured toinclude the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the MAC CE for the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data, the UE may perform the step 471 and exclude the information on the data volume of retransmission data from the MAC CE for the BSR.

[0137] 480. The UE includes the constructed MAC CE for the BSR in a MAC PDU and delivers the MAC PDU to the physical layer for further processing.

[0138] The method of Fig. 5 comprises the following steps to be performed at the network node:

[0139] 510. The network node provides a UE with a configuration for a BSR.

[0140] 511. In an embodiment, the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be included in the BSR separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0141] 512. In an embodiment, the configuration indicates how to include the information on the data volume of retransmission data in the BSR.

[0142] 540. It is determined that the network node has received, from the UE, a BSR including information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission at the UE.

[0143] 541. In an embodiment, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR report in a secondary buffer size field. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0144] 542. In an embodiment, the information on the data volume of retransmission data is included in the BSR separately for different LCHs or LCGs. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0145] 543. In an embodiment, the BSR reports, for different LCHs or LCGs, the information on the data volume of retransmission data associated with the respective LCH or LCG separately from information on data volume of other data waiting for transmission on respective LCH or LCG. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0146] 544. In an embodiment, the BSR uses a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0147] 545. In an embodiment, the BSR uses a certain LCH of a certain LCG for reporting the information on the data volume of retransmission data of one or more LCHs or LCGs. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0148] The network node may then use the received information on the data volume of retransmission data for uplink resource allocation and e.g. for optimizing the resource allocation.

[0149] The method of Fig. 6 comprises the following steps to be performed at the network node:

[0150] 610. The network node provides a UE with a configuration for a BSR.

[0151] 611. In an embodiment, the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

[0152] 640. It is determined that the network node has received, from the UE, a BSR excluding information on the data volume of retransmission data.

[0153] 641. In an embodiment, the BSR excludes information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a LCH or to a LCG from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0154] 642. In an embodiment, the BSR includes information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE. The configuration provided to the UE may include an indication of this type of reporting.

[0155] 650. The network node may then determine a data volume of retransmission data. The network node may use at least data volume reported in the BSR for this determination. Additionally or alternatively, the network node may use other information that may be available for the network node.

[0156] 660. In an embodiment, the determination may be based at least on a difference between data successfully received from the UE and a data volume reported in the BSR.

[0157] 670. In an embodiment, the determination may be based at least on a data volume and related remaining time reported in a DSR from the UE.

[0158] 680. In an embodiment, the determination may be based at least on a known trigger for retransmission.

[0159] 690. In an embodiment, the determination may be based at least on a validity lifetime of data before it is discarded as outdated by the UE.

[0160] The network node may then use the determined information on the data volume of retransmission data for uplink resource allocation and e.g. for optimizing the resource allocation.

[0161] Figs. 7 and 8 show block diagrams of apparatuses according to example embodiments.

[0162] Fig 7 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 700 according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 700 may be configured to operate as UE, such as the UE 101 of Fig. 1. The apparatus 700 generally comprises a memory 740 including a computer program code 750. The apparatus 700 further comprises a processor 720 for controlling the operation of the apparatus 700 using the computer program code 750, and a communication unit 710 for communicating with other network entities and other devices, and a user interface unit 730 for interacting with a user.

[0163] The communication unit 710 comprises, for example, one or more of: a local area network (LAN) port; a wireless local area network (WLAN) unit; Bluetooth unit; cellular data communication unit; or satellite data communication unit. The communication unit 710 may support one or more different communication technologies. The communication unit 710 may support Ethernet communications and / or IP based communications. The apparatus 700 may also or alternatively comprise more than one of the communication units 710. The processor 720 comprises, for example, any one or more of: a master control unit (MCU); a microprocessor; a digital signal processor (DSP); an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a field programmable gate array; and a microcontroller. Various parts may be implemented using more than one corresponding or different elements, such as memories and storages may be multiplied for capacity and / or redundancy purposes. Similarly, processing and / or communications may be implemented with multiple parallel or elements for capacity and / or redundancy purposes.

[0164] The computer program code 750 may control the apparatus 700 to provide one or more example embodiments of present disclosure, such as suitable parts of Figs. 2-6.

[0165] Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 800 according to an example embodiment. The apparatus 800 may be configured to operate as a network node, such as the network node 110 of Fig. 1. The apparatus 800 generally comprises a memory 840 including a computer program code 850. The apparatus 800 further comprises a processor 820 for controlling the operation of the apparatus 800 using the computer program code 850, and a communication unit 810 for communicating with other network entities and other devices.

[0166] The communication unit 810 comprises, for example, a cellular data communication unit, and the communication unit 810 may support one or more different communication technologies. The communication unit 810 may support IP based communications. The apparatus 800 may also or alternatively comprise more than one of the communication units 810. The processor 820 comprises, for example, any one or moreof: a master control unit (MCU); a microprocessor; a digital signal processor (DSP); an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a field programmable gate array; and a microcontroller. Various parts may be implemented using more than one corresponding or different elements, such as memories and storages may be multiplied for capacity and / or redundancy purposes. Similarly, processing and / or communications may be implemented with multiple parallel or elements for capacity and / or redundancy purposes.

[0167] The computer program code 850 may control the apparatus 800 to provide one or more example embodiments of present disclosure, such as suitable parts of Figs. 2-6.

[0168] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. The software, application logic and / or hardware may reside e.g. on the UE and / or the network node of the foregoing disclosure. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software, or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a “computer-readable medium” may be any non-transitory media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer, with one example of a computer described and depicted in Fig. 8 or Fig. 9. A computer-readable medium may comprise a computer-readable storage medium that may be any media or means that can contain or store the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer. The term non-transitory as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., random access memory vs. read only memory).

[0169] 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 mobile phone or server, to perform various functions); and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portionof 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.

[0170] 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.

[0171] Without in any way limiting the scope, interpretation, or application of the claims appearing below, a technical effect of one or more of the example embodiments disclosed herein is enhanced data volume reporting in BSR. Various embodiments provide solutions that may allow optimization of resource allocation in network as the network nodes may be provided with ability to distinguish between buffered retransmission data and buffered new data that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time. In this way, the network may prioritize the new data that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time in resource allocation or the network may otherwise optimize or improve communications through the network. Alternatively, the network may choose to prioritize the retransmission data over the new data that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time.

[0172] If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and / or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the before-described functions may be optional or may be combined.

[0173] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0174] Although various aspects of present disclosure are set out in the independent claims, other aspects may comprise other combinations of features from the described embodiments and / or the dependent claims with the features of the independent claims, and not solely the combinations explicitly set out in the claims.

[0175] It is also noted herein that while the foregoing describes example embodiments, these descriptions should not be viewed in a limiting sense. Rather, there are several variations and modifications which may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims.LIST OF ABBREVIATIONSBSR Buffer Status ReportDSR Delay Status ReportLCH Logical ChannelLCG Logical Channel GroupMAC Medium Access ControlMAC CE MAC Control ElementMAC PDU MAC Protocol Data UnitPDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol RLC Radio Link ControlRLC AM RLC Acknowledged ModeRLC PDU RLC Protocol Data UnitRLC SDU RLC Service Data UnitXR Extended Reality

Claims

24CLAIMS1. A User Equipment, UE, comprisingmeans for determining that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered; andmeans for excluding information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a Logical Channel, LCH, ora logical channel group, LCG, from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR.

2. The UE of claim 1 , further comprisingmeans for including in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for transmission at the UE.

3. The UE of claim 1 , further comprisingmeans for including in the BSR, information on data volume of other data associated with the respective LCH or LCG that is waiting for being transmitted for the first time.

4. The UE of any one of claims 1-3, further comprisingmeans for determining receiving from the network node a configuration for the BSR.

5. The UE of claim 4, wherein the configuration indicates that the information on data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

6. The UE of any preceding claim, further comprisingmeans for simultaneously triggering the BSR and a Delay Status Report, DSR, at the UE responsive to determining that the data volume of retransmission data exceeds a threshold.

7. The UE of claim 6, wherein the threshold is indicated in a configuration from the network node.

8. The UE of any preceding claim, wherein the retransmission data is data for which a retransmission timer has expired.

9. A method, comprising:determining, at a UE, that a Buffer Status Report, BSR, to a network node is triggered; andexcluding, by the UE, information on data volume of retransmission data associated with a Logical Channel, LCH, or a logical channel group, LCG, from a buffer size field related to the respective LCH or LCG in the BSR.

10. A network node, comprisingmeans for determining receiving, from a UE, a BSR that excludes information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE; andmeans for determining a data volume of retransmission data at the UE, the determination using at least data volume reported in the BSR.

11. The network node of claim 10, further comprisingmeans for providing the UE with a configuration for the BSR, wherein the configuration indicates that information on the data volume of retransmission data is to be excluded from the BSR.

12. The network node of claim 10 or 11, wherein the means for determining the data volume of the retransmission data are configured to use one or more of the following for the determination:a difference between data successfully received from the UE and a data volume reported in the BSR,a data volume and related remaining time reported in a DSR from the UE, a known trigger for retransmission, anda validity lifetime of data before it is discarded as outdated by the UE.

13. A method, comprising:determining receiving, at a network node, from a UE, a BSR that excludes information on data volume of retransmission data at the UE; anddetermining, by the network node, a data volume of retransmission data at the UE, the determination using at least data volume reported in the BSR

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