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Patent Searching and Data


Title:
APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/192730
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
There is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame and determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

Inventors:
SEBIRE BENOIST PIERRE (JP)
LAITILA MATTI (FI)
KOSKINEN HENRI MARKUS (FI)
Application Number:
PCT/EP2018/058911
Publication Date:
October 10, 2019
Filing Date:
April 06, 2018
Export Citation:
Click for automatic bibliography generation   Help
Assignee:
NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY (FI)
International Classes:
H04W28/02; H04W28/16; H04W76/11
Other References:
MEDIATEK INC: "SDAP header design for reflective QoS indication and QoS flow remapping", vol. RAN WG2, no. Berlin, Germany; 20170821 - 20170825, 20 August 2017 (2017-08-20), XP051318160, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20170820]
ERICSSON: "SDAP QFI mapping between AS and NAS", vol. RAN WG2, no. Athens, Greece; 20180226 - 20180302, 15 February 2018 (2018-02-15), XP051399931, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20180215]
NOKIA ET AL: "NAS QFI to AS QFI", vol. RAN WG2, no. Sanya, China; 20180416 - 20180420, 7 April 2018 (2018-04-07), XP051416486, Retrieved from the Internet [retrieved on 20180407]
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Claims:
Claims

1. An apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for:

receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame; and

determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a header of the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises the first indicator.

3. An apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a field for quality of service flow identity information in the header comprises the first indicator.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a data payload.

5. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the first indicator comprises the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

6. An apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a second type of control information comprises end marker information.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, comprising means for determining, based on a second indicator, if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second indicator comprises an indicator bit.

9. An apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for:

providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

10. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a header of the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises the first indicator.

11 . An apparatus according to claim 10, wherein a field for quality of service flow identity information in the header comprises the first indicator.

12. An apparatus according to any of claims 9 to 1 1 , wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a data payload.

13. An apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first indicator comprises the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein a second type of control information comprises end marker information.

15. An apparatus according to claim 14, wherein the service data adaptation protocol comprises a second indicator for use in determining if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the second indicator comprises an indicator bit.

17. An apparatus comprising:

at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

receive a service data adaptation protocol frame; and

determine, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

18. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

provide a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

19. A method comprising:

receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame; and

determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

20. A method comprising:

providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

21 . A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame; and

determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

22. A computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following:

providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

Description:
Title

Apparatus, method and computer program

Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to frame formats in new radio (NR).

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Non limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier. The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Summary

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame and determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non- access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload.

The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The apparatus may comprise means for determining, based on a second indicator, if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non- access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

In a second aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload.

The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The service data adaptation protocol may comprises a second indicator for use in determining if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

In a third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive a service data adaptation protocol frame and determine, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload. The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The apparatus may be configured to determine, based on a second indicator, if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

In a fourth aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to provide a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload.

The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The service data adaptation protocol may comprises a second indicator for use in determining if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit. In a fifth aspect there is provided a method, said method comprising receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame and determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload.

The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The method may comprise determining, based on a second indicator, if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

In a sixth aspect there is provided a method comprising providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload. The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The service data adaptation protocol may comprises a second indicator for use in determining if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

In a seventh aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame and determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload.

The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The apparatus may be caused to perform determining, based on a second indicator, if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non- access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit. In an eighth aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

A header of the service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise the first indicator.

A field for quality of service flow identity information in the header may comprise the first indicator.

The service data adaptation protocol frame may comprise a data payload.

The first indicator may comprise the size of the service data adaptation protocol frame.

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information.

The service data adaptation protocol may comprises a second indicator for use in determining if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

In a ninth aspect there is provided a computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method of the fifth or sixth aspects.

In a tenth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform the method of the fifth or sixth aspects.

In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above. Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows an example frame structure;

Figure 5a shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment;

Figure 5b shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a frame structure according to an embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a frame structure according to an embodiment;

Figure 8 shows a frame structure according to an embodiment Figure 9 shows a frame structure according to an embodiment.

Detailed description

Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in figure 1 , mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatus. The controller apparatus may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a Radio Network Controller. In Figure 1 control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107. The control apparatus of a base station can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus is typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control apparatus may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.

In Figure 1 base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 1 13 via gateway 1 12. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

The smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may also be connected to the network 1 13, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the controllers of the macro level stations. The base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may be pico or femto level base stations or the like. In the example, stations 1 16 and 1 18 are connected via a gateway 1 1 1 whilst station 120 connects via the controller apparatus 108. In some embodiments, the smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may be part of a second network, for example WLAN and may be WLAN APs.

The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples comprise time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof such as the interleaved frequency division multiple access (I FDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA) and so on.

An example of wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A latest 3GPP based development is often referred to as the long term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specifications are referred to as releases. More recent developments of the LTE are often referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE-A). The LTE employs a mobile architecture known as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). Base stations of such systems are known as evolved or enhanced Node Bs (eNBs) and provide E-UTRAN features such as user plane Packet Data Convergence/Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control/Physical layer protocol (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol terminations towards the communication devices. Other examples of radio access system comprise those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). A base station can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area.

An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. Network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation Node Bs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer QoS support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support QoE of user point of view. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple input - multiple output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so- called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

Future networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into“building blocks” or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent. The logical architecture of a 5G gNB may comprise a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). Functions are split between the CU and DU. The operation of the DU is controlled by the CU.

A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a radio access network (RAN) node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a node of a core network such as an MME or S-GW, or a server or host. The method may be implanted in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

The following is discussed with reference to the 5G Quality of Service (QoS) model (specified in TS 23.501 (chapter 5.7) and TS 28.300 (chapter 8)). In a 5G system, the RAN may control data radio bearers (DRB) independently from the core network. That is, the 5G RAN may decide DRB configuration and how end to end QoS flows are mapped to DRBs.

One aim of the design of 5G QoS framework was the reduction of control plane (C-plane) signalling. One way to reduce C-Plane signalling may be the use of reflective QoS (RQoS) which has been adopted for service data flow to QoS flow mapping (non-access stratum (NAS) layer mapping) and QoS flow to DRB mapping (access stratum (AS) layer mapping).

In reflective QoS, a UE derives uplink (UL) mapping filters and mapping rules by itself from the downlink (DL) traffic, so network signalling over the C-plane is not needed. For RQoS, the QoS flow ID is included into DL radio packets. The packet includes an indication to the UE of the layer (NAS or AS) on which the reflective QoS need to be performed.

A radio protocol layer, Service Data Adaption Protocol (SDAP), has been specified for 5G QoS functions (see TS 37.324). The SDAP layer performs the QoS flow to DRB mapping. The SDAP frame carries the QoS flow ID (QFI) to a UE. The SDAP frame may also carry corresponding reflective QoS indicators.

The SDAP header format is under discussion. The SDAP header should support independent AS and NAS reflective QoS. Supporting up to 64 reflective flows per protocol data unit (PDU) session per UE may be sufficient, with 6 bits QFI in SDAP.

Dedicated indication bits for AS layer and NAS layer reflective QoSs may achieve independent AS and NAS reflective QoS. The (first octet of) a SDAP frame may have 2 bits for reflective QoS indication and 6 bit QFI field.

Figure 4 shows an example of a data packet with a SDAP frame. The SDAP frame has reflective QoS indicator (RQI) bits for NAS and AS layers and a six bit SDAP QFI field in the first Octet. Octets 2-N comprise a data payload.

Flowever the core network may be using longer QFI than SDAP, That is, the QFI may have 7 bits or, in one alternative, the QoS rule information element has an 8 bit QFI field. The RAN may map longer NAS QFI to shorter SDAP QFI. The NAS QFI to SDAP QFI mapping should be signalled to a UE so that the QFI mapping is transparent to upper layers, i.e. NAS layers. QoS flows may be dynamically established after PDU session establishment so RAN is not able to inform the UE of the mapping in a single RRC transaction.

RAN should be able to move/remap a QoS flow from one DRB to another DRB. In-order delivery should be ensured during flow re-mapping.

End markers from the transmitter to receiver indicating the end of flow through the initial DRB may be used to achieve in-order delivery. There may not be room for end marker indication in a SDAP header since the octet is full of two-bit RQoS indicator and the 6 bit QFI.

Figure 5a shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. In a first step, S1 , the method comprises receiving a service data adaptation protocol frame.

In a second step, S2, the method comprises determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non- access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity. Figure 5b shows a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment, In a first step, T1 , the method comprises providing a service data adaptation protocol frame, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity (i.e. NAS QFI to SDAP QFI).

The SDAP frame may be an UL or DL frame. That is, the SDAP frame may be provided from a network and received at a UE (DL) or provided from a UE and received at a network (UL). If QFI compression is used in UL, the UE may need to decide the mapping between the longer QFI and the shorter radio QFI and indicate the mapping to a RAN if the first packet of a new QoS flow is the UL packet.

The header of the SDAP frame may comprise the first indicator.

An SDAP frame may comprise a QFI field in the first octet. The QFI field may comprise the first indicator. For example, when the value of the QFI field is a special, or particular, value, e.g. 000000, the frame is a control frame (i.e. the frame comprises control information).

A second type of control information may comprise end marker information. End marker information may comprise, e.g., a QFI indicating the QoS flow of the end marker.

The method may comprise determining, based on a second indicator, if the control information comprises end marker information or an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity. The second indicator may comprise an indicator bit.

For example, a frame comprising control information (a control frame) may have a E/M (end marker/mapping) bit, which indicates if the frame is used for the end marker or for NAS QFI to SDAP QFI mapping.

An SDAP frame comprising control information may comprise a data payload.

Figure 6 shows an example of a SDAP frame which may be received at a user equipment according to an embodiment. The SDAP frame comprises an end marker packet. That is, in the example shown in Figure 6, the control information comprises end marker information. The QFI field in the first octet of the frame is used as a first indicator to a UE that the frame is a SDAP control frame (i.e. that the frame comprises control information). The QFI value may comprise a particular value (for example 000000) in the QFI field of first octet.

The control frame has a E/M bit (end marker/mapping), which indicates that the frame is used for the end marker information.

For a frame comprising end marker information, the second octet of the SDAP frame has a QFI field for indicating the QoS flow of the end marker.

The QFI may be either the 6 bit SDAP QFI or the longer NAS QFI.

An end marker packet such as that shown in Figure 6 may carry user data if the RQI bit of the N3 header of the user data was not set on and DL user data packets of the flow was arriving at the time end marker was needed.

Figure 7 shows an example of a SDAP frame which may be received at a user equipment according to an embodiment, The SDAP frame comprises a mapping packet. That is, in the example frame shown in Figure 7, the control information comprises an indication of a mapping of NAS QFI to AS QFI.

The special QFI value (for example 000000) in the QFI field of first octet is used for informing a UE that the SDAP frame is a SDAP control frame.

The control frame comprises an E/M bit. The E/M bit indicates that the frame comprises a mapping packet. The example frame in Figure 6 comprises a six bit QFI field in the second octet. The six bit QFI field in the second octet indicates the SDAP QFI. An NAS QFI on third octet indicates the corresponding NAS QFI.

The mapping packet may carry payload if the RQI bit of the N3 interface header carrying the payload data was not set on.

Alternatively, or in addition, the method may comprise determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises control information in dependence of the size of the SDAP fame. The method may comprise determining if the control information comprises a first type of control information or a second type of control information based on the size of the SDAP frame or an indicator bit. That is, the first and/or second indicator may comprise the size of the SDAP frame.

For example, under a constraint that a control frame contains no payload, if the Data field is assumed to have some minimum length, a short frame (e.g. only 1 or 2 octets long) would be determined to be a control frame. In this way, a PDU comprise QFI mapping information (a QFI-mapping packet) may still be two octets, since the QFI field in the first octet may indicate the QFI itself. A PDU comprising end marker information may be 1 -octet.

Figure 8 shows an example of an SDAP frame which may be received at a user equipment according to an embodiment. The SDAP frame shown in Figure 8 comprises end marker information. The 1 -octet frame comprises an E/M bit, an R bit and a 6-bit QFI. The QFI field indicates the QoS flow of the end marker. The user equipment determines that the frame comprises control information based the frame size (e.g. the number of octets in the frame).

Figure 9 shows an example of an SDAP frame which may be received at a user equipment according to an embodiment, The user equipment determines that the frame comprises control information based the frame size (e.g. the number of octets in the frame). The SDAP frame shown in Figure 9 comprises a mapping packet. The first octet comprises the E/M bit, R bit and 6-bit QFI field (indicating the SDAP QFI). The second octet indicates the corresponding NAS QFI.

The indicator bits shown in the example frames of Figures 8 and 9 may be optional since the end marker and mapping packets are different sizes. The type of control information may be determined based on the size of the SDAP frame.

A SDAP frame structure as described above may support NAS QFI to shorter SDAP QFI mapping information delivery to UE (and/or network) and/or QFI specific end marker indication to UE (and/or network) in QoS flow relocation. A method as described with reference to Figures 5 to 9 may provide a UE (and/or network) with QoS flow specific end markers or information about the QFI - SDAP QFI mapping over the U-plane.

The U-plane based QFI mapping indication may provide an advantage over RRC based indication since the C-plane is not involved. RQoS aims to avoid C-plane signalling in QoS flow to DRB mapping events. The use of a specific QFI (channel) ID to define a format for the header may allow a smaller header size when the end marker is not used. This may reduce the overhead in signalling.

The methods of Figures 5a and 5b may be implemented in a user equipment as described with reference to Figure 2 a control apparatus as described with reference to Figure 3. An apparatus may comprise means for receiving a protocol data unit in a user plane from a network and determining, in dependence on a first indicator, that the protocol data unit comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

Alternatively, or in addition, an apparatus may comprise means for providing a service data adaptation protocol frame to a user equipment, wherein the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a first indicator for use in determining that the service data adaptation protocol frame comprises a type of control information, wherein at least a first type of control information comprises an indication of a mapping of non-access stratum quality of service flow identity to access stratum quality of service flow identity.

It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and/or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to 5G systems and SDAP frames, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems, Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.