TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to a wireless device, a network node, an access node and methods performed therein and in a communication network regarding wireless communication. Furthermore, a computer program and a computer readable storage medium are also provided herein. In particular, embodiments herein relate to enable communication in the communication network.

BACKGROUND

In a typical communication network, wireless devices, also known as wireless communication devices, mobile stations, stations (STA) and/or user equipments (UE), communicate via a Radio Access Network (RAN) to one or more core networks (CN). The RAN covers a geographical area which is divided into areas or cell areas, with each area or cell area being served by an access node e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or a radio base station (RBS), which in some networks may also be called, for example, a "NodeB" or "eNodeB". The area or cell area is a geographical area where radio coverage is provided by the access node. The access node communicates over an air interface operating on radio frequencies with the wireless device within range of the access node. The access node communicates over a downlink (DL) to the wireless device and the wireless device communicates over an uplink (UL) to the access node.

A Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third generation telecommunication network, which evolved from the second generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The UMTS terrestrial radio access network (UTRAN) is essentially a RAN using wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA) and/or High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) for user equipments. In a forum known as the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), telecommunications suppliers propose and agree upon standards for third generation networks and UTRAN specifically, and investigate enhanced data rate and radio capacity. In some RANs, e.g. as in UMTS, several access nodes may be connected, e.g., by landlines or microwave, to a controller node, such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC), which supervises and coordinates various activities of the plural access nodes connected thereto. The RNCs are typically connected to one or more core networks.

Specifications for the Evolved Packet System (EPS) have been completed within the 3 ^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and this work continues in the coming 3GPP releases. The EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), also known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) radio access network, and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC), also known as System Architecture Evolution (SAE) core network. E-UTRAN/LTE is a 3GPP radio access technology wherein the access nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network. As such, the Radio Access Network (RAN) of an EPS has an essentially "flat" architecture comprising access nodes connected directly to one or more core networks.

Fig. 1 shows a 5G mobility concept in passive mode. An Access Information (Al), such as a table with access information, comprises information necessary to access the network. Access information may comprises information such as Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), power, physical resource barring info etc. and may be transmitted with a long periodicity e.g. 10s or 24s. Multiple Access Nodes (AN), referred to as network nodes, may comprise the same Al and not all network nodes need to transmit their Al. Each area is associated with a System Identity (SID) e.g. a signature indication. For example, a first small access node may be associated with a first SID, e.g. "Γ; a second small access node may be associated with a second SID, e.g. '2'; a third small access node may be associated with a third SID, e.g. '3'; a fourth small access node may be associated with the second and third SID, e.g. '2'+'3'. The SID is used by the wireless device to find the system and a SID value may map to an entry in the table of access information. SID is transmitted e.g. every 100 ms. Multiple network nodes may use the same SID as this gives better macro diversity. Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) layers preferably use different SIDs. One network node, e.g. the fourth small access node, may have multiple SIDs e.g. at high load scenarios. SID timing may be +/- 5ms in the whole system. Tracking Area Code Signals (TACS) are used in the system to find wireless devices and are transmitted e.g. every 500ms and do not need to overlap Al or SID areas. Repetition is used in the system to compensate a lack of beam formation. Initially and for some time to come the network nodes, such as 5G access nodes, will be deployed as small islands using high frequency bands and providing a spotty coverage. Thus, all the network nodes with small coverage need to broadcast its Al for the wireless device to be able to access the network nodes. To be more energy efficient the network nodes will broadcast the Al rather infrequent, e.g. with an interval of around 10 seconds. This infrequent broadcast may result in delay times when reading the Al of the network nodes, especially if the 5G coverage is a small isolated coverage island within another radio access technology (RAT), leading e.g. to that a moving wireless device might not even be able to read the Al before the coverage area is passed, and the performance of the communication network is limited.

SUMMARY

An object of embodiments herein is to provide a mechanism that improves performance of the communication network.

According to an aspect of embodiments herein the object is achieved by providing a method performed by a communication network for handling communication in the communication network. The communication network comprises a network node providing radio coverage over a second service area of a second radio access technology and an access node providing radio coverage over a first service area of a first radio access technology. The first radio access technology is different than the second radio access technology. The network node obtains an area information by transmitting from the network node a request to retrieve network information within the first service area. The network node establishes one or more communication channels to another network node and/or the access node using the obtained area information. The network node may then provide from the network node, to the access node, the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node, and an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node from the access node. The access node broadcasts system information for the network node within the first service area of the access node, which system information comprises information for accessing the network node. A wireless device receiving the broadcast system information then uses the information in the system information to access the network node.

According to another aspect of embodiments herein the object is achieved by providing a method performed by a network node for handling communication in a communication network. The network node provides radio coverage over a second service area of a second radio access technology (RAT). The communication network comprises an access node providing radio coverage over a first service area of a first RAT and wherein the first RAT is different than the second RAT. The network node obtains an area information by transmitting a request to retrieve network information within the first service area. The network node establishes one or more communication channels to another network node and/or the access node using the obtained area information.

According to another aspect the object is achieved by a method performed by an access node for enabling a wireless device in a communication network to access one or more network nodes. The access node provides radio coverage over a first service area of a first RAT and the one or more network nodes provide radio coverage over a respective second service area of a second RAT. The first RAT is different than the second RAT. The access node broadcasts system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area of the access node. The system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes.

According to another aspect the object is further achieved by providing a method performed by a wireless device for handling communication in a communication network. The communication network comprises an access node providing radio coverage over a first service area of a first RAT and a network node providing radio coverage over a second service area of a second RAT. The first RAT is different than the second RAT. The wireless device receives a request from the network node requesting to retrieve network information. The wireless device connects to the network node, and provides to the network node, the requested network information comprising an area information.

According to another aspect the object is achieved by providing a method performed by a wireless device for handling communication in a communication network. The communication network comprises an access node providing radio coverage over a first service area of a first RAT and one or more network nodes providing radio coverage over a respective second service area of a second RAT, and wherein the first RAT is different than the second RAT. The wireless device receives from the access node system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area of the access node, which system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes. The wireless device uses the information in the system information to access the one or more network nodes.

According to still another aspect the object is further achieved by providing a network node for handling communication in a communication network. The network node is configured to provide radio coverage over a second service area of a second radio access technology and the communication network comprises an access node being configured to provide radio coverage over a first service area of a first radio access technology. The first radio access technology is different than the second radio access technology. The network node is configured to obtain an area information by transmitting a request to retrieve network information within the first service area. The network node is further configured to establish one or more communication channels to another network node and/or the access node using the obtained area information.

According to yet still another aspect the object is further achieved by providing an access node for enabling a wireless device in a communication network to access one or more network nodes. The access node is configured to provide radio coverage over a first service area of a first radio access technology and the one or more network nodes are configured to provide radio coverage over a respective second service area of a second radio access technology. The first radio access technology is different than the second radio access technology. The access node is configured to broadcast system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area of the access node, which system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes.

According to another aspect the object is further achieved by providing a wireless device for handling communication in a communication network. The communication network comprises an access node configured to provide radio coverage over a first service area of a first radio access technology and a network node configured to provide radio coverage over a second service area of a second radio access technology. The first radio access technology is different than the second radio access technology. The wireless device is configured to receive a request from the network node requesting to retrieve network information. The wireless device is configured to connect to the network node. The wireless device is configured to provide to the network node, the requested network information comprising an area information.

According to another aspect the object is further achieved by providing a wireless device for handling communication in a communication network. The communication network comprises an access node configured to provide radio coverage over a first service area of a first RAT and one or more network nodes configured to provide radio coverage over a respective second service area of a second RAT, and wherein the first RAT is different than the second RAT. The wireless device is configured to receive, from the access node, system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area of the access node, which system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes. The wireless device is further configured to use the information in the system information to access the one or more network nodes.

It is furthermore provided herein a computer program comprising instructions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out any of the methods above, as performed by the network node, the access node or the wireless device. It is additionally provided herein a computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the method according to any of the methods above, as performed by the network node, the access node or the wireless device.

Advantages of embodiments herein is that the network node is easily introduced into the communication network and that a wireless device receives the information regarding network nodes from the access node of a different RAT enabling quick detection of the network node and this results in an improved performance of the communication network.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described in more detail in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic overview depicting a communication network providing spotty coverage;

Fig. 2a is a schematic overview depicting a communication network according to

embodiments herein;

Fig. 2b is a schematic flowchart depicting a method performed in a communication

network according to one embodiment herein;

Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart depicting a method performed by a network node of a second RAT according to embodiments herein;

Fig. 4 is a schematic flowchart depicting a method performed by an access node of a first RAT according to embodiments herein;

Fig. 5 is a schematic flowchart depicting a method performed by a wireless device

according to embodiments herein;

Fig. 6 is a schematic flowchart depicting a method performed by a wireless device

according to embodiments herein;

Fig. 7 is a combined signalling scheme and flowchart according to embodiments herein; Fig. 8 is a combined signalling scheme and flowchart according to embodiments herein; Fig. 9 is a block diagram depicting a network node of a second RAT according to

embodiments herein;

Fig. 10 is a block diagram depicting an access node of a first RAT according to

embodiments herein; and

Fig. 1 1 is a block diagram depicting a wireless device according to embodiments herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments herein relate to communication networks in general. Communication network may also be referred to as wireless communication network or radio

communications network. Fig. 2a is a schematic overview depicting a communication network 1 . The communication network 1 comprises one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The communication network 1 may use a number of different technologies, such as Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, 5G, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications/enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible implementations.

Embodiments herein relate to recent technology trends that are of particular interest in a 5G context, however, embodiments are also applicable in further development of the existing communication systems such as e.g. WCDMA and LTE.

In the communication network 1 , wireless devices e.g. a first wireless device 10-

0 and a second wireless device 10-1 such as mobile stations, non-access points (non- AP) STAs, STAs, user equipment and/or wireless terminals, communicate via one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. RAN, to one or more CNs. It should be understood by the skilled in the art that "wireless device" is a non-limiting term which means any terminal, wireless communication terminal, user equipment, Machine Type

Communication (MTC) device, Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station communicating within a cell. The first wireless device 10-0 may be referred to as the wireless device 10-0.

The communication network 1 comprises an access node 12 providing radio coverage over a geographical area, a first service area 11 or first cell, of a first radio access technology (RAT), such as LTE, UMTS or similar. The access node 12 may be a transmission and reception point e.g. a radio network node such as, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), an access controller an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit capable of communicating with a wireless device within the area served by the access node 12 depending e.g. on the first radio access technology and terminology used. The access node 12 may be referred to as a serving access node or macro node and may communicate with the wireless devices with DL transmissions to the wireless devices and UL transmissions from the wireless devices. The access node 12 may associated with a first SID e.g. SID=0 and is exemplified herein as an LTE eNB.

Furthermore, the communication network 1 comprises a network node 13 providing radio coverage over a geographical area, a second service area 14 or second cell, of a second RAT, such as 5G, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, LTE or similar. The first and second RATs are different RATs and the second service area 14 may be at least partly within the first service area 1 1 . The network node 13 may be a transmission and reception point e.g. a radio network node such as a WLAN access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), an access controller, an access node, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a NodeB, an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a transmission arrangement of a radio base station, a stand-alone access point or any other network unit capable of communicating with a wireless device within the area served by the network node 13 depending e.g. on the second radio access technology and terminology used.. The network node 13 may be referred to as a pico or femto network node. The network node 13 is associated with a second SID e.g. SID=3 and is exemplified herein as a 5G network node.

The access node 12 may communicate with the network node 13 in the communication network 1 . This is done by communicating with one another over a backhaul connection, e.g. an X2 connection, an S1 connection, a combination of an X2 and S1 connection or similar, between the access node 12 and the network node 13.

When the network node 13 is initially introduced, i.e. set-up, in the communication network 1 the network node 13 needs to be configured so it "fits" into the surrounding communication network 1 . There are currently some ways of introducing a network node in a communication network, e.g. by a Manual configuration that requires additional manual work and with a risk that incorrect data is entered; or that the network node 13 has equipment that can scan the surrounding network and adapt. However, this requires additional equipment in the network node. Some embodiments herein integrate the network node 13, such as a 5G access node, automatically and without having to manually configure the network node 13 and its surrounding network nodes and access nodes. Thus, when integrating the network node 13, the network node 13 retrieves network information comprising area information such as a SID and Access information, e.g. a table with access information, of surrounding network nodes and access nodes, i.e. information that is depending on where in the communication network 1 the network node 13 is placed. This problem has traditionally been solved, as stated above, either with manual configuration or by placing an equipment, e.g. a "sniffer", in the network node that scans the radio interface and detects broadcast information and uses that for the network node's own configuration. Having this additional equipment adds cost and complexity to the network node, as well it might in some places not have coverage by a communication network, and to configure these network nodes would impose a significant Operation and Maintenance (O&M) effort.

Instead, according to embodiments herein, the network node 13 sends out a request or message, e.g. a predetermined SID, a Generic SID message or a requesting message, that triggers the first wireless device 10-0 that hears the request to access the network node 13 and provide the needed area information about other network nodes of the second RAT, as well as the access node 12 of the first RAT, and other

network/access nodes already detected by the first wireless device 10-0. Thus, the network node 13 may obtain the area information by receiving it from the first wireless device 10-0. This area information is then used to establish connections to the access node 12 and/or the other network nodes and thereby is the network node 13 implemented into the communication network 1 in an efficient manner.

Furthermore, with the new radio access technology 5G, one objective is to be power efficient and provide a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). To achieve this system information that is broadcasted in 5G is reduced and is broadcasted with longer periods of silence between each broadcasting. As stated above this causes problems since network nodes may initially be deployed as booster nodes, i.e. with a very spotty coverage, within the coverage of the access node 12. Also the network nodes of the second RAT may use higher frequencies and thus have a small coverage area. Hence, it may take time before a wireless device will detect a network node, and since the coverage area is small, a moving wireless device might not even detect the network node at all. However, according to embodiments herein the access node 12 being of the first RAT e.g. a LTE macro node, broadcasts system information for the network node 13 of a different RAT enabling the wireless device to easier access the network node 13 when detecting the network node 13. E.g. the second wireless device 10-1 may be a rather fast moving wireless device just entering the first service area 1 1 and the second wireless device 10-1 may acquire the needed Al for the network node 13 from the system information broadcasted by the access node 12. The second wireless device 10-1 may then just listen for e.g. the SID information provided by the network node 13 with the small coverage area to access the network node 13. This will allow the system to be energy efficient.

The method actions performed by the communication network 1 for handling communication in the communication network 1 according to one embodiment will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in Fig. 2b. As stated above the communication network 1 comprises the network node 13 providing radio coverage over the second service area 14 of the second RAT and the access node 12 providing radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first RAT. The first RAT is different than the second RAT.

Action 201. The network node obtains 13 the area information by transmitting from the network node 13 a request to retrieve network information within the first service area 1 1 .

Action 202. The network node 13 establishes one or more communication channels to another network node and/or the access node 12 using the obtained area information.

Action 203. The network node 13 provides to the access node 12, the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13, and an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12.

Action 204. The access node 12 broadcasts system information for the network node 13 within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12, which system information comprises information for accessing the network node 13.

Action 205. A wireless device, e.g. the second wireless device 10-1 , receives the broadcast system information and uses the information in the system information to access the network node 13.

Hence, an introduction of the network node 13 into the communication network 1 is facilitated and the performance of the communication network with the network node 13 is improved by broadcasting the system information for the network node 13 from the access node 12.

The method actions performed by the network node 13, e.g. a 5G access node, for handling communication in the communication network 1 according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in Fig. 3. The actions do not have to be taken in the order stated below, but may be taken in any suitable order. Actions performed in some embodiments are marked with dashed boxes. The network node 13 provides radio coverage over the second service area 14 of the second RAT and which communication network comprises the access node 12 providing radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first RAT. As stated above the first RAT is different 5 than the second RAT.

Action 301 . Upon initially introducing the network node 13 into the communication network 1 , the network node 13 may obtain a configuration information from a central server in the communication network 1 , e.g. a central server on the Internet. The configuration information may indicate which operator that has bought the network node

10 13, i.e. it may point to an operator Operations Support System (OSS) to which the

network node should connect to get further configuration. Hence, the network node 13 "wakes-up" and figures out to which operator it belongs and some basic configuration for the operator referred to as configuration information. Thus, the network node 13 may obtain configuration information. To get this configuration information, the network node

15 13 contacts the central server, which may be provided by a network node manufacturer, and the network node 13 may provide a serial number identifying the network node 13 to the central server. The central server may then, based on the serial number, find out to which operator this particular network node 13 belongs to and thus, provide the configuration information, can also be some more information. The configuration

20 information may then be sent from the central server to the network node 13.

Action 302. The network node 13 may then obtain from the OSS, further information specific for the operator, network node type, and/or location of the network node. The OSS is as stated above indicated in the configuration information. Thus, when the network node 13 has the configuration information the network node 13 can connect

25 to a management system e.g. the OSS, based on the provided configuration information from the central server. The network node 13 may then obtain further information specific for the operator, such as frequencies to operate on.

However, the network node 13 does not have "local" information about tracking areas, etc. that it needs to be able to operate in a particular area, called area information

30 herein. This area information can even be information regarding how to connect the new network node 13 to an overlying node such as the access node 12 in the communication network 1 .

Action 303. The network node 13 obtains the area information by transmitting a request to retrieve network information within the first service area 1 1 . The request may 35 comprise a signature indication, also referred to as system ID (SID) or system signature indication (SSI), which signature indication may be a predetermined value, i.e. agreed and well known value for both the first wireless device 10-0 and the network node 13 e.g. such as been governed by standards, that indicates that a wireless device, e.g. the first wireless device 10-0, is to respond to the network node 13 with the area information and/or network information. The signature indication may alternatively point to an entry in an area information list or table, and which entry indicates that the wireless device is to respond to the network node 13 with the area information and/or network information. Hence, to obtain the area information, the network node 13 then transmits the request, e.g. a message requesting, to retrieve system information within the area e.g. transmitting a "Generic SID" message. When the first wireless device 10-0 hears the request, the first wireless device 10-0 should connect to the network node 13 and provide area information such as network IDs and access information, that the first wireless device 10-0 has got from the surrounding network, e.g. from the access node 12 or other network nodes. The request can either be pre-configured in the network node 13, be provided by the central server or be provided by the OSS. As an alternative, a "basic" Al could also be provided to the network node 13 from the OSS and be transmitted by the network node 13, for example if this network node 13 has some special settings regarding the access of the network node 13, i.e. the information from an access information list is needed to access the network node 13. If a 'basic ΑΓ is used then the first wireless device 10-0 that has heard the request may need to read in the access information list before accessing the network node 13 and providing information about the surrounding network. The network node 13 may further obtain its geographical location by receiving location data from the first wireless device 10-0 e.g. by using the wireless device's Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or receiving measurements on surrounding nodes from the first wireless device 10-0.

Action 304. The network node 13 may furthermore provide to the OSS the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12. E.g. network node 13 may inform OSS that access node 12 is covering the network node 13, and then OSS may inform the access node 12 to broadcast information related to node 13, see action 401 below. Additionally or alternatively, the network node 13 may provide an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12 or another access node of the first RAT. The OSS may then configure neighbour network nodes or that the access node 12 and the network node 13 are assigned as neighbours, manual or automatically, and the information is transferred between the access nodes and network nodes.

Action 305. The network node 13 then establishes one or more communication channels to surrounding network nodes e.g. another network node and/or the access node 12 using the obtained area information. With this obtained area information, for example Tracking Area information, the network node 13 can make a Domain Name System (DNS) lookup to find the surrounding nodes in the area and contact them, i.e. the network node 13 establishes a communication channel to neighbour/surrounding network nodes, e.g. using an evolved X2.

This contact between the network node 13 and the surrounding nodes, such as the access node 12 can solve several different problems:

- The network node 13 can get instructions on the information, e.g. SID, Tracking Area Code, the network node 13 may broadcast

- The surrounding nodes, such as the access node 12, may get

information about the network node 13 and can update what the surrounding nodes may broadcast

- The network node 13 can get information about to which overlaying radio network node, such as the access node 12, as well as core network nodes the network node 13 shall connect to.

- The helping first wireless device 10-0 may also assist the network node

13 to obtain its geographical location, e.g. using the wireless device's Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, or by providing measurements on surrounding nodes.

Hence, embodiments herein make the integration of a new network node possible to automate in an easy way.

Action 306. The network node 13 may furthermore provide to the access node 12 the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13. Additionally or alternatively, the network node 13 may provide an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12 or another access node of the first RAT.

The method actions performed by the access node 12, e.g. an LTE access node, for enabling a wireless device, such as the second wireless device 10-1 , in the communication network 1 to access one or more network nodes according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in Fig. 4. The actions do not have to be taken in the order stated below, but may be taken in any suitable order. Actions performed in some embodiments are marked with dashed boxes. The access node 12 provides radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first radio access technology and the one or more network nodes, such as the network node 13, provide radio coverage over a respective second service area 14 of the second RAT, and as stated above the first RAT is different than the second RAT.

Action 401 . The access node 12 may obtain from the one or more network nodes 13, the OSS, from itself, or another access node over X2, the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12. Additionally or alternatively, the access node 12 may obtain the indication to initiate a broadcast of system information within the first service area 1 1 . The system information may indicate network information of the network node 13 of the second RAT.

Action 402. The access node 12 broadcasts system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12. The system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes 13. The information may e.g. comprise access information and/or SID of the one or more network nodes, which information enables access to the one or more network nodes. The system information may comprise a system information block with the information. The system information may further comprise an indicator indicating that the system information block comprises the information, i.e. the information necessary to access the one or more network nodes. E.g. a new System information Block (SIB) is defined for the first RAT, e.g. LTE, which SIB comprises second RAT system information, this SIB can be broadcasted more often than what was intended for the second RAT since the second wireless device 10-1 would anyway listen for first RAT system information so a faster and access to second RAT network nodes can be achieved. The presence of the new SIB can be announced in an existing SIB to further optimize a battery consumption of the second wireless device 10-1 , e.g. one 'bit' in a frequent SIB can be used, if this bit is set or marked, then the second wireless device 10-1 keeps on searching for the new SIB otherwise it will refrain from searching for the new SIB. This enables an energy efficient system wherein it is also facilitated to access faster to the network nodes of a different RAT.

The method actions performed by the wireless device, exemplified herein as the first wireless device 10-0, for handling communication in the communication network 1 according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in Fig. 5. The communication network 1 comprises the access node 12 providing radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first RAT and the network node 13 providing radio coverage over the second service area 14 of the second RAT, and wherein the first RAT is different than the second RAT.

Action 501 . The first wireless device 10-0 receives the request from the network node 13 requesting to retrieve network information. The request may comprise the signature indication, also referred to as system ID, which signature indication may be the predetermined value that indicates that the first wireless device 10-0 is to respond to the network node 13 with the area information and/or network information. The signature indication may alternatively point to the entry in the area information list or table, and which entry indicates that the first wireless device 10-0 is to respond to the network node 13 with the area information and/or network information. E.g. the wireless device may receive the "Generic SID" message. When the first wireless device 10-0 hears the request the first wireless device 10-0 should connect to the network node 13 and provide area information such as network node IDs and access information, that the first wireless device 10-0 has got from the surrounding network, e.g. from the access node 12 or other network nodes. The request may comprise a "basic" Al indicating that information from an access information list is needed to access the network node 13. If a 'basic ΑΓ is used then the first wireless device 10-0 that has heard the request may need to read in the access information list before accessing the network node 13 and providing information about the surrounding network.

Action 502. The first wireless device 10-0 then connects to the network node 13, e.g. using the information from the access information list.

Action 503. The first wireless device 10-0 then provides to the network node 13, the requested network information comprising the area information. The network information may further comprise information relating to the access node and/or other network nodes. The first wireless device 10-0 may also assist the network node 13 to obtain its geographical location by providing location data to the network node 13 e.g. by using the wireless device's GPS receiver, or by providing measurements on surrounding nodes to the network node 13.

The method actions performed by the wireless device, e.g. the second wireless device 10-1 , for handling communication in the communication network 1 according to some embodiments will now be described with reference to a flowchart depicted in Fig. 6. The communication network comprises the access node providing radio coverage over the first service area of the first RAT and one or more network nodes providing radio coverage over a respective second service area of the second RAT, and wherein the first RAT is different than the second RAT.

Action 601 . Alternatively or additionally to the process in Fig. 5, the wireless device, e.g. the second wireless device 10-1 , receives from the access node 12 system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12. The system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes 13. The system information may comprise the system information block with the information. Furthermore, the system information may comprise the indicator indicating that the system information block comprises the information.

Action 602. The second wireless device 10-1 then uses the information in the system information to access the one or more network nodes e.g. scan for the SID of the network node or detect SID and use Al mapped to that SID in the received information. Fig. 7 is a combined flowchart and signaling scheme according to embodiments herein.

Action 701. Upon installation the network node 13 may "wake-up" and obtain configuration information from the central server as described in action 301 above.

Action 702. The network node 13 may then obtain further information specific for the operator, such as frequencies to operate on from the OSS, as described in action 302 above.

Action 703. The network node 13 then obtains the area information by transmitting the request requesting to retrieve network information, such as system information, within the area e.g. transmitting the "Generic SID" message to the first wireless device 10-0. The first wireless device 10-0 then responds with the area information e.g. the SID of the access node 12. This corresponds to action 303 above.

Action 704 The network node 13 may furthermore exchange configuration information with the OSS based on the obtained area information.

Action 705. The network node 13 then establish communication channels to neighbouring/surrounding nodes using the obtained area information. For example, setting up a communication with the access node 12 based on the exchanged configuration information, and exchanging information about one another. This corresponds to action 305 above.

Action 706. The network node 13 may furthermore provide to the access node 12 the area information such as tracking area (TA) and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12. Additionally or alternatively, the network node 13 may provide an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12 or another access node of the first RAT.

Action 707. The access node 12 broadcasts system information associated or related to one or more network nodes such as network node 13. E.g. a new System information Block (SIB) may be defined for LTE that contains 5G system information, this SIB can be broadcasted more often than what was intended for the network node 13 since e.g. the second wireless device 10-1 would anyway listen for LTE system information so a faster access to the network node 13 can be achieved. The presence of the new SIB can be announced in an existing SIB to further optimize the wireless device battery consumption, e.g. one 'bit' in a frequent SIB can be used, if this bit is set, then the second wireless device 10-1 keeps on searching for the new SIB relating to the network node 13.

Action 708. The second wireless device 10-1 receives the system information relating to the network node 13, may then use this system information to search for existent network nodes and also access these network nodes. E.g. listen for SID=3.

Fig. 8 is a combined flowchart and signaling scheme according to embodiments herein.

Action 801. Upon installation the network node 13 may "wake-up" and obtain configuration information from the central server as described in action 301 above.

Action 802. The network node 13 may then obtain further information specific for the operator, such as frequencies to operate on from the OSS, as described in action 302 above.

Action 803. The network node 13 then obtains the area information by transmitting the request requesting to retrieve network information, such as system information, within the area e.g. transmitting the "Generic SID" message to e.g. the first wireless device 10-0. The first wireless device 10-0 then responds with the area information e.g. the SID of the access node 12. This corresponds to action 303 above.

Action 804 As an alternative to action 706 above, the network node 13 may furthermore provide to the OSS the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13. Additionally or alternatively, the network node 13 may provide an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12 or another access node of the first RAT. This corresponds to action 304 above. The network node may furthermore exchange configuration information with the OSS based on the obtained area information.

Action 805. The network node 13 then establish communication channels to 5 neighbouring/surrounding nodes using the obtained area information. For example, setting up a communication with the access node 12 exchanging information about one another. This corresponds to action 305 above.

Action 806. The OSS may then provide to the access node 12 the area information such as tracking area (TA), and/or information associated with system

10 information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12. Additionally or

alternatively, the OSS may provide an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12 or another access node of the first RAT.

Action 807. The access node 12 broadcasts system information associated or

15 related to one or more network nodes such as network node 13. E.g. a new System

information Block (SIB) may be defined for LTE that contains 5G system information, this SIB can be broadcasted more often than what was intended for the network node 13 since e.g. the second wireless device 10-1 would anyway listen for LTE system information so a faster access to the network node 13 can be achieved. The presence of

20 the new SIB can be announced in an existing SIB to further optimize the wireless device battery consumption, e.g. one 'bit' in a frequent SIB can be used, if this bit is set, then the second wireless device 10-1 keeps on searching for the new SIB relating to the network node 13.

Action 808. The second wireless device 10-1 receives the system information 25 relating to the network node 13, may then use this system information to search for

existent network nodes and also access these network nodes. E.g. listen for SID=3.

In order to perform the methods herein the network node 13 is provided for handling communication in the communication network 1 . Fig. 9 shows the network node

30 13, which network node 13 is configured to provide radio coverage over the second

service area 14 of the second RAT and which communication network 1 comprises the access node 12 being configured to provide radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first RAT and wherein the first RAT is different than the second RAT. The network node 13 may comprise processing circuitry 901 configured to perform the methods

35 herein. The network node 13 is configured to obtain the area information by transmitting the request to retrieve network information within the first service area 1 1 . The request may comprise the system ID also referred to as the signature indication, which signature indication may be a predetermined value or point to an entry in an area information list, and which predetermined value or entry indicates that a wireless device is to respond to the network node 13 with area information and/or network information. The request may be broadcasted. The network node 13 may comprise an obtaining module 902. The processing circuitry 901 and/or the obtaining module 902 may be configured to obtain the area information by transmitting the request to retrieve network information within the first service area 1 1 .

The network node 13 is further configured to establish one or more communication channels to another network node and/or the access node 12 using the obtained area information. The network node 13 may comprise an establishing module 903. The processing circuitry 901 and/or the establishing module 903 may be configured to establish one or more communication channels to another network node and/or the access node 12 using the obtained area information.

The network node 13 may further be configured to obtain the configuration information from the central server in the communication network 1 . The processing circuitry 901 and/or the obtaining module 902 may be configured to obtain the

configuration information from the central server in the communication network 1.

The network node 13 may additionally be configured to obtain from the OSS, further information specific for an operator, network node type, and/or location of the network node 13. The processing circuitry 901 and/or the obtaining module 902 may be configured to obtain from the OSS, further information specific for an operator, network node type, and/or location of the network node 13.

The network node 13 may further be configured to provide, to the access node 12 and/or the OSS, the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12 and/or an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node 12 or another access node. The network node 13 may comprise a providing module 904. The processing circuitry 901 and/or the providing module 904 may be configured to provide, to the access node 12 and/or the OSS, the area information and/or information associated with system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12, and/or an indication to initiate a broadcast of system information indicating network information of the network node 13 from the access node

12 or another access node.

The network node 13 further comprises a memory 905. The memory may comprise one or more memory units to be used to store data on, such as area

information, system information, configuration information, applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar.

The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the network node

13 are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program 906 or a computer program product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the newtork node 13. The computer program 906 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 907, e.g. a disc or similar. The computer-readable storage medium 907, having stored thereon the computer program, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the network node 13. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

In order to perform the methods herein the access node 12 is provided. Fig. 10 shows the access node 12 for enabling a wireless device, such as the second wireless device 10-1 , in the communication network 1 to access one or more network nodes, e.g. the network node 13. The access node 12 is configured to provide radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first RAT and the one or more network nodes are configured to provide radio coverage over the respective second service area 14 of the second RAT. The first RAT is different than the second RAT. The access node 12 may comprise processing circuitry 1001 for performing methods herein.

The access node 12 is configured to broadcast the system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12. The system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes 13. The system information may comprise a system information block with the information. The system information may comprise an indicator indicating that the system information block comprises the information. The access node 12 may comprise a broadcasting module 1002. The processing circuitry and/or the broadcasting module 1002 may be configured to broadcast the system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12. The access node 12 may further be configured to obtain, from the network node 13, the OSS, the access node or another access node, the area information and/or information associated with the system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12, and/or an indication to initiate a broadcast of the system information within the first service area 1 1 . The access node 12 may comprise an obtaining module 1003. The processing circuitry and/or the obtaining module 1003 may be configured to obtain, from the network node 13, the OSS, the access node or another access node, the area information and/or information associated with the system information of the network node 13 and/or the access node 12, and/or the indication to initiate a broadcast of the system information within the first service area 1 1 .

The network node 13 further comprises a memory 1004. The memory may comprise one or more memory units to be used to store data on, such as area

information, system information, configuration information, the indication, applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar. The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the access node 12 are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program 1005 or a computer program product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the access node 12. The computer program 1005 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 1006, e.g. a disc or similar. The computer- readable storage medium 1006, having stored thereon the computer program, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the access node 12. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium.

In order to perform the methods herein the access node 12 is provided. Fig. 11 shows the wireless device, e.g. the first wireless device 10-0, for handling communication in the communication network 1 . The communication network 1 comprises the access node 12 configured to provide radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first radio access technology and the network node 13 configured to provide radio coverage over the second service area of the second RAT. The second service area 14 may at least partly be within the first service area 1 1 . The first RAT is different than the second RAT. The wireless device is configured to receive the request from the network node 13 requesting to retrieve network information. The wireless device 10-0 is configured to connect to the network node 13 and to provide, to the network node 13, the requested network information comprising the area information. The network information may comprise information relating to the access node and/or other network nodes. As stated above the request may comprise the signature indication, which signature indication is a predetermined value or points to an entry in an area information list, and which predetermined value or entry indicates that the wireless device 10-0 is to respond to the network node 13 with area information and/or network information.

Furthermore, the wireless device e.g. the second wireless device 10-1 is herein provided for handling communication in the communication network 1 . The

communication network comprises the access node 12 configured to provide radio coverage over the first service area 1 1 of the first RAT and the one or more network nodes configured to provide radio coverage over the respective second service area 14 of the second RAT. The second service area may be at least partly within the first service area. The first RAT is different than the second RAT. The second wireless device 10-1 is configured to receive, from the access node 12 e.g. broadcasted, system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12. The system information comprises information for accessing the one or more network nodes 13. The system information may comprise a system information block with the

information. The system information may comprise an indicator indicating that the system information block comprises the information.

The second wireless device 10-1 is further configured to use the information in the system information to access the one or more network nodes.

The wireless device may comprise processing circuitry 1101 configured to perform methods herein.

The wireless device may comprise a receiving module 1102. The processing circuitry 1 101 and/or the receiving module 1 102 may be configured to receive the request from the network node 13 requesting to retrieve network information. The processing circuitry 1 101 and/or the receiving module 1 102 may be configured to receive, from the access node 12 e.g. broadcasted, system information for the one or more network nodes within the first service area 1 1 of the access node 12.

The wireless device may comprise a connecting module 1103. The processing circuitry 1 101 and/or the connecting module 1 103 may be configured to connect to the network node 13. The wireless device may comprise a providing module 1104. The processing circuitry 1 101 and/or the providing module 1 104 may be configured to provide, to the network node 13, the requested network information comprising the area information.

The wireless device may comprise a using module 1105. The processing circuitry 5 1 101 and/or the using module 1 105 may be configured to use the information in the system information to access the one or more network nodes.The wireless device further comprises a memory 1106. The memory may comprise one or more memory units to be used to store data on, such as area information, system information, applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar.

0 The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the wireless device are respectively implemented by means of e.g. a computer program 1107 or a computer program product, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the wireless device. The computer5 program 1 107 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 1108, e.g. a disc or similar. The computer-readable storage medium 1 108, having stored thereon the computer program, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the wireless device. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage0 medium may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium.

As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions means or modules may be implemented using digital logic and/or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some

5 embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and/or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a wireless device, access node or network node, for

0 example.

Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processing means discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term "processor" or "controller" as used herein does5 not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory for storing software and/or program or application data, and non-volatile memory. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. Designers of communications devices will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance tradeoffs inherent in these design choices.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description and the accompanying drawings represent non-limiting examples of the methods and apparatus taught herein. As such, the apparatus and techniques taught herein are not limited by the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Instead, the embodiments herein are limited only by the following claims and their legal equivalents.