Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to methods, network node and user equipment (UE) for handling a connection procedure. The present disclosure further relates to computer programs and carriers corresponding to the above methods, node and UE.

Background

[0002] To meet the huge demand for higher bandwidth, higher data rates and higher network capacity, due to e.g. data centric applications, existing 4 ^th Generation (4G) wireless communication network technology, aka Long Term Evolution (LTE) is being extended or enhanced into a 5 ^th Generation (5G) technology, also called New Radio (NR) access. The following are requirements for 5G wireless communication networks:

- Data rates of several tens of megabits per second should be supported for tens of thousands of users;

- 1 gigabit per second is to be offered simultaneously to tens of workers on the same office floor;

- Several hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections is to be supported for massive sensor deployments;

- Spectral efficiency should be significantly enhanced compared to 4G;

- Coverage should be improved;

- Signaling efficiency should be enhanced; and

- Latency should be reduced significantly compared to 4G.

[0003] Fig. 1 shows a wireless communication network 100 comprising a network node 130 that is in, or is adapted for, wireless communication with a number of user equipment 140, 142. The network node 130 provides radio coverage in a cell 150, which is a geographical area. The number of user equipment 140, 142 resides in the cell 150. [0004] Every time the network node 130 and the UE 140, 142 establish a wireless connection, the network node 130 needs to collect network parameters which are relevant to establish wireless connection with this particular UE. The wireless connection can be e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) connection. The network parameters are parameters that are relevant for the wireless connection between the network node 130 and the UE 140, 142, e.g., semi-persistent network data related to the wireless connection. Such parameters may also be resources that the network node 130 allocates for the wireless connection and that can be used again, i.e. , for the next wireless connection for the same UE. Examples of such network parameters are IDs of radio bearers used for the wireless connection, IDs of radio access bearers, network IP addresses used for the wireless connection, user data, etc. These network parameters can be directly collected from the network node 130 itself or other network nodes, or calculated after collecting.

[0005] Fig. 2 shows a connection procedure according to prior art. This connection procedure is described in 3GPP standard specifications, e.g., 24, 36, 38 series for Long Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR). The gNB 130 and the UE 140 initiate 1 .1 an establishment of a first wireless connection. During the establishment of the first wireless connection, the gNB 130 obtains 1.2 network parameters of the first wireless connection. The gNB 130 can obtain the network parameters of the first wireless connection from other network nodes, especially core network nodes. The gNB 130 can also calculate the network parameters based on other parameters, e.g., Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) type, the configuration of operator, etc. The network parameters can be those parameters relevant to the wireless connection establishment and are explained in the previous paragraph. After obtaining 1.2 the necessary network parameters, the gNB 130 configures 1 .3 the first wireless connection with the obtained network parameters. Then the first wireless connection between the gNB 130 and the UE 140 is established. Later, after wireless communication has been ongoing between the gNB 130 and the UE 140 over the established first wireless connection, the first wireless connection is released in step 1 .4. The next time when the gNB 130 and the UE 140 intend to establish a wireless connection, they have to repeat this procedure. That is, the gNB 130 and the UE 140 initiate 1 .5 the establishment of a second wireless connection, and the gNB 130 obtains 1 .6 the network parameters again for current wireless connection. After obtaining, the gNB 130 configures 1 .7 the current wireless connection based on the newly obtained network parameters. The second wireless connection is released 1.8 at last. That is, the gNB 130 keeps on collecting/obtaining relevant network parameters every time being involved in a wireless connection to a particular UE. The network node works as a central system to keep track of all related UEs.

[0006] However, with the evolvement of wireless communication systems to 4G and 5G, the current method has its disadvantages. Due to the significant increase in the number of UEs connected to a network node, the network node needs to obtain a large amount of network parameters when all those UEs are to be connected to the network node. This will cause a lower connection speed. Further, in a cloud solution, the network node can be deployed on a cloud platform. Since the cloud platform does not provide the same stability as traditional solution, the network node needs to secure a stable transmission when communicating with the cloud, which causes a lower efficiency for sending data between the cloud and the network node. Furthermore, the data stored in a cloud platform may travel a longer route when being utilized by the network node, than the data stored in a memory of the network node, or in a neighboring network node. Therefore, for a network node, it takes longer time to collect data from a cloud platform than to collect data from its own memory or from a neighboring network node. As a result, the connection speed is further reduced. On the other hand, if the network parameters are all stored in the network node, the amount of data would be a big burden to the network node.

[0007] Thus, a new method is needed that would decrease the time it takes to establish a connection between a UE and a network node.

Summary

[0008] It is an object of the invention to address at least some of the problems and issues outlined above. It is possible to achieve these objects and others by using methods, network nodes and wireless communication devices as defined in the attached independent claims.

[0009] According to one aspect, a method performed by a network node of a wireless communication network is provided, for handling a connection procedure, wherein a first wireless connection is established between the network node and a User Equipment, UE. The method comprises obtaining network parameters of the first wireless connection, then sending, the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE, for storing at the UE. The method further comprises releasing the first wireless connection between the network node and the UE, after the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection have been sent to the UE. The method further comprises initiating an establishment of a second wireless connection, obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE and configuring the second wireless connection based on the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE.

[00010] According to another aspect, a method performed by UE of a wireless communication network is provided for handling a connection procedure. The method comprises receiving network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node. Further, storing the received network parameters of the first wireless connection in the UE and releasing the first wireless connection between the network node and the UE after storing the network parameters of the first wireless connection. Still further, initiating an establishment of a second wireless connection with the network node and sending the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node.

[00011] According to another aspect, a network node operable in a wireless communication network is provided, for handling a connection procedure, wherein a first wireless connection is established between the network node and a User Equipment, UE. The network node comprises a communication unit, a processing circuitry and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processing circuitry. The network node is operative for obtaining network parameters of the first wireless connection. Further, the network node is operative for sending the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE for storing at the UE and releasing the first wireless connection between the network node and the UE, after the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection have been sent to the UE. The network node is further operative for initiating an establishment of a second wireless connection with the UE, obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE and configuring the second wireless connection based on the network parameters of the first wireless connection obtained from the UE.

[00012] According to another aspect, a UE operable in a wireless communication network and configured for communicating wireless signals with a network node of the wireless communication network is provided, for handling a connection procedure, wherein a first wireless connection is established between the network node and the UE. The UE comprising a processing circuitry and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processing circuitry. The UE is operative for receiving network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node, storing the received network parameters of the first wireless connection in the UE. Further, the UE is operative for releasing the first wireless connection between the network node and the UE after storing the network parameters of the first wireless connection, initiating an establishment of a second wireless connection with the network node and sending the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node.

[00013] According to other aspects, computer programs and carriers are also provided, the details of which will be described in the claims and the detailed description.

[00014] Further possible features and benefits of this solution will become apparent from the detailed description below.

Brief Description of Drawings

[00015] The solution will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [00016] Fig. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless communication network in which the embodiments of the present invention may be used.

[00017] Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a method of establishing wireless connection in prior art.

[00018] Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a network node, according to possible embodiments.

[00019] Fig. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a container structure according to possible embodiments.

[00020] Fig. 5 is schematic block diagram of validity area identities according to possible embodiments.

[00021] Fig. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a UE, according to possible embodiments.

[00022] Fig 7 is a state diagram of the UE, according to possible embodiments.

[00023] Fig. 8 and 9 are schematic block diagrams illustrating a method performed by a network node and a UE, according to possible embodiments. Fig.

8 illustrates the first part of the exemplary method and fig. 9 a second part, following the steps of the first part.

[00024] Fig. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a network node in more detail, according to further possible embodiments.

[00025] Fig. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a UE in more detail, according to further possible embodiments.

Detailed Description

[00026] This invention can be utilized in the network shown in fig. 1 . The wireless communication network 100 may be any kind of wireless communication network that can provide radio access to wireless communication devices. Example of such wireless communication networks are Global System for Mobile communication (GSM), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA 2000), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) and Time Division Duplex (TDD), LTE Advanced, Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), WiMAX Advanced, as well as 5G wireless communication networks based on technology such as New Radio (NR), or even future wireless network such as 6G or higher version. However, the embodiments of the following detailed description are described for NR.

[00027] The network node 130 may be any kind of network node that provides wireless access to the number of user equipment 140, 142 alone or in combination with another network node. The network node may also be called radio network node or simply network node in this disclosure. Examples of network node 130 are a base station (BS), a radio BS, a base transceiver station, a BS controller, a network controller, a Node B (NB), an evolved Node B (eNB), a gNodeB (gNB), a Multi-cell/multicast Coordination Entity, a relay node, an access point (AP), a radio AP, a remote radio unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH), nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS) and a multi-standard radio BS (MSR BS).

[00028] The number of user equipment 140, 142 may be any type of device capable of wirelessly communicating with a network node 130 using radio signals. The number of user equipment may also be called wireless communication device, wireless device or simply device in this disclosure. For example, the number of UE 140, 142 may be a machine type UE or a UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, a sensor, a tablet, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a laptop embedded equipped (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) etc.

[00029] Fig. 3, in conjunction with fig. 1 , describes a method performed by a network node 130 of a wireless communication network 100, for handling a connection procedure, wherein a first wireless connection is established between the network node 130 and a User Equipment, UE 140. The method comprises obtaining 202 network parameters of the first wireless connection, then sending 212, the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE 140, for storing at the UE 140. The method further comprises releasing 214 the first wireless connection between the network node 130 and the UE 140, after the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection have been sent to the UE 140. The method further comprises initiating 216 an establishment of a second wireless connection, obtaining 218 the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 and configuring 224 the second wireless connection based on the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140.

[00030] In step 202, the network node 130 obtains network parameters of the first wireless connection. The first wireless connection is established between the network node 130 and the UE 140. The network node 130 obtains the network parameters from other network nodes in the network, especially core network nodes. The network node 130 can also calculate the network parameters based on other parameters, e.g., Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) type, the configuration of operator, etc. The network parameters are relevant for the wireless connection between the network node 130 and the UE 140, e.g., semi- persistent network data related to the wireless connection. Such parameters may be indications of resources that the network node 130 allocates for the wireless connection and that can be used again, i.e., for the next wireless connection. Examples of such network parameters are IDs of radio bearers used for the wireless connection, IDs of radio access bearers, network IP addresses used for the wireless connection, user data, etc. Generally, the network parameters are needed for being able to establish a wireless connection, and they can be obtained from within the network, e.g., from other network nodes. The first wireless connection can be an RRC connection.

[00031] In step 218, the network node 130 obtains the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140. The network parameters of the first wireless connection are sent to the network node 130 by the UE 140. The network node may request the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE and in response to the request, the UE sends the network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node. Alternatively, the UE sends the stored network parameters on its own motion, when initiating establishment of the second connection.

[00032] In step 224, the network node 130 configures the second wireless connection based on the network parameters of the first wireless connection obtained from the UE. Before configuring, a verification can be performed to ensure the integrity of the network parameters of the first wireless connection.

[00033] By such a method, the network parameters of the first wireless connection are reused by establishment of the second wireless connection. The network parameters are sent and stored in the corresponding UE 140, and the network node 130 does not need to obtain new network parameters in the establishment of the second wireless connection but use the network parameters obtained from the UE 140 directly. Thus, the connection time is decreased, and the efficiency of the whole network is improved. Also, especially in a cloud environment, by storing the used network parameters at the UE instead of somewhere in the network, the network node can get access to the first network parameters quicker than if they would have been stored in the cloud.

[00034] According to another embodiment, which is described in fig. 3 and 4, the method further comprises, after the obtaining 202 of the network parameters of the first wireless connection, packaging 210 the network parameters of the first wireless connection in a container 302, Further, said sending 212 of the obtained 202 network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE 140 for storing at the UE 140 further comprising sending the container 302 with the packaged network parameters to the UE 140. Still further, said obtaining 218 of the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 further comprises obtaining the container 302 with the packaged network parameters from the UE 140 and unpackaging the network parameters from the obtained container. A container 302 is a data structure which includes the network parameters and logically isolates the network parameters from other information. Besides the network parameters, if necessary, the container 302 can also include other information which are related to the network parameters. The container 302 includes the network parameters of the first wireless connection that is to be stored at the UE 140. When sending the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE 140, it is the container 302 including the network parameters that is sent to the UE 140. When obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140, it is also the container 302 including the network parameters that is sent to the UE 140 that is sent to the network node 130.

[00035] By this method, the network parameters are protected inside the container and extra information can be added to the container so as to be sent together with the network parameters.

[00036] According to another embodiment, which is described in Fig. 3 and 4, the method further comprises: after obtaining 202 the network parameters of the first wireless connection, dividing 204 the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection into a first part 304 and a second part 306, the first part being parameters that the network node 130 can use for configuring the second wireless connection, the second part being parameters for being used by the UE 140. Further, the configuring 224 of the second wireless connection based on the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection further comprises configuring 224 the second wireless connection based on the first part 304 of the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140.

[00037] The first part 304 is the parameters that the network node 130 can reuse, that are the parameters used for establishing a second wireless connection. This part 304 will be kept as a black box to the UE 140 when sent and stored in the UE 140. The UE does not open or use the first part 304 of the network parameters. The second part 306 is the part that the UE 140 can use. The UE 140 will read and use the second part 306 of the network parameters for itself. When the network node 130 obtains 218 the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 for establishment of a second wireless connection, the network node 130 can obtain both the first part 304 and the second part 306 of the network parameters. [00038] According to another embodiment, as described in fig. 3 and 4, the method further comprises adding 206 validity information 308 for the network parameters to the second part 306 of the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection. Further, the validity information 308 including time validity information or area validity information, the time validity information indicating how long time the network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid, and the area validity information indicating within which geographical area the network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid. Still further, the validity information 308 being used for determining whether the network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid for establishment of the second wireless connection. Alternatively, the validity information 308 includes both time validity information and area validity information. In other words, the second part of the network parameters of the first connection includes validity information 308 of the network parameters. The network node 130 and the UE 140 can use this validity information 308 to check if the received network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid. The geographical area indicated by the area validity information can be e.g., a certain group of cells, the group includes one or more cells.

[00039] According to another embodiment, the method further comprises encrypting 208 the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection after dividing 204 the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection into the first and second parts. Further, the method comprises decrypting and authenticating 220 the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 before configuring 224 the second wireless connection. For example, the encryption can be an authenticated encryption with associated data (AEAD) form and the second part 306 (the part used by UE 140) being the associated data. Other encryption methods are also applicable. The encryption can prevent the network parameters being leaked when transmitting. The decryption is corresponding to the encryption. The authentication is used to make sure that the network node 130 is the correct party to use the network parameters. [00040] According to another embodiment, the area validity information includes a validity area identity. The method further comprises transmitting a validity area identity to the UE 140, so that the UE 140 can determine whether the received network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid in a current area where the UE 140 is currently located, based on the transmitted validity area identity. In a preferred embodiment, the network node 130 broadcasts the validity area identity to all the UEs 140, 142, etc. The validity area identity is an identity, e.g., a number, to indicate valid network parameters in current geographical area. An example is shown in fig. 5, which shows different cells in the network having different validity area identities illustrated with “ld#x”, where x can be any number. The numbers 1-3 are shown here as examples. In some cells of fig 5, the validity area identity 1 is valid. In some cells, the validity area identity 2 is valid. In some cells, identity 3 is valid. The network node 130 will inform the UE 140 of the validity area identity so the UE 140 can determine if the received network parameters are valid. Validity areas can be other geographical areas than cells, such as location or routing areas, larger regions, a group of cells, etc.

[00041 ] According to another embodiment, the method further comprises determining 222 whether the network parameters of the first wireless connection obtained from the UE 140 are valid, based on the network parameter validity information comprised in the second part 306 of the network parameters, after obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140. When the network node 130 obtains the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140, it will extract the validity information 308 in the second part 306, and check if the obtained network parameters from the UE 140 are valid. For example, if the validity information 308 is time validity information, the network node 130 will check if the network parameters have expired. If the validity information 308 is area validity information, the network node 130 will check if the network parameters are valid in the UE's current area. In another embodiment, both time validity information and area validity information are both checked by the network node 130. [00042] According to another embodiment, the method further comprises, when the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 are determined to be invalid, obtaining network parameters of the second wireless connection in real time and configuring the second wireless connection based on the obtained network parameters of the second wireless connection. In other words, if the network parameters of the first wireless connection obtained from the UE 140 are determined to be invalid by the network node 130, the network node 130 will not use the obtained network parameters from the UE 140, but obtain the network parameters in real time by itself again. Furthermore, if the network parameters from the UE 140 are invalid, the network node 130 will perform the traditional procedure: the network parameters of the second wireless connection can be directly collected by the network node 130 from other network nodes in real time, or calculated in real time after collecting.

[00043] Fig. 6 describes a method performed by UE 140 of a wireless communication network 100 for handling a connection procedure. The method comprises receiving 402 network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130. Further, the method comprises storing 404 the received network parameters of the first wireless connection in the UE 140 and releasing 408 the first wireless connection between the network node 130 and the UE 140 after storing the network parameters of the first wireless connection. Still further, the method comprises initiating 410 an establishment of a second wireless connection with the network node 130 and sending 412 the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node 130.

[00044] A first wireless connection is already established between the network node 130 and the UE 140. In step 402, the UE 140 receives the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node in step 212 of Fig. 3.

[00045] In step 404, the received network parameters of the first wireless connection are stored in the UE 140. The storage can be a temporary storage of the UE 140, e.g., RAM, internal storage, SD card, etc. [00046] In step 408, the UE 140 releases the first wireless connection with the network node 130. The releasing can be active, e.g., the UE 140 is powered off, or can be inactive, e.g., the network node 130 initiates a releasing of the first wireless connection.

[00047] By this method, the UE 140 performs as a temporary storage for the network parameters, so that the network node 130 can reuse the network parameters of the first wireless connection in a fast way.

[00048] According to another embodiment, as described in fig.4, receiving 402 of network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 further comprises receiving 402 a container 302 from the network node 130, the network parameters of the first wireless connection being packaged in the container 302. Further, said storing 404 the received network parameters of the first wireless connection in the UE 140 further comprises storing 404 the received container 302 in the UE 140. Further, said sending 412 of the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node 130 further comprises sending 412 the stored container 302 to the network node 130, the network parameters of the first wireless connection being packaged in the container 302.

[00049] According to another embodiment, as described in fig. 7, the UE 140 is in idle or inactive mode before the establishment of the second wireless connection is initiated and after the first wireless connection is released. Further the UE 140 is in connected mode after the second wireless connection has been established. This embodiment is in RRC connection scenario. The wording “released” may signify either the UE going from active or connected mode to idle mode or the UE going from active or connected mode to inactive mode, even though the latter in other documents sometimes is called suspended.

[00050] According to another embodiment, when the UE 140 is transiting from idle mode to connected mode in the first RRC connection, many kinds of network parameters, e.g., NAS authentication parameters, NAS security parameters, etc., are exchanged between the UE and the network node. The network node obtains such network parameters and encrypts them. The encrypted network parameters are sent to the UE for storing. When establishing the second RRC connection, the UE sends stored network parameters to the network node for configuring the second RRC connection. When the second RRC connection is established, the UE transits from idle mode to connected mode. When the UE transits from the inactive mode to the connected mode, a similar procedure is performed.

[00051] According to another embodiment, the received network parameters of the first wireless connection are divided into a first part being parameters that the network node 130 can use for configuring the second wireless connection and a second part being parameters to be used by the UE 140. The method further comprises utilizing 406 a second part of the stored received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 for the UE 140. The second part of the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 is parameters for being used by the UE 140.

[00052] Furthermore, if the second part 306 is encrypted by the network node 130, the second part 306 can be decrypted and authenticated by the UE 140 before being utilized. The first part 304 of the network parameters is a black box to the UE 140. The UE 140 cannot read or utilize the first part 304. In a preferred embodiment, the UE 140 sends both the first part 304 and the second part 306 of the network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node 130 when establishing the second wireless connection. In other words, all the stored network parameters are sent to the network node 140.

[00053] According to another embodiment, the utilizing 406 of a second part of the stored received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 for the UE 140 further comprises checking by the UE, if the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 are valid based on a validity information. The validity information is contained in the second part of the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node. Further, when the received network parameters are checked not to be valid, the UE 140 requires updated network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 or waits for updated network parameters in a next wireless connection. The checking can be performed e.g., when the UE 140 receives the network parameters. When the UE 140 receives the network parameters from the network node 130, the UE 140 checks if the current time is earlier than a time validity information contained in the validity information. The checking can also be performed a certain time after the UE 140 receives the network parameters. In another embodiment, when the UE 140 moves to a new cell, it checks with an area validity information. If the UE 140 determines that the received network parameters are invalid, the UE 140 will require updated network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 or wait for updated network parameters from the network node 130 in a next wireless connection to the network node 130 or from a new network node, if the UE 140 has moved and involved in a connection with a new network node.

[00054] According to another embodiment, the checking of the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 further comprises: receiving a validity area identity from the network node 130, comparing a validity area identity being contained in the stored validity information with the received validity area identity from the network node 130, when the received validity area identity from the network node 130 and the validity area identity being contained in the network parameters of the first wireless connection are the same, the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 are determined to be valid. In an embodiment, when the UE 140 receives the network parameters from the network node 130, it checks if the network parameters expire if time validity information is contained in the validity information 308. In another embodiment, when the UE 140 moves to another cell, the UE 140 checks if the network parameters from the network node 130 are valid, based on the validity area identity contained in the validity information 308. The UE 140 will receive a separate validity area identity from the network node 130, for example 1 , as shown in fig. 5. Then the UE 140 will compare the separate validity area identity from the network node 130, with the validity area identity contained in the received validity information 308, contained in the network parameters of the first wireless connection. If the validity area identity contained in the received validity information 308 is also 1 , the received network parameters are determined to be valid. If the validity area identity contained in the received validity information 308 is 2, which is not the same as the separate validity area identity from the network node, the received network parameters are determined to be invalid.

[00055] According to an embodiment described in fig. 8 and 9, a method performed by the network node 130 (gNB here) and UE 140 is illustrated. The gNB 130 and the UE 140 initiate 8.1 the establishment a first wireless connection. The gNB 130 obtains 8.2 network parameters of the first wireless connection. Then the gNB 130 divides 8.3 the network parameters into two parts, the first part for the second wireless connection, and the second part for the UE 140. Preferably, the second part includes validity information of the network parameters of the first wireless connection. The gNB 130 encrypts 8.4 the divided network parameters, preferably encrypts the divided two parts differently, so that only the second part can be decrypted, read and utilized by the UE 140. The gNB 130 then packages 8.5 the network parameters in a container and sends 8.6 the network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE 140. After receiving the network parameters from the network node 130, the UE 140 stores 8.7 the network parameters. The UE 140 utilizes 8.8 the second part of the network parameters. Preferably, if the second part of the network parameters includes validity information, the UE 140 will check if the received/stored network parameters are valid. Then the first wireless connection between the UE 140 and the network node 130 is released. After that, a second wireless connection is initiated 8.10 by the UE 140 and the gNB 130. The UE 140 sends 8.11 the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the gNB 130. The gNB 130 obtains 8.12 the network parameters from the UE, decrypts 8.13 and authenticates 8.14 them. The network parameters are used to configure 8.15 the second wireless connection so that the second wireless connection can be established. The boxes in fig. 8 and 9 drawn by dashed lines signify optional steps. [00056] Fig. 10 describes a block diagram of a network node 130 operable in a wireless communication network 100, for handling a connection procedure, wherein a first wireless connection is established between the network node 130 and a User Equipment, UE 140. The network node 130 comprises a communication unit 602, a processing circuitry 603 and a memory 604, said memory 604 containing instructions executable by said processing circuitry 603. The network node 130 is operative for obtaining network parameters of the first wireless connection. Further, the network node 130 is operative for sending the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE 140 for storing at the UE 140 and releasing the first wireless connection between the network node 130 and the UE 140, after the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection have been sent to the UE 140. The network node 130 is further operative for initiating an establishment of a second wireless connection with the UE 140, obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 and configuring the second wireless connection based on the network parameters of the first wireless connection obtained from the UE 140.

[00057] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 is further operative for: after obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection, packaging the network parameters of the first wireless connection in a container 302. The sending of the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection to the UE 140 for storing at the UE 140 further comprises sending the container 302 with the packaged network parameters to the UE 140. The obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 further comprises obtaining the container 302 with the packaged network parameters from the UE 140 and unpackaging the network parameters from the obtained container 302.

[00058] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 is further operative for: after obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection, dividing the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection into a first and a second part, the first part being parameters that the network node 130 can use for configuring the second wireless connection, the second part being parameters for being used by the UE 140. The configuring of the second wireless connection based on the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection further comprises configuring the second wireless connection based on the first part of the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140.

[00059] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 is further operative for adding validity information for the network parameters to the second part of the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection. The validity information including time validity information or area validity information, the time validity information indicating how long time the network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid, and the area validity information indicating within which geographical area the network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid. The validity information being used for determining whether the network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid for establishment of the second wireless connection. In another embodiment, the validity information includes both time validity information and area validity information.

[00060] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 is further operative for encrypting the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection after dividing the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection into the first and second parts and decrypting and authenticating the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 before configuring the second wireless connection.

[00061] According to other embodiments, the area validity information includes a validity area identity, the network node 130 is further operative for transmitting a validity area identity to the UE 140, so that the UE 140 can determine whether the received network parameters of the first wireless connection are valid in a current area where the UE 140 is currently located, based on the transmitted validity area identity. In another embodiment, the network node 130 is operative for broadcasting the validity area identity to all the UEs in the cell. [00062] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 is further operative for determining whether the network parameters of the first wireless connection obtained from the UE 140 are valid, based on the network parameter validity information comprised in the second part of the network parameters, after obtaining the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140.

[00063] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 is further operative for, when the obtained network parameters of the first wireless connection from the UE 140 are determined to be invalid, obtaining network parameters of the second wireless connection and configuring the second wireless connection based on the obtained network parameters of the second wireless connection. The network parameters of the second wireless connection can be obtained from the network node 130 itself and/or from other network nodes.

[00064] According to other embodiments, the network node 130 may further comprise a communication unit 602, which may be considered to comprise conventional means for wireless communication with the UE 140, such as a transceiver for wireless transmission and reception of signals. The instructions executable by said processing circuitry 603 may be arranged as a computer program 605 stored e.g. in said memory 604. The processing circuitry 603 and the memory 604 may be arranged in a sub-arrangement 601. The sub-arrangement 601 may be a micro-processor and adequate software and storage therefore, a Programmable Logic Device, PLD, or other electronic component(s)/processing circuit(s) configured to perform the methods mentioned above. The processing circuitry 603 may comprise one or more programmable processor, applicationspecific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these adapted to execute instructions.

[00065] The computer program 605 may be arranged such that when its instructions are run in the processing circuitry, they cause network node 130 to perform the steps described in any of the described embodiments of the network node 130 and its method. The computer program 605 may be carried by a computer program product connectable to the processing circuitry 603. The computer program product may be the memory 604, or at least arranged in the memory. The memory 604 may be realized as for example a RAM (Randomaccess memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable ROM). In some embodiments, a carrier may contain the computer program 605. The carrier may be one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or computer readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be e.g. a CD, DVD or flash memory, from which the program could be downloaded into the memory 604. Alternatively, the computer program may be stored on a server or any other entity to which the network node 130 has access via the communication unit 602. The computer program 605 may then be downloaded from the server into the memory 604.

[00066] Fig. 11 describes a UE 140 operable in a wireless communication network 100 and configured for sending/receiving wireless signals to/from a network node 130 of the wireless communication network 100, for handling a connection procedure, wherein a first wireless connection is established between the network node 130 and the UE 140. The UE 140 comprises a processing circuitry 703 and a memory 704, said memory 704 containing instructions executable by said processing circuitry 703. The UE 140 is operative for receiving network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130, storing the received network parameters of the first wireless connection in the UE 140. Further, the UE 140 is operative for releasing the first wireless connection between the network node 130 and the UE 140 after storing the network parameters of the first wireless connection, initiating an establishment of a second wireless connection with the network node and sending the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node 130.

[00067] According to other embodiments, the UE 140 is further operative for: the receiving of network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 further comprises: receiving a container 302 from the network node 130, the network parameters of the first wireless connection being packaged in the container 302, said storing the received network parameters of the first wireless connection in the UE 140 further comprises storing the received container 302 in the UE 140; said sending of the stored network parameters of the first wireless connection to the network node 130 further comprises sending the stored container 302 to the network node 130, the network parameters of the first wireless connection being packaged in the container 302.

[00068] According to other embodiments, the UE 140 is in idle or inactive mode before the establishment of the second wireless connection is initiated and after the first wireless connection is released, and wherein the UE 140 is in connected mode after the second wireless connection has been established. The wording “released” may signify either the UE going from active or connected mode to idle mode or the UE going from active or connected mode to inactive mode, even though the latter in other documents sometimes is called suspended.

[00069] According to other embodiments, the UE 140 is further operative for utilizing a second part of the stored received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 for the UE 140, wherein the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 comprising a first part and a second part, the second part of the network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 being parameters for being used by the UE 140.

[00070] According to other embodiments, the UE 140 is further operative for checking if the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 are valid based on a validity information, wherein the validity information being contained in the second part of the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130; when not valid, requiring updated network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 or waiting for updated network parameters in a next wireless connection.

[00071] According to other embodiments, the UE 140 is further operative for: the checking of the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 further comprises: receiving a validity area identity from the network node 130, comparing a validity area identity being contained in the validity information with the received validity area identity from the network node 130, if the received validity area identity from the network node 130 and the validity area identity being contained in the network parameters of the first wireless connection are the same, the received network parameters of the first wireless connection from the network node 130 are determined to be valid.

[00072] According to other embodiments, the UE 140 may further comprise a communication unit 702, which may be considered to comprise conventional means for wireless communication with the network node 130, such as a transceiver for wireless transmission and reception of signals. The instructions executable by said processing circuitry 703 may be arranged as a computer program 705 stored e.g. in said memory 704. The processing circuitry 703 and the memory 704 may be arranged in a sub-arrangement 701. The sub-arrangement 701 may be a micro-processor and adequate software and storage therefore, a Programmable Logic Device, PLD, or other electronic component(s)/processing circuit(s) configured to perform the methods mentioned above. The processing circuitry 703 may comprise one or more programmable processor, applicationspecific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these adapted to execute instructions.

[00073] The computer program 705 may be arranged such that when its instructions are run in the processing circuitry, they cause UE 140 to perform the steps described in any of the described embodiments of the wireless device 140 and its method. The computer program 705 may be carried by a computer program product connectable to the processing circuitry 703. The computer program product may be the memory 704, or at least arranged in the memory. The memory 704 may be realized as for example a RAM (Random-access memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory) or an EEPROM (Electrical Erasable Programmable ROM). In some embodiments, a carrier may contain the computer program 705. The carrier may be one of an electronic signal, an optical signal, an electromagnetic signal, a magnetic signal, an electric signal, a radio signal, a microwave signal, or computer readable storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium may be e.g. a CD, DVD or flash memory, from which the program could be downloaded into the memory 704. Alternatively, the computer program may be stored on a server or any other entity to which UE 140 has access via the communication unit 702. The computer program 705 may then be downloaded from the server into the memory 704.

[00074] Although the description above contains a plurality of specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the concept described herein but as merely providing illustrations of some exemplifying embodiments of the described concept. It will be appreciated that the scope of the presently described concept fully encompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilled in the art, and that the scope of the presently described concept is accordingly not to be limited. Reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." Further, the term “a number of’, such as in “a number of wireless devices” signifies one or more devices. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed hereby. Moreover, it is not necessary for an apparatus or method to address each and every problem sought to be solved by the presently described concept, for it to be encompassed hereby. In the exemplary figures, a broken line generally signifies that the feature within the broken line is optional.