Patent Publication Number: US-9854624-B2

Title: Apparatus and methods for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel and high speed downlink shared channel

Description:
PRIORITY 
     This application is a continuation, under 35 U.S.C. §120, of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/772,195, which is a U.S. National Stage Filing under 35 U.S.C. §371 of International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/SE2015/050332 filed Mar. 20, 2015, and entitled “Apparatus And Methods For Decoupling An Uplink Enhanced Dedicated Channel And High Speed Downlink Shared Channel” which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/968,845 filed Mar. 21, 2014, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel and a high speed downlink shared channel. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Certain standards provide specifications for cellular telecommunications network technologies, including radio access, the core transport network, and service capabilities. For example, Release 12 of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) provides enhanced support of Heterogeneous Networks for co-channel, dedicated frequency, and multicarrier. One objective is to avoid co-channel interference, for example by specifying solutions to mitigate uplink and downlink imbalance. In view of this, one aspect of the enhanced support is to allow an uplink enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) to be decoupled for Rel-12 terminals. E-DCH decoupling in this context is the decoupling of the serving E-DCH cell and the serving high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) cell from each other. Doing so can improve the performance in the presence of imbalance between the uplink and the downlink, characteristic to the heterogeneous network environment. 
     In the Radio Link resources handling, the E-DCH and the HS-DSCH may be setup, added, and/or reconfigured separately, using Radio Link Setup, Radio Link Addition and/or Radio Link Reconfiguration procedures and associated radio link messages. 
     In the current Node B Application Part (NABP) and the Radio Network Subsystem Application Part (RNSAP) specifications, the establishment of an E-DCH on one or more radio links are supported. The Serving E-DCH Radio Link Information Element, “Serving E-DCH RL IE” may be used for example to indicate the Serving E-DCH RL. 
     However, the existing 3GPP standard (i.e. pre-Release 12 of the 3GPP standard) specifies that, if the serving E-DCH and the serving HS-DSCH are not in the same cell, the node B or the drifting network radio controller (DRNC) should reject the radio link resource handling procedures, and as such do not support a decoupling procedure. 
     For example, the legacy procedures couple the serving E-DCH and HS-DSCH, as shown from the extract below from 3GPP Technical Specification TS 25.433 (pre Release 12), for example the Abnormal Conditions according to section 8.2.17.4 which relate to a Radio Link Setup Request procedure, and which states: 
     If the RADIO LINK SETUP REQUEST message contains the HS-PDSCH RL ID IE and the Serving E-DCH RL IE but the Serving HS-DSCH Radio Link and the Serving E-DCH Radio Link are not configured to be in the same cell then the Node B shall reject the procedure using the RADIO LINK SETUP FAILURE message. 
     Thus, from above it can be seen that the current (Pre Release 12) 3GPP specifications relating to NABP or RNSAP do not permit decoupling, which results in a backwards compatibility problem between a radio network controller (RNC) configured for Release 12 or later, and pre-Release 12 Node Bs and DRNCs. 
     SUMMARY 
     It is an aim of the embodiments of the present disclosure to provide a method and apparatus which obviate or reduce at least one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above. 
     According to a first aspect, there is provided a method in a network node for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The method comprises determining whether a radio link message contains a E-DCH decoupling indication. Where it is determined that the radio link message does not contain an E-DCH decoupling indication, the method comprises controlling a base station node to reject a radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a radio network node for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The radio network node comprises a network interface adapted to interface with a radio network, a memory unit and a processor unit. The processor unit is adapted to run program instructions stored on the memory unit. The processor unit is adapted to determine whether a radio link message received from a radio network controller, RNC, contains an indication that a radio link procedure has the capability of decoupling an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH. Where it is determined that the radio link message does not contain an E-DCH indication, the processor unit is further adapted to reject the radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a radio network controller, RNC, node for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The radio network controller node comprises a network interlace adapted to interlace with a radio network, a memory unit and a processor unit. The processor unit is adapted to run program instructions stored on the memory unit. The processor unit is adapted to determine whether a received radio link message contains a E-DCH decoupling indication, indicating that a base station node supports decoupling of an E-DCH and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. Where it is determined that the E-DCH decoupling indication has not been received, the processor unit is further adapted to control the base station node to reject the radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising the steps of inserting an information element into a radio link message, the information element comprising an indication that an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, may be decoupled from a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. 
     Some embodiments propose solutions to solve the backwards not compatible problem caused by decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) cell and a high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) cell from each other. In one example embodiment, the method may include: 
     Determining whether an RNC has received an indication stating that a Node B or DRNC supports EDCH decoupling; 
     Applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the indication has not been received from the Node B or DRNC; and 
     Not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the indication has been received from the Node B or DRNC. 
     Optionally, the indication from Node B may be set on Cell bases and be included in Audit and Resource Status Indication procedure. 
     Optionally, the indication from Node B may be added to an existing Node B Cell Capability Container, which is sent in AUDIT. 
     In another example embodiment, the method may include: 
     Determining whether an RNC has transmitted a message to the Node B or DRNC indicating that the radio link is setup with decoupled E-DCH and the Node B or DRNC has accepted to support E-DCH decoupling; 
     Applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the RNC has not transmitted the message to the Node B or DRNC indicating that the radio link is setup with decoupled E-DCH and/or the Node B or DRNC has not accepted to support E-DCH decoupling; and 
     Not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that RNC has transmitted the message and the Node B or DRNC has accepted to support E-DCH decoupling. 
     In still another example embodiment, the method may include: 
     Determining whether 1) an RNC has transmitted a message to the Node B or DRNC indicating that the radio link is setup with decoupled E-DCH and 2) the Node B or DRNC has transmitted an indication stating that the Node B or DRNC supports E-DCH decoupling; 
     Applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the RNC has not transmitted the message to the Node B or DRNC and that the Node B or DRNC has not transmitted the message indicating that it supports E-DCH decoupling; and 
     Not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the RNC has transmitted the message to the Node B or DRNC and that the Node B or DRNC has transmitted the message indicating that it supports E-DCH decoupling. 
     Other implementations may include a wireless communication device and/or access node configured to implement the described method, or a wireless communication system in which a wireless communication device and/or access node implement the described method. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, in certain embodiments, decoupling of the serving E-DCH cell and the serving HS-DSCH cell may be allowed for the improved performance in the presence of imbalance between the uplink and the downlink. Accordingly, a technical advantage may be the decoupling of the serving E-DCH cell and the serving HSDSCH cell in heterogeneous network environments. Another technical advantage may be that the Node B or DRNC may not reject a particular radio link procedure even where the HS-DSCH and the E-DCH are not in the same cell. Still another advantage may be that the backwards not compatible problem may be alleviated. Some embodiments may benefit from some, none, or all of these advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present invention and its features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a network; 
         FIG. 2 a    illustrates a method according to an embodiment: 
         FIG. 2 b    illustrates a method according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 2 c    illustrates a method according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 3 a    illustrates a method according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 3 b    illustrates a method according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a method according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating certain embodiments of a radio network node; and 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating certain embodiments of another radio network node. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Particular embodiments are described in  FIGS. 1-6  of the drawings, like numerals being used for like and corresponding parts of the various drawings. 
     A radio network controller may facilitate a communication session for a wireless device in soft handover with an active set of cells. The active set may include a serving cell and one or more non-serving cells.  FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating embodiments of a radio network  100  that includes one or more wireless devices  110 , radio network nodes  115  (for example base station nodes), radio network controller  120 , and core network nodes  130 . A wireless device  110  may communicate with a radio network node  115  over a wireless interface. For example, wireless device  110  may transmit wireless signals to radio network node  115  and/or receive wireless signals from radio network node  115 . The wireless signals may contain voice traffic, data traffic, control signals, and/or any other suitable information. 
     Radio network node  115  may interface with radio network controller  120 , Radio network controller  120  may control radio network node  115  and may provide certain radio resource management functions, mobility management functions, and/or other suitable functions. Radio network controller  120  may interface with core network node  130 . In certain embodiments, radio network controller  120  may interface with core network node  130  via an interconnecting network. The interconnecting network may refer to any interconnecting system capable of transmitting audio, video, signals, data, messages, or any combination of the preceding. The interconnecting network may include all or a portion of a public switched telephone network (PSTN), a public or private data network, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan area network (MAN), a wide area network (WAN), a local, regional, or global communication or computer network such as the Internet, a wireline or wireless network, an enterprise intranet, or any other suitable communication link, including combinations thereof. 
     In some embodiments, core network node  130  may manage the establishment of communication sessions and various other functionality for wireless device  110 . Wireless device  110  may exchange certain signals with core network node  130  using the non-access stratum layer. In non-access stratum signalling, signals between wireless device  110  and core network node  130  may be transparently passed through the radio access network. Example embodiments of a radio network node  115 , and a network node (such as radio network controller  120  or core network node  130 ) are described later with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , respectively. 
       FIG. 2 a    shows a method, according to one embodiment, in a network node for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The method comprises determining whether a radio link message contains a E-DCH decoupling indication, step  201 . Where it is determined that the radio link message does not contain an E-DCH decoupling indication, a base station node is controlled to reject a radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell, step  203 . 
     In one example, where it is determined that the radio link message does contain an E-DCH decoupling indication, a base station node is controlled such that it does not reject a radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     The E-DCH decoupling indication may be provided in an information element, IE, of the radio link message. In one example this may be referred to as an E-DCH Decoupling Indication IE. 
     In one embodiment the E-DCH decoupling indication may be set on a per cell basis. The E-DCH decoupling indication may be included, for example, in an audit and resource status indication procedure, for example as defined in the third generation partnership project, 3GPP, Technical Specification TS 25.433 (e.g. v.12.0.0 or later), sections 8.2.7 and 8.2.15, respectively. In one example the E-DCH decoupling indication may be added to a cell capability container, for example an existing cell capability container. 
     The base station node may comprise, for example, a Node B or a drifting radio network controller, DRNC, node. 
     According to some embodiments a radio link procedure may comprise a radio link setup request procedure, a radio link addition request procedure, a radio link reconfiguration prepare procedure or a radio link reconfiguration request procedure. 
     According to some embodiments a radio link message may comprise a radio link setup request message, a radio link addition request message, a radio link reconfiguration prepare message or a radio link reconfiguration request message. 
     The method may comprises performing abnormal conditions relating to one or more of sections 8.2.17.4 or 8.3.1.4 or 8.3.2.4 or 8.3.5.4 of the third generation partnership project, 3GPP, Technical Specification TS 25.433 version 12.0.0 or later. 
     In one embodiment, at least part of the method may be performed in a network node comprising a radio network controller, RNC, node. In such an embodiment the E-DCH decoupling indication may be received from a base station node, i.e. a base station node which is to be controlled. 
     In one embodiment, at least part of the method may be performed in a network node comprising a base station node, for example a Node B or DRNC. In such an embodiment, the E-DCH decoupling indication may be received from a radio network controller, RNC node. 
     In one example the base station node may perform the step of deciding whether or not to support E-DCH decoupling. The step of deciding whether or not to support E-DCH decoupling may be based on one or more of: whether the base station node is capable of supporting decoupling of an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH; whether the base station node is capable of supporting decoupling of an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH, and if so, whether the base station node wishes to provide decoupling for that particular radio link based on some other criteria; whether the base station node is capable of supporting decoupling of an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH, and if so, whether the base station node has capacity to support E-DCH decoupling. 
       FIG. 2 b    illustrates a method according to another embodiment, for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel (E-DCH) cell and a high speed downlink shared channel (HS-DSCH) cell that solves the backwards not compatible problem. At step  202 , a network node, for example a base station node, such as a Node B or DRNC, indicates to a Radio Network Controller (RNC) that it can handle the E-DCH decoupling. According to this embodiment, the RNC is configured such that it may only setup the decoupled E-DCH towards this type of Node B or DRNC, e.g. towards a base station node which has indicated in this manner that it supports decoupling of the E-DCH. 
     According to one embodiment, an explicit indication is sent from a Node B or DRNC to a RNC to state that it supports the decoupled E-DCH. This indication may be set on a per cell basis, for example whereby each cell reports its capability separately, e.g. on a cell-by-cell basis. The indication may be included in Audit and Resource Status indication procedures in certain embodiments. For example, such an indication may be added to an existing Node B Cell Capability Container, which is sent in AUDIT. At step  204 , it is determined whether the radio link handling message from the Node B indicates that it supports E-DCH decoupling. In particular embodiments, the Abnormal Conditions in specifications relating to the Node B Application Part (NBAP) or the Radio Network Subsystem Application Part (RNSAP) in Radio Link Setup, Radio Link Addition, Radio Link Reconfiguration procedures may be modified to state that, if the Node B does not indicate the E-DCH decoupling, then the existing abnormal condition is valid. 
     Table 1 below is an extract from Technical Specification TS 25.433 (v. 12.0.0), 8.2.17.4 Abnormal Conditions. The text shown in bold demonstrates alternative language according to one embodiment, for realising the procedure described above for  FIG. 2 a    or  2   b : 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Current Text 
                 Modified Text Example 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 8.2.17.4 
                 If the RADIO LINK SETUP 
                 If the Node B does not 
               
               
                 Abnormal 
                 REQUEST message 
                 indicate “E-DCH decoupling 
               
               
                 Conditions 
                 contains the HS-PDSCH 
                 Capable”, and if the RADIO 
               
               
                   
                 RL ID IE and the Serving 
                 LINK SETUP REQUEST 
               
               
                   
                 E-DCH RL IE but the 
                 message contains the HS- 
               
               
                   
                 Serving HS-DSCH Radio 
                 PDSCH RL ID IE and the 
               
               
                   
                 Link and the Serving E- 
                 Serving E-DCH RL IE but the 
               
               
                   
                 DCH Radio Link are not 
                 Serving HS-DSCH Radio Link 
               
               
                   
                 configured to be in the 
                 and the Serving E-DCH Radio 
               
               
                   
                 same cell then the Node B 
                 Link are not configured to be 
               
               
                   
                 shall reject the procedure 
                 in the same cell then the Node 
               
               
                   
                 using the RADIO LINK 
                 B shall reject the procedure 
               
               
                   
                 SETUP FAILURE 
                 using the RADIO LINK SETUP 
               
               
                   
                 message. 
                 FAILURE message. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     As can be seen from TABLE 1, according to pre-Rel 12 abnormal conditions, if a Radio Link Setup Request message contains a High Speed Physical Downlink Shared Channel Radio Link Identifier Information Element (HS-PDSCH RL ID IE) and the serving Enhanced Uplink Dedicated Channel Radio Link Information Element (E-DCH RL IE), but the serving HS-DSCH radio link and the serving E-DCH radio link are not configured to be in the same cell, then the Node B shall reject the procedure using the radio link setup failure message. 
     In this example, a new information element, IE, is introduced, which as mentioned earlier may be referred to as the “E-DCH decoupling capability” information element, which can be set to “E-DCH decoupling Capable” and “E-DCH decoupling Not Capable”. Thus, where an indication has not been received indicating that it supports E-DCH decoupling, the pre-Release 12 Abnormal Conditions may be applied (shown as step  205 ). 
     Conversely, if RNC determines that it has received such a notification from Node B, the pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Conditions are not applied at a step  206 . This embodiment allows the E-DCH decoupling in a very general way. The change allows not only the decoupling for macro and low power node (Macro-LPN) deployment, but also any other legacy deployment, according to certain embodiments. 
       FIG. 2 c    shows a method in a network node according to another embodiment, for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The method comprises determining whether a radio network controller, RNC, has received an indication stating that a base station node supports decoupling an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH, step  208 . Where it is determined that an indication has not been received from the base station, the method comprises applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. applying pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Conditions, step  210 . Where it is determined that an indication has been received from the base station, the method comprises not applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, step  212 . 
     In one example, the indication from the base station node is set on a per cell basis. The indication from the base station may be included in an audit and resource status indication procedure. 
     In one example the indication from the base station may be added to a base station cell capability container, for example an existing cell capability container, which is sent in an audit procedure. 
     According to certain embodiments, the base station node comprises a Node B or a drifting network radio controller, DRNC, node. 
       FIG. 3 a    illustrates an alternative method for decoupling an E-DCH cell and a HS-DSCH cell from each other, in accordance with certain other embodiments. According to the illustrated method, the RNC indicates that the Radio Link is setup with decoupled E-DCH at step  302 . Specifically, in one example the EDCH decoupling indication is sent from the RNC to a base station node, for example a Node B or DRNC, to indicate the E-DCH is decoupled from HS-DSCH. For example, such an indication can be added in the dedicated Radio Link messages (for example Radio Link Setup Request, Radio Link Addition Request, Radio Link Reconfiguration Prepare, Radio Link Reconfiguration Request). 
     For the base station node (e.g. Node B or DRNC) that can support decoupling, and wishes to handle decoupling, the base station node can accept the messages and set up so that the serving E-DCH and the serving HS-DSCH are not necessarily in the same cell. Subsequently, a determination can be made at step  304  that the Node B or DRNC has accepted the message, and that the pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Condition will not be applied at step  306 . As such, when a base station node is capable of supporting decoupling (and wishes to use decoupling for that particular radio link setup, for example based on some form of predetermined criteria), then the base station node may allow the E-DCH and HS-DSCH to be decoupled. 
     In particular embodiments, the Abnormal Conditions in NBAP/RNSAP specifications in Radio Link Setup, Radio Link Addition, Radio Link Reconfiguration procedures may be modified to state if RNC does not indicate E-DCH decoupling, then the existing abnormal condition is valid. Table 2a is an extract from TS 25.433 (v. 12.0.0) 8.2.17.4 Abnormal Conditions and demonstrates proposed alternative language for this type of embodiment: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2a 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Current Text 
                 Modified Text Example 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 8.2.17.4 
                 If the RADIO LINK SETUP 
                 If the RADIO LINK SETUP 
               
               
                 Abnormal 
                 REQUEST message 
                 REQUEST message does not 
               
               
                 Conditions 
                 contains the HS-PDSCH 
                 contain E-DCH decoupling 
               
               
                   
                 RL ID IE and the Serving 
                 Request IE and contains the 
               
               
                   
                 E-DCH RL IE but the 
                 HS-PDSCH RL ID IE and the 
               
               
                   
                 Serving HS-DSCH Radio 
                 Serving E-DCH RL IE but the 
               
               
                   
                 Link and the Serving E- 
                 Serving HS-DSCH Radio Link 
               
               
                   
                 DCH Radio Link are not 
                 and the Serving E-DCH Radio 
               
               
                   
                 configured to be in the 
                 Link are not configured to be 
               
               
                   
                 same cell then the Node B 
                 in the same cell then the Node 
               
               
                   
                 shall reject the procedure  
                 B shall reject the procedure 
               
               
                   
                 using the RADIO LINK 
                 using the RADIO LINK SETUP 
               
               
                   
                 SETUP FAILURE 
                 FAILURE message. 
               
               
                   
                 message. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     In particular embodiments, the Abnormal Conditions in NBAP/RNSAP specification in Radio Link Setup, Radio Link Addition, Radio Link Reconfiguration procedures may be modified to state if RNC does not indicate E-DCH decoupling, then the existing abnormal condition is valid. Table 2b is an extract from TS 25.433 (v. 12.0.0) 8.2.17.4 Abnormal Conditions and demonstrates proposed alternative language for this type of embodiment: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 2b 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Current Text 
                 Modified Text Example 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 8.2.17.4 
                 If the RADIO LINK SETUP 
                 If the RADIO LINK SETUP 
               
               
                 Abnormal 
                 REQUEST message 
                 REQUEST message does not 
               
               
                 Conditions 
                 contains the HS-PDSCH 
                 contain the E-DCH 
               
               
                   
                 RL ID IE and the Serving 
                 Decoupling Indication IE but 
               
               
                   
                 E-DCH RL IE but the 
                 contains the HS-PDSCH RL 
               
               
                   
                 Serving HS-DSCH Radio 
                 ID IE and the Serving E-DCH 
               
               
                   
                 Link and the Serving E- 
                 RL IE, and    the Serving 
               
               
                   
                 DCH Radio Link are not 
                 HS-DSCH Radio Link and the 
               
               
                   
                 configured to be in the 
                 Serving E-DCH Radio Link are 
               
               
                   
                 same cell then the Node B 
                 not configured to be in the 
               
               
                   
                 shall reject the procedure  
                 same cell then the Node B 
               
               
                   
                 using the RADIO LINK 
                 shall reject the procedure 
               
               
                   
                 SETUP FAILURE 
                 using the RADIO LINK SETUP 
               
               
                   
                 message. 
                 FAILURE message. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     This alternative (covered by the examples of Tables 2a and 2b) allows the E-DCH decoupling to be applied on a per user equipment (UE) basis. 
     Furthermore, a base station node (e.g. Node B) may allow/disallow the E-DCH decoupling on a case by case basis (i.e. from one radio link setup to another radio link setup, or from one radio link addition to another, or from one radio link reconfiguration to another), for example based on some predetermined criteria. The criteria may include, for example, a scenario where a base station node has a missing capability, or a resource shortage, or a hardware failure. Other criteria may also be used. 
     Such embodiments provide both flexibility in the radio network controller and in the base station node. For a Node B or DRNC that did not accept the message of step  302  (or does not support decoupling), the abnormal conditions according to the current specification can be applied (i.e. the pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Conditions applied, as shown in step  308 ), and hence the decoupling procedure will be rejected. In particular embodiments, a failure cause can be introduced to the NBAP/RNSAP specification such that when a Node B or DRNC rejects the procedure due to not supporting or not allowing E-DCH decoupling, the cause value is sent to the RNC in the failure message. 
       FIG. 3 b    shows a method in a base station node according to another embodiment, for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The method comprises determining whether a message has been received from a radio network controller, RNC, indicating that a radio link is setup with the capability of decoupling an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH, step  310 . In step  312 , it is decided whether to support E-DCH decoupling. Where it is determined that a message has not been received from the RNC indicating that the radio link is setup with a decoupled E-DCH capability, and/or the base station node has decided not to support E-DCH decoupling, in step  314  the method comprises applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions. Where it is determined that a message has been received from the RNC indicating that the radio link is setup with a decoupled E-DCH capability, and the base station node has decided to support E-DCH decoupling, the method comprises in step  316  not applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions. 
     In one example the step of deciding whether or not to support E-DCH decoupling is based on whether the base station node is capable of supporting decoupling of an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH. In another example, the step of deciding whether or not to support E-DCH decoupling is based on whether the base station node is capable of supporting decoupling of an E-DCH and a HS-DSCH, and if so, whether the base station node wishes to provide decoupling for that particular radio link based on some other criteria. 
     Although  FIGS. 2 a  to 2 c  and 3 a  to 3 b    are described as relating to alternative methods for decoupling an E-DCH cell and a HS-DSCH cell from each other, it is possible to combine the solutions proposed in any of  FIGS. 2 a  to 2 c  and 3 a  to 3 b   . In such an embodiment, an explicit indication may be sent from a Node B or DRNC to a RNC to state that it supports the decoupled E-DCH. Additionally, the E-DCH decoupling indication may be sent from a RNC to a Node B or DRNC to indicate the E-DCH is decoupled from HS-DSCH. 
       FIG. 4  shows an example of a method according to a combined embodiment. In step  401  it is determined whether a Node B indicates E-DCH decoupling capability. If not, the method comprises the step of applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. applying pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Conditions, step  405 . If it is determined in step  401  that the Node B does indicate E-DCH decoupling capability, it is determined in step  403  if the RNC indicates E-DCH decoupling capability. If not, the method comprises the step of applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. applying pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Conditions, step  405 . If it is determined in step  403  that the RNC does indicate E-DCH decoupling capability, the method comprises the step of not applying abnormal conditions relating to pre-release 12 of 3GPP, i.e. not applying pre-Rel 12 Abnormal Conditions, step  407 . It is noted that in the embodiment above, steps  401  and  403  may be performed in any order. 
     In particular embodiments that combine the methods of  FIGS. 2 a  to 2 c  and 3 a  to 3 b   , for example an embodiment that performs the steps of  FIG. 4  above, the Abnormal Conditions in NBAP/RNSAP specification in Radio Link Setup, Radio Link Addition, Radio Link Reconfiguration procedures may be modified to state if the RNC does not indicate E-DCH decoupling or if Node B does not indicate its E-DCH decoupling support, then the existing abnormal condition is valid. Table 3 below is an extract from TS 25.433 (v. 12 •0 •0)/82.17.4 Abnormal Conditions and demonstrates proposed alternative language for such an embodiment: 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
               
               
                   
                 Current Text 
                 Modified Text Example 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                 8.2.17.4 
                 If the RADIO LINK SETUP 
                 If the Node B does not 
               
               
                 Abnormal 
                 REQUEST message 
                 indicate “E-DCH decoupling 
               
               
                 Conditions 
                 contains the HS-PDSCH 
                 Capable”, and if the RADIO 
               
               
                   
                 RL ID IE and the Serving 
                 LINK SETUP REQUEST 
               
               
                   
                 E-DCH RL IE but the 
                 message does not contain E- 
               
               
                   
                 Serving HS-DSCH Radio 
                 DCH decoupling Request IE 
               
               
                   
                 Link and the Serving E- 
                 and contains the HS-PDSCH 
               
               
                   
                 DCH Radio Link are not 
                 RL ID IE and the Serving E- 
               
               
                   
                 configured to be in the 
                 DCH RL IE but the Serving 
               
               
                   
                 same cell then the Node B 
                 HS-DSCH Radio Link and the 
               
               
                   
                 shall reject the procedure  
                 Serving E-DCH Radio Link are 
               
               
                   
                 using the RADIO LINK 
                 not configured to be in the 
               
               
                   
                 SETUP FAILURE 
                 same cell then the Node B 
               
               
                   
                 message. 
                 shall reject the procedure 
               
               
                   
                   
                 using the RADIO LINK SETUP 
               
               
                   
                   
                 FAILURE message. 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     This alternative provides flexibility in a RNC and a Node L or DRNC. 
     Although the examples described in Tables 1, 2a, 2b and 3 are made in the context of Radio Link Setup Request procedures and messages, and the Abnormal Conditions according to section 8.2.17.4 of TS 25.433, v.12.0.0 or later, it is noted that the embodiments may also be applied to the Radio Link Addition Request procedures and message, and the corresponding Abnormal Conditions according to section 8.3.1.4 of TS 25.433, v.12.0.0 or later. In such an example the Abnormal Conditions may be adapted as follows: 
     If the RADIO LINK ADDITION REQUEST message does not contain the E-DCH Decoupling Indication IE but contains the HS-PDSCH RL ID IE [FDD—in the HS-DSCH Serving Cell Change Information IE] and/or Serving E-DCH RL IE, and if both HS-DSCH and E-DCH are configured in the Node B but the Serving HS-DSCH Radio Link and the Serving E-DCH Radio Link are not in the same cell, then the Node B shall reject the procedure using the RADIO LINK ADDITION FAILURE message. 
     It is noted that the embodiments may also be applied to the Radio Link Reconfiguration Prepare procedures and message, and the corresponding Abnormal Conditions according to section 8.3.2.4 of TS 25.433, v.12.0.0 or later. In such an example the Abnormal Conditions may be adapted as follows: 
     If the RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION PREPARE message does not contain the E-DCH Decoupling Indication IE but contains the HS-PDSCH RL ID IE and/or the Serving E-DCH RL IE, and if both HS-DSCH and E-DCH are configured in the new configuration but the Serving HS-DSCH Radio Link and the Serving E-DCH Radio Link are not in the same cell, then the Node B shall reject the procedure using the RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION FAILURE message. 
     It is noted that the embodiments may also be applied to the Radio Link Reconfiguration Request procedures and message, and the corresponding Abnormal Conditions according to section 8.3.5.4 of TS 25.433, v.12.0.0 or later. In such an example the Abnormal Conditions may be adapted as follows: 
     If the RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION REQUEST message does not contain the E-DCH Decoupling Indication IE but contains the HS-PDSCH RL ID IE and/or the Serving E-DCH RL IE, and if both HS-DSCH and E-DCH are configured in the new configuration but the Serving HS-DSCH Radio Link and the Serving E-DCH Radio Link are not in the same cell, then the Node B shall reject the procedure using the RADIO LINK RECONFIGURATION FAILURE message. 
     According to another embodiment, there is provided a method comprising the steps of inserting an information element into a radio link message, the information element comprising an indication that an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, may be decoupled from a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The information element may be inserted in one or more of a radio link setup request message, a radio link addition request message, a radio link reconfiguration prepare message or a radio link reconfiguration request message. 
     As described with respect to  FIG. 1  above, embodiments of network  100  may include one or more wireless devices  110 , and one or more different types of network nodes capable of communicating (directly or indirectly) with wireless devices  110 . Examples of the network nodes include radio network nodes  115 ,  120 , and core network nodes  130 . The network may also include any additional elements suitable to support communication between wireless devices  110  or between a wireless device  110  and another communication device (such as a landline telephone). 
     Wireless device  110 , radio network node  115 , and core network node  130  may use any suitable radio access technology, such as long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, UMTS, HSPA, GSM, cdma2000, WiMax, WiFi, another suitable radio access technology, or any suitable combination of one or more radio access technologies. For purposes of example, various embodiments may be described within the context of certain radio access technologies, such as WCDMA. However, the scope of the disclosure is not limited to the examples and other embodiments could use different radio access technologies. 
     Each of wireless device  110 , radio network node  115 , radio network controller  120 , and core network node  130  may include any suitable combination of hardware and/or software. Examples of particular embodiments of a radio network node  115 , for example a radio base station, and network nodes (such as radio network controller  120  or core network node  130 ) are described with respect to  FIGS. 5 and 6  below, respectively. 
       FIG. 5  is a block diagram illustrating certain embodiments of a radio network node  115 . Examples of radio network node  115  include an eNodeB, a node B, base station node, a wireless access point (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point), a low power node, a base transceiver station (BTS), transmission points, transmission nodes, remote RF unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), a drifting radio network controller (DRNC) etc. Radio network nodes  115  may be deployed throughout network  100  as a homogenous deployment, heterogeneous deployment, or mixed deployment. A homogeneous deployment may generally describe a deployment made up of the same (or similar) type of radio network nodes  115  and/or similar coverage and cell sizes and inter-site distances. A heterogeneous deployment may generally describe deployments using a variety of types of radio network nodes  115  having different cell sizes, transmit powers, capacities, and inter-site distances. For example, a heterogeneous deployment may include a plurality of low-power nodes placed throughout a macro-cell layout. Mixed deployments may include a mix of homogenous portions and heterogeneous portions. 
     Radio network node  115  may include one or more of transceiver  510 , processor  520 , memory  530 , and network interface  540 . In some embodiments, transceiver  510  facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from wireless device  510  (e.g. via an antenna), processor  520  executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionality described above as being provided by a radio network node  115 , memory  530  stores the instructions executed by processor  520 , and network interface  540  communicates signals to backend network components, such as a gateway, switch, router, Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) I core network nodes  130 , radio network controllers  120 , etc. 
     Processor  520  may include any suitable combination of hardware and software implemented in one or more modules to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of radio network node  115 . In some embodiments, processor  520  may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more applications, and/or other logic. 
     Memory  530  is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory  530  include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information. 
     In some embodiments, network interface  540  is communicatively coupled to processor  520  and may refer to any suitable device operable to receive input for radio network node  115 , send output from radio network node  115 , perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. Network interface  540  may include appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network. 
     Other embodiments of radio network node  115  may include additional components beyond those shown in  FIG. 5  that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the radio network node&#39;s functionality, including any of the functionality described above and/or any additional functionality (including any functionality necessary to support the solution described above). The various different types of radio network nodes may include components having the same physical hardware but configured (e.g., via programming) to support different radio access technologies, or may represent partly or entirely different physical components. 
     According to one embodiment there is provided a radio network node  115 , for example a base station or Node B or DRNC, for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The radio network node  115  comprises a network interface  540  adapted to interface with a radio network, a memory unit  530 , and a processor unit  520  adapted to run program instructions stored on the memory unit  530 . The processor unit  520  is adapted to determine whether a radio link message received from a radio network controller, RNC, contains an indication that a radio link procedure has the capability of decoupling are E-DCH and a HS-DSCH. Where it is determined that the radio link message does not contain an E-DCH indication, the processor unit  520  is further adapted to reject the radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     In one example, where it is determined that the radio link message does contain an E-DCH indication, the processor unit  520  may be further adapted to not reject the radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     According to some embodiments a radio link procedure may comprise a radio link setup request procedure, a radio link addition request procedure, a radio link reconfiguration prepare procedure or a radio link reconfiguration request procedure. 
     According to some embodiments a radio link message may comprise a radio link setup request message, a radio link addition request message, a radio link reconfiguration prepare message or a radio link reconfiguration request message. 
       FIG. 6  is a block diagram illustrating certain embodiments of a radio network controller  120  or core network node  130 . Examples of network nodes can include a mobile switching center (MSC), a serving GPRS support node (SGSN), a mobility management entity (MME), a radio network controller (RNC), a base station controller (BSC), and so on. The network node includes processor  620 , memory  630 , and network interface  640 . In some embodiments, processor  620  executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionality described above as being provided by the network node, memory  630  stores the instructions executed by processor  620 , and network interface  640  communicates signals to a suitable node, such as a gateway, switch, router, Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), radio network nodes  115 , radio network controllers  120 , core network nodes  130 , etc. 
     Processor  620  may include any suitable combination of hardware and software implemented in one or more modules to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of the network node. In some embodiments, processor  620  may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more applications, and/or other logic. 
     Memory  630  is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory  630  include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information. 
     In some embodiments, network interface  640  is communicatively coupled to processor  620  and may refer to any suitable device operable to receive input for the network node, send output from the network node, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. Network interface  640  may include appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network. 
     According to one embodiment, there is provided a radio network controller, RNC, node  120  for decoupling an uplink enhanced dedicated channel, E-DCH, and a high speed downlink shared channel, HS-DSCH. The radio network controller node  120  comprises a network interface  640  adapted to interface with a radio network, a memory unit  630 , and a processor unit  620  adapted to run program instructions stored on the memory unit. The processor unit  620  is adapted to determine whether a received radio link message contains a E-DCH decoupling indication, indicating that a base station node supports decoupling of are E-DCH and a high speed downlink shared channel. Where it is determined that the E-DCH decoupling indication has not been received, the processor unit  620  is further adapted to control the base station node to reject the radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     In one example, where it is determined that the E-DCH decoupling indication has been received, the processor unit  620  may be further adapted to control the base station node to not reject the radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     According to some embodiments a radio link procedure may comprise a radio link setup request procedure, a radio link addition request procedure, a radio link reconfiguration prepare procedure or a radio link reconfiguration request procedure. 
     According to some embodiments a radio link message may comprise a radio link setup request message, a radio link addition request message, a radio link reconfiguration prepare message or a radio link reconfiguration request message. 
     Other embodiments of the network node may include additional components beyond those shown in  FIG. 6  that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the network node&#39;s functionality, including any of the functionality described above and/or any additional functionality (including any functionality necessary to support the solution described above). 
     Summary of Example Implementation 
     From the above it can be seen that, in particular example implementations, the proposed solutions may provide methods for decoupling an E-DCH cell and a HS-DSCH cell that solves the backwards not compatible problem. In one example embodiment, the method may include: 
     Determining whether a radio link message contains a E-DCH decoupling indication, and where it is determined that the radio link message does not contain an E-DCH decoupling indication, a base station node is controlled to reject a radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     Where it is determined that the radio link message does contain an E-DCH decoupling indication, a base station node is controlled such that it does not reject a radio link procedure in the event that a serving E-DCH radio link and a serving HS-DSCH radio link are not configured in the same cell. 
     In another embodiment, the method comprises determining whether an RNC has received an indication stating that a Node B or DRNC supports EDCH decoupling; 
     Applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the indication has not been received from the Node B or DRNC; and 
     Not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the indication has been received from the Node B or DRNC. 
     Optionally, the indication from Node B may be set on Cell bases and be included in Audit and Resource Status Indication procedure. 
     Optionally, the indication from Node B may be added to existing Node B Cell Capability Container, which is sent in AUDIT. 
     In another example embodiment, the method may include: 
     Determining whether an RNC has transmitted a message to the Node B or DRNC indicating that the radio link is setup with decoupled E-DCH and the Node B or DRNC has accepted to support E-DCH decoupling; 
     Applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the RNC has not transmitted the message to the Node B or DRNC indicating that the radio link is setup with decoupled E-DCH and/or the Node B or DRNC has not accepted to support E-DCH decoupling; and 
     Not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that RNC has transmitted the message and the Node B or DRNC has accepted to support E-DCH decoupling. 
     In still another example embodiment, the method may include: 
     Determining whether 1) an RNC has transmitted a message to the Node B or DRNC indicating that the radio link is setup with decoupled E-DCH and 2) the Node B or DRNC has transmitted an indication stating that the Node B or DRNC supports E-DCH decoupling; 
     Applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the RNC has not transmitted the message to the Node B or DRNC and that the Node B or DRNC has not transmitted the message indicating that it supports E-DCH decoupling; and 
     Not applying pre Rel-12 Abnormal Conditions, where it is determined that the RNC has transmitted the message to the Node B or DRNC and that the Node B or DRNC has transmitted the message indicating that it supports E-DCH decoupling. 
     Other implementations may include a wireless communication device and/or access node configured to implement the described method, or a wireless communication system in which a wireless communication device and/or access node implement the described method. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure may provide one or more technical advantages. For example, in certain embodiments, decoupling of the serving E-DCH cell and the serving HS-DSCH cell may be allowed for the improved performance in the presence of imbalance between the uplink and the downlink. Accordingly, a technical advantage may be the decoupling of the serving E-DCH cell and the serving HSDSCH cell in heterogeneous network environments. Another technical advantage may be that the Node B or DRNC will not reject the decoupling procedure even where the HS-DSCH and the E-DCH are not the same cell. Still another advantage may be that the backwards not compatible problem may be alleviated. 
     Some embodiments may benefit from some, none, or all of these advantages. Other technical advantages may be readily ascertained by one of ordinary skill in the art. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. Moreover, the operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, operations of the systems and apparatuses may be performed using any suitable logic comprising software, hardware, and/or other logic. As used in this document, “each” refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. 
     Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods disclosed herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. 
     Although this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, alterations and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 
     Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims. 
     Although the embodiments described above are made in the context of Abnormal Conditions for a Radio Link Setup procedure, it is noted that the method may also be used of other radio link procedures, such as radio link addition, radio link reconfiguration, as shown in the examples above. 
     It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.