A network node configured for operation in a wireless communication network, the network node comprising: a communication interface configured for transmitting downlink signals to wireless devices and receiving uplink signals from wireless devices; and a processing circuit that is operatively associated with the communication interface and, with respect to at least one wireless device, is configured to: select an identifier from among a set or range of identifiers that are reserved according to a controlling standard for use by the network node in identifying any one or more of secondary cell groups, secondary cells, radio bearers and logical channels, which use is referred to as a standard use; the processing circuit characterized in that it is further configured to: assign an alternate use to the selected identifier, wherein the alternate use is known by or signaled to the at least one wireless device; omit the selected identifier from consideration for standard use, for so long as the alternate use is active; use the selected identifier according to the alternate use in one or more communications with the at least one wireless device; and revert from the alternate use to the standard use for the selected identifier. a communication interface configured for transmitting downlink signals to wireless devices and receiving uplink signals from wireless devices; and a processing circuit that is operatively associated with the communication interface and, with respect to at least one wireless device, is configured to: select an identifier from among a set or range of identifiers that are reserved according to a controlling standard for use by the network node in identifying any one or more of secondary cell groups, secondary cells, radio bearers and logical channels, which use is referred to as a standard use; the processing circuit characterized in that it is further configured to: assign an alternate use to the selected identifier, wherein the alternate use is known by or signaled to the at least one wireless device; omit the selected identifier from consideration for standard use, for so long as the alternate use is active; use the selected identifier according to the alternate use in one or more communications with the at least one wireless device; and revert from the alternate use to the standard use for the selected identifier. select an identifier from among a set or range of identifiers that are reserved according to a controlling standard for use by the network node in identifying any one or more of secondary cell groups, secondary cells, radio bearers and logical channels, which use is referred to as a standard use; the processing circuit characterized in that it is further configured to: assign an alternate use to the selected identifier, wherein the alternate use is known by or signaled to the at least one wireless device; omit the selected identifier from consideration for standard use, for so long as the alternate use is active; use the selected identifier according to the alternate use in one or more communications with the at least one wireless device; and revert from the alternate use to the standard use for the selected identifier. assign an alternate use to the selected identifier, wherein the alternate use is known by or signaled to the at least one wireless device; omit the selected identifier from consideration for standard use, for so long as the alternate use is active; use the selected identifier according to the alternate use in one or more communications with the at least one wireless device; and revert from the alternate use to the standard use for the selected identifier.