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

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

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

With the emerging <NUM> technologies, such as new radio (NR), the use of very many transmit- and receive-antenna elements is of great interest as it makes it possible to utilize beamforming, such as transmit-side and receive-side beamforming. Transmit-side beamforming means that the transmitter can amplify the transmitted signals in a selected direction or directions, while suppressing the transmitted signals in other directions. Similarly, on the receive-side, a receiver can amplify signals from a selected direction or directions, while suppressing unwanted signals from other directions.

Next generation systems are expected to support a wide range of use cases with varying requirements ranging from fully mobile devices to stationary internet of things (IoT) or fixed wireless broadband devices. The traffic pattern associated with many use cases may be expected to consist of short or long bursts of data traffic with varying length of waiting period in between, here called inactive state. In NR, both license assisted access and standalone unlicensed operation are to be supported. Hence the procedure of Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmission and/or Scheduling Request (SR) transmission in unlicensed spectrum may be investigated in 3GPP.

Multiple Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), or "Multi-SIM," devices are devices which enable use of multiple subscriptions in one device using more than one Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). Multi-SIM UE's can support concurrent registration to more than one network simultaneously and, e.g., if a UE has two different radios implemented, such as both dual receive (Rx) and dual transmit (Tx) capability, it would be possible for the UE to behave as two separate UEs and communicate with two networks at the same time. There are also dual or multi-SIM capable UEs that only have one single radio front-end and baseband processing.

The ability of a UE to support multiple USIMs (MUSIMs) has become a mainstream feature. For example, a user may have a work SIM, a private SIM, and other SIMs for other purposes, which may be used in one or more UEs. As another example, mobile devices such as, a smartphone, a smartwatch and other wearables, need to have multi-SIM capability to be able to connect to the same mobile number. Multi-SIM capability for voice calls means that a user may be reached at the same mobile number via these devices without connecting via the smartphone.

MUSIM devices, e.g., UEs with more than one receiver (Rx) and/or transmitter (Tx), may simultaneously connect to more than one network such as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Factors such as, e.g., different possible network configurations and a changing demand for diverse types of operations, e.g., multi-carrier, can affect the complexity of such frameworks. For example, for UEs with dual Rx and dual Tx radios, certain services on one network may require both radios to satisfy quality of service (QoS) requirements, leaving no resources for another network.

Despite the growing interest in multi-SIM devices, it generally remains challenging to manage simultaneous communication of a wireless device, such as a UE, with more than one network. For example, decisions may need to be made regarding what communication(s) to prioritize. In some cases, a network may, e.g., continue scheduling data to a UE that is no longer able to receive data, which in turn deteriorates network performance. Also, certain services may require, e.g., both radios of a dual radio UE, leaving no resources for communications with another network. Document <CIT> describes different embodiments directed to multiple subscriber identity modules operation in a UE in communication with a network. In an example of this document, solving the capability change that can result from operation of multiSIM with more than one SIM in connected mode is obtained with UE partitioning it's capabilities across all the SIMS it can support simultaneously and reporting this capability for each of the SIMS. This option avoid the dynamic update/reduction of capabilities. In another alternative, the UE can report a set of "delta" configuration to the semi-static capability it reported earlier to the network instead of reporting a reduction from the original capability. The "delta" can be reported any time there is change in configuration on any network the UE is in connected mode with, that resulted in a change in the set of capabilities the UE reports. We can have the delta configuration reported in the UE assistance RRC message or a new RRC message can be used. Document <CIT> decribes a method where the UE provides assistance information to LTE and NR networks in a multi radio access technology with dual connectivity. Document <CIT> describes method for facilitating paging of a multi-SIM UE.

An object herein is to provide improved handling of operation of a multi-SIM UE. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure provide a way for a UE to signal its capability to network(s), in a manner that does not require any specification changes. Thus, the UE signals or provides its full capability to one or more networks to which the UE is registered. To indicate changes in the UE capability, which may require resource reduction, e.g., release of one or more carrier frequencies, an indication is provided to one or more networks with which the UE communicates, and which were previously informed of the full UE capability. The indication may be in the form of, e.g., a so-called MUSIM-related assistance information. With the MUSIM assistance information, a network gets a better understanding of the UE status, e.g., the network understands that the required resource reduction provided by the UE is caused by multiple SIM usage/connectivity and can thus adapt/optimize the radio resource configuration for the UE. In some embodiments, the UE assistance information can be provided using an existing In-Device Coexistence (IDC) Assistance Information, which can be reused, along with an additional indication on multiple SIM usage/connectivity. For example, the additional indication in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided, from the UE to the network, that a (previous) IDC Assistance Information message is signalled because the UE is connected to multiple networks and has simultaneous communication issues.

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by providing a method performed by a UE having multiple SIMs, for simultaneous communication with two or more wireless communications networks. The method comprises:.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the object is achieved by providing a method performed by a first network node associated with a wireless communications network. The method comprises:
receiving, from a UE, information on a full capability of the UE (<NUM>), wherein the UE has at least two SIMs and is simultaneously registered with the wireless communications network and at least a second wireless communications network;.

It is furthermore provided herein a computer program product comprising instructions, which, when executed on at least one processor of a user equipment, UE, or of a first network node, cause the UE to carry out any of the methods herein, as performed by the UE and the first network node, respectively. It is additionally provided herein a computer-readable storage medium, having stored thereon a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, of a user equipment, UE, or of a first network node, cause the UE or the first network node to carry out any of the methods herein, as performed by the UE and the first network node, respectively.

The object is further achieved by providing a UE and a first network node configured to perform the methods herein, respectively.

Thus, it is herein provided a UE having multiple SIMs for simultaneous communication with two or more wireless communications networks. The UE is configured to provide, to a first network node associated with a first wireless communications network associated with a first SIM, information on full capability of the UE, wherein the UE is registered with the first wireless communications network. The UE is further configured to provide, to a second network node associated with a second wireless communications network associated with a second SIM, the information on the full capability of the UE, wherein the UE is registered with the second wireless communications network such that the UE is simultaneously registered with the first wireless communications network and the second wireless communications network. The UE is further configured to split the full capability among the first and second SIMs into a first reduced capability and a second reduced capability; and then to provide a first indication of the first reduced capability to the first network node; and/or to provide a second indication of the second reduced capability to the second network node wherein at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and/or the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in an In-Device-Coexistence, IDC, assistance information in combination with a multiple SIM indication, and wherein at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability comprises an indication of one or more carrier frequencies that are not to be used as compared to carrier frequencies in the full capacity.

It is furthermore provided herein a first network node associated with a first wireless communications network. The first network node is configured to receive from a UE, information on a full capability of the UE, wherein the UE has at least two SIMs, and is simultaneously registered with the first wireless communications network and at least a second wireless communications network. The first network node is further configured to receive, from the UE, a first indication of a first reduced capability of the UE indicating a split of the full capability of the UE among the at least two SIMs; wherein the first indication of the first reduced capability is received in an In-Device-Coexistence, IDC, assistance information in combination with a multiple SIM indication, and wherein the first indication of the first reduced capability comprises an indication of one or more carrier frequencies that are not to be used as compared to carrier frequencies in the full capacity and to provide, to the UE, a reconfiguration instruction, in response to the received first indication of the first reduced capability of the UE.

Embodiments herein allow allocation of resources for communication between UE and multiple wireless communications networks in a more efficient, dynamic manner. Before a reduced capability is to be reported with a respective indication, the UE reports its full capability to respective network node, such that no changes to Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol specification are needed. Also, granularity is improved for cases in which the UE needs to free up specific radio frequency (RF) chains for multi-SIM purposes. Thus, embodiments herein enable communication of multi-SIM UEs in an efficient manner in a wireless communications network, and thereby improve the overall performance of the wireless communications network and/or improve user experience.

The embodiments of <FIG> are not covered by the claimed invention.

Embodiments herein relate to wireless communications networks in general. <FIG> is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communications network <NUM>. The wireless communications network <NUM> comprises one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communications network <NUM> may use one or a number of different technologies. Embodiments herein relate to recent technology trends that are of particular interest in a New Radio (NR) context, however, embodiments are also applicable in further developments of existing wireless communications systems such as e.g. LTE or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA).

In the wireless communications network <NUM>, a user equipment (UE) <NUM>, such as a mobile station, a wireless device, a non-access point (non-AP) STA, a STA, and/or a wireless terminal, is communicating via e.g. one or more Access Networks (AN), e.g. RAN, to one or more core networks (CN). It should be understood by the skilled in the art that "UE" is a non-limiting term which means any terminal, wireless communications terminal or device, user equipment, NB-IoT device, Machine Type Communication (MTC) device, Device to Device (D2D) terminal, or node, e.g. smart phone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablets or even a small base station capable of communicating using radio communication with a radio network node within an area served by the radio network node.

The wireless communications network <NUM> comprises one or more first network nodes.

The wireless communications network <NUM> comprises a first network node <NUM>, e.g., an access node, an access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a gNodeB (gNB), an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a NodeB, a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), MME, AMF, a stand-alone access point, or any other network unit or node capable of communicating with a wireless device within a service area <NUM> served by the radio network node depending e.g., on a radio access technology and terminology used. The service area <NUM> may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group of a first radio access technology (RAT), such as <NUM>, LTE, Wi-Fi, or similar. The first network node <NUM> may be associated with and provide radio communication in a first wireless communications network <NUM>, such as, e.g., a first Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or a first Non-Public Network (NPN). In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network <NUM> may be implemented as a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

The wireless communications network <NUM> comprises a second network node <NUM>, e.g., an access node, an access controller, a base station, e.g. a radio base station such as a gNodeB (gNB), an evolved Node B (eNB, eNode B), a NodeB, a base transceiver station, a radio remote unit, an Access Point Base Station, a base station router, a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) access point or an Access Point Station (AP STA), MME, AMF, a stand-alone access point, or any other network unit or node capable of communicating with a wireless device within a service area <NUM> served by the radio network node depending e.g., on a radio access technology and terminology used. The service area <NUM> may also be referred to as a beam or a beam group of a first radio access technology (RAT), such as <NUM>, LTE, Wi-Fi, or similar. The second network node <NUM> may be associated with and provide radio communication in a second wireless communications network <NUM>, such as, e.g., a second PLMN or a second NPN. In some embodiments, the second wireless communications network <NUM> may be implemented as a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to multi-SIM, or MUSIM, devices that can enable users to be registered to multiple networks, such as PLMNs, NPNs, or a combination thereof. For instance, UEs equipped with dual radio capabilities might enable simultaneous connection to two networks, i.e., can support RRC Connected mode in both networks, without a need to interrupt the service of the other.

As shown in <FIG>, the UE <NUM> is a multi-SIM UE and it may have a first SIM, shown as SIM1, and a second SIM, shown as SIM2, though it should be appreciated that the UE <NUM> may have more than two SIMs. In the illustrated embodiment, the first wireless communications network <NUM>, such as the first PLMN or NPN, is associated with the first SIM of the UE <NUM>, and the second wireless communications network <NUM>, such as the second PLMN or NPN, is associated with the second SIM of the wireless communication device.

The UE <NUM> is registered with both the first and second wireless communications networks <NUM>, <NUM>, which may be respective PLMNs, NPNs, or a combination of PLMN(s) and NPN(s). As used herein, a PLMN is defined as a wireless communications network that provides a combination of wireless communication services offered by an operator. As used herein, an NPN is defined as a private network that is deployed for private use by an entity such as a government or company. In some embodiments, when the UE <NUM> has multiple SIMs, the different SIMs are associated with different PLMNs or NPNs. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> may have more than one SIM which is associated with the same PLMN or NPN, e.g., the UE <NUM> may have two SIMs from the same operator.

Some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in connection with the RRC protocol.

The present disclosure may be implemented in a cloud environment.

The UE <NUM> may have more than one radio, such as, e.g., both dual receive (Rx) and dual transmit (Tx) capability. The radios may support RRC Connected mode in a network, e.g., one of the first and second wireless communications networks <NUM>, <NUM>, without interrupting service of the other network, e.g., the other one of the first and second wireless communications networks <NUM>, <NUM>.

The number of Rx/Tx radio chains may play a role on how multi-SIM UEs are managed. Furthermore, different possible network configurations and a changing demand for diverse types of operations, e.g., multi-carrier, may affect the complexity of handling communications of multi-SIM UEs UE with multiple networks. Indeed, for UEs with, e.g., dual Rx and dual Tx radios, certain services might require both radios to satisfy quality of service (QoS) requirements, leaving no resources for another network. Properly and timely informing the networks of current capabilities of registered multi-SIM UEs would allow efficient management of resources. Moreover, effectively signalling UE capabilities is also paramount for other radio access scenarios. In this regard, dual radio UEs are not limited to MUSIM applications, and they can exploit advantages offered by dual connectivity (DC), e.g. (NG)EN-DC cases, or carrier aggregation features.

However, given the complexity and pressure that dynamic UE signalling would put on the wireless communications network, it may not be feasible or desired to have devices signalling capabilities in a fully dynamic way while in RRC_CONNECTED mode. In this regard, current RRC protocol specification allows the wireless communications network to retrieve the UE capabilities before establishing a connection. However, currently it is the UE implementation that defines how and what capabilities to signal in case of connection to more than one wireless communications network.

The PCT/IB2020/<NUM> (<CIT>), approaches are proposed to tackle issues regarding simultaneous communication to multiple networks.

According to embodiments herein it is provided an improved way for a UE, such as a multi-SIM enabled UE, to inform network(s) of the UE capabilities. In particular, when a UE is registered to multiple wireless communications networks, the UE <NUM> indicates full capabilities to all of the wireless communications networks. In some embodiments, in case of simultaneous communication issues, the UE indicates, using the IDC assistance information, a list of carrier frequencies and/or carrier frequency combinations that need to be released. A new indication is introduced, from the UE <NUM> to the network, that the (previous) IDC assistance information message is signaled because the UE is connected to multiple networks and has simultaneous communication issues.

Alternatively, in some embodiments, the UE <NUM> indicates the list of carrier frequencies and/or carrier frequency combinations that need to be released as part of new MUSIM related assistance information. For example, in some embodiments, an indication for MUSIM operation is provided in a new information element (IE) within the UE assistance information, and this indication may be associated with the IDC assistance information.

In some embodiments, a UE has two SIMs, but it should be appreciated that embodiments of the present disclosure also apply to scenarios with more than two SIMs, and the person skilled in the art will appreciate how the methods described herein would be performed in scenarios with more than two SIMs. As used herein, Multi-SIM may also refer to multi-USIM (MUSIM), and SIM may also refer to USIM.

In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> may have multiple SIMs. In some embodiments, different multiple SIMs are associated with different wireless communications networks, where a wireless communications network may be a PLMN or a NPN. In some embodiments, it is also possible that the UE <NUM> has more than one SIM which is associated with the same wireless communications network, e.g. the UE <NUM> has two SIMs from the same operator. In some embodiments, multiple SIMs are associated to different wireless communications networks, and the methods described herein may also be applied to the scenarios where multiple SIMs are associated with the same wireless communications network.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that, even though PLMNs are described as examples of wireless communications networks with which the UE <NUM> communicates, without loss of generality, embodiments herein apply to any kind of wireless communications networks, including NPNs.

In some embodiments, UE capabilities are handled more efficiently in multi-SIM scenarios. Example capabilities which may be affected may comprise and/or relate to, e.g., a number of radio frontends, number of carriers, bandwidth, buffer sizes/memories, soft-buffer sizes/memories, processing capacity, number of PDN connections/PDU sessions, number and/or types of bearers/flows, Dual/Multi-Connectivity and/or Carrier Aggregation (CA) capabilities. The CA capabilities and other capabilities may be same or different for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) communications, respectively.

In some embodiments, a multi-SIM UE, such as the UE <NUM>, is involved in simultaneous activity/communication with two (or more) wireless communications networks at the same time. For example, the UE <NUM> may be in an RRC_CONNECTED mode with both wireless communications networks and, e.g., engage in Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) voice communication through one wireless communications network, e.g. a PLMN, while having data transfer in the other wireless communications network. This is possible if a UE is equipped with enough Rx and Tx resources, (<NUM> Rx/<NUM> Tx), but sometimes, in particular for multi-carrier operation (e.g., Dual-Connectivity and Carrier Aggregation configurations), even a single wireless communications network may configure UEs to utilize two Rx and two Tx chains. If a multi-SIM UE is registered with two wireless communications networks at the same time, it may not always be advantageous to allow for such multi-carrier operation. Despite the focus on simultaneous communication with two (or more) wireless communications networks at the same time, the solutions described below are also applicable to the cases when the UE is in an RRC_CONNECTED mode in one wireless communications network while in an RRC_IDLE/RRC_INACTIVE mode in another wireless communications network. For example, while in the RRC_CONNECTED mode in one wireless communications network, the UE <NUM> may still be active in another wireless communications network and may need one of its Rx/Tx chains to monitor paging occasions in the other wireless communications network. Hence, while the UE <NUM> is performing activities in the RRC_IDLE/RRC_INACTIVE mode in another wireless communications network, the UE <NUM> may provide IDC assistance information and/or MUSIM related assistance information to the wireless communications network where it is in the RRC_CONNECTED mode, to assist the wireless communications network on providing a reduced UE configuration.

In general, when the UE <NUM> is registered with network A only, the UE <NUM> may provide its capability information to network A, which corresponds to a situation when the UE <NUM> is only using one of the SIMs. This means that it corresponds to a single-SIM UE and all capabilities that are available in the UE <NUM>, e.g., frequencies, carrier combinations, features, processing, etc., are available for use with network A.

According to aspects of the present disclosure, a multi-SIM capable UE can communicate with two different wireless communications networks simultaneously. Thus, for example, when the UE <NUM> is registered with PLMN1 and PLMN2, or other types of wireless communications networks, at the same time, the UE <NUM> will, as in the case when the UE <NUM> is registered with one wireless communications network only, provide full capabilities to network A and network B, but an updated IDC assistance information or MUSIM assistance information sent to network A takes into consideration that network B may also require resources, e.g., for processing, carrier aggregation, or other features, for situations when simultaneous communication with network A and network B is necessary and/or desired and reduces the UE capabilities for each network. For example, a multi-carrier-capable UE that is registered with two different wireless communications networks and where communication may occur simultaneously with both wireless communications networks, may indicate in the IDC assistance information that specific frequencies or frequency combinations cannot be used due to MUSIM usage. This is to avoid a situation when one of the networks may configure the UE such that not enough radio capability in the UE is left for communication with the other wireless communications network.

<FIG> illustrates an example of communication between a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, and first and second network nodes, such as the first and second network nodes <NUM>, <NUM>, associated with respective different networks, e.g., first and second wireless communications networks <NUM>, <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. <FIG> and <FIG>, described below, show the methods performed by the UE <NUM> and the first network node, separately. Optional actions in <FIG> are shown using a dashed line. It should be appreciated that the actions of <FIG> may be performed in any suitable order.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may obtain configurations of services for the first and second wireless communications networks. The UE <NUM> optionally obtains configuration(s) (e.g., from an associated user) of particular service(s) to be used for particular networks, such as PLMN(s) or NPN(s). For example, the UE <NUM> may be configured such that the first wireless communications network is required or preferred to voice service(s) and the second wireless communications network is required or preferred for another service(s), such as e.g., data service(s).

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may register with the first wireless communications network.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may register with the second wireless communications network. In the claimed invention, the UE <NUM> is simultaneously registered with the first and second wireless communications networks. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network and the second wireless communications network are different networks. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network and the second wireless communications network are the same network.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is a first PLMN, or a first NPN, and the second wireless communications network is a second PLMN or a second NPN. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first and second wireless communications networks may both be PLMNs or NPNs. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is a PLMN and the second wireless communications network is an NPN. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is an NPN and the second wireless communications network is an PLMN. In some embodiments, one or both the first and second wireless communications networks are a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> provides to the first network node <NUM>, associated with the first wireless communications network associated with the first SIM, information on the full capability of the UE <NUM>.

The information on the full capability may comprise information on one or more out of: a) a number of carriers supported by the UE; b) one or more carrier combinations supported by the UE; c) one or more processing capabilities of the UE; d) one or more features supported by the UE; e) a number of radio frontends that the UE has; f) a bandwidth supported by the UE; g) a buffer or memory size supported by the UE; h) a number of PDN connections or PDU connections supported by the UE; i) one or more carrier aggregation related capabilities of the UE; and j) one or more dual connectivity related capabilities of the UE. The information on the full capability of the UE <NUM> may include any suitable information.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> provides to the second network node <NUM>, associated with the second wireless communications network associated with the second SIM, information on the full capability of the UE <NUM>.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> splits its full capability among the first and second SIMs. The UE <NUM> splits the full capability among the first and second SIMs into a first reduced capability and a second reduced capability, which may be, e.g., in response to a certain event. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> splits its capability based on a configuration of the UE <NUM>. For example, the UE <NUM> may be configured, e.g. by an end user, such that data traffic is preferred and/or allowed to be communicated over one SIM, while voice is preferred and/or allowed to be communicated over another SIM. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> splits its capability randomly.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> provides a first indication of the first reduced capability of the UE to the first network node. The first indication of the first reduced capability is provided in an In-Device-Coexistence (IDC) assistance information. In some embodiments, the first indication of the first reduced capability is provided in the form of a MUSIM assistance information.

Action <NUM>. In response to receiving, from the UE <NUM>, the information on, i.e., the received first indication of, the first reduced capability of the UE, the first network node <NUM> provides a first (re)configuration instruction to the UE. The first reconfiguration instruction may be, e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message. The UE <NUM> may thus receive the first (re)configuration instruction from the first network node <NUM>, as also shown in <FIG> discussed below.

The first network node <NUM> node may provide the first (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM> in response to an event, e.g., an incoming video call or another event such as active data communication. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first network node <NUM> provides the (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM> in response to the received information on, i.e. the received first indication of, the first reduced capability of the UE <NUM> and additionally in response to an event.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may then configure or reconfigure at least one RRC resource for communications with the first network node <NUM> associated with the first wireless communications network, based on the received (re)configuration instruction. The UE <NUM> may configure its RRC resources in accordance with the received reconfiguration instruction, such as, e.g., the RRC reconfiguration message. In some cases, the UE <NUM> may (re)configure at least one RRC resource when the UE <NUM> becomes active, e.g., when voice and/or data communication is to take place.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> alternatively or additionally, provides a second indication of the second reduced capability of the UE to the second network node <NUM>. The second indication may be provided in an IDC assistance information, as a MUSIM assistance information, or as a combination thereof.

At least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in the IDC assistance information in combination with a MUSIM indication.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability comprises a MUSIM assistance information.

Action <NUM>. In response to receiving, from the UE <NUM>, the information on, i.e., the received second indication of, the second reduced capability of the UE, the second network node <NUM> may provide a second (re)configuration instruction to the UE. The second reconfiguration instruction may be, e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message. The UE <NUM> may thus receive the second (re)configuration instruction from the second network node <NUM>, as also shown in <FIG> discussed below.

In some embodiments, the second network node <NUM> may provide the second (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM> in response to an event, e.g., an incoming video call or another event such as, e.g., active data communication. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the second network node <NUM> provides the second (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM> in response to the received information on, i.e., the received second indication of, the second reduced capability of the UE <NUM> and additionally in response to an event.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may (re)configure at least one RRC resource for communications with the second network node <NUM> associated with the second wireless communications network, based on the received second (re)configuration instruction. The UE <NUM> may configure its RRC resources in accordance with the received reconfiguration instruction, such as, e.g., the RRC reconfiguration message.

In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> provides its reduced capabilities to one or more networks dynamically, as conditions on the network(s), UE requirements, service requirements, and/or other factors change.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a method performed by a multi-SIM enabled UE, such as the UE <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The UE <NUM> has the first and second SIMs, as in the example of <FIG>. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> has multiple SIMs, e.g., three, four, five, six, or more than six SIMs.

Optional actions are shown using a dashed line.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may register with a first wireless communications network, e.g., first wireless communications network <NUM> of <FIG>.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may register with a second wireless communications network, e.g., second wireless communications network <NUM> of <FIG>. In the claimed invention, the UE <NUM> is simultaneously registered with the first and second wireless communications networks. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network and the second wireless communications network are different networks. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network and the second wireless communications network are the same network.

In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is a first PLMN or a first NPN, and the second wireless communications network is a second PLMN or a second NPN. In some embodiments, the first and second wireless communications networks may both be PLMNs or NPNs. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is a PLMN and the second wireless communications network is an NPN. In some embodiments, the first wireless communications network is an NPN and the second wireless communications network is an PLMN. In some embodiments, one or both the first and second wireless communications networks are a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

As used herein, the UE <NUM> is registered with a wireless communications network, such as with a PLMN or an NPN, means that the UE <NUM> receives and/or transmits signals with that wireless communications network when in a connected mode. The UE <NUM> may also be registered with the wireless communications network when in idle mode, in which case the UE <NUM> is at least ready to receive some signals (e.g., paging signals) from that wireless communications network.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> provides to the first network node <NUM>, associated with the first wireless communications network associated with the first SIM, information on the full capability of UE.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> provides to the second network node <NUM>, associated with the second wireless communications network associated with the second SIM, information on the full capability of UE. In this way, no changes to reporting capability of the UE <NUM> are required in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, as the UE <NUM> may report its full capability to all wireless communications networks with which the UE <NUM> is registered.

In some embodiments, this action may be optional, e.g., when the UE <NUM> is connected only to the first wireless communications network.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> splits the full capability among the first and second SIMs. The UE <NUM> splits the full capability among the first and second SIMs into a first reduced capability and a second reduced capability. The UE <NUM> may split the full capability in response to an event. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> splits its full capability randomly.

The UE <NUM> may be configured such that certain type of traffic is preferred/allowed to be communicated over one or more SIMs, and another type of traffic is preferred/allowed to be communicated over one or more other SIMs. For example, the UE <NUM> may be configured, e.g., by an end user, such that data traffic is preferred and/or allowed to be communicated over one SIM, while voice is preferred and/or allowed to be communicated over another SIM. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> may consider the expected services its SIMs are configured to use, when indicating, e.g., splitting, capabilities for the SIMs. For example, the UE <NUM> may split its full capabilities such that the SIM that is expected to serve the voice traffic may use only one frequency/carrier, while all the other frequencies/carriers (or frequency combinations) should serve the data traffic. Thus, more resources may be used for the data-SIM and hence high throughputs can be achieved for data communication, while, for the voice-SIM, a single carrier operation is used, which may likely be sufficient for voice communication.

In embodiments herein, the UE <NUM> may be simultaneously communicating with the first and second wireless communications networks, or with more than two wireless communications networks. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the UE <NUM> is in an RRC_CONNECTED mode in one wireless communications network, e.g., in one of the first and second wireless communications networks, while the UE <NUM> is in an RRC_IDLE/RRC_INACTIVE mode in another wireless communications network, e.g., in another one of the first and second wireless communications networks. For example, while in the RRC_CONNECTED mode in one network, the UE <NUM> may still be active in another wireless communications network and needs one of its Rx/Tx chains to monitor paging occasions in the other wireless communications network. Thus, while the UE <NUM> is performing activities in the RRC_IDLE/RRC_INACTIVE mode in another wireless communications network, the UE <NUM> may provide IDC assistance information and/or MUSIM related assistance information to the wireless communications network where it is in the RRC_CONNECTED mode, to assist the wireless communications network with providing a reduced UE configuration.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> provides the first indication of the first reduced capability of the UE to the first network node. The first indication of the first reduced capability includes one or more carrier frequencies, e.g., a list of carrier frequencies and/or carrier frequency combinations, that are not to be used as compared to carrier frequencies in the full capacity of the UE <NUM>.

For example, if the UE <NUM> is only monitoring paging, it may only be configured for one carrier frequency. Thus, no immediate reconfiguration may be necessary. However, as soon the UE <NUM> starts any active data communication, where higher data rates can be achieved via, e.g., carrier aggregation, this will be configured via the RRC reconfiguration message, but the carrier frequencies indicated in the (first) reduced capability will not be included/configured for carrier aggregation.

In some embodiments, the first indication of the first reduced capability may be used for a current configuration of the UE <NUM>, which may need to be changed by releasing one or more carrier frequencies.

In some embodiments, the first indication of the first reduced capability may be used for future UE configurations, which may avoid the use of the carrier frequencies indicated in the reduced capability.

In the claimed invention, the first indication of the first reduced capability is provided in an IDC assistance information. For example, existing IDC assistance information is extended with MUSIM information. In some embodiments, the first indication of the (first) reduced capability may be added directly to the existing IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, additionally, an indication indicating a direction of IDC interference may be added to the IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, the first indication of the first reduced capability may include an indication that the required capability limitations are caused by a multi-SIM operation.

In some embodiments, the first indication of the first reduced capability is provided in the form of a MUSIM assistance information. For example, the first indication for MUSIM operation may be provided in a new IE within the UE assistance information. This first indication may be then associated with the IDC assistance information. Thus, in some embodiments, the MUSIM assistance information is separated from the IDC assistance information and the IDC assistance information is not modified due to MUSIM.

In the claimed invention, the first indication of the first reduced capability is provided as a combination of the IDC and MUSIM assistance information.

For example, continuing with the example described in connection with the Action <NUM>, above, if the first SIM is expected to serve data traffic, the IDC assistance information or the MUSIM assistance information may indicate only one frequency/carrier. If, however the first SIM is expected to serve voice traffic, the IDC assistance information or the MUSIM assistance information may indicate all frequencies/frequency combinations except that one frequency which is to serve the voice traffic. Thus, the UE <NUM> may provide a first indication of its (reduced) capabilities which indicates which resources, such as, e.g., frequency/carrier or frequency/carrier combination(s), are available for use.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may receive a first (re)configuration instruction from the first network node <NUM>, in response to the first indication of the first reduced capability provided to the first network node <NUM>. The first reconfiguration instruction may be, e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may configure at least one RRC resource based on the received reconfiguration instruction. The UE <NUM> may (re)configure its RRC resources in accordance with the received reconfiguration instruction, such as, e.g., the RRC reconfiguration message.

The UE <NUM> may (re)configure its current configuration, which may need to be changed by, e.g., releasing one or more carrier frequencies.

In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the reconfiguration instruction from the first network node <NUM> and/or the first reduced capability may be used for future UE configurations, which may avoid the use of the carrier frequencies indicated in the first reduced capability.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM>, alternatively or additionally, provides the second indication of the second reduced capability of the UE to the second network node <NUM>. The second indication of the second reduced capability includes one or more carrier frequencies, e.g., a list of carrier frequencies and/or carrier frequency combinations, that are not to be used as compared to carrier frequencies in the full capacity of the UE <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the second indication of the second reduced capability may be used for a current configuration of the UE <NUM>, which may need to be changed by releasing one or more carrier frequencies.

In some embodiments, the second indication of the reduced capability may be used for future UE configurations, which may avoid the use of the carrier frequencies indicated in the second reduced capability.

In the claimed invention, the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in an IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, both the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability are provided in an IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in the form of a MUSIM assistance information. In some embodiments, both the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability are provided as the MUSIM assistance information.

In the claimed invention, the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided as a combination of the IDC and MUSIM assistance information.

The second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in an IDC assistance information. For example, existing IDC assistance information may be extended with MUSIM information. In some embodiments, the second indication of the (second) reduced capability may be added directly to the existing IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, an indication indicating a direction of IDC interference may be added to the IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, the second indication of the second reduced capability may include an indication that the required capability limitations are caused by a multi-SIM operation.

In some embodiments, the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in the form of a MUSIM assistance information. For example, the second indication for MUSIM operation may be provided in a new IE within the UE assistance information. This second indication may be then associated with the IDC assistance information.

The second indication of the second reduced capability is provided as a combination of the IDC and MUSIM assistance information.

In some embodiments, at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in an IDC assistance information.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may receive a second (re)configuration instruction from the second network node <NUM>, in response to the second indication of the second reduced capability provided to the second network node <NUM>. The second reconfiguration instruction may be, e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message.

Action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may (re)configure at least one RRC resource based on the received reconfiguration instruction. The UE <NUM> may (re)configure its RRC resources in accordance with the received reconfiguration instruction, such as, e.g., the RRC reconfiguration message.

In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> may (re)configure its current configuration, which may need to be changed by, e.g., releasing one or more carrier frequencies.

In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, the reconfiguration instruction from the second network node <NUM> and/or the second reduced capability may be used for future UE configurations, which may avoid the use of the carrier frequencies indicated in the second reduced capability.

It should be appreciated that the above actions of <FIG> may be performed in any suitable order. For example, communications of the UE with the first and second network nodes may occur simultaneously. In some cases, the UE <NUM> communicates with the second network node before the UE communicates with the first network node.

<FIG> illustrates an example of a method performed by the first network node associated with a first wireless communications network. The first network node <NUM> may be exemplified as the first network node <NUM> but also as the second network node <NUM> associated with first and second wireless communications networks <NUM>, <NUM>, respectively, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The method of <FIG> is described in connection with the first network node <NUM> (see also <FIG>), for illustration purposes only, as any network node may communicate with a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Optional actions are shown using a dashed line.

Action <NUM>. The first network node <NUM> receives information on the full capability of the UE <NUM>. The first network node <NUM> receives, from the UE <NUM>, information on the full capability of the UE <NUM>, wherein the UE <NUM> has at least two SIMs, and is simultaneously registered with the first wireless communications network and at least one other wireless communications network.

Action <NUM>. The first network node <NUM> receives information on a reduced capability of the UE <NUM>. For example, as discussed above for the UE <NUM>, the UE <NUM> may, e.g., upon an event, split its full capacity among the UE's SIMs, such as, e.g., among the first and second SIMs. The first network node <NUM> receives, from the UE <NUM>, the first indication of the first reduced capability of the UE <NUM> indicating a split of the full capability of the UE <NUM> among the at least two SIMs. The first indication of the first reduced capability is provided in the IDC assistance information in combination with a MUSIM indication. In case the first network node is illustrated as the second network node <NUM> the first indication would be exemplified as the second indication.

Action <NUM>. The first network node <NUM> provides a (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM>, in response to the received information on, i.e., the received first indication of, the first reduced capability of the UE <NUM>. The first network node <NUM> may take into account the UE's reduced capabilities when sending an RRC (re)configuration message.

In some cases, an immediate reconfiguration may not be necessary if the UE <NUM> is inactive, e.g., no voice/data communication. Thus, the first network node <NUM> may not send the reconfiguration instruction right away upon receiving the information on the reduced capability.

In some embodiments, the first network node <NUM> may provide a (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM> in response to an event, e.g. an incoming video call or another event that involves active data communication. In some cases, e.g., if the second wireless communications network requires more frequencies, the frequencies for carrier aggregation may need to be released/reduced in the first wireless communications network. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the first network node <NUM> provides the (re)configuration instruction to the UE <NUM> in response to the received information on, i.e., the received first indication of, the first reduced capability of the UE <NUM> and additionally in response to an event.

<FIG> additionally illustrates a method performed by the UE <NUM>, showing a UE behavior when its capabilities are impacted during simultaneous communication using multiple SIMs, in accordance with some embodiments. In this example, the UE <NUM>, is shown to have SIMs A and B, each used for communication with networks A and B, e.g., first and second wireless communications networks <NUM>, <NUM>, or any other wireless communications networks, respectively. The UE <NUM> provides the networks A and B with the full UE capabilities, action <NUM>. Upon an event, such as a change in a current situation or another event, the UE <NUM> may split its capabilities among the SIMs A and B, action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> then indicates a reduced capability for the network A in accordance with the capability split, and a reduced capability for the network B in accordance with the capability split, action <NUM>. The UE <NUM> may provide information on its reduced capability to the networks A and B using, e.g., a MUSIM related assistance information indicating the reduced capability.

In the claimed invention, the indication of the reduced capability is provided, from the UE <NUM> to the network, using an IDC assistance information.

With the increasing demand to have seamless data connectivity to several wireless communications networks, many devices are designed to support different radio access technologies (RAT) for parallel usage. In order to support this parallel operation, the devices are equipped with multiple radio transceivers, which are located extremely close to each other. When the different radio technologies operate simultaneously, these transceivers may interfere with each other, resulting in an IDC interference. To solve this issue, new UE IDC assistance information was introduced to mitigate the IDC interference for NR Rel-<NUM>. Thus, for simultaneous operation, the UE <NUM> may signal to the NR network a frequency list or a frequency combination list that should be avoided during NR operation. Together with the frequency, the interference direction can be indicated, e.g., NR, other, or both, where "other" radio refers to either the Industrial, Scientific and Medical band (ISM) radio or Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), and, together with the frequency combination, the victim system type can be indicated when UL CA is configured. The current victim system types that can be indicated in Rel-<NUM> are GNSS types (gps, glonass, bds, galileo and navIC), WLAN and Bluetooth. <IMG>
<IMG>.

In embodiments herein, as described above and exemplified below, the existing IDC assistance information may be used to indicate to a network a reduced capability of the UE. In some embodiments, the IDC assistance information may thus be extended with a MUSIM information. For example, an additional indication may be added to the existing IDC assistance information. In some embodiments, the indication that uses the IDC assistance information indicates a direction of IDC interference.

Several example implementations will now be described, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

If a UE has the possibility to support up to <NUM> (six) carriers in total, the UE <NUM> may indicate in its capabilities that it supports <NUM> carriers (that the UE indicates the number of carriers in its supported band-combinations). If the UE operates using only one SIM, no IDC assistance information is sent to the serving network. If the UE operates using two SIMs, the UE may indicate to a first wireless communications network that specific bands / band combinations covering <NUM> carriers cannot be used, via the IDC assistance information, while indicating to a second wireless communications network that other bands or band combinations covering <NUM> carriers cannot be used.

As an example, the UE <NUM> may support the following carriers: f1a, f1b, f1c, f1d, f2a and f2b. In such a case, equal split of the carriers may not be possible, such that the UE <NUM> would need to assign all carriers on f1 to SIM1 (IDC for SIM1 indicates f2a and f2b) and all carriers on f2 to SIM2 (IDC for SIM2 indicates f1a, f1b, f1c and f1d), or vice versa, e.g. depending on how many carriers the already active SIM is already using, depending on other criteria, or decided randomly which of the SIMs can be configured with up to <NUM> carriers, while the other SIM can only be configured with at most <NUM> carriers.

The UE <NUM> may be configured, e.g. by an end user, such that data traffic is preferred/allowed to be communicated only over one SIM, while voice is preferred/allowed to be communicated over another SIM.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the UE <NUM> considers the expected services its SIMs are configured to use, when indicating capabilities for the SIMs. For example, the UE <NUM> indicates for the SIM which is expected to serve data traffic IDC or MUSIM assistance information to indicate only one frequency/carrier, while the UE <NUM> indicates that all frequencies/frequency combinations, except one frequency, are affected for the SIM which should serve voice traffic. The benefit with this is that more resources may be used for the data-SIM and hence high throughputs can be achieved for data communication, while, for the voice-SIM, only single carrier operation is used, which likely is sufficient for voice communication.

In principle, it may be considered that the SIM used for voice services would anyway only use one carrier and thus, no IDC assistance information would be needed. However, if the network intends to, e.g., perform load balancing between different carrier frequencies, it needs to know whether the other frequency can be used by the UE <NUM> or not since the frequency may be configured for the data-SIM already. Thus, the IDC and/or MUSIM assistance information should always be transmitted to avoid operational issues during simultaneous operation of the SIMs.

The UE <NUM> may e.g. support the following carriers: f1a, f1b, f1c, f<NUM>, f3a and f3b in the frequency bands f<NUM>, f<NUM>, and f<NUM>, respectively. For convenience, it may be assumed that all carriers have the same bandwidth. SIM1 is associate with voice, and SIM2 is associated with data.

If f1a is used by SIM1, f1b and f1c can no longer be used by SIM2. Same for f3a and f3b. Thus, to maximize the number of frequencies to be used for SIM2, the UE <NUM> signals to network <NUM> which is associated with SIM1 (voice services), that it cannot use f1a, f1b, f1c, f3a and f3b. For network <NUM> being associated with SIM2 (data services), the UE <NUM> indicates via the IDC and/or MUSIM assistance information that it cannot use f<NUM>.

Thus, only f<NUM> can be used for SIM1, and f1a, f1b, f1c, f3a and f3b can be aggregated for SIM2 in accordance with the UE's supported band combination(s). Accordingly, in some embodiments, the UE <NUM> indicates to the wireless communications network, i.e. to the network node associated with the network, which one or more resources, e.g. carrier frequencies, are not available for use in communication of the UE <NUM> with the wireless communications network.

For any of the above approaches to indicate limited capability via the IDC and/or MUSIM assistance information, the UE <NUM> may indicate that the capability reduction is for multi-SIM operation, such that the network can optimize the UE configuration in accordance with the actual UE capability and the current situation with regard to simultaneous connectivity to multiple networks using different SIMs.

This indication can be added directly to the existing IDC assistance information, e.g. by using the spare values, e.g. for the AffectedCarrierFreq IE some more detailed information can be introduced for the interferenceDirection than only 'nr'. Furthermore, the UE <NUM> could use one radio for LTE and one for NR, so that 'nr' would not be the correct description. Rather, the spare value could be replaced by e.g. 'musim', with reference to TS <NUM>:
<IMG>.

Indicates the direction of IDC interference. Value nr indicates that only NR is victim of IDC interference, value other indicates that only another radio is victim of IDC interference and value both indicates that both NR and another radio are victims of IDC interference, and value musim indicates that the radio used for MUSIM purposes is victim of IDC interference. The other radio refers to either the Industrial, Scientific and Medical band (ISM) radio or Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) (see TR <NUM> [<NUM>]).

Alternatively, a new parallel list may be created where a detailed interference direction is given for MUSIM, where a source value corresponds to the current network for which the UE provides IDC assistance information, and a target value corresponds to another network the UE is registered with. The UE <NUM> may include the same number of entries in interferenceDirection-r18 as provided for affectedCarrierFreqList. For backwards compatibility, the UE <NUM> may set the interferenceDirection-r16 to value 'nr'. <IMG>
<IMG>.

The indication of IDC for UL CA (i.e. affectedCarrierFreqCombList-r16) can also be used as the first/second indication on UE capability reduction for multi-SIM operation. For instance, the UE <NUM> may support the current configuration for DL from both wireless communications networks in which the UE <NUM> is in a RRC_CONNECTED mode, but it may not support certain UL CA configuration, given that such UL resources may be in use by one of the wireless communications networks. Hence, affectedCarrierFreqCombList-r16 may indicate the affected UL CA configuration from the UE, or a subset of such configuration, e.g., the UE <NUM> may be configured with <NUM> UL serving cells but report only <NUM> carriers as affected. To account for the multi-SIM operation, a new victimSystemType can be added, e.g., '3gpp-musim' or similar, to indicate that the required capability limitations are caused by multi-SIM operation:
<IMG>.

Alternatively, the new 3gpp-musim-r18 field can also include multiple values to indicate which multi-SIM operation caused interference e.g., Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for PDCCH monitoring, paging occasion monitoring, carrier aggregation, etc.
<IMG>
<IMG>.

In some embodiments, an alternative option is to provide the first/second indication for MUSIM operation in a new information element (IE) within the UE assistance information, i.e. simply on a different level, and then associate the indication with the IDC assistance information.

However, as the IDC assistance information includes a list of affected carriers and/or affected carrier combinations (affectedCarrierFreqList and affectedCarrierFreqCombList), a <NUM>-bit indication may not provide sufficient granularity. Therefore, a parallel list may be used, where each entry corresponds to the affected carrier or affected carrier combination in the combined list(s). One possible example is provided below:
<IMG>
<IMG>.

The new IE dedicated for multi-SIM may also instantiate the ones defined in Rel-<NUM> for IDC. In this manner, the UE <NUM> may provide independently IDC issues for legacy purposes defined in Rel-<NUM> from the IDC issues that may occur in case of multi-SIM. This can also avoid a possibility that legacy wireless communications networks wrongly interpret a Rel-<NUM> IDC report as one of the IDC cases defined in Rel-<NUM>. <IMG>
The advantage of the above approach is that the MUSIM assistance information is separated from the IDC assistance information and the IDC assistance information is not modified due to MUSIM.

<FIG> depicts an example of a UE, such as the UE <NUM>, in accordance with embodiments herein. The UE <NUM> have at least a first SIM and a second SIM.

The UE <NUM> comprises processing circuitry <NUM>, e.g. one or more processors, configured to perform the methods herein.

The UE <NUM> comprises a providing unit <NUM>, e.g. a transmitter or a transceiver. The UE <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the providing unit <NUM> are configured to provide, to a first network node associated with the first wireless communications network associated with the first SIM, information on full capability of the UE <NUM>, wherein the UE <NUM> is registered with the first wireless communications network. The UE <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the providing unit <NUM> are also configured to provide, to a second network node associated with the second wireless communications network associated with the second SIM, the information on the full capability of the UE <NUM>, wherein the UE <NUM> is registered with the second wireless communications network such that the UE <NUM> is simultaneously registered with the first wireless communications network and the wireless communications second network.

The UE <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the providing unit <NUM> are further configured to provide the first indication of the first reduced capability to the first network node, and/or to provide the second indication of the second reduced capability to the second network node.

The UE <NUM> comprises a splitting unit <NUM>. The UE <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the splitting unit <NUM> is configured to split the full capability among the first and second SIMs into a first reduced capability and a second reduced capability. This may occur in response to an event. In some embodiments, the UE <NUM> splits its capability capability randomly.

The UE <NUM> comprises a receiving unit <NUM>, e.g., a receiver or a transceiver. The UE <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the receiving unit <NUM> is configured to receive a (re)configuration instruction from at least one of the first and second network nodes, in response to at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability provided to the first network node and the second indication of the second reduced capability provided to the second network node.

The UE <NUM> may comprise a reconfiguring unit <NUM>. The UE <NUM>, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the reconfiguring unit <NUM> may be configured to configure or reconfigure at least one RRC resource based on the received configuration instruction.

The UE <NUM> further comprises a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> comprises one or more units to be used to store data on, such as indications, contexts, measurements, thresholds, data related to nodes, and applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar. Furthermore, the UE <NUM> may comprise a communication interface <NUM> such as comprising a transmitter, a receiver and/or a transceiver. In embodiments herein, the communication interface <NUM> may comprise dual Rx and Tx radios. In some embodiments, the communication interface <NUM> comprises more than two radios.

The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the UE <NUM> are respectively implemented using e.g., a computer program product <NUM> or a computer program, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the UE <NUM>. The computer program product <NUM> may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium <NUM>, e.g. a disc, a universal serial bus (USB) stick or similar. The computer-readable storage medium <NUM>, having stored thereon the computer program product, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the UE <NUM>. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a transitory or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Thus, embodiments herein may disclose a UE for handling communication in a wireless communications network, wherein the UE comprises processing circuitry and a memory, the memory comprising instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the UE is operative to perform any of the methods herein.

<FIG> depicts an example of a first network node, such as the first network node <NUM> or the second network node <NUM>, referred to as a network node, in accordance with embodiments herein. It should be appreciated that the first network <NUM> and the second network node <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) may have the same or similar configurations, and are therefore not described separately herein.

The first network node comprises processing circuitry <NUM>, e.g. one or more processors, configured to perform the methods herein.

The first network node comprises a receiving unit <NUM>, e.g. a receiver or a transceiver. The first network node, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the receiving unit <NUM> are configured to receive, from the UE <NUM>, information on a full capability of the UE <NUM>, wherein the UE <NUM> has at least two SIMs, e.g., multiple SIMs, and is simultaneously registered with the wireless communications network and at least one another network. The first network node, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the receiving unit <NUM> are configured to receive, from the UE <NUM>, the first indication of the first reduced capability of the UE <NUM> indicating a split of the full capability of the UE <NUM> among the at least two SIMs.

The first network node comprises a providing unit <NUM>, e.g. a transmitter or a transceiver. The first network node, the processing circuitry <NUM>, and/or the providing unit <NUM> may be configured to provide, to the UE <NUM>, a (re)configuration instruction, in response to the received first indication of the first reduced capability of the UE <NUM> and/or in response to an event.

The first network node further comprises a memory <NUM>. The memory <NUM> comprises one or more units to be used to store data on, such as indications, contexts, measurements, thresholds, data related to nodes, and applications to perform the methods disclosed herein when being executed, and similar. Furthermore, the first network node may comprise a communication interface <NUM> such as comprising a transmitter, a receiver and/or a transceiver.

The methods according to the embodiments described herein for the the first network node are respectively implemented using e.g., a computer program product <NUM> or a computer program, comprising instructions, i.e., software code portions, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the the first network node. The computer program product <NUM> may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium <NUM>, e.g. a disc, a universal serial bus (USB) stick or similar. The computer-readable storage medium <NUM>, having stored thereon the computer program product, may comprise the instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to carry out the actions described herein, as performed by the the first network node. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be a transitory or a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. Thus, embodiments herein may disclose a first network node for handling communication in a wireless communications network, wherein the network node comprises processing circuitry and a memory, the memory comprising instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the first network node is operative to perform any of the methods herein.

In some embodiments, a more general term "network node" is used and it can correspond to any type of radio-network node or any network node, which communicates with a wireless device and/or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, SeNB, a network node belonging to Master cell group (MCG) or Secondary cell group (SCG), base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, network controller, radio-network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, Remote radio Unit (RRU), Remote Radio Head (RRH), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), etc..

In some embodiments, the non-limiting term wireless device or user equipment (UE) is used and it refers to any type of wireless device communicating with a network node and/or with another wireless device in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UE are loT capable device, target device, device to device (D2D) UE, proximity capable UE (aka ProSe UE), machine type UE or UE capable of machine to machine (M2M) communication, Tablet, mobile terminals, smart phone, laptop embedded equipped (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, etc..

Embodiments are applicable to any RAT or multi-RAT systems, where the wireless device receives and/or transmit signals (e.g. data) e.g. New Radio (NR), Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications/enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible implementations.

As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions means or circuits may be implemented using digital logic and/or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and/or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a wireless device or network node, for example.

Alternatively, several of the functional elements of the processing means discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term "processor" or "controller" as used herein does not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware and/or program or application data. Designers of communications devices will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices.

<FIG> shows a telecommunication network connected via an intermediate network to a host computer in accordance with some embodiments. With reference to <FIG>, in accordance with an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network <NUM>, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises access network <NUM>, such as a radio access network, and core network <NUM>. Access network <NUM> comprises a plurality of base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points being examples of the first network node above, each defining a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, 3212c is connectable to core network <NUM> over a wired or wireless connection <NUM>. A first UE <NUM> located in coverage area 3213c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, the corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE <NUM> in coverage area 3213a is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 3212a. While a plurality of UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are illustrated in this example being examples of the UE <NUM> above, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a sole UE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to the corresponding base station <NUM>.

Host computer <NUM> and the connected UEs <NUM>, <NUM> are configured to communicate data and/or signalling via OTT connection <NUM>, using access network <NUM>, core network <NUM>, any intermediate network <NUM> and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries.

<FIG> shows a host computer communicating via a base station and with a user equipment over a partially wireless connection in accordance with some embodiments.

Connection <NUM> may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown in Fig <NUM>) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunication system.

It's hardware <NUM> may include radio interface <NUM> configured to set up and maintain wireless connection <NUM> with a base station serving a coverage area in which UE <NUM> is currently located.

It is noted that host computer <NUM>, base station <NUM> and UE <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> may be similar or identical to host computer <NUM>, one of base stations 3212a, 3212b, 3212c and one of UEs <NUM>, <NUM> of <FIG>, respectively.

Wireless connection <NUM> between UE <NUM> and base station <NUM> is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE <NUM> using OTT connection <NUM>, in which wireless connection <NUM> forms the last segment. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments make it possible efficiently handle UEs of multi SIM. Thereby the data communication, e.g. the handling or managing setup of communication may be performed in an efficient manner resulting in an improved battery lifetime and reduced response time.

In certain embodiments, measurements may involve proprietary UE signalling facilitating host computer <NUM>'s measurements of throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurements may be implemented in that software <NUM> and <NUM> causes messages to be transmitted, in particular empty or 'dummy' messages, using OTT connection <NUM> while it monitors propagation times, errors, etc..

<FIG> shows methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments.

Claim 1:
A method performed by a user equipment, UE, (<NUM>) having multiple Subscriber Identity Modules, SIM, for simultaneous communication with two or more wireless communications networks, the method comprising:
providing (<NUM>), to a first network node (<NUM>) associated with a first wireless communications network associated with a first SIM, information on full capability of the UE (<NUM>), wherein the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the first wireless communications network;
providing (<NUM>), to a second network node (<NUM>) associated with a second wireless communications network associated with a second SIM, the information on the full capability of the UE (<NUM>), wherein the UE (<NUM>) is registered with the second wireless communications network such that the UE (<NUM>) is simultaneously registered with the first wireless communications network and the second wireless communications network;
splitting (<NUM>) the full capability among the first and second SIMs into a first reduced capability and a second reduced capability;
providing (<NUM>) a first indication of the first reduced capability to the first network node; and/or
providing (<NUM>) a second indication of the second reduced capability to the second network node, and characterized in that at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and/or the second indication of the second reduced capability is provided in an In-Device-Coexistence, IDC, assistance information in combination with a multiple SIM, MUSIM, indication, and wherein at least one of the first indication of the first reduced capability and the second indication of the second reduced capability comprises an indication of one or more carrier frequencies that are not to be used as compared to carrier frequencies in the full capacity.