Patent ID: 12225625

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description of the appended drawings is intended as a description of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It should be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.1illustrates a wireless communication system100according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

Referring toFIG.1, a wireless communication system100may include one or more Wireless Communication Devices (WCDs), e.g. WCD110a, one or more BSs, e.g., BS120a, BS120b, and BS120c, one or more Radio Access Networks (RANs), e.g., RAN121aand RAN121b, one or more Core Networks (CNs), e.g., CN130aand CN130b, and a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), e.g., PSTN140. It is contemplated that the wireless communication system100may include any number of wireless communication devices, BSs, networks, and/or network components.

Each of the BS120a, BS120b, and BS120cmay be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one WCD (e.g., WCD110a) to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as the CN130aand/or CN130b. Each of the BS120a, BS120b, and BS120cmay operate, for example based on a standard protocol such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), New Radio (NR), or other suitable protocol(s). For example, the BS120a, BS120b, and BS120cmay include an eNB or a gNB. Persons skilled in the art should understand that as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) and communication technology develop, the terminologies recited in the specification may change, which should not affect the principle of the disclosure.

BS120amay be part of RAN121a, which may also include other BSs and/or network elements (not shown), such as a Base Station Controller (BSC), a Radio Network Controller (RNC), and relay nodes. Also, BS120band BS120cmay be part of RAN121bthat in addition, may also include other BSs and/or network elements (not shown inFIG.1). Each of the BS120a, BS120b, and BS120cmay be configured to transmit and/or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic region, which may be referred to as a cell (not shown inFIG.1).

RAN121amay be in communication with the CN130a, and the RAN121bmay be in communication with the CN130b. The RAN121aand the RAN121bmay employ the same or different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). For example, RAN121amay employ an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) radio technology, and the RAN121bmay employ a NR radio technology. Each of the CN130aand CN130bmay include a plurality of core network components, such as a Mobility Management Entity (MME) (not shown inFIG.1) or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (not shown inFIG.1). The CNs may serve as a gateway for the WCDs to access the PTSN140and/or other networks (not shown inFIG.1).

A WCD110amay be any type of device configured to operate and/or communicate in a wireless environment. For example, the WCD110amay include a User Equipment (UE), a mobile station, a fixed or mobile subscriber unit, a pager, a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a smartphone, a laptop, a netbook, personal computer, a wireless sensor, consumer electronics, a smart watch and the like. Persons skilled in the art should understand that as technology develops and advances, the terminologies described in the present disclosure may change, but should not affect or limit the principles and spirit of the present disclosure.

WCD110amay include one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMS that enable WCD110ato access one or more separate wireless communication networks. As shown inFIG.1, the WCD110amay be configured to access either RAN121athrough BS120aby a SIM A (not shown inFIG.1) in WCD110aor RAN121bthrough the BS120bby a SIM B (not shown inFIG.1) in WCD110a. While the WCD110ais shown connected to the RAN121aand the RAN121b, in other examples (not shown), the WCD110amay establish additional network connections using additional RATs.

Each of SIM A and SIM B may associate with one kind of wireless communication system. For example, either the SIM A or SIM B may be represented by a SIM card corresponding to a GSM system, a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USDA) card corresponding to a UMTS system, a Removable User Identity Module (RUIM) card or a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) Subscriber Identity Module (CSIM) card corresponding to the CDMA2000 communication system, a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC) corresponding to 5G (or NR) communication system, a wireless network card corresponding to IEEE 802.11x wireless local area network (WLAN), or other suitable modules that can identify the subscribers.

A WCD that includes a plurality of SIMs and connects to two or more networks with two or more SIMs being active at a given time may be a Multi-SIM-Multi-Active (MSMA) communication device. An example MSMA communication device may be a Dual-SIM-Dual-Active (DSDA) communication device, which may include two SIMs. Both SIMs may remain active.

On the other hand, a WCD provided with a plurality of SIMs and connected to two or more networks with one SIM being active at a given time is a Multi-SIM-Multi-Standby (MSMS) communication device. An example of the MSMS communication device may be a Dual-SIM-Dual-Standby (DSDS). A DSDS communication device may include two SIMs, and may use a single radio front-end and baseband to register the communication device to a single (the same) Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) or to two different PLMNs with the two SIMs, respectively.

In a multi-SIM wireless communication device, e.g., a MSMS communication device, a plurality of SIMs may share a common set of Radio Frequency (RF) resources (such as a RF transceiver) of the wireless communication device. However, embodiments described herein may also be applicable to multi-SIM wireless communication devices in which each of the plurality of SIMs is associated with a separate RF resource with one of the plurality of SIMs being active while the rest are deactivated. For example, a DSDS communication device may support a subscription service #A enabled by a SIM A and a subscription service #B enabled by a SIM B. Only one of the subscription service #A and subscription service #B may use RF resources to communicate with the corresponding wireless network at a time.

According to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), from a perspective of a network, a UE (e.g., WCD110ainFIG.1) may be in one of the following states: RRC-IDLE state, RRC_CONNECTED state, and RRC_INACTIVE state, at a given time. In RRC_INACTIVE state, a UE does not have a RRC connection with the Radio Access Network (RAN). However, the RAN keeps a connection with the core network for the UE. Therefore, RRC_INACTIVE state may achieve power saving with acceptable access latency. The specific characteristics of RRC-IDLE state, RRC_CONNECTED state, and RRC_INACTIVE state are defined in 3GPP specifications. A UE may be in an idle mode corresponding to the RRC_IDLE state, an inactive mode corresponding to the RRC_INACTIVE state, or a connected mode corresponding to the RRC_CONNECTED state. For example, referring toFIG.1, from the perspective of RAN121a(or BS120a), the WCD110amay be in an inactive mode; or from the perspective of RAN121b(or BS120b), the WCD110amay be in an inactive mode.

A WCD staying at inactive mode may need to perform a RAN-based Notification Area (RNA) update periodically (hereinafter, “periodical RNA update”) or when the WCD moves out of a configured RNA (that is, triggered by a RNA change). RNA may allow base station to know the rough location of a WCD that is in an inactive mode (inactive WCD). The RNA may include one or more cells or one or more RAN areas, and may be configured by a RAN node (e.g., a base station) to a WCD using, for example, dedicated signaling or message broadcasting. The RAN node may trigger a paging procedure for an inactive WCD within the WCD's RNA when the RAN wants to exchange data or control signaling with the inactive WCD. Therefore, it is important for the RAN to be aware of the inactive WCD moving out of the configured RNA. Hence, a solution is required to handle RNA updates for a multi-SIM wireless communication device.

Moreover, for a multi-SIM wireless communication device, it can be possible that at a certain time, two or more subscription services (e.g., SIM A and SIM B of WCD110ainFIG.1) may need to use the same RF resources to communicate with their respective wireless networks at a same time, in which case, the RNA update associated with the two or more subscription services may collide, resulting in a “RNA update collision.” For example, referring toFIG.1, a RNA update collision may occur at the WCD110a, when both the subscription service #A (corresponding to SIM A) and the subscription service #B (corresponding to SIM B) may try to access a RF transceiver of the WCD110ato perform RNA update simultaneously. Hence, a solution is required to handle RNA update collisions for a multi-SIM wireless communication device.

Embodiments of the present disclosure propose technical solutions for handling RNA updates in the new generation communication systems, such as a 5G communication system. More details on the embodiments of the present disclosure will be illustrated in the following text in combination with the appended drawings.

FIG.2illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure200of performing a RNA update for a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary procedure200is applicable to the above-mentioned two types of RNA update, i.e., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change and a periodical RNA update, and other types of a RNA update.

Referring toFIG.2, at the beginning, UE210may communicate with a base station, e.g., BS220′, which is the serving base station or currently serving base station of UE210. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE210may perform a RNA update procedure when it moves out of the coverage of BS220′, and may switch to a new base station, e.g., BS220which is not within the configured RNA. Accordingly, the serving base station of UE210will change from BS220′ to BS220, that is, the BS220′ becomes the last serving base station of UE210, while BS220becomes the serving base station or currently serving base station of UE210. As mentioned above, the configured RNA may indicate a list of cells or a list of RAN area IDs, depending on the configuration of the last serving base station. A RAN area may be a subset of a CN Tracking Area or equal to a CN Tracking Area. A RAN area may be identified by a RAN area ID. A RAN area ID may include a TAC, and may optionally include a RAN area code. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE210may perform a RNA update procedure when a periodical RNA update timer expires.

In operation251, the UE210may transmit a RRC connection resume request to the new base station (e.g., the BS220). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume request may include a cause value indicating RNA update (either a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume request may include the identity of the UE210. The identity of the UE210may be a resume ID configured by the last serving base station (e.g., the BS220′) in a RRC release message. The resume ID may include information regarding the last serving base station (e.g., the BS220′). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a resume ID may include an Inactive-Radio Network Temporary identifier (I-RNTI).

In operation253, the BS220may transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of the UE210to the last serving base station (e.g., BS220′) of the UE210. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the request for acquiring the UE context may include the identity of the UE210. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the request for acquiring the UE context may include the cause value received from the UE210. In operation255, the last serving base station BS220′ may transmit the UE context of the UE210to the BS220. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, in the case that the RNA update is triggered by a RNA change, the BS220′ always determines to relocate the UE context of the UE210. In the case of a periodical RNA update, the BS220′ may determine to relocate or not relocate the UE context of the UE210.

In operations257and259, the BS220may perform a path switch procedure for the UE210. In operation257, the BS220may transmit a path switch request for the UE210to the core network (e.g., AMF230). In operation259, the AMF230may transmit a path switch request response to the BS220. The path switch request response may include the identity of the UE210.

In operation261, the BS220may transmit a RRC release message to the UE210in the case that the BS220determines to send the UE210to an inactive state. The RRC release message may include suspend configuration. The suspend configuration may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID, a short length of the resume ID, a paging cycle, RNA information, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer, and a next hop chaining count. The definitions for the above parameters are defined in the 3GPP technical specification TS 38.331. The resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) may be allocated by BS220. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS220may determine to send the UE210to a connected state, and may transmit a connection setup message to the UE210in operation261. In operation263, the BS220may transmit a UE context release message to the BS220′. The release message may trigger the release of UE resources for the UE210at the BS220.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE210may function as the WCD110ainFIG.1. The BS220and BS220′ may function as the BS120a, BS120b, or BS120cinFIG.1. In some example, referring toFIG.1, from the perspective of RAN121a(or BS120a), the WCD110amay be in an inactive mode. The WCD110amay perform the above RNA update procedure via a SIM (e.g., SIM A) associated with RAN121a. In some example, from the perspective of RAN121b(or BS120b), the WCD110amay be in an inactive mode. The WCD110amay perform the above RNA update procedure via a SIM (e.g., SIM B) associated with RAN121b.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure200may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure200may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG.3illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure300of performing a RNA update for a communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary procedure300is applicable to, for example, a periodical RNA update. Details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.3, at the beginning, UE310may communicate with a base station (e.g., BS320′). As the UE moves, the UE310may switch from the currently serving, e.g., BS320′, to a new base station, e.g., BS320, which is within the configured RNA. Accordingly, the serving base station will change from BS320′ to BS320, that is, the BS320′ becomes the last serving base station of UE310, while BS320becomes the serving base station or currently serving base station of UE310. The UE310may perform a RNA update procedure when a periodical RNA update timer expires.

In operation351, the UE310may transmit a RRC connection resume request to the BS320. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume request may include a cause value indicating RNA update. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume request may include the identity of the UE310. The identity of the UE310may be a resume ID configured by the last serving base station (e.g., the BS320′) in a RRC release message. The resume ID may include information regarding the last serving base station (e.g., the BS320′). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a resume ID may include an Inactive-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI).

In operation353, the BS320may transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of the UE310to the last serving base station (e.g., BS320′) of the UE310. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the request for acquiring the UE context may include the identity of the UE310. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the request for acquiring the UE context may include the cause value received from the UE310.

After receiving request for acquiring the UE context, BS320′ may determine not to relocate the UE context. BS320′ may store information, for example, Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier and PCI related to the resumption cell, to be used in a next resume attempt. In operation355, the BS320′ may transmit a retrieve UE context failure message to the BS320. The retrieve UE context failure message may include an encapsulated RRC release message. The RRC release message may include suspend configuration. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the BS320′ may determine to relocate the UE context, and may transmit the UE context of the UE310to the BS320. In operation361, the BS220may transmit the RRC release message to the UE310.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE310may function as the WCD110ainFIG.1. The BS320and BS320′ may function as the BS120a, BS120b, or BS120cinFIG.1. In some example, referring toFIG.1, from the perspective of RAN121a(or BS120a), the WCD110amay be in an inactive mode. The WCD110amay perform the above RNA update procedure via a SIM (e.g., SIM A) associated with RAN121a. In some example, from the perspective of RAN121b(or BS120b), the WCD110amay be in an inactive mode. The WCD110amay perform the above RNA update procedure via a SIM (e.g., SIM B) associated with RAN121b.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure300may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure300may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

FIG.4illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure400of performing RAN-Based Notification Area update according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary procedure400is applicable to the above-mentioned two types of RNA update, i.e., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change and a periodical RNA update, and other types of a RNA update. Details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.4.

InFIG.4, UE410may function as the WCD110ashown inFIG.1, the UE210shown inFIG.2, or the UE310shown inFIG.3. BS420a, BS420a′, BS420band BS420b′ may function as the BS (e.g., BS120a, BS120b, or BS120c) shown inFIG.1, or the BS (e.g., BS220or BS220′) shown inFIG.2, or the BS (e.g., BS320or BS320′) shown inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.4, UE410may include a plurality of SIMs which support access to corresponding networks. For example, the UE410may be configured to access a RAN through a BS by a SIM (e.g., SIM A), and may be configured to access another RAN through another BS by another SIM (e.g., SIM B). At the beginning, the UE410may communicate with BS420a′ via SIM A, and may communication with BS420b′ via SIM B. As the UE410moves, the UE410may switch from the serving base station of SIM A (e.g., BS420a′, which is called the last serving base station of SIM A with respect to a new serving base station) to a new base station (e.g., BS420a), and may switch from the serving base station of SIM B (e.g., BS420b′, which is called the last serving base station of SIM B with respect to a new serving base station) to a new base station (e.g., BS420b).

The UE410may perform a RNA update procedure via SIM A periodically or when the new base station BS420ais not within a configured RNA associated with SIM A. The UE410may perform another RNA update procedure via SIM B periodically or when the new base station BS420bis not within a configured RNA associated with SIM B. As mentioned above, a configured RNA may indicate a list of cells or a list of RAN area IDs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, SIM A and SIM B may belong to the same PLMN. In this scenario, instead of performing RNA update procedures separately via SIM A and SIM B, the UE410may combine the RNA update procedures into one procedure. The benefit is that it can avoid UE interruption when the UE is not able to perform two RNA update procedures at the same time. Moreover, it can reduce signaling overhead since two or more RNA update procedures are combined into one procedure.

In operation450, UE410may select one SIM from a plurality of SIMs (e.g., SIM A and SIM B) for performing RNA update procedure. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE410may select a SIM based on the channel qualities associated with the plurality of SIMs. Channel quality associated with a SIM may refer to the channel quality between the SIM and the serving base station of the SIM. For example, the UE410may select a SIM according to the best channel quality among channel qualities associated with all SIMs. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE410may select a SIM randomly. For example, UE410may select SIM A for performing a RNA update procedure according to the above criteria or other criteria that can be conceived of by persons skilled in the art.

In operation451. UE410may transmit a resume request message via the selected SIM A to the base station (e.g., BS420a) currently serving SIM A. The resume request message may be a RRC message. The resume request message may include RNA update information associated with SIM A, and additional RNA update information associated with unselected SIM(s) (e.g., SIM B) of the plurality of SIMs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A (i.e., the selected SIM) may include a resume ID of SIM A, which may be allocated by the last severing base station (e.g., BS420a) of SIM A. The resume ID may be an Inactive-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A may include an authentication token of SIM A. The authentication token may be resumeMAC-I for facilitating UE authentication. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A may include a resume cause associated with SIM A. In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a RNA update, which could be of any type (e.g., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a periodical RNA update.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B (i.e., a unselected SIM) may include a resume ID of SIM B, which may be allocated by the last severing base station (e.g., BS420b′) of SIM B. The resume ID may be an I-RNTI. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include an authentication token of SIM B. The authentication token may be resumeMAC-I. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include a serving cell ID of SIM B. The serving cell ID may be a physical cell identifier (PCI) or an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) cell global identifier (ECGI). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include a resume cause associated with SIM B. In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a RNA update, which could be of any type (e.g., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a periodical RNA update.

After receiving the RNA update information, BS420amay resolve the identity of the last serving base station (e.g., BS420a′) of SIM A from the resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM A. In operation453, BS420amay transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of UE410to BS420a′. The request for acquiring the UE context may include the resume cause associated with SIM A received from UE410. In operation455, BS420amay transmit the UE context of UE410to BS420a. In operation457, BS420amay perform a path switch procedure for UE410. The path switch procedure is similar to the path switch procedure described above with respect toFIG.2, and thus is omitted herein.

BS420amay determine the identity of the base station (e.g., BS420b) currently serving SIM B based on the RNA update information (e.g., serving cell ID of SIM B) associated with SIM B. In operation459, BS420amay transmit a RNA update indication associated with SIM B to BS420b. The RNA update indication associated with SIM B may include at least one of the following parameters: resume ID of SIM B, the authentication token of SIM B, and the resume cause associated with SIM B. BS420amay obtain these parameters from the RNA update information associated with SIM B received from UE410. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update indication associated with SIM B may include serving cell ID of SIM B.

After receiving the RNA update indication, BS420bmay resolve the identity of the last serving base station (e.g., BS420b′) of SIM B from the resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM B. In operation461, BS420bmay transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of UE410to BS420b′. The request for acquiring the UE context may include the resume cause associated with SIM B received from UE410. In operation463, BS420b′ may transmit the UE context of UE410to BS420b. In operation465, BS420bmay perform a path switch procedure for UE410. The path switch procedure is similar to the one described above with respect to operation457ofFIG.4.

In operation467, BS420bmay transmit a RNA update response to BS420a. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update response may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. The suspend configuration for SIM B may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID of SIM B, a short length of the resume ID of SIM B, a paging cycle associated with SIM B, RNA information associated with SEM B, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B, and a next hop chaining count associated with SIM B. The resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM B may be allocated by BS420b. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update response may include a connection setup indication for SIM B. The connection setup indication for SIM B may indicate SIM B to set up a connection with the network.

In operation469, BS420amay transmit a resume response message to UE410, which may receive the message by SIM A. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume response message may include a RRC release message associated with SIM A in the case that BS420adetermines to send UE410to an inactive state. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume response message may include additional resume response information associated with SIM B. BS420amay obtain the additional resume response information from the RNA update response received from BS420b. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, BS420amay transmit the RRC release message associated with SIM A and the additional resume response information associated with SIM B separately to the UE410.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional resume response information associated with SIM B may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. The suspend configuration for SIM B may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID of SIM B, a short length of the resume ID of SIM B, a paging cycle associated with SIM B, RNA information associated with SIM B, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B, and a next hop chaining count associated with SIM B. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional resume response information associated with SIM B may include a connection setup indication for SIM B. The connection setup indication for SIM B may indicate SIM B to set up a connection with the network.

In operation471, BS420amay transmit a UE context release message associated with SIM A to BS420a′. The release message may trigger the release of UE resources for UE410at BS420a′. In operation473, BS420amay transmit a UE context release message associated with SIM B to BS420b. In operation475, BS420bmay transmit or forward the UE context release message associated with SIM B to BS420b′. The release message may trigger the release of UE resources for the UE410at the BS420b′.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure400may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure400may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, although exemplary procedure400shows that operation459is performed after operation457, it is contemplated that operation459may be performed before operation457and after operation451.

FIG.5illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure500of performing RAN-Based Notification Area update according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary procedure500is applicable to the above-mentioned two types of RNA update, i.e., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change and a periodical RNA update, and other types of a RNA update. Details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.5.

InFIG.5, UE510may function as the WCD110ashown inFIG.1, the UE210shown inFIG.2, or the UE310shown inFIG.3. BS520a, BS520a′, BS520band BS520b′ may function as the BS (e.g., BS120a, BS120b, or BS120c) shown inFIG.1, or the BS (e.g., BS220or BS220′) shown inFIG.2, or the BS (e.g., BS320or BS320′) shown inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.5, UE510may include a plurality of SIMs which support access to corresponding networks. For example, the UE510may be configured to access a RAN through a BS by a SIM (e.g., SIM A), and may be configured to access another RAN through another BS by another SIM (e.g., SIM B). At the beginning, the UE510may communicate with BS520a′ via SIM A, and may communication with BS520b′ via SIM B. As the UE510moves, the UE510may switch from the serving base station of SIM A (e.g., BS520a′, which is called the last serving base station of SIM A with respect to a new serving base station) to a new base station (e.g., BS520a), and may switch from the serving base station of SIM B (e.g., BS520b′, which is called the last serving base station of SIM B with respect to a new serving base station) to a new base station (e.g., BS520b).

The UE510may perform a RNA update procedure via SIM A periodically or when the new base station BS520ais not within a configured RNA associated with SIM A. The UE510may perform another RNA update procedure via SIM B periodically or when the new base station BS520bis not within a configured RNA associated with SIM B. As mentioned above, a configured RNA may indicate a list of cells or a list of RAN area IDs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, SIM A and SIM B may belong to the same PLMN. In this scenario, instead of performing RNA update procedures separately via SIM A and SIM B, the UE510may combine the RNA update procedures into one procedure. This is beneficial because it can avoid UE interruption when the UE is not able to perform two RNA update procedures at the same time. Moreover, it can reduce signaling overhead since two or more RNA update procedures may be combined into one procedure.

In operation550, UE510may select one SIM from a plurality of SIMs (e.g., SIM A and SIM B) for performing a RNA update procedure. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE510may select a SIM based on the channel qualities associated with the plurality of SIMs. For example, the UE510may select a SIM according to the best channel quality. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE510may select a SIM randomly. For example, UE510may select SIM A for performing the RNA update procedure according to the above criteria.

In operation551, UE510may transmit a resume request message via the selected SIM A to the base station (e.g., BS520a) currently serving SIM A. The resume request message may be a RRC message. The resume request message may include RNA update information associated with SIM A, and additional RNA update information associated with unselected SIM(s) (e.g., SIM B) of the plurality of SIMs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A (i.e., the selected SIM) may include a resume ID of SIM A, which may be allocated by the last severing base station (e.g., BS520a′) of SIM A. The resume ID may be an Inactive-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI).

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A may include an authentication token of SIM A. The authentication token may be resumeMAC-I for facilitating UE authentication. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A may include a resume cause associated with SIM A. In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a RNA update, which could be of any type (e.g., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a periodical RNA update.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B (i.e., a unselected SIM) may include a resume ID of SIM B, which may be allocated by the last severing base station (e.g., BS520b′) of SIM B. The resume ID may be an I-RNTI. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include an authentication token of SIM B. The authentication token may be resumeMAC-I. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include a serving cell ID of SIM B. The serving cell ID may be a physical cell identifier (PCI) or an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) cell global identifier (ECGI). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include one of configured RNA information associated with SIM B and a periodical RNA update indicator associated with SIM B. The configured RNA information associated with SIM B may be broadcast or signaled by the last severing base station (e.g., BS520b′) of SIM B. The configured RNA information may indicate a list of cells or a list of RAN area IDs. The periodical RNA update indicator may indicate whether the RNA update associated with SIM B is a periodical RNA update or not. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include a resume cause associated with SIM B. In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a RNA update, which could be of any type (e.g., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a periodical RNA update.

After receiving the RNA update information, BS520amay resolve the identity of the last serving base station (e.g., BS520a′) of SIM A from the resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM A. In operation553, BS520amay transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of UE510to BS520a′. The request for acquiring the UE context may include the resume cause associated with SIM A received from UE510. In operation555, BS520a′ may transmit the UE context of UE510to BS520a. In operation557. BS520amay perform a path switch procedure for UE510. The path switch procedure is similar to the one described above with respect toFIG.2, and thus is omitted herein.

BS520amay determine the identity of the base station (e.g., BS520b) currently serving SIM B based on the RNA update information (e.g., serving cell ID of SIM B) associated with SIM B. In operation559, BS520amay transmit a RNA update indication associated with SIM B to BS520b. The RNA update indication associated with SIM B may include at least one of the following parameters: resume ID of SIM B, the authentication token of SIM B, the resume cause associated with SIM B, and the configured RNA information (or the periodical RNA update indicator). BS520amay obtain these parameters from the RNA update information associated with SIM B received from UE510. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update indication associated with SIM B may include serving cell ID of SIM B.

After receiving the RNA update indication, BS520bmay resolve the identity of the last serving base station (e.g., BS520b′) of SIM B from the resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM B. BS520bmay also determine whether the RNA update associated with SIM B is triggered by a RNA change or is a periodical RNA update based on the RNA update indication associated with SIM B (e.g., the configured RNA information or the periodical RNA update indicator). For example, BS520bmay determine whether the RNA update associated with SIM B is a triggered by a RNA change or is a periodical RNA update by determining whether the cell ID of BS520bis included in the configured RNA information.

In operation561, BS520bmay transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of UE510to BS520b′. The request for acquiring the UE context may include the resume cause associated with SIM B received from UE510. In operation563, BS520b′ may transmit a retrieve UE context failure message to BS520bin the case that the BS520b′ determines not to relocate the UE context of UE510. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure. BS520b′ may determine to relocate the UE context, and may transmit the UE context of the UE510to the BS520b. However, compared to the embodiments where the UE context is not relocated, signaling overhead may be increased in these embodiments.

In operation567, BS520bmay transmit a RNA update response to BS520a. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update response may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. The suspend configuration for SIM B may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID of SIM B, a short length of the resume ID of SIM B, a paging cycle associated with SIM B, RNA information associated with SIM B, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B, and a next hop chaining count associated with SIM B. The resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM B may be allocated by BS520b. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update response may include a connection setup indication for SIM B. The connection setup indication for SIM B may indicate SIM B to set up a connection with the network.

In operation569, BS520amay transmit a resume response message to UE510, which may receive the message by SIM A. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume response message may include a RRC release message associated with SIM A in the case that BS520adetermines to send UE510to an inactive state. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume response message may include additional resume response information associated with SIM B. BS520amay obtain the additional resume response information from the RNA update response received from BS520b. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, BS520amay transmit the RRC release message associated with SIM A and the additional resume response information associated with SIM B separately to the UE510.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional resume response information associated with SIM B may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. The suspend configuration for SIM B may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID of SIM B, a short length of the resume ID of SIM B, a paging cycle associated with SIM B, RNA information associated with SIM B, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B, and a next hop chaining count associated with SIM B. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional resume response information associated with SIM B may include a connection setup indication for SIM B. The connection setup indication for SIM B may indicate SIM B to set up a connection with the network.

In operation571, BS520amay transmit a UE context release message associated with SIM A to BS520a′. The release message may trigger the release of UE resources for UE510at BS520a′.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure500may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure500may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, although exemplary procedure500shows that operation559is performed after operation557, it is contemplated that operation559may be performed before operation557and after operation551.

FIG.6illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure600of performing RAN-Based Notification Area update according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary procedure600is applicable to the above-mentioned two types of RNA update, i.e., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change and a periodical RNA update, and other types of a RNA update. Details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.6.

InFIG.6, UE610may function as the WCD110ashown inFIG.1, the UE210shown inFIG.2, or the UE310shown inFIG.3. BS620a, BS620a, and BS620b′ may function as the BS (e.g., BS120a, BS120b, or BS120c) shown inFIG.1, or the BS (e.g., BS220or BS220) shown inFIG.2, or the BS (e.g., BS320or BS320′) shown inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.6, UE610may include a plurality of SIMs which support access to corresponding networks. For example, the UE610may be configured to access a RAN through a BS by a SIM (e.g., SIM A), and may be configured to access another RAN through another BS by another SIM (e.g., SIM B). At the beginning, the UE610may communicate with BS620a′ via SIM A, and may communication with BS620b′ via SIM B. As the UE610moves, the LIE610may switch from the serving base station of SIM A (e.g., BS620a, which is called the last serving base station of SIM A with respect to a new serving base station) to a new base station (e.g., BS620a), and may switch from the serving base station of SIM B (e.g., BS620b′, which is called the last serving base station of SIM B with respect to a new serving base station) to a new base station (not shown inFIG.6).

The UE610may perform a RNA update procedure via SIM A periodically or when the new base station BS620ais not within a configured RNA associated with SIM A. The UE610may perform another RNA update procedure via SIM B periodically or when the new base station serving SIM B is not within a configured RNA associated with SIM B. As mentioned above, a configured RNA may indicate a list of cells or a list of RAN area IDs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, SIM A and SIM B may belong to the same PLMN. In this scenario, instead of performing RNA update procedures separately via SIM A and SIM B, the UE610may combine the RNA update procedures into one procedure. This is beneficial because it can avoid UE interruption when the UE is not able to perform two RNA update procedures at the same time. Moreover, it can reduce signaling overhead since two or more RNA update procedures may be combined into one procedure.

In operation650, UE610may select one SIM from a plurality of SIMs (e.g., SIM A and SIM B) for performing a RNA update procedure. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE610may select a SIM based on the channel qualities associated with the plurality of SIMs. For example, the UE610may select a SIM according to the best channel quality. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE610may select a SIM randomly. For example, UE610may select SIM A for performing the RNA update procedure according to the above criteria.

In operation651, UE610may transmit a resume request message via the selected SIM A to the base station (e.g., BS620a) currently serving SIM A. The resume request message may be a RRC message. The resume request message may include RNA update information associated with SIM A, and additional RNA update information associated with unselected SIM(s) (e.g., SIM B) of the plurality of SIMs.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A (i.e., the selected. SIM) may include a resume ID of SIM A, which may be allocated by the last severing base station (e.g., BS620a′) of SIM A. The resume ID may be an Inactive-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A may include an authentication token of SIM A. The authentication token may be resumeMAC-I for facilitating UE authentication. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM A may include a resume cause associated with SIM A. In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a RNA update, which could be of any type (e.g., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a periodical RNA update.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B (i.e., a unselected SIM) may include a resume ID of SIM B, which may be allocated by the last severing base station (e.g., BS620b′) of SIM B. The resume ID may be an I-RNTI some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include an authentication token of SIM B. The authentication token may be resumeMAC-I. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include a periodical RNA update indicator associated with SIM B. The periodical RNA update indicator may indicate whether the RNA update associated with SIM B is a periodical RNA update or not. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, RNA update information associated with SIM B may include a resume cause associated with SIM B. In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a RNA update, which could be of any type (e.g., a RNA update triggered by a RNA change or a periodical RNA update). In some examples, the resume cause may indicate a periodical RNA update.

After receiving the RNA update information, BS620amay resolve the identity of the last serving base station (e.g., BS620a′) of SIM A from the resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM A. In operation653, BS620amay transmit a request for acquiring the UE context of UE610to BS620a′. The request for acquiring the UE context may include the resume cause associated with SIM A received from UE610. In operation655, BS620a′ may transmit the UE context of UE610to BS620a. In operation657, BS620amay perform a path switch procedure for UE610. The path switch procedure is similar to the one described above with respect toFIG.2, and thus is omitted herein.

BS620amay determine the identity of the base station (e.g., BS620b′) last serving SIM B based on the RNA update information (e.g., resume ID of SIM B) associated with SIM B. In operation659, BS620amay transmit a RNA update indication associated with SIM B to BS620b′. Transmitting the RNA update indication associated with SIM B to the last serving base station of SIM B, instead of the serving base station of SIM B, can reduce signaling overhead since the serving base station of SIM B may not be involved in the RNA update procedure for SIM B. The RNA update indication associated with SIM B may include the RNA update information associated with SIM B received from UE610. For example, the RNA update indication associated with SIM B may include at least one of the following parameters: resume ID of SIM B, the authentication token of SIM B, the resume cause associated with SIM B, and the periodical RNA update indicator.

In operation667, BS620b′ may transmit a RNA update response to BS620a. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update response may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. The suspend configuration for SIM B may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID of SIM B, a short length of the resume ID of SIM B, a paging cycle associated with SIM B, RNA information associated with SIM B, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B, and a next hop chaining count associated with SIM B. The resume ID (e.g., I-RNTI) of SIM B may be allocated by BS620b′. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the RNA update response may include a connection setup indication for SIM B. The connection setup indication for SIM B may indicate SIM B to set up a connection with the network.

In operation669, BS620amay transmit a resume response message to UE610, which may receive the message by SIM A. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume response message may include a RRC release message associated with SIM A in the case that BS620adetermines to send UE610to an inactive state. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the resume response message may include additional resume response information associated with SIM B. BS620amay obtain the additional resume response information from the RNA update response received from BS620b′. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, BS620amay transmit the RRC release message associated with SIM A and the additional resume response information associated with SIM B separately to the UE610.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional resume response information associated with SIM B may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. The suspend configuration for SIM B may include at least one of the following: a full length of a resume ID of SIM B, a short length of the resume ID of SIM B, a paging cycle associated with SIM B, RNA information associated with SIM B, a timer value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B, and a next hop chaining count associated with SIM B. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the additional resume response information associated with SIM B may include a connection setup indication for SIM B. The connection setup indication for SIM B may indicate SIM B to set up a connection with the network.

In operation671, BS620amay transmit a UE context release message associated with SIM A to BS620a′. The release message may trigger the release of UE resources for UE610at BS620a′.

It should be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the sequence of the operations in exemplary procedure600may be changed and some of the operations in exemplary procedure600may be eliminated or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. For example, although exemplary procedure600shows that operation659is performed after operation657, it is contemplated that operation659may be performed before operation657and after operation651.

FIG.7illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure700of performing communications between a UE and a BS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.7.

As mentioned above, a RNA update collision may occur at a multi-SIM wireless communication device when two or more subscription services try to use the same RF resources to perform RNA updates with their respective wireless networks at the same time. The exemplary procedure700may be employed to eliminate the RNA update collision, especially, a collision of periodical RNA updates associated with different SIMs.

InFIG.7, BS720may function as the BS (e.g., BS120a, BS120b, or BS120c) shown inFIG.1, or the BS (e.g., BS220or BS220′) shown inFIG.2, or the BS (e.g., BS320or BS320′) shown inFIG.3. UE710may function as the WCD110ashown inFIG.1, the UE210shown inFIG.2, or the UE310shown inFIG.3. UE710may include a plurality of SIMs which support access to corresponding networks. For example, UE710may be configured to access a RAN through a BS by a SIM (e.g., SIM A), and may be configured to access another RAN through another BS by another SIM (e.g., SIM B).

In operation751, UE710may transmit an assistant information report to BS720. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, one SIM (e.g., SIM B) of the plurality of SIMs of UE710may be in a connected state while other SIMs (e.g., SIM A) may be in an inactive state. In these embodiments, UE710may transmit the assistant information report via SIM B to the serving base station of SIM B. The assistant information report may include time information of a periodical RNA update associated with SIM A (i.e., SIM(s) that is in an inactive state). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the time information may comprise a periodicity value of a periodical RNA update tinier associated with SIM A, and the starting time of the periodical RNA update tinier associated with SIM A.

After receiving the time information associated with SIM A, when BS720configures SIM B to enter into an inactive state, BS720may take the time information associated with SIM A into consideration to avoid RNA update collision between SIM A and SIM B (if any). For example, in operation753, BS720may transmit a RRC release message to UE710when BS720configures SIM B to enter into an inactive state. The RRC release message may include a suspend configuration for SIM B. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the suspend configuration may comprise a periodicity value of a periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B. The periodicity value of the periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM B is determined based on the time information.

FIG.7Aillustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure700aof performing communications between a UE and a BS according to sonic embodiments of the present disclosure.

The above descriptions regarding the UE710and BS720inFIG.7Acan also be applied to the wireless communication system inFIG.7Aexcept that at the beginning, all of the plurality of SIMs (e.g., both SIM A and SIM B) of UE710amay be in an inactive state. For example, the descriptions regarding the assistant information report and the RRC release message inFIG.7are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.7A.

UE710amay select one SIM (e.g., SIM B) from the plurality of SIMs SIM A and SIM B) for transmitting the assistant information report. The selection of the SIM may be based on criteria as mentioned above or other criteria that can be conceived of by persons skilled in the art. UE710amay switch the selected SIM B from the inactive state to a connected state. UE710amay then, in operation751a, transmit the assistant information report via SIM B to the serving base station (e.g., BS720a) of SIM B.

After receiving the assistant information report, BS720amay reconfigure the suspend configuration for SIM B to avoid RNA update collision between SIM A and SIM B (if any). For example, BS720amay reconfigure the periodicity value of the periodical RNA update tinier associated with SIM B based on the assistant information report. BS720amay, in operation753a, transmit the reconfigured suspend configuration for SIM B to UE710a. The reconfigured suspend configuration may be included in a RRC release message.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, time information of periodical RNA update(s) may be exchanged between BSs via, for example, Xn interface, instead of a UE and its serving BS(s). For example, in the case that the subscription services enabled by two or more SIMs of a plurality of SIMs of a UE are provided by the same Mobile Network Operator (MNO) (also known as ″intra-MNO), the serving base stations of the two or more SIMS may exchange time information of the periodical RNA updates associated with the two or more SIMs, to avoid RNA update collision(s) between the two or more SIMs (if any).

Another solution for eliminating or alleviating RNA update collision in a wireless communication system is to postpone of one or more of two or more simultaneous RNA updates at a wireless communication device. However, postponing RNA updates may be disadvantageous because the network may consider that the wireless communication device has left its coverage area if a RNA update is not performed within a certain time after a corresponding update timer expires. Therefore, a solution for postponing the RNA updates while avoiding the above disadvantage is required. For example, to avoid the above disadvantage brought by the postponement of the RNA updates, the network may indicate to a wireless communication device how long a RNA update is allowed to be postponed.

FIG.8illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure800of performing communications between a UE and a BS according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The exemplary procedure800may be employed to facilitate the postponement of the RNA updates. Details described in all the foregoing embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable for the embodiments shown inFIG.8.

InFIG.8, BS820may function as the BS (e.g., BS120a, BS120b, or BS120c) shown inFIG.1, or the BS (e.g., BS220or BS220) shown inFIG.2, or the BS (e.g., BS320or BS320′) shown inFIG.3. UE810may function as the WCD110ashown inFIG.1, the UE210shown inFIG.2, or the UE310shown inFIG.3.

Referring toFIG.8, UE810may include a plurality of SIMs (e.g., SIM A and SIM B) which support access to corresponding networks. At the beginning, at least one SIM (e.g., SIM A) of the plurality of SIMs of UE810may be in a connected state.

In operation851, UE810may receive a RRC release message including suspend configuration for SIM A from the serving base station of SIM A (e.g., BS820). The suspend configuration may include a time value that a periodical RNA update associated with SIM A is allowed to be postponed. The time value may be included in an Information Element (IE) of the suspend configuration. UE810may switch SIM A from the connected state to an inactive state based on the suspend configuration. For example, UE810may configure that after the periodical RNA update timer associated with SIM A expires, it can be postponed up to the time value indicated in the suspend configuration.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the serving base station of SIM B of UE810may transmit a similar suspend configuration for SIM B to UE810, allowing the postponement of the periodical RNA update associated with SIM B.

In the case two or more SIMs of UE810try to perform periodical RNA updates simultaneously. UE810may determine to postpone one or more of the periodical RNA updates based on the time value(s) that the corresponding periodical RNA update(s) are allowed to be postponed.

FIG.9illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus900according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

As shown inFIG.9, the apparatus900may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium (not illustrated inFIG.9), a receiving circuitry902, a transmitting circuitry904, and a processor906coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium (not illustrated inFIG.9), the receiving circuitry902and the transmitting circuitry904. The apparatus900may be a BS, a CN component (e.g., a MME or an AMF), or a WCD (e.g., a UE).

Although in this figure, elements such as processor906, transmitting circuitry904, and receiving circuitry902are described in the singular, the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the receiving circuitry902and the transmitting circuitry904are combined into a single device, such as a transceiver. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus900may further include an input device, a memory, and/or other components.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause a processor to implement the method with respect to the communication device as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor906interacting with receiving circuitry902and transmitting circuitry904, to perform the operations with respect to the WCD depicted with respect toFIG.1and the UEs depicted with respect toFIGS.2-8.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause a processor to implement the method with respect to the BS as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor906interacting with receiving circuitry902and transmitting circuitry904, to perform the operations with respect to the BSs depicted inFIGS.1-8.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may have stored thereon computer-executable instructions to cause a processor to implement the method with respect to the CN components as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor906interacting with receiving circuitry902and transmitting circuitry904, to perform the operations with respect to the CN components depicted inFIGS.1,2, and4-6.

Those having ordinary skill in the art would understand that the operations of a method described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, a register, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Additionally, in some aspects, the operations of a method may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

While this disclosure has been described with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be interchanged, added, or substituted in the other embodiments. Also, all of the elements of each figure are not necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, one of ordinary skill in the art of the disclosed embodiments would be enabled to make and use the teachings of the disclosure by simply employing the elements of the independent claims. Accordingly, embodiments of the disclosure as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

In this document, the terms “includes”, “including”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element proceeded by “a”, “an”, or the like does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. Also, the term “another” is defined as at least a second or more. The term “having” and the like, as used herein, are defined as “including”.