Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for configurability of slice based random access channels (RACH) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a network node includes providing RACH configuration parameters for each of a plurality slices or groups of slices, the RACH configuration parameters being used to perform a random access (RA) procedure on a slice, and performing an RA procedure on a slice according to the RACH configuration parameters for the slice.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for random access with slice grants for prioritized slices are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method includes receiving a physical random access channel (PRACH) message from a wireless device (WD). The method also includes transmitting at least one random access response (RAR), message the at least one RAR message being configured to provide at least a first grant and a second grant, the first grant configured to grant uplink resources to a WD on a low priority slice, the second grant configured to grant uplink resources to a WD on a high priority slice.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for notifying of changes to an access network's (AN) compliance with a QoS requirement for a data flow between an application server and an application associated with a user equipment served by the AN. Such embodiments include receiving, from a core network (CN), a first safeguard time associated with the QoS requirement and representing an amount of time required, prior to AN non-compliance with the QoS requirement, to adapt the application for safe operation during the AN non-compliance. Embodiments also include determining that, at approximately a first instance in the future, the AN is likely to be non-compliant with the QoS requirement; and sending, to the CN, a first notification indicating a likelihood of future AN non-compliance with the QoS requirement. The first notification is sent at least the first safeguard time before the first instance. Embodiments include complementary methods performed by CNs and application servers.

Abstract: A method for enabling autonomous emergency assistance for a communication device, CD, registered in a regular cellular network is presented. The method is performed in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and comprises directing the UAV to a geographical region connected to a preregistered position of the CD, emulating a cellular network in the geographical region, wherein the UAV and the CD are without connectivity with the regular cellular network, and providing autonomous emergency assistance for the CD in the geographical region. A CD, a UAV, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: Methods may be provided to operate a wireless terminal in communication with a base station. Such methods may include receiving a Radio Resource Control RRC message from the base station, wherein the RRC message includes information regarding at least one Quality of Service, QoS, flow being reflective and/or non-reflective. Such methods may also include providing communication of a data packet between the wireless terminal and the base station using a non-reflective QoS flow, wherein the data packet includes a data field and a Service Data Application Protocol SDAP header field with a QoS Flow Identity QFI, and wherein the QFI is used for the data packet based on the information from the RRC message. Methods of operating base stations and core network nodes may also be provided. Related wireless terminals, base stations, and core network nodes are also discussed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method performed by a network node for cell selection to access a network slice on a different frequency than a wireless device, WD, is currently served by is provided. The method includes receiving a service request from the WD, the WD being connected to a first cell, the first cell servicing a first network slice which operates in a first frequency, the requested service to be performed over a second network slice which operates in a second frequency; obtaining policy information relating to the first and the second network slices; determining which one of the first cell and a second cell to perform the requested service based at least in part on the obtained policy information; and providing a session for the WD to receive the requested service over the determined one of the first cell and the second cell.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method performed by a base station. The method comprises, when the base station is acting as a source base station for handover of a wireless device to a target base station: preparing a handover message for transmission to the target base station, the handover message comprising an indication of an identity associated with a set of capabilities of the wireless device; and causing the handover message to be transmitted to the target base station. The step of preparing the handover message comprises selectively including the set of capabilities of the wireless device in the handover message based on one or more criteria.

Abstract: A method for enabling autonomous emergency assistance for one or more communication device, CD, registered in a regular cellular network. The method is performed in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and comprises emulating a cellular network in a geographical region, wherein the UAV and the one or more CD are without connectivity with the regular cellular network, sending an information message in the geographical region, the message comprising an emergency response trigger, receiving an automatic emergency data response from the one or more CD in the geographical region, in response to the sent message, and determining an action based on the received automatic emergency data response. A CD, a UAV, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: Methods may be provided to operate a wireless terminal in communication with a base station. Such methods may include receiving a Radio Resource Control RRC message from the base station, wherein the RRC message includes information regarding at least one Quality of Service, QoS, flow being reflective and/or non-reflective. Such methods may also include providing communication of a data packet between the wireless terminal and the base station using a non-reflective QoS flow, wherein the data packet includes a data field and a Service Data Application Protocol SDAP header field with a QoS Flow Identity QFI, and wherein the QFI is used for the data packet based on the information from the RRC message. Methods of operating base stations and core network nodes may also be provided. Related wireless terminals, base stations, and core network nodes are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods may be provided to operate a wireless terminal in communication with a base station. Such methods may include receiving a Radio Resource Control RRC message from the base station, wherein the RRC message includes information regarding at least one Quality of Service, QoS, flow being reflective and/or non-reflective. Such methods may also include providing communication of a data packet between the wireless terminal and the base station using a non-reflective QoS flow, wherein the data packet includes a data field and a Service Data Application Protocol SDAP header field with a QoS Flow Identity QFI, and wherein the QFI is used for the data packet based on the information from the RRC message. Methods of operating base stations and core network nodes may also be provided. Related wireless terminals, base stations, and core network nodes are also discussed.

Abstract: Methods in a radio network node are provided in which the radio network node receives, from a network node, first wireless device capability information associated with a wireless device, determines second wireless device capability information required by the radio network node, and sends, to the wireless device, a request for capability information. The request for capability information comprises a capability filter based, at least in part, on the first wireless device capability information and on the second wireless device capability information. Related radio network nodes and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method performed by a wireless device for providing capability information. The method comprises: receiving a first message from a base station, the first message comprising an indication of a capability filter; utilizing the capability filter to generate a filtered set of capabilities of the wireless device; applying a hash function to the filtered set of capabilities to generate a hash value; and transmitting a second message to the base station, the second message comprising the hash value.

Abstract: A method for notification control in a communication system performed by a core network is presented. The method comprising: establishing a PDU session; enabling a radio access network, RAN, to send a notification that notifying a UE, of the unfulfillment or re-fulfillment of QoS, for a QoS Flow in the PDU session using an AN-signaling based notification. The AN-signaling based notification including the unfulfillment or re-fulfillment of QoS parameters as defined in a QoS Flow description. The AN-signaling based notification further including expected QoS figures, an expected time interval and an accuracy of the notification. The UE/AF may further adapt their behavior according to the expected QoS provided by the AN.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for notifying of changes to an access network's (AN) compliance with a QoS requirement for a data flow between an application server and an application associated with a user equipment served by the AN. Such embodiments include receiving, from a core network (CN), a first safeguard time associated with the QoS requirement and representing an amount of time required, prior to AN non-compliance with the QoS requirement, to adapt the application for safe operation during the AN non-compliance. Embodiments also include determining that, at approximately a first instance in the future, the AN is likely to be non-compliant with the QoS requirement; and sending, to the CN, a first notification indicating a likelihood of future AN non-compliance with the QoS requirement. The first notification is sent at least the first safeguard time before the first instance. Embodiments include complementary methods performed by CNs and application servers.

Abstract: A method for enabling autonomous emergency assistance for a communication device, CD, registered in a regular cellular network is presented. The method is performed in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and comprises directing the UAV to a geographical region connected to a preregistered position of the CD, emulating a cellular network in the geographical region, wherein the UAV and the CD are without connectivity with the regular cellular network, and providing autonomous emergency assistance for the CD in the geographical region. A CD, a UAV, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: A method for enabling autonomous emergency assistance for a communication device, CD, registered in a regular cellular network is presented. The method is performed in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and comprises directing the UAV to a geographical region connected to a preregistered position of the CD, emulating a cellular network in the geographical region, wherein the UAV and the CD are without connectivity with the regular cellular network, and providing autonomous emergency assistance for the CD in the geographical region. A CD, a UAV, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: Methods may be provided to operate a wireless terminal in communication with a base station. Such methods may include receiving a Radio Resource Control RRC message from the base station, wherein the RRC message includes information regarding at least one Quality of Service, QoS, flow being reflective and/or non-reflective. Such methods may also include providing communication of a data packet between the wireless terminal and the base station using a non-reflective QoS flow, wherein the data packet includes a data field and a Service Data Application Protocol SDAP header field with a QoS Flow Identity QFI, and wherein the QFI is used for the data packet based on the information from the RRC message. Methods of operating base stations and core network nodes may also be provided. Related wireless terminals, base stations, and core network nodes are also discussed.

Abstract: A method for enabling autonomous emergency assistance for one or more communication device, CD, registered in a regular cellular network. The method is performed in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and comprises emulating a cellular network in a geographical region, wherein the UAV and the one or more CD are without connectivity with the regular cellular network, sending an information message in the geographical region, the message comprising an emergency response trigger, receiving an automatic emergency data response from the one or more CD in the geographical region, in response to the sent message, and determining an action based on the received automatic emergency data response. A CD, a UAV, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: A method for enabling autonomous emergency assistance for a communication device, CD, registered in a regular cellular network is presented. The method is performed in an autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV, and comprises directing the UAV to a geographical region connected to a preregistered position of the CD, emulating a cellular network in the geographical region, wherein the UAV and the CD are without connectivity with the regular cellular network, and providing autonomous emergency assistance for the CD in the geographical region. A CD, a UAV, a computer program and a computer program product are also presented.

Abstract: A method and rate controlling node (206) for providing a recommended data rate for a communication i of data on a radio channel between a data sending node (200) and a data receiving node (202) over a shared radio link (204). The rate controlling node (206) determines a fair data rate Ri for the data communication based on a current load on the shared radio link (204), and also determines a maximum flow data rate Rmax,i for the data communication i a highest possible data rate that the data sending node (200) is able to use in the data communication. The rate controlling node (206) then signals (2:5) a recommended data rate for the data communication i as a minimum of the determined fair data rate Ri and the determined maximum flow data rate Rmax,i to the data sending node (200).