Abstract: A fault tolerance solution for a multi-layer cloud system. The embodiments of this disclosure are applicable to RAN application area as well as cloud environment with virtual machine or container-based application function implementation. In one aspect there is a method performed by a load balancing system, which method includes: receiving a request sent by a client and selecting from a first cluster of serving entities a first main serving entity and a first backup serving entity. The method also includes, as a result of receiving the request sent by the client, sending to the client information identifying the selected first main serving entity and the selected first backup serving entity.

Abstract: A method for decoding a picture from a bitstream. In one embodiment, The method includes: receiving a slice header for a slice of the picture, wherein the slice header comprises a state syntax element; decoding a state value from the state syntax element in the slice header, wherein a) if the state value is not equal to a first value, then the state value indicates that i) the bitstream includes for the picture a picture header comprising a set of picture syntax elements and ii) the slice header does not comprise the set of picture syntax elements and b) if the state value is equal to the first value, then the state value indicates that i) the slice header contains said set of picture syntax elements and ii) the bitstream does not include a picture header for the picture; and using the set of picture syntax elements to decode the slice of the picture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting a sequence of information symbols from a first signal subjected to inter-symbol interference. The method is performed as one or more signal processing paths are each being adapted to setting each symbol in the sequence to a value. When an uncertain decision has been taken in a given signal processing path, the signal processing path is divided into two. A after setting a number of symbols, the sequence of information symbols from one of said one or more signal processing paths as the detected sequence of information symbols is selected. The threshold used to determine whether a symbol is certain or not is adjusted in accordance with an estimate of said noise.