CN116325551A

CN116325551A - Apparatus, method, device and computer readable medium for establishing a communication link

Info

Publication number: CN116325551A
Application number: CN202080106422.0A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 许翔; J·维戈尔德; T-C·F·谢
Original assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Shanghai Bell Co Ltd; Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Priority date: 2020-10-21
Filing date: 2020-10-21
Publication date: 2023-06-23
Also published as: WO2022082540A1

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to establishment of a communication link. The first device obtains first configuration information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device. The first device sends the first configuration information to the third device for establishment of a communication link between the second device and the third device.

Description

Apparatus, method, device and computer readable medium for establishing a communication link

Technical Field

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications and, more particularly, relate to an apparatus, method, device, and computer readable medium for establishing a communication link.

Background

High Altitude Platforms (HAPS) are a new approach to rural and remote regional telecommunication infrastructure solutions based on stratospheric airborne platforms. HAPS is proposed to operate at altitudes between 20km and 50km to cover service areas up to 1000km diameter and 800000 square kilometers, depending on the minimum elevation angle accepted from the user location. HAPS may be balloon-based or solar powered high altitude aircraft.

The HAPS may be directly connected to the ground station via a feeder link. In some cases, the feeder link may not be available or reliable due to atmospheric attenuation, turbulence, etc. For example, when a direct connection between the HAPS and the ground station is not available, another HAPS may be used to relay communications between the HAPS and the ground station.

In contrast to well-planned and statically deployed terrestrial cellular networks, HAPS can be deployed dynamically. It is inconvenient to pre-configure all the contents in the HAPS before the operation. Thus, it is inconvenient to dynamically establish the HAPS-HAPS communication link.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a scheme for establishing a communication link.

In a first aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to: obtaining first configuration information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; and sending the first configuration information to the third device for establishment of a communication link between the second device and the third device.

In a second aspect, a first device is provided. The first device includes at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to: obtaining first information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; obtaining second information from the third device regarding at least one of a communication link and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; obtaining third information from the fifth device regarding a communication link between the fifth device and the third device; based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, determining that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via a second device and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device; and sending an indication indicating the determination to the second device, the third device and the fifth device.

In a third aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the third device to: receiving first configuration information from the first device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; and establishing a communication link based on the first configuration information.

In a fourth aspect, a third device is provided. The third device includes at least one processor; at least one memory including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the third device to: transmitting second information to the first device regarding at least one of a communication link between the second device and the third device and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; and receiving, from the first device, an indication that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via a second device, and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device.

In a fifth aspect, a method implemented at a device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining, at the first device, first configuration information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; and sending the first configuration information to the third device for establishment of a communication link between the second device and the third device.

In a sixth aspect, a method implemented at a device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: obtaining, at the first device, first information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; obtaining second information from the third device regarding at least one of a communication link and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; obtaining third information from the fifth device regarding a communication link between the fifth device and the third device; based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, determining that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via a second device and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device; and sending an indication indicating the determination to the second device, the third device and the fifth device.

In a seventh aspect, a method implemented at a device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: receiving, at the third device, first configuration information from the first device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; and establishing a communication link based on the first configuration information.

In an eighth aspect, a method implemented at a device is provided. The method comprises the following steps: transmitting, from the third device to the first device, second information regarding at least one of a communication link between the second device and the third device and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; and receiving, from the first device, an indication that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via a second device, and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device.

In a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for obtaining, at the first device, first configuration information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; and means for sending the first configuration information to the third device for establishment of a communication link between the second device and the third device.

In a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for obtaining, at the first device, first information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; means for obtaining second information from the third device regarding at least one of a communication link and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; means for obtaining third information from the fifth device regarding a communication link between the fifth device and the third device; means for determining, based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via a second device and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device; and means for sending an indication indicating the determination to the second device, the third device and the fifth device.

In an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for receiving, at the third device, first configuration information from the first device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device; and means for establishing a communication link based on the first configuration information.

In a twelfth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for transmitting second information from the third device to the first device regarding at least one of a communication link between the second device and the third device and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; and means for receiving, from the first device, an indication that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via a second device, and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device.

In a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fifth aspect described above.

In a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing a component to perform at least the method according to the sixth aspect described above.

In a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the seventh aspect above.

In a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the eighth aspect above.

It should be understood that the summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description.

Drawings

Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication network in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a process for managing a communication link according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 3 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a process for managing a communication link according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first device, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 5 shows a flowchart of a method implemented at a first device according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a third device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a third device according to other example embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing some other embodiments of the disclosure; and

Fig. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer-readable medium, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

The same or similar reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like elements.

Detailed Description

Principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and practicing the present disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

References in the present disclosure to "one embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an exemplary embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

It will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second," etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, and, unlike a second element, a second element could be termed a first element. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," "having," "containing," and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

(a) Hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations in analog and/or digital circuits only); and

(b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, for example (as applicable):

(i) Combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuitry and software/firmware

(ii) Hardware processor (including digital signal processor) with software, software and any portion of memory that work together to cause a component such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions) and

(c) Hardware circuitry and/or a processor (e.g., a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor) that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but when software is not required to operate, the software may not be present.

This definition of circuit applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As another example, as used in this application, the term circuit also encompasses an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or its) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also encompasses, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or a processor integrated circuit for a mobile component or a similar integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network component, or other computing or network component.

As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as a fifth generation (5G) system, long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-advanced (LTE-a), wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), high Speed Packet Access (HSPA), narrowband internet of things (NB-IoT), and so forth. Furthermore, the communication between the terminal device and the network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocol, including, but not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G,2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, future fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) communication protocols, and/or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communications, there are of course future types of communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be implemented. It should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention to only the above-described systems.

As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a Base Station (BS) or Access Point (AP), e.g., a node B (node B or NB), an evolved node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR next generation node B (gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, a low power node such as a femto base station, pico base station, etc. The RAN split architecture includes a gNB-CU (centralized unit, master RRC, SDAP and PDCP) that controls multiple gNB-DUs (distributed units, master RLC, MAC and PHY).

The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user Equipment (UE), subscriber Station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile Station (MS), or Access Terminal (AT). The terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smart phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablet computers, wearable terminal devices, personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles (dongles), smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), internet of things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head Mounted Displays (HMDs), vehicles, targets, medical devices and applications (e.g., tele-surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and/or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and/or automation processing chain environment, consumer electronic devices, devices operating on a commercial and/or wireless network, etc. in the following description, the terms "terminal device", "industrial", "end user device", and "UE" may be used.

While in various example embodiments, the functionality described herein may be performed in fixed and/or wireless network nodes, in other example embodiments, the functionality may be implemented in a user equipment component, such as a cellular telephone or tablet or laptop or desktop or mobile or fixed device. The user equipment component may for example be suitably equipped with the corresponding capabilities described in connection with the fixed and/or radio network node. The user equipment component may be a user equipment and/or a control device, such as a chipset or processor, configured to control the user equipment when installed therein. Examples of such functions include a bootstrapping server function and/or a home subscriber server, which may be implemented in a user equipment component by providing the user equipment component with software configured to cause the user equipment component to execute from the point of view of these functions/nodes.

Fig. 1 illustrates an example communication network 100 in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The communication network 100 includes a first device 110, a second device 120, a third device 130, a fourth device 140, a fifth device 150, and a ground station 160.

In some embodiments, the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the third device 130.

In some embodiments, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120 and the fifth device 150.

In some embodiments, communication network 100 may be implemented as a 5G communication network. In such an embodiment, each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 may comprise a HAPS, and each of the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 may comprise a network device located at the surface of the earth. In some embodiments, each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 may include a Distributed Unit (DU) of a network device, such as a DU of a gNB, and each of the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 may include a Centralized Unit (CU) of a network device, such as a CU of a gNB. In other embodiments, a full network device (e.g., a gNB) may be deployed on each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150, and each of the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 may host access and mobility management functions (AMFs).

In some embodiments, the ground station 160 may be implemented as a non-terrestrial network (NTN) gateway located at the surface of the earth. The ground station 160 may be a Transport Network Layer (TNL) node and provide sufficient Radio Frequency (RF) power and RF sensitivity for accessing HAPS.

In some embodiments, third device 130 may communicate with ground station 160 via direct communication link 132. In other words, the third device 130 may communicate with the first device 110 via the direct communication link 132. Hereinafter, the direct link 132 is also referred to as a feeder link.

In some embodiments, a communication link 133-1 between the third device 130 and the second device 120 may be established. In such an embodiment, the first device 110 may switch communication between the first device and the third device from the direct communication link 132 to the first indirect communication link 133 via the second device 120, and vice versa, if a certain condition is met. The first indirect communication link 133 includes communication link 133-1 and communication link 133-2.

In some embodiments, a communication link 134-1 between the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 may be established. In such an embodiment, the first device 110 may switch communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 from the direct communication link 132 to the second indirect communication link 134 via the fifth device 150, and vice versa, if a certain condition is met. The second indirect communication link 134 includes communication link 134-1 and communication link 134-2. Alternatively, if a certain condition is met, the first device 110 may switch communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 from the first indirect communication link 133 to the second indirect communication link 134, and vice versa.

It should be understood that the number of first, second, third, fourth, and fifth devices is given for illustrative purposes and does not imply any limitation to the disclosure. Communication network 100 may include any suitable number of first, second, third, fourth, and fifth devices suitable for implementing implementations of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the communication network 100 may not include the fourth device 140. In such embodiments, the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120 and the fifth device 150. As another example, in some embodiments, the communication network 100 may include a fourth device 140 that may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the fifth device 150. In such an embodiment, the fourth device 140 may only manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120. The first device 110 and the fourth device 140 may establish a communication interface. For example, when the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 implement the gNB-CU function, an Xn interface may be established between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140.

Communication in communication network 100 may be implemented in accordance with any suitable communication protocol including, but not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), etc. cellular communication protocols, wireless local area network communication protocols such as Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, etc., and/or any other protocol currently known or developed in the future. Further, the communication may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology including, but not limited to: code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), frequency Division Duplex (FDD), time Division Duplex (TDD), multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA), and/or any other technique currently known or to be developed in the future.

As described above, HAPS can be deployed dynamically, unlike well-planned and statically deployed terrestrial cellular networks. It is inconvenient to pre-configure all the contents in the HAPS before the operation. Thus, it is inconvenient to dynamically establish the HAPS-HAPS communication link.

Conventionally, two options are selectable for establishing a HAPS-HAPS communication link.

In a first option, when the HAPS detects a new neighboring HAPS, it may report information of the neighboring HAPS to an operation and maintenance (O & M) server. The O & M server then provides HAPS link information for the adjacent HAPS to the HAPS for establishing the HAPS-HAPS link. However, the first option is inefficient for reasons described below. In the case of network sharing, the neighboring HAPS may come from different suppliers or even from different operators. Using the first option requires close coordination between O & M systems from different vendors or operators.

Furthermore, the first option may not work when the topology manager is located in the RAN (i.e., the gNB-CU), and is not a very scalable solution as the number of HAPS flying around increases.

In a second option, LTE/NR Transport Network Layer (TNL) address discovery may discover X2/Xn interface information of peer RAN nodes in order to dynamically establish X2/Xn between the RAN nodes. However, the HAPS-HAPS link may not be based on an IP address. Thus, TNL address discovery may not work in this case.

To at least partially address the above and other potential problems, example embodiments of the present disclosure provide a scheme for establishing a communication link. In this scheme, the first device obtains first configuration information from the second device regarding a communication link between the second device and the third device. Further, the first device transmits the first configuration information to the third device for establishing a communication link between the second device and the third device. With this scheme, the HAPS-HAPS link can be established in a distributed manner. Thus, O & M efforts to dynamically discover configuration parameters of the HAPS-HAPS link may be avoided. Furthermore, coordination between O & M systems from different vendors or operators may be avoided.

The principles and implementations of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to fig. 2 through 7. Fig. 2 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a process 200 for establishing a communication link according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, process 200 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 200 may include the first device 110, the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fourth device 140 as shown in fig. 1. It should be appreciated that although the process 200 has been described in the communication network 100 of fig. 1, the process is equally applicable to other communication scenarios.

As shown in fig. 2, the first device 110 obtains first configuration information from the second device 120 regarding a communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

As described with reference to fig. 1, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120. Thus, in such an example embodiment, the fourth device 140 may obtain (204) the first configuration information from the second device 120 and forward the first configuration information to the first device 110. Accordingly, the first device 110 may obtain (205) the first configuration information from the fourth device 140.

In an example embodiment in which the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120, the first device 110 may obtain the first configuration information directly from the second device 120.

In an example embodiment where the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 each comprise a CU of a network device and the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 each comprise an high-altitude platform supporting DUs of the network devices, the message between the first device 110 (or the fourth device 140) and the third device 130 (or the second device 120, or the fifth device 150) may be an F1AP message. The message between the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 may be an XnAP message.

In an example embodiment in which each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device includes a high-altitude platform supporting the gNB, the message between the first device 110 (or the fourth device 140) and the third device 130 (or the second device 120, or the fifth device 150) may be an NGAP message.

After acquiring the first configuration information, the first device 110 sends (206) the first configuration information to the third device 130 for establishing a communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

Accordingly, the third device 130 receives the first configuration information from the first device 110. Further, the third device 130 establishes (207) a communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130 based on the first configuration information.

With the present disclosure, HAPS-HAPS links may be established in a distributed manner. Accordingly, O & M efforts to dynamically discover configuration parameters of the HAPS-HAPS link may be avoided. Furthermore, coordination between O & M systems from different vendors or operators may be avoided.

In some example embodiments, the first configuration information may include at least one of: the geographical location of the second device 120, the coordinates of the second device 120, the energy state of the second device 120, the frequency band supported by the second device 120, the load state of the second device 120, the available capacity of the second device 120, or parameters for establishing a communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130, or the capability of the second device 120 to establish a connection with a device other than the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the first configuration information from the second device 120 regarding the communication link 133-1 may be specific to the communication link 133-1. In other words, the second device 120 will use configuration information different from the first configuration information to communicate with other devices than the third device 130. For example, the second device 120 will communicate with the third device 130 using the first frequency band and with other devices than the third device 130 using the second frequency band. The second frequency band is different from the first frequency band. In such an example embodiment, the second device 120 may provide the first configuration information to the first device 110 upon receiving a request for the first configuration information from the third device 130.

In an example embodiment where the first device 110 includes a CU of a network device (e.g., a gNB) and each of the second device 120 or the third device 130 includes an aerial platform station supporting DUs of the network device (e.g., a gNB), the first device 110 may receive the request from the third device 130 via an F1AP message.

In an example embodiment in which each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 includes an high-altitude platform supporting a network device (e.g., a gNB), the first device 110 may receive the request from the third device 130 via an NGAP message.

In such an example embodiment, the third device 130 may send (201) a request for the first configuration information to the first device 110. Upon receiving the request, the first device 110 forwards the request to the fourth device 140. The fourth device 140 in turn forwards the request to the second device 120. Upon receiving the request, the second device 120 transmits the first configuration information to the fourth device 140. The fourth device 140 in turn forwards the first configuration information to the first device 110.

In some example embodiments, the request for the first configuration information may include second configuration information regarding the communication link 133-1.

In some example embodiments, the request for the first configuration information may also include an identification of the second device 120. Examples of the identity of the second device 120 may include, but are not limited to, an identity of a cell provided by the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the second configuration information may include at least one of: the geographic location of the third device 130, the coordinates of the third device 130, the energy state of the third device 130, the frequency band supported by the third device 130, the load state of the third device 130, the available capacity of the third device 130, parameters for establishing the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the first configuration information about communication link 133-1 from the second device 120 may be common to multiple communication links. In other words, the second device 120 will use the same configuration information as the first configuration information to communicate with other devices than the third device 130. For example, the second device 120 will use a single frequency band to communicate with the third device 130 and other devices different from the third device 130, respectively. In such an example embodiment, the second device 120 may provide the first configuration information to the first device 110 in an unsolicited manner.

For example, in some example embodiments, if the second device 120 determines that the first configuration information changes, the second device 120 may send the updated first configuration information to the fourth device 140 in an unsolicited manner.

In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may send the updated first configuration information during an F1 setup procedure, a gNB-DU configuration update procedure, or other F1AP procedures.

Similarly, in some example embodiments, the third device 130 may provide the second configuration information to the first device 110 in an unsolicited manner.

It should be appreciated that the third device 130 may use a process similar to the process 200 to establish the communication link 134-1 between the third device 130 and the fifth device 150. Details of this process will be omitted for brevity.

After establishing communication links 133-1 and 134-1, there are a number of options for first device 110 to communicate with third device 130. For example, the first device 110 may communicate with the third device 130 via a direct communication link 132. Alternatively, the first device 110 may communicate with the third device 130 via a first indirect communication link 133. Alternatively, the first device 110 may communicate with the third device 130 via the second indirect communication link 134. Thus, a solution for managing communication links is needed.

Fig. 3 shows a signaling diagram illustrating a process 300 for managing a communication link according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the process 300 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The process 300 may include the first device 110, the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fourth device 140 as shown in fig. 1. It should be appreciated that although the process 300 will be described in the communication network 100 of fig. 1, the process is equally applicable to other communication scenarios. Further, in process 300, it is assumed that the first indirect communication link 133 and the second indirect communication link 134 have been established.

As shown in fig. 3, the first device 110 obtains (301) second information from the third device 130 regarding the communication link 133-1 and/or the communication link 132 and/or the communication link 134-1.

The first device 110 obtains first information from the second device 120 regarding the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130 and/or the communication link 133-2 between the second device 120 and the first device 110. It should be appreciated that the communication link between ground station 160 and first device 110 is common to all direct or indirect communication links between third device 130 and first device 110, and thus the common communication link between ground station 160 and first device 110 is not considered in further analysis.

As described with reference to fig. 1, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120 and the fifth device 150. In such an example embodiment, the fourth device 140 may send a request for the first information to the second device 120. Upon receiving the request, the second device 120 sends the first information to the fourth device 140. Accordingly, the fourth device 140 may obtain (302) the first information from the second device 120 and forward the first information to the first device 110. Accordingly, the first device 110 may obtain (303) the first information from the fourth device 140.

In an example embodiment where the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120, the first device 110 may obtain the first information directly from the second device 120.

The first device 110 obtains third information from the fifth device 150 regarding the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130 and/or the communication link 134-2 between the fifth device 150 and the first device 110.

Similar to the second information, in example embodiments in which the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the fifth device 150, the fourth device 140 may obtain (304) third information from the fifth device 150 and forward the third information to the first device 110. Accordingly, the first device 110 may obtain (305) the third information from the fourth device 140.

Alternatively, in an example embodiment in which the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the fifth device 150, the first device 110 may obtain the third information directly from the fifth device 150.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may obtain the second information from the third device 130, the fourth device 140 may obtain the first information from the second device 120, and the fourth device 140 may obtain the third information from the fifth device 150 via F1 interface control plane signaling, and the first device 110 may obtain the first information and the third information from the fourth device 140 via Xn interface control plane signaling.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may obtain the second information from the third device 130, the fourth device 140 may obtain the first information from the second device 120, and the fourth device 140 may obtain the third information from the fifth device 150 via F1 interface user plane signaling.

In some example embodiments, the first information may include at least one of: the geographical location of the second device 120, the coordinates of the second device 120, the energy state of the second device 120, the frequency band supported by the second device 120, the load state of the second device 120, the available capacity of the second device 120, or the link efficiency of the communication link between the first device 110 and the second device 120, or the link efficiency of the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130, or the energy efficiency of the communication link 133-1 between the first device 110 and the second device 120, or the energy efficiency of the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130, or the quality of the communication link between the first device 110 and the second device 120, or the quality of the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130. In some example embodiments, link efficiency may be determined based on signal quality. For example, the link efficiency of the communication link between the first device 110 and the second device 120 may be determined based on the signal quality of the communication link between the first device 110 and the second device 120. It should be appreciated that link quality is merely one example, and that link efficiency may be determined based on other indicators than signal quality.

In some example embodiments, the second information may include at least one of: the geographic location of the third device 130, the coordinates of the third device 130, the energy state of the third device 130, the frequency band supported by the third device 130, the load state of the third device 130, the available capacity of the third device 130, or the link efficiency of the direct communication link 132 between the first device 110 and the third device 130, or the link efficiency of the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130, or the link efficiency of the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130, or the energy efficiency of the direct communication link 132 between the first device 110 and the third device 130. Or the energy efficiency of the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130, or the energy efficiency of the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130, or the quality of the direct communication link 132 between the first device 110 and the third device 130, or the quality of the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130, or the quality of the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the third information may include at least one of: the geographic location of the fifth device 150, the coordinates of the fifth device 150, the energy state of the fifth device 150, the frequency band supported by the fifth device 150, the load state of the fifth device 150, the available capacity of the fifth device 150, or the link efficiency of the communication link between the first device 110 and the fifth device 150, or the link efficiency of the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130, or the energy efficiency of the communication link between the first device 110 and the fifth device 150, or the energy efficiency of the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130, or the quality of the communication link between the first device 110 and the fifth device 150, or the quality of the communication link 134-1 between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130.

Based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, the first device 110 determines (306) that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be performed by using one of the direct communication link 132, the first indirect communication link 133 via the second device 120, and the second indirect communication link 134 via the fifth device 150.

The first device 110 sends 307 an indication to the third device 130 indicating the determination.

In an example embodiment in which the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120, the first device 110 may send (308) an indication to the fourth device 140 indicating the determination. The fourth device 140 may forward 309 the indication to the second device 120.

Alternatively, in an example embodiment in which the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120, the first device 110 may send the indication directly to the second device 120.

In an example embodiment where the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the fifth device 150, the first device 110 may send (310) an indication to the fourth device 140 indicating the determination. The fourth device 140 may forward 311 the indication to the fifth device 150.

Alternatively, in an example embodiment in which the first device 110 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the fifth device 150, the first device 110 may send the indication directly to the fifth device 150.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 communicates with the third device 130 via the direct communication link 132, and the first device 110 determines that the first device 110 is to communicate with the third device 130 via the first indirect communication link 133. In other words, the first device 110 determines that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be switched from the direct communication link 132 to the first indirect communication link 133. In such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends a first indication to the third device 130 that the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be enabled. Further, the first device 110 sends a second indication to the third device 130 that the direct communication link 132 is to be disabled.

The first device 110 also sends a first indication to the second device 120. As described with reference to fig. 1, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120. Accordingly, in such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends the first indication to the fourth device 140, and the fourth device 140 forwards the first indication to the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 communicates with the third device 130 via a first indirect communication link 133, and the first device 110 determines that the first device 110 is to communicate with the third device 130 via a direct communication link 132. In other words, the first device 110 determines that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be switched from the first indirect communication link 133 via the second device 120 to the direct communication link 132. In such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends a third indication to the third device 130 that the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled. Further, the first device 110 sends a fourth indication to the third device 130 that the direct communication link 132 is to be enabled.

The first device 110 also sends a third indication to the second device 120. As described with reference to fig. 1, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120. Accordingly, in such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends the third indication to the fourth device 140, and the fourth device 140 forwards the third indication to the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be communicating with the third device 130 via the first indirect communication link 133, and the first device 110 may determine that the first device 110 is to communicate with the third device 130 via the second indirect communication link 134. In other words, the first device 110 determines that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be handed off from the first indirect communication link 133 to the second indirect communication link 134. In such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends a fifth indication to the third device 130 that the communication link 133-1 between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled.

The first device 110 also sends a fifth indication to the second device 120. As described with reference to fig. 1, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the second device 120. Accordingly, in such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends the fifth indication to the fourth device 140, and the fourth device 140 forwards the fifth indication to the second device 120.

In such an example embodiment, the first device 110 also sends a sixth indication to the third device 130 indicating that the communication link 134-1 between the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 is to be enabled.

The first device 110 also sends a sixth indication to the fifth device 150. As described with reference to fig. 1, the fourth device 140 may manage, at least partially control, and/or otherwise operatively communicate with the fifth device 150. Accordingly, in such an example embodiment, the first device 110 sends a sixth indication to the fourth device 140, and the fourth device 140 forwards the sixth indication to the fifth device 150.

In some example embodiments, to determine whether communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be handed over from the direct communication link 132 to the first indirect communication link 133, the first device 110 may determine a first efficiency of communication via the direct communication link 132, a second efficiency of communication via the first indirect communication link 133, based on the first information and the second information.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may compare the first efficiency to a first threshold efficiency. If the first efficiency is below the first threshold efficiency, the first device 110 may determine that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be switched from the direct communication link 132 to the first indirect communication link 133.

In other example embodiments, the first component 110 may compare the second efficiency to a second threshold efficiency. If the second efficiency is above the second threshold efficiency, the first device 110 may determine that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be switched from the direct communication link 132 to the first indirect communication link 133.

In other example embodiments, the first device 110 may compare the first efficiency to the second efficiency. If the second efficiency is higher than the first efficiency, the first device 110 may determine that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be switched from the direct communication link 132 to the first indirect communication link 133.

Similarly, to determine whether communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to switch from the first indirect communication link 133 to the second indirect communication link 134, the first device 110 may determine a third efficiency of communication via the second indirect communication link 134 based on the third information. Further, the first device 110 may compare the third efficiency to a third threshold efficiency, the second efficiency to a fourth threshold efficiency, or the third efficiency to the second efficiency.

In some example embodiments, each of the first efficiency, the second efficiency, and the third efficiency may include at least one of a link efficiency or an energy efficiency.

With the present disclosure, the HAPS-HAPS link can be used more efficiently.

Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 400 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 400 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 with reference to fig. 1. It should be appreciated that the method 400 may also be implemented at the fourth device 140 in fig. 1.

At block 410, the first device 110 obtains first configuration information from the second device 120 regarding a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130. At block 420, the first device 110 sends first configuration information to the third device for establishment of a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 obtains the first configuration information in response to receiving a request for the first configuration information from the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the request includes second configuration information regarding a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 obtains first configuration information updated by the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 obtains the first configuration information via a fourth device 140 that controls the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the first configuration information includes at least one of: the geographical location of the second device 120, the coordinates of the second device 120, the energy state of the second device 120, the frequency band supported by the second device 120, the load state of the second device 120, the available capacity of the second device 120, parameters for establishing a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the second configuration information includes at least one of: the geographic location of the third device 130, the coordinates of the third device 130, the energy state of the third device 130, the frequency band supported by the third device 130, the load state of the third device 130, the available capacity of the third device 130, or parameters for establishing a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises a centralized unit of network devices, and each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 comprises a distributed unit of network devices. In some other example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises a network device and each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 comprises another network device.

In some example embodiments, the fourth device 140 comprises a centralized unit of network equipment.

In some example embodiments, each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 includes an aerial platform station.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises an access and mobility management function device, and each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 comprises a network device.

Fig. 5 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 500 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 500 will be described from the perspective of the first device 110 with reference to fig. 1. It should be appreciated that the method 500 may also be implemented at the fourth device 140 in fig. 1.

At block 510, the first device 110 obtains first information from the second device 120 regarding at least one of a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 and a communication link between the second device 120 and the first device 110. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 obtains the first information via a fourth device 140 that controls the second device 120.

At block 520, the first device 110 obtains second information from the third device 130 regarding the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130, and/or the communication link between the first device 110 and the third device 130, and/or the communication link between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130.

At block 530, the first device 110 obtains third information from the fifth device 150 regarding at least one of a communication link between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130 and a communication link between the fifth device 150 and the first device 110.

At block 540, the first device 110 determines, based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link 130, a first indirect communication link 133 via the second device 120, and a second indirect communication link 134 via the fifth device 150.

At block 550, the first device 110 sends an indication to the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 indicating the determination.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 determines to switch communication from a direct communication link to a first indirect communication link, sends a first indication to the second device 120 and the third device 130 that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be enabled, and sends a second indication to the third device 130 that the direct communication link is to be disabled.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 determines to switch communication from the first indirect communication link to the direct communication link, sends a third indication to the second device 120 and the third device 130 that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled, and sends a fourth indication to the third device 130 that the direct communication link is to be enabled.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 determines to switch communication from the first indirect communication link to the second indirect communication link, sends a fifth indication to the second device 120 and the third device 130 that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled, and sends a sixth indication to the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 that the communication link between the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 is to be enabled.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 determines that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be handed off from the direct communication link to the first indirect communication link by: determining a first efficiency of communication via the direct communication link; determining a second efficiency of communication via the first indirect communication link based on the first information and the second information; comparing one of: the first efficiency and the first threshold efficiency, the second efficiency and the second threshold efficiency, or the first efficiency and the second efficiency.

In some example embodiments, the first efficiency and the second efficiency each include at least one of: link efficiency or energy efficiency.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 will determine that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 will switch from the first indirect communication link to the second indirect communication link by: determining a third efficiency of communication via the second indirect communication link based on the third information; and determining a fourth efficiency of communication via the first indirect communication link based on the first information and the second information; comparing one of: the third efficiency and the third threshold efficiency, the fourth efficiency and the fourth threshold efficiency, or the third efficiency and the fourth efficiency.

In some example embodiments, the third efficiency and the fourth efficiency each include at least one of: link efficiency or energy efficiency.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises a centralized unit of network devices, and each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 comprises a distributed unit of network devices.

In some example embodiments, the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 are high-altitude platforms.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises an access and mobility management function device, and each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 comprises a network device.

Fig. 6 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the third device 130 with reference to fig. 1. It should be appreciated that the method 600 may also be implemented at the second device 120 or the fifth device 150 in fig. 1.

At block 610, the third device 130 receives first configuration information from the first device 110 regarding a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130. At block 620, the third device 130 establishes a communication link based on the first configuration information.

In some example embodiments, the third device 130 sends a request for the first configuration information to the first device 110 and receives a response to the request, the response including the first configuration information.

In some example embodiments, each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 includes an overhead platform station.

Fig. 7 illustrates a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the third device 130 with reference to fig. 1. It should be appreciated that the method 700 may also be implemented at the second device 120 or the fifth device 150 in fig. 1.

At block 710, the third device 130 sends second information to the first device 110 regarding a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130, and/or a first indirect communication link between the third device 130 and the first device 110 via the second device 120, and/or a second indirect communication link between the third device 130 and the first device 110 via the fifth device 150. At block 720, the third device 130 receives, from the first device 110, an indication that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be performed using one of: a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device 120, and a second indirect communication link via the fifth device 150.

In some example embodiments, the third device 130 receives at least one of: a first indication that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be enabled and a second indication that the direct communication link is to be disabled, a third indication that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled and a fourth indication that the direct communication link is to be enabled, or a fifth indication that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled and a sixth indication that the second indirect communication link is to be enabled.

In some example embodiments, the second information includes at least one of: the geographic location of the third device 130, the coordinates of the third device 130, the energy state of the third device 130, the frequency band supported by the third device 130, the load state of the third device 130, the available capacity of the third device 130, or the quality of the direct communication link between the first device 110 and the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, each of the second device 120, the third device 130, and the fifth device 150 includes an overhead platform station.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of the methods 400 may include means for performing the various steps of the methods 400. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for obtaining, at a first device, first configuration information from a second device regarding a communication link between the second device and a third device; and means for sending the first configuration information to the third device to establish a communication link between the second device and the third device.

In some example embodiments, the means for obtaining the first configuration information includes means for obtaining the first configuration information in response to receiving a request for the first configuration information from the third device 130.

In some example embodiments, the request includes second configuration information about the communication link.

In some example embodiments, the means for obtaining the first configuration information includes means for obtaining the first configuration information updated by the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the means for obtaining the first configuration information includes means for obtaining the first configuration information via a fourth device 140 controlling the second device 120.

In some example embodiments, the second configuration information includes at least one of: the geographic location of the third device, the coordinates of the third device, the energy state of the third device, the frequency band supported by the third device, the load state of the third device, the available capacity of the third device, parameters for establishing a communication link between the second device and the third device.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises a centralized unit of network devices, and each of the second device 120 and the third device 130 comprises a distributed unit of network devices.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., first device 110) capable of performing any of the methods 500 may include means for performing the steps of the method 500. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for obtaining, at a first device 110, first information from a second device 120 regarding a communication link between the second device 120 and a third device 130; means for obtaining second information from the third device 130 regarding at least one of a communication link and a direct communication link between the first device 110 and the third device 130; means for obtaining third information from the fifth device 150 regarding a communication link between the fifth device 150 and the third device 130; means for determining, based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be performed by using one of a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device 120, and a second indirect communication link via the fifth device 150; and means for sending an indication to the second device 120, the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 indicating the determination.

In some example embodiments, the means for determining comprises means for determining that the communication is to be handed over from a direct communication link to a first indirect communication link. The means for sending an indication comprises means for sending a first indication to the second device 120 and the third device 130 that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be enabled, and means for sending a second indication to the third device 130 that the direct communication link is to be disabled.

In some example embodiments, the means for determining comprises means for determining that communication is to be handed over from a first indirect communication link to a direct communication link. The means for transmitting an indication comprises: means for sending a third indication to the second device 120 and the third device 130 that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled; and means for sending a fourth indication to the third device 130 that the direct communication link is to be enabled.

In some example embodiments, the means for determining comprises means for determining that communication is to be handed over from a first indirect communication link to a second indirect communication link. The means for sending an indication comprises means for sending a fifth indication to the second device 120 and the third device 130 that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled, and means for sending a sixth indication to the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 that the communication link between the third device 130 and the fifth device 150 is to be enabled.

In some example embodiments, the means for determining that communication is to be handed over from the first indirect communication link to the direct communication link comprises: means for determining a first efficiency of communication via a direct communication link; means for determining a second efficiency of communication via the first indirect communication link based on the first information and the second information; means for comparing one of: the first efficiency and the first threshold efficiency, the second efficiency and the second threshold efficiency, or the first efficiency and the second efficiency.

In some example embodiments, the means for determining that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be handed off from the first indirect communication link to the second indirect communication link comprises: means for determining a third efficiency of communication via the second indirect communication link based on the third information; means for determining a fourth efficiency of communication via the first indirect communication link based on the first information and the second information; means for comparing one of: the third efficiency has a third threshold efficiency, the fourth efficiency has a fourth threshold efficiency, or the third efficiency has a fourth efficiency.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., third device 110) capable of performing any of the methods 600 may include means for performing the steps of the method 600. The component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for receiving, at a third device, first configuration information from a first device regarding a communication link between a second device and the third device; and means for establishing a communication link based on the first configuration information.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus further comprises means for sending a request for the first configuration information to the first device 110, and the means for receiving the first configuration information comprises means for receiving a response to the request, the response comprising the first configuration information.

In some example embodiments, the first device 110 comprises a centralized unit of network devices, and each of the second and third devices 130 comprises a distributed unit of network devices.

In some example embodiments, each of the second device and the third device 130 includes an overhead platform station.

In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., third device 130) capable of performing any of method 700 may include means for performing the various steps of method 700. The components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in circuitry or software modules.

In some example embodiments, the apparatus includes means for transmitting, from the third device 130 to the first device 110, second information related to at least one of a communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 and a direct communication link between the first device 110 and the third device 130; and means for receiving an indication from the first device 110 that communication between the first device 110 and the third device 130 is to be performed using one of a direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device 120, and a second indirect communication link via the fifth device 150.

In some example embodiments, the means for receiving an indication comprises means for receiving at least one of: a first indication that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be enabled and a second indication that the direct communication link is to be disabled, a third indication that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled and a fourth indication that the direct communication link is to be enabled, or a fifth indication that the communication link between the second device 120 and the third device 130 is to be disabled and a sixth indication that the second indirect communication link is to be enabled.

Fig. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, such as the first device 110, the second device 120, the third device 130, the fourth device 140, or the fifth device 150. As shown, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processors 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processors 810.

The communication module 840 is used for two-way communication. The communication module 840 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface required to communicate with other network elements.

The processor 810 may be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of the following: by way of non-limiting example, general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital Signal Processors (DSPs) and processors based on a multi-core processor architecture. The component 800 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is temporally slaved to a clock that synchronizes the master processor.

Memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 824, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, a hard disk, a Compact Disk (CD), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), and other magnetic and/or optical memory. Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random Access Memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memory that do not last for the duration of the power outage.

The computer program 830 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 810. Program 830 may be stored in ROM 820. Processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 830 into RAM 822.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of program 830 such that device 800 may perform any of the processes of the present disclosure as discussed with reference to fig. 2-7. Embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented in hardware or a combination of software and hardware.

In some embodiments, program 830 may be tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 800 (e.g., in memory 820) or in another storage device accessible by device 800. Device 800 may load program 830 from a computer readable medium into RAM 822 for execution. The computer readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile memory, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. Fig. 9 shows an example of a computer readable medium 900 in the form of a CD or DVD. The computer readable medium has stored thereon a program 830.

It should be appreciated that future networks may utilize Network Function Virtualization (NFV), which is a network architecture concept that proposes to virtualize network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that may be operatively connected or linked together to provide services. A Virtualized Network Function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines that run computer program code using standard or generic type servers instead of custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be used. In radio communication, this may mean node operations to be performed at least in part in a central/centralized unit CU (e.g. server, host or node) operatively coupled to the distributed units DU (e.g. radio heads/nodes). Node operations may also be distributed among multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be appreciated that the allocation of labor between core network operation and base station operation may vary depending on implementation.

In one embodiment, a server may generate a virtual network through which the server communicates with the distributed units. In general, virtual networking may involve the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Such virtual networks may provide a flexible distribution of operations between servers and wireless heads/nodes. In fact, any digital signal processing task may be performed in a CU or DU, and the boundary to transfer responsibility between a CU and a DU may be chosen depending on the implementation.

Thus, in one embodiment, a CU-DU architecture is implemented. In this case, the device 800 may be included in a central unit (e.g., control unit, edge cloud server, server) operatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless or wired network) to distributed units (e.g., remote radio heads/nodes). That is, the central unit (e.g., edge cloud server) and the distributed units may be separate devices that communicate with each other via a radio path or via a wired connection. Alternatively, they may be in the same entity that communicates via a wired connection or the like. An edge cloud or edge cloud server may serve multiple distributed units or radio access networks. In one embodiment, at least some of the processes may be performed by a central unit. In another embodiment, the device 800 may be included in a distributed unit, and at least some of the processes may be performed by the distributed unit.

In one embodiment, the execution of at least some of the functions of device 800 may be shared between two physically separate devices (DU and CU) that form one operational entity. Accordingly, it can be seen that the component describes an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the described processes. In one embodiment, such a CU-DU architecture may provide flexible distribution of operations between CUs and DUs. In fact, any digital signal processing task may be performed in a CU or DU, and the boundary to transfer responsibility between a CU and a DU may be chosen depending on the implementation. In one embodiment, the device 800 controls the execution of a process regardless of the location of the device and regardless of where the process/function is performed.

In general, the various embodiments of the disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that the blocks, components, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product comprises computer executable instructions, for example instructions included in program modules executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor, to perform the

methods

400, 500, 600 or 700 as described above with reference to fig. 4 to 7. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc. that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or separated as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions of program modules may be executed within local or distributed devices. In distributed devices, program modules may be located in both local and remote memory storage media.

Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, causes the functions/operations specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on the machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine, partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, component, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carrier waves include signals, computer readable media, and the like.

The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, component, or apparatus, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Moreover, although operations are described in a particular order, this should not be construed as requiring that these operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination.

Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising:

At least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the first device to:

obtaining, from a second device, first configuration information regarding a communication link between the second device and a third device; and

and sending the first configuration information to the third device for establishing the communication link between the second device and the third device.

2. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the first configuration information by:

the first configuration information is obtained in response to receiving a request for the first configuration information from the third device.

3. The first device of claim 2, wherein the request includes second configuration information regarding the communication link.

4. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the first configuration information by:

the first configuration information updated by the second device is acquired.

5. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device is caused to obtain the first configuration information by:

the first configuration information is obtained via a fourth device controlling the second device.

6. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first configuration information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the second device,

the coordinates of the second device are then used,

the energy state of the second device,

the frequency band supported by the second device,

the load status of the second device,

the available capacity of the second device,

parameters to be used for the establishment of the communication link between the second device and the third device, or

The second device is configured to establish a connection with a device other than the third device.

7. A first device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second configuration information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the third device,

the coordinates of the third device are then used,

the energy state of the third device,

the frequency band supported by the third device,

the load status of the third device,

the available capacity of the third device, or

Parameters for said establishment of said communication link between said second device and said third device.

8. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises a centralized unit of network devices, and each of the second device and the third device comprises a distributed unit of the network devices.

9. The first device of claim 5, wherein the fourth device comprises a centralized unit of network equipment or an access and mobility management function device.

10. The first device of claim 1, wherein each of the second device and the third device comprises an overhead platform station.

11. The first device of claim 1, wherein the first device comprises an access and mobility management function device and each of the second device and the third device comprises a network device.

12. A first device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

Obtaining first information from a second device about a communication link between the second device and a third device;

obtaining second information from the third device regarding at least one of the communication link and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device;

obtaining third information from a fifth device regarding a communication link between the fifth device and the third device;

based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, determining that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: the direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device, and a second indirect communication link via the fifth device; and

an indication indicating the determination is sent to the second device, the third device and the fifth device.

13. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first device is caused to determine that the communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed by determining that the communication is to be handed off from the direct communication link to the first indirect communication link; and

Wherein the first device is caused to send the indication by:

transmitting a first indication to the second device and the third device that the communication link between the second device and the third device is to be enabled; and

a second indication is sent to the third device that the direct communication link is to be disabled.

14. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first device is caused to determine that the communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed by determining that the communication is to be handed off from the first indirect communication link to the direct communication link; and

wherein the first device is caused to send the indication by:

transmitting a third indication to the second device and the third device that the communication link between the second device and the third device is to be disabled; and

a fourth indication is sent to the third device that the direct communication link is to be enabled.

15. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first device is caused to determine that the communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed by determining that the communication is to be handed off from the first indirect communication link to the second indirect communication link; and

Wherein the first device is caused to send the indication by:

transmitting a fifth indication to the second device and the third device that the communication link between the second device and the third device is to be disabled; and

a sixth indication is sent to the third device and the fifth device that the communication link between the third device and the fifth device is to be enabled.

16. The first device of claim 13 or 14, wherein the first device is caused to determine that the communication between the first device and the third device is to switch between the direct communication link and the first indirect communication link by:

determining a first efficiency of the communication via the direct communication link;

determining a second efficiency of the communication via the first indirect communication link based on the first information and second information; and

comparing at least one of:

the first efficiency and a first threshold efficiency,

the second efficiency is equal to a second threshold efficiency, or

The first efficiency and the second efficiency.

17. The first device of claim 16, wherein each of the first and second efficiencies comprises at least one of:

Link efficiency, or

Energy efficiency.

18. The first device of claim 15, wherein the first device is caused to determine that the communication between the first device and the third device is to be handed off from the first indirect communication link to the second indirect communication link by:

determining a third efficiency of the communication via the second indirect communication link based on the third information; and

determining a fourth efficiency of the communication via the first indirect communication link based on the first information and the second information; and

comparing at least one of:

the third efficiency and a third threshold efficiency,

the fourth efficiency and the fourth threshold efficiency, or

The third efficiency and the fourth efficiency.

19. The first device of claim 18, wherein each of the third efficiency and the fourth efficiency comprises at least one of:

link efficiency, or

Energy efficiency.

20. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the second device,

the coordinates of the second device are then used,

the energy state of the second device,

The frequency band supported by the second device,

the load status of the second device,

the available capacity of the second device,

link efficiency of the communication link between the first device and the second device, or

The link efficiency of the communication link between the second device and the third device,

the energy efficiency of the communication link between the first device and the second device,

the energy efficiency of the communication link between the second device and the third device,

the quality of the communication link between the first device and the second device, or

The quality of the communication link between the second device and the third device.

21. The first device of claim 12, wherein the second information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the third device,

the coordinates of the third device are then used,

the energy state of the third device,

the frequency band supported by the third device,

the load status of the third device,

the available capacity of the third device,

the link efficiency of the communication link between the fifth device and the third device,

Link efficiency of the direct communication link between the first device and the third device,

the energy efficiency of the communication link between the fifth device and the third device,

the energy efficiency of the direct communication link between the first device and the third device,

the quality of the communication link between the second device and the third device,

the quality of the communication link between the fifth device and the third device, or

The quality of the direct communication link between the first device and the third device.

22. The first device of claim 12, wherein the third information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the fifth device,

the coordinates of the fifth device are used to determine,

the energy state of the fifth device,

the frequency band supported by the fifth device,

the load status of the fifth device,

the available capacity of the fifth device,

the link efficiency of the communication link between the first device and the fifth device,

The energy efficiency of the communication link between the first device and the fifth device,

the quality of the communication link between the first device and the fifth device, or

The quality of the communication link between the fifth device and the third device.

23. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first device comprises a centralized unit of a network device, and each of the second device, the third device, and the fifth device comprises a distributed unit of the network device.

24. The first device of claim 12, wherein each of the second device, the third device, and the fifth device comprises an overhead platform station.

25. The first device of claim 12, wherein the first device comprises an access and mobility management function device, and each of the second device, the third device, and the fifth device comprises a network device.

26. A third device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the third device to:

receiving first configuration information from a first device regarding a communication link between a second device and the third device; and

the communication link is established based on the first configuration information.

27. The third device of claim 26, wherein the third device is caused to receive the first configuration information by:

transmitting a request for the first configuration information to the first device; and

a response to the request is received, the response including the first configuration information.

28. The third device of claim 27, wherein the request includes second configuration information regarding the communication link.

29. The third device of claim 26, wherein the first configuration information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the second device,

the coordinates of the second device are then used,

the energy state of the second device,

the frequency band supported by the second device,

the load status of the second device,

the available capacity of the second device,

30. The third device of claim 28, wherein the second configuration information includes at least one of:

the geographical location of the third device,

the coordinates of the third device are then used,

the energy state of the third device,

the frequency band supported by the third device,

the load status of the third device,

the available capacity of the third device, or

31. The third device of claim 26, wherein the first device comprises a centralized unit of network devices, and each of the second device and the third device comprises a distributed unit of the network devices.

32. The third device of claim 26, wherein each of the second device and the third device comprises an overhead platform station.

33. The third device of claim 26, wherein the first device comprises an access and mobility management function device and each of the second device and the third device comprises a network device.

34. A third device, comprising:

at least one processor; and

at least one memory including computer program code;

transmitting second information to the first device regarding at least one of a communication link between the second device and the third device and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; and

receiving, from the first device, an indication that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: the direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device, and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device.

35. A third device according to claim 34, wherein the third device is caused to receive the indication by receiving at least one of:

a first indication that the communication link between the second device and the third device is to be enabled and a second indication that the direct communication link is to be disabled,

a third indication that the communication link between the second device and the third device is to be disabled and a fourth indication that the direct communication link is to be enabled, or

A fifth indication that the communication link between the second device and the third device is to be disabled, and a sixth indication that the second indirect communication link is to be enabled.

36. The third device of claim 34, wherein the second information comprises at least one of:

the geographical location of the third device,

the coordinates of the third device are then used,

the energy state of the third device,

the frequency band supported by the third device,

the load status of the third device,

the available capacity of the third device,

37. The third device of claim 34, wherein the first device comprises a centralized unit of a network device, and each of the second device, the third device, and the fifth device comprises a distributed unit of the network device.

38. The third device of claim 34, wherein and each of the second device, the third device, and the fifth device comprises an overhead platform.

39. The third device of claim 34, wherein the first device comprises an access and mobility management function device and each of the second device, the third device, and the fifth device comprises a network device.

40. A method, comprising:

obtaining, at a first device, first configuration information from a second device regarding a communication link between the second device and a third device; and

41. A method, comprising:

obtaining, at a first device, first information from a second device regarding a communication link between the second device and a third device;

42. A method, comprising:

receiving, at a third device, first configuration information from a first device regarding a communication link between a second device and the third device; and

43. A method, comprising:

transmitting, from a third device to a first device, second information regarding at least one of a communication link between a second device and the third device and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; and

44. An apparatus, comprising:

means for obtaining, at a first device, first configuration information from a second device regarding a communication link between the second device and a third device; and

means for sending the first configuration information to the third device for establishment of the communication link between the second device and the third device.

45. An apparatus, comprising:

means for obtaining, at a first device, first information from a second device regarding a communication link between the second device and a third device;

means for obtaining second information from the third device regarding at least one of the communication link and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device;

Means for obtaining third information from a fifth device regarding a communication link between the fifth device and the third device;

means for determining, based on the first information, the second information, and the third information, that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: the direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device, and a second indirect communication link via the fifth device; and

means for sending an indication indicating the determination to the second device, the third device and the fifth device.

46. An apparatus, comprising:

means for receiving, at a third device, first configuration information from a first device regarding a communication link between a second device and the third device; and

means for establishing the communication link based on the first configuration information.

47. An apparatus, comprising:

means for transmitting second information from a third device to a first device regarding at least one of a communication link between a second device and the third device and a direct communication link between the first device and the third device; and

Means for receiving, from the first device, an indication that communication between the first device and the third device is to be performed using one of: the direct communication link, a first indirect communication link via the second device, and a second indirect communication link via a fifth device.

48. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program for a method according to claim 40.

49. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing a component to perform at least the method of claim 41.

50. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing a component to perform at least the method of claim 42.

51. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising a computer program for causing a component to perform at least the method of claim 43.