EP4674208A1

EP4674208A1 - Reduced capability device and frequencies

Info

Publication number: EP4674208A1
Application number: EP24703243.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Jussi-Pekka Koskinen; Samuli Heikki TURTINEN
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2023-02-27
Filing date: 2024-01-26
Publication date: 2026-01-07
Also published as: MX2025009948A; CN120642522A; JP2026508240A; WO2024180395A1; KR20250155035A

Abstract

A reduced capability device may be configured to determine presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and to determine, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first fre- quency indication.

Description

REDUCED CAPABILITY DEVICE AND FREQUENCIES

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various example embodiments relate to communication systems.

BACKGROUND

Communication systems are under constant development. The 5G, 5G-Enhanced, 5G-Advanced, and beyond future wireless networks, or network generations, aim to support a large variety of services, use cases and industrial verticals. Along with the variety of different services and use cases, capability requirements of different smart devices of one generations diverge, and reduced capability devices, known as reduced capability user equipment (REDCAP UE) in 5G-En- hanced, originally known as new radio-light (NR-light) have also been introduced to communication systems. A reduced capability device is a low cost and power efficient smart device with reduced capability.

SUMMARY

The independent claims define the scope, and different embodiments are defined in dependent claims.

According to an aspect there is provided a reduced capability device, the device comprising: means for determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and means for determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

In embodiments, the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to, in the presence of the indication, determine to apply all frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

In embodiments, the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to, in the presence of the indication, determine, based at least on the indication, which ones of the at least one first frequency indication are applicable to the reduced capability device and to apply frequencies indicated by applicable first frequency indications.

In embodiments, the reduced capability device further comprises means for receiving at least one second frequency indication in broadcast or in dedicated signaling, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to determine to apply frequencies indicated by the at least one second frequency indication.

In embodiments, the means for determining presence or absence of the indication are configured to, when the at least second frequency indication is received, determine that the indication is absent; and the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to skip frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

In embodiments, the means for receiving the at least one second frequency indication are configured to receive the at least one second frequency indication, when the presence or absence of an indication indicates that no first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device.

In embodiments, the reduced capability device further comprises means for determining that an absence of said indication means that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to determine to apply frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

In embodiments, the means for receiving the at least one second frequency indication are configured to receive a second frequency indication per a frequency.

In embodiments, the reduced capability device further comprises means for receiving the at least one indication in broadcast or in dedicated signaling.

In embodiments, the reduced capability device further comprises means for applying one or more frequencies, which are indicated and applicable, for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection.

In embodiments, the reduced capability device further comprises means for skipping one or more frequencies, which are not indicated and not applicable, for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection.

According to an aspect there is provided a network device comprising means for transmitting information indicating to reduced capability devices, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices. In embodiments, the network device further comprises means for transmitting to reduced capability devices at least one second frequency indication.

In embodiments, comprises the means for transmitting the at least one second frequency indication are configured to transmit to the reduced capability devices the at least one second frequency indication when no first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices.

According to an aspect there is provided a method comprising: determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

According to an aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

In an embodiment, the computer readable medium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.

According to an aspect there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplified high-level network architecture;

Fig. 2 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig. 3 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig. 4 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig. 5 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig. 6 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig.7 illustrates an example functionality; Fig.8 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig.9 illustrates an example functionality;

Fig. 10 is a schematic block diagram;

Fig. 11 is a schematic block diagram; and

Fig. 12 is a schematic block diagram.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

The following embodiments are only presented as examples. Although the specification may refer to "an”, "one”, or "some” embodiment(s) and/or exam- ple(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s) or example(s), or that a particular feature only applies to a single embodiment and/or single example. Single features of different embodiments and/or examples may also be combined to provide other embodiments and/or examples. Furthermore, words "comprising” and "including” should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also fea- tures/structures that have not been specifically mentioned. Further, although terms including ordinal numbers, such as "first”, "second”, etc., may be used for describing various elements, the elements are not restricted by the terms. The terms are used merely for the purpose of distinguishing an element from other elements. For example, a first frequency indication could be termed a frequency indication or a second frequency indication, and similarly, a second frequency indication could be also termed a first frequency indication or a frequency indication without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplified high-level network architecture, only showing some details, the more detailed implementation being irrelevant for the description of examples. The examples are described herein using principles and terminology of 5G-Enhanced, or Release 17, without limiting the examples, and the terminology used, to said 5G-Enhanced, or 5G-Advanced. A person skilled in the art may apply the solutions and examples to other communication systems, for example beyond 5G-Advanced, or communication system implementing similar principles and functionalities, possibly with different terms having corresponding meaning, but using some other than 5G technology.

Referring to Fig. 1, a radio access network 101 provides wireless access via a core network 102 to one or more data networks 103. The radio access network may be 5G-Advanced network, a non-terres- trial network, or a non-cellular access network, for example a wireless local area network, implementing the concept of user devices, reduced capability user devices and further reduced capability user devices.

To provide the wireless access, the radio access network 101 comprises access devices (AD) 110 which may provide one or more cells 111. There are a wide variety of access devices, including different types of base stations, such as split gNB, transmission-reception points, network-controlled repeaters, donor nodes in integrated access and backhaul (IAB), fixed IAB nodes, mobile IAB nodes mounted on vehicles, for example, and satellites. As said above, an access device may provide one or more cells, possibly with different frequencies per cell, but a cell is provided by one access device.

The core network 102 maybe based on a non-standalone core network, for example an LTE-based network, or a standalone access network, for example a 5 G core network. However, it should be appreciated that the core network 102 may use any technology that enable network services, for example, to be delivered between devices and data networks.

The data network 103 may be any network, like the internet, an intranet, a wide area network, and different remote monitoring and/or data collection services for different use cases may be reached via the data network 103.

For use cases and deployment scenarios relating to industrial sensors, video surveillance, and wearables, which require low device complexity, and/or small form-factor and/or low power consumption, 5G-Evolved (Release 17), devices (user equipment or terminal devices), called reduced capability devices, were introduced. It is envisaged that in 5G-Advanced (Release 18) further reduced capability devices 120 (r-c-D), that co-exist with the earlier generation reduced capability devices, will be introduced. A non-limiting list of further reduced capability devices 120 include industrial internet of things devices, consumer internet of things devices, different sensors, like pressure sensors, humidity sensors, thermometers, motion sensors, actuators, accelerometers, etc., surveillance cameras, wearable devices, such as smart watches, rings, eHealth related devices, etc., and small monitors.

In future generations, e.g. Release 19, or 6G, it may be that even further reduced capability devices are introduced. Hence, it should be appreciated that herein the term "further reduced capability device”, or "reduced capability device” refers to a newer reduced capability device type, and for its predecessor reduced capability device type(s), terms baseline reduced capability devices, or legacy reduced capability devices, may be used. For example, reduced capability devices defined in 5G-Evolved, or Release 17, are legacy reduced capability devices to further reduced capability devices envisaged in 5G-Advanced, or Release 18.

The wireless network, e.g. the radio access network 101, may control, by means of frequency indications, frequencies that different devices may or may not apply for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection.

In the below non-limiting examples, different example functionalities of a further reduced capability device relating to determining whether or not at least one first frequency indication, which may be frequency indication(s) for legacy reduced capability devices, are to be applied or skipped are illustrated, using e.g. "device” as a synonym to the further reduced capability device.

Referring to Fig. 2, the device determines (block 201) presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the device. Further, the device determines (block 202), using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication. For example, if the absence or presence of the indication indicates that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable and the at least one first frequency indication indicates one or more frequencies as allowable frequencies, the device may apply the one or more frequencies, for example for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection. If the absence or presence of the indication indicates that the at least one first frequency indication is not applicable, the device may skip corresponding at least one frequency (indicated by the at least one first frequency indication) for example for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection. Still a further example includes, if the absence or presence of the indication indicates that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable and the at least one first frequency indication indicates one or more frequencies as non-allowable frequencies, the device may skip said one or more frequencies for example for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection.

Depending on an implementation, the presence or absence of the indication may further indicate directly or indirectly that no frequency indications for further reduced capability devices will be transmitted, or that one or more frequency indications for further reduced capability devices will be transmitted and are applicable to the device, as will be described with the below examples.

It should be appreciated that the indication may be used as described herein by Release 18 reduced capability devices, or later release reduced capability devices, for example by Release 19 or Release 20 reduced capability devices, just to mention couple of non-limiting examples.

Referring to Fig. 3, the device determines (block 301), that the indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the device, is present, and the device applies (block 302) frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

In an implementation, the indication may be a common indication indicating that all first frequency indications are applicable, and the device is configured to apply (block 302) all frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication. For example, if the first frequency indications indicate that access is allowed to frequencies X and Y for legacy reduced capability devices, then access is allowed to the frequencies X and Y also for further reduced capability devices. In other words, frequencies X and Y are accessible for both legacy, e.g. Rel-17, and further, e.g. Rel-18, reduced capability devices.

In another implementation, the device is configured to determine (block 302), based at least on the indication, which ones of the at least one first frequency indication are applicable to the reduced capability device and to apply (block 302) frequencies indicated by applicable first frequency indications. This may be indicated by a flag per a first frequency indication (per a frequency), the value of the flag (true or false), indicating applicability of the first frequency indication to the device. For example, if the first frequency indications indicate that access is allowed to frequencies X and Y for legacy reduced capability devices, and the indication indicates that a first frequency indication indicating frequency X as an allowable frequency, is applicable to the device, but that a first frequency indication indicating frequency Y as an allowable frequency, is not applicable to the device, then access is allowed to the frequency X also for further reduced capability devices, but not to the frequency Y. In other words, frequency X is accessible for both legacy, e.g. Rel-17, and further, e.g. Rel-18, reduced capability devices, but frequency Y is not accessible for further reduced capability devices, it is accessible for legacy reduced capability devices. It may be that the device further receives one or more second frequency indications, which are frequency indications for further reduced capability devices, indicating frequencies accessible for further reduced capability devices.

Hence there is no need to use wireless network resources, for example system information signaling resources, to transmit a corresponding frequency indications for further reduced capability devices, but it is possible by the network to transmit additional frequency indications for further reduced capability devices, for example, in broadcast, for example in system information block, e.g. system information block 4 (SIB4) or otherwise, or in dedicated signaling, for example in a radio resource reconfiguration or in a radio resource release signaling.

Referring to Fig. 4, the device determines (block 401), that the indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the device, is absent (i.e. not present).

In the illustrated example, the device is configured to apply (block 402), when said indication is absent, all frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication. For example, if the first frequency indications indicate that access is allowed to frequencies X and Y for legacy reduced capability devices, then access is allowed to the frequencies X and Y also for further reduced capability devices. In other words, frequencies X and Y are accessible for both legacy, e.g. Rel-17, and further, e.g. Rel-18, reduced capability devices.

One may say that in the example of Fig. 4, the first frequency indications are default indications, applied by the device (further reduced capability device, or Release 18 device) unless the network signals otherwise. Hence there is no need to use wireless network resources, for example system information signaling resources, to transmit any indication, or corresponding set of frequency indications for further reduced capability devices.

As can be seen from the examples of Fig. 2, Fig. 3, and Fig. 4, flexibility to allow separate frequency indications for the further reduced capability devices is provided while minimizing unnecessary use of network resources to transmit frequency indications with the same effect

The device may perform the determining of absence or presence of the indication and/or the additional frequency indication(s) based on information received from the network. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 illustrate an example functionalities on the network side. Referring to Fig. 5, a network device, for example an access device or a base station, transmits (block 501) information indicating to reduced capability devices (further reduced capability devices), whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices. The at least one first frequency indication may indicate allowability of one or more frequencies for legacy devices. The information may be transmitted by inserting an indication to broadcast, or by transmitting the broadcast without said indication, or the information may be transmitted indirectly by not including any specific indication to a transmission, as described above. The indication may also be an indication, e.g. a flag, that is transmitted. Depending on an implementation, the information may indicate that all first frequency indications are applicable to the reduced capability devices, or the information may indicate which ones of the first frequency indications are applicable to the reduced capability devices. Hence there is no need to use wireless network resources, for example system information signaling resources, to transmit a corresponding frequency indications for further reduced capability devices.

Referring to Fig. 6, a network device, for example an access device or a base station, transmits (block 601) information indicating to reduced capability devices (further reduced capability devices), whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices, and then transmits (block 602) atleastone second frequency indication to the reduced capability devices. The at least one second frequency indication may be provided per a frequency that is allowed to the reduced capability devices, for example for access purposes. The at least one second frequency indication may be transmitted in block 602 in broadcast, for example in system information block, e.g. SIB4, etc., or in dedicated signaling, for example in a radio resource reconfiguration or in a radio resource release signaling. The at least one second frequency indication may be an indication not applicable to legacy reduced capability devices. For example, the at least one second frequency indication may be a Rel-18 frequency indication.

In an implementation, the network device is configured to transmit the at least one second frequency indication to complement the at least one first frequency indication indicated as applicable to the reduced capability devices. In other words, the at least one second frequency indication may be an additional frequency indication.

In another implementation, the network device is configured to transmit in block 602 to the reduced capability devices the at least one second frequency indication when no first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices.

Fig. 7, Fig. 8, and Fig. 9 illustrate different examples of information examples and functionalities, when the network NW, for example the network device, transmits, for example broadcasts, the at least one first frequency indication, and also the at least one second frequency indication. In the illustrated examples, the transmissions are illustrated as separate signaling. It should be appreciated that the transmissions may be sent as one signaling. Further, in the illustrated examples it is assumed that the at least one first frequency indication is for Release 17 reduced capability devices, readable by Release 18 reduced capability devices, and the at least one second frequency indication is for Release 18 reduced capability devices.

Referring to Fig. 7, the NW may broadcast (message 7-1) at least one first frequency indication. For example, the NW may broadcast “r-17 -redCap Acces- sAllowed" indications for frequencies X and Y. Further, the NW may broadcast (message 7-2) at least one second frequency indication. For example, the NW may broadcast "r-18-redCapAccessAllowed" indications for frequency Z.

Even though illustrated as separate messages, in the illustrated example it is assumed that a further reduced capability device, denoted RedCapUE in Fig. 7, receives them in one broadcast The device determines (block 7-3), that the indication is absent, and hence the at least one first frequency indication in message 7-1 are not applicable. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the further reduced capability device skips (block 7-3) the at least one first frequency indication and applies (block 7-3) the at least one second frequency indication. Using the above example of indicated frequencies, the RedCapUE uses frequency Z for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection but skips frequencies X and Y for at least one of the cell selection, the cell re-selection, the cell search, the radio resource management measurements, or the maximum transmission power selection. For example, the RedCapUE may not measure frequencies X and Y even if they are signaled in cell reselection information to the RedCapUE. Further, the RedCapUE may not attempt to receive synchronization signal block (SSB)/master information block (MIB)/system information block (SIB) system information from cells on frequencies X and Y, and/or not attempt to access on frequencies X and Y. However, the RedCapUE may measure frequency Z and may attempt to SSB/MIB/ SIB system information from cells on frequency Z, and/or attempt to access on frequency Z.

Referring to Fig. 8, the NW determines in block 8-0, that none of the first frequency indications are applicable to the further reduced capability devices, and hence a corresponding information and second frequency indications are to be transmitted to the further reduced capability devices. For the legacy reduced capability devices, the NW may broadcast (message 8-1) at least one first frequency indication. For example, the NW may broadcast “r-17-redCapAccessAllowed" indications for frequencies X and Y. The broadcast (message 8-1) further contains information indicating that none of the first frequency indications are applicable to further reduced capability devices. Further, the NW broadcast (message 8-2) at least one second frequency indication. For example, the NW may broadcast “r-18-red- CapAccessAllowed" indications for frequency Z.

Even though illustrated as separate messages, in the illustrated example it is assumed that a further reduced capability device, denoted RedCapUE in Fig. 8, receives them in one broadcast. The device determines (block 8-3), thatthe atleast one first frequency indication in message 8-1 are not applicable, are to be skipped, and at least one second frequency indication is to be received. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the further reduced capability device skips (block 8-3) the at least one first frequency indication, receives (block 8-3) and applies (block 8-3) the atleast one second frequency indication. Using the above example of indicated frequencies, the RedCapUE uses frequency Z for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection but skips frequencies X and Y for at least one of the cell selection, the cell re-selection, the cell search, the radio resource management measurements, or the maximum transmission power selection. For example, the RedCapUE may not measure frequencies X and Y even if they are signaled in cell reselection information to the RedCapUE. Further, the RedCapUE may not attempt to receive synchronization signal block (SSB)/master information block (MIB)/system information block (SIB) system information from cells on frequencies X and Y, and/or not attempt to access on frequencies X and Y. However, the RedCapUE may measure frequency Z and may attempt to SSB /MIB / SIB system information from cells on frequency Z, and/or attempt to access on frequency Z.

Referring to Fig. 9, the NW may broadcast (message 9-1) at least one first frequency indication. For example, the NW may broadcast "r-17-redCapAcces- sAllowed" indications for frequencies X and Y. The broadcast (message 9-1) further contains information indicating that all first frequency indications are applicable to further reduced capability devices. Further, the NW broadcast (message 9-2) at least one second frequency indication. For example, the NW may broadcast "r-18- redCapAccessAllowed" indications for frequency Z.

Even though illustrated as separate messages, in the illustrated example it is assumed that a further reduced capability device, denoted RedCapUE in Fig. 9, receives them in one broadcast. The device determines (block 9-3), thatthe atleast one first frequency indication in message 9-1 are applicable, and the at least one second frequency indication is received and applicable. Therefore, in the illustrated example, the further reduced capability device applies (block 9-3) the at least one first frequency indication and) the at least one second frequency indication. Using the above example of indicated frequencies, the RedCapUE uses frequencies X, Y and Z for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection and may attempt to SSB/MIB/ SIB system information from cells on frequencies X, Y and Z, and/or attempt to access on frequencies X, Y and Z.

The blocks, related functions, and information exchange (messages, signaling) described above by means of Fig. 2 to Fig. 9 in no absolute chronological order, and some of them may be performed simultaneously or in an order differing from the given one. Other functions can also be executed between them or within them, and other information may be sent, and/or other rules applied. Some of the blocks or part of the blocks or one or more pieces of information can also be left out or replaced by a corresponding block or part of the block or one or more pieces of information.

Fig. 10 illustrates an apparatus 1001 according to some embodiments. The apparatus 1001 may be an apparatus or a reduced capability device, e.g. an electrical device, for use cases for further reduced capability devices, for example. Fig. 11 illustrates an apparatus, e.g. a network device, that may be configured to transmit to reduced capability devices information indicating applicability of at least frequency indications. Fig. 12 illustrates an apparatus that may implement distributed functionality of the apparatus illustrated in Fig. 11.

The apparatus 1001, 1101 may comprise one or more communication control circuitries 1020, 1120, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 1030, including one or more algorithms 1031, 1131, such as a computer program code (software) wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to carry out any one of the exemplified functionalities of the reduced capability device, or the network device, described above with any of Fig. 1 to Fig. 9. Said at least one memoiy 1030, 1130 may also comprise at least one database 1032, 1132.

According to an embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: determine presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determine, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

According to an embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit information indicating to reduced capability devices, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices.

Referring to Fig. 10, the one or more communication control circuitries

1020 of the apparatus 1001 comprise at least a frequency determining circuitry

1021 which is configured to perform frequency applicability related functionalities, e.g. determine absence or presence of the indication, applicable frequency indications, and whether to apply or skip a frequency (frequencies), according to embodiments. To this end, the frequency determining circuitry 1021 of the apparatus 1001 is configured to carry out at least some of the functionalities described above, e.g., by means of Fig. 2 to Fig. 9, using one or more individual circuitries.

Referring to Fig. 10, the memory 1030 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

Referring to Fig. 10, the apparatus 1001 may further comprise different interfaces 1010 such as one or more communication interfaces (TX/RX) comprising hardware and/or software for realizing communication connectivity according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1010 may enable connecting to the Internet and/or to a core network of a wireless communications network and/or to a radio access network and/or to other apparatuses within range of the apparatus. The one or more communication interface 1010 may provide the apparatus with communication capabilities to communicate in a cellular communication system and enable communication to different network nodes or elements. The one or more communication interfaces 1010 may comprise standard well-known components such as an amplifier, filter, frequency-converter, (de)modulator, and encoder/decoder circuitries, controlled by the corresponding controlling units, and possibly one or more antennas.

Referring to Fig. 11, the one or more communication control circuitry

1120 of the apparatus 1101 comprise at least a indicating circuitry 1121, which is configured to include or not to include into its transmissions one or more indications, that are discussed with Fig. 2 to Fig. 9. To this end, the indicating circuitry

1121 of the apparatus 1101 is configured to carry out at least some of the functionalities of the network device, or access device, described above, e.g., by means of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 to Fig. 9, for example, by the apparatus transmitting information, using one or more individual circuitries.

Referring to Fig. 11, the memory 1130 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

Referring to Fig. 11, the apparatus 1101 may further comprise different interfaces 1110 such as one or more communication interfaces (TX/RX) comprising hardware and/or software for realizing communication connectivity according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1110 may enable connecting to the Internet and/or to a core network of a wireless communications network. The one or more communication interface 1110 may provide the apparatus with communication capabilities to communicate in a cellular communication system and enable communication to different network nodes or elements or terminal devices or user equipments, for example. The one or more communication interfaces 1110 may comprise standard well-known components such as an amplifier, filter, frequency-converter, (de)modulator, and encoder/decoder circuitries, controlled by the corresponding controlling units, and one or more antennas.

In an embodiment, as shown in Fig. 12, at least some of the functionalities of the apparatus of Fig. 11 may be shared between two physically separate devices, forming one operational entity. Therefore, the apparatus may be seen to depict the operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for executing at least some of the described processes. Thus, the apparatus of Fig. 12, utilizing such shared architecture, may comprise a remote control unit RCU 1220, such as a host computer or a server computer, operatively coupled (e.g. via a wireless or wired network) to a remote distributed unit RDU 1222 located in the base station. In an embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the RCU 1220. In an embodiment, the execution of at least some of the described processes may be shared among the RDU 1222 and the RCU 1220.

Similar to Fig. 11, the apparatus of Fig. 12 may comprise one or more communication control circuitries (CNTL) 1120, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory (MEM) 1130, including one or more algorithms (PROG) 1131, such as a computer program code (software) wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to carry out any one of the exemplified functionalities of the apparatus described above, e.g., by means of Fig. 1, and Fig. 5 to Fig. 9, for example, by the network device, or access device.

In an embodiment, the RCU 1220 may generate a virtual network through which the RCU 1220 communicates with the RDU 1222. In general, virtual networking may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a single, software-based administrative entity, a virtual network. Network virtualization may involve platform virtualization, often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization may be categorized as external virtual networking which combines many networks, or parts of networks, into the server computer or the host computer (e.g. to the RCU). External network virtualization is targeted to optimized network sharing. Another category is internal virtual networking which provides network-like functionality to the software containers on a single system. Virtual networking may also be used for testing the terminal device.

In an embodiment, the virtual network may provide flexible distribution of operations between the RDU and the RCU. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the RDU or the RCU and the boundary where the responsibility is shifted between the RDU and the RCU may be selected according to implementation.

In a still further embodiment, the apparatus of Fig. 10 may be implemented in similar way as the apparatus of Fig. 12.

As used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations, such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry, and (b) combinations of hard- ware circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software, including digital signal processor (s), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a terminal device or an access node, to perform various functions, and (c) hardware circuit(s) and processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g. firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation. This definition of ‘circuitry’ applies to all uses of this term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term ‘circuitry’ also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term ‘circuitry’ also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit for an access node or a terminal device or other computing or network device.

In an embodiment, at least some of the processes described in connection with Fig. 2 to Fig. 9 maybe carried outby an apparatus comprising corresponding means for carrying out at least some of the described processes. Some example means for carrying out the processes may include at least one of the following: detector, processor (including dual-core and multiple-core processors), digital signal processor, controller, receiver, transmitter, encoder, decoder, memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, display, user interface, display circuitry, user interface circuitry, user interface software, display software, circuit, antenna, antenna circuitry, and circuitry. In an embodiment, the at least one processor, the memory, and the computer program code form processing means or comprises one or more computer program code portions for carrying out one or more operations according to any one of the embodiments of Fig. 2 to Fig. 9 or operations thereof.

Embodiments and examples as described may also be carried out in the form of a computer process defined by a computer program or portions thereof. Embodiments of the functionalities described in connection with Fig. 2 to Fig. 9 may be carried out by executing at least one portion of a computer program comprising corresponding instructions. The computer program may be provided as a computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon or as a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer program distribution medium readable by a computer or a processor. The computer program medium may be, for example but not limited to, a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package, for example. The computer program medium may be a non-transi- tory medium. The term "non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal ) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). Coding of software for carrying out the embodiments as shown and described is well within the scope of a person of ordinary skill in the art

Even though the embodiments have been described above with reference to examples according to the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the embodiments are not restricted thereto but can be modified in several ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiment It will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Further, it is clear to a person skilled in the art that the described embodiments may, but are not required to, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. A reduced capability device, the device comprising: means for determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and means for determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

2. The reduced capability device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to, in the presence of the indication, determine to apply all frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

3. The reduced capability device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to, in the presence of the indication, determine, based at least on the indication, which ones of the at least one first frequency indication are applicable to the reduced capability device and to apply frequencies indicated by applicable first frequency indications.

4. The reduced capability device of any preceding claims, further comprising means for receiving at least one second frequency indication in broadcast or in dedicated signaling, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to determine to apply frequencies indicated by the at least one second frequency indication.

5. The reduced capability device of claim 4, wherein the means for determining presence or absence of the indication are configured to, when the at least second frequency indication is received, determine that the indication is absent; and the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to skip frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

6. The reduced capability device of claim 4, wherein the means for receiving the at least one second frequency indication are configured to receive the at least one second frequency indication, when the presence or absence of an indication indicates that no first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device.

7. The reduced capability device of claim 1. 4 or 6, further comprising means for determining that an absence of said indication means that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication are configured to determine to apply frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

8. The reduced capability device of claim 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the means for receiving the at least one second frequency indication are configured to receive a second frequency indication per a frequency.

9. The reduced capability device of any preceding claim, further comprising means for receiving the at least one indication in broadcast or in dedicated signaling.

10. The reduced capability device of any preceding claim, further comprising means for applying one or more frequencies, which are indicated and applicable, for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection.

11. The reduced capability device of any preceding claim, further comprising means for skipping one or more frequencies, which are not indicated and not applicable, for at least one of cell selection, cell re-selection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmission power selection.

12. A network device comprising: means for transmitting information indicating to reduced capability devices, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices.

13. The network device of claim 12, further comprising: means for transmitting to reduced capability devices at least one second frequency indication.

14. The network device of claim 132, wherein the means for transmitting the at least one second frequency indication are configured to transmit to the reduced capability devices the at least one second frequency indication when no first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability devices.

15. A method comprising: determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

16. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

17. The computer readable medium of claim 16, wherein the computer readable medium is a non-transitory computer readable medium.

18. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: determining presence or absence of an indication indicating, whether or not at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced capability device; and determining, using at least the presence or absence of said indication, whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.