GB2497604A

GB2497604A - Capability change signalling using RRC related signalling messages

Info

Publication number: GB2497604A
Application number: GB1205320.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Sami-Jukka Hakola; Jussi K Ojala; Jari Isokangas; Samuli Turtinen; Timo Kalevi Koskela
Original assignee: Renesas Mobile Corp
Current assignee: Renesas Electronics Corp
Priority date: 2011-12-16
Filing date: 2012-03-27
Publication date: 2013-06-19
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-27
Also published as: GB2497604B; WO2013088398A1; GB201205320D0; GB2497579A; GB201121661D0

Abstract

In response to a change of radio capability of a user equipment (UE) during active mode connection of the UE, the UE transmits a radio resource control (RRC) related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of the UE to a base station. The capability change signalling message may include information as to whether the change is temporary or periodical and the decision to use RRC related signalling for the message may be based upon whether the duration of the temporary change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical change exceeds a time threshold, in which case conventional capability change procedures could be used instead. The RRC related signalling message may comprise a RRC connection setup complete message or media access control (MAC) control element. May be used in relation to Device to Device (D2D) communication in LTE systems.

Description

Device to Device Communication

Technical field

The present application relates generally to changing radio capability of user equipment, for example in relation to Device to Device (D2D) communication in LTE (long term evolution) systems. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to changing radio capability temporarily or periodically in LT[ systems.

Back2round Recently, a study item has been proposed for Device to Device communication in 3rd Generation Partnership Project Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network, 3GPP TSG-RAN #52 plenary, 31 May -3 June 2011 (cf. documents [11 to [3] referenced below). According to this study item, one of the main targets is to evolve the LTE platform in order to intercept the demand of proximity-based applications by studying enhancements to the LTE radio layers that allow devices to discover each other directly over the air, and potentially communicate directly with appropriate network supervision, when this makes sense from a system management point of view. Furthermore, to provide a scalable solution, the D2D discovery procedure should work between different operators.

According to the study item described above, "this radio-based discoveiy process needs also to be coupled with a system architecture and a security architecture that allow the 3GPP operators to retain control of the device behaviour, for example who can emit discovery signals, when and where, what information they should carry, and what devices should do once they discover each other" (cf document [11 referenced below).

In future LTE systems, a high capability device may have, amongst others, inter-band carrier aggregation (CA) as well as D2D capability. The inter-band CA capability together with different possible multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) modes per band evidently requires multiple transmitter and receiver chains at the device.

D2D discovery and communication should work between different operators which introduces several challenges. It cannot be assumed that operators will exchange information as to how they manage their resources in a co-operative manner. Thus, radio resources for D2D discovery and communication will likely be decided by one operator without any agreement with other operators.

Furthermore, an operator may want to modify the rcsources according to its own objcctivcs and conditions. Thus, in inter-operator D2D discovery and communication, it may only be assumed that an operator informs other operators covering the same geographical area whether they support D2D communication and in addition may give some hint as to which band they are supporting such communication on.

To support inter-operator D2D discovery function when either in RRC_IDL[ or RRC CONNECTED state, the device may need to roam to other operators' frequencies to listen to D2D discovery message transmissions. In RRC CONNECTED mode this would effectively reduce the capability to support early indicated capability for inter-band CA together with possible M IMO capabilities per band.

Currently, it can be assumed that a D2D capable device would indicate its radio capabilities including the D2D capability in an attach procedure.

At the radio interface level, UE's capability transfer is described in document [41 referenced below, see for example section 5.6.3. The purpose of that procedure is to transfer radio access capability information from the LiE to the E-UTRAN. If the liE has changed its E-UTRAN radio access capabilities, the UE shall request higher layers to initiate the necessary Non-Access Stratum (NAS) procedures (cf document [5] referenced below) that would result in the update of UE radio access capabilities using a new radio resource control (RRC) connection.

Furthermore, document [6] referenced below describes methods to change radio access capabilities by an access terminal by conveying the information in a RRC connection setup message which is to be forwarded to the mobility management entity (MME).

Related documents: [11 Tdoc-RE'-l 10706, "On the need for a 3GPP study on LTE device-to-device discovery and communication", Qualcomm Incorporated, 3GPP TSG-RAN #52 plenary, 31 May-3 June 2011.

[2] Tdoc-RP-1 10707, "Study on LTE Device to Device Discovery and Communication -Radio Aspects", Qualcomm Incorporated, 3GPP TSG-RAN #52 plenary, 31 May-3 June 2011.

[3] Tdoc-RP-110708, "Study on LTE Device to Device Discovery and Communication -Service and System Aspects", Qualcomm Incorporated, 3GPP TSG-RAN #52 plenary, 31 May -3 June 2011.

[41 3GPP TS 36.331, "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Radio Access Network; Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) Radio Resource Control (RRC); Protocol specification (Release 10), vlO.l.0 (2011-03).

[5] 3GPP TS 23.401, "3rd Generation Partnership Project; Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects; General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access (Release 10)," vlO. 5.0 (2011-09).

[6] US 2010034094 (Al), "Access Terminal CapabilityUpdate", Qualcomm Inc.

Summary

Tt is an object of the present invention to provide apparatus, methods, computer software and computer program products for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment. The present invention can for example be applied in relation to D2D communication.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the method comprising, at a user equipment: in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment, transmitting a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message comprising information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment to a base station.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the method comprising, at a base station: receiving a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus fir use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system adapted to, at a user equipment: in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment, transmit a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message comprising information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment to a base station. The apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention may comprise one or more of a chipset, a radio receiver and a user equipment.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus fir use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment the apparatus comprising processing system adapted to, at abase station: receive a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided computer software adapted to perfbnn the method of the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention there is provided computer software adapted to perfbnn the method of the second aspect of the present invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computcrized device to perform a method fbr use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment according to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invcntion there is provided a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform a method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment according to the second aspect of the present invention.

Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferrcd embodiments of the invention, given by way of example only, which is made with reference to the accompanying drawings

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other objects, features, details and advantages will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of example embodiments which is to be taken in conjunction with the appended drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention; and Fig. 2 shows apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention.

Detailed Description

In the following, embodimcnts of the prcscnt invention are dcscribed by referring to general and specific examples of the embodiments. It is to be understood, however, that the description is given by way of example only, and that the described embodiments are by no means to be understood as limiting the present invention thereto.

According to aspects of the present invention, it is proposed to define a new RRC signaling procedurc between a device and an evolved node B (eN B) by means of which thc device can dynamically indicate the change of its capability during active mode connection (RRC CONNECTED).

Furthermore, the change can be temporary or periodical which shall be indicated by the D2D device. Such an indication, whether the capability change is temporary or periodical, includes information about how long the capability change would be effective. In the periodical case, the device shall inform the period and duration of capability change per each capability change occasion. The periodicity shall reflect the periodicity of the D2D discovery function to take place for instance on radio resources of the other operator. In contrast to current specified behavior, where a device requests higher layers to initiate the necessary NAS procedures for changing its capabilities (cf. document [4] referenced above for example), an RRC level capability change procedure could be applied between the eNil and the device.

The eNB would then use the temporary or periodical capability change(s) in the scheduling decisions for that specific device.

While it can be assumed that a D2D device has indicated its radio capabilities including the D2D capability in an attach procedure and that D2D discovery may be performed in the RRC_IDLE state too, the D2D device shall include aforementioned information about temporary or periodical radio capability change (lowered inter-band CA capability as an examplc) in the RRC connection setup message exchange with the eNB.

Furthermore, the temporary and periodical change in radio capability information does not need to be conveyed to the MME but could be considered as temporary or periodical scheduling restrictions, lower allowed MEMO modes on certain bands in case of inter-band CA, etc. Furthermore, there could be a time domain threshold, or other limits within which the signaled temporary capability change indicated by the device remains just as a scheduling or resource allocation restriction at the eNB for the device in question.

Based on the time domain threshold, a decision can be made whether to use the conventional method or the method according to the present invention. In this regard, the device compares either the duration of the temporary capability change or the duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change accordingly with the threshold, and if the duration is less than the threshold, the device selects the method according to the present invention. Otherwise, the device selects the conventional method.

Otherwise, the conventional procedure could be triggered to change the capability also in the MME. To provide such functionality points to different needs in D2D communication: -Periodical and temporary capability change could be useful in D2D discovery phase -Conventional capability change procedures could make sense when the device starts a D2D communication taking place on another operator's band that continuously requires a certain amount of transmitter chains and receiver chains According to embodiments of the present invention, there arc provided means for temporary and periodical capability change due to inter-operator D2D communication. In addition, the proposal could be seen as a new trigger for the capability change procedure.

Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention it could be decided whether to usc a conventional capability change procedure or the above proposed new procedure that takes place just between the eNB and device, for example, based on the time domain threshold.

Information about temporary or periodical capability change or periodical required scheduling restriction due to D2D discovery taking place on another operator's spectrum could be included in the RRCComiectionSetupComplete message in the state transition from RRC IDLE to RRC CONNECTED state. This could be implemented as a new non-critical extension field to be used by D2D devices.

The proposed time domain threshold could be indicated in the system information block (SIB) used to convey D2D specific common information in a cell, thus decided by the cNB/RAN. Using the broadcast threshold, the device will decide whether to include proposed information into the RRC message without triggering NAS for capability change, or just use the conventional capability change procedure to reach the MME too.

In RRC CONNECTED state, the proposed information about temporary or periodical capability change could be sent via RRC message or MAC Control Element (CE); the latter may limit how much information can be transmitted.

Temporary or periodical capability change could be indicated per supported band given in the initial capability. One example could be lowering the MIMO capability on a certain band.

Hence, according to cmbodiments of the present invention, there is proposed signaling to provide a scheduler with information about temporary or periodical capability restriction due to inter-operator D2D communication.

Fig. I shows a principle configuration of an example of an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention. One option for implementing this example of an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention would be a component in a handset such as user equipment liE according to LTE.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 1, the example of an apparatus 10 comprises at least one processor 11 (or processing system), and at least one memory 12 including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to, in response to a change of radio capability of a user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment, transmit a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message comprising information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment to a base station.

In embodiments, the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical.

Embodiments may comprise, at the user equipment, setting a time domain threshold, and comparing the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change. In such embodiments, the transmittal of the RRC related signalling message is caned out in response to the comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.

In alternative embodiments, the transmittal of the RRC related signalling message is not carried out in response to the comparison indicating a duration outside the time domain threshold. In such embodiments, the user equipment cancels transmittal of the RRC related signalling message to the base station. In such embodiments, conventional capability change procedures such as NAS procedures can be employed.

In embodiments, the time domain threshold to be set is indicated to the user equipment in a system information block, SIB. The time domain threshold may be stored in memory i 2.

In embodiments, the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.

In embodiments, the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and the information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is inserted into a non-critical extension field of the RRC connection setup complete message.

In embodiments, the change of radio capability occurs due to one or more device-to-device discovery thnctions of the user equipment.

In embodiments, the temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in the RRC related signalling message per supported band.

In embodiments, the change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, MIMO, capability. In such embodiments, the change of radio capability may comprise a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MIMO capability.

Fig. 2 shows another principle configuration of an example for an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention. One option for implementing this example of an apparatus according to certain embodiments of the present invention would be a component in a base station such as an eNB according to LTE.

Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the example of an apparatus 20 comprises at least one processor 21 (or processing system), and at least one memory 22 including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to receive a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment.

In embodiments, in response to receipt of the RRC related signalling message, a radio resource capability change procedure is triggered in relation to the user equipment.

Some embodiments comprise, at a base station, setting a time domain threshold, and transmitting an indication of the time domain threshold to the user equipment. In such embodiments, the user equipment is able to compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change and transmit the RRC related signalling message received at the base station in response to the comparison indicating a duration within the time domain threshold. Such embodiments involve the user equipment deciding at least on the basis of the time domain threshold, whether to inform the base station about a radio capability changc.

Other embodiments comprise, at a base station, setting a time domain threshold, transmitting an indication of the time domain threshold to the user equipment, and comparing the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change. In some embodiments, the triggering of the radio resource capability change procedure in relation to the user equipment is carried out in response to the comparison indicating a duration within the time domain threshold. In some embodiments, the triggering of the radio resource capability change procedure in relation to the user equipment is not carried out in response to the comparison indicating a duration outside the time domain threshold. Such embodiments involve the base station deciding, at least on the basis of the time domain threshold, how to react upon receipt of the RRC related signalling message from the user equipment, i.e. whether to trigger a radio resource capability change procedure in relation to the user equipment or not.

In embodiments, the indication of the time domain threshold is comprised in a system information block, SIB, transmitted to the user equipment from the base station. The time domain threshold may be stored in memory 22.

In the foregoing exemplary description of the apparatuses, only the units that are relevant for understanding thc principles of the invention have been described using functional blocks. The apparatus may comprisc ifirther units that arc necessary for its respective operation. However, a description of these units is omitted in this specification. The arrangement of the functional blocks of the devices is not construed to limit the invention, and the functions may be performed by one block or further split into sub-blocks.

For the purpose of the present invention as described herein above, it should be noted that: -method steps likely to be implemented as software code portions and being run using a processor at a user equipment or base station (as examples of devices, apparatuses and/or modules thereof, or as examples of entities including apparatuses and/or modules therefore), are software code independent and can be specified using any known or future developed programming language as long as the functionality defined by the method steps is preserved; -generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the embodiments and its modification in terms of the functionality implemented; -method steps and/or devices, units or means likely to be implemented as hardware components at the above-defined apparatuses, or any module(s) thereof, (e.g., devices carrying out the functions of the apparatuses according to the embodiments as described above) are hardware independent and can be implemented using any known or future developed hardware technology or any hybrids of these, such as MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductor), CMOS (Complementary MOS), BiMOS (Bipolar MOS), BiCMOS (Bipolar CMOS), ECL (Emitter Coupled Logic), TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic), etc., using for example ASIC (Application Specific IC (Integrated Circuit)) components, FPGA (Field-programmable Gate Arrays) components, CPLD (Complex Programmable Logic Device) components or DSP (Digital Sial Processor) components; -devices, units or means (e.g. the above-defined apparatuses and user equipments, or any one of their respective units/means) can be implemented as individual devices, units or means, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device, unit or means is preserved; -an apparatus may be represented by a semiconductor chip, a chipset, or a (hardware) module comprising such chip or chipset this, however, does not exclude the possibility that a functionality of an apparatus or module, instead of being hardware implemented, be implemented as software in a (software) module such as a computer program or a computer program product comprising executable software code portions for execution/being run on a processor; -a device may be regarded as an apparatus or as an assembly of more than one apparatus, whether functionally in cooperation with each other or functionally independently of each other but in a same device housing, for example.

In general, it is to be noted that respective functional blocks or elements according to above-described aspects can be implemented by any known means, either in hardware and/or software, respectively, if it is only adapted to perform the described functions of the respective parts. The mentioned method steps can be realized in individual functional blocks or by individual devices, or one or more of the method steps can be realized in a single functional block or by a single device.

Generally, any method step is suitable to be implemented as software or by hardware without changing the idea of the present invention. Devices and means can be implemented as individual devices, but this does not exclude that they are implemented in a distributed fashion throughout the system, as long as the functionality of the device is preserved. Such and similar principles are to be considered as known to a skilled person.

Software in the sense of the present description comprises software code as such comprising code means or portions or a computer program or a computer program product for performing the respective functions, as well as software (or a computer program or a computer program product) embodied on a tangible medium such as a computer-readable (storage) medium having stored thereon a respective data structure or code means/portions or embodied in a signal or in a chip, potentially during processing thereof The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples of the invention. Further embodiments of the invention are envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in thc accompanying claims.

Claims

<claim-text>1. A method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the method comprising, at a user equipment: in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment, transmitting a radio resource contml, RRC, related signalling message comprising information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment to a base station.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A method according to claim I, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A method according to claim 2, further comprising: setting a time domain threshold; and comparing the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said transmittal of said RRC related signalling message is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A method according to claim 3, wherein said transmittal of said RRC related signalling message is not carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration outside said time domain threshold.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A method according to claim 3 or 4, comprising receiving a system information block, SIB, indicating said time domain threshold to be set 6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is inserted into a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.8. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to one or more device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.9. A method according to any of claims 2 to 8, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling message per supported band.10. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capabffity, and a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, MIMO, capability.11. A method according to claim tO, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MIMO capability.12. A method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the method comprising, at a base station: receiving a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment.13. A method according to claim 12, comprising, in response to rcccipt of said RRC related signalling message, triggering a radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment.14. A method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical.15. A method according to claim 14, further comprising: setting a time domain threshold; and transmitting an indication of said time domain threshold to said user cquipment, whcrcby said user equipment is able to compare the time domain thrcshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change and transmit said RRC related signalling message received at said base station in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.16. A method according to claims 13 and 14, further comprising: sctting a time domain threshold; transmitting an indication of said time domain threshold to said user equipment and comparing the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said triggering of said radio resource capability change proccdure in relation to said user equipment is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said triggering of said radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment is not carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration outside said time domain threshold.18. A method according to any of claims 15 to 17, wherein said indication of said time domain threshold is comprised in a system information block, SIB, transmitted to said user equipment.19. A method according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access contml, MAC, control element.20. A method according to any of claims 12 to 19, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said in%rmation regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is comprised in a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.21. A method according to any of claims 12 to 20, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.22. A method according to any of claims 12 to 21, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling message per supported band.23. A method according to any of claims 12 to 22, wherein the change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a MllvIO capability.24. A method according to claim 23, wherein said radio capability change comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a M1MO capability.25. Apparatus for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system adapted to, at a user equipment: in response to a change of radio capability of the user cquipmcnt during active mode eonncction of the user cquipment, transmit a radio resource control, RRC, rclatcd signalling mcssagc comprising information regarding thc change of radio capability of the uscr cquipment to a base station.26. Apparatus according to claim 25, wherein the RRC related signalling mcssage further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical.27. Apparatus according to claim 26, the processing system being adapted to: set a time domain threshold; and compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said transmittal of said RRC related signalling message is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.28. Apparatus according to claim 27, wherein said transmittal of said RRC related signalling message is not carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration outside said time domain threshold.29. Apparatus according to claim 27 or 28, the processing system being adapted to receive a system information block, SIB, indicating said time domain threshold to be set.30. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 29, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.31. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 30, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is inserted into a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.32. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 31, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to one or more device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.33. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicatcd in said RRC relatcd signalling message per supported band.34. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 33, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, MIMO, capability.35. Apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MIMO capability.36. Apparatus for usc in relation to changing radio capability of user cquipmcnt, the apparatus comprising proccssing system adapted to, at a base station: receive a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment.37. Apparatus according to claim 36, thc proccssing system bcing adapted to, in response to receipt of said RRC related signalling message, trigger a radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment.38. Apparatus according to claim 36 or 37, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical.39. Apparatus according to claim 38, the processing system being adapted to: set a time domain thresholth and transmit an indication of said timc domain threshold to said user equipment, whcrcby said user equipment is able to compare the time domain thrcshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change and transmit said RRC related signalling message received at said base station in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.40. Apparatus according to claim 37 and 38, the processing system being adapted to: set a time domain threshold; transmit an indication of said time domain threshold to said user equipment; and compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said triggering of said radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.41. Apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said triggering of said radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment is not carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration outside said time domain threshold.42. Apparatus according to any of claims 39 to 41, wherein said indication of said time domain threshold is comprised in a system information block, SIB, transmitted to said user equipment.43. Apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 42, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.44. Apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 43, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is comprised in a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.45. Apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 44, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.46. Apparatus according to any of claims 38 to 45, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling message per supported band.47. Apparatus according to any of claims 36 to 46, wherein the change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a MIMO capability.48. Apparatus according to claim 47, whcrcin said radio capability change comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability andlor a MIMO capability.49. Computer software adapted to perform the method of any of claims 1 to 11.50. Computer software adapted to perform the method of any of claims 12 to 24.51. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized dcvicc to cause the computerized device to perform a method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment according to any of claims ito 11.52. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform a method for usc in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment according to any of claims 12 to 24.53. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 35, wherein the apparatus comprises a chipset.54. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 35, wherein the apparatus comprises a radio receiver.55. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 35, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment.Amendments to the Claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the method comprising, at a user equipment: in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment, transmitting a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message comprising information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment to a base station, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical; setting a time domain threshold; and comparing the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, 0') wherein said transmittal of said RRC related signalling message is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold. C)04
2. A method according to claim 1, comprising receiving a system information block, SIB, indicating said time domain threshold to be set.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.
4. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is inserted into a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.
5. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to one or more device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.
6. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling message per supported band.
7. A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, MI MO, capability.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MIMO capability. r9. A method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the method comprising, at a base station: receiving a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including 04 information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment; in response to receipt of said RRC related signalling message, triggering a radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical; setting a time domain threshold; and transmitting an indication of said time domain threshold to said user equipment, whereby said user equipment is able to compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change and transmit said RRC related signalling message received at said base station in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.1 0. A method according to claim 9, flirther comprising: setting a time domain threshold; transmitting an indication of said time domain threshold to said user equipment; and comparing the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said triggering of said radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.C") 11. A method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein said indication of said time domain threshold is comprised in a system information block, SIB, transmitted to said user equipment. C)04 12. A method according to any of claims 9 to 11, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.13. A method according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is comprised in a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.14. A method according to any of claims 9 to 13, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.15. A method according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling message per supported band.16. A method according to any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a MIMO capability.17. A method according to claim 16, wherein said radio capability change comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MIMO capability.18. Apparatus for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system adapted to, at a user o equipment: in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active (\.J mode connection of the user equipment, transmit a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message comprising information regarding the change of radio capability of the user cquipment to a base station, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical; set a time domain threshold; and compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said transmittal of said RRC related signalling message is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.19. Apparatus according to claim 18, the processing system being adapted to receive a system information block, SIB, indicating said time domain threshold to be set.20. Apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the RRC rclated signalling messagc comprises a RRC connection setup completc mcssagc or a media access control, MAC, control element.21. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding thc change of radio capability of the user equipment is inserted into a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.22. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 21, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to one or more device-to-device discovery functions of the 0') user equipment. r23. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling 04 message per supported band.24. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 23, wherein said change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output, MIMO, capability.25. Apparatus according to claim 24, wherein said changc of radio capability comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MIMO capability.26. Apparatus for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment, the apparatus comprising a processing system adapted to, at a base station: receive a radio resource control, RRC, related signalling message including information regarding a change of radio capability of a user equipment, the RRC related signalling message having been received in response to a change of radio capability of the user equipment during active mode connection of the user equipment; in response to receipt of said RRC related signalling message, trigger a radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment, wherein the RRC related signalling message further includes information as to whether the change of radio capability is temporary or periodical; set a time domain threshold; and transmit an indication of said time domain threshold to said user equipment, whereby said user equipment is able to compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change and transmit said RRC related signalling message received at said base station in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.27. Apparatus according to claim 26, the processing system being adapted to: 04 set a time domain threshold; transmit an indication of said time domain threshold to said user equipment; and compare the time domain threshold with either a duration of the temporary capability change or a duration of one occasion of the periodical capability change, wherein said triggering of said radio resource capability change procedure in relation to said user equipment is carried out in response to said comparison indicating a duration within said time domain threshold.28. Apparatus according to claim 26 or 27, wherein said indication of said time domain threshold is comprised in a system information block, SIB, transmitted to said user equipment.29. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises a RRC connection setup complete message or a media access control, MAC, control element.30. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 29, wherein the RRC related signalling message comprises an RRC connection setup complete message and said information regarding the change of radio capability of the user equipment is comprised in a non-critical extension field of said RRC connection setup complete message.31. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein the change of radio capability occurs due to device-to-device discovery functions of the user equipment.32. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 31, wherein said temporary or periodical change of radio capability is indicated in said RRC related signalling message per supported band.33. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 32, wherein the change of radio capability comprises a change in one or more of: an inter-band carrier aggregation capability, and a MIMO capability.34. Apparatus according to claim 33, whcrcin said radio capability change comprises a decrease or an increase of an inter-band carrier aggregation capability and/or a MEMO capability.35. Computer software adapted to perform the method of any of claims 1 to8.36. Computer software adapted to perform the method of any of claims 9 tol7.37. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perlbrm a method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment according to any of claims ito 8.38. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer readable instructions stored thereon, the computer readable instructions being executable by a computerized device to cause the computerized device to perform a method for use in relation to changing radio capability of user equipment according to any of claims 9 to 17.___ 39. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the apparatus comprises a chipset.40. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the apparatus 0) comprises a radio receiver.41. Apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 25, wherein the apparatus comprises a user equipment.</claim-text>