WO2018142345A1

WO2018142345A1 - Measurement collection in wireless communication networks

Info

Publication number: WO2018142345A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/050676
Authority: WO
Inventors: Waikwok Kwong; Cecilia EKLÖF; Ritesh SHREEVASTAV; Mark Curran
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2017-02-03
Filing date: 2018-02-02
Publication date: 2018-08-09

Abstract

Methods and related user equipment and radio network node are described in which measurement control messages transmitted from a radio network node to the UE are transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority, and information response messages transmitted from the UE to the radio network node are transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

Description

MEASUREMENT COLLECTION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION

NETWORKS

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefits of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/454,242, entitled "MEASUREMENT COLLECTION IN WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS", and filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office on February 3, 2017, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present description generally relates to wireless communications and wireless communication networks, and more particularly relates to measurement collection in wireless communication networks.

BACKGROUND

[0003] In 3GPP Release 14, there is an ongoing work item for "Quality of Experience (QoE) Measurement Collection" for UMTS. Corresponding work items are also planned for LTE (in Release 15) and for NR. The purpose of the work item is to start measurements in the UE to collect information about the quality of streaming services used in the UE. The streaming service is typically a third party streaming application on top of PS Interactive RABs defined in RAN. The purpose of the measurement collection is to be able to improve the radio access network to improve the quality of the streaming service. The current RAN-specific measurements are focused on radio related issues and do not consider the end-user quality of the application(s) being used.

[0004] The purpose of the work item is to use the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol to start the measurements and to transmit the result back from the UE. The result file should be possible to extract in the radio access network as the possible improvements will be done in the radio access network and there might be different operators for the radio access network and other parts of the network.

[0005] The measurements are generally initiated towards the radio access network either by a trace request from the core network or from OAM. The RNC then starts the measurements in the UE by sending a so-called dash-file to the UE. The dash-file contains configuration data for the UE, e.g., duration of the measurements and what data that should be collected. When the UE has finished the measurement collection, it sends a result file back to the RNC. When the RNC receives the result file, it generally forwards it to a Trace Collector Entity (TCE) where the content of the dash-file can be retrieved.

[0006] Existing proposals assume that the configuration file will be included as a container in an RRC message and that the RRC Measurement Control message will be used. Existing proposals also assume that the result file will be included as a container in an RRC message and that the RRC Measurement Report message will be used.

[0007] The RRC protocol is generally responsible for the establishment, maintenance and release of the RRC connection between the UE and UTRAN (and between the UE and EUTRAN) as well as the establishment, reconfiguration and release of Radio Bearers (RBs) and Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs). RRC messages are used to transfer control data information between the UE and the RAN. The Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) are used for this purpose. It is important that the RRC messages arrive on time to avoid any procedure time out for important reconfiguration procedures (see for instance 3 GPP TS 25.331 and 3 GPP TS 36.331).

[0008] There is currently a MDT (Minimization of Drive-Tests) framework described in 3GPP TS 37.320 V 13.1.0 on which to base QoE measurement collection. The MDT framework is meant to be used to collect different quality information from the UE. MDT measurements exist in two versions: logged MDT and immediate MDT. Logged MDT is used in the URA PCH and CELL PCH states (for UMTS) and in the RRC IDLE state (for LTE). For its part, immediate MDT is used in the CELL DCH state (for UMTS) and in the RRC CONNECTED state (for LTE).

[0009] In UMTS, QoE measurements can only be done in CELL DCH as the streaming services are only used in CELL DCH. It has therefore been decided to use immediate MDT reporting for QoE measurement collection. No new messages were defined for immediate MDT, but it was stated that existing mechanisms should be used for the reporting (see section 5.1.2.1 of 3 GPP TS 37.320 V13.1.0). The existing mechanism typically entails the configuration of a measurement in an RRC Measurement Control message and the reporting of the result in an RRC Measurement Report message. The Measurement Control and Measurement Report messages are sent on SRB2 with the same priority as other RRC messages.

[0010] For QoE measurement collection, it is estimated that result files may be up to 60000 bytes. Given the size of the result files, the current configuration and reporting mechanisms may be unsuitable for QoE measurement collection. SUM MARY

[0011] As indicated above, for immediate MDT measurements (in UMTS), the configuration is done in an RRC Measurement Control message and the result is reported in an RRC Measurement Report message. These two RRC messages are sent on SRB2 which means that they have the same priority as most other RRC messages. This also means that the transfer of one message will need to finish before the next message can be transferred.

[0012] Logged MDT results are usually reported using different RRC messages which use lower priority signaling radio bearer(s).

[0013] The information included in a QoE measurement report is usually not as critical as other high priority RRC messages. Hence, it could be transferred in the background without impacting the other high priority RRC messages. It is thus proposed to use a combination of immediate and logged MDT measurement mechanisms for QoE measurements. The QoE measurements can be configured by using the immediate MDT reporting configuration mechanism while the reporting can be done by using the logged MDT reporting mechanism.

[0014] According to one aspect, some embodiments include a method in a user equipment, UE. The method comprises receiving a measurement control message from a radio network node, the measurement control message being received on a first bearer having a first priority. The method further comprises, in response to receiving the measurement control message, collecting quality of experience, QoE, measurements related to one or more streaming services received by the UE. The method also comprises transmitting an information response message to the radio network node, the information response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the information response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

[0015] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may comprise QoE measurement collection configuration information.

[0016] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may be a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message, and the information response message may be a RRC message.

[0017] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may be a Measurement Control message. In such embodiments, the information response message may be a UE Information Response message or a Measurement Report message. In such embodiments, the radio network node may be a Radio Network Controller, RNC.

[0018] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may be a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message. In such embodiments, the information response message may be a UEInformationResponse message or aMeasurementReport message. In such embodiments, the radio network node may be an evolved Node B, eNB.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first bearer and the second bearer are signaling radio bearers, SRBs.

[0020] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a UE configured, or operable, to perform one or more UE functionalities (e.g. steps, actions, etc.) as described herein.

[0021] In some embodiments, the UE may comprise a communication interface configured to communicate with one or more radio network nodes and possibly with one or more other network nodes (e.g. core network nodes), and processing circuitry operatively connected to the communication interface, the processing circuitry being configured to perform one or more UE functionalities as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions (e.g., computer readable program code) which, upon being executed by the processor, configure the processor to perform one or more UE functionalities as described herein.

[0022] In some embodiments, the UE may comprise one or more functional modules configured to perform one or more UE functionalities as described herein.

[0023] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions (e.g., computer readable program code) which, upon being executed by processing circuitry (e.g., a processor) of the UE, configure the processing circuitry to perform one or more UE functionalities as described herein.

[0024] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a method in a radio network node. The method comprises transmitting a measurement control message to a UE, the measurement control message being transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority. The method also comprises receiving an information response message from the UE, the information response message comprising QoE measurements collected by the UE in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE, the information response message being received on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

[0025] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may comprise QoE measurement collection configuration information.

[0026] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may be a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message, and the information response message may be a RRC message.

[0027] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may be a Measurement Control message. In such embodiments, the information response message may be a UE Information Response message or a Measurement Report message. In such embodiments, the radio network node may be a Radio Network Controller, RNC.

[0028] In some embodiments, the measurement control message may be a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message. In such embodiments, the information response message may be a UEInformationResponse message or aMeasurementReport message. In such embodiments, the radio network node may be an evolved Node B, eNB.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first bearer and the second bearer may be signaling radio bearers, SRBs.

[0030] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a radio network node configured, or operable, to perform one or more radio network node functionalities (e.g. steps, actions, etc.) as described herein.

[0031] In some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise a communication interface configured to communicate with one or more user equipments, with one or more other radio network nodes and with one or more other network nodes (e.g. core network nodes), and processing circuitry operatively connected to the communication interface, the processing circuitry being configured to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions (e.g., computer-readable program code) which, upon being executed by the processor, configure the processor to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein. [0032] In some embodiments, the radio network node may comprise one or more functional modules configured to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein.

[0033] According to another aspect, some embodiments include a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions (e.g., computer readable program code) which, upon being executed by processing circuitry (e.g., a processor) of the radio network node, configure the processing circuitry to perform one or more radio network node functionalities as described herein.

[0034] It will be appreciated that some embodiments may enable UEs to transmit large measurement files without disturbing high priority signaling.

[0035] This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated embodiments, and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or features of any or all embodiments or to delineate the scope of any or all embodiments. In that sense, other aspects and features will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] Exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the following figures, in which:

[0037] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an example communication network in accordance with some embodiments.

[0038] Figure 2 is a signaling diagram in accordance with some embodiments.

[0039] Figure 3 is another signaling diagram in accordance with some embodiments.

[0040] Figure 4 is a flow chart of the operation of a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments.

[0041] Figures 5 is a flow chart of the operation of a radio network node in accordance with some embodiments.

[0042] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments.

[0043] Figure 7 is another block diagram of a user equipment in accordance with some embodiments.

[0044] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a radio network node in accordance with some embodiments. [0045] Figure 9 is another block diagram of a radio network node in accordance with some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] The embodiments set forth below represent information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the description and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the description.

[0047] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known circuits, structures, and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure the understanding of the description. Those of ordinary skill in the art, with the included description, will be able to implement appropriate functionality without undue experimentation.

[0048] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0049] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

[0050] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless network 100 that may be used for wireless communications. Wireless network 100 includes UEs 110A-110B and a plurality of radio network nodes 130A-130B (e.g., NBs, RNCs, eNBs, etc.) directly or indirectly connected to a core network 150 which may comprise various core network nodes. The network 100 may use any suitable radio access network (RAN) deployment scenarios, including UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, UTRAN, and Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network, EUTRAN. UEs 110 within coverage areas 115 may each be capable of communicating directly with radio network nodes 130 over a wireless interface. In certain embodiments, UEs may also be capable of communicating with each other via device-to-device (D2D) communication.

[0051] As an example, UE 110A may communicate with radio network node 130A over a wireless interface. That is, UE 11 OA may transmit wireless signals to and/or receive wireless signals from radio network node 130A. The wireless signals may contain voice traffic, data traffic, control signals, and/or any other suitable information. In some embodiments, an area of wireless signal coverage 115 associated with a radio network node 130 may be referred to as a cell.

[0052] In some embodiments, the configuration of MDT measurements can be done for a specific area, e.g. a list of cells, Location Area or Routing Area, etc. As indicated above, for immediate MDT measurements, the configuration is done using an RRC Measurement Control message. It may thus be beneficial if the configuration of QoE measurement collection is also done using the Measurement Control message as a Measurement Control message is normally sent to the UE when it enters CELL_DCH or when cells are added to or removed from the active set. However, some other message could also possible be used.

[0053] However, as has been described above, the result file for QoE measurements can be very large and may occupy the signaling radio bearer for a long time and may result in blocking higher priority signaling. Hence, in some embodiments, the message used to send back the QoE measurements is the message used for logged MDT measurements for transferring the result file back to the RNC. That message is sent on SRB4 which is a low priority SRB. Being transferred on a lower priority SRB, the message comprising the result file will not block other higher priority RRC signaling.

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the radio access network is a UTRAN. In this embodiment, the radio network node 130 of the UTRAN (e.g. a RNC) sets up the QoE measurements in the UE by transmitting ^Measurement Control message to the UE on a first bearer having a first priority (action S202) (e.g. a high priority SRB such as a SRB2). Upon receiving the Measurement Control message from the RNC, the UE collects the QoE measurements in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE (action S204). Once the collection of the measurements is completed, the UE transmits a UE Information Response message (or a Measurement Report message) to the RNC, the UE Information Response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the UE Information Response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority (action S206) (e.g. a low priority SRB such as a SRB4). In some embodiments, the collected QoE measurements may be sent in a container in the UE Information Response message.

[0055] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment in which the radio access network is a EUTRAN. In this embodiment, the radio network node 130 of the EUTRAN (e.g. a eNB) sets up the QoE measurements in the UE by transmitting a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message to the UE on a first bearer having a first priority (action S302) (e.g. a high priority SRB such as a SRB l). Upon receiving the RRCConnectionReconfiguration message from the eNB, the UE collects the QoE measurements in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE (action S304). Once the collection of the measurements is completed, the UE transmits a UEInformationResponse message (or a MeasurementReport message) to the eNB, the UEInformationResponse message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the UE Information Response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority (action S306) (e.g. a low priority SRB such as a SRB2). In some embodiments, the collected QoE measurements may be sent in a container in the UEInformationResponse message.

[0056] More generally, the radio network node sets up the QoE measurements in the UE by transmitting an RRC message generally used for immediate MDT measurements while the UE sends back the collected measurements in an RRC message generally used to report logged MDT measurements. RRC messages used for reporting logged MDT measurements are usually transmitted on bearers having a lower priority than the RRC messages used for setting up the immediate MDT measurements.

[0057] Figure 4 is a flow chart that illustrates the operation of the UE in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated, the UE receives a measurement control message from a radio network node (e.g. a RNC, an eNB, etc.), the measurement control message being received on a first bearer having a first priority (action S402). In some embodiments, the measurement control message may comprise QoE measurement collection configuration information. [0058] In response to receiving the measurement control message, the UE collects quality of experience, QoE, measurements related to one or more streaming services received by the UE (action S404).

[0059] Once the collection of QoE measurements is completed, the UE transmits an information response message to the radio network node, the information response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the information response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority (action S406).

[0060] In some embodiments, the measurement control message and the information response message are RRC messages.

[0061] In some embodiments, the measurement control message is a Measurement Control message, and the information response message is a UE Information Response message or a Measurement Report message (see 3GPP TS 25.331 V14.1.0). In some embodiments, the radio network node is a R C.

[0062] In some embodiments, the measurement control message is a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message, and the information response message is a UEInformationResponse message or a MeasurementReport message (see 3GPP TS 36.331 V14.1.0). In some embodiments, the radio network node is an eNB.

[0063] In some embodiments, the first bearer and the second bearers are signaling radio bearers.

[0064] Figure 5 is a flow chart that illustrates the operation of the radio network node in accordance with some embodiments. As illustrated, the radio network node transmits a measurement control message to a UE, the measurement control message being transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority (action S502). In some embodiments, the measurement control message may comprise QoE measurement collection configuration information.

[0065] Subsequently, the radio network node receives an information response message from the UE, the information response message comprising QoE measurements collected by the UE in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE, the information response message being received on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority (action S504).

[0066] Though not shown, the radio network node may perform one or more operational tasks upon receiving the information response message from the UE (e.g. forwarding the collected QoE measurements to another node or entity for further processing).

[0067] In some embodiments, the measurement control message and the information response message are RRC messages.

[0068] In some embodiments, the measurement control message is a Measurement Control message, and the information response message is a UE Information Response message or a Measurement Report message (see 3GPP TS 25.331 V14.1.0). In some embodiments, the radio network node may be a RNC.

[0069] In some embodiments, the measurement control message is a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message, and the information response message is a UEInformationResponse message or a MeasurementReport message (see 3GPP TS 36.331 V14.1.0). In some embodiments, the radio network node may be a eNB.

[0070] In some embodiments, the first bearer and the second bearers are signaling radio bearers.

[0071] Figure 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary UE 110 in accordance with some embodiments. UE 110 includes one or more of a transceiver 112, processor 114, and memory 116. In some embodiments, the transceiver 112 facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from radio network node 130 (e.g., via transmitter(s) (Tx) 118, receiver(s) (Rx) 120 and antenna(s) 122). The processor 114 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by UE 110, and the memory 116 stores the instructions to be executed by the processor 114. In some embodiments, the processor 114 and the memory 116 form processing circuitry 124.

[0072] The processor 114 may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of UE 110, such as the functions of UE 110 described above. In some embodiments, the processor 114 may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic .

[0073] The memory 116 is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory 116 include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processor 114 of UE 110.

[0074] Other embodiments of UE 110 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 6 that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the UE's functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solution described above). As just one example, UE 110 may include input devices and circuits, output devices, and one or more synchronization units or circuits, which may be part of the processor. Input devices include mechanisms for entry of data into UE 110. For example, input devices may include input mechanisms, such as a microphone, input elements, a display, etc. Output devices may include mechanisms for outputting data in audio, video and/or hard copy format. For example, output devices may include a speaker, a display, etc.

[0075] In some embodiments, the UE 110 may comprise a series of modules 128 configured to implement the functionalities of the UE described above. Referring to Figure 7, in some embodiments, the UE may comprise a receiving module configured to receive a measurement control message from a radio network node, the measurement control message being received on a first bearer having a first priority, a collecting module configured to collect quality of experience, QoE, measurements related to one or more streaming services received by the UE, and a transmitting module configured to transmit an information response message to the radio network node, the information response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the information response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

[0076] It will be appreciated that the various modules 128 may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor 114, memory 116 and transceiver(s) 112 of the UE 110 shown in Figure 6. Some embodiments may also include additional modules to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

[0077] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an exemplary radio network node 130, which can be, for example, a RNC or an eNB, in accordance with some embodiments. Radio network node 130 may include one or more of a transceiver 132, processor 134, memory 136, and network interface 146. In some embodiments, the transceiver 132 facilitates transmitting wireless signals to and receiving wireless signals from UE 110 (e.g., via transmitter(s) (Tx) 138, receiver(s) (Rx) 140, and antenna(s) 142). The processor 134 executes instructions to provide some or all of the functionalities described above as being provided by a radio network node 130, the memory 136 stores the instructions to be executed by the processor 134. In some embodiments, the processor 134 and the memory 136 form processing circuitry 144. The network interface 146 communicates signals to backend network components, such as a gateway, switch, router, Internet, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), core network nodes or radio network controllers, etc.

[0078] The processor 134 may include any suitable combination of hardware to execute instructions and manipulate data to perform some or all of the described functions of radio network node 130, such as those described above. In some embodiments, the processor 134 may include, for example, one or more computers, one or more central processing units (CPUs), one or more microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and/or other logic.

[0079] The memory 136 is generally operable to store instructions, such as a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, algorithms, code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed by a processor. Examples of memory 136 include computer memory (for example, Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory (ROM)), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory computer-readable and/or computer-executable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processor 134 of the radio network node 130.

[0080] In some embodiments, the network interface 146 is communicatively coupled to the processor 134 and may refer to any suitable device operable to receive input for radio network node 130, send output from radio network node 130, perform suitable processing of the input or output or both, communicate to other devices, or any combination of the preceding. The network interface 146 may include appropriate hardware (e.g., port, modem, network interface card, etc.) and software, including protocol conversion and data processing capabilities, to communicate through a network.

[0081] Other embodiments of radio network node 130 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 8 that may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the radio network node's functionalities, including any of the functionalities described above and/or any additional functionalities (including any functionality necessary to support the solutions described above). The various different types of network nodes may include components having the same physical hardware but configured (e.g., via programming) to support different radio access technologies, or may represent partly or entirely different physical components.

[0082] In some embodiments, the radio network node 130, which can be, for example, a RNC or an eNB, may comprise a series of modules 148 configured to implement the functionalities of the radio network node 130 described above. Referring to Figure 9, in some embodiments, the radio network node 130 may comprise a transmitting module configured to transmit a measurement control message to a UE, the measurement control message being transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority, and a receiving module configured to receive an information response message from the UE, the information response message comprising QoE measurements collected by the UE in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE, the information response message being received on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

[0083] It will be appreciated that the various modules 148 may be implemented as combination of hardware and/or software, for instance, the processor 134, memory 136 and transceiver(s) 132 of the radio network node 130 shown in Figure 8. Some embodiments may also include additional modules to support additional and/or optional functionalities.

[0084] Some embodiments may be represented as a computer program product comprising a non-transitory machine-readable medium (also referred to as a computer- readable medium, a processor-readable medium, or a computer usable medium having a computer readable program code embodied therein). The machine-readable medium may be any suitable tangible medium including a magnetic, optical, or electrical storage medium including a diskette, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disc read only memory (DVD-ROM) memory device (volatile or nonvolatile), or similar storage mechanism. The machine-readable medium may contain various sets of instructions, code sequences, configuration information, or other data, which, when executed, cause a processor to perform steps in a method according to one or more of the described embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other instructions and operations necessary to implement the described embodiments may also be stored on the machine-readable medium. Software running from the machine-readable medium may interface with circuitry to perform the described tasks.

[0085] The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations may be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art without departing from the scope of the description.

ABBREVIATIONS

[0086] The present description may comprise the following abbreviations:

[0087] eNB evolved Node B

[0088] EUTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0089] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0090] MDT Minimization of Drive Tests

[0091] NR New Radio

[0092] OAM Operations, Administration and Management

[0093] QoE Quality of Experience

[0094] RAB Radio Access Bearer

[0095] RAN Radio Access Network

[0096] RNC Radio Network Controller

[0097] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0098] UE User Equipment

[0099] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0100] UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method in a user equipment, UE, the method comprising:

receiving a measurement control message from a radio network node, the measurement control message being received on a first bearer having a first priority; in response to receiving the measurement control message, collecting quality of experience, QoE, measurements related to one or more streaming services received by the UE;

transmitting an information response message to the radio network node, the information response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the information response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measurement control message comprises QoE

measurement collection configuration information.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the measurement control message is a Radio

Resource Control, RRC, message, and wherein the information response message is a RRC message.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measurement control message is a Measurement Control message.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the information response message is a UE Information Response message or a. Measurement Report message.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the radio network node is a Radio Network

Controller, RNC.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the measurement control message is a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the information response message is a

UEInformationResponse message or a MeasurementReport message.

9. The method of claim 7 or 8, wherein the radio network node is an evolved Node B, eNB.

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first bearer and the second bearer are signaling radio bearers, SRBs.

11. A user equipment, UE, adapted to:

receive a measurement control message from a radio network node, the measurement control message being received on a first bearer having a first priority;

in response to receiving the measurement control message, collect quality of experience, QoE, measurements related to one or more streaming services received by the UE;

transmit an information response message to the radio network node, the information response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the information response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

12. The UE of claim 11, wherein the measurement control message comprises QoE

measurement collection configuration information.

13. The UE of claim 11 or 12, wherein the measurement control message is a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message, and wherein the information response message is a RRC message.

14. The UE of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the measurement control message is a Measurement Control message.

15. The UE of claim 14, wherein the information response message is a UE Information

Response message or a. Measurement Report message

16. The UE of claim 14 or 15, wherein the radio network node is a Radio Network Controller, RNC.

17. The UE of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the measurement control message is a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.

18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the information response message is a

UEInformationResponse message or a MeasurementReport message.

19. The UE of claim 17 or 18, wherein the radio network node is an evolved Node B, eNB.

20. The UE of any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein the first bearer and the second bearer are signaling radio bearers, SRBs.

21. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer readable program code comprising:

computer readable program code to receive a measurement control message from a radio network node, the measurement control message being received on a first bearer having a first priority;

computer readable program code to, in response to receiving the measurement control message, collect quality of experience, QoE, measurements related to one or more streaming services received by a UE;

computer readable program code to transmit an information response message to the radio network node, the information response message comprising the collected QoE measurements, the information response message being transmitted on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

22. The computer program product of claim 21, further comprising computer readable

program code to operate according to the method of any one of claims 2 to 10.

23. A method in a radio network node, the method comprising:

transmitting a measurement control message to a user equipment, UE, the measurement control message being transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority; receiving an information response message from the UE, the information response message comprising quality of experience, QoE, measurements collected by the UE in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE, the information response message being received on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein the measurement control message comprises QoE

measurement collection configuration information.

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, wherein the measurement control message is a Radio

26. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the measurement control message is a Measurement Control message.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the information response message is a UE Information Response message or a. Measurement Report message.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the radio network node is a Radio Network

Controller, RNC.

29. The method of any one of claims 23 to 25, wherein the measurement control message is a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message .

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the information response message is a

UEInformationResponse message or a MeasurementReport message.

31. The method of claim 29 or 30, wherein the radio network node is an evolved Node B, eNB.

32. The method of any one of claims 23 to 31, wherein the first bearer and the second bearer are signaling radio bearers, SRBs.

33. A radio network node adapted to:

transmit a measurement control message to a user equipment, UE, the measurement control message being transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority;

receive an information response message from the UE, the information response message comprising quality of experience, QoE, measurements collected by the UE in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE, the information response message being received on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

34. The radio network node of claim 33, wherein the measurement control message comprises QoE measurement collection configuration information.

35. The radio network node of claim 33 or 34, wherein the measurement control message is a Radio Resource Control, RRC, message, and wherein the information response message is a RRC message.

36. The radio network node of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the measurement control message is ^.Measurement Control message.

37. The radio network node of claim 36, wherein the information response message is a UE Information Response message or a. Measurement Report message.

38. The radio network node of claim 36 or 37, wherein the radio network node is a Radio Network Controller, RNC.

39. The radio network node of any one of claims 33 to 35, wherein the measurement control message is a RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.

40. The radio network node of claim 39, wherein the information response message is a UEInformationResponse message or a MeasurementReport message.

41. The radio network node of claim 39 or 40, wherein the radio network node is an evolved Node B, eNB.

42. The radio network node of any one of claims 33 to 41, wherein the first bearer and the second bearer are signaling radio bearers, SRBs.

43. A computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code embodied in the medium, the computer readable program code comprising:

computer readable program code to transmit a measurement control message to a user equipment, UE, the measurement control message being transmitted on a first bearer having a first priority;

computer readable program code to receive an information response message from the UE, the information response message comprising quality of experience, QoE, measurements collected by the UE in relation to one or more streaming services received by the UE, the information response message being received on a second bearer having a second priority lower than the first priority.

44. The computer program product of claim 43, further comprising computer readable

program code to operate according to the method of any one of claims 24 to 32.