WO2018160130A1

WO2018160130A1 - A wireless device, a network node and methods therein for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network

Info

Publication number: WO2018160130A1
Application number: PCT/SE2018/050203
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olof Liberg; Xingqin LIN; Ali Behravan
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget Lm Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2017-03-02
Filing date: 2018-03-02
Publication date: 2018-09-07

Abstract

Embodiments herein relate to a method performed by a wireless device (121) for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network (100). The wireless device (121) is configured with a maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX,C) that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power (Pp0Werclass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100). The wireless device (121) configures the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions (PCMAX,C) to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX,C) when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level. Embodiments herein also relate to a corresponding method performed a network node (110) for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device (121) in a wireless communications network (100), to a computer program for performing the methods and a carrier for carrying the computer program.

Description

A WIRELESS DEVICE, A NETWORK NODE AND METHODS THEREIN FOR

CONFIGURING UPLINK TRANSMISSIONS IN A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments herein relate to handling uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network. In particular, embodiments herein relate to a wireless device and a method therein for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network. Embodiments herein also relate to a network node and method therein for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device in a wireless communication network.

BACKGROUND

In today's wireless communications networks a number of different technologies are used, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications/Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), just to mention a few possible technologies for wireless communication. A wireless communications network comprises radio base stations providing radio coverage over at least one respective geographical area forming a cell. The cell definition may also incorporate frequency bands used for transmissions, which means that two different cells may cover the same geographical area but using different frequency bands. Wireless devices, also referred to herein as User Equipments, UEs, mobile stations, and/or wireless terminals, are served in the cells by the respective radio base station and are communicating with respective radio base station. The wireless devices transmit data over an air or radio interface to the radio base stations in uplink, UL, transmissions and the radio base stations transmit data over an air or radio interface to the wireless devices in downlink, DL, transmissions.

In LTE Release 13, a radio access technology referred to as Narrow Band Internet-of-Things, NB-loT, was developed. This radio access technology is dedicated to providing connectivity to services and applications demanding qualities, such as, for example, reliable indoor coverage and high capacity in combination with low device complexity and power consumption. NB-loT uses for most of its channels repetitions to extend its coverage compared to earlier supported 3GPP radio access technologies. When accessing a wireless communications network, a wireless device may, for example, repeat the Narrow Band Random Access Channel, NPRACH, up to 128 times to achieve coverage in the most demanding situations. The NB-loT radio interface has therefore been designed with three separate NPRACH radio resources that each is associated with a coverage range and a set of repetitions.

Fig. 1 illustrates a typical NPRACH configuration. The left most NPRACH resource is intended for wireless devices in good radio conditions, where a random access frequency hopping symbol group may be sent a single time. However, for poorer radio conditions, an network node may configure two additional NPRACH resources to be used by wireless device for extended or extreme coverage, respectively. Each NPRACH resource is associated with a coverage level, or Coverage Extension (CE) level.

According to the example in Fig. 1 , the leftmost NPRACH radio resource for normal coverage in good radio conditions may be referred to as the highest coverage level (CE level 0 or CEO), the middle NPRACH radio resource for extended coverage in poor radio conditions may be referred to as the second highest coverage level (CE level 1 or CE1), and the rightmost NPRACH radio resource for extreme coverage in very poor radio conditions may be referred to as the third highest coverage level (CE level 2 or CE2). Each coverage level is furthermore associated with a set of repetitions of the random access frequency hopping symbol group. The number of repetitions is increasing with the coverage intended to be supported by the NPRACH radio resource. The wireless device may measure the downlink received power, and then based on the measured downlink received power and a set of broadcasted signal level thresholds, the wireless device may make a selection of which NPRACH radio resource to use for its system access in the wireless communications network, i.e. the number of times the random access frequency hopping symbol group should be repeated.

When a wireless device accesses the wireless communications network using the first coverage level, CEO, the wireless device is mandated to use power control and meet a received power level target at the network node taking its estimated path loss into account. For the second and third coverage levels, CE1 and CE2, the wireless device is mandated to use repetitions in combination with its configured maximum transmit power limit which is limited by the allowed power in the cell. In TS 36.213 this procedure is specified as:

"For the lowest configured repetition level, a narrowband preamble transmission power P_NPRACH is determined as PNPRACH = min{P_{CMAX c} (i) , NARROWBAND PREAMBLE RECEIVED TARGET POWER + Pf JJdBmJ,

where P_{CMAX c} (/^') is the configured UE transmit power for narrowband IoT transmission defined in [6] for subframe i of serving cell c and PL is the downlink path loss estimate calculated in the UE for serving cell c. For a repetition level other than the lowest configured repetition level, PNPRACH is set to P_{CMAX c} (i) ."

PcMAx.c is here set within the following bounds, according to TS 36.101 :

PCMAX L ≤ PcMAX ≤ PcMAX H

where

PcMAx_L,_C = min { P_EMAX,_c , Ppowerciass - MPR_C - A-MPR_C};

PCMAX H,C = min{ PEMAX,_c, Ppowerciass} and

wherein

P_EMAX,C is the maximum transmit power limit in the serving cell which is configured and signalled to the wireless device using a P-max IE in a System Information Block, SIB;

Ppowerciass is the maximum supported transmit power for the wireless device in the serving cell;

MPR_C is the maximum power reduction; and

A-MPR_C is the additional maximum power reduction.

After the wireless device has successfully performed the random access procedure, the wireless device enters connected mode. In connected mode, the number of repetitions to use when transmitting data using the NPUSCH Format 1 and when transmitting ACK/NACKs using NPUSCH Format 2 is under the control of the network node. The network node may use the Downlink Control Information, DCI, messages sent over the Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel, NPDCCH, to control repetition number of the wireless device, i.e. the UE repetition number. The output power of the wireless device, i.e. UE output power, is defined in TS 36.212 as:

"The UE transmit power -PNPUSCH,_C (0 f^or NPUSCH transmission in NB-LoT UL slot ifor the serving cell c is given by:

if the number of repetitions of the allocated NPUSCH RUs is greater than 2 NPUSCH f^dBmJ

otherwise

P CMAX.c (0,

P NPUSCH.c (i) = min [dBm]

101og₁₀(M, NPUSCH.c 0_NPUSCH _[,c_c(j) + a_c(j) - PL_c

where

- ^CMAX c ( *^s configured UE transmit power defined in [6] in NB-IoT UL slot ifior serving cell c ."

Thus, when in connected mode, the transmit power P_CM_AX,_c is also limited by lower and upper bounds, and is a function of the maximum transmit power limit PEM_AX,_c in the serving cell that is configured and signalled to the wireless device using the P-max IE in the SIB.

SUMMARY

An object of the invention is to improve uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network.

According to a first aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a wireless device for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network, wherein the wireless device is configurable with a maximum transmit power limit that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device in the wireless communications network. The wireless device configures the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

According to a second aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a wireless device for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network, wherein the wireless device is configurable with a maximum transmit power limit that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device in the wireless communications network. The wireless device is configured to configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level. According to a third aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a method performed by a network node for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device in a wireless communications network. The network node configures the wireless device with a maximum transmit power limit that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device in the wireless communications network. Also, the network node determines that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

According to a fourth aspect of embodiments herein, the object is achieved by a network node for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device in a wireless communications network. The network node is configured to configure the wireless device with a maximum transmit power limit that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device in the wireless communications network. Also, the network node is configured to determine that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

According to a fifth aspect of the embodiments herein, computer programs are also provided configured to perform the methods described above. Further, according to a sixth aspect of the embodiments herein, carriers are also provided configured to carry the computer programs configured for performing the methods described above.

By having a wireless device and/or a network node configured to configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level, a spectrum efficient way of providing extended coverage in cell for a wireless device without increasing the use of radio resources in the wireless communications network is enabled. Hence, uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network is improved. Further possible features and benefits of this solution will become apparent from the detailed description below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments will now be described in more detail in relation to the enclosed drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration depicting a radio resource configuration comprising three different radio resources associated with different coverage ranges and repetition levels,

Fig. 2 is a schematic overview depicting embodiments of a network node and wireless devices in a wireless communications network,

Fig. 3 is a flow chart of embodiments of a method in a wireless device,

Fig. 4 is a flow chart of embodiments of a method in a network node,

Fig. 5 is a block diagram depicting embodiments of a wireless device, and

Fig. 6 is a block diagram depicting embodiments of a network node.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The figures herein are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which are essential to the understanding of the embodiments presented herein, while other details have been left out. Throughout, the same reference numerals are used for identical or corresponding parts or steps.

Fig. 2 depicts a wireless communications network 100 in which embodiments herein may operate. In some embodiments, the wireless communications network 100 may be a radio communications network such as a Long Term Evolution, LTE, network. Although, the wireless communications network 100 is exemplified herein as an LTE network, the wireless communications network 100 may also employ technology of any one of LTE-Advanced, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile communications/Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution (GSM/EDGE), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB) or GSM, or any other similar network or system. The wireless communications network 100 may also be an Ultra Dense Network, UDN, which e.g. may transmit on millimetre- waves (mmW). The wireless communications network 100 comprises a network node 110. The network node 1 10 serves at least one cell 115. The network node 1 10 may correspond to any type of network node or radio network node capable of communicating with a wireless device and/or with another network node, such as, e.g. be a base station, a radio base 5 station, eNB, eNodeB, a Home Node B, a Home eNode B, femto Base Station (BS), pico BS, etc., in the wireless communications network 100. Further examples of the network node 1 10 may also be e.g. repeater, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node such as MSR BS, eNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlling relay, base transceiver station 10 (BTS), access point (AP), transmission points, transmission nodes, a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), nodes in distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g. MSC, MME, etc.), O&M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g. E-SMLC), MDT, etc.

In Fig. 2, a wireless device 121 is located within the cell 1 15. The wireless device

15 121 is configured to communicate within the wireless communications network 100 via the network node 1 10 over a radio link served by the network node 1 10. The wireless device 121 may refer to any type of wireless device or user equipment (UE) communicating with a network node and/or with another wireless device in a cellular, mobile or radio communication network or system. Examples of such wireless devices are mobile

20 phones, cellular phones, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), smart phones, tablets, sensors equipped with a UE, Laptop Mounted Equipment (LME) (e.g. USB), Laptop Embedded Equipments (LEEs), Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices, or Machine to Machine (M2M) device, Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), target device, device-to-device (D2D) wireless device, wireless device capable of machine to machine

25 (M2M) communication, etc.

Furthermore, although embodiments below are described with reference to Fig. 2, this should not be construed as limiting to the embodiments herein, but merely as an example made for illustrative purposes. It should also be noted that the wireless communications network 100, the network node 1 10 and the wireless device 121 may

30 support radio access technologies, such as, e.g. NB loT, EC-GSM-loT, LTE MTC, that utilizes repetition based link adaptation for which the embodiments described herein may be particularly advantageous. However, the embodiments described herein may also be applicable and advantageous in any wireless communications network configured to operate using small cells or cells with uplink transmit power constraints.

35 As part of the developing of the embodiments described herein, a problem will first be identified and discussed.

It has been noted that in a small cell scenario or deployment, such as, e.g. an indoor cell, the coupling loss between a network node and a wireless device may be very small. The coupling loss may also referred to as the difference between the transmit power of the network node and the received power of the wireless device, and may be very small due to, for example, a short distance between the network node and the wireless device. Thus, in order to avoid a blocking scenario in which uplink transmissions from a single wireless device blocks, or saturates, a receiver in the network node, the network node may configure and broadcast a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C, that may be lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass, for the wireless device in the wireless communications network. This means that the actual maximum transmit power of the wireless device, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, is then limited by the following minimum and maximum values, i.e. lower and upper bounds:

PcMAX_L,c ⁼ min(PEMAX,c, PpowerClass ^— MPRc - A-MPRc), and

PcMAX_H,c = min(PEMAX,c, PpowerClass).

Consequently, in a wireless communications network that supports a repetition based link adaptation, such as, for example, in NB-loT as described above, a wireless device that leaves the range of normal coverage in a small cell will begin to use repetitions of its uplink transmission using the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C This is performed even though the configured maximum transmit power limit e.g. PEMAX.C, is below the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Ppowerciass, for the wireless device. Thus, instead of using its full power capability for its uplink transmissions in the small cell, the wireless device resorts to using repetitions of the uplink transmission. This is a spectrally inefficient way of conveying data in a cellular system considering that it would be safe to increase the transmit power of the uplink transmissions, i.e. P_CM_AX._C, beyond the configured maximum transmit power limit e.g. PEM_AX._C, in a small cell, since the risk of blocking or saturating the receiver of the network node is significantly reduced or eliminated by the high coupling loss associated with the poorer radio conditions away from the normal coverage, i.e. having other coverage levels, CE1 or CE2, that the highest coverage level, CEO.

This issue is addressed by embodiments described herein, which are exemplified and explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 2-6 herein; for example, by having a wireless device configured to configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level, or when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level, or by having a network node configured to determine that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level, or when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

It should be noted here that the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions used by the wireless device is in the end determined by the wireless device, but within the boundaries defined by its configured limits or maximum values. Hence, for the

embodiments described herein, it should also be noted that it is the conventional configured limit of the transmit power that is replaced with a new maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions, but that in the end it is still the wireless device that determines or calculates the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions.

One of the advantages of some of the embodiments described herein is that extended coverage in small cell scenarios may be achieved in a spectrum efficient way without increasing the use of radio resources in the wireless communications network. Another advantage of some of the embodiments described herein is that the wireless communications network allows use of a flexible uplink power limitation in small cells, to allow for operation of wireless devices in extended coverage without the use of radio resource consuming methods for improving the uplink radio link budget.

Example of embodiments of a method performed by a wireless device 121 for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network 1 00 will now be described with reference to the flowchart depicted in Fig. 3. The wireless device 121 may be configurable or configured with a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX._C, that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. PowerClass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 1 00. Here, it should be noted that the wireless device 121 is normally configured with the maximum transmit power limit by, for example, receiving information indicating the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, from an network node 1 1 0 in the wireless communications network 1 00. Fig. 3 is an illustrated example of actions or operations which may be taken by a wireless device 121 in the wireless communication network 100.

Action 301

Optionally, the wireless device 121 may first receive information of increased transmit power for uplink transmission, or rather information of increased maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions. For example, the wireless device 121 may receive, from a network node 1 10 in the wireless communications network 1 00, information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. According to another example, the wireless device 121 may receive, from a network node 1 10 in the wireless communications network 100, information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C, when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

In some embodiments, the wireless device 121 may receive the information from the network node 1 10 as scheduling information carried by a Downlink Control

Information, DCI, message in a downlink control channel, or by the network node 1 10 reusing existing DCI formats. For the latter, the wireless device 121 may be configured to interpret the existing DCI formats in a new way. This is exemplified below with reference to the embodiments of the network node 1 10.

Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the wireless device 121 may be configured to autonomously increase the maximum transmit power of uplink

transmissions, PCMAX.C, above the maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, configured by the network node 1 10 when the wireless device 121 enters a higher coverage extension mode, i.e. a higher coverage level, or selects a higher repetition level.

Optionally, the conversion between the coverage enhancement and the increase in the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions for the wireless device 121 may be determined or pre-configured by the network node 1 10 and transmitted in this action. Alternatively, according to some embodiments, the wireless device 121 may be configured to autonomously increase the maximum transmit power of uplink

transmissions, PCMAX.C, above the maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, configured by the network node 1 10 when the wireless device 121 discovers its coupling loss to the serving network node 1 10 exceeds certain threshold. Optionally, the threshold and the increase in the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions for the wireless device 121 may be determined or pre-configured by the network node 1 10 and transmitted in this action.

Action 302

The wireless device 121 may be configured to increase maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions. For example, the wireless device 121 may configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX_C to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. In other words, the wireless device 121 may configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions, e.g. PcMAx.c, to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level. In some embodiments, after receiving the information in Action 301 , the wireless device 121 may configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, according to the received information from the network node 1 10.

In some embodiments, the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100 is determined by the power class, e.g. Ppowerciass, of the wireless device 121. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C, may be increased up to the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Ppowerciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100. For example, the wireless device 121 may configure the minimum and maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, i.e. lower and upper bound for the transmit power for uplink transmissions, PCMAX.C, to be:

PcMAX_L,c = PpowerClass— MPR_C— A-MPRc

PcMAX_H,c = PpowerClass

In some embodiments, the uplink transmissions may form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100. For example, for a wireless communications network 100 configured to utilize Narrow Band Internet-of-Things, NB-loT, the uplink transmission may be transmissions on the Narrow Band Random Access Channel, NPRACH. According to one example, the NPRACH radio resources, such as, e.g. the NPRACH radio resources depicted in Fig. 1 may be associated with an increase in the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C, in the wireless device 121 that is higher than the maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, configured in the wireless device 121. According to one specific example, even though most wireless devices capable of supporting NB-loT are capable of using a transmit power for uplink transmissions of P_CM_AX._C = 23 dBm, a configured maximum transmit power limit of PEMAX.C - 17 dBm may apply. In this case, the wireless device 121 may configure the maximum transmit power P_CM_AX._C according to the following:

NPRACH radio resources in coverage extension level CEO, or the lowest configured repetition level, may be associated with PCMAX.C ⁼ PEMAX.C = 17 dBm .

NPRACH radio resources in coverage extension level CE1 , or the second lowest configured repetition level, may be associated with PCMAX.C = PEMAX.C + 3 = 20 dBm.

NPRACH radio resources in coverage extension level CE2, or the third lowest configured repetition level, may be associated with PCMAX.C = PEMAX.C + 6 = 23 dBm.

It should be noted that the above example may be generalized and applied to any number of coverage levels, i.e. CE levels, and power configurations in the cell 1 15 of the wireless communications network 100 and the wireless device 121.

In some embodiments, the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, may be increased according to a power offset associated with each coverage level, or repetition level, of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121. This means that the wireless device 121 may configure specific the minimum and maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, i.e. lower and upper bound for the transmit power for uplink transmissions, P_CM_AX._C, for each coverage level or repetition level to be:

PcMAx_L,c = min(P_EMAx,c + CEX-Power-Offset, PowerClass^— MPRc - A-MPRc)

PcMAx_H,c = min(P_EMAx,c + CEX-Power-Offset, PowerClass) where CEX-Power-Offset, which also may be referred to as a repetition level offset or offset, may be an additional power step mandated to be used by the wireless device 121 for a specific coverage or repetition level. This means, for example, that for the specific NPRACH example described above, wherein Pp₀werciass = 23 dBm and PEMAX.C = P-max = 17 dBm (if MPR _c + A-MPR _c = 2 dB), then the wireless device 121 may configure PCMAX.C according to the following:

NPRACH radio resources in coverage level CEO, or the lowest configured repetition level, may be associated with CEO-Power-Offset = 0 dB resulting in 17

< PCMAX.C < 17 dBm

NPRACH radio resources in coverage level CE1 , or the second lowest configured repetition level, may be associated with CE1 -Power-Offset = 3 dB resulting in 20

< PCMAX.C < 20 dBm.

NPRACH radio resources in coverage level CE2, or the third lowest configured repetition level, may be associated with CE2-Power-Offset = 6 dB resulting in 21

< PCMAX.C < 23 dBm.

Example of embodiments of a method performed by a network node 1 10 for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device 121 in a wireless communications network 100 will now be described with reference to the flowchart depicted in Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an illustrated example of actions or operations which may be taken by a network node 1 10 in the wireless communication network 100.

Action 401

First, the network node 1 10 may configure a maximum transmit power limit for a wireless device 121 . For example, the network node 1 10 may configure the wireless device 121 with a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX_C that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100. The configuration may comprise transmitting the maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX_C to the wireless device 121 , i.e. the network node 1 10 may transmit information indicating the maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, to the wireless device 121.

Action 402

After the configuration in Action 401 , the network node 1 10 may determine to increase the maximum transmit power for the wireless device 121. For example, the network node 1 10 may determine that the maximum transmit power for uplink

transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.q. PEMAX.C, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. According to another example, the network node 1 10 may determine that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C, when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

In some embodiments, the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100 is determined by the power class of the wireless device 121. Furthermore, according to some embodiments, the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, may be increased by the network node 1 10 up to the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100. For example, the network node 1 10 may configure the wireless device 121 with a minimum and maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, i.e. lower and upper bound for the transmit power for uplink transmissions, PCMAX.C, according to:

PcMAX_L,c = PpowerClass— MPR_C— A-MPRc

PcMAX_H,c = PpowerClass

Action 403

In some embodiments, the uplink transmissions may form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100. Thus, optionally, the network node 1 10 may associate random access resources with the increased maximum transmit power. For example, the network node 1 10 may associate random access radio resources for the uplink transmissions in the wireless

communications network 100 with the determined maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, PCMAX.C, in Action 402.

This means, for example, that for the specific NPRACH example described above, wherein Pp_0Werciass = 23 dBm and PEMAX.C = P-max = 17 dBm (if MPR _c + A-MPR _c = 2 dB), then the network node 1 10 may associate the NPRACH radio resources, such as, e.g. the NPRACH radio resources depicted in Fig. 1 , with an increase in the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C, in the wireless device 121 that is higher than the maximum transmit power limit, e.g . PEMAX._C, configured for the wireless device 121 ; such as, shown in the specific NPRACH example above.

Action 404

According to another option, the network node 1 10 may transmit information of increased maximum transmit power to the wireless device 121 . For example, the network node 1 10 may transmit, to the wireless device 121 , information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX._C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX._C, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. According to another example, the network node 1 10 may transmit, to the wireless device 121 , information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX._C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX._C, when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

In some embodiments, the information may be transmitted as scheduling information carried by a Downlink Control Information, DCI , message in a downlink control channel. This means that when the network node 1 10 detects that the wireless device 121 is in extended coverage, i.e. has a higher coverage level or a higher repetition level, the network node 1 10 may increase the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g.

PEMAX._C, by a suitable amount to facilitate improved uplink coverage.

In some embodiments, the information may be transmitted as by reusing existing DCI formats. In this case, the wireless device 121 has to be configured to be aware of this implementation by the network node 1 10. When the wireless device 121 is aware of this implementation, the wireless device 121 may interpret the network node instruction of 2 repetitions as a 3 dB increase in power over PEMAX._C, . Correspondingly, the wireless device 121 may furthermore interpret the network node instruction of 4 repetitions as a 6 dB increase and the network node instruction of 8 repetitions as a 9 dB increase, and so on. When the wireless device 121 has reached its maximum supported transmit power, e.g. P PowerClass that is equivalent to the power class of the wireless device 121 , the wireless device 121 may starts using repetitions. To exemplify, assume that the wireless device 121 has a power class indicating Pp₀werciass = 23 dBm in the cell 1 15 with a configured maximum transmit power limit of PEMAX._C = 1 dBm, then the wireless device 121 may interpret the repetition instructions from the network node 1 10 as: - 2 repetitions as an increase in power of 3 dB to 17 + 3 = 20 dBm - 4 repetitions as an increase in power of 6 dB to 17 + 6 = 23 dBm

- 8 repetitions as an increase in power of 6 dB to 17 + 6 = 23 dBm used over 2 repetitions.

16 repetitions as an increase in power of 6 dB to 17 + 6 = 23 dBm used over 4 repetitions.

- And so on.

This exemplifies how embodiments herein may maximally utilize the power class of the wireless device 121 , i.e. the maximum supported transmit power, Pp₀werciass, and then further combined it with repetitions when the maximum transmit power for the uplink transmissions, PCMAX.C, is fully using the maximum supported transmit power, Ppowerciass.

In some embodiment, the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, may be increased according to a power offset associated with each coverage level, or repetition level, of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121. In this case, the network node 1 10 may transmit the power offset to the wireless device 121.

To perform the method actions described herein a wireless device 121 and a network node 1 10 are provided. Figs. 5-6 are block diagrams depicting embodiments of the wireless device 121 and the network node 1 10. The wireless device 121 is configured to perform the methods described for a wireless device 121 according to embodiments herein. The network node 1 10 is also configured to perform the methods described for a network node 1 10 according to embodiments herein.

Embodiments herein for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network 100 may be implemented through one or more processors 510, i.e. a processing circuitry, in the wireless device 121 depicted in Fig. 5, together with computer program code for performing the functions and/or method actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing embodiments herein when being loaded into the wireless device 121. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the wireless device 121.

The wireless device 121 comprises a receiving module 511 , or receiver (RX), and a transmitting module 512, or transmitter (TX), over which the wireless device 121 may transmit/receive signals to other nodes, such as, e.g. the network node 1 10 or other wireless devices. The receiving and transmitting modules 511 , 512 may also be incorporated into a single transceiver or communications unit. Also, the wireless device 121 may comprise an configuring module 513 configured to, for example, configure the transmit power, or rather the maximum transmit power, of uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level, or when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level, according to the embodiments described herein. It should also be noted that the wireless device 121 may comprise further modules for configuring uplink transmissions in the wireless

communications network 100 according to the embodiments described herein.

Furthermore, the wireless device 121 or processing circuitry 510 may be configurable or configured with, or comprise a configuring module 513 being configurable or configured with, a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C, that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100, for example, by receiving information indicating the maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX.C, from an network node 1 10 in the wireless communications network 100, e.g. via the receiving module 51 1.

Also, in some embodiments, the maximum supported transmit power, e.g.

Ppowerciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100 may be determined by the power class of the wireless device 121. In some embodiments, the wireless device 121 or processing circuitry 510 may be configured to, or may comprise a configuring module 513 configured to, increase the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C, according to a power offset associated with each repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121. In some embodiments, the uplink transmissions may form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100.

Further, in some embodiments, the wireless device 121 or processing circuitry 510 may be configured to, or may comprise a receiving module 51 1 configured to, receive, from a network node 1 10 in the wireless communications network 100, information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions P_CM_AX._C is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit PEM_AX._C when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

The wireless device 121 further comprises a memory 520. The memory 520 may, for example, be used to store applications or programs to perform the methods herein and/or any information used by such applications or programs.

Embodiments herein for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device 121 in a wireless communications network 100 may also be implemented through one or more processors 610, i.e. a processing circuitry, in the network node 1 10 depicted in Fig. 6, together with computer program code for performing the functions and/or method actions of the embodiments herein. The program code mentioned above may also be provided as a computer program product, for instance in the form of a data carrier carrying computer program code for performing embodiments herein when being loaded into the network node 1 10. One such carrier may be in the form of a CD ROM disc. It is however feasible with other data carriers such as a memory stick. The computer program code may furthermore be provided as pure program code on a server and downloaded to the network node 1 10.

The network node 1 10 comprises a receiving module 611 , or receiver (RX), and a transmitting module 612, or transmitter (TX), over which the network node 1 10 may transmit/receive signals to other nodes, such as, e.g. the wireless device 121 or other wireless devices or network nodes. The receiving and transmitting modules 611 , 612 may also be incorporated into a single transceiver or communications unit.

Also, the network node 1 10 may comprise an configuring module 613 configured to, for example, configure the wireless device 121 with a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Ppowerciass or similar, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network according to the embodiments herein. Further, the network node 1 10 may comprise a determining module 614 configured to, for example, determine that the transmit power, or rather the maximum transmit power, for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device 121 is other than the highest coverage level, or when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level, according to the embodiments herein. Furthermore, the network node 1 10 may comprise an associating module 615

configured to, for example, associate random access radio resources for the uplink transmissions in the wireless communications network with the determined maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, according to the

5 embodiments herein.

In some embodiments, the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass, by the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network (100) is determined by the power class of the wireless device 121. In some embodiments, the network node 1 10 or processing circuitry 610 may be configured to, or may comprise a determining module

10 614 configured to, increase the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g.

P_CM_AX._C, according to a power offset associated with each repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121. In some embodiments, the uplink transmissions may form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device 121 in the wireless communications network 100. In some embodiments, the network node 1 10 or processing

15 circuitry 610 may be configured to, or may comprise an associating module 615

configured to, associate random access radio resources for the uplink transmissions in the wireless communications network 100 with the determined maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C

Also, in some embodiments, the network node 1 10 or processing circuitry 610 may

20 be configured to, or may comprise a transmitting module 615 configured to, transmit, to the wireless device 121 , information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C, when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device 121 is other than the lowest configured repetition level. In some embodiments, the

25 information may be transmitted as scheduling information carried by a Downlink Control Information, DCI, message in a downlink control channel, or by reusing existing DCI formats.

The network node 1 10 further comprises a memory 620. The memory 620 may, for example, be used to store applications or programs to perform the methods herein 30 and/or any information used by such applications or programs. The network node 1 10 may further comprise an input/output interface (not shown), which may be used to communicate over a wired connection with other radio network entities or nodes (not shown) in the wireless communications network 100. As will be readily understood by those familiar with communications design, that functions from other circuits may be implemented using digital logic and/or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, several or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or in two or more separate devices with appropriate hardware and/or software interfaces between them. Several of the functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional

components of a wireless terminal or network node, for example.

Alternatively, several of the functional elements of processing circuits discussed may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware, while others are provided with hardware for executing software, in association with the appropriate software or firmware. Thus, the term "processor" or "controller" as may be used herein does not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, without limitation, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, read-only memory (ROM) for storing software, random-access memory for storing software and/or program or application data, and non-volatile memory. Other hardware, conventional and/or custom, may also be included. Designers of communications receivers will appreciate the cost, performance, and maintenance trade-offs inherent in these design choices. The different actions taken by the different nodes may be implemented with different circuits.

From the above it may be seen that the embodiments may further comprise a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processor, e.g. the processors 510, 610, cause the at least one processor to carry out the method for handling transmissions in the wireless communications network 100. Also, some embodiments may, as described above, further comprise a carrier containing said computer program, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer readable storage medium.

According to a first additional aspect of the embodiments described herein, it is described herein a wireless device for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless communications network. Here, the wireless device may be configured with a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEMAX._C or similar, that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Pp₀werciass or similar, by the wireless device in the wireless communications network. The wireless device may also configure the transmit power of uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX._C or similar, to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. Here, it should be noted that the experienced coverage level by the wireless device may directly relate to the received signal strength, or the received downlink power, in the wireless device. For example, a coverage level may be said to change from the highest coverage level to a lower coverage level when the received signal strength or downlink power indicate that repetitions of the uplink transmissions should be used to extend radio coverage in order to ensure adequate connectivity in the wireless communications network. Hence, alternatively, the wireless device may also configure the transmit power of uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level. The repetition level may here be considered as an example of, or as indicative of, a coverage level.

In some embodiments, the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device in the wireless communications network may be determined by the power class, e.g. Ppowerciass or similar, of the wireless device. Also, in some embodiments, the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, may be increased according to a power offset associated with each coverage level, or repetition level, of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device. In some embodiments, the uplink transmissions may form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device in the wireless communications network. According to some embodiments, the wireless device may receive, from a network node in the wireless communications network, information indicating that the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. Optionally, the wireless device may receive, from a network node in the wireless communications network, information indicating that the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level. According to an aspect of embodiments herein, the object may also be achieved by a wireless device configured to perform the method described above according to this first additional aspect.

According to a second additional aspect of the embodiments described herein, it is described herein network node for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device in a wireless communications network. The network node may configure the wireless device with a maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power, e.g. Ppowerciass or similar, by the wireless device in the wireless communications network. Also, the network node may determine that the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PcMAx.c Or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. Alternatively, the network node may determine that the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

In some embodiments, the maximum supported transmit power by the wireless device in the wireless communications network may be determined by the power class, e.g. Ppowerciass or similar, of the wireless device. Further, in some embodiments, the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, may be increased according to a power offset associated with each coverage level, or repetition level, of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device. In some embodiments, the uplink

transmissions may form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device in the wireless communications network. In this case, according to some embodiments, the network node may associate random access radio resources for the uplink transmissions in the wireless communications network with the determined transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. PCMAX.C or similar. In some embodiments, the network node may transmit, to the wireless device 121 , information indicating that the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a coverage level experienced by the wireless device is other than the highest coverage level. Optionally, the network node may transmit, to the wireless device 121 , information indicating that the transmit power for uplink transmissions, e.g. P_CM_AX._C or similar, is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit, e.g. PEM_AX._C or similar, when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device is other than the lowest configured repetition level. In these cases, according to some embodiments, the information may be transmitted as scheduling information carried by a Downlink Control Information, DCI, message in a downlink control channel, or by reusing existing DCI formats. According to an aspect of embodiments herein, the object may also be achieved by a network node configured to perform the method described above according to this second additional aspect. According to a third additional aspect of the embodiments described herein, it is also presented herein computer programs are also provided configured to perform the methods described above in the first and second additional aspects. Further, carriers are also provided configured to carry the computer programs configured for performing the methods.

According to a fourth additional aspect of the embodiments described herein, it may also be considered an object of the embodiments herein to to improve the efficiency of the used the radio spectrum available for uplink transmissions in a wireless

communications network, and/or to improve the radio capacity in a wireless

communications network when performing uplink transmissions.

The terminology used in the detailed description of the particular embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings is not intended to be limiting of the described communication node or method therein.

As used herein, the term "and/or" comprises any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Further, as used herein, the common abbreviation "e.g.", which derives from the Latin phrase "exempli gratia," may be used to introduce or specify a general example or examples of a previously mentioned item, and is not intended to be limiting of such item. If used herein, the common abbreviation "i.e.", which derives from the Latin phrase "id est," may be used to specify a particular item from a more general recitation. The common abbreviation "etc.", which derives from the Latin expression "et cetera" meaning "and other things" or "and so on" may have been used herein to indicate that further features, similar to the ones that have just been

enumerated, exist.

As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to comprise also the plural forms as well, unless expressly stated otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "includes," "comprises," "including" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, actions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms comprising technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the described embodiments belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

The embodiments herein are not limited to the above described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.

Therefore, the above embodiments should not be construed as limiting.

Abbreviations

3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

HSPA High Speed Packet Access

LTE Long Term Evolution

RAN Radio Access Network

UTRAN UMTS terrestrial RAN

E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

LTE Long Term Evolution

UE User Equipment

DL Downlink

eNB evolved NodeB, base station

DCI Downlink Control Information

UL Uplink

NB-loT Narrow Band Internet-of-Things

NPRACH Narrow Band Random Access Channel

Claims

1 . A method performed by a wireless device (121) for configuring uplink

transmissions in a wireless communications network (100), wherein the wireless device (121) is configured with a maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power (Pp₀werciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100), the method comprising

configuring (302) a maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX,C) when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the maximum supported transmit

power (Ppowerciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100) is determined by the power class of the wireless device (121).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is increased according to a power offset associated with each repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121).

4. The method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein the uplink transmissions forms part of a random access procedure of the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100). 5. The method according to any of claims 1-4, further comprising

receiving (301), from a network node (1 10) in the wireless communications network (100), information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

6. A wireless device (121) for configuring uplink transmissions in a wireless

communications network (100), wherein the wireless device (121) is configurable with a maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power (Ppowerciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100), the wireless device (121) being further configured to

configure the maximum transmit power of uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121 ) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

The wireless device (121) according to claim 6, wherein the maximum supported transmit power (Pp₀werciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100) is determined by the power class of the wireless device (121).

The wireless device (121) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the wireless device (121) is further configured to increase the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX._C) according to a power offset associated with each repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121).

The wireless device (121) according to any of claims 6-8, wherein the uplink transmissions forms part of a random access procedure of the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100).

10. The wireless device (121) according to any of claims 6-9, wherein the wireless device (121) is further configured to receive, from a network node (1 10) in the wireless communications network (100), information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

1 1 . The wireless device (121) according to any of claims 6-10, comprising a

processing circuitry (510) and a memory (520), wherein the memory (520) is containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry (510).

12. A method performed by a network node (1 10) for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device (121) in a wireless communications network (100), the method comprising

configuring (401) the wireless device (121) with a maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power

(Ppowerciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100); and

determining (402) that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device

(121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the maximum supported transmit power (Ppowerciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100) is determined by the power class of the wireless device (121).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is increased according to a power offset associated with each repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121).

15. The method according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the uplink transmissions form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100).

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising

associating (403) random access radio resources for the uplink

transmissions in the wireless communications network (100) with the determined maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) . 17. The method according to any of claims 12-16, further comprising

transmitting (404), to the wireless device (121), information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

8. The method according to claim 17, wherein the information is transmitted as scheduling information carried by a Downlink Control Information, DCI, message in a downlink control channel, or by reusing existing DCI formats

9. A network node (1 10) for configuring uplink transmissions of a wireless device (121) in a wireless communications network (100), the network node (1 10) being configured to

configure the wireless device (121) with a maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) that is lower than the maximum supported transmit power (Pp₀werciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100), and determine that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

20. The network node (1 10) according to claim 19, wherein the maximum supported transmit power (Ppowerciass) by the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100) is determined by the power class of the wireless device (121).

21 . The network node (1 10) according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the network node (1 10) being further configured to increase the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (P_CM_AX._C) according to a power offset associated with each repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device (121).

22. The network node (1 10) according to any of claims 19-21 , wherein the uplink transmissions form part of a random access procedure of the wireless device (121) in the wireless communications network (100).

23. The network node (1 10) according to claim 22, wherein the network node (1 10) is further configured to associate random access radio resources for the uplink transmissions in the wireless communications network (100) with the determined maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) .

24. The network node (1 10) according to any of claims 19-23, wherein the network node (1 10) is further configured to transmit, to the wireless device (121), information indicating that the maximum transmit power for uplink transmissions (PCMAX.C) is to be higher than the configured maximum transmit power limit (PEMAX.C) when a repetition level of the uplink transmissions in the wireless device

(121) is other than the lowest configured repetition level.

25. The network node (1 10) according to claim 24, wherein the information is

transmitted as scheduling information carried by a Downlink Control Information, DCI, message in a downlink control channel, or by reusing existing DCI formats.

26. The network node (1 10) according to any of claims 19-25, comprising a

processing circuitry (610) and a memory (620), wherein the memory (620) is containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry (610).

27. A computer program, comprising instructions which, when executed on at least one processing circuitry (510, 610), cause the at least one processing circuitry (510, 610) to carry out the method according to any of claims 1 -5 or claims 12-18. 28. A carrier containing the computer program according to claim 27, wherein the carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or computer- readable storage medium.