WO2020098956A1

WO2020098956A1 - Apparatus, method and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2020098956A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/081618
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henri Markus Koskinen; Elena Virtej
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2018-11-16
Filing date: 2018-11-16
Publication date: 2020-05-22

Abstract

There is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

Description

Title

Apparatus, method and computer program

Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, system and computer program and in particular but not exclusively to integrated access and backhaul (IAB) topology management based on service requirements.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided for example by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Non limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

In a wireless communication system at least a part of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems comprise public land mobile networks (PLMN), satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, for example wireless local area networks (WLAN). The wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station, for example a base station of a cell, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier. The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols and/or parameters which shall be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communications system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the long-term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile T elecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology and so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

Summary

In a first aspect there is provided an apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

The at least one first path and the second path may have no node link in common.

The at least one first path and the second path may have no relay node in common.

Means for controlling the at least one second relay node may comprise means for configuring the node topology of the network to provide the second path.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, means for configuring the node topology of the network may comprise means for causing at least one of the first relay nodes to connect to the second relay node.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, means for controlling the at least one second relay node may comprise means for causing the user equipment to change from being connected to one of the first relay nodes to being connected to the at least one second relay node. The at least one relay node may comprise an integrated access and backhaul node.

The apparatus may comprise means for receiving the indication of traffic service requirements from the user equipment or the core network.

The traffic service requirements may comprise at least one of reliability requirements and latency requirements.

In a second aspect there is provided a method comprising receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

Controlling the at least one second relay node may comprise configuring the node topology of the network to provide the second path.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, configuring the node topology of the network may comprise causing at least one of the first relay nodes to connect to the second relay node.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, controlling the at least one second relay node may comprise causing the user equipment to change from being connected to one of the first relay nodes to being connected to the at least one second relay node.

The at least one relay node may comprise an integrated access and backhaul node.

The method may comprise receiving the indication of traffic service requirements from the user equipment or the core network. The traffic service requirements may comprise at least one of reliability requirements and latency requirements.

In a third aspect there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to: receive, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node and control at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

The apparatus may be configured to configure the node topology of the network to provide the second path.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, the apparatus may be configured to cause at least one of the first relay nodes to connect to the second relay node.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, the apparatus may be configured to cause the user equipment to change from being connected to one of the first relay nodes to being connected to the at least one second relay node.

The apparatus may be configured to receive the indication of traffic service requirements from the user equipment or the core network. The traffic service requirements may comprise at least one of reliability requirements and latency requirements.

In a fourth aspect there is provided a computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

The apparatus may be caused to perform configuring the node topology of the network to provide the second path.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay, the apparatus may be caused to perform causing at least one of the first relay nodes to connect to the second relay node.

When the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node, the apparatus may be caused to perform causing the user equipment to change from being connected to one of the first relay nodes to being connected to the at least one second relay node.

The apparatus may be caused to perform receiving the indication of traffic service requirements from the user equipment or the core network.

The traffic service requirements may comprise at least one of reliability requirements and latency requirements. In a fifth aspect there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the second aspect.

In the above, many different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the embodiments described above.

Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a base station and a plurality of communication devices;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example mobile communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example control apparatus;

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment;

Figure 5(a) shows an example IAB network topology;

Figure 5(b) shows an example IAB network topology.

Detailed description

Before explaining in detail the examples, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in figure 1 , mobile communication devices or user equipment (UE) 102, 104, 105 are provided wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatuses. The controller apparatus may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a Radio Network Controller. In Figure 1 control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107. The control apparatus of a base station can be interconnected with other control entities. The control apparatus is typically provided with memory capacity and at least one data processor. The control apparatus and functions may be distributed between a plurality of control units. In some systems, the control apparatus may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller.

In Figure 1 base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 1 13 via gateway 1 12. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

The smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may also be connected to the network 1 13, for example by a separate gateway function and/or via the controllers of the macro level stations. The base stations 1 16, 118 and 120 may be pico or femto level base stations or the like. In the example, stations 116 and 1 18 are connected via a gateway 1 1 1 whilst station 120 connects via the controller apparatus 108. In some embodiments, the smaller stations may not be provided. Smaller base stations 1 16, 1 18 and 120 may be part of a second network, for example WLAN and may be WLAN APs.

The communication devices 102, 104, 105 may access the communication system based on various access techniques, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), or wideband CDMA (WCDMA). Other non-limiting examples comprise time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA) and various schemes thereof such as the interleaved frequency division multiple access (IFDMA), single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) and orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA), space division multiple access (SDMA) and so on.

An example of wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A latest 3GPP based development is often referred to as the long term evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio-access technology. The various development stages of the 3GPP specifications are referred to as releases. More recent developments of the LTE are often referred to as LTE Advanced (LTE- A). The LTE (LTE-A) employs a radio mobile architecture known as the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) and a core network known as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). Base stations of such systems are known as evolved or enhanced Node Bs (eNBs) and provide E-UTRAN features such as user plane Packet Data Convergence/Radio Link Control/Medium Access Control/Physical layer protocol (PDCP/RLC/MAC/PHY) and control plane Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol terminations towards the communication devices. Other examples of radio access system comprise those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMax (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). A base station can provide coverage for an entire cell or similar radio service area. Core network elements include Mobility Management Entity (MME), Serving Gateway (S-GW) and Packet Gateway (P-GW).

An example of a suitable communications system is the 5G or NR concept. Network architecture in NR may be similar to that of LTE-advanced. Base stations of NR systems may be known as next generation Node Bs (gNBs). Changes to the network architecture may depend on the need to support various radio technologies and finer QoS support, and some on-demand requirements for e.g. QoS levels to support QoE of user point of view. Also network aware services and applications, and service and application aware networks may bring changes to the architecture. Those are related to Information Centric Network (ICN) and User-Centric Content Delivery Network (UC-CDN) approaches. NR may use multiple input - multiple output (MIMO) antennas, many more base stations or nodes than the LTE (a so- called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in co-operation with smaller stations and perhaps also employing a variety of radio technologies for better coverage and enhanced data rates.

Future networks may utilise network functions virtualization (NFV) which is a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions into“building blocks” or entities that may be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. A virtualized network function (VNF) may comprise one or more virtual machines running computer program codes using standard or general type servers instead of customized hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be utilized. In radio communications this may mean node operations to be carried out, at least partly, in a server, host or node operationally coupled to a remote radio head. It is also possible that node operations will be distributed among a plurality of servers, nodes or hosts. It should also be understood that the distribution of labour between core network operations and base station operations may differ from that of the LTE or even be non-existent.

An example 5G core network (CN) comprises functional entities. The CN is connected to a UE via the radio access network (RAN). An UPF (User Plane Function) whose role is called PSA (PDU Session Anchor) may be responsible for forwarding frames back and forth between the DN (data network) and the tunnels established over the 5G towards the UE(s) exchanging traffic with the DN.

The UPF is controlled by an SMF (Session Management Function) that receives policies from a PCF (Policy Control Function). The CN may also include an AMF (Access & Mobility Function).

A possible mobile communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device is often referred to as user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate mobile communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a’smart phone’, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, or any combinations of these or the like. A mobile communication device may provide, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and so on. Users may thus be offered and provided numerous services via their communication devices. Non-limiting examples of these services comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services or simply an access to a data communications network system, such as the Internet. Users may also be provided broadcast or multicast data. Non-limiting examples of the content comprise downloads, television and radio programs, videos, advertisements, various alerts and other information.

A mobile device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201 , at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204. The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. Furthermore, a mobile communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto.

The mobile device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

Figure 3 shows an example of a control apparatus for a communication system, for example to be coupled to and/or for controlling a station of an access system, such as a RAN node, e.g. a base station, eNB or gNB, a relay node or a core network node such as an MME or S- GW or P-GW, or a core network function such as AMF/SMF, or a server or host. The method may be implanted in a single control apparatus or across more than one control apparatus. The control apparatus may be integrated with or external to a node or module of a core network or RAN. In some embodiments, base stations comprise a separate control apparatus unit or module. In other embodiments, the control apparatus can be another network element such as a radio network controller or a spectrum controller. In some embodiments, each base station may have such a control apparatus as well as a control apparatus being provided in a radio network controller. The control apparatus 300 can be arranged to provide control on communications in the service area of the system. The control apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301 , at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. Via the interface the control apparatus can be coupled to a receiver and a transmitter of the base station. The receiver and/or the transmitter may be implemented as a radio front end or a remote radio head.

The following relates to Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) networks. IAB topology defines how IAB nodes are connected to each other and to the fixed network. IAB topology management may be defined as determining to which upstream nodes IAB nodes establish connectivity. The following may be part of the IAB topology management function; maintaining topology database, determining preferred options for IAB node connectivity and providing guidance to affect handover (HO)/connectivity decisions of IAB nodes (which affects the connectivity of IAB nodes beyond what would otherwise occur due to local RRC/RRM). Topology management may be a function within the donor gNB of an IAB network. A node in an IAB network (either an IAB node or a UE connected over IAB nodes) may have more than one disjoint paths to the fixed network (to the DU, CU, or 2 different CUs). Node- disjoint paths (NDPs) may be defined as paths that have no node in common. Link-disjoint paths may be defined as paths that have no link in common. This property may be desired for aspects of reliability and redundancy. One example use case is the provisioning of highly reliable connections, where all traffic is sent duplicated over such disjoint paths.

For a node to have disjoint paths such as NDPs, it needs to be connected to at least two other nodes. However, for an IAB node being multi-connected to more than one other node, the use of the radio resource may be split among more links than may otherwise be necessary.

On the other hand, for a UE served by IAB nodes to have NDPs, it is not required that any IAB node has NDPs. An example is when the IAB nodes, together with the fixed-network point of attachment, form a tree topology, and the UE is connected via (at least) two different children of the tree root i.e. the fixed network.

The following may provide NDPs to UEs while avoiding the cost that may come with dual- or multi-connected IAB nodes.

Previously, it has been assumed that individual subscriber UE requests or conditions do not alter IAB topology and that the topology is a constraint on packet routing/forwarding.

Figure 4 provides a method where, in response to a request to serve a UE with given service requirements (such as high reliability or low latency), the topology formed jointly by a given set of IAB nodes and the UE is re-arranged.

In a first step, S1 , the method comprises receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node.

In a second step, S2, the method comprises controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network. The method may be performed by a topology management function in an IAB network. The topology management function may be located in a donor node (gNB).

The indication of traffic service requirements may be received from the user equipment or the core network. The relay nodes may comprise IAB nodes.

The traffic service requirements may be reliability requirements. The traffic service requirements may be latency requirements. The requirements may include disjoint paths, e.g., NDPs.

The at least one first path and the second path may be disjoint. That is, the at least one first path and the second path may have no node link and/or no relay node in common.

In an embodiment, the topology is re-arranged so as to provide the UE with NDPs. The method may comprise configuring the topology of the network such that the user equipment is provided with the second path. Configuring the node topology of the network may comprise causing at least one of the first relay nodes to connect to the second relay node.

Consider an example in the IAB network of Figure 5(a). The network comprises a donor gNB 501 and IAB nodes A...F. The topology-management function, which, in this example, is located in the donor gNB 501 , is aware of the topology, i.e. the links among all the nodes in the figure.

UEs are not shown in Figure 5(a). The arrows of the shown links depict the direction in which scheduling grants and RRC handover commands are transferred. In this example, a UE is dual-connected to IAB nodes D and E. The nodes D and E comprise first relay nodes.

In an example embodiment, the topology-management function (TMF) becomes aware that a UE, dual-connected to nodes D and E, requires highly reliable data transfer.

The TMF determines that the current IAB topology (as shown in Figure 5(a)) does not provide NDPs to the UE (because all paths between the UE and the Donor gNB pass via node A.

The TMF causes the donor gNB 501 to initiate the necessary actions to configure IAB node B (i.e. a second relay node) as a preferred parent node for IAB node E. The actions may involve configuring proper RRC measurements to node E, and issuing a handover command to node E for connecting to node B instead of A. With such a handover command, the topology of the network becomes as shown in Figure 5(b).

In the given example, the data transfer of the UE (still dual-connected to D and E) requiring high reliability is configured over a duplicated radio bearer, where each packet between the UE and the Donor gNB is sent over NDPs, i.e. both via route A-D (or D-A, depending on direction) and B-E (or E-B).

In the example topology shown in Figure 5(a) nodes D and E cannot provide the UE with NDPs. After the application of the proposed method, nodes D and E may provide the UE with NDPs. In this example, the IAB topology is reconfigured so that the UE’s unchanged dual connectivity (to IAB nodes) will have NDPs.

In an embodiment, the nodes with which UE forms dual/multi connectivity are selected so that they form NDPs. For example, the method may comprise causing the user equipment to change from being connected to one of the first relay nodes to being connected to the second relay node. For example, a UE’s dual connectivity is reconfigured so that it will use IAB nodes that provide the UE with NDPs.

In this example, in the network of Figure 5(a), the UE may initially be dual-connected to IAB nodes D and E. However it should be understood that, in some cases, the UE may be connected to only one of IAB nodes D and E. The TMF determines that the UE cannot be provided with NDPs in line with the traffic service requirements. As a result, the TMF may trigger reconfiguring the UE (which may comprise configuring proper measurements to the UE) to be dual-connected to IAB nodes B and E instead (or to node B in addition to node E, in the case where the UE is not initially dual connected). Nodes B and E may provide NDPs to the UE.

Although the above has been described with reference to a dual-connected UE, the method may also be applied to a UE with connections to more than two nodes.

In one example, the IAB topology is reconfigured so that the UE’s dual/multi connectivity (to IAB nodes) will provide NDPs. In a second example, the UE’s dual/multi connectivity is reconfigured so that it will use IAB nodes that provide NDPs. Which alternative is suitable may depend on the situation. For example (in the topology of Figure 5(a)), if nodes B and E are offering NDPs for other UEs, it may not be desirable to connect E to B instead of A. In such case, it would be preferable to reconfigure the UE’s dual connectivity. On the other hand, if the dual/multi connectivity cannot be reconfigured for a UE without loss in signal quality (i.e. the alternative nodes are not strong enough), it may be desirable to reconfigure the network topology.

In one other example, the existing NDPs already provided to other UEs in need of high reliability may be maintained.

Although the above has been described with reference to a single donor gNB 501 in Figures 5(a) and 5(b), more than one donor gNBs may be involved. In one embodiment, in the networks of Figures 5(a) and 5(b), in addition to the donor gNB 501 , there is another donor gNB 502, which is the only donor gNB to which node B is connected (i.e. the only connection from node B to a donor node is that shown by the dashed line between node B and donor node 502). Both the donor gNBs 501 and 502 provide connection to the same core network (not shown in the figure). The TMF that executes the above-described operations may reside in donor gNB 501 or donor gNB 502. The donor gNBs 501 and 502 may exchange topology information to enable the operation of the TMF, over an interface such as Xn interconnecting the two donor gNBs. The two examples described above (of reconfiguring the IAB topology and reconfiguring the UE’s dual/multi connectivity) are equally applicable to this embodiment with the donor gNBs 501 and 502.

The method may be implemented in a user equipment as described with reference to Figure 2 or a control apparatus as described with reference to figure 3. An apparatus may comprise means for receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules etc., such as radio parts or radio heads, used in or for transmission and/or reception. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities. It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to IAB network, similar principles can be applied in relation to other networks and communication systems where wireless backhaul is used. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of the mobile device, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

Further in this regard it should be noted that any blocks of the logic flow as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. An apparatus, said apparatus comprising means for:

receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node; and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one first path and the second path have no node link in common.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the at least one first path and the second path have no relay node in common.

4. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein means for controlling the at least one second relay node comprises means for:

configuring the node topology of the network to provide the second path.

5. An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node and wherein means for configuring the node topology of the network comprises means for causing at least one of the first relay nodes to connect to the second relay node.

6. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the user equipment is connected to the core network via at least two paths, each path comprising at least one first relay node and means for controlling the at least one second relay node comprises means for:

causing the user equipment to change from being connected to one of the first relay nodes to being connected to the at least one second relay node.

7. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one relay node comprises an integrated access and backhaul node.

8. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 7, comprising means for receiving the indication of traffic service requirements from the user equipment or the core network.

9. An apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the traffic service requirements comprise at least one of reliability requirements and latency requirements.

10. A method comprising:

receiving, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node; and controlling at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the donor node and the core network, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

11. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, the at least one memory and computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to:

receive, at a network comprising at least one donor node and a plurality of relay nodes, an indication of traffic service requirements for a user equipment connected to a core network via at least one first path comprising a first relay node; and control at least one second relay node, based on the indication of service requirements, to establish an additional path between the core network and the user equipment, such that the first relay node and the second relay node provide a first path and a second path, respectively, between the user equipment and the core network.

12. A computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the following: