WO2024068025A1

WO2024068025A1 - Time sensitive network stream communication in a wireless communication network

Info

Publication number: WO2024068025A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/083527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dimitrios Karampatsis; Karthikeyan Ganesan
Original assignee: Lenovo (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-10-19
Filing date: 2022-11-28
Publication date: 2024-04-04

Abstract

There is provided a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network. The user equipment comprising a receiver arranged to receive a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink, the receiver being further arranged to receive the time sensitive network stream. The user equipment further comprising a processor arranged to determine to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, and further arranged to determine quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration. The user equipment further comprising a transmitter arranged to discover and establish a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration, the transmitter being further arranged to transmit the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

Description

TIME SENSITIVE NETWORK STREAM COMMUNICATION IN A

WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to the field of implementing time sensitive network stream communication in a wireless communication network.

This document defines a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network; and a network function in a wireless communication network. This document further defines a method in a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network; and a method in a network function in a wireless communication network.

Background

[0002] Since Release 17 (3GPP TS 23.501), the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has had a defined procedure for supporting Time Sensitive Networks (TSN) within the 3GPP system. The 3GPP system supports TSN in the following ways: the 5GS is integrated with the external network as a TSN bridge; TSN translators (Network Side TSN Translator (NW-TT) and Device Side TSN Translator (DS-TT)) achieve time synchronization between external TSN clocks and the internal 5GS clock; and an Application Function (AF) provides Quality of Service (QoS) /synchronization requirements to the 3GPP system that the Session Management Function (SMF) in the 5G core converts into Time Sensitive Communications (TSC) assistance Information — the TSC assistance Information describing traffic characteristics (e.g. burst arrival time) that is used by the Radio Access Network (RAN) to schedule the TSN traffic.

[0003] A 5G network can be configured as a bridge as follows: between an NW-TT and DS-TT user equipment (UE) - in this deployment scenario the TSN controller is located behind the NW-TT and field devices are located behind a DS-TT UE; and between two DS-TT UEs - in this deployment scenario the TSN controller is located behind a first DS-TT UE and field devices are located behind a second DS-TT UE.

[0004] The AF first identifies a 5GS bridge based on information provided by the SMF and the TSN controller. The TSN controller provides, traffic forwarding information as defined in clause 8.8.1 of IEEE Std 802. IQ which includes the Destination MAC address and Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) ID of TSN stream and Port number in the Port MAP as defined in clause 8.8.1 of IEEE Std 802.1Q. After discovering 5GS bridge info details (e.g., ingress and egress ports if DS-TP and NW-TT), derives QoS info (i.e. TSC assistance container), based on Per-Stream Filtering Policies (PSFP) provided by a TSN controller and provides the information to the Policy Control Function (PCF). Per Stream Filtering Policies (PSFP) are defined in IEEE specification IEEE Std 802.1Q. The PCF derives Policy and Charging Control (PCC) rules and configures the SMF with TSC assistance information. The PCC rules provide information on how to route a TSN stream packet based on the ingress and egress port information and other parameters (e.g. VLAN ID) within the 3GPP network. The SMF sets up the UPF with routing rules and provides to the RAN TSC assistance information. The UPF routes the TSN stream packet in downlink over an appropriate QoS flow via a PDU session used specifically by the 5GS bridge (established by the DS-TT UE) based on the TSC assistance information

Summary

[0005] A problem with time sensitive network communications is that when the communication is between two DS-TT UEs, that is both TSN controller and field devices are located behind a DS-TT UE (ingress and egress ports are of DS-TT UEs), then the TSN stream packet is conveyed over the core network doubling the latency as the packet must be transmitted both in the uplink (from the first DS-TT UE) and in the downlink (to the second DS-TT UE).

[0006] As described in the disclosure herein, sidelink can assist TSN networks by avoiding the need to route a packet via the core network and instead transmit the TSN packet between two DS-TT UEs via a sidelink connection.

[0007] Disclosed herein are procedures for time sensitive network stream communication in a wireless communication network. Said procedures may be implemented by a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network; and a network function in a wireless communication network. Said procedures may be implemented by a method in such a user equipment and network function. Said implementations address how a user equipment decides to transmit a TSN stream packet over sidelink, and further address how a UE can be configured to convey TSN streams over sidelink.

[0008] There is provided an a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink, the receiver being further arranged to receive the time sensitive network stream; a processor arranged to determine to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, and further arranged to determine quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration; and a transmitter arranged to discover and establish a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration, the transmitter being further arranged to transmit the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

[0009] There is further provided a network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of one or more devices supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; a processor arranged to determine whether communication over sidelink can be supported by the one or more devices; wherein the processor is further arranged to determine one or more quality of service parameters of a sidelink configuration based on the network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over side link; and a transmitter arranged to transmit the sidelink configuration to the one or more devices to configure the one or more devices to support time sensitive network communication over sidelink.

[0010] There is further provided a network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of a device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; a processor arranged to determine that the device has established an indirect connection to the 5GS network via a relay device wherein the device has a sidelink connection with the relay device, wherein the processor is further arranged to determine one or more quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the indirect connection based on the network bridge information; and a transmitter arranged to transmit a request for an application function session comprising the determined quality of service parameters.. [0011] There is further provided a method in a user equipment, the user equipment in a wireless communication network, comprising: receiving a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink; receiving the time sensitive network stream; determining to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, based on the sidelink configuration; determining quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration; discovering and establishing a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration; and transmitting the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

[0012] There is further provided a method in a network function, the network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: receiving 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of one or more devices supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; determining whether communication over sidelink can be supported by the one or more devices; determining one or more quality of service parameters of a sidelink configuration based on the network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over side link; and transmitting the sidelink configuration to the one or more devices to configure the one or more devices to support time sensitive network communication over sidelink.

[0013] There is further provided a method in a network function, the network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: receiving 5GS network bridge information over a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of a device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; determining that the device has established an indirect connection to the 5GS network via a relay device wherein the device has a sidelink connection with the relay device, determining one or more quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the indirect connection based on the network bridge information; and transmitting a request for an application function session to another network function based on the sidelink configuration comprising the determined quality of service parameters. Brief description of the drawings

[0014] In order to describe the manner in which advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a description of the disclosure is rendered by reference to certain apparatus and methods which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Each of these drawings depict only certain aspects of the disclosure and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope. The drawings may have been simplified for clarity and are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0015] Methods and apparatus for time sensitive network stream communication in a wireless communication network will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communication network;

Figure 2 illustrates an embodiment of a user equipment apparatus;

Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of a network node;

Figure 4 illustrates time sensitive network support in 3GPP;

Figure 5 illustrates time sensitive network stream packet routing via a 3GPP network configured as a 5GS bridge;

Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment of time sensitive network stream packet routing between two user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation;

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a deployment scenario for sidelink communication between user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation;

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method in a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation;

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method in a network function;

Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of configuring and establishing time sensitive network communication over sidelink between two user equipment supporting deviceside time sensitive network translation;

Figure 11 illustrates an embodiment of layer-based service interactions between user equipment;

Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of discovery and establishment of a sidelink connection between user equipments to convey a time sensitive network stream; Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment of an alternative deployment scenario for extended coverage using sidelink;

Figure 14 illustrates an embodiment of a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation establishing a multipath connection via a network relay;

Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of an alternative method in a network function;- and

Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment of a procedure for a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation to establish a multipath connection via a network relay.

Detailed description

[0016] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, aspects of this disclosure may be embodied as a system, apparatus, method, or program product. Accordingly, arrangements described herein may be implemented in an entirely hardware form, an entirely software form (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or a form combining software and hardware aspects.

[0017] For example, the disclosed methods and apparatus may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (“VLSI”) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. The disclosed methods and apparatus may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, or the like. As another example, the disclosed methods and apparatus may include one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code which may, for instance, be organized as an object, procedure, or function.

[0018] Furthermore, the methods and apparatus may take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer readable storage devices storing machine readable code, computer readable code, and/ or program code, referred hereafter as code. The storage devices may be tangible, non-transitory, and/ or non-transmission. The storage devices may not embody signals. In certain arrangements, the storage devices only employ signals for accessing code.

[0019] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device storing the code. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0020] More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the storage device would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random-access memory (“RAM”), a read-only memory (“ROM”), an erasable programmable read-only memory (“EPROM” or Flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (“CD-ROM”), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store, a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0021] Reference throughout this specification to an example of a particular method or apparatus, or similar language, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that example is included in at least one implementation of the method and apparatus described herein. Thus, reference to features of an example of a particular method or apparatus, or similar language, may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same example, but mean “one or more but not all examples” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including”, “comprising”, “having”, and variations thereof, mean “including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a”, “an”, and “the” also refer to “one or more”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0022] As used herein, a list with a conjunction of “and/ or” includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, a list of A, B and/ or C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one or more of’ includes any single item in the list or a combination of items in the list. For example, one or more of A, B and C includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C. As used herein, a list using the terminology “one of’ includes one, and only one, of any single item in the list. For example, “one of A, B and C” includes only A, only B or only C and excludes combinations of A, B and C. As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C” includes one and only one of A, B, or C, and excludes combinations of A, B, and C.” As used herein, “a member selected from the group consisting of A, B, and C and combinations thereof’ includes only A, only B, only C, a combination of A and B, a combination of B and C, a combination of A and C or a combination of A, B and C.

[0023] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics described herein may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the disclosed methods and apparatus may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well- known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure.

[0024] Aspects of the disclosed method and apparatus are described below with reference to schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and program products. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flowchart diagrams and/ or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams, can be implemented by code. This code may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions /acts specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams.

[0025] The code may also be stored in a storage device that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/ act specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams.

[0026] The code may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the code which executes on the computer or other programmable apparatus provides processes for implementing the functions /acts specified in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/ or schematic block diagram.

[0027] The schematic flowchart diagrams and/ or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatuses, systems, methods, and program products. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions of the code for implementing the specified logical function(s). [0028] It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Other steps and methods may be conceived that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or portions thereof, of the illustrated Figures.

[0029] The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of proceeding Figures. Like numbers refer to like elements in all Figures.

[0030] Figure 1 depicts an embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 for time sensitive network stream communication in a wireless communication network. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes remote units 102 and network units 104. Even though a specific number of remote units 102 and network units 104 are depicted in Figure 1, one of skill in the art will recognize that any number of remote units 102 and network units 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, the remote units 102 may include computing devices, such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), tablet computers, smart phones, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), vehicle onboard computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, modems), aerial vehicles, drones, or the like. In some embodiments, the remote units 102 include wearable devices, such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head-mounted displays, or the like. Moreover, the remote units 102 may be referred to as subscriber units, mobiles, mobile stations, users, terminals, mobile terminals, fixed terminals, subscriber stations, UE, user terminals, a device, or by other terminology used in the art. The remote units 102 may communicate directly with one or more of the network units 104 via UL communication signals. In certain embodiments, the remote units 102 may communicate directly with other remote units 102 via sidelink communication.

[0032] The network units 104 may be distributed over a geographic region. In certain embodiments, a network unit 104 may also be referred to as an access point, an access terminal, a base, a base station, a Node-B, an eNB, a gNB, a Home Node-B, a relay node, a device, a core network, an aerial server, a radio access node, an AT, NR, a network entity, an Access and Mobility Management Function (“AMF”), a Unified Data Management Function (“UDM”), a Unified Data Repository (“UDR”), a UDM/UDR, a Policy Control Function (“PCF”), a Radio Access Network (“RAN”), an Network Slice Selection Function (“NSSF”), an operations, administration, and management (“OAM”), a session management function (“SMF”), a user plane function (“UPF”), an application function, an authentication server function (“AUSF”), security anchor functionality (“SEAF”), trusted non-3GPP gateway function (“TNGF”), an application function, a service enabler architecture layer (“SEAL”) function, a vertical application enabler server, an edge enabler server, an edge configuration server, a mobile edge computing platform function, a mobile edge computing application, an application data analytics enabler server, a SEAL data delivery server, a middleware entity, a network slice capability management server, or by any other terminology used in the art. The network units 104 are generally part of a radio access network that includes one or more controllers communicab ly coupled to one or more corresponding network units 104. The radio access network is generally communicably coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks, like the Internet and public switched telephone networks, among other networks. These and other elements of radio access and core networks are not illustrated but are well known generally by those having ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 is compliant with New Radio (NR) protocols standardized in 3GPP, wherein the network unit 104 transmits using an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (“OFDM”) modulation scheme on the downlink (DL) and the remote units 102 transmit on the uplink (UL) using a Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (“SC-FDMA”) scheme or an OFDM scheme. More generally, however, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocol, for example, WiMAX, IEEE 802.11 variants, GSM, GPRS, UMTS, LTE variants, CDMA2000, Bluetooth®, ZigBee, Sigfoxx, among other protocols. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the implementation of any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol.

[0034] The network units 104 may serve a number of remote units 102 within a serving area, for example, a cell or a cell sector via a wireless communication link. The network units 104 transmit DL communication signals to serve the remote units 102 in the time, frequency, and/ or spatial domain.

[0035] With reference to time sensitive networks, when two UEs of a wireless communication network, each supporting device-side time sensitive network translation (DS-TT), require to communicate with each other — that is, both time sensitive network (TSN) controller and field devices are located behind a DS-TT UE (ingress and egress ports are of DS-TT UEs) — then a TSN stream packet is conveyed over the core mobile network of the wireless communication network. This doubles the latency experienced as the packet must be transmitted both in the uplink (from the first DS-TT UE) and in the downlink (to the second DS-TT UE).

[0036] The present application presents a solution to this problem.

[0037] Figure 2 depicts a user equipment apparatus 200 that may be used for implementing the methods described herein. The user equipment apparatus 200 is used to implement one or more of the solutions described herein. The user equipment apparatus 200 is in accordance with one or more of the user equipment apparatuses described in embodiments herein. In particular, the user equipment apparatus 200 may comprise a user equipment as shown at 102 of Figure 1, at 411 of Figure 4, at 580 of Figure 5, at 620 or 640 of Figure 6, at 720 or 740 of Figure 7, at 1070 or 1080 of Figure 10, at 1110 or 1120 of Figure 11, at 1210 or 1220 of Figure 12, at 1330 or 1340 of Figure 13, at 1410 of Figure 14, or at 1680 or 1690 of Figure 16, for instance. The user equipment apparatus 200 includes a processor 205, a memory 210, an input device 215, an output device 220, and a transceiver 225.

[0038] The input device 215 and the output device 220 may be combined into a single device, such as a touchscreen. In some implementations, the user equipment apparatus 200 does not include any input device 215 and/ or output device 220. The user equipment apparatus 200 may include one or more of: the processor 205, the memory 210, and the transceiver 225, and may not include the input device 215 and/ or the output device 220. [0039] As depicted, the transceiver 225 includes at least one transmitter 230 and at least one receiver 235. The transceiver 225 may communicate with one or more cells (or wireless coverage areas) supported by one or more base units. The transceiver 225 may be operable on unlicensed spectrum. Moreover, the transceiver 225 may include multiple UE panels supporting one or more beams. Additionally, the transceiver 225 may support at least one network interface 240 and/ or application interface 245. The application interface(s) 245 may support one or more APIs. The network interface(s) 240 may support 3GPP reference points, such as Uu, Nl, PC5, etc. Other network interfaces 240 may be supported, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] The processor 205 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and/ or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the processor 205 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (“CPU”), a graphics processing unit (“GPU”), an auxiliary processing unit, a field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), or similar programmable controller. The processor 205 may execute instructions stored in the memory 210 to perform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 205 is communicatively coupled to the memory 210, the input device 215, the output device 220, and the transceiver 225. [0041] The processor 205 may control the user equipment apparatus 200 to implement the user equipment apparatus behaviors described herein. The processor 205 may include an application processor (also known as “main processor”) which manages application-domain and operating system (“OS”) functions and a baseband processor (also known as “baseband radio processor”) which manages radio functions.

[0042] The memory 210 may be a computer readable storage medium. The memory 210 may include volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 210 may include a RAM, including dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous dynamic RAM (“SDRAM”), and/ or static RAM (“SRAM”). The memory 210 may include non-volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 210 may include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. The memory 210 may include both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media.

[0043] The memory 210 may store data related to implement a traffic category field as described herein. The memory 210 may also store program code and related data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms operating on the apparatus 200. [0044] The input device 215 may include any known computer input device including a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a stylus, a microphone, or the like. The input device 215 may be integrated with the output device 220, for example, as a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. The input device 215 may include a touchscreen such that text may be input using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touchscreen and/ or by handwriting on the touchscreen. The input device 215 may include two or more different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0045] The output device 220 may be designed to output visual, audible, and/ or haptic signals. The output device 220 may include an electronically controllable display or display device capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, the output device 220 may include, but is not limited to, a Liquid Crystal Display (“LCD”), a Light- Emitting Diode (“LED”) display, an Organic LED (“OLED”) display, a projector, or similar display device capable of outputting images, text, or the like to a user. As another, non-limiting, example, the output device 220 may include a wearable display separate from, but communicatively coupled to, the rest of the user equipment apparatus 200, such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a heads-up display, or the like. Further, the output device 220 may be a component of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television, a table computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, a vehicle dashboard, or the like.

[0046] The output device 220 may include one or more speakers for producing sound. For example, the output device 220 may produce an audible alert or notification (e.g., a beep or chime). The output device 220 may include one or more haptic devices for producing vibrations, motion, or other haptic feedback. All, or portions, of the output device 220 may be integrated with the input device 215. For example, the input device 215 and output device 220 may form a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. The output device 220 may be located near the input device 215.

[0047] The transceiver 225 communicates with one or more network functions of a mobile communication network via one or more access networks. The transceiver 225 operates under the control of the processor 205 to transmit messages, data, and other signals and also to receive messages, data, and other signals. For example, the processor 205 may selectively activate the transceiver 225 (or portions thereof) at particular times in order to send and receive messages.

[0048] The transceiver 225 includes at least one transmitter 230 and at least one receiver 235. The one or more transmitters 230 may be used to provide uplink communication signals to a base unit of a wireless communication network. Similarly, the one or more receivers 235 may be used to receive downlink communication signals from the base unit. Although only one transmitter 230 and one receiver 235 are illustrated, the user equipment apparatus 200 may have any suitable number of transmitters 230 and receivers 235. Further, the trans mi tter(s) 230 and the receiver(s) 235 may be any suitable type of transmitters and receivers. The transceiver 225 may include a first transmitter/receiver pair used to communicate with a mobile communication network over licensed radio spectrum and a second transmitter/receiver pair used to communicate with a mobile communication network over unlicensed radio spectrum.

[0049] The first transmitter/ receiver pair may be used to communicate with a mobile communication network over licensed radio spectrum and the second transmitter/ receiver pair used to communicate with a mobile communication network over unlicensed radio spectrum may be combined into a single transceiver unit, for example a single chip performing functions for use with both licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum. The first transmitter/receiver pair and the second transmitter/receiver pair may share one or more hardware components. For example, certain transceivers 225, transmitters 230, and receivers 235 may be implemented as physically separate components that access a shared hardware resource and/ or software resource, such as for example, the network interface 240.

[0050] One or more transmitters 230 and/ or one or more receivers 235 may be implemented and/ or integrated into a single hardware component, such as a multitransceiver chip, a system-on-a-chip, an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (“ASIC”), or other type of hardware component. One or more transmitters 230 and/ or one or more receivers 235 may be implemented and/ or integrated into a multi-chip module. Other components such as the network interface 240 or other hardware components/ circuits may be integrated with any number of transmitters 230 and/ or receivers 235 into a single chip. The transmitters 230 and receivers 235 may be logically configured as a transceiver 225 that uses one more common control signals or as modular transmitters 230 and receivers 235 implemented in the same hardware chip or in a multi-chip module.

[0051] Figure 3 depicts further details of the network node 300 that may be used for implementing the methods described herein. The network node 300 may be one implementation of an entity in the wireless communication network, e.g. in one or more of the wireless communication networks described herein. The network node 300 may comprise a network function such as 1020 of Figure 10, or 1630 of Figure 16, for instance. The network node 300 includes a processor 305, a memory 310, an input device 315, an output device 320, and a transceiver 325.

[0052] The input device 315 and the output device 320 may be combined into a single device, such as a touchscreen. In some implementations, the network node 300 does not include any input device 315 and/ or output device 320. The network node 300 may include one or more of: the processor 305, the memory 310, and the transceiver 325, and may not include the input device 315 and/ or the output device 320.

[0053] As depicted, the transceiver 325 includes at least one transmitter 330 and at least one receiver 335. Here, the transceiver 325 communicates with one or more remote units 200. Additionally, the transceiver 325 may support at least one network interface 340 and/ or application interface 345. The application interface(s) 345 may support one or more APIs. The network interface(s) 340 may support 3GPP reference points, such as Uu, Nl, N2 and N3. Other network interfaces 340 may be supported, as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0054] The processor 305 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and/ or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the processor 305 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, a FPGA, or similar programmable controller. The processor 305 may execute instructions stored in the memory 310 to perform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 305 is communicatively coupled to the memory 310, the input device 315, the output device 320, and the transceiver 325.

[0055] The memory 310 may be a computer readable storage medium. The memory 310 may include volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 310 may include a RAM, including dynamic RAM (“DRAM”), synchronous dynamic RAM (“SDRAM”), and/ or static RAM (“SRAM”). The memory 310 may include non-volatile computer storage media. For example, the memory 310 may include a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. The memory 310 may include both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media.

[0056] The memory 310 may store data related to establishing a multipath unicast link and/ or mobile operation. For example, the memory 310 may store parameters, configurations, resource assignments, policies, and the like, as described herein. The memory 310 may also store program code and related data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms operating on the network node 300. [0057] The input device 315 may include any known computer input device including a touch panel, a button, a keyboard, a stylus, a microphone, or the like. The input device 315 may be integrated with the output device 320, for example, as a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. The input device 315 may include a touchscreen such that text may be input using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touchscreen and/ or by handwriting on the touchscreen. The input device 315 may include two or more different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0058] The output device 320 may be designed to output visual, audible, and/ or haptic signals. The output device 320 may include an electronically controllable display or display device capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, the output device 320 may include, but is not limited to, an LCD display, an LED display, an OLED display, a projector, or similar display device capable of outputting images, text, or the like to a user. As another, non-limiting, example, the output device 320 may include a wearable display separate from, but communicatively coupled to, the rest of the network node 300, such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a heads-up display, or the like. Further, the output device 320 may be a component of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television, a table computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, a vehicle dashboard, or the like.

[0059] The output device 320 may include one or more speakers for producing sound. For example, the output device 320 may produce an audible alert or notification (e.g., a beep or chime). The output device 320 may include one or more haptic devices for producing vibrations, motion, or other haptic feedback. All, or portions, of the output device 320 may be integrated with the input device 315. For example, the input device 315 and output device 320 may form a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. The output device 320 may be located near the input device 315.

[0060] The transceiver 325 includes at least one transmitter 330 and at least one receiver 335. The one or more transmitters 330 may be used to communicate with the UE, as described herein. Similarly, the one or more receivers 335 may be used to communicate with network functions in the PLMN and/ or RAN, as described herein. Although only one transmitter 330 and one receiver 335 are illustrated, the network node 300 may have any suitable number of transmitters 330 and receivers 335. Further, the transmitter(s) 330 and the receiver(s) 335 may be any suitable type of transmitters and receivers.

[0061] Figure 4 illustrates in an embodiment 400 the support of TSN within 3GPP. A 5GS time domain 410 is illustrated and residing therein is a UE 411, a gNB 412, a PTP compatible 5G transport 413, a UPF 414, and a 5G GM 415. The UE 411 is shown interfacing with a DS-TT 416. The UPF 414 is shown interfacing with an NW-TT 417. 5GS timing directions within the 5GS time domain 410 are also illustrated. The embodiment 400 also shows an end station 420 in a TSN domain interfacing via the DS- TT 416 with the UE 411. The TSN timing direction between the DS-TT 416 and the end station 420 is shown. A TSN working domain 430 is also shown having a TSN bridge 431 interfacing with the NW-TT 417. The TSN working domain 430 also has a TSN- GM 432 and an end station 433. The TSN timing direction between the TSN bridge 431 and the NW-TT 417 is also shown. The end station 420, the TSN bridge 431, the TSN GM 432 and the end station 433 all operate at TSN time synchronization 440. The UE 411, gNB 412, PTP compatible 5G transport 413, UPF 414 and 5G GM 415 all operate at 5GS time synchronization 450. The 5G system 400 can be considered as an 802.1AS time aware system. The system 400 supports TSN networks by the 5GS 410 being integrated with external networks via the TSN bridge 431. The system 400 further supports TSN networks by the TSN translators 416 and 417 achieving time synchronization between the external TSN clocks and internal 5GS clock. The system 400 may further support TSN networks by an AF providing QoS/ synchronization requirements to the 3GPP system that the SMF in the 5G core converts into TSC assistance information. The TSC assistance information describes traffic characteristics (e.g. burst arrival time) that is used by the RAN to schedule TSN traffic. A general architecture to support TSN networks is further provided in 3GPP Technical Specification 23.501.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment 500 of time sensitive network stream packet routing via a 3GPP network configured as a 5GS bridge. The embodiment 500 shows a TSN system 510, a TSN AF 520, a PCF 530, a SMF 540, a RAN 550, a UPF 560 with NW-TT 561, a Master 570, and a DS-TT UE 580.

[0063] The TSN AF 520 identifies a 5GS bridge based on information provided by the SMF 540 and TSN system controller 510. The TSN system controller 510 provides traffic forwarding information as defined in clause 8.8.1 of IEEE Standard 802.1Q which includes the destination MAC address and VLAN ID of a TSN stream and port number in the port map as defined in IEEE Standard 802. IQ. The TSN system controller 510 also provides PSFP information to TSN AF 520 including policies for TSN stream per port: priority, cycle time, burst size, bit rate. This is provided as a TSN configuration. After discovering the 5GS bridge information details (e.g. ingress and egress ports if DS- TT and NW-TT) the TSN AF 520 derives QoS information (i.e. TSC assistance container), based on the PSFP provided by the TSN system controller 510. This information is provided to the PCF 530. The PSFP are defined in IEEE standard 802. IQ. The TSN AF 520 determines the TSC assistance information (burst arrival time, periodicity) and the QoS (priority, delay, burst size, max flow bit rate, etc).

[0064] The PCF 530 derives PCC ules and configures the SMF 540 with TSC assistance information. The PCF 530 also determines the QoS flow required. The PCC rules provide information on how to route a TSN stream packet based on the ingress and egress port information and other parameters (such as VEAN ID) within the 3GPP network. The SMF 540 sets up the UPF 560 with routing rules and provides to the RAN 550 TSC assistance information for the QoS flow. The UPF 560 routes the TSN stream packet in downlink over an appropriate QoS flow via a PDU session used specifically by the 5GS bridge (established by the DS-TT UE) based on the TSC assistance information. [0065] The Master 570 provides TSN packets (TSN stream 1, TSN stream 2) to the NW-TT 561 of UPF 560. The UPF 560 provides QoS flows 1 and 2 (TSN streams 1 and 2) routed via 5G core according to PCC rules, to RAN 550.

[0066] The RAN 550 determines scheduling based on the TSC assistance information of the QoS flow. The QoS flows are provided to DS-TT UE 580. TSN streams are then provided by DS-TT UE 580 to one or more slaves.

[0067] Figure 6 illustrates an embodiment 600 of time sensitive network stream packet routing between two user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation. The figure shows a TSN controller 610 wired to a first gateway device 620 (i.e. DS-TT). A 5G core network 630 is shown comprising a first RAN 631 and a second RAN 632, and a UPF 633. A second gateway device (i.e. DS-TT) 640 is shown wired to a first field device 650 and a second field device 660. The first 650 and second 660 field devices are also shown wired to each other.

[0068] In the embodiment 600 shown, the TSN controller 610 sits behind first gateway device 620. The field devices 650 and 660 sit behind the second gateway device 640. The gateway devices 620 and 640 communicate by conveying TSN stream packet over the 5G core network 630 via the RANs 631 and 632. This results in an undesirable increase in latency as the transmission of packets must be uplinked from gateway device 620 to RAN 631 and then downlinked from RAN 632 to gateway device 640.

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment 700 of a deployment scenario for sidelink communication between user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation. The figure shows a TSN controller 710 wired to a first gateway device 720 (i.e. DS-TT). A 5G core network 730 is shown comprising a first RAN 731 and a second RAN 132., and a UPF 733. A second gateway device (i.e. DS-TT) 740 is shown wired to a first field device 750 and a second field device 760. The first 750 and second 760 field devices are also shown wired to each other. However the first 750 and second 760 field devices in addition to the second gateway device 740 are shown as residing within a time sensitive network virtual local area network (VLAN) 770. This enables a TSN stream to be communicated between the first gateway device 720 and second gateway device 740 over sidelink. Hence controller 710 can communicate to field devices 750 and 760 via the two DS-TT gateway devices 720 and 740 using the sidelink connection.

[0070] The disclosure herein relates to UEs that can establish a sidelink connection for conveying TSN packets, in addition to entities that configures such UEs to establish connectivity over sidelink.

[0071] In particular, the disclosure relates to a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink, the receiver being further arranged to receive the time sensitive network stream; a processor arranged to determine to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, and further arranged to determine quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration; and a transmitter arranged to discover and establish a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration, the transmitter being further arranged to transmit the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

[0072] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of a service identifier to a sidelink cast type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to the virtual local area network identifier of the local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmitted. [0073] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink. [0074] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

[0075] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

[0076] In some embodiments the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the user equipment for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another user equipment; and a connection via a mobile core network operator.

[0077] In some embodiments, the virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream is provided by a device side time sensitive network translation layer of the user equipment, to a service layer of the user equipment.

[0078] The disclosure herein also relates to a network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of one or more devices supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; a processor arranged to determine whether communication over sidelink can be supported by the one or more devices; wherein the processor is further arranged to determine one or more quality of service parameters of a sidelink configuration based on the network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over side link; and a transmitter arranged to transmit the sidelink configuration to the one or more devices to configure the one or more devices to support time sensitive network communication over sidelink.

[0079] In some embodiments, the network function is selected from the list of network functions consisting of: an application function; and a policy control function.

[0080] In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise devices selected from the list of devices consisting of: a user equipment; and a gateway.

[0081] In some embodiments, the receiver is arranged to receive the network bridge information from a session management function. [0082] In some embodiments, the processor is further arranged to determine the one or more quality of service parameters based on one or more time sensitive network stream quality of service requirements.

[0083] In some embodiments, the receiver is further arranged to receive the one or more time sensitive network stream quality of service requirements from a time sensitive network controller.

[0084] In some embodiments, the transmitter is further arranged to transmit the side link configuration to the one or more devices over a user plane or via a policy control function.

[0085] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of service identifier to a sidelink case type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to a virtual local area network identifier of a local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmitted.

[0086] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink.

[0087] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

[0088] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

[0089] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the one or more devices for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another device; and a connection via a mobile core network operator.

[0090] The disclosure herein relates to procedures performed by user equipment and network functions for establishing and configuring time sensitive network communication over sidelink.

[0091] In particular, Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a method 800 in a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation. A first step 810 comprises receiving a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink. A second step 820 comprises receiving the time sensitive network stream. A third step 830 comprises determining to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, based on the sidelink configuration. A fourth step 840 comprises determining quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration. A fifth step 850 comprises discovering and establishing a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration. A sixth step 860 comprises transmitting the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

[0092] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of a service identifier to a sidelink cast type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to the virtual local area network identifier of the local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmitted.

[0093] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink.

[0094] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

[0095] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

[0096] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the user equipment for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another user equipment; and a connection via a mobile core network operator. [0097] Some embodiments further comprise the step of providing the virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream from a device side time sensitive network translation layer of the user equipment, to a service layer of the user equipment. [0098] Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment of a method 900 in a network function. A first step 910 comprises receiving 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of one or more devices supporting device-side time sensitive network translation. A second step 920 comprises determining whether communication over sidelink can be supported by the one or more devices. A third step 930 comprises determining one or more quality of service parameters of a sidelink configuration based on the network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over side link. A fourth step 940 comprises transmitting the sidelink configuration to the one or more devices to configure the one or more devices to support time sensitive network communication over sidelink. [0099] In some embodiments, the network function is selected from the list of network functions consisting of: an application function; and a policy control function.

[0100] In some embodiments, the one or more devices comprise devices selected from the list of devices consisting of: a user equipment; and a gateway.

[0101] Some embodiments comprise receiving the network bridge information from a session management function.

[0102] Some embodiments comprise determining the one or more quality of service parameters based on one or more time sensitive network stream quality of service requirements.

[0103] Some embodiments comprise receiving the one or more time sensitive network stream quality of service requirements from a time sensitive network controller.

[0104] Some embodiments comprise transmitting the side link configuration to the one or more devices over a user plane or via a policy control function.

[0105] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of service identifier to a sidelink case type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to a virtual local area network identifier of a local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmitted.

[0106] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink. [0107] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

[0108] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

[0109] In some embodiments, the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the one or more devices for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another device; and a connection via a mobile core network operator.

[0110] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment 1000 of configuring and establishing time sensitive network communication over sidelink between two user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation. In this embodiment an AF configures two DS-TT UEs to establish connectivity over sidelink and provides those UEs with configuration information on how to map a TSN stream into a corresponding QoS flow over sidelink. It is assumed that the AF is aware of the topology of the DS-TT UEs within the 5G network and as such is aware of which DS-TT devices can establish connectivity over sidelink.

[0111] The embodiment 1000 shows a TSN AF 1020, a UPF/NW-TT 1030, a SMF (of UE2) 1040, an AMF 1050, a gNB 1060, a DS-TT UE1 1070, a DS-TT UE2 1080, a TSN end station 1090, and field devices 1095.

[0112] In steps 1001-1004, each DS-TT UE 1070, 1080, establishes a PDU session and conveys its UE-DS-TT Residence Time (the time taken for the DS-TT UE 1070, 1080, to process a TSN packet) as described in 3GPP TS 23.502. During these steps, each DS- TT UE 1070, 1080, is allocated a port and the SMF 1040 notifies port and residence time information to a TSN AF 1020. Specifically, the SMF 1040 in steps 1001 and 1003 selects a UPF 1030 and the UPF 1030 allocates the DS-TT ports. The SMF 1040 notifies the TSN AF 1020 of the 5GS bridge information at steps 1002 and 1004.

[0113] In step 1005, the TSN AF 1020 determines a DS-TT UE to a DS-TT UE 5GS bridge (based on its own topology information) and determines QoS requirements (uplink and downlink) for the TSN stream based on PSFP information provided by a TSN controller. The TSN AF 1020 configures the 5GS network with TSN assistance container as described in 3GPP TS 23.501 and 3GPP TS 23.502.

[0114] In steps 1006-1010, after the 5GS receives the configuration information for the AF session the UEs 1070 and 1080 conveys the TSN stream over a corresponding QoS flow according to the QoS requirements received by the AF 1020. Specifically at step 1006 TSN communication between UEs 1070 and 1080 is carried out. Step 1007 shows TSN traffic between TSN end station 1090 and UE1 1070. Step 1008 shows TSN traffic between TSN traffic between UE1 1070 and UPF 1030. Step 1009 shows TSN traffic between UPF 1030 and UE2 1080. Step 1010 shows TSN traffic between UE2 1080 and field devices 1095.

[0115] In step 1011, the 1020 AF determines that sidelink communication is possible over the two DS-TT UEs 1070 and 1080. The AF 1020 determines QoS requirements over sidelink taking into account the residence time of each DS-TT UE 1070 and 1080 and the TSN stream QoS requirements based on PSFP information received from the TSN controller. The QoS requirements may be based on a PC5 QoS mapping table. Policies to change TSN communication over sidelink may also be determined.

[0116] In steps 1012-1013, the AF 1020 provides configuration information to each DS- TT UE 1070 and 1080. The configuration information may be sent directly to the UE 1070 and 1080 over user plane or may be sent to the PCF via the UDR using existing procedure in 3GPP. The PCF then provides configuration to each DS-TT UE 1070 and 1080 via control plane method using existing procedure in 3GPP.

[0117] In step 1015, based on configuration information the two DS-TT UE 1070 and 1080 discover each other and establish a sidelink connection. Based on configuration information the DS-TT UE 1070 and 1080 may decide to switch path and route the TSN stream over sidelink to a QoS flow over sidelink according to the configuration information.

[0118] The configuration information provided by the AF 1020/PCF to the DS-TT UEs 1070 and 1080 may include a mapping of a service identifier (a ProSe service identifier) to a destination layer 2 ID for unicast for unicast/groupcast or broadcast where the ProSe service is identified according to the VEAN ID of the TSN stream based on configuration information received from the TSN controller. The configuration information may further comprise a mapping of a ProSe service (i.e. VLAN ID) to PC5 (sidelink) QoS parameters. The configuration information may further comprise group member discovery parameters (in case all UEs supporting sidelink exchange clock information over groupcast) and for each discovery group that the UE belongs to include the following parameters that enable the UE to perform Group Member Discovery: Application Layer Group ID - identifies an application layer group or a discovery group that the UE belongs; Layer-2 Group ID - layer-2 ID for Application Layer Group ID; and User Info ID - this corresponds to the Announcer Info parameter when the UE is acting as an announcing UE or the Discoverer Info in Solicitation messages and the Discoveree Info in Response messages, when the UE is acting as a discoverer or discoveree UE respectively. The configuration information may further comprise path switch policies providing rules for the UEs to switch traffic from Uu over PC5 for the TSN stream. The rules may include the following: prefer connectivity over sidelink in order to reduce resource congestion over Uu - the UEs in that case will maintain connectivity over PC5 and only switch to Uu if their PC5 connectivity is interrupted, for example, when the PC5 link quality is reduced; prefer connectivity over Uu - the UEs in such case will switch to sidelink path if the link quality over Uu is reduced, for example, due to resource congestion at a gNB.

[0119] In order for the ProSe layer in the UE to identify a TSN stream as a ProSe service there is a need for the ProSe layer to receive the VLAN ID of the TSN stream. A new functionality is required in the UE to allow the ProSe layer to receive such information. It is proposed that the DS-TT layer in the UE provides the VLAN ID to the ProSe layer as illustrated in the embodiment 1100 of Figure 11. The embodiment shows a first UE 1110 and a second UE 1120. Each UE 1110 and 1120 comprises a user plane 1111 and 1121 respectively for communicating a TSN stream. Each UE 1110 and 1120 also comprises a DS-TT layer 1112 and 1122 respectively. Each UE 1110 and 1120 also comprises a ProSe/V2X layer 1113 and 1123 respectively interfacing over PC5. Each UE 1110 and 1120 also comprises an AS layer 1114 and 1124 respectively interfacing over PC5. The DS-TT layer 1112 or 1122 would need to extract the VLAN ID information from the TSN stream configuration within the DS-TT UE 1110 or 1120 and convey this information to the respective ProSe layer 1113 or 1123.

[0120] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment 1200 of discovery and establishment of a sidelink connection between a first DS-TT UE 1210 and a second DS-TT UE 1220 to convey a time sensitive network stream.

[0121] In a first step 1201, UE1 1210 is configured (from AF/PCF) with a mapping of ProSe service (VLAN ID) to Dest Layer 2 ID. [0122] In a second step 1202, UE1 1210 receives from upper layer (i.e. DS-TT layer) a VLAN ID for a ProSe service.

[0123] In a third step 1203, UE1 1210 sends a Direct Discovery request to a Destination Layer-2 ID associated to configuration. Within the request a Prose Identifier (VLAN ID) is included.

[0124] In a fourth step 1204, UE2 1220 receives announce message from UE1 1210.

Based on configuration information with assistance from DS-TT layer UE2 1220 determines that it is interested to establish a sidelink connection.

[0125] In a fifth step 1205, UE2 1220 responds with a direct discovery response triggering a sidelink (e.g. unicast) link establishment.

[0126] In a sixth step 1206, UEs 1210 and 1220 establish a sidelink connection with corresponding PC5 QoS based on configuration information.

[0127] The disclosure herein can also be applied to scenarios where sidelink is used to extend the coverage in case some field devices are not under Uu coverage. In that case the AF provides configuration information to gateway devices that are in PC5 coverage as described in this method. It is assumed that the AF is aware of the topology of the gateway devices and is aware which devices are under sidelink coverage. In that scenario there is no requirement to provide Path Switching policies to the UE.

[0128] An alternative embodiment of a network function and method in a network function for time sensitive network stream communication in a wireless communication network will now be described. This embodiment relates to using multipath connection via a UE-network relay when a 5GS bridge is between a NW-TT and a DS-TT UE.

[0129] Figure 13 illustrates an embodiment 1300 of an alternative deployment scenario for extended coverage using sidelink. In this scenario the coverage is extended by allowing a DS-TT UE to communicate via a UE-NW relay as shown in Figure below. In this scenario sidelink is used to extend the coverage in case Uu coverage is not available. The figure illustrates a TSN network 1310, a 5G core network 1320, first and second gateway devices (i.e. DS-TT) 1330 and 1340, a TSN network (VLAN 1) 1350, and a TSN network (VLAN 2) 1360.

[0130] The TSN network 1310 comprises a controller 1311 that communicates with a UPF 1321 of 5G core network 1320. The UPF 1321 communicates with a RAN 1322 of 5G core network 1320. The RAN 1322 communicates with gateway devices 1330 and 1340. The first gateway device 1330 communicates with the TSN network (VLAN1) 1350. The second gateway device 1340 communicates with the TSN network (VLAN2) 1360. The TSN network (VLAN 1) 1350 and TSN network (VLAN 2) 1360 comprise respective field devices 1351 and 1352, and 1361 and 1362. The ability for gateway devices 1330 and 1340 to perform sidelink communication using PC5 is indicated in the figure.

[0131] It is proposed to use a method where a gateway device establishes a multipath connection one via Uu and one via a layer 2 UE-NW relay (where the UE-NW relay may be a DS-TT device). This is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 14 which illustrates an embodiment 1400 of a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation, establishing a multipath connection via a network relay. The embodiment shows a first PDU session and a second (redundant) PDU session of a remote UE (DS- TT) 1410. The UE 1410 interfaces with a master NG-RAN 1430. The NG RAN 1430 communicates with an AMF 1450 and a first SMF 1460 and a second SMF 1470. The NG RAN 1430 also communicates with a first UPF 1480 which itself communicates with the first SMF 1460. A second UPF 1490 is also shown communicating with the second SMF 1470. The second PDU session is redundant as the remote UE 1410 also communicates via a relay 1420 to a secondary NG-RAN 1440 which itself interfaces with the master NG-RAN 1430.

[0132] The architecture illustrated in Figure 14 can be supported be a network function that determines whether an indirection connection via a relay device wherein the device has a sidelink connection with the relay device is established. Such a network function in a wireless communication network, comprises: a receiver arranged to receive 5GS network bridge information over a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of a device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; a processor arranged to determine that the device has established an indirect connection to the 5GS network via a relay device wherein the device has a sidelink connection with the relay device, wherein the processor is further arranged to determine one or more quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the indirect connection based on the network bridge information; and a transmitter arranged to transmit a request for an application function session to another network function based on the determined quality of service parameters..

[0133] In some embodiments, the network bridge information further comprises an indication the device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation, is behind a network relay. [0134] In some embodiments, the residence time is a combined residence time of the device and the relay device.

[0135] In some embodiments the processor is further arranged to determine the one or more quality of service parameters based on quality of service requirements of the time sensitive network stream.

[0136] Figure 15 illustrates an embodiment of an alternative method in a network function supporting the architecture illustrated in Figure 14. The method in a network function in a wireless communication network, comprises in a first step 1510 receiving 5GS network bridge information over a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of a device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation. The method further comprises in a second step 1520 determining that the device has established an indirect connection to the 5GS network via a relay device wherein the device has a sidelink connection with the relay device. The method further comprises in a third step 1530 determining one or more quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the indirect connection based on the network bridge information. The method further comprises in a fourth step 1540 transmitting a request for an application function session to another network function based on the determined quality of service parameters.

[0137] In some embodiments, the network bridge information further comprises an indication the device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation, is behind a relay device.

[0138] In some embodiments, the residence time is a combined residence time of the device and the relay device.

[0139] Some embodiments comprise determining the one or more quality of service parameters based on quality of service requirements of the time sensitive network stream. [0140] Figure 16 illustrates an embodiment 1600 of a procedure for a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation to establish a multipath connection via a network relay. The figure shows a TSN AF 1630, a UPF/NW-TT 1640, a SMF (of UE2) 1650, an AMF 1660, a gNB 1670, a DS-TT UE1 (layer 2 UE NW relay) 1680, a DS-TT UE2 1690 and field devices 1695.

[0141] In steps 1601-1603, DS-TT UE 1690 establishes a PDU session and conveys its UE-DS-TT Residence Time (the time taken for the DS-TT to process a TSN packet) as described in 3GPP TS 23.502. During these steps, the DS-TT UE 1690 is allocated a port and the SMF 1650 notifies port and residence time information to the TSN AF 1630.

[0142] In step 1604, based on configuration information received from AF 1630/PCF DS-TT UE 1690. determines to discover a UE-NW relay 1680 and establish a multipath connection. The configuration information include ProSe configuration to discover a UE-NW relay and URSP rules to determine that a multipath connection is required for the TSN stream.

[0143] In step 1605, the DS-TT UE 1690 discovers a UE-NW relay 1680. If the UE-NW relay 1680 also contains a DS-TT the UE-NW relay 1680 may broadcast its UE- DS-TT residence time. The DS-TT UE 1690 establishes a unicast connection with the UE-NW relay 1680.

[0144] In step 1606, the DS-TT UE 1690 establishes a PDU session via layer 2 of UE- NW relay 1680. The DS-TT UE 1690 includes a combined residence time of the DS-TT UE 1690 and the UE-NW relay 1680. The DS-TT UE 1690 may also include a relay indication.

[0145] In step 1607, the AMF 1660 may select the existing SMF 1650 of the DS-TT UE 1690 that has the direct connection.

[0146] In step 1608, the AMF 1660 provides the PDU session establishment request to the SMF 1650.

[0147] In step 1609, the SMF 1650 selects a UPF 1640 supporting NW-TT.

[0148] In step 1610, the UPF 1640 allocates ports for the DS-TT UE 1690. The allocated ports will be different from the allocated ports of the direct connection.

[0149] In step 1611, the SMF 1650 notifies the AF 1630 (via the PCF) of the bridge information (NW-TT port, DS-TT UE port and residence time). SMF 1650 may include relay indication.

[0150] In step 1612, the AF 1630 may determine that DS-TT UE 1690 has established a multipath connection based on the relay indication and the MAC address of the DS-TT UE 1690 (this step is optional).

[0151] In step 1613, the AF 1630 determine the QoS that needs to be established over the indirect connection taking into account port pair delay based on the combined residence time provided by the DS-TT UE 1690 and the NW-TT residence time and the QoS requirements of the TSN stream according to PSFP information.

[0152] In step 1614, AF 1630 requests establishment of an AF session with the determined QoS (within an TSC assistance container). [0153] In step 1615, the DS-TT UE 1690 may receive TSN stream from field device 1695.

[0154] In step 1616, the DS-TT UE 1690 determines whether to convey the TSN stream over the direct or indirect (PC5 path).

[0155] In step 1617, if the DS-TT UE 1690 determines to send the TSN stream over the indirect connection the DS-TT UE 1690 determines PC5 QoS parameters for the unicast sidelink connection to the UE-NW relay 1680 based on the Uu QoS parameters received by the PCF for the uplink packets.

[0156] In steps 1618-1620 (including 1618a and 1618b), the TSN stream packet is conveyed over the 5G network on a QoS flow according to the QoS parameters configured by the PCF.

[0157] In step 1621, for the downlink traffic the UPF 1640 provides corresponding downlink packet of the TSN stream over the source port address received in the uplink direction (based on step 1618).

[0158] In step 1622, TSN traffic is conveyed from UPF 1640 to field devices 1695.

[0159] TSN support using sidelink comprises devices exchanging TSN stream packets using sidelink. If sidelink is used the DS-TT devices need also information on how to support how are the UEs configured to convey TSN streams over sidelink; and how a UE decides to transmit a TSN stream packet over sidelink.

[0160] The disclosure herein presents generally two solutions to support different deployment scenarios. For a first deployment scenario where communication between TSN controller and field devices is via two DS-TT UEs the proposal is to provide a solution to allow based on configuration information the DS-TT UE to determine when and how (with what QoS over sidelink) sidelink communication is required. For a second deployment scenario where communication between TSN controller and field devices is via NW-TT and DS-TT UE it is proposed the DS-TT UE to establish a multipath connection via both Uu and via a UE-NW relay and route the TSN stream packet the connection that has better link quality.

[0161] UEs can be configured to associate a ProSe service to identifiers and cast type parameters to be used over sidelink. However, such configurations associate an application to a sidelink parameter whereas in this scenario a user plane packet (corresponding to a TSN stream) is configured to use specific parameters over sidelink. Furthermore, solutions for multipath connectivity via Uu and via UE-NW relay do not define how a TSN AF determines QoS parameters for a TSN stream when the UE establish an indirect connection via a UE-NW relay.

[0162] Flence presented herein are embodiments wherein an AF configures UEs with path change policies for the scenario where a 5GS bridge is between two DS-TF UEs. Also presented herein are embodiments using multipath connection via UE-NW relay for the scenario with a 5GS bridge is between a NW-TT and DS-TF UE.

[0163] Additional aspects relating to the invention relate to a method in a UE, in particular a method for supporting TSN communication over sidelink is disclosed, the method comprising receiving at a first device a first TSN packet to be transmitted to a VLAN network identified by a VLAN identifier; determining to transmit the TSN packet over sidelink based on the VLAN identifier; determining QoS parameters to transmit the TSN packet over sidelink based on the VLAN identifier; discovering and establishing a unicast connection with a second device and transmitting TSN packet to a second device over a sidelink connection.

[0164] In some embodiments the VLAN ID is provided by a DS-TT layer to a ProSe layer within the first device.

[0165] In some embodiments the first device determines to transmit TSN packet to a second device based on configuration information provided by the network [PCF/AF], [0166] In some embodiments the configuration information associates a ProSe identifier corresponding to VLAN ID to a sidelink cast type (Broadcast/groupcast/unicast).

[0167] In some embodiments the configuration information associates a ProSe identifier corresponding to VLAN ID to a destination layer 2 ID over sidelink.

[0168] In some embodiments the configuration information associates a ProSe identifier corresponding to a VLAN ID to QoS requirements over sidelink.

[0169] Additional aspects relating to the invention relate to a method in an AF, in particular a method for supporting TSN communication over sidelink is disclosed, the method comprising receiving 5GS bridge information over a first network function wherein the 5GS bridge information includes residence time of one or more devices supporting a DS-TT function; determining communication between the devices can be supported over sidelink; determining QoS parameters over sidelink based on 5GS bridge information; transmitting configuration for QoS parameters to the one or more devices to support TSN communication over sidelink.

[0170] Additional aspects relating to the invention relate to an alternative method in an AF, in particular a method for supporting TSN communication over sidelink is disclosed, the method comprising receiving 5GS bridge information over a first network function wherein the 5GS bridge information includes residence time of a DS-TT UE; determining DS-TT UE has established an indirect communication to the 5GS network via a UE-NW relay; determining QoS parameters for the indirect connection over sidelink based on 5GS bridge information; and requesting establishment of an AF session based on the determined QoS parameters.

[0171] Additional aspects are provided by the following clauses:

1. A network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of a device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; a processor arranged to determine that the device has established an indirect connection to the 5GS network via a relay device wherein the device has established a sidelink connection to the relay device, wherein the processor is further arranged to determine one or more quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the indirect connection based on the network bridge information; and a transmitter arranged to transmit a request for an application function session based on the determined quality of service parameters.

2. The network function of clause 1, wherein the network bridge information further comprises an indication the device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation, is behind a relay device.

3. The network function of any one of clauses 1-2, wherein the residence time is a combined residence time of the device and the relay device.

4. The network function of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the processor is further arranged to determine the one or more quality of service parameters based on quality of service requirements of the time sensitive network stream.

5. A method in a network function, the network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: receiving 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of a device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; determining that the device has established an indirect connection to the 5GS network via a relay device wherein the device has established a sidelink connection with the relay device; determining one or more quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the indirect connection based on the network bridge information; and transmiting a request for an application function session based on the determined quality of service parameters.

6. The method of clause 5, wherein the network bridge information further comprises an indication the device supporting device-side time sensitive network translation, is behind a relay device.

7. The method of any one of clauses 5-6, wherein the residence time is a combined residence time of the device and the relay device.

8. The method of any one of clauses 5-7, further comprising determining the one or more quality of service parameters based on quality of service requirements of the time sensitive network stream.

9. A user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network, comprising: a transceiver arranged to establish an indirect connection to a 5GS network via a relay device, the transceiver being further arranged to establish a sidelink connection with the relay device, wherein the transceiver is further arranged to receive a request for an application function session from a network function of any one of clauses 1-4, the request comprising one or more quality of service parameters determined by the network function; and a processor arranged to determine one or more sidelink quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the sidelink connection, the one or more sidelink quality of service parameters being based on the one or more quality of service parameters received from the network function.

10. A method in a user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network, comprising: establishing an indirect connection to a 5GS network via a relay device, the indirect connection comprising a sidelink connection with the relay device; receiving a request for an application function session from a network function according to any one of clauses 1-4, the request comprising one or more quality of service parameters determined by the network function; determining one or more sidelink quality of service parameters for communicating a time sensitive network stream over the sidelink connection, the one or more sidelink quality of service parameters being based on one or more quality of service parameters determined by the network function. [0172] It should be noted that the above-mentioned methods and apparatus illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative arrangements without departing from the scope of the appended claims. The word “comprising” does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim, “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and a single processor or other unit may fulfil the functions of several units recited in the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed so as to limit their scope.

[0173] Further, while examples have been given in the context of particular communication standards, these examples are not intended to be the limit of the communication standards to which the disclosed method and apparatus may be applied. For example, while specific examples have been given in the context of 3GPP, the principles disclosed herein can also be applied to another wireless communication system, and indeed any communication system which uses routing rules.

[0174] The method may also be embodied in a set of instructions, stored on a computer readable medium, which when loaded into a computer processor, Digital Signal Processor (DSP) or similar, causes the processor to carry out the hereinbefore described methods.

[0175] The described methods and apparatus may be practiced in other specific forms. The described methods and apparatus are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0176] The following abbreviations are relevant in the field addressed by this document: UE User Equipment

TSN Time Sensitive Networks

DS-TT Device Side TSN Translator

NW-TT Network Side TSN Translator

CNC Central Network Controller

PSFP Per-Stream Filtering Policies

VLAN ID Virtual Local Area Network Identifier

Claims

1. A user equipment supporting device-side time sensitive network translation in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink, the receiver being further arranged to receive the time sensitive network stream; a processor arranged to determine to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, and further arranged to determine quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration; and a transmitter arranged to discover and establish a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration, the transmitter being further arranged to transmit the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

2. A user equipment according to claim 1, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of a service identifier to a sidelink cast type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to the virtual local area network identifier of the local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmitted.

3. A user equipment according to claim 2, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink.

4. A user equipment according to any one of claims 2-3, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

5. A user equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

6. A user equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the user equipment for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another user equipment; and a connection via a mobile core network operator.

7. A user equipment according to any preceding claim, wherein the virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream is provided by a device side time sensitive network translation layer of the user equipment, to a service layer of the user equipment.

8. A network function in a wireless communication network, comprising: a receiver arranged to receive 5GS network bridge information from a first network function, the network bridge information comprising a residence time of one or more devices supporting device-side time sensitive network translation; a processor arranged to determine whether communication over sidelink can be supported by the one or more devices; wherein the processor is further arranged to determine one or more quality of service parameters of a sidelink configuration based on the network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over side link; and a transmitter arranged to transmit the sidelink configuration to the one or more devices to configure the one or more devices to support time sensitive network communication over sidelink.

9. A network function according to claim 8, wherein the network function is selected from the list of network functions consisting of: an application function; and a policy control function.

10. A network function according to any one of claims 8-9, wherein the one or more devices comprise devices selected from the list of devices consisting of: a user equipment; and a gateway.

11. A network function according to any one of claims 8-10, wherein the receiver is arranged to receive the network bridge information from a session management function.

12. A network function according to any one of claims 8-11, wherein the processor is further arranged to determine the one or more quality of service parameters based on one or more time sensitive network stream quality of service requirements.

13. A network function according to claim 12, wherein the receiver is further arranged to receive the one or more time sensitive network stream quality of service requirements from a time sensitive network controller.

14. A network function according to any one of claims 8-13, wherein the transmitter is further arranged to transmit the side link configuration to the one or more devices over a user plane or via a policy control function.

15. A network function according to any one of claims 8-14, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of service identifier to a sidelink case type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to a virtual local area network identifier of a local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmitted.

16. A network function according to claim 15, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink.

17. A network function according to any one of claims 15-16, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

18. A network function according to any one of claims 8-17, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

19. A network function according to any one of claims 8-18, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the one or more devices for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another device; and a connection via a mobile core network operator.

20. A method in a user equipment, the user equipment in a wireless communication network, comprising: receiving a sidelink configuration from a network function, the sidelink configuration comprising one or more quality of service parameters based on 5GS network bridge information, for communicating a time sensitive network stream over sidelink; receiving the time sensitive network stream; determining to transmit the time sensitive network stream to another user equipment over sidelink according to a virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream, based on the sidelink configuration; determining quality of service parameters for the transmission over sidelink, based on the sidelink configuration; discovering and establishing a sidelink connection with the another user equipment based on the sidelink configuration; and transmiting the time sensitive network stream to the another user equipment over the sidelink connection.

21. A method according to claim 20, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of a service identifier to a sidelink cast type, wherein the service identifier corresponds to the virtual local area network identifier of the local area network where the time sensitive network stream is to be transmited.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprises a mapping of the service identifier to a destination layer 2 identifier over sidelink.

23. A method according to any one of claims 21-22, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise a mapping of the service identifier to quality of service requirements over sidelink.

24. A method according to any one of claims 20-23, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise one or more group member discovery parameters selected from the list of group member discovery parameters consisting of: an application layer group identifier; a destination layer 2 group identifier; and a user information identifier.

25. A method according to any one of claims 20-24, wherein the one or more quality of service parameters of the sidelink configuration comprise path switch policies comprising rules for the user equipment for switching the traffic of the time sensitive network stream between: a sidelink connection to another user equipmen+t; and a connection via a mobile core network operator.

26. A method according to any one of claims 20-25, further comprising the step of providing the virtual local area network identifier of the time sensitive network stream from a device side time sensitive network translation layer of the user equipment, to a service layer of the user equipment.