WO2025061845A1

WO2025061845A1 - Network energy saving based management of relay connection

Info

Publication number: WO2025061845A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/076264
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nithin SRINIVASAN; Mattias BERGSTRÖM; Lian ARAUJO
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2023-09-20
Filing date: 2024-09-19
Publication date: 2025-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-20

Abstract

The application relates to methods, devices and computer programs or computer program products for controlling wireless communication. A relay wireless device can determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with the relay wireless device. Based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay wireless device can manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

Description

NETWORK ENERGY SAVING BASED MANAGEMENT OF RELAY CONNECTION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods for controlling wireless transmissions in a wireless communication system and to corresponding devices, systems, and computer programs.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Current wireless communication networks, e.g., based on the 4th Generation (4G) LTE (Long Term Evolution) or the 5th Generation (5G) NR (New Radio) technology as specified by 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), support device-to-device (D2D) communication modes to enable direct communication between UEs (User Equipments), sometimes also referred to as sidelink (SL) communication. Such D2D communication modes may for example be used for vehicle communications, e.g., including communication between vehicles, between vehicles and roadside communication infrastructure and, possibly, between vehicles and cellular networks. For the NR technology, sidelink transmissions are specified in 3GPP Release 16. The sidelink transmissions of the NR technology may be regarded as enhancements of the ProSe (PROximity-based SErvices) specified for the LTE technology. The driving use cases for NR SL were advanced V2X use case, such as cooperative driving or sensor sharing, with more stringent requirements than those typically served using the LTE SL. To meet these requirements, the NR SL was designed to support broadcast, groupcast, and unicast communications at physical layer. HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) feedback was introduced for SL groupcast and unicast. In 3GPP Release 17 and 3GPP Release 18, NR SL has been evolved to include discontinuous reception (DRX), inter-UE coordination, and SL operation in unlicensed spectrum.

[0003] The radio interface used for the sidelink modes of the LTE technology and the NR technology is referred to as “PC5” interface. The radio interface used for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) transmissions between a UE and an access node of the wireless communication network is referred to as “Uu” interface. Both LTE SL and NR SL can operate with and without network coverage and with varying degrees of interaction between the UEs and the network, including support for network-less operation. Further, both LTE SL and NR SL support UE- to-Network (U2N) relay. U2N relay for NR SL is for example described in 3GPP TS 23.304 V18.3.0 (2023-09), section 6.L2.3.2. [0004] Energy consumption is a considerable aspect of current wireless communication systems. For example, energy consumption of the radio unit of RAN (Radio Access Network) system may be a significant contribution to the energy consumption of a 4G or 4G system. The network power consumption for NR is typically regarded to be less compared to LTE because of its lean design, with no CRS (cell-specific reference signals) and an SSB (Synchronization Signal Block) periodicity of 20 ms by default. However, NR in its current implementation might still consume more energy compared to LTE, e.g., due to higher bandwidths, shorter TTIs (transmission time intervals, and massive number of antennas. This may even be the case at times when cells and beams are lightly loaded or serve no traffic or no users at all. One basic method for saving energy on the network side is to simply turn off a radio access node (in NR typically denoted as “gNB”) or cell completely when it is seen or predicted that there is little or no traffic or even no user in the cell.

[0005] Similar to LTE, NR also includes mechanisms for discontinuous reception (DRX) for the UEs in order to reduce UE power consumption. DRX may be used both in RRC (Radio Resource Control) connected mode (then typically denoted as “C-DRX”) and RRC Idle/Inactive mode and serves as a common agreement between the UE and the NW that upon any DL traffic, the network will only try to contact the UE during an on-time defined by the DRX pattern. Based on a configured DRX cycle, the UE then only needs to monitor the DL channels according to the agreement and sleep otherwise. When it comes to uplink (UL) traffic, the UE may initiate connection regardless of the DRX configuration, which means that the gNB has to be prepared to receive UL at any time.

[0006] For 3GPP Release 18, introduction of a feature denoted as Cell DTX/DRX (cell discontinuous transmission / discontinuous reception) is being discussed, which may be applied in connection with UEs in RRC connected state. With cell DTX/DRX, a periodic Cell DTX/DRX pattern defining active and inactive time periods can be configured by the gNB via UE-specific RRC signaling per serving cell. Examples on Cell DTX/DRX behavior during inactive periods include the following: (A) The gNB is expected to turn off all transmission and reception for data traffic and reference signal during Cell DTX/DRX inactive periods. (B) The gNB is expected to turn off its transmission and reception only for data traffic during Cell DTX/DRX inactive periods, i.e., the gNB will still transmit and receive reference signals. (C) The gNB is expected to turn off its dynamic data transmission and reception during Cell DTX/DRX inactive periods, i.e., the gNB is expected to still perform transmission and reception in periodic resources, including SPS (Semi Persistent Scheduling) resources, CG- PUSCH (Continuous Grant Physical UL Shared Channel) resources, SR (Scheduling Request) resources, RACH (Random Access Channel) resources, and SRS (Sounding Reference Signal) resources. (D) The gNB is expected to only transmit reference signals, e.g., CSI-RS (Channel State Information Reference Signals) for measurement.

[0007] However, when utilizing the Cell DTX/RTX feature, there may be adverse effect on relay scenarios where a remote UE connects via a relay UE to the gNB.

SUMMARY

[0008] In such situation, the remote UE would be unaware of such of the active and inactive time periods of Cell DTX/DRX applied by the gNB. This may in turn result in that the remote UE transmits data to the relay UE during the inactive time period, which may in turn cause a buffer overload at the relay UE and then data loss and/or unnecessary dropping of packets. Further, if the remote UE is in RRC idle/inactive state and trying to get into RRC connected state, it may happen that the remote UE initiates an RRCSetupRequest or RRCResumeReqeust message towards the gNB. Such messages are associated with timers, denoted T300 and T319, and the inactive time period of the gNB may lead to an expiry of these timers, which may delay the connection establishment procedure.

[0009] In view of such challenges, there is a need for techniques which allow for efficiently managing a relay-based connection to a network node, taking into account that the network node may apply a network energy saving (NES) functionality, such as Cell DTX/DRX. [0010] According to an embodiment, a method of controlling wireless communication is provided. According to the method, a remote wireless device determines at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with a relay wireless device. Based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the remote wireless device manages a relay connection from the remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, a method of controlling wireless communication is provided. According to the method, a relay wireless device determines at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with the relay wireless device. Based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay wireless device manages a relay connection from a remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0012] According to a further embodiment, a method of controlling wireless communication is provided. According to the method, a network node determines at least one energy saving configuration of the network node based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node. [0013] According to a further embodiment, a method of controlling wireless communication is provided. According to the method, a network node configures management of a relay connection from a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node.

[0014] According to a further embodiment, a remote wireless device for operation in a wireless communication system is provided. The remote wireless device is configured to determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with a relay wireless device. Further, the remote wireless device is configured to, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage a relay connection from the remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0015] According to a further embodiment, a remote wireless device for operation in a wireless communication system is provided. The remote wireless device comprises at least one processor and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the remote wireless device is operative to determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with a relay wireless device. Further, the memory contains instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the remote wireless device is operative to, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage a relay connection from the remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, a relay wireless device for operation in a wireless communication system is provided. The relay wireless device is configured to determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with the relay wireless device. Further, the relay wireless device is configured to, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0017] According to a further embodiment, a relay wireless device for operation in a wireless communication system is provided. The relay wireless device comprises at least one processor and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the relay wireless device is operative to determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with the relay wireless device. Further, the memory contains instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the relay wireless device is operative to, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage relay connection from a remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, a network node for a wireless communication system is provided. The network node is configured to determine at least one energy saving configuration of the network node based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node.

[0019] According to a further embodiment, a network node for a wireless communication system is provided. The network node comprises at least one processor and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the network node is operative to determine at least one energy saving configuration of the network node based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node.

[0020] According to a further embodiment, a network node for a wireless communication system is provided. The network node is configured to manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, a network node for a wireless communication system is provided. The network node comprises at least one processor and a memory. The memory contains instructions executable by said at least one processor, whereby the network node is operative to manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, a computer program or computer program product is provided, e.g., in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, which comprises program code to be executed by at least one processor of a remote wireless device. Execution of the program code causes the remote wireless device to determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with a relay wireless device. Further, execution of the program code causes the remote wireless device to, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage a relay connection from the remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0023] According to a further embodiment, a computer program or computer program product is provided, e.g., in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, which comprises program code to be executed by at least one processor of a relay wireless device. Execution of the program code causes the relay wireless device to determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with the relay wireless device. Further, execution of the program code causes the relay wireless device to, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device via the relay wireless device to the network node.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, a computer program or computer program product is provided, e.g., in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, which comprises program code to be executed by at least one processor of a network node. Execution of the program code causes the network node to determine at least one energy saving configuration of the network node based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node.

[0025] According to a further embodiment, a computer program or computer program product is provided, e.g., in the form of a non-transitory storage medium, which comprises program code to be executed by at least one processor of a network node. Execution of the program code causes the network node to manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device via a relay wireless device to the network node based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a wireless communication system according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 2A illustrates a user-plane protocol stack which may be used for a relay connection in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2B illustrates a control-plane protocol stack which may be used for a relay connection in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of processes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an example of an SL message which may be used for conveying control information in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 5 shows a flowchart for schematically illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 6 shows a flowchart for schematically illustrating a further method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0033] Figure 7 shows a flowchart for schematically illustrating a further method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 8 shows a flowchart for schematically illustrating a further method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a communication system according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10 shows a UE (user equipment) according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 11 shows a network node according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] As used herein, the term “wireless device” (WD) refers to a device capable, configured, arranged, and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and/or other WDs. Unless otherwise noted, the term WD may be used interchangeably herein with UE. Communicating wirelessly may involve transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through air. In some embodiments, a WD may be configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a WD may be designed to transmit information to a network on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the network. Examples of a WD include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a cell phone, a Voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a desktop computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a wireless camera, a gaming console or device, a music storage device, a playback appliance, a wearable terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a tablet, a laptop, Laptop Embedded Equipment (LEE), Laptop Mounted Equipment (LME), a smart device, a wireless Customer Premise Equipment (CPE), a vehicle mounted wireless terminal device, a connected vehicle, etc. In some examples, in an Internet of Things (loT) scenario, a WD may also represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and/or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and/or measurements to another WD and/or a network node. The WD may in this case be a Machine-to-Machine (M2M) device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as a Machine-Type Communication (MTC) device. As one particular example, the WD may be a UE implementing the 3GPP Narrowband loT (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, home or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), or personal wearables (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, a WD may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and/or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation. A WD as described above may represent the endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Furthermore, a WD as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal. The illustrated concepts particularly may in particular be applied to WDs that support D2D communication, for example by implementing a 3 GPP standard for SL communication, Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V), Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X). Such WDs supporting D2D communication are herein also denoted as D2D communication devices. The D2D communication may for example be based on the LTE radio technology or the NR radio technology as specified by 3GPP, e.g., on the PC5 interface of the LTE or NR technology. However, it is noted that the illustrated concepts could also be applied to other types of D2D communication technologies and other types of D2D communication devices, e.g., to aWLAN (Wireless Local AreaNetwork) technology or similar wireless ad-hoc network technology, e.g., a vehicular ad-hoc network (VANET).

[0039] In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more energy saving configurations of a network node may be considered in management of a relay connection from a remote WD via a relay WD to the network node, e.g., in controlling timing of data transmissions on the relay connection and/or in controlling establishment of the relay connection. For this purpose, information on the energy saving configuration(s) may be made available to the remote WD. This may for example be accomplished by one or more messages from the relay WD to the remote UE. Further, the relay WD may provide assistance information to the network node, and the network node may utilize this assistance information as input for determining one or more energy saving configurations of the network node. The assistance information may relate to a relay connection from the remote WD via the relay WD to the network node. Further, the network node may also configure management of the relay connection by the remote WD. In some scenarios, this may involve that the network node configures one or more timers of the remote WD. For example, depending on the energy saving configuration(s) of the network node, the network node could configure one or more timers of the remote WD with a longer duration and/or could configure an extension of one or more timers of the remote WD. Such extension of the timer(s) may in some cases also be dynamically applied by the remote WD. For example, the network node could configure the degree of the extension in the remote WD, and the remote WD could then autonomously decide whether to apply the extension. In the following, it will be assumed that the remote WD and the relay UEs are UEs and that the relay connection is based on utilizing a SL PC5 interface between the UEs. The remote WD will in the following also be denoted as remote UE, and the relay WD will be denoted as relay UE. The energy saving configuration(s) may specifically include a Cell DTX configuration and/or a Cell DRX configuration. In the following such configurations may also be denoted as Cell DTX/DRX configuration. It should however be noted that such Cell DTX/DRX configuration may be regarded as including two individual energy saving configurations, namely a Cell DTX configuration and a Cell DRX configuration, which may be configured and utilized separately or in combination. Further, while in some of the following explanations the network node is assumed to be a gNB, e.g., a radio access node of the 5GNR technology, it is noted that depending on the utilized radio technology, the illustrated concepts could also be applied in connection with other types of network nodes, e.g., an eNB of the 4G LTE technology or an access point (AP) of a WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) in accordance with an IEEE 802. 11 standard.

[0040] Accordingly, in some scenarios Cell DTX/DRX information can be made available at the remote UE to prevent unnecessary data loss at the relay UE and/or to prevent unnecessary failure of relay connection establishment. For example, the remote UE may determine times when the network node can or cannot be reached by the relay UE in view of the Cell DTX/DRX configuration. For this purpose, the remote UE may consider Cell DTX/DRX information explicitly indicated by the relay UE and/or implicitly derived information, e.g., information derived from one or more timers of the remote UE. During or close to the times when the network node cannot be reached by the relay UE, the remote UE may refrain from sending data on the relay connection. Further, the remote UE may refrain from initiating establishment of the relay connection during or close to the times when the network node cannot be reached by the relay UE.

[0041] Figure 1 illustrates exemplary structures of the wireless communication network. In particular, Figure 1 shows UEs 10 which are served by access nodes 100 of the wireless communication network. The access nodes 100 may also be termed as radio network node, radio access node, network node or cellular base station. Each access node 100 may serve a number of cells within the coverage of the wireless communication network. The cells may be regarded as specific areas within the coverage of the wireless communication network. [0042] The access nodes 100 may be regarded as being part of a RAN (Radio Access Network) of the wireless communication network. Further, Figure 1 schematically illustrates a CN (Core Network) 210 of the wireless communication network. In Figure 1, the CN 210 is illustrated as including a GW (gateway) 220 and one or more control nodes 240. The GW 220 may be responsible for handling user plane data traffic of the UEs 10, e.g., by forwarding user plane data traffic from a UE 10 to a network destination or by forwarding user plane data traffic from a network source to a UE 10. Here, the network destination may correspond to another UE 10, to an internal node of the wireless communication network, or to an external node which is connected to the wireless communication network. Similarly, the network source may correspond to another UE 10, to an internal node of the wireless communication network, or to an external node which is connected to the wireless communication network. The GW may for example correspond to a UPF (User Plane Function) of the 5G Core (EGC) or to an SGW (Serving Gateway) or PGW (Packet Data Gateway) of the 4G EPC (Evolved Packet Core). The control node(s) 240 may for example be used for controlling the user data traffic, e.g., by providing control data to the access node 100, the GW 120, and/or to the UE 10.

[0043] As illustrated by solid double-headed arrows, the access node 100 may send DL wireless transmissions to at least some of the UEs 10, and some of the UEs 10 may send UL wireless transmissions to the access node 100. The DL transmissions and UL transmissions may be used to provide various kinds of services to the UEs 10, e.g., a voice service, a multimedia service, or some other data service. Such services may be hosted in the CN 210, e.g., by a corresponding network node. By way of example, Figure 1 illustrates an application service platform 250 provided in the CN 210. Further, such services may be hosted externally, e.g., by an AF (application function) connected to the CN 210. By way of example, Figure 1 illustrates one or more application servers 260 connected to the CN 210. The application server(s) 260 could for example connect through the Internet or some other wide area communication network to the CN 210. The application service platform 250 may be based on a server or a cloud computing system and be hosted by one or more host computers. Similarly, the application server(s) 260 may be based on a server or a cloud computing system and be hosted by one or more host computers. The application server(s) 260 may include or be associated with one or more AFs that enable interaction with the CN 210 to provide one or more services to the UEs 10, corresponding to one or more applications. These services or applications may generate the user data traffic conveyed by the DL transmissions and/or the UL transmissions between the access node 100 and the respective UE 10. Accordingly, the application server(s) 260 may include or correspond to the above-mentioned network destination and/or network source for the user data traffic. In the respective UE 10, such service may be based on an application (or shortly “app”) which is executed on the UE 10. Such application may be pre-installed or installed by the user. Such application may generate at least a part of the user plane data traffic between the UEs 10 and the access node 100.

[0044] As illustrated, the UEs 10 may also engage in direct wireless communication, and such direct wireless communication may be used for implementing a relay connection from one of the UEs 10 (a remote UE), via another of the UEs 10 (a relay UE), to the access node 100. In the illustrated concepts establishment and/or usage of such relay connection can be managed based on one or more energy saving configuration of the access node, in particular based on one or more Cell DTX/DRX configurations of the access node 100. In addition or as an alternative, one or more Cell DTX/DRX configurations of the access node 100 can be defined or adapted in view of requirements of the relay connection, by considering corresponding assistance information. The access node 100 may receive such assistance information from the relay UE 10. In the following, corresponding embodiments will be explained in further detail in the context of NR. In these explanations, it is assumed that two or more SL UEs are deployed in the same NR cell or indifferent NR cell. It is however noted that the underlying principles may also be applied based on the LTE technology or any other technology that enables the direct connection of two (or more) nearby UEs/WDs. The embodiments are also applicable to relay scenarios involving usage of multiple different wireless technologies, e.g., scenarios where the SL between the remote UE 10 and the relay UE 10 is based on NR and the DL/UL (Uu) between relay UE and access node 100 is based on LTE, or scenarios where the SL between the remote UE 10 and the relay UE 10 is based on LTE and the DL/UL (Uu) between relay UE and access node 100 is based on NR. Further, it is noted that the illustrate principles may be applied both to single-hop and multi-hop relay connections.

[0045] Figure 2A illustrates a user plane protocol stack which may be used in the relay connection. The illustrated user plane protocol stack relates to a PDU (Packet Data Unit) Session, including a Layer 2 U2N relay UE. The PDU layer corresponds to the PDU carried between the remote UE and the Data Network (DN) over the PDU session. The PDU layer corresponds to the PDU carried between the remote UE and the Data Network (DN) over the PDU session. It should be noted that the two endpoints of the PDCP link are the remote UE and the gNB. The relay function is performed below PDCP. This means that data security is ensured between the remote UE and the gNB without exposing raw data at the U2N relay UE. The adaptation layer within the U2N relay UE can differentiate between signaling radio bearers (SRBs) and data radio bearers (DRBs) for a particular remote UE. The adaption relay layer is also responsible for mapping SL/PC5 traffic to one or more DRBs of the Uu.

[0046] Figure 2B illustrates a control plane protocol stack which may be used in the relay connection. The illustrated control plane protocol stack relates to the NAS (Non-Access Stratum) connection for the remote UE to NAS-MM (NAS mobility management) and NAS- SM (NAS session management) components. The NAS messages are transparently transferred between the Remote UE and 5G-AN over the Layer 2 UE-to-Network Relay UE. The role of the UE-to-Network Relay UE is to relay the PDUs from the signaling radio bearer without any modifications.

[0047] In some scenarios, the relay UE informs the remote UE or multiple remote UEs about the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the gNB. Upon receiving this information, the remote UE may refrain from any transmission during or close to the inactive time periods of the Cell DTX/DRX configurations. The relay UE can inform the connected remote UE in a unicast manner.

[0048] In some cases, during or close to the inactive time periods of the Cell DTX/DRX configurations the remote UE may refrain from transmitting data to the relay UE beyond a certain threshold. For example, the remote UE may send a limited amount of data to the relay UE, and stop sending data when the sent amount exceeds a threshold. The threshold may be sent to the remote UE by the relay UE. The threshold may be expressed in terms of a certain amount of data over a certain period of time.

[0049] In an example, the relay UE may use a SL message denoted as “UuMessageTransferSidelink” to indicate the Cell DTX/DRX information to the remote UE. Since there can be multiple Cell DTX/DRX configurations, the Cell DTX/DRX information may be provided in the form of a list. Alternatively or in addition, the relay UE can indicate the Cell DTX/DRX information using one or more SL broadcast transmissions, such that all potential remote UEs in vicinity of the relay UE can be made aware of the Cell DTX/DRX information. In some examples, the Cell DTX/DRX information could be be carried by a PC5- S message, e.g., a PC5-S message transmitted during an SL discovery procedure.

[0050] In some scenarios, the relay UE may support relay connections of multiple different remote UEs. In such cases, the remote UEs may negotiate with the relay UE when the respective SL transmissions from the remote will take place based on Cell DTX/DRX information. Such prioritization among different transmissions on the relay connection may also be based on the service to which the transmissions relate. Examples of services that may be considered include public safety or commercial applications, For example, for public safety use cases, depending on the Cell DTXDRX information, the remote UE’s transmission opportunity can be every 20 ms and for other use cases, the remote UE’s transmission opportunity can be every 40 ms. As a result, the relay UE can perform better buffer management based on when the data is received. In a similar manner, service-based prioritization may be performed among transmissions from the same remote UE.

[0051] In some scenarios, the remote UE(s) can also perform the transmission(s) on the relay connection in certain time windows as negotiated between the remote UE(s) and the relay UE. For example, a certain set of remote UE(s) could transmit in one time window while other set of remote UE(s) transmits in another time window.

[0052] In some scenarios, the cell can have several Cell DTX/DRX configurations which may apply to the cell. In one embodiment the relay UE may therefore indicate a set of Cell DTX/DRX configurations to the remote UE, e.g., in terms of a list or group of Cell DTX/DRX configurations.

[0053] In some scenarios, a Cell DTX/DRX configuration may be defined for the gNB, but that Cell DTX/DRX configuration can either be in an activated state or in a deactivated state. Accordingly, in some cases the Cell DTX/DRX information indicated by the relay UE may indicate the activation state of the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s). The remote UE may then for example refrain from sending data to the relay UE when a certain Cell DTX/DRX configuration is activated. Accordingly, if the cell is having a Cell DTX/DRX configuration, but that configuration is currently not activated, the relay UE can freely communicate with the cell and hence there is no reason why the remote UE should refrain from sending data to the relay UE.

[0054] In some scenarios, the remote UE can be configured with longer timers, e.g., a longer T300 timer and/or a longer T319 timer, to prevent link establishment failure due to Cell DTX/DRX. Such configuration can be made by the network. Alternatively or in addition, the remote UE could decide on usage of such longer timer(s), e.g., in response to having received no or only limited information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the gNB. For example, the remote UE could decide to apply an extension to the timer(s) in response to having no or only limited information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the gNB, e.g., because no explicit Cell DTX/DRX information was provided to the remote UE. The degree of the extension may in turn be configured by the network. Alternatively, the degree of the extension could be preconfigured, e.g., based on a standardized value.

[0055] In some scenarios, the relay UE may provide assistance information related to the remote UE and possible Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) to the network. Such assistance information may for example include one or more suggested Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s), e.g., Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) that, from the perspective of the relay UE, could better accommodate the traffic from remote UE(s). In addition or as an alternative; the assistance information may include an indication that the assistance info is related to the connection of a remote UE. In addition or as an alternative; the assistance information may include a suggestion to release, setup, deactivate, or activate the Cell DTX/DRX(s) configurations based on the operation of a remote UE. The assistance information can be provided in an RRC message, in a MAC (Medium Access Control) CE (Control Element), and/or or by a physical layer indication.

[0056] In some scenarios, the relay UE can prioritize messages related to link establishment and/or link reestablishment from the remote UE(s) during an active time of the Cell DTX/DRX configurations.

[0057] In some scenarios, the network may reconfigure the Cell DTX/DRX pattern for a UE, or release, setup, activate, or deactivate Cell DTX/DRX, based on UE assistance information related to the relay UE and/or to the remote UE. The UE assistance information may be exchanged between different network nodes. In this way, handling of Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) may be coordinated among different network nodes, e.g., among different gNBs.

[0058] In some scenarios, the network may configure the remote UE with longer timers, e.g., a longer T300 timer and/or a longer T319 timer, taking into account the Cell DTX/DRX configurations. In this way, link establishment failures due to usage of Cell DTX/DRX can be prevented or at least reduced.

[0059] Figure 3 schematically illustrates an example of processes which may be based on the illustrated concepts. The processes involve a remote UE 10, a relay UE 10, and a network node 100, e.g., as mentioned in the above explanations. The network node 100 may correspond to a gNB or to a corresponding radio access node of another technology, e.g., an eNB of the LTE technology.

[0060] As illustrated, the network node 100 may send system information 301, which can be received by the relay UE 10 and/or by the remote UE 10. The system information 301 may for example be sent in a broadcast manner, e.g., in the form of an MIB (Master Information Block) and/or one or more SIBs (System Information Blocks). In some scenarios, the system information 301 may include information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the network node 100, e.g., parameters of the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s), such as timing of active and/or inactive timer, and/or an indication whether a certain Cell DTX/DRX configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0061] As further illustrated by connection establishment signaling 302, the relay UE 10 and the network node 100 may perform connection establishment, e.g., RRC connection establishment. One or more messages of the connection establishment signaling 302, e.g., one or more RRC messages, could also be used for indicating information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the network node 100 to the relay UE 10, e.g., parameters of the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s), such as timing of active and/or inactive timer, and/or an indication whether a certain Cell DTX/DRX configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0062] As further illustrated by discovery signaling 303, the remote UE 10 and the relay UE 10 may perform a discovery procedure, e.g., a SL discovery procedure by means of which the remote UE 10 discovers that the relay UE 10 is available as a potential U2N relay UE. One or more messages of the discovery signaling 303, e.g., one or more PC5-S messages, could also be used for indicating information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the network node 100 from the relay UE 10 to the remote UE 10, e.g., parameters of the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s), such as timing of active and/or inactive timer, and/or an indication whether a certain Cell DTX/DRX configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0063] As further illustrated by relay connection establishment signaling 304, the remote UE 10, the relay UE 10, and the network node 100 may then establish a relay connection from the remote UE 10 via the relay UE 10 to the network node 100. The establishment of the relay connection may be based on information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the network node 100. For example, the remote UE 10 may consider such information when deciding on the timing of sending a message for establishment of the relay connection. The relay UE 10 may consider such information for example when prioritizing one or messages relating to the establishment of the relay connection.

[0064] As further illustrated by relay connection establishment signaling 304, the remote UE 10 and the network node 100 may send data over the relay connection. Specifically, the remote UE 10 may send data 305 to the relay UE 10, and the relay UE 10 may then send these data 305 as relayed data 306 to the network node 100. The remote UE 10 may control the sending of the data 305 based on information on the Cell DTX/DRX configuration(s) of the network node 100. For example, the remote UE 10 may refrain from sending the data 305 during or close to the inactive time periods of the Cell DTX/DRX configurations.

[0065] As further illustrated, the relay UE 10 may also provide assistance data 307 to the network node 100. The assistance data 307 may assist the network node 100 in setting or adapting its Cell DTX/DRX configuration in view of requirements of the relay connection. The assistance data may for example indicate one or more suggested Cell DTX/DRX configurations for the network node 100.

[0066] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a SL message format which may be used for indicating the Cell DTX/DRX information from the relay UE 10 to the remote UE 10. Specifically, Figure 4 illustrates format of a UuMessageTransferSidelink message. The format of Figure 4 is based on the format of the UuMessageTransferSidelink message specified in 3GPP TS 38.331 V17.5.0 (2023-06), supplemented by one or more fields to indicate the Cell DTX/DRX information (in the figure denoted as “Cell-DTX/DRX info”).

[0067] Figure 5 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method of managing a relay connection, which may be utilized for implementing the illustrated concepts. The method of Figure 5 may be used for implementing the illustrated concepts in a remote WD. The remote WD may for example correspond to a UE for operation in a wireless communication network, e.g., to any of the above-mentioned UEs 10.

[0068] If a processor-based implementation of the remote WD is used, at least some of the steps of the method of Figure 5 may be performed and/or controlled by one or more processors of the remote WD. Such remote WD may also include a memory storing program code for implementing at least some of the below described functionalities or steps of the method of Figure 5.

[0069] At step 510, the remote WD determines at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with a relay WD. The relay WD may correspond to the relay UE of the above examples, e.g., one of the UEs 10, and the network node 100 may correspond to a radio access node, e.g., to the above-mentioned gNB or access node 100.

[0070] The at least one energy saving configuration may be based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node. Specifically, the at least one energy saving configuration correspond to a Cell DTX configuration of the network node and/or to a Cell DRX configuration of the network node.

[0071] In some scenarios, determining the at least one energy saving configuration may involve determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0072] In some scenarios, the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node may define active time periods and inactive time periods. In the inactive time periods, an ability of the network node to transmit and/or receive wireless signals may be limited as compared to the active time periods. In some cases, such limitation may also involve that the network node is not able to receive and/or to transmit certain signals, e.g., signals conveying user plane data. Determining the at least one energy saving configuration may then include determining timing of the active time periods and/or determining timing of the inactive time periods.

[0073] In some scenarios, the remote WD may determine the at least one energy saving configuration based on a timer, e.g., a timer related to inactivity on the relay connection or a timer indicating a currently remaining portion of the active time period.

[0074] In addition or as an alternative, the remote WD may determine the at least one energy saving configuration based on received control information. The remote WD could receive at least a part of such configuration information by signaling from the relay WD. This signaling from the relay WD may include unicast signaling, RRC signaling, and/or broadcast signaling. In some scenarios, the signaling from the relay WD may include a discovery message, e.g., of a SL discovery procedure initiated by the remote WD to discover potential relay WDs. Discovery signaling 303 of Figure 3 illustrates an example of such discovery procedure. In addition or as an alternative, the remote wireless device could receive at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node, e.g., by system information, such as system information 301 in the example of Figure 3. In some cases, the signaling from the network node can include broadcast signaling.

[0075] At step 520, the remote WD manages a relay connection from the remote wireless device via the relay WD to the network node. This is accomplished based on the at least one energy saving configuration as determined at step 510.

[0076] In scenarios where the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, managing the relay connection may involve controlling timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods, e.g., according to the timing as determined at step 510.

[0077] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve limiting an amount of data transmitted by the remote WD on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration. For example, the amount of data could be limited based on a threshold. Such threshold may be based on received configuration information. The remote WD could receive at least a part of such configuration information by signaling from the relay WD. This signaling from the relay WD may include unicast signaling, RRC signaling, and/or broadcast signaling. In some scenarios, the signaling from the relay WD may include a discovery message, e.g., of a SL discovery procedure initiated by the remote WD to discover potential relay WDs. Discovery signaling 303 of Figure 3 illustrates an example of such discovery procedure. In addition or as an alternative, the remote wireless device could receive at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node, e.g., by system information, such as system information 301 in the example of Figure 3. In some cases, the signaling from the network node can include broadcast signaling.

[0078] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve prioritizing one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration. The prioritization can in terms of services, e.g., involve prioritizing one or more services on the relay connection over others, depending on the at least one energy saving configuration.

[0079] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve controlling timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration. For example, the timing of connection establishment may be controlled depending on the timing of active time periods and/or inactive time periods, e.g., as determined at step 510.

[0080] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may be based on negotiation by the remote wireless device and the relay wireless device.

[0081] Figure 6 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method of managing a relay connection, which may be utilized for implementing the illustrated concepts. The method of Figure 6 may be used for implementing the illustrated concepts in a relay WD. The relay WD may for example correspond to a UE for operation in a wireless communication network, e.g., to any of the above-mentioned UEs 10.

[0082] If a processor-based implementation of the relay WD is used, at least some of the steps of the method of Figure 6 may be performed and/or controlled by one or more processors of the relay WD. Such relay WD may also include a memory storing program code for implementing at least some of the below described functionalities or steps of the method of Figure 6.

[0083] At step 610, the relay WD determines at least one energy saving configuration of a network node associated with the relay WD, e.g., of a network node to which the relay WD is connected. For example, the relay WD could have an RRC connection to the network node. The remote WD may correspond to the remote UE of the above examples, e.g., one of the UEs 10, and the network node 100 may correspond to a radio access node, e.g., to the above- mentioned gNB or access node 100.

[0084] The at least one energy saving configuration may be based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node. Specifically, the at least one energy saving configuration correspond to a Cell DTX configuration of the network node and/or to a Cell DRX configuration of the network node.

[0085] In some scenarios, determining the at least one energy saving configuration may involve determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0086] In some scenarios, the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node may define active time periods and inactive time periods. In the inactive time periods, an ability of the network node to transmit and/or receive wireless signals may be limited as compared to the active time periods. In some cases, such limitation may also involve that the network node is not able to receive and/or to transmit certain signals, e.g., signals conveying user plane data. Determining the at least one energy saving configuration may then include determining timing of the active time periods and/or determining timing of the inactive time periods.

[0087] In some scenarios, the relay WD may determine the at least one energy saving configuration based on a timer, e.g., a timer related to inactivity on the relay connection or a timer indicating a currently remaining portion of the active time period.

[0088] Alternatively or in addition, the relay WD may determine the at least one energy saving configuration based on received control information. For example, the relay WD could receive at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node, e.g., by system information, such as system information 301 in the example of Figure 3. In some cases, the signaling from the network node can include broadcast signaling.

[0089] In some scenarios, the relay WD may determine the at least one energy saving configuration by providing assistance information to the network node. For example, the assistance information could indicate a suggested energy saving configuration of the network node. The relay WD may provide at least a part of the assistance information by RRC signaling to the network node. Alternatively or in addition, the relay WD may provide at least a part of the assistance information by MAC signaling to the network node, e.g., in a MAC CE. Alternatively or in addition, the relay WD may provide at least a part of the assistance information by physical layer signaling to the network node.

[0090] At step 620, the relay WD manages a relay connection from the remote WD via the relay wireless device to the network node. This is accomplished based on the at least one energy saving configuration as determined at step 610.

[0091] In scenarios where the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, managing the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to control timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

[0092] In some scenarios, managing of the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to limit an amount of data transmitted by the remote WD on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration. For example, the amount of data could be limited based on a threshold. Such threshold may be based on configuration information provided to the remote WD.

[0093] In addition or as an alternative, managing of the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to prioritize one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration. The prioritization can in terms of services, e.g., involve prioritizing one or more services on the relay connection over others, depending on the at least one energy saving configuration.

[0094] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to control timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration. For example, the timing of connection establishment may be controlled depending on the timing of active time periods and/or inactive time periods.

[0095] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve that, based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay WD prioritizesm, among wireless transmissions from the relay wireless device to the network node, at least one wireless transmission conveying a message related to establishment and/or management of the relay connection from the remote wireless device.

[0096] In some scenarios, managing the relay connection may involve providing control information to the remote wireless device. The control information may indicate the at least one energy saving configuration, whether the energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated, or the above threshold for limiting the amount of data. The relay WD could send at least a part of such configuration information by signaling to the remote WD. This signaling to the remote WD may include unicast signaling, RRC signaling, and/or broadcast signaling. In some scenarios, the signaling to the remote WD may include a discovery message, e.g., of a SL discovery procedure initiated by the remote WD to discover potential relay WDs. Discovery signaling 303 of Figure 3 illustrates an example of such discovery procedure.

[0097] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may be based on negotiation by the remote wireless device and the relay wireless device. [0098] Figure 7 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method of managing a relay connection, which may be utilized for implementing the illustrated concepts. The method of Figure 7 may be used for implementing the illustrated concepts in a network node. The network node may for example correspond to a radio access node, such as the above gNB or access node 100.

[0099] If a processor-based implementation of the network node is used, at least some of the steps of the method of Figure 7 may be performed and/or controlled by one or more processors of the network node. Such network node may also include a memory storing program code for implementing at least some of the below described functionalities or steps of the method of Figure 7.

[0100] At step 710, the network node determines at least one energy saving configuration of the network node. This is accomplished based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote WD via a relay WD to the network node. The remote WD and the relay WD may correspond to the remote UE and the relay UE of the above examples, e.g., to any of the above UEs 10.

[0101] The at least one energy saving configuration may be based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node. Specifically, the at least one energy saving configuration correspond to a Cell DTX configuration of the network node and/or to a Cell DRX configuration of the network node.

[0102] In some scenarios, determining the at least one energy saving configuration may involve determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0103] In some scenarios, the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node may define active time periods and inactive time periods. In the inactive time periods, an ability of the network node to transmit and/or receive wireless signals may be limited as compared to the active time periods. In some cases, such limitation may also involve that the network node is not able to receive and/or to transmit certain signals, e.g., signals conveying user plane data. Determining the at least one energy saving configuration may then include determining timing of the active time periods and/or determining timing of the inactive time periods.

[0104] In some scenarios, determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises may involve determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated. In scenarios where the energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, determining the at least one energy saving configuration may involve determining timing of the active time periods and/or determining timing of the inactive time periods.

[0105] The assistance information may be a suggested energy saving configuration of the network node or a set of suggested energy saving configurations of the network node. The network node may then decide whether to adopt such suggested energy saving configuration(s). [0106] The network node may receive at least a part of the assistance information by RRC signaling from the relay WD. Alternatively or in addition, the network node may receive at least a part of the assistance information by MAC signaling from the relay WD. Alternatively or in addition, the network node may receive at least a part of the assistance information by physical layer signaling from the relay WD.

[0107] Figure 8 shows a flowchart for illustrating a method of managing a relay connection, which may be utilized for implementing the illustrated concepts. The method of Figure 8 may be used for implementing the illustrated concepts in a network node. The network node may for example correspond to a radio access node, such as the above gNB or access node 100.

[0108] If a processor-based implementation of the network node is used, at least some of the steps of the method of Figure 8 may be performed and/or controlled by one or more processors of the network node. Such network node may also include a memory storing program code for implementing at least some of the below described functionalities or steps of the method of Figure 8.

[0109] At step 810, the network node manages a relay connection from a remote WD via a relay WD to the network node. This is accomplished based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node. The remote WD and the relay WD may correspond to the remote UE and the relay UE of the above examples, e.g., to any of the above UEs 10.

[0110] The at least one energy saving configuration may be based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node. Specifically, the at least one energy saving configuration correspond to a Cell DTX configuration of the network node and/or to a Cell DRX configuration of the network node.

[oni] In some scenarios, determining the at least one energy saving configuration may involve determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

[0112] In some scenarios, the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node may define active time periods and inactive time periods. In the inactive time periods, an ability of the network node to transmit and/or receive wireless signals may be limited as compared to the active time periods. In some cases, such limitation may also involve that the network node is not able to receive and/or to transmit certain signals, e.g., signals conveying user plane data. Determining the at least one energy saving configuration may then include determining timing of the active time periods and/or determining timing of the inactive time periods.

[0113] In scenarios where the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, managing the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to control timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

[0114] In some scenarios, managing of the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to limit an amount of data transmitted by the remote WD on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration. For example, the amount of data could be limited based on a threshold. Such threshold may be based on configuration information provided to the remote WD.

[0115] In addition or as an alternative, managing of the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to prioritize one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration. The prioritization can in terms of services, e.g., involve prioritizing one or more services on the relay connection over others, depending on the at least one energy saving configuration.

[0116] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve configuring the remote WD to control timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration. For example, the timing of connection establishment may be controlled depending on the timing of active time periods and/or inactive time periods.

[0117] In addition or as an alternative, managing the relay connection may involve configuring at least one timer of the remote WD based on the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node. Expiry of such timer(s) could for example indicate failure of establishment of the relay connection. Examples of such timers are the above-mentioned timers T300 or T319.

[0118] In some scenarios, managing the relay connection may involve providing control information to the remote WD and/or to the relay WD. The control information may indicate the at least one energy saving configuration, whether the energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated, or the above threshold for limiting the amount of data. The network node could send at least a part of such configuration information by signaling to the remote WD and/or to the relay WD, e.g., by system information, such as system information 301 in the example of Figure 3. In some cases, the signaling from the network node can include broadcast signaling.

[0119] It is noted that the methods of Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8 could be combined in various ways. For example, the methods could be combined in a system which includes at least one remote WD operating according to the method of Figure 5, at least one relay WD operating according to the method of Figure 6, and/or at least one network node operating according to the method of Figure 7, and/or at least one network node operating according to the method of Figure 8. Further, the same network node could operate according to both the method of Figure 7 and the method of Figure 8.

[0120] Figure 9 shows an example of a communication system 900 in accordance with some embodiments. Structures as illustrated in Figure 9 may for example be used for implementing at least some of the elements in the wireless communication system of Figure 1. [0121] In the example, the communication system 900 includes a telecommunication network 902 that includes an access network 904, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 906, which includes one or more core network nodes 908. The access network 904 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 910a and 910b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 910), or any other similar 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP) access nodes or non-3GPP access points. The network nodes 910a and 910b could for example implement the access nodes 100 of Figure 1 or the radio nodes of Figure 3. Moreover, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, a network node is not necessarily limited to an implementation in which a radio portion and a baseband portion are supplied and integrated by a single vendor. Thus, it will be understood that network nodes include disaggregated implementations or portions thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the telecommunication network 902 includes one or more Open-RAN (ORAN) network nodes. An ORAN network node is a node in the telecommunication network 902 that supports an ORAN specification (e.g., a specification published by the O-RAN Alliance, or any similar organization) and may operate alone or together with other nodes to implement one or more functionalities of any node in the telecommunication network 902, including one or more network nodes 910 and/or core network nodes 908.

[0122] Examples of an ORAN network node include an open radio unit (O-RU), an open distributed unit (O-DU), an open central unit (O-CU), including an O-CU control plane (O- CU-CP) or an O-CU user plane (O-CU-UP), a RAN intelligent controller (near-real time or non-real time) hosting software or software plug-ins, such as a near-real time control application (e.g., xApp) or anon-real time control application (e.g., rApp), or any combination thereof (the adjective “open” designating support of an ORAN specification). The network node may support a specification by, for example, supporting an interface defined by the ORAN specification, such as an Al, Fl, Wl, El, E2, X2, Xn interface, an open fronthaul user plane interface, or an open fronthaul management plane interface. Moreover, an ORAN access node may be a logical node in a physical node. Furthermore, an ORAN network node may be implemented in a virtualization environment (described further below) in which one or more network functions are virtualized. For example, the virtualization environment may include an O-Cloud computing platform orchestrated by a Service Management and Orchestration Framework via an 0-2 interface defined by the 0-RAN Alliance or comparable technologies. The network nodes 910 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 912a, 912b, 912c, and 912d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 912) to the core network 906 over one or more wireless connections. Such UE 912a, 912b, 912c, or 912d could for example correspond to or implement any of the above- mentioned UEs 10.

[0123] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and/or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use of wires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 900 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and/or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and/or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 900 may include and/or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and/or other similar type of system.

[0124] The UEs 912 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 910 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 910 are arranged, capable, configured, and/or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 912 and/or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 902 to enable and/or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and/or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 902.

[0125] In the depicted example, the core network 906 connects the network nodes 910 to one or more hosts, such as host 916. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 906 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 908) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and/or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 908. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and/or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0126] The host 916 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 904 and/or the telecommunication network 902, and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 916 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more service. Examples of such applications include live and pre-recorded audio/video content, data collection services such as retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0127] As a whole, the communication system 900 of Figure 9 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and/or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and/or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Micro wave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and/or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0128] In some examples, the telecommunication network 902 is a cellular network that implements 3 GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 902 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 902. For example, the telecommunications network 902 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and/or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC)ZMassive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0129] In some examples, the UEs 912 are configured to transmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 904 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 904. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multi-standard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC), such as E-UTRAN (Evolved- UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0130] In the example, the hub 914 communicates with the access network 904 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 912c and/or 912d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 910b). In some examples, the hub 914 may be a controller, router, content source and analytics, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 914 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 906 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 914 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 910, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 914. As another example, the hub 914 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 914 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 914 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 914 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and/or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 914 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0131] The hub 914 may have a constant/persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 910b. The hub 914 may also allow for a different communication scheme and/or schedule between the hub 914 and UEs (e.g., UE 912c and/or 912d), and between the hub 914 and the core network 906. In other examples, the hub 914 is connected to the core network 906 and/or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 914 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 904 and/or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 910 while still connected via the hub 914 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 914 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to/from the UEs from/to the network node 910b. In other embodiments, the hub 914 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs and network node 910b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and/or end point for certain data channels.

[0132] Figure 10 shows a UE 1000 in accordance with some embodiments. The UE 1000 may for example operate in accordance with the method of Figure 5 and/or the method of Figure 6. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and/or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless cameras, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle, vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded/integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and/or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0133] A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle- to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and/or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0134] The UE 1000 includes processing circuitry 1002 that is operatively coupled via a bus 1004 to an input/output interface 1006, a power source 1008, a memory 1010, a communication interface 1012, and/or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 10. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0135] The processing circuitry 1002 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructions stored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 1010. The processing circuitry 1002 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 1002 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs). [0136] In the example, the input/output interface 1006 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and/or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 1000. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0137] In some embodiments, the power source 1008 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 1008 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 1008 itself, and/or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 1000 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 1008. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to the power from the power source 1008 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 1000 to which power is supplied.

[0138] The memory 1010 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 1010 includes one or more application programs 1014, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 1016. The memory 1010 may store, for use by the UE 1000, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0139] The memory 1010 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD- DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and/or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 1010 may allow the UE 1000 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 1010, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0140] The processing circuitry 1002 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 1012. The communication interface 1012 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 1022. The communication interface 1012 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1018 and/or a receiver 1020 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 1018 and receiver 1020 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 1022) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0141] In the illustrated embodiment, communication functions of the communication interface 1012 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and/or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol/intemet protocol (TCP/IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0142] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 1012, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0143] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or to a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0144] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limiting examples of such an loT device are a device which is or which is embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door/window sensor, a flood/moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a head-mounted display for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and/or software in dependence of the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 1000 shown in Figure 10.

[0145] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and/or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and/or measurements to another UE and/or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and/or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0146] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and/or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0147] Figure 11 shows a network node 1100 in accordance with some embodiments. The network node 1100 may for example operate in accordance with the method of Figure 7 and/or the method of Figure 8. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and/or with other network nodes or equipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)), O-RAN nodes or components of an O-RAN node (e.g., O-RU, O-DU, O-CU).

[0148] Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units, distributed units (e.g., in an O-RAN access node) and/or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0149] Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi-cell/multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and/or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0150] The network node 1100 includes a processing circuitry 1102, a memory 1104, a communication interface 1106, and a power source 1108. The network node 1100 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 1100 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1100 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 1104 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 1110 may be shared by different RATs). The network node 1100 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 1100, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 1100.

[0151] The processing circuitry 1102 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 1100 components, such as the memory 1104, to provide network node 1100 functionality.

[0152] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1102 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1102 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1112 and baseband processing circuitry 1114. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1112 and the baseband processing circuitry 1114 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1112 and baseband processing circuitry 1114 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units. [0153] The memory 1104 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer- readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and/or computerexecutable memory devices that store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 1102. The memory 1104 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and/or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 1102 and utilized by the network node 1100. The memory 1104 may be used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 1102 and/or any data received via the communication interface 1106. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 1102 and memory 1104 is integrated.

[0154] The communication interface 1106 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and/or data between a network node, access network, and/or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 1106 comprises port(s)/terminal(s) 1116 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 1106 also includes radio front-end circuitry 1118 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 1110. Radio front-end circuitry 1118 comprises filters 1120 and amplifiers 1122. The radio front-end circuitry 1118 may be connected to an antenna 1110 and processing circuitry 1102. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 1110 and processing circuitry 1102. The radio front-end circuitry 1118 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 1118 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1120 and/or amplifiers 1122. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1110. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1110 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 1118. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 1102. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and/or different combinations of components.

[0155] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1100 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 1118, instead, the processing circuitry 1102 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 1110. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 1112 is part of the communication interface 1106. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 1106 includes one or more ports or terminals 1116, the radio front-end circuitry 1118, and the RF transceiver circuitry 1112, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 1106 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 1114, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0156] The antenna 1110 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and/or receive wireless signals. The antenna 1110 may be coupled to the radio frontend circuitry 1118 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 1110 is separate from the network node 1100 and connectable to the network node 1100 through an interface or port.

[0157] The antenna 1110, communication interface 1106, and/or the processing circuitry 1102 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and/or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and/or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 1110, the communication interface 1106, and/or the processing circuitry 1102 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and/or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and/or any other network equipment.

[0158] The power source 1108 provides power to the various components of network node 1100 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 1108 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 1100 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 1100 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 1108. As a further example, the power source 1108 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0159] Embodiments of the network node 1100 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 11 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and/or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1100 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 1100 and to allow output of information from the network node 1100. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 1100.

[0160] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and/or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and/or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may be configured to include any of the components described herein, and/or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0161] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer- readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and/or by end users and a wireless network generally.

EMBODIMENTS

1. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determining at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) managing a relay connection from the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node.

2. The method according to embodiment 1, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

3. The method according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

4. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

5. The method according to embodiment 4, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining timing of the active time periods.

6. The method according to embodiment 4 or 5, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining timing of the inactive time periods.

7. The method according to any of embodiments 4 to 6, wherein managing the relay connection comprises controlling timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

8. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein managing the relay connection comprises limiting an amount of data transmitted by the remote wireless device on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

9. The method according to embodiment 8, wherein the amount of data is limited based on a threshold.

10. The method according to embodiment 9, comprising: wherein the threshold is based on received configuration information.

11. The method according to embodiment 10, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) receives at least a part of the configuration information by signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

12. The method according to embodiment 11, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises unicast signaling.

13. The method according to embodiment 12, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device comprises Radio Resource Control, RRC, signaling.

14. The method according to any of embodiments 11 to 13, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises broadcast signaling.

15. The method according to any of embodiments 11 to 14, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device comprises a discovery message.

16. The method according to any of embodiments 11 to 15, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) receives at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node (100; 910; 1100).

17. The method according to embodiment 16, wherein the signaling from the network node (100; 910; 1100) comprises broadcast signaling.

18. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 17, wherein managing the relay connection comprises prioritizing one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

19. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 18, wherein managing the relay connection comprises controlling timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration.

20. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 19, wherein managing the relay connection is based on negotiation by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) and the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

21. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 20, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determines the at least one energy saving configuration based on a timer.

22. The method according to any of embodiments 1 to 21, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determines the at least one energy saving configuration based on received control information.

23. The method according to embodiment 22, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) receives at least a part of the control information by signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

24. The method according to embodiment 23, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises unicast signaling. 25. The method according to embodiment 24, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises RRC signaling.

26. The method according to any of embodiments 23 to 25, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises broadcast signaling.

27. The method according to any of embodiments 23 to 26, wherein the signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises a discovery message.

28. The method according to any of embodiments 22 to 27, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) receives at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node (100; 910; 1100).

29. The method according to embodiment 28, wherein the signaling from the network node (100; 910; 1100) comprises broadcast signaling.

30. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determining at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) managing a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via the relay wireless device to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

31. The method according to embodiment 30, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

32. The method according to embodiment 30 or 31, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

33. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 32, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

34. The method according to embodiment 33, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining timing of the active time periods.

35. The method according to embodiment 33 or 34, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining timing of the inactive time periods.

36. The method according to any of embodiments 33 to 35, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device to control timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

37. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 36, wherein managing the relay connection comprises providing control information to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

38. The method according to embodiment 37, wherein the control information indicates the at least one energy saving configuration.

39. The method according to embodiment 37 or 38, wherein the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) provides at least a part of the configuration information by signaling to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

40. The method according to embodiment 39, wherein the signaling to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises unicast signaling.

41. The method according to embodiment 40, wherein the signaling to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises RRC signaling.

42. The method according to any of embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the signaling to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises broadcast signaling.

43. The method according to any of embodiments 49 to 42, wherein the signaling to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises a discovery message.

44. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 43, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to limit an amount of data transmitted by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

45. The method according to embodiment 44, wherein the amount of data is limited based on a threshold.

46. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 45, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to prioritize one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

47. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 46, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to control timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration.

48. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 47, wherein managing the relay connection is based on negotiation by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) and the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

49. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 48, wherein the relay wireless device determines the at least one energy saving configuration based on a timer.

50. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 49, wherein the relay wireless device determines the at least one energy saving configuration based on received control information.

51. The method according to embodiment 50, wherein the relay wireless device receives at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node.

52. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 51, wherein the relay wireless device determines the at least one energy saving configuration by providing assistance information (307) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

53. The method according to embodiment 52, wherein the assistance information indicates a suggested energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

54. The method according to embodiment 53, wherein the relay wireless device provides at least a part of the assistance information by RRC signaling to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

55. The method according to embodiment 53 or 54, wherein the relay wireless device provides at least a part of the assistance information by Medium Access Control signaling to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

56. The method according to any of embodiments 53 to 55, wherein the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) provides at least a part of the assistance information by physical layer signaling to the network node (100; 910; 1100). 57. The method according to any of embodiments 30 to 56, comprising: based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) prioritizing, among wireless transmissions from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100), at least one wireless transmission conveying a message related to establishment and/or management of the relay connection from the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

58. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a network node (100; 910; 1100) determining at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on assistance information (307) related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

59. The method according to embodiment 58, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

60. The method according to embodiment 59 or 60, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

61. The method according to any of embodiments 58 to 61, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

62. The method according to embodiment 61, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining timing of the active time periods.

63. The method according to embodiment 61 or 62, wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining timing of the inactive time periods.

64. The method according to any of embodiments 58 to 63, wherein the assistance information indicates a suggested energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

65. The method according to any of embodiments 58 to 64, wherein the network node receives at least a part of the assistance information by RRC signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

66. The method according to any of embodiments 58 to 65, wherein the network node receives at least a part of the assistance information by Medium Access Control signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

67. The method according to any of embodiments 58 to 65, wherein the network node receives at least a part of the assistance information by physical layer signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

68. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a network node managing a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

69. The method according to embodiment 68, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontionuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

70. The method according to embodiment 68 or 69, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

71. The method according to any of embodiments 68 to 70, wherein managing relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device to control timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

72. The method according to any of embodiments 68 to 71, wherein managing the relay connection comprises providing control information to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) and/or to the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

73. The method according to embodiment 72, wherein the control information indicates the at least one energy saving configuration.

74. The method according to embodiment 72 or 73, wherein the network node (100; 910; 1100) provides at least a part of the configuration information by signaling to the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

75. The method according to embodiment 74, wherein the signaling to the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) comprises broadcast signaling.

76. The method according to any of embodiments 68 to 75, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to limit an amount of data transmitted by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

77. The method according to embodiment 76, wherein the amount of data is limited based on a threshold.

78. The method according to any of embodiments 68 to 77, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to prioritize one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

79. The method according to any of embodiments 68 to 78, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to control timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration.

80. The method according to any of embodiments 68 to 79, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring at least one timer of the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) based on the at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

(

81. The method according to embodiment 80, wherein expiry of the timer indicates failure of establishment of the relay connection.

82. A remote wireless device for a wireless communication system, the remote wireless device being configured to:

- determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and

- based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage a relay connection from the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

83. The remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) according to embodiment 82, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) is configured to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29.

84. The remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) according to embodiment 82 or 83, comprising: at least one processor (1002), and a memory (1010) containing program code executable by the at least one processor (1002), whereby execution of the program code by the at least one processor (1002) causes the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29.

85. A relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) for a wireless communication system, the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) being configured to: - determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and

- based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, manage of a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

86. The relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) according to embodiment 85, wherein the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) is configured to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 57.

87. The remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) according to embodiment 85 or 86, comprising: at least one processor (1002), and a memory (1010) containing program code executable by the at least one processor (1002), whereby execution of the program code by the at least one processor (1002) causes the relay wireless device to (10; 912; 1000) perform a method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 57.

88. A network node (100; 910; 1100) for a wireless communication system, the network node (100; 910; 1100) being configured to: determine at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

89. The network node (100; 910; 1100) according to embodiment 88, wherein the network node (100; 910; 1100) is configured to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 58 to 67.

90. The network node (100; 910; 1100) according to embodiment 88 or 89, comprising: at least one processor (1102), and a memory (1104) containing program code executable by the at least one processor (1102), whereby execution of the program code by the at least one processor (1102) causes the network node (100; 910; 1100) to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 58 to 67.

91. A network node (100; 910; 1100) for a wireless communication system, the network node (100; 910; 1100) being configured to: manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

92. The network node (100; 910; 1100) according to embodiment 91, wherein the network node (100; 910; 1100) is configured to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 68 to 81.

93. The network node (100; 910; 1100) according to embodiment 91 or 92, comprising: at least one processor (1102), and a memory (1104) containing program code executable by the at least one processor (1102), whereby execution of the program code by the at least one processor (1102) causes the network node (100; 910; 1100) to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 68 to 81.

94. A computer program or computer program product comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 1 to 29.

95. A computer program or computer program product comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 30 to 57.

96. A computer program or computer program product comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1102) of a network node (100; 910; 1100), whereby execution of the program code causes the network node (100; 910; 1100) to perform a method according to any one of embodiments 58 to 81.

Claims

1. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determining at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) managing a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via the relay wireless device to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100); and wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device to control timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

5. The method according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein managing the relay connection comprises providing control information to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and wherein the control information indicates the at least one energy saving configuration.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) provides at least a part of the configuration information by signaling to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

7. The method according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein managing the relay connection comprises at least one of: configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to limit an amount of data transmitted by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration; and configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to prioritize one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

8. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to control timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

9. The method according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein managing the relay connection is based on negotiation by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) and the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

10. The method according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the relay wireless device determines the at least one energy saving configuration based on received control information; and wherein the relay wireless device receives at least a part of the control information by signaling from the network node.

11. The method according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the relay wireless device determines the at least one energy saving configuration by providing assistance information (307) to the network node (100; 910; 1100); and wherein the assistance information indicates a suggested energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

12. The method according to any of claims 1 to 11, comprising: based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) prioritizing, among wireless transmissions from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100), at least one wireless transmission conveying a message related to establishment and/or management of the relay connection from the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

13. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determining at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and based on the determined at least one energy saving configuration, the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) managing a relay connection from the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100); and wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein managing the relay connection comprises controlling timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

17. The method according to any of claims 13 to 16, wherein managing the relay connection comprises limiting an amount of data transmitted by the remote wireless device on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the amount of data is limited based on a threshold; wherein the threshold is based on received configuration information; and wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) receives at least a part of the configuration information by signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) or by signaling from the network node (100; 910; 1100).

19. The method according to any of claims 13 to 18, wherein managing the relay connection comprises at least one of: prioritizing one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration; and controlling timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration.

20. The method according to any of claims 13 to 19, wherein managing the relay connection is based on negotiation by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) and the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

21. The method according to any of claims 13 to 20, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) determines the at least one energy saving configuration based on received control information; and wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) receives at least a part of the control information by signaling from the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) or by signaling from the network node (100; 910; 1100).

22. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a network node (100; 910; 1100) determining at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on assistance information (307) related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontinuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100); and wherein determining the at least one energy saving configuration comprises determining whether the at least one energy saving configuration is activated or deactivated.

24. The method according to claim 22 or 23, wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

25. The method according to any of claims 22 to 24, wherein the assistance information indicates a suggested energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

26. A method of controlling wireless communication, the method comprising: a network node managing a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein the at least one energy saving configuration is based on discontinuous transmission and/or discontionuous reception of the network node (100; 910; 1100); and wherein the energy saving configuration of the network node defines active time periods and inactive time periods, wherein in the inactive time periods an ability of the network node (100; 910; 1100) to transmit and/or receive wireless signals is limited as compared to the active time periods.

28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein managing relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device to control timing of one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the timing of the active time periods and/or depending on the timing of the inactive time periods.

29. The method according to any of claims 26 to 28, wherein managing the relay connection comprises providing control information to the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) and/or to the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); wherein the control information indicates the at least one energy saving configuration.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the network node (100; 910; 1100) provides at least a part of the control information by signaling to the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000).

31. The method according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein managing the relay connection comprises configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to limit an amount of data transmitted by the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration.

32. The method according to any of claims 26 to 31, wherein managing the relay connection comprises at least one of configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to prioritize one or more data transmissions on the relay connection depending on the determined at least one energy saving configuration; and configuring the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to control timing of establishment of the relay connection depending on determined at least one energy saving configuration.

33. A remote wireless device for a wireless communication system, the remote wireless device being configured to:

34. The remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) according to claim 33, wherein the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 13 to 21.

35. A relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) for a wireless communication system, the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) being configured to:

- determine at least one energy saving configuration of a network node (100; 910; 1100) associated with the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000); and

36. The relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) according to claim 35, wherein the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

37. A network node (100; 910; 1100) for a wireless communication system, the network node (100; 910; 1100) being configured to: determine at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on assistance information related to a relay connection form a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100).

38. The network node (100; 910; 1100) according to claim 37, wherein the network node (100; 910; 1100) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 22 to 25.

39. A network node (100; 910; 1100) for a wireless communication system, the network node (100; 910; 1100) being configured to: manage a relay connection from a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) via a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to the network node (100; 910; 1100) based on at least one energy saving configuration of the network node (100; 910; 1100).

40. The network node (100; 910; 1100) according to claim 39, wherein the network node (100; 910; 1100) is configured to perform a method according to any one of claims 26 to 32.

41. A computer program or computer program product comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the remote wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to perform a method according to any one of claims 13 to 21.

42. A computer program or computer program product comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1002) of a relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000), whereby execution of the program code causes the relay wireless device (10; 912; 1000) to perform a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

43. A computer program or computer program product comprising program code to be executed by at least one processor (1102) of a network node (100; 910; 1100), whereby execution of the program code causes the network node (100; 910; 1100) to perform a method according to any one of claims 22 to 32.