WO2025067767A1

WO2025067767A1 - Data transmission on radio bearer

Info

Publication number: WO2025067767A1
Application number: PCT/EP2024/073210
Authority: WO
Inventors: Endrit DOSTI; Tero Henttonen; Malgorzata Tomala
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2023-09-28
Filing date: 2024-08-19
Publication date: 2025-04-03
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-28

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure are related to data transmission on radio bearer. A method comprises: obtaining, by a first apparatus, a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; determining, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

Description

DATA TRANSMISSION ON RADIO BEARER

FIELDS

[0001] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunication and in particular, to methods, devices, apparatuses and computer readable storage medium for data transmission on radio bearer.

BACKGROUND

[0002] The cellular mobile telecommunication systems are built on top of protocols that control how the data is transmitted between phones and networks. These protocols are often divided into user plane (UP) and control plane (CP), where the user plane is dedicated to the actual task of transmitting user data between user and network, and the control plane is dedicated to ensuring that the user plane is operational. That is, the CP is used for establishing UP, and it is the task of CP to ensure the UP functions at all times.

[0003] The UP and CP are both scheduled using radio bearers, which encompass the data sent from a specific source to a logical target. The radio bearers for UP are called Data Radio Bearers (DRB) and Signalling Radio Bearers (SRB) for CP. Each DRB and SRB is assigned with a Logical Channel (LCH), each of which also has a priority value. When a UE is scheduled, the MAC layer then assigns data from one or more DRB/SRB to be transmitted according to the Logical Channel Prioritization (LCP), which uses a token bucket mechanism to ensure higher priority data is scheduled more than lower priority data.

SUMMARY

[0004] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; determine, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and transmit, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable i radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0005] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: determine at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; transmit, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and receive, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0006] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: obtaining, by a first apparatus, a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; determining, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method. The method comprises: determining, by a second apparatus, at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and receiving, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a first apparatus. The first apparatus comprises means for obtaining a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; means for determining, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a second apparatus. The second apparatus comprises means for determining at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and means for receiving, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium. The computer readable medium comprises instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It is to be understood that the Summary section is not intended to identify key or essential features of embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become easily comprehensible through the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, where:

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented;

[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates example functional architecture of AI/ML for air interface;

[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a signaling chart for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling chart for communication according to some further example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling chart for communication according to some yet further example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a first apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a flowchart of a method implemented at a second apparatus according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a device that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a block diagram of an example computer readable medium in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0023] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals represent the same or similar element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some example embodiments. It is to be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without suggesting any limitation as to the scope of the disclosure. Embodiments described herein can be implemented in various manners other than the ones described below.

[0025] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skills in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0026] References in the present disclosure to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” and the like indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but it is not necessary that every embodiment includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0027] It shall be understood that although the terms “first,” “second” and the like may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0028] As used herein, “at least one of the following: <a list of two or more elements>” and “at least one of <a list of two or more elements>” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0029] As used herein, unless stated explicitly, performing a step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs and one or more intervening steps may be included.

[0030] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “has”, “having”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, elements, and/or components etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and/ or combinations thereof.

[0031] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry) and

(b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable):

(i) a combination of analog and/or digital hardware circuit(s) with software/firmware and

(ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and

(c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.

[0032] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[0033] As used herein, the term “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution

(LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed Packet Access (HSPA), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and so on. Furthermore, the communications between a terminal device and a network device in the communication network may be performed according to any suitable generation communication protocols, including, but not limited to, the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, the fifth generation (5G) communication protocols, and/or any other protocols either currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied in various communication systems. Given the rapid development in communications, there will of course also be future type communication technologies and systems with which the present disclosure may be embodied. It should not be seen as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to only the aforementioned system.

[0034] As used herein, the term “network device” or “network node” refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services therefrom. The network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also referred to as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-ground network device such as a satellite network device, a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geosynchronous earth orbit (GEO) satellite, an aircraft network device, and so forth, depending on the applied terminology and technology. In some example embodiments, radio access network (RAN) split architecture comprises a Centralized Unit (CU) and a Distributed Unit (DU) at an IAB donor node. An IAB node comprises a Mobile Terminal (IAB-MT) part that behaves like a UE toward the parent node, and a DU part of an IAB node behaves like a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0035] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. By way of example rather than limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), a Subscriber Station (SS), a Portable Subscriber Station, a Mobile Station (MS), or an Access Terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, a tablet, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), portable computers, desktop computer, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback appliances, vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customerpremises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (loT) device, a watch or other wearable, a head-mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, a medical device and applications (e.g., remote surgery), an industrial device and applications (e.g., a robot and/or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and/or an automated processing chain contexts), a consumer electronics device, a device operating on commercial and/or industrial wireless networks, and the like. The terminal device may also correspond to a Mobile Termination (MT) part of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms “terminal device”, “communication device”, “terminal”, “user equipment” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0036] As used herein, the term “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” may refer to any resource for performing a communication, for example, a communication between a terminal device and a network device, such as a resource in time domain, a resource in frequency domain, a resource in space domain, a resource in code domain, or any other resource enabling a communication, and the like. In the following, unless explicitly stated, a resource in both frequency domain and time domain will be used as an example of a transmission resource for describing some example embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noted that example embodiments of the present disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented. In the communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices, including a first apparatus 110 and a second apparatus 120, can communicate with each other.

[0038] In the following, for the purpose of illustration, some example embodiments are described with the first apparatus 110 operating as a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 operating as a network device with a serving area 102 for serving the terminal device. However, in some example embodiments, operations described in connection with the first apparatus 110 may be implemented at a network node or other device, and operations described in connection with the second apparatus 120 may be implemented at a terminal device or other device.

[0039] In some example embodiments where the first apparatus 110 operates as a terminal device and the second apparatus 120 operates as a network device, a link from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus 110 is referred to as a downlink (DL), while a link from the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120 is referred to as an uplink (UL). In DL, the second apparatus 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or a transmitter) and the first apparatus 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or a receiver). In UL, the first apparatus 110 is a TX device (or a transmitter) and the second apparatus 120 is a RX device (or a receiver).

[0040] Communications in the communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any proper communication protocol(s), comprising, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols of the first generation (1G), the second generation (2G), the third generation (3G), the fourth generation (4G), the fifth generation (5G), the sixth generation (6G), and the like, wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 and the like, and/or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Moreover, the communication may utilize any proper wireless communication technology, comprising but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) and/or any other technologies currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0041] It is to be understood that the number of apparatuses and their connections shown in FIG. 1 are only for the purpose of illustration without suggesting any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of apparatuses configured to implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. Although not shown, it would be appreciated that one or more additional apparatuses may be located comprised in the communication environment 100.

[0042] Transmissions on the user plane (UP) is based on DRBs and transmissions on the control plane (CP) is based on SRBs. As mentioned above, each DRB and SRB is assigned with a Logical Channel (LCH), each of which also has a priority value. When a UE is scheduled, the MAC layer then assigns data from one or more DRB/SRB to be transmitted according to the Logical Channel Prioritization (LCP).

[0043] According to the current settings, the SRBs always have higher priority than the DRBs, since the content in SRBs is assumed to have smaller data volume and be critical for maintaining the radio resource control (RRC) connectivity. This means that if the CP has a lot of data to transmit, the UP data may be pre-empted or at least deprioritized, which can reduce the experience connection quality (i.e., Quality of Experience, QoE) for the user.

[0044] The SRBs also have a fixed priority in current 3GPP standards. In most cases, if x<y, SRBx has higher priority than SRBy (e.g., SRB1 has higher priority than SRB2). This makes using the SRBs inflexible in some applications.

[0045] An application for the SRB with different priorities would be the study of Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) for New Radio (NR) air interface, which is now ongoing in 3GPP Rel-18. The goal is to explore the benefits and specification aspects (extension of existing frameworks and/or creation of new frameworks) of augmenting the air interface with features enabling improved support of AI/ML-based algorithms for enhanced performance and/or reduced complexity/overhead. Several use cases are considered to enable the identification of a common AI/ML framework, including functional requirements of AI/ML architecture, which could be used in subsequent projects. The study should also identify areas where AI/ML could improve the performance of air-interface functions. Specification impacts will be assessed to improve the overall understanding of what would be required to enable AI/ML techniques for the air interface.

[0046] FIG. 2 illustrates example functional architecture 200 of AI/ML for air interface. For AI/ML, there are some agreements. First, the intention is to cover functional arch in general, e.g., covering both model-based and/or functionality -based lifecycle management (LCM). Second, “model Storage” in FIG. 2 is only intended as a reference point (if any) for protocol terminations etc., for model transfer/delivery etc. It is not intended to limit where models are actually stored. Third, it is agreed to remove “model” in Model Management and Model Inference in FIG. 2 and for the actions/the arrow form Management to Inference (to reduce the risk for misunderstanding). Fourth, management may be model-based management, or functionality-based management.

[0047] Further, it is proposed to consider the following existing frameworks as starting points for data collection: SON & MDT, UE assistance information, RRM measurement reports, channel status information (CSI) reporting framework, LPP providing location information. Regarding the AI/ML methods, it is proposed to deprioritize some aspects of on-line/real-time training.

[0048] In various aspects of AI/ML, data collection and report from devices to devices in the communication systems are needed. [0049] The MDT reporting was introduced in the communication systems with a simple aim: the terminal device collects measurements and then the network utilizes to optimize the network. This includes two mechanisms: logged MDT (where the terminal device collects these measurements in RRC IDLE mode as part of its regular reselection measurements according to specific event), and immediate MDT (where the network can use the RRM measurements collected in RRC CONNECTED mode to collect data for the network optimization processes). The logged MDT requires the terminal device to measure and store the measurements for later reporting (including 64 kB as the minimum memory requirement for the terminal device), which also requires user consent to be provided since the reported information may contain e.g., terminal location information. Immediate MDT is transparent to the terminal device and the network collects the measurements as part of its normal operation.

[0050] The QoE reporting mechanism was introduced in the LTE communication systems to allow the network to collect application layer statistics from the terminal device, i.e., to allow the radio network to perceive whether the end-to-end connection quality is good or bad. This was later adopted also for the NR network.

[0051] For DRBs, the so-called unified bearers were introduced in EUTRA-NR Dual Connection (EN-DC) to make the anchoring point of a DRB invisible to the terminal device. A DRB may be anchored in either a master node (MN) or a secondary node (SN), but the terminal device wouldn’t know that except for the security key configuration. The so-called unified bearers were made DRBs agnostic to the location of the packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) anchoring point.

[0052] To send any data from a terminal device to a network device, the terminal device needs to have a radio bearer established. Different radio bearers exist, but some new types of data, such as the AI/ML-related data, are introduced in the Radio Access Network (RAN). The selection of a radio bearer(s) to send the new types of data is under uncertainty. In current communication specifications (3 GPP specifications) discussions on how to transmit AI/ML-related training data between the terminal device and the network device, there has been two main options: CP (i.e., using an SRB, e.g., SRB4) or UP (i.e., using a specific DRB for the AI/ML). The discussion has centered on where the training is done. For CP, this would be inside the 3GPP core network, while for UP this could also be within some external service outside the CN. [0053] Based on the above agreements, it can be seen that CP -based methods is prioritized for data collection for the (offline) training of the models. This implies that there are no latency requirements for collecting such data. However, the collection of the data requires the network device to setup SRBs, which, considering the legacy behavior, have higher priority over DRBs. Considering that the collection of the data for the (offline) model training usually has no latency requirements, for this case, it would not be desirable to prioritize the SRBs over the DRBs.

[0054] As discussed above, the SRB always have higher priority than the DRB, since their content is assumed to have smaller data volume and be critical for maintaining the RRC connectivity. This means that if the CP has a lot of data to transmit, the UP data may be pre-empted or at least deprioritized, which can reduce the experience connection quality (i.e. Quality of Experience, QoE) for the user. One issue with the SRBs indexed in a fixed manner (e.g., SRB4) is that their use is dependent on SRBs with lower index and their establishment. To use SRBy, its often required to establish SRBx (x<y) with lower priority (e.g., at least SRBO, 1, 2). For the AI/ML use case, the amount of data can be at least 10 times (i.e., about 100 kB size) than that of the normal maximum RRC message size (of 9 kB), which means that the data needs to be segmented to a number of 9 kB pieces and transmitted in several RRC messages. This can create some pre-emption for the user plane data. If the size of the AI/ML training data further increases in the future, there may be other challenges since RRC only allows up to 16 segments to be transmitted (i.e., the maximum RRC message that can be transmitted is 16*9 kB = 151 kB). This can create bottlenecks for AI/ML in the future if the CP option is chosen. Such a problem can be relevant for both 5G systems as well as 6G systems in the future.

[0055] Another issue with the SRB indexed in a fixed manner is that their assignments to Logical Channel IDs (existing between the Radio Link Control, RLC, layer and Media Access Control, MAC, layer) need to always respect the key principle of assigning SRBs with higher priority over DRBs. Any SRB and any DRB maps to Logical Channel ID. Thus, any new introduction of subsequent SRB IDs (for a new purpose) requires changes to supposedly fixed assignment of Logical Channel ID to identifiers of radio bearers. For example, LCH ID =0, 1, 2 are reserved for SRB 0, 1, 2, allowing assigning LCH ID =3 for DRB 1. With any new SRB ID introduction, modelling of LCH ID assignment to radio bearer identifiers needs to be re-designed and amended to the previously established fixed rule (e.g., for SRB 3, LCH ID =3 needs to be reserved for SRB 3, and the following LCH IDs are then assigned to DRBs). Thus, according to the conventional priority setting, any new SRB introduction impacts the fixed range split and handling of the radio bearers mapping to logical channels.

[0056] According to example embodiments of the present disclosure, there is proposed a solution for a radio bearer with adjustable priorities. In this solution, a new type of radio bearer, referred to as adjustable (or adaptive) radio bearer, is introduced. The adjustable radio bearer has an adjustable priority, which can be either semi-static (e.g., configured by the network signaling) or depend on the radio conditions or one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted on the radio bearer. The priority for or of the adjustable radio bearer can be based on one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted (e.g. type of data), and/or one or more radio conditions between the network device and the terminal device.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the new type of radio bearer may be a new type of SRB, referred to as adjustable or adaptive SRB (aSRB) with an adjustable scheduling priority. The priority for or of the aSRB can be either semi-static (e.g., configured by the network signaling) or depend on the radio conditions or one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted on the radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the new type of radio bearer may be understood as a new type of DRB instead of SRB.

[0058] This allows the network to define an adaptive radio bearer in a form of DRB- SRB hybrid for cases where the data may not always have highest priority, while allowing the network control over when the adjustable radio bearer can still be transmitted with a high priority but without changing the normal LCP process. On the other hand, such a hybrid radio bearer can enable the option of communication between the terminal device and the network device for sending data over the radio connection without limitations to handle this as a subsequent bearer establishment (following certain radio bearer establishment and at the backbone network, such as for SRBO/1/2).

[0059] In addition, in some example embodiments, the terminal device may also be configured which data is sent over the adjustable radio bearer, or may have more than one adjustable radio bearer, each with its own priority. This could allow more flexibility for the network control over uplink transmissions, as well as provide a “unified radio bearer”. In this case, data that are not useful to the network can wait for transmission, whereas data that can be useful to the network or to both the network and the terminal device (e.g., data that are used from both the network and the terminal device for training AI/ML models) can be transmitted with a higher priority. In some example embodiments, different types of data can have their own adjustable radio bearers, with different priority levels.

[0060] Example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0061] Reference is now made to FIG. 3, which shows a signaling chart 300 for communication according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference is made to FIG. 1 to describe the signaling chart 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the signaling chart 300 involves the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120.

[0062] In the signaling chart 200, the first apparatus 110 obtains (310) a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer. The first apparatus 110 can derive at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, which is determined based on at least one of signalling from the second apparatus 120, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. For example, obtaining the configuration may comprise receiving configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer. The configuration may be received from the second apparatus 120 or some other apparatus, such as network apparatus. In one example, the configuration configures the at least one adjustable radio bearer for the first apparatus 110 (e.g. enables the use of said at least one adjustable radio bearer). Additionally, the obtaining the configuration may comprise obtaining preconfigured information (e.g. defined in one or more cellular standards according to which the first apparatus 110 is configured to operate) on the priority of the at least one adjustable radio bearer. So, in some examples, the received configuration may be used to activate the at least one adjustable radio bearer for the first apparatus 110, but the priority may be determined based on preconfigured information associated with the activated at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0063] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 determines (302) at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus 110, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. The second apparatus 120 transmits (305), to the first apparatus 110, the configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the configuration at least indicates (e.g. comprises an information element or elements indicating the priority) the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer. In this case, the first apparatus 110 can receive the configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer from the second apparatus 120.

[0064] In some example embodiments, the configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer may be received by the first apparatus 110 from another network entity other than the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may receive the adjustable radio bearer established by the second apparatus 120 and may determine itself the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0065] An adjustable radio bearer may be understood as a new type of radio bearer introduced with adjustable priorities. As described, the adjustability of the priority may mean that the priority of the aSRB can be changed by the network (e.g. second apparatus 120 or some other network apparatus) or by the first apparatus 110. This is different to the known SRBs which rely on using fixed priority schema which usually is defined in cellular specifications. The adjustable radio bearer may be considered as a DRB-SRB hybrid as it has priority adjustability but is established on the control plane. In some example embodiments, an adjustable radio bearer may classified as a new type of SRB, referred to as aSRB. In some example embodiments, an adjustable radio bearer may classified as a new type of DRB, referred to as aDRB. In the following, for the purpose of discussion, the adjustable radio bearer proposed herein is referred to as “aSRB.”

[0066] In the example embodiments of the present disclosure, the second apparatus 120 is able to control the priority for the adjustable radio bearer either via configuration signaling (e.g., the RRC signalling can semi-statically fix the priority for the adjustable radio bearer) or dynamically (e.g., the type of contained data over the adjustable radio bearer determines the priority for the adjustable radio bearer). For example, the second apparatus 120 may transmit configuration signalling (e.g. RRC) to the first apparatus 110. The first apparatus 110 may receive the signalling and determine priority for the adjustable radio bearer based on the received signalling.

[0067] In some example embodiments, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer (e.g., aSRB) may depend on one or more of the following factors, including the characteristics of the data (e.g. type of data) to be transmitted from the first apparatus 110, the radio conditions, and/or other factors. For example, a first type of data may have a first priority and a second type of data may have a second priority, where first priority is higher than second priority. Based on which type of data (first or second type of data) is transmitted, by the first apparatus 110, using the adjustable radio bearer, the priority of the adjustable radio bearer is first priority or second priority. As one illustrative example, first priority may be higher than priority of one or more DRBs, but second priority may be lower than said one or more DRBs. This provides flexibility for configuration of the adjustable bearer as the type of data may affect the priority, and hence the transfer of data from the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120. Similarly, radio conditions may affect the priority of the adjustable bearer. Determination of the priority for the adjustable radio bearer may be performed, based on one or more of the given criteria/examples, at the first apparatus 110, or at the second apparatus 120 (or some other network apparatus) in case the second apparatus 120 may indicate the priority for the first apparatus 110 as described herein.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be determined based on the type of the data to be transmitted, e.g., logged data, measurement results, AI/ML data collection, application/upper layer data and/or messaging, etc. In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be determined based on the type of embedded data in the SRB, e.g., one or more of CP information, non-access stratum (NAS) message, AI/ML training data, and the like.

[0069] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be alternatively or additionally determined based on a termination point (or target) of the data, which can be a selective network entity such as a Distributed Unit (DU), a Centralized Unit (CU), Operation Administration and Maintenance (0AM), Core Network (CN), or a cloud-based network entity that is capable to terminate an SRB.

[0070] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be alternatively or additionally determined based on whether the data is to be segmented or not. For example, if the amount of data is larger than the maximum size of the aSRB, the data needs to be segmented to a number of pieces and transmitted in several messages (e.g., RRC messages) using aSRB. In this case, the segmented aSRB may be configured with a lower priority than the non-segmented SRBs or aSRBs.

[0071] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be alternatively or additionally determined based on importance of the data to the second apparatus 120 (e.g., whether the data to be sent is useful to the second apparatus 120). Data transmitted from the first apparatus 110 may be classified as data that is useful to the second apparatus 120 (e.g., standardized measurement reports), assistance information, and data that is not useful to the second apparatus 120 (e.g., UE-internal measurements). In some examples, the data that is useful to the second apparatus 120 may be more valuable and can be prioritized than the data that is UE- internal and may (possibly) be transparent to the second apparatus. In some example embodiments, if data is segmented for transmission via serval RRC messages, different segments may be determined with different priorities. For example, segments which contain information useful to both the second apparatus 120 and the first apparatus 110 may be more valuable to be prioritized, when compared to segments which contain UE-specific information which could (possibly) be transparent to the second apparatus 120.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be alternatively or additionally determined based on a buffer status of DRBs at the first apparatus 110, and/or a quality of service (QoS) requirement of DRBs at the first apparatus 110. For example, if the first apparatus 110 has a full buffer of data to be transmitted using DRBs and the data have strict QoS requirements, the aSRB may have a lower priority than the DRBs.

[0073] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be alternatively or additionally determined based on a use case related to the data to be transmitted. In some example embodiments, the use case related to the data may be determined based on the termination point of the data and/or may indicate implicitly a final destination of the data. For example, the data may be terminated at RAN only, at a RAN internal entity (e.g., CU, DU, cloud), or at a network entity outside RAN (e.g., cloud, Core Network, Network Data Analytics Function, Management Data analytics, etc.). In some example embodiments, the use case related to the data may be determined based on the purpose of the transmitted data. For example, in the AI/ML data collection, the use case may depend on whether the collected data is used in AI/ML model training for particular optimization sub-use cases such as CSI, beam measurement (BM), positioning, user plane, user plane over NAS, logged data, etc.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be alternatively or additionally determined based on one or more radio conditions in one or more of the serving cells for the first apparatus. For example, if the first apparatus 110 is in a good radio condition with the second apparatus 120, the aSRB may be determined as having a higher priority since it can be fully transmitted more quickly. That is, better the radio conditions, higher the priority. In other words, as radio conditions weaken, priority may be adjusted to be lower.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may change the priority for an aSRB relatively based on the type of data that it is transmitting. In this case, the aSRB may be configured by the second apparatus 120 (or by some other network apparatus) to be used as a link and to open the link for transmission. The second apparatus 120 may not have to pass along the configuration parameters the explicit priority value of the aSRB. In some example embodiments, if there are two or more SRBs, one can be used for control data (frequent or constantly available data), but less frequent and occasionally appearing data may be sent by the first apparatus 110 on any next free available SRB (e.g., the second SRB). In some examples, an aSRB with a given priority may be used for transmission one type of data, but at other times the aSRB with the same priority may be used for a different type of data or data with different characteristics. In some examples, an aSRB may be determined as a high priority for AI/ML data collection, but at other occasions the aSRB may be determined as having the lowest priority among others aSRBs that are used for other types of data.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be configured by the second apparatus 120 and signaled to the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be determined via a configured priority value. For example, the second apparatus 120 may transmit RRC signaling to configure the LCH and LCG for the aSRB in the same way as for DRBs. In some example embodiments, the priority for the aSRB may be determined via network control information. For example, the second apparatus 120 may transmit MAC control element (CE) or PDCP control packet data unit (PDU), to provide the currently used priority for the aSRB.

[0077] Depending on the type of contained data and the applied priority, the aSRB can be enabled in a specific or more tailored-to-purpose format. In some example embodiments, the aSRB may include a nas-SRB for data that is transparent to the radio access network, but used to piggyback core network signalling e.g., towards NAS. This can be one SRB that is commonly used for any NAS transport message, but may also enable differentiation of different NAS signaling types (e.g., nas-i-SRB, nas-ii-SRB, etc, where “i” indicates a NAS message type). In some example embodiments, the aSRB may include a dSRB for data, dedicated, or deprioritized SRB, which may be an SRB with a lower priority than other SRBs. In some example embodiments, the aSRB may include an ai-SRB for AI/ML model or model training data. In some example embodiments, the aSRB may include an xSRB for extended reality service-related data, or any aSRB with data embedded according to the pre-configuration between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the aSRB may include an e-SRB, which may be any aSRB with data embedded according to the pre-configuration between the first apparatus 110 and the second apparatus 120.

[0078] The first apparatus 110 determines (325) that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer. For example, determination (325) may be based on the obtained configuration. Alternatively, step 325 may denote that the first apparatus 110 determines that data to be transmitted is to be transmitted using said one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer. Such determination may be based on the configuration and/or preconfigured information at the first apparatus 110.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 receives, from the second apparatus 120 or other apparatus, the list of aSRBs and priorities for each of them. The first apparatus 110 then transmits data to the appropriate aSRB based on the given priority and the type of the data. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may be configured which type(s) of data is allowed to be transmitted over an aSRB, or may have more than one aSRB, each with their own priority and its allowed type(s) of data. The first apparatus 110 may then determine, based on the type of data that is currently pending for transmission, whether the data is allowed to be transmitted using the aSRB with a certain priority, e.g., whether the type of the data matches with the priority for the aSRB. In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may provide the criteria based on which the first apparatus 110 makes such a determination. For example, the second apparatus 120 may configure the first apparatus 110 which data can be conveyed on which aSRB.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 determines whether there is data pending for transmission on a radio bearer on a control plane, e.g., data to be transmitted using SRB. If the pending data requires an SRB for transmission, the first apparatus 110 may determine, based on the configuration, an aSRB for transmission of the data. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine an appropriate aSRB from the configured aSRB based on a type of the data that is pending for transmission and a mapping between types of data and the at least one adjustable radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine to use the aSRB which matches the priorities given by the second apparatus 120. In some examples, the first apparatus 110 may obtain a mapping from a type of data to a priority for aSRB or a mapping from respective types of data to respective priorities of aSRBs. The first apparatus 110 may use the mapping to determine whether or which aSRB can be used for transmitting the current pending type of pending data. In some example embodiments, the mapping from a type of data to a priority for aSRB or the mapping from respective types of data to respective priorities of aSRBs may be received from the second apparatus 120, or may be pre-configured or predefined at the first apparatus 110. That is, the second apparatus 120 configures the first apparatus 110 with which data goes to which aSRB and with which priority.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 may transmit (315) an UL grant to the first apparatus 110 for UL transmission. Upon receipt (320) of the UL grant, the first apparatus 110 determines an aSRB for transmitting the pending data.

[0082] The so-called “unified bearer” is to make DRBs agnostic to the location of the PDCP anchoring point. A similar idea also applies to the aSRB. The first apparatus 110 (e.g., the terminal device) only knows the (relative) priority for the aSRB, which is then pushed to the normal LCP process for scheduling. The first apparatus 110 determines (330) the priority for the adjustable radio bearer to be used and apply the priority for the adjustable radio bearer in the LCP process.

[0083] The first apparatus 110 transmits (335), to the second apparatus 120, the data on the determined adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer. The data on the adjustable radio bearer may be transmitted based on the LCP process. With the priority for the adjustable radio bearer (e.g., aSRB) determined, in the LCP process, a token bucket mechanism may be utilized to ensure the higher priority data is scheduled more than the lower priority data for transmission.

[0084] The second apparatus 120 receives (340), from the first apparatus 110, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus 110 according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0085] In some example embodiments, depending on the configurations, in some cases, the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, e.g., the at least one priority for the at least one aSRB, may be adjusted to be lower than at least one priority for at least one DRB. In some example embodiments when a plurality of aSRBs are configured, at least one priority for at least one of the plurality of aSRBs is lower than at least one priority for at least one DRB.

[0086] In some example embodiments, at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, e.g., the at least one priority for the at least one aSRB, is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one SRB. That is, the SRB(s) with the fixed high priority may be maintained for use. In some example embodiments, the at least one SRB with the fixed priority may include SRB 0 which is configured for request connection and has a first fixed priority, and/or SRB1 which is configured for setup connection and has a second fixed priority. Usually, the first fixed priority for SRB 0 and the second fixed priority for SRB 1 are higher than priorities of DRBs. When compared with aSRBs, the first fixed priority for SRB 0 and the second fixed priority for SRB 1 may also be higher than the priorities of the aSRBs.

[0087] In some example embodiments, a certain number of SRBs may be reversed as aSRBs, which may be adaptively configured as any of nas-SRB, d-SRB, ai-SRB, xSRB, e-SRB as mentioned above, and/or any other type of aSRB. For example, except for SRB 0 and SRB 1 which are mapped to LCH ID 0 and LCH ID 0, 4 SRBs may be reserved for aSRBs and are mapped to LCH ID 2 to LCH ID 5. Table 1 in the following shows such an example. In this example, LCH IDs from 6 to the maximum LCH ID may be assigned to DRBs. It would be appreciated that in other examples, more than 4 SRBs or less than 4 SRBs may be reserved for aSRBs, and/or more than two SRBs may be configured with fixed priorities.

Table 1. Two SRBs fixed (SRB0, 1) and 4 SRBs reserved for aSRBs

[0088] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may obtain configuration for at least one or both of the following: SRB0 having a first fixed priority, and SRB1 having a second fixed priority. The first apparatus 110 may further obtain configuration for an aSRB having an adjustable priority. For example, the configurations may be received from the second apparatus. The first apparatus 110 may, based on a type of data to be transmitted, determine, amongst SRB0, SRB1, and the adjustable signalling radio bearer, an SRB to use for transmitting the data. The first apparatus 110 may utilize the determined SRB (e.g., SRB0, SRB1, or aSRB) to transmit the data to the second apparatus 120. For example, the first fixed priority and/or second fixed priority may be preconfigured for the first apparatus 110 (e.g. via cellular specifications). The adjustable priority may be determined as indicated in various examples herein. Thus, for example, if first apparatus 110 determines to transmit the data using the aSRB, it may transmit the data using the aSRB with the associated priority. As discussed, the priority may depend on e.g. type of the data as for instance the aSRB may be suitable for transmitting multiple types of data with one or more different priorities).

[0089] In some example embodiments, there may not be SRBs with fixed priorities, and all the SRBs have adjustable priorities. For examples, all SRBs may be considered as aSRB. In some cases, one or more aSRBs may be configured as dedicated SRB, for a certain type(s) of data and having higher priorities than other aSRBs. For example, a first SRB, e.g., SRB 0, may be configured as an aSRB dedicated for a first type of data, and a second SRB, e.g., SRB 1, may be configured as an aSRB dedicated for a second type of data. The first type of data may be more important than the second type of data, and thus SRB 0 may have a higher priority than that of the SRB 1. In some examples, SRB 0 may be dedicated for data used for very initial access or critical access, and SRB 1 may be dedicated for data used for very initial access, critical access or security setup.

[0090] In addition to SRB 0 and SRB 1, there may be one or more other aSRBs, which may be determined with at least one priority lower than the priority for SRB 0 and/or the priority for SRB 1. In some example embodiments, a certain number of SRBs may be reversed as any of other aSRBs, which may be adaptively configured as any of nas-SRB, d-SRB, ai-SRB, xSRB, e-SRB as mentioned above, and/or any other type of aSRB. Table 2 in the following shows such an example. In this example, LCH ID 0 may be assigned for SRB 0, which may be a d-SRB, and LCH ID 1 may be assigned for SRB 1, which may be another d-SRB. Further, LCH IDs from 2 to an adjustable SRB maximum number may be assigned to other aSRB. Then LCH IDs from the adjustable SRB maximum number plus one) to the maximum LCH ID may be assigned to DRBs. It would be appreciated that in other examples, more than two aSRBs may be configured with higher priorities for dedicated data.

Table 2. Two SRBs reserved for critical adjustable SRBs and a number of SRBs reserved for any of aSRBs

[0091] According to the example embodiments of the present disclosure, the network side (e.g., the second apparatus 120) can define an adaptive radio bearer in a form of DRB- SRB hybrid for cases where the data may not always have highest priority, while allowing network control over when the aSRB can still be transmitted with a high priority but without changing the normal LCP process. On the other hand, such hybrid radio bearer can enable the option of communication between the terminal device and the network device for sending data over radio without limitation to handle this as a subsequent bearer establishment (following certain bearer establishment over radio and at backbone network, such as SRBO/1/2).

[0092] Additionally, the terminal side (e.g., the first apparatus 110) may also be configured which data is sent over the adjustable radio bearer, or may have more than one adjustable radio bearer, each with its own priority. This could allow more flexibility for the network control over uplink transmissions, as well as provide a “unified radio bearer”. In this case, data that are not useful to the network can wait for transmission, whereas data that can be useful to the network or to both the network and the terminal device (e.g., data that are used from both the network and the terminal device for training AI/ML models) can be transmitted with a higher priority. In some example embodiments, different types of data can have their own adjustable radio bearers, with different priority levels.

[0093] In some example embodiments, after one or more aSRBs are configured by the second apparatus 120, the first apparatus 110 may use the one or more aSRBs, without receiving information from the second apparatus 120 to activate the aSRB(s).

[0094] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may rely on availability information about the one or more aSRBs. FIG. 4 illustrates a signaling chart 400 for communication according to such example embodiments.

[0095] In the signaling chart 400, the first apparatus 110 obtains (410) a configuration for an aSRB. The priority for the aSRB may be determined in any way as discussed above. In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 110 determines (402) the priority for the aSRB and transmits (405) the configuration for the aSRB to the first apparatus 110 In some example embodiments, the configuration may at least indicate the priority for the aSRB. In other example embodiments, the configuration for the aSRB may be obtained by the first apparatus 110 from other network entity, or the priority for the aSRB may be determined by the first apparatus 110.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may not use the aSRB until receiving information from the second apparatus 120 to activate the aSRB. The second apparatus 120 may perform (412) aSRB activation with the first apparatus 110 by transmitting availability information to indicate that the aSRB is activated. By receiving the availability information, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the configured aSRB is activated and then may use the aSRB for data transmission. [0097] In some example embodiments, the availability information may have already been provided beforehand from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus (e.g., it could have been pre-configured), so no further signalling is needed from the second apparatus 120.

[0098] For data transmission, the second apparatus 120 may transmit (415) an UL grant for the first apparatus 110. With the UL grant received (420), the first apparatus 110 may decide to perform data transmission on the UL grant. The first apparatus 110 determines (425), based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on the aSRB. In accordance with a determination that the data is allowed to be transmitted on the aSRB, the first apparatus 110 transmits (435), to the second apparatus 120, the data on the aSRB according to the priority for the aSRB.

[0099] Specifically, the first apparatus 110 may determine (430) the priority for the aSRB to be used and apply the priority for the aSRB in the LCP process. The priority for the aSRB may be explicitly configured by the second apparatus 120 in the configuration, or may be determined by the first apparatus 110 based on the type of data that it is transmitting. The data may then be transmitted on the aSRB based on the LCP process. The second apparatus 120 receives (440), from the first apparatus 110, the data on the aSRB.

[0100] It would be appreciated that the example embodiments as described with reference to the signaling chart 300 in FIG. 3 are also applied to the signaling chart 400 in FIG. 4.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may report information for the second apparatus 120 to determine the configuration(s) for one or more aSRBs. FIG. 5 illustrates a signaling chart 500 for communication according to such example embodiments of the present disclosure. In the signaling chart 500, the first apparatus 110 obtains (520) a plurality of configurations for a plurality of aSRBs a priority for an adjustable signalling radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus. In some example embodiments, a configuration for an aSRB indicates a priority for an adjustable signalling radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 transmits (505), to the second apparatus 120, information indicating at least one type of data to be transmitted by the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120. The data to be transmitted by the first apparatus 110 may be classified into different types according to various classification criteria. In some examples, the data may include a type of data that is useful to the second apparatus 120, and a type of data that is not useful but is transparent for the second apparatus 120. Other types of data may be indicated by the first apparatus 110 to the second apparatus 120.

[0102] The second apparatus 120 receives (510) the information from the first apparatus 110 and determines (512) respective priorities for a plurality of aSRBs based at least in part on the at least one type of data to be transmitted from the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the second apparatus 120 transmits (515), to the first apparatus 110, a plurality of configurations for the plurality of aSRBs, a configuration at least indicating a priority for an aSRB. In some example embodiments, the plurality of configurations may be transmitted to the first apparatus 110 from other network entity.

[0103] With the plurality of configurations for the aSRBs obtained (e.g., from the second apparatus 120 or from other network entity, or by the first apparatus 110 itself), the first apparatus 110 determine (540), based on the plurality of configurations, a specific aSRB from the plurality of aSRBs for transmission of data. The determined specific aSRB may sometimes be referred to as a first aSRB.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the data is pending for transmission on an SRB in the control plane and then determine whether the data is allowed to be transmitted using an SRB. In accordance with a determination that the data is allowed to be transmitted on the SRB, the first apparatus 110 may determine, based on the plurality of configurations, the first Asrb from the plurality of aSRBs for transmission of the data.

[0105] Specifically, the first apparatus 110 may determine (545) the priority for the determined aSRB to be used and apply the priority for the aSRB in the LCP process. The priority for the aSRB may be explicitly configured by the second apparatus 120 in the configuration, or may be determined by the first apparatus 110 based on the type of data that it is transmitting.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may determine one or more aSRBs for use without receiving information from the second apparatus 120 to indicate that the aSRB(s) is activate. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may not use the aSRB until receiving information from the second apparatus 120 to activate the aSRB. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second apparatus 120 may perform (522) aSRB activation with the first apparatus 110 by transmitting availability information to indicate that the aSRB is activated. By receiving the availability information, the first apparatus 110 may determine that the configured aSRB is activated and then may use the aSRB for data transmission. In some example embodiments, the availability information may have already been provided beforehand from the second apparatus 120 to the first apparatus (e.g., it could have been pre-configured), so no further signalling is needed from the second apparatus 120.

[0107] For data transmission, the second apparatus 120 may transmit (530) an UL grant for the first apparatus 110. With the UL grant received (535), the first apparatus 110 may decide to perform data transmission on the UL grant and determine an aSRB from the plurality of configured aSRBs for data transmission.

[0108] The first apparatus 110 transmits (550), to the second apparatus 120, the data on the determined aSRB according to the priority for the aSRB. For example, with the priority for the aSRB determined, the data may then be transmitted on the aSRB based on the LCP process. The second apparatus 120 receives (555), from the first apparatus 110, the data on the aSRB.

[0109] It would be appreciated that the example embodiments as described with reference to the signaling chart 300 in FIG. 3 and the signaling chart 400 in FIG. 4 are also applied to the signaling chart 500 in FIG. 5.

[0110] FIG. 6 shows a flowchart of an example method 600 implemented at a first apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 600 will be described from the perspective of the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[OHl] At block 610, the first apparatus 110 obtains a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the configuration indicates at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0113] At block 620, the first apparatus 110 determines, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0114] In some example embodiments, the method 600 comprises: in accordance with a determination that data is pending for transmission on a radio bearer on a control plane, determining, based on the configuration, one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer for transmission of the data.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the method 600 comprises: determining one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer for transmission of the data based on a type of the data and a mapping between types of data and the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the method 600 comprises: determining, based on a type of the data and the priority for the adjustable signalling radio bearer, that the data is allowed to be transmitted using the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the method 600 comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, a mapping from the type of the data to the priority of the adjustable signalling radio bearer, and determining, based on the mapping, that the data is allowed to be transmitted using the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0118] At block 630, the first apparatus 110 transmits, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0119] In some example embodiments, the method 600 comprises: transmitting the data on the adjustable signalling radio bearer, without receiving information from the second apparatus to activate the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0120] In some example embodiments, the method 600 further comprises: determining that the adjustable signalling radio bearer is activated based on preconfigured availability information or availability information received from the second apparatus; and in accordance with a determination that the adjustable signalling radio bearer is activated, transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus 110 may obtain a plurality of configurations for a plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers. The first apparatus 110 may determine, based on the plurality of configurations, a first adjustable signalling radio bearer from the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers for transmission of data; and transmit, to the second apparatus, the data on the first adjustable signalling radio bearer according to a first priority of the first adjustable signalling radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the method 600 further comprises: receiving, from the second apparatus, availability information indicating that at least one of the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers is activated; and in accordance with reception of the availability information, determining the first adjustable signalling radio bearer from the at least one activated adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0122] In some example embodiments, the method 600 comprises: determining the first adjustable signalling radio bearer from the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers based on the plurality of configurations and a mapping between types of data and types of adjustable signalling radio bearers.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the at least one adjustable radio bearer is a signalling radio bearer and/or a data radio bearer.

[0124] In some example embodiments, at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the at least one signalling radio bearer with the at least one fixed priority comprises at least one of signalling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) with a first fixed priority or signalling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) with a second fixed priority, the first fixed priority and the second fixed priority being higher than priorities of data radio bearers.

[0126] In some example embodiments, the at least one adjustable radio bearer comprises: a first signalling radio bearer dedicated for a first type of data, a second signalling radio bearer dedicated for a second type of data, and at least one further signalling radio bearer with at least one priority lower than a priority for the first signalling radio bearer and/or a priority for the second signalling radio bearer.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one priority for at least one data radio bearer.

[0128] FIG. 7 shows a flowchart of an example method 700 implemented at a second apparatus in accordance with some example embodiments of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, the method 700 will be described from the perspective of the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0129] At block 710, the second apparatus 120 determines at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus.

[0130] At block 720, the second apparatus 120 transmits, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0131] At block 730, the second apparatus 120 receives, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the one or more characteristics of data comprises at least one of the following: a type of embedded data, a termination point of the data, whether the data is to be segmented or not, importance of the data to the second apparatus, a buffer status of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, a quality of service requirement of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, or a use case related to the data.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: determining respective priorities of the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers or at least one priority of at least one adjustable signalling radio bearer based on at least one of the following: a type of embedded data, a termination point of the data, a configured priority value for the adjustable signalling radio bearer, whether the data is to be segmented or not, importance of the data to the second apparatus, a radio condition between the first apparatus and the second apparatus, a buffer status of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, a quality of service requirement of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, or network control information, or a use case related to the data.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a mapping from the at least one type of the data to the priority of the adjustable signalling radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, a mapping from types of data to respective priorities for the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers. [0135] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, the configuration for the adjustable signalling radio bearer, without transmitting information to the first apparatus to activate the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the method 700 further comprises: transmitting, to the first apparatus, availability information indicating that the adjustable signalling radio bearer is activated.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the at least one adjustable radio bearer comprises: a first signalling radio bearer dedicated for a first type of data, a second signalling radio bearer dedicated for a second type of data, and at least one further signalling radio bearer with at least one priority lower than a priority for the first signalling radio bearer or a priority for the second signalling radio bearer.

[0139] In some example embodiments, a first apparatus capable of performing any of the method 600 (for example, the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 600. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The first apparatus may be implemented as or included in the first apparatus 110 in FIG. 1.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for obtaining a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; means for determining, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the configuration indicates at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for, in accordance with a determination that data is pending for transmission on a radio bearer on a control plane, determining, based on the configuration, one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer for transmission of the data.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises: means for determining one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer for transmission of the data based on a type of the data and a mapping between types of data and the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises: means for determining, based on a type of the data and the priority for the adjustable signalling radio bearer, that the data is allowed to be transmitted using the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0145] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, a mapping from the type of the data to the priority of the adjustable signalling radio bearer, and determining, based on the mapping, that the data is allowed to be transmitted using the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises: means for transmitting the data on the adjustable signalling radio bearer, without receiving information from the second apparatus to activate the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for determining that the adjustable signalling radio bearer is activated based on preconfigured availability information or availability information received from the second apparatus; and means for, in accordance with a determination that the adjustable signalling radio bearer is activated, transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises means for obtaining a plurality of configurations for a plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers. The first apparatus also comprises means for determining, based on the plurality of configurations, a first adjustable signalling radio bearer from the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers for transmission of data; and means for transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the first adjustable signalling radio bearer according to a first priority of the first adjustable signalling radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises: means for receiving, from the second apparatus, availability information indicating that at least one of the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers is activated; and means for, in accordance with reception of the availability information, determining the first adjustable signalling radio bearer from the at least one activated adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus comprises: means for determining the first adjustable signalling radio bearer from the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers based on the plurality of configurations and a mapping between types of data and types of adjustable signalling radio bearers.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the at least one adjustable radio bearer is a signalling radio bearer and/or a data radio bearer.

[0151] In some example embodiments, at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

[0152] In some example embodiments, the at least one signalling radio bearer with the at least one fixed priority comprises at least one of signalling radio bearer 0 (SRB0) with a first fixed priority or signalling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) with a second fixed priority, the first fixed priority and the second fixed priority being higher than priorities of data radio bearers.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the at least one adjustable radio bearer comprises: a first signalling radio bearer dedicated for a first type of data, a second signalling radio bearer dedicated for a second type of data, and at least one further signalling radio bearer with at least one priority lower than a priority for the first signalling radio bearer and/or a priority for the second signalling radio bearer.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one priority for at least one data radio bearer.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 600 or the first apparatus 110. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the performance of the first apparatus.

[0156] In some example embodiments, a second apparatus capable of performing any of the method 700 (for example, the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1) may comprise means for performing the respective operations of the method 700. The means may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuitry or software module. The second apparatus may be implemented as or included in the second apparatus 120 in FIG. 1.

[0157] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus comprises means for determining at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and means for receiving, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the one or more characteristics of data comprises at least one of the following: a type of embedded data, a termination point of the data, whether the data is to be segmented or not, means for importance of the data to the second apparatus, a buffer status of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, a quality of service requirement of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, or a use case related to the data.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for determining respective priorities of the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers or at least one priority of at least one adjustable signalling radio bearer based on at least one of the following: a type of embedded data, a termination point of the data, a configured priority value for the adjustable signalling radio bearer, whether the data is to be segmented or not, importance of the data to the second apparatus, a radio condition between the first apparatus and the second apparatus, a buffer status of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, a quality of service requirement of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, or network control information, or a use case related to the data.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a mapping from the at least one type of the data to the priority of the adjustable signalling radio bearer. In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, a mapping from types of data to respective priorities for the plurality of adjustable signalling radio bearers.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, the configuration for the adjustable signalling radio bearer, without transmitting information to the first apparatus to activate the adjustable signalling radio bearer.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises: means for transmitting, to the first apparatus, availability information indicating that the adjustable signalling radio bearer is activated.

[0164] In some example embodiments, the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the at least one adjustable radio bearer comprises: a first signalling radio bearer dedicated for a first type of data, a second signalling radio bearer dedicated for a second type of data, and at least one further signalling radio bearer with at least one priority lower than a priority for the first signalling radio bearer or a priority for the second signalling radio bearer.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus further comprises means for performing other operations in some example embodiments of the method 700 or the second apparatus 120. In some example embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the performance of the second apparatus.

[0167] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of a device 800 that is suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 800 may be provided to implement a communication device, for example, the first apparatus 110 or the second apparatus 120 as shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the device 800 includes one or more processors 810, one or more memories 820 coupled to the processor 810, and one or more communication modules 840 coupled to the processor 810.

[0168] The communication module 840 is for bidirectional communications. The communication module 840 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interfaces may represent any interface that is necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, the communication module 840 may include at least one antenna.

[0169] The processor 810 may be of any type suitable to the local technical network and may include one or more of the following: general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs) and processors based on multicore processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. The device 800 may have multiple processors, such as an application specific integrated circuit chip that is slaved in time to a clock which synchronizes the main processor.

[0170] The memory 820 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of the non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a Read Only Memory (ROM) 824, an electrically programmable read only memory (EPROM), a flash memory, a hard disk, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disk (DVD), an optical disk, a laser disk, and other magnetic storage and/or optical storage. Examples of the volatile memories include, but are not limited to, a random access memory (RAM) 822 and other volatile memories that will not last in the power-down duration.

[0171] A computer program 830 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 810. The instructions of the program 830 may include instructions for performing operations/acts of some example embodiments of the present disclosure. The program 830 may be stored in the memory, e.g., the ROM 824. The processor 810 may perform any suitable actions and processing by loading the program 830 into the RAM 822.

[0172] The example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by means of the program 830 so that the device 800 may perform any process of the disclosure as discussed with reference to FIG. 3 to FIG.7. The example embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the program 830 may be tangibly contained in a computer readable medium which may be included in the device 800 (such as in the memory 820) or other storage devices that are accessible by the device 800. The device 800 may load the program 830 from the computer readable medium to the RAM 822 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer readable medium may include any types of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, a flash memory, a hard disk, CD, DVD, and the like. The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0174] FIG. 9 shows an example of the computer readable medium 900 which may be in form of CD, DVD or other optical storage disk. The computer readable medium 900 has the program 830 stored thereon.

[0175] Generally, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device. While various aspects of embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other pictorial representations, it is to be understood that the block, apparatus, system, technique or method described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0176] Some example embodiments of the present disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer readable medium, such as a non- transitory computer readable medium. The computer program product includes computerexecutable instructions, such as those included in program modules, being executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, to carry out any of the methods as described above. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, or the like that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The functionality of the program modules may be combined or split between program modules as desired in various embodiments. Machine-executable instructions for program modules may be executed within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, program modules may be located in both local and remote storage media.

[0177] Program code for carrying out methods of the present disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, cause the functions/operations specified in the flowcharts and/or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may execute entirely on a machine, partly on the machine, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the machine and partly on a remote machine or entirely on the remote machine or server.

[0178] In the context of the present disclosure, the computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable the device, apparatus or processor to perform various processes and operations as described above. Examples of the carrier include a signal, computer readable medium, and the like.

[0179] The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable medium may include but not limited to an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples of the computer readable storage medium would include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0180] Further, while operations are depicted in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Likewise, while several specific implementation details are contained in the above discussions, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated, certain features that are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in a plurality of embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0181] Although the present disclosure has been described in languages specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the present disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

[0182] The abbreviations used herein are listed below together with their representation in unshortened form. It is noted that widely established and unique abbreviations can be assumed as known.

List of abbreviations

Al Artificial Intelligence

CA Carrier Aggregation

CP Control Plane

CSI Channel Status Information

DC Dual Connectivity

DRB Data Radio Bearer gNB 5G Node-B

LCH Logical Channel

LCP Logical Channel Prioritization

LTE Long Term Evolution

LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

MDT Minimization of Drive Tests

MCG Master Cell Group ML Machine Learning

MN Master Node

NAS Non-Access Stratum

NR New Radio PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol

PDU Protocol Data Unit

QoE Quality of Experience

RRC Radio Resource Control

RRM Radio Resource Management SCG Secondary Cell Group

SN Secondary Node

SON Self-Organized Networks

SRB Signalling Radio Bearer

UE User Equipment UP User Plane

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus at least to: obtain a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; determine, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and transmit, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration indicates at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first apparatus is caused to: determine one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer for transmission of the data based on a type of the data and a mapping between types of data and the at least one adjustable radio bearer.

4. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one adjustable radio bearer is a signalling radio bearer and/or a data radio bearer.

5. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least one signalling radio bearer with the at least one fixed priority comprises at least one of signalling radio bearer 0 (SRBO) with a first fixed priority or signalling radio bearer 1 (SRB1) with a second fixed priority, the first fixed priority and the second fixed priority being higher than priorities of data radio bearers.

7. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one adjustable radio bearer comprises: a first signalling radio bearer dedicated for a first type of data, a second signalling radio bearer dedicated for a second type of data, and at least one further signalling radio bearer with at least one priority lower than a priority for the first signalling radio bearer and/or a priority for the second signalling radio bearer.

8. The apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one priority for at least one data radio bearer.

9. A second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus at least to: determine at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; transmit, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and receive, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the one or more characteristics of data comprises at least one of the following: a type of embedded data, a termination point of the data, whether the data is to be segmented or not, importance of the data to the second apparatus, a buffer status of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, a quality of service requirement of data radio bearers at the first apparatus, or a use case related to the data.

11. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer is lower than at least one fixed priority for at least one signalling radio bearer.

12. The apparatus of any of claims 9 to 10, wherein the at least one adjustable radio bearer comprises: a first signalling radio bearer dedicated for a first type of data, a second signalling radio bearer dedicated for a second type of data, and at least one further signalling radio bearer with at least one priority lower than a priority for the first signalling radio bearer or a priority for the second signalling radio bearer.

13. A method comprising: obtaining, by a first apparatus, a configuration for at least one adjustable radio bearer, a priority for an adjustable radio bearer being adjustable based on at least one of: signalling from the second apparatus, one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and a second apparatus; determining, based on the configuration, that the data is allowed to be transmitted on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and transmitting, to the second apparatus, the data on the adjustable radio bearer according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

14. A method comprising: determining, by a second apparatus, at least one priority for at least one adjustable radio bearer based on at least one of: one or more characteristics of data to be transmitted from a first apparatus, or one or more radio conditions between the first apparatus and the second apparatus; transmitting, to the first apparatus, a configuration for the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the configuration indicating the at least one priority for the at least one adjustable radio bearer; and receiving, from the first apparatus, data on one of the at least one adjustable radio bearer, the data being transmitted by the first apparatus according to a priority for the adjustable radio bearer.

15. A computer readable medium comprising instructions stored thereon for causing an apparatus at least to perform the method according to claim 13, or the method according to claim 14.