WO2025030266A1

WO2025030266A1 - Methods and apparatus for ue-side data collection with ran awareness for wireless communication systems

Info

Publication number: WO2025030266A1
Application number: PCT/CN2023/111249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Xiaonan Zhang; Yuanyuan Zhang; Hao Bi
Original assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte Ltd
Current assignee: MediaTek Singapore Pte Ltd
Priority date: 2023-08-04
Filing date: 2023-08-04
Publication date: 2025-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 2026-02-04
Also published as: CN119450514A

Abstract

This disclosure describes methods and apparatus to perform UE-side Data Collection with RAN awareness for wireless communication systems. The overall UE-sided data collection procedure may contain the procedure of data collection triggering, data collection configuration, measurement procedure and data delivery procedure. From UE side, it may include the following steps: Receiving the data collection indication; Receiving the data collection configuration from network; Performing measurement to collect data; performing data delivery to the OTT server; From network side, it may include the following steps: Transferring the data collection indication from OTT server to UE; Indicating the data collection configuration to UE; Performing data delivery procedure to OTT server.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR UE-SIDE DATA COLLECTION WITH RAN AWARENESS FOR WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS

FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to communication systems, and more particularly, the method and apparatus for UE-side Data Collection with RAN awareness for wireless communication systems.

BACKGROUND

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into 3GPP and wireless technology has ushered in a new era of potential advancements and efficiencies. In the traditional model training process, practical implementation within the UE is often hindered by several constraints. These include the absence of a suitable training environment, limited data availability, data storage capacity, computational capacity, and compilation capabilities. To circumvent these challenges, offline model training is particularly suited to the wireless domain due to its feasibility and the ability to leverage large amounts of data for model generalization.

However, the effectiveness of offline model training is heavily reliant on the quality and quantity of data collected. This necessitates a robust data collection solution that can facilitate data transfer to either the UE-side or a neutral site. Moreover, it should be capable of collecting non-standardized or proprietary data, which can be tailored to various models based on UE internal and external conditions and design choices, such as UE resource constraints, radio environment, and feature engineering. The 3GPP have recognized these needs and proposed solutions that emphasize the importance of a standard data collection solution. These solutions suggest that the data collection process should be capable of terminating at a network server, thereby enabling data to reach the UE-side or a neutral site.

In this invention, apparatus and mechanisms are sought to perform UE-side Data Collection with RAN awareness for wireless communication systems.

SUMMARY

The following presents a simplified summary of one or more aspects in order to provide a basic understanding of such aspects. This summary is not an extensive overview of all contemplated aspects, and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements of all aspects nor delineate the scope of any or all aspects. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

In an aspect of the disclosure, a method, a computer-readable medium, and an apparatus are provided. The apparatus may be a UE. The overall UE-sided data collection procedure may contain the procedure of data collection triggering, data collection configuration, measurement procedure and data delivery procedure. The data collection triggering usually begins at OTT server of UE. In one embodiment, the OTT server sends the data collection indication to network, and network indicates the data collection to UE. In one embodiment, the OTT server sends the data collection indication to UE at application layer, and UE request to network to initiate the data collection procedure. The data configuration is to indicate the necessary configuration for data collection to UE. In one embodiment, the data configuration can be sent together with the data collection indication by network. Measurement procedure is the procedure for UE to collect enough data for model training. In different embodiments, the legacy measurement procedure (e.g., SON/MDT, UE measurement report) or new data collection procedure can be used. Data delivery procedure is the way to setup data collection tunnel from UE to OTT server and to deliver the collected data. In different embodiments, the data collection tunnel is at control plane or user plane. In one embodiment, the network indicates the assistance information to OTT server for further use. The assistance information may include use case/functionality the data used for, the scenario information, the site information (location) , RAN configuration information for the data, others.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, the one or more aspects comprise the features hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the claims. The following description and the annexed drawings set forth in detail certain illustrative features of the one or more aspects. These features are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles of various aspects may be employed, and this description is intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic system diagram illustrating an exemplary 5G new radio network in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 2 illustrate exemplary overall flow for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 3 illustrate exemplary diagrams of data collection triggering for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 4 illustrate exemplary diagrams of assistance information delivery for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 5 illustrates exemplary diagrams of data collection tunnel and dataflow for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 6 illustrate an exemplary overall flow to perform UE side data collection (triggered from OTT server to RAN) with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 7 illustrate an exemplary overall flow to perform UE side data collection (triggered from OTT server to UE) with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

Figure 8 illustrate an exemplary overall flow perform UE side data collection (triggered from OTT server to a network entity/function) with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein may be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring such concepts.

Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, components, circuits, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as “elements” ) . These elements may be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods, apparatus, processing systems, and computer readable mediums for NR (new radio access technology, or 5G technology) , 6G or other radio access technology. NR may support various wireless communication services. These services may have different quality of service (QoS) requirements e.g. latency and reliability requirements.

Figure 1 illustrates a schematic system diagram illustrating an exemplary wireless network in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Wireless system includes one or more fixed base infrastructure units forming a network distributed over a geographical region. The base unit may also be referred to as an access point, an access terminal, a base station, a Node-B, an eNode-B, a gNB, or by other terminology used in the art. As an example, base stations serve a number of mobile stations within a serving area, for example, a cell, or within a cell sector. In some systems, one or more base stations are coupled to a controller forming an access network that is coupled to one or more core networks. gNB 1and gNB 2 are base stations in NR, the serving area of which may or may not overlap with each other. As an example, UE1 or mobile station is only in the service area of gNB 1 and connected with gNB1. UE1 is connected with gNB1 only, gNB1 is connected with gNB 2 and 3 via Xn interface. UE2 is in the overlapping service area of gNB1 and gNB2.

Figure 1 further illustrates simplified block diagrams for UE2 and gNB2, respectively. UE has an antenna, which transmits and receives radio signals. A RF transceiver, coupled with the antenna, receives RF signals from antenna, converts them to baseband signal, and sends them to processor. In one embodiment, the RF transceiver may comprise two RF modules (not shown) . A first RF module is used for transmitting and receiving on one frequency band, and the other RF module is used for different frequency bands transmitting and receiving which is different from the first transmitting and receiving. RF transceiver also converts received baseband signals from processor, converts them to RF signals, and sends out to antenna. Processor processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules to perform features in UE. Memory stores program instructions and data to control the operations of mobile station. UE also includes multiple function modules that carry out different tasks in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. An application layer, which receives and transmits the signaling and data in application layer between UE and OTT server.

A RRC config controller, which controls the RRC message transit/receive between UE and gNB.

A state controller, which controls UE RRC state according to network’s command and UE conditions. RRC supports the following states, RRC_IDLE, RRC_CONNECTED and RRC_INACTIVE.

A DRB controller, which controls to establish/add, reconfigure/modify and release/remove a DRB based on different sets of conditions for DRB establishment, reconfiguration and release.

A protocol stack controller, which manage to add, modify or remove the protocol stack for the DRB. The protocol Stack includes SDAP, PDCP, RLC, MAC and PHY layers.

A Data collection controller, which controls the data collection behavior, including UE measurement procedure, the storage of the collected data, the report/delivery of the collection data.

A assistance information controller, which may control to receive the assistance information from RAN, and deliver the assistance information to OTT server.

Similarly, gNB2 has an antenna, which transmits and receives radio signals. A RF transceiver, coupled with the antenna, receives RF signals from antenna, converts them to baseband signals, and sends them to processor. RF transceiver also converts received baseband signals from processor, converts them to RF signals, and sends out to antenna. Processor processes the received baseband signals and invokes different functional modules to perform features in gNB2. Memory stores program instructions and data to control the operations of gNB2.

Figure 1 further illustrates simplified block diagrams for OTT server. In one example, the OTT server is an UE-sided OTT server. In another example, the OTT server is a network-sided OTT server or a neutral site OTT server. The OTT server may have functional blocks that are similar to those of UE and gNB, which are used to interface with UE and gNB and handle the transmission and reception of control signaling, collected data and assistance information. The OTT server may include a data collection controller and an assistance information controller, which interface with equivalent functional blocks on the UE side or the network side. In one embodiment, the network node/entity/function (e.g., DCAF, CN, OAM, etc. ) performs authorization check and determine whether data collection and data delivery to the OTT server is allowed or not. In one embodiment, the network node/entity/function (e.g., DCAF, CN, OAM, etc. ) also determines what types of data are allowed to be collected and delivered to the OTT server.

Figure 2 illustrate exemplary overall flow for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The dataflow is from UE to OTT server, and CP (control plane) /UP (user plane) tunnel may be used for the data delivery. The overall procedure may contain data collection triggering (i.e., data collection indication, from OTT server to UE) , dataset delivery tunnel (from UE to OTT server) , assistance information attach and delivery (from RAN to OTT server) , and the signaling over interface Un, Xn, and NG.

Figure 3 illustrate exemplary diagrams of data collection triggering for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The data collection trigger is from OTT server to UE. In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure①) , the OTT server sends data collection request to RAN node, and RAN node further forward the data collection request to UE. In one example, the OTT server is an UE-sided OTT server. In another example, the OTT server is a network-sided OTT server or a neutral site OTT server. In one embodiment, the RAN node sends the data collection request and data collection configuration together to UE. In one embodiment, the data collection request is delivered from RAN to UE by RRC signaling. In one embodiment, the data collection request is delivered by MAC CE or DCI.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure②) , the OTT server sends data collection indication to UE via application layer. The application layer of UE informs the request to RRC layer. Then the UE sends data collection request to RAN. In one embodiment, the data collection request from UE to RAN is through RRC/MAC/PHY signaling. In one embodiment, RAN further send data collection configuration after receiving data collection request from UE. In one embodiment, the data collection configuration is pre-configured to UE before UE send data collection request.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure③) , the OTT server sends data collection indication to 5GS, 5GS sends data collection indication to RAN, and RAN further deliver data collection indication to UE. In one embodiment, one network entity/node/function in 5GS is responsible for data collection control including data collection triggering, assistance information gathering/attaching, data analysis. In one example, the network entity/node/function in 5GS is DCAF. In one embodiment, the network entity/node/function in 5GS is NWDAF. In one embodiment, the network entity/node/function in 5GS is OAM.. In one embodiment, RAN sends data collection configuration along with the data collection indication to UE.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure④) , the OTT server sends data collection indication to 5GS (e.g., DCAF) , and 5GS (e.g. DCAF) further deliver data collection indication to UE. In one embodiment, 5GS (e.g., DCAF) delivers data collection indication to UE via NAS signaling. In one embodiment, 5GS (e.g., DCAF) further notify RAN to send data collection configuration to UE.

Figure 4 illustrate exemplary diagrams of assistance information delivery for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The assistance information is delivered from RAN to OTT server. In one embodiment, RAN node provides the assistance information for each UE or for a group of UE. In one embodiment, the assistance information may include use case/functionality the data used for, the scenario information, the site information (location) , RAN configuration information for the data, others. In one embodiment, the content of assistance information can rely on UE request or rely on the business agreement between RAN and OTT server.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure①) , the assistance information is delivered from RAN to 5GS (e.g. DCAF) , and 5GS (e.g. DCAF) further deliver the assistance information to OTT server after authorization check.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure②) , RAN request 5GS (DCAF) for authorization, and then RAN deliver the assistance information to UE after receiving confirmation from 5GS (e.g. DCAF) , and UE further deliver the assistance information to OTT server. In one embodiment, UE delivers the assistance information and collected data to the OTT server through application layer.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure③) , RAN deliver the assistance information to 5GS (e.g., DCAF) , and 5GS (e.g. DCAF) further delivers the assistance information to UE after authorization check. UE delivers the assistance information to OTT server. In one embodiment, UE delivers the assistance information and collected data to the OTT server through application layer. In different embodiments, UE can send the assistance information to OTT server via CP or UP tunnel.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure④) , RAN deliver the assistance information to UE. In one embodiment, RAN request 5GS (DCAF) for authorization before sending the assistance information to UE. In one embodiment, UE deliver the assistance information to 5GS (DCAF) for authorization check, and 5GS (DCAF) further deliver the assistance information OTT server after the authorization check.

Figure 5 illustrates exemplary diagrams of data collection tunnel and dataflow for UE side data collection with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. The dataflow is from UE side to the OTT server of UE. In one embodiment, the OTT server performs offline model training by the collected data from massive UEs.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure①) , the data collection tunnel for the collected data is the CP tunnel. The collected data is delivered to RAN, and RAN node further deliver the data to OTT server. In one embodiment, RAN node accumulates dataset from multiple UEs and send the accumulated dataset to the OTT server. In one embodiment, the collected data can be delivered together with assistance information from RAN node to 5GS (e.g. DCAF) , as shown in Figure 4 sub-figure①.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure②) , the data collection tunnel for the collected data is the UP tunnel. In one embodiment, the collected data is delivered to 5GS (DCAF) via NAS signaling, and the new data collection tunnel is on NAS layer. In one embodiment, 5GS (DCAF) accumulates dataset from multiple UEs and send the accumulated dataset to the OTT server. In one embodiment, the collected data can be delivered together with assistance information from 5GS (DCAF) to OTT server, as shown in Figure 4 sub-figure④.

In one embodiment (as shown in sub-figure③) , the collected data is delivered to OTT server, and the new data collection tunnel is on application layer. In one embodiment, the collected data can be delivered together with assistance information from UE to OTT server, as shown in Figure 4 sub-figure② or Figure 4 sub-figure③.

Figure 6 illustrate an exemplary overall flow to perform UE side data collection (triggered from OTT server to RAN) with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Before data collection start, the OTT server of UE triggers data collection. In one embodiment, the OTT server of UE send data collection request to RAN node, as shown in Figure 3 sub-figure①, and the RAN node may send data collection response to OTT server. The RAN node sends data collection trigger to UE after receiving data collection request from OTT server. In one embodiment, the RAN node may delivery data collection configuration together with data collection trigger to UE. The data delivery tunnel may also be setup between RAN and OTT server.

After UE measures and collects data, in one embodiment, UE deliver the collected data to RAN node, and RAN node further deliver the collected data to OTT server (as shown in in Figure 5 sub-figure①) . In one embodiment, the data delivery from UE to RAN is performed via measurement report procedure. In one embodiment, RAN node also send the assistance information to OTT server (as shown in in Figure 4 sub-figure①) . In one embodiment, RAN node combine the collected data and assistance information together and deliver them together to OTT server.

Figure 7 illustrate an exemplary overall flow to perform UE side data collection (triggered from OTT server to UE) with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Before data collection start, the OTT server of UE triggers data collection. In one embodiment, the OTT server of UE send data collection request to UE via application layer, as shown in Figure 3 sub-figure②, and UE further request data collection to RAN node. After receiving the data collection request, RAN node may setup data delivery tunnel to OTT server. In one embodiment, RAN mode send data collection configuration and data collection trigger to UE. In one embodiment, UE may send data collection response to OTT server after receiving the data collection trigger from RAN node. The procedures after UE performing measurement are consistent with those in Figure 6.

Figure 8 illustrate an exemplary overall flow perform UE side data collection (triggered from OTT server to DCAF) with RAN awareness in accordance with embodiments of the current invention. Before data collection start, the OTT server of UE triggers data collection. In one embodiment, the OTT server of UE send data collection request to DCAF, and RAN further send data collection triggering to UE , as shown in Figure 3 sub-figure③. In one embodiment, RAN send data collection configuration along with the data collection indication (trigger) to UE. In one embodiment, DCAF response to OTT server and setup data delivery tunnel between OTT server and DCAF.

After UE measures and collects data, in one embodiment, UE deliver the collected data to RAN node, and RAN node further deliver the collected data to DCAF, as shown in Figure 5 sub-figure ① . In one embodiment, RAN combine the collected data and assistance information together and deliver them together to DCAF. In one embodiment, DCAF combine the collected data and assistance information of different UEs from RAN and deliver them together to OTT server after authorization check. In one embodiment, the assistance information is delivered separately from RAN to DCAF, and from DCAF to OTT server.

It is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes /flowcharts disclosed is an illustration of exemplary approaches. Based upon design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of blocks in the processes /flowcharts may be rearranged. Further, some blocks may be combined or omitted. The accompanying method claims present elements of the various blocks in a sample order, and are not meant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The previous description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless specifically so stated, but rather “one or more. ” The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration. ” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term “some” refers to one or more. Combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C, ” “one or more of A, B, or C, ” “at least one of A, B, and C, ” “one or more of A, B, and C, ” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” include any combination of A, B, and/or C, and may include multiples of A, multiples of B, or multiples of C. Specifically, combinations such as “at least one of A, B, or C, ” “one or more of A, B, or C, ” “at least one of A, B, and C, ” “one or more of A, B, and C, ” and “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” may be A only, B only, C only, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C, where any such combinations may contain one or more member or members of A, B, or C. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly recited in the claims. The words “module, ” “mechanism, ” “element, ” “device, ” and the like may not be a substitute for the word “means. ” As such, no claim element is to be construed as a means plus function unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for. ”

While aspects of the present disclosure have been described in conjunction with the specific embodiments thereof that are proposed as examples, alternatives, modifications, and variations to the examples may be made. Accordingly, embodiments as set forth herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. There are changes that may be made without departing from the scope of the claims set forth below.

Claims

A method for UE to perform data collection with RAN awareness for offline model training, comprising the steps of:

Receiving the data collection indication;

Receiving the data collection configuration from network;

Performing measurement to collect data;

performing data delivery to the OTT server.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection indication is from RAN node.
The method of claim 2, wherein the data collection configuration is indicated to UE together.
The method of claim 2, wherein the data collection indication is indicated to UE via RRC signaling.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection indication is from OTT server at application layer.
The method of claim 5, further comprising UE send data collection request to RAN after receiving data collection indication.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection indication is from 5GS by NAS signaling.
The method of claim 1, further comprising UE to receive assistance information from network
The method of claim 8, wherein the assistance information is received from RAN node.
The method of claim 8, wherein the assistance information is received from 5GS.
The method of claim 8, wherein the assistance information may include use case/functionality the data used for, the scenario information, the site information (location) , RAN configuration information for the data and others.
The method of claim 1, further comprising UE to start measurement and data delivery upon reception of the configuration.
The method of claim 1, further comprising UE to perform data delivery upon reception of a new trigger for data delivery.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data delivery is performed by measurement report procedure.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data delivery is performed on a new data collection tunnel at control plane.
The method of claim 15, wherein the data collection tunnel from UE to RAN node is L1 UCI.
The method of claim 15, wherein the data collection tunnel from UE to RAN node is L2 MAC CE.
The method of claim 15, wherein the data collection tunnel from UE to RAN node is RRC message.
The method of claim 15, wherein the data collection tunnel from UE to RAN node is a new radio bearer for AI.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data delivery is performed on a new data collection tunnel via NAS signaling.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data delivery is performed on a new data collection tunnel at application layer.
The method of claim 1, wherein the data collection configuration is delivered together with the collected data by data delivery procedure.
A method for network to perform data collection indication to UE and data delivery to OTT server with RAN awareness for offline model training, comprising the steps of:

Transferring the data collection indication from OTT server to UE;

Indicating the data collection configuration to UE;

Performing data delivery procedure to OTT server.
The method of claim 23, wherein the data collection triggering is indicated to UE by providing data collection configuration.
The method of claim 23, further comprising network to deliver assistance information to OTT server.
The method of claim 25, further comprising RAN node provides the assistance information for each UE or for a group of UE.
The method of claim 25, wherein the assistance information may include use case/functionality the data used for, the scenario information, the site information (location) , RAN configuration information for the data and others.
The method of claim 25, wherein the assistance information is delivered to UE first.
The method of claim 28, further comprising RAN request authorization for assistance information to 5GS and send the assistance information to UE.
The method of claim 28, further comprising RAN deliver the assistance information to 5GS and 5GS provide the assistance information to UE via NAS signaling.
The method of claim 25, further comprising network attaches the assistance information with the collected data and deliver the information via data delivery procedure together.
The method of claim 23, further comprising RAN node accumulate dataset from multiple UEs and send the accumulated dataset to the OTT server.