Field

Embodiments relate to improvements in handovers between different communication connections.

Background

Data transmission and data services are constantly making progress. With the increasing penetration of such services, different access networks may coexist in parallel. Typically, in relation to mobile communication systems, an access network is represented by a radio access network (RAN) which is based on a certain radio access technology (RAT). While“radio” is a typical medium for mobile communication, other media are intended to be also covered by the principles taught herein. For example, Infrared or Bluetooth® or other media and/ or wavelengths of radio are possible to represent the medium deployed for the access network.

For example, one example of a first access network or radio access technology is known as Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE is also known as fourth generation (4G) mobile communication. Its successor or improvement, which is currently being developed, is referred to as 5G (fifth generation) mobile communication, being an example of a second access network or radio access technology. Typically, a mobile communication network consists of an access network establishing the physical transport of data (payload (user) data and control data) and a core network establishing the control functionality for the entire network and the interoperability of the network with other networks, e.g. via gateways.

Summary

In a first aspect, the specification describes an apparatus comprising: means for monitoring provision of hrst and second communication connections to a user equipment through respective first and second access networks, the user equipment configured to establish said communication connections and a means responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or a request for said simultaneous provision, to cause movement of one of said communication connections to the other of said access networks access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the user equipment. The apparatus may further comprise a first and second radio transceiver appropriate to the first and second access networks.

The first communication connection may be a first bearer channel and the second communication connection may be second bearer channel.

The first bearer channel maybe for a voice bearer service and the second bearer channel may be for a data bearer service. The first access network may be first mobile access network and the second access network may be a second mobile access network.

The first mobile access network may be a long term evolution (LTE) access network and the second mobile access network maybe a next generation access network. The next generation access network may be any one of a 5G access network, a WiFi access network or any other suitable access network.

The first communication connection may be a voice bearer service and the second communication connection may be a data bearer service, and the means responsive to detecting simultaneous provision, or a request for said simultaneous provision, may be configured to cause movement of the voice bearer service from the LTE access network to the next generation access network.

The first communication connection may be a voice bearer service and the second communication connection may be a data bearer service, and the means responsive to detecting simultaneous provision, or a request for said simultaneous provision, may be configured to cause movement of the data bearer service from the next generation access network to the LTE access network. The means for monitoring provision of the first and second communication

connections may be configured to monitor control plane data received over the LTE access network.

The means for monitoring provision of the first and second communication

connections may be configured to detect a voice call establishment condition over the

LTE access network for provision of the voice bearer service and to detect if a data bearer service is established over the next generation access network, the means responsive to detecting simultaneous provision maybe configured to perform a secondary nodeB addition procedure to move the voice bearer channel to the next generation access network.

The apparatus may be provided at least in part in the LTE access network.

At least one of said access networks may be a WiFi access network. In at least some embodiments, the means may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the performance of the apparatus.

In a second aspect, the specification describes a method comprising: monitoring provision of first and second communication connections to a user equipment through respective first and second access networks, the user equipment configured to establish said communication connections and responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or requesting for said simultaneous provision, moving one of said communication connections to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the user equipment.

The user equipment may comprise first and second radio transceivers appropriate to the first and second access networks.

The first access network may be a long term evolution (LTE) access network and the second access network may be a next generation access network.

The first communication connection may be a voice bearer service and the second communication connection may be a data bearer service, and wherein responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or requesting for said simultaneous provision, causing movement of the voice bearer service from the LTE access network to the next generation access network. In a third aspect, the specification describes an apparatus configured to perform any method as described with reference to the second aspect.

In a fourth aspect, the specification describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform any method as described with reference to the second aspect.

In a fifth aspect, the specification describes a computer program comprising

instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: monitoring provision of first and second communication connections to a user equipment through respective first and second access networks, the user equipment being configured to establish said communication connections; and responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or requesting for said simultaneous provision, moving one of said communication connections to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the user equipment.

In a sixth aspect, the specification describes a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon computer-readable code, which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform a method, comprising: monitoring provision of first and second communication connections to a user equipment through respective first and second access networks, the user equipment being configured to establish said communication connections; and responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or requesting for said simultaneous provision, moving one of said communication connections to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the user equipment. In a seventh aspect, the specification describes an apparatus comprising: a processor configured to monitor provision of first and second communication connections to a user equipment through respective first and second access networks, the user equipment configured to establish said communication connections; and the processor, responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or a request for said simultaneous provision, configured to cause movement of one of said communication connections to the other of said access networks access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the user equipment.

Brief Description of Drawings

Example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. l is a first example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b is a second example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a process diagram for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a process diagram for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 5a and FIG. 5b is a third example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b is a fourth example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b is a fifth example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b is a sixth example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b is a seventh example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b is an eighth example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b is a ninth example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b is a tenth example of a system for providing communication connections according to example embodiments.

FIG. 13 is flow diagram of operations performed at the apparatus according to example embodiments.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the apparatus according to example embodiments. FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b show tangible media, respectively a removable memory unit and a compact disc (CD), storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer may perform methods according to embodiments. Detailed Description

A recent 3GPP standard that covers 5G networking specifies that the first wave of networks and devices in 2018 will be classed as Non-Standalone (NSA), which is to say the 5G networks will be supported by existing 4G infrastructure. This is sometimes referred to as“NSA Option 3(x)”. The proposal is that 5G-enabled user terminals, or user equipment (UE) will connect to 5G frequencies for data-throughput improvements but will still use 4G for non-data duties such as communicating with LTE base stations (e.g. so called enhanced NodeBs or eNBs) and servers.

The initial roll-out of 5G cellular infrastructure will focus on enhanced mobile broadband (eMMB) to provide increased data-bandwidth and connection reliability via two new radio frequency ranges:

Frequency Range 1 overlaps and extends 4G LTE frequencies, operating from 450 MHz to 6,000 MHz. Bands are numbered from 1 to 255 and this is commonly referred to as New Radio (NR) or sub-6GHz.

Frequency Range 2 operates at a much higher 24,250 MHz (-24GHz) to 52,600 MHz (-52GHz). Bands are numbered from 257 to 511 and this is commonly referred to as millimeter wave (mmWave), even though strictly speaking the‘millimeter’ frequency length starts at 30 GHz.

The control plane for signaling traffic may be provided between the UE and the LTE eNBs, whereas the data bearer plane (or data plane) for carrying the user data traffic maybe between the UE and one or more 5G base stations (e.g. so-called next generation NodeBs or gNBs). The voice bearer plane (or voice plane) maybe between the UE and the LTE eNBs.

It will be appreciated that references to‘plane’ in this context represent components of a telecommunications architecture, with each plane carrying a different type of traffic.

A plane is conceptually an overlay network serving a particular type of traffic. Embodiments herein provide methods and systems which offer improvements in UE power consumption.

For example, in a situation whereby a UE initiates a simultaneous voice call over one access network, e.g. to a LTE network, whilst at the same time data traffic is being carried on the data plane with another access network, e.g. a 5G network, then dual radio transmitters in the UE are active which will increase UE power consumption and possibly decrease uplink coverage because of the sharing of power to two different radio systems in the UE. Some example embodiments herein do not involve complex scheduling mechanisms and/ or frame conhgurations to deal with such an issue.

The various aspects will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. References made to particular examples and implementations are for illustrative purposes, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection.

FIG. 1 shows a system 100 including a core network 102, a first access network 104, a second access network 106 and User Equipment (UE) 108. The UE is capable of communicating with the first access network 104 over a first communication connection 110. The UE 108 is capable of communicating with the second access network 106 over a second communication connection 112. The first access network 104 and the second access network 106 are capable of communicating over a third communication connection 114. The first access network 104 and the second access network 106 are connected to the core network 102 through a fifth communication network 116 and a sixth communication 118, respectively.

Provision of the first communication connection 110 and the second communication connection 112 to the UE 108 is monitored. The UE includes a first transceiver 120 configured to transmit and receive information from the first access network 104 over the first communication connection 110. The UE includes second transceiver 122 configured to transmit and receive information from the second access network 106 over the second communication connection 112. Monitoring the provision of the first communication connection 110 and the second communication connection 112 to the UE 108 may be performed by one or more of the core network 102, the first access network 104, the second access network 106 and the UE 108. In example embodiments, the first access network 104 may monitor the provision of the first communication connection 110 and the second communication connection 112 to the UE 108.

If simultaneous provision of the first communication connection 110 and the second communication connection 112 or if a request for said simultaneous provision is detected, then either the first communication connection 110 or the second

communication connection 112 is moved to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the UE 108.

Detecting the simultaneous provision of the first communication connection 110 and the second communication connection 112 or detecting the request for said

simultaneous provision may be performed by one or more of the core network 102, the first access network 104, the second access network 106 and the UE 108.

One or more of the core network 102, the first access network 104, the second access network 106 and the UE 108 may cause movement of either the first communication connection 110 or the second communication connection 112 to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the UE 108.

In example embodiments, if the first access network 104 detects simultaneous provision of the first communication connection 110 and the second communication connection 112 or if the first access network 104 detects a request for said simultaneous provision, then the first access network 104 causes the movement of either the first communication connection 110 or the second communication connection 112 to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the UE 108.

The UE 108 may be a mobile phone, smartphone, tablet device, computer or smart television. The UE is capable of communicating with two or more access networks. The first access network 104 and the second access network 106 are used to connect the UE 108 with the core network 102. The first access network 104 and the second access network 106 maybe an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E- UTRAN), a 5G Radio Access Network, a Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) Radio Access Network (GRAN), a wireless local area network (WLAN) or a fixed network. It should be appreciated that the systems according to example embodiments are not limited to two access networks and that any number of access networks may be used. The first access network 104 and the second access network 106 are capable of communicating with a common core network 102. The core network 102 may establish the control functions for the system lOO.The core network 102 may provide a number of services to the UE 108, for example call control and call switching and

authentication. The core network 102 may be an Evolved Packet Core (EPC), a 5G Core Network, a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) Core network.

In example embodiments, the first access network may operate over a first frequency or a first frequency range and the second access network may operate over a second frequency or second frequency range. Put another way, the first access network and the second access network may use mutually exclusive parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. For example, the first access network may operate between 450 MHz and 6,000 MHz and the second access network may operate between 2.4 GHz and 5.9 GHz.

FIG. 2a and FIG.2b show a system 200 including an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) 202, a LTE eNB 204, a 5G gNB 206 and a 5G enabled User Equipment (UE) 108.

The EPC 202 includes Mobility Management Entity (MME) 212, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 214, a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW) 208 and a Serving Gateway (SGW) 210.

The UE 108 may include a 4G radio transceiver and a 5G radio transceiver.

Referring to FIG. 2a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the 5G gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 3(x)”. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the LTE eNB 204. Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB 204 over the voice bearer.

Referring to FIG. 2b, the voice bearer is moved from eNB 204 to the gNB 206 such that the voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer carry information from the gNB 206 to the UE 108. Put another way, the data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 5G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of a communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver in the UE. The voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108 is deactivated.

The UE 108 only needs a 5G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 5G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possible increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to the 5G transceiver.

In alternative embodiments, a common transceiver is used to communicate with the gNB 206 over the data bearer and to communicate with the eNB 204 over the voice bearer. Scheduling can be used to avoid the common transceiver communicating with the gNB 206 and the eNB 204 simultaneously, which may cause interference between the control bearer, data bearer and voice bearer. FIG. 3 shows an example gNB addition procedure 300 for moving the voice bearer from the eNB 204 to the gNB 206. The gNB addition procedure is initiated by the eNB 204 and requests the gNB 206 to allocate resources for a voice bearer. The gNB 206 sends a gNB Addition Request message 302 to the gNB 206, the gNB Addition Request includes configuration information corresponding to the voice bearer and an indication that the UE 108 is 5G enabled.

If the gNb 206 has available network resources to accommodate the voice bearer then gNB 206 allocates the network resources necessary to accommodate the voice bearer. The gNB 206 sends a gNB Addition Request Acknowledge message 304 to the eNB 204 to acknowledge receipt of gNB Addition Request. The gNB Addition Request

Acknowledgement includes updated configuration information for indicating the allocated network resources. Alternatively, the gNB 206 sends a gNB Addition Reject message (not shown), for example if the gNB 206 does not have any available resources. If the eNB 204 approves the updated configuration, the eNB 204 sends a Connection Reconfiguration message 306 to the UE 108. The Connection Reconfiguration message includes updated configuration information.

The UE 108 then applies the updated configuration information and sends a

Connection Reconfiguration Complete message 308 to the eNB 204. The eNB 204 sends a gNB Reconfiguration Complete massage 310 to inform the gNB 206 that the UE 108 has applied the updated configuration information successfully.

The UE 108 and the gNB 206 perform a Random Access Procedure 312 so that the voice bearer is moved to between the UE 108 and the gNB 206. In this regard, the voice bearer has been moved from the eNB 204 to gNB 206.

In example embodiments, the UE 108, eNB 204 and EPC 202 follows the VoLTE standards definition to establish the voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108. If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between gNB 206 and the UE 108 then the eNB 204 immediately moves the voice bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108 according to the above gNB addition procedure. In another way, the voice bearer is moved from a 4G network infrastructure to a 5G network infrastructure.

Advantageously, the VoLTE set up operates according to known 3GPP specifications.

Fig. 4 shows an example flow diagram indicated generally by the reference numeral 400 showing the gNB addition procedure 300 being implemented during a Voice Over Long Term Evolution (VoLTE) call establishment. The PGW 208 sends Create Bearer Request message 402 to the SGW 210. The SGW 210 forwards the Create Bearer Request message 404 to the MME 212. The MME 212 checks if the UE 108 can support the voice bearer.

The MME 212 selects a Bearer Identity that uniquely identifies a voice bearer for the UE 108 to access the network. The MME 212 creates a Bearer Setup Request including the Bearer Identity and creates a Session Management Request before sending the Bearer Setup Request and Session Management Request 406 to the eNB 204. The eNB 204 then performs the steps 302 to 312 as described with reference to FIG. 3 to move the voice bearer from the eNB 204 to the gNB 206. In this regard, the voice bearer is moved from the eNB 204 to the gNB 206 before the UE 108 begins communicating over the voice bearer.

When the gNB addition procedure 300 is complete the gNB 206 will check if the UE 108 and gNB 206 have an active data bearer. The gNB 206 may decide that the gNB addition procedure is complete. For example, the gNB addition procedure 300 may only be completed if there is an active data bearer between the UE 108 and gNB 206. In other words, the voice bearer will only move from the eNB 204 to the gNB 206 if the gNB 206 is already transmitting data with the UE.

The voice bearer is moved to the gNB 206 before it has been setup on the eNB 204, therefore the time necessary for the voice bearer to be established at the gNB 206 is reduced.

It should be appreciated that the various message sequences shown in FIG.3 and FIG.4 are examples only. Some message may be omitted or modified and further messages may be added.

FIG 5a and FIG. 5b show a system 500 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 5a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 3(x)”. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204.

Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB over the voice bearer. As such, the UE 108, eNB 204 and EPC 202 follow the VoLTE standards definition and establish a voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108. If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108 the eNB 204 instructs the MME 212 move the data bearer from the gNB 206 to the eNB 204 when the VoLTE call has been established. Referring to FIG. 5b, the data bearer is moved from gNB 206 to the eNB 204 such that the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer carry information from the eNB 204 to the UE 108. Put another way, the data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 4G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of a communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver in the UE. The data bearer between gNB 206 and the UE 108 is deactivated.

The UE 108 only needs a 4G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 4G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possibly increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to a 4G transceiver.

As such, the UE 108, eNB 204 and EPC 202 follow the VoLTE standards definition and establish a voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108. If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108 the eNB 204 instructs the MME 212 move the data bearer from the gNB 206 to the eNB 204 when the VoLTE call has been established.

Once the VoLTE has ended, the data bearer may be moved back to the gNB 206.

FIG. 6a and FIG. 6b show a system 600 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 3(x)”. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204. Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB over the voice bearer.

Referring to FIG. 6b, the eNB 204 instructs the gNB 206 to route or schedule the data bearer to through the eNB 204. The eNB 204 then establishes a data bearer with the UE 108. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer are used cariy

information from the eNB 204 to the UE 108. The data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 4G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of the communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver. The data bearer from gNB 206 to the UE 108 is deactivated. The UE 108 only needs a 4G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 4G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possibly increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to a 4G transceiver.

Once the VoLTE has ended, the data bearer is moved back to the gNB 206.

FIG. 7a and FIG. 7b show a system 700 including a 5G core network 702, the LTE eNB 204, the 5G gNB 206 and the 5G enabled UE 108.

The 5G core network 702 includes a Session Management Function (SMF) 708, a User Plane Function (UPF) 710, an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 712 and Unified Data Management (UDM) 714.

The UE 108 may include a 4G radio transceiver and a 5G radio transceiver.

Referring to Fig. 7a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and 5G gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 4(x)”, in which the control plane is between the 5G core network 702 and the gNB 206. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the LTE eNB 204.

Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB 204 over the voice bearer. Referring to FIG. 7b, the voice bearer is moved from the eNB 204 to the gNB 206 such that the voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer carry information from the gNB 206 to the UE 108. Put another way, the data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 5G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of a communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver in the UE. The voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108 is deactivated. The UE 108 only needs a 5G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 5G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possible increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to the 5G transceiver.

In alternative embodiments, a common transceiver is used to communicate with the gNB 206 over the data bearer and to communicate with the eNB 204 over the voice bearer. Scheduling can be used to avoid the common transceiver communicating with the gNB 206 and the eNB 204 simultaneously, which may cause interference between the control bearer, data bearer and voice bearer. FIG. 8a and FIG. 8b show a system 800 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 8a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 4(x)” in which the control plane is between the 5G core network and the gNB 206. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204. Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB over the voice bearer.

As such, the UE 108, eNB 204 and 5G core network 702 establish a voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108. If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108, the gNB 206 instructs the 5G core network 702 to move the data bearer from the gNB 206 to the eNB 204 when the voice bearer has been established. Referring to FIG. 8b, the data bearer is moved from gNB 206 to the eNB 204 such that the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer carry information from the eNB 204 to the UE 108. Put another way, the data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 4G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of a communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver in the UE. The data bearer between gNB 206 and the UE 108 is deactivated. The UE 108 only needs a 4G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 4G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possibly increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to a 4G transceiver.

If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108 the gNB 206 instructs the 5G core network 702 to move the data bearer from the gNB 206 to the eNB 204 when the voice bearer has been established.

Once the voice bearer no longer carries any information, the data bearer may be moved back to the gNB 206.

FIG. 9a and FIG. 9b show a system 900 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 9a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 4(x)” in which the control plane is between the 5G core network and the gNB 206. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204. Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB over the voice bearer. Referring to FIG. 9b, the gNB 206 instructs the eNB 204 to route or schedule the data bearer to through the eNB 204. The eNB 204 then establishes a data bearer with the UE 108. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer are used carry

information from the eNB 204 to the UE 108. The data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 4G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of the communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver. The data bearer from gNB 206 to the UE 108 is deactivated.

The UE 108 only needs a 4G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 4G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possibly increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to a 4G transceiver. Once the voice bearer no longer carries any information, the data bearer is moved back to the gNB 206.

FIG. 10a and FIG. 10b show a system 1000 including the 5G core network 702, the LTE eNB 204 and the 5G gNB 206 and the 5G enabled UE 108.

Referring to Fig. 10a, the data the data bearer is between the UE 108 and 5G gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 7(x)”, in which the control plane is between the 5G core network and the eNB 204. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the LTE eNB 204. Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB 204 over the voice bearer.

Referring to FIG. 10b, the voice bearer is moved from the eNB 204 to the gNB 206 such that the voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer carry information from the gNB 206 to the UE 108. Put another way, the data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 5G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of a communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver in the UE. The voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108 is deactivated.

The UE 108 only needs a 5G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 5G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possible increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to the 5G transceiver.

In alternative embodiments, a common transceiver is used to communicate with the gNB 206 over the data bearer and to communicate with the eNB 204 over the voice bearer. Scheduling can be used to avoid the common transceiver communicating with the gNB 206 and the eNB 204 simultaneously, which may cause interference between the control bearer, data bearer and voice bearer.

FIG. 11a and FIG. 11b show a system 800 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 11a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 7(x)”, in which the control plane is between the 5G core network and the eNB 204. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204.

Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB 206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB over the voice bearer.

As such, the UE 108, eNB 204 and 5G core network 702 establish a voice bearer between the eNB 204 and the UE 108. If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108, the eNB 204 instructs the 5G core network 702 to move the data bearer from the gNB 206 to the eNB 204 when the voice bearer has been established.

Referring to FIG. 11b, the data bearer is moved from gNB 206 to the eNB 204 such that the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer carry information from the eNB 204 to the UE 108. Put another way, the data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 4G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of a communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver in the UE. The data bearer between gNB 206 and the UE 108 is deactivated.

The UE 108 only needs a 4G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 4G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possibly increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to a 4G transceiver.

If the UE 108 already has an active data bearer between the gNB 206 and the UE 108 the eNB 204 instructs the 5G core network 702 to move the data bearer from the gNB 206 to the eNB 204 when the voice bearer has been established. Once the voice bearer no longer carries any information, the data bearer may be moved back to the gNB 206. FIG. 12a and FIG. 12b show a system 900 according to example embodiments.

Referring to FIG. 12a, the data bearer is between the UE 108 and the gNB 206 as per so called“NSA option 7(x)”, in which the control plane is between the 5G core network and the eNB 204. The voice bearer is between the UE 108 and the eNB 204.

Accordingly, the 5G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate to the gNB

206 over the data bearer and the 4G radio transceiver of the UE 108 is used to communicate with the eNB over the voice bearer.

Referring to FIG. 12b, the eNB 204 instructs the gNB 206 to route or schedule the data bearer to through the eNB 204. The eNB 204 then establishes a data bearer with the UE 108. Therefore, both the data bearer and the voice bearer are used carry

information from the eNB 204 to the UE 108. The data bearer and the voice bearer are provided through a common 4G mobile access network. The voice bearer and the data bearer use a common part of the communication spectrum and the information is received by the same radio transceiver. The data bearer from gNB 206 to the UE 108 is deactivated.

The UE 108 only needs a 4G radio transceiver for transmitting and receiving the voice call and the data traffic. Therefore, the UE 108 does not need to use the 4G radio transceiver and the 5G radio transceiver simultaneously. Since only the 4G radio transceiver is used to transmit and receive the voice call and the data traffic, the UE 108 power consumption decreases and the uplink coverage possibly increases because the UE 108 only needs to provide power to a 4G transceiver. Once the voice bearer no longer carries any information, the data bearer is moved back to the gNB 206.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram indicated generally by reference numeral 1300 showing example operations of the system according to the described example embodiments. A first operation 1302 may comprise monitoring provision of first and second communication connections to a user equipment through respective first and second access networks. The user equipment having a first and a second radio transceivers appropriate to said first and second access networks for establishment of said communication connections.

A second operation 1304 may comprise, responsive to detecting simultaneous provision of said first and second communication connections to the user equipment, or requesting for said simultaneous provision, moving one of said communication connections to the other access network such that both communication connections are provided through a common access network to the user equipment.

It should be appreciated that some operation may be modified and that further operations may be added.

FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an apparatus 1400 providing for providing

communication connections.

The apparatus 1400 may have a processor 1402, a memory 1404 coupled to the processor and comprised or a RAM 1406 and ROM 1408. The apparatus 1400 may comprise a network interface 1410, a display 1412 and one or more hardware keys 1414. The apparatus 1400 may comprise one or more such network interfaces 1410 for connection to a network, e.g. a radio access network. The one or more network interfaces 1410 may also be for connection to the internet, e.g. using WiFi or similar. The processor 1402 is connected to each of the other components in order to control operation thereof.

The memory 1404 may comprise a non-volatile memory, a hard disk drive (HDD) or a solid state drive (SSD). The ROM 1408 of the memory stores, amongst other things, an operating system 1416 and may store one or more software applications 1418. The RAM 1406 of the memory 1404 may be used by the processor 1402 for the temporary storage of data. The operating system 1416 may contain code which, when executed by the processor, implements the operations as described above with reference to Figure 13. The processor 1402 may take any suitable form. For instance, the processor 1402 may be a microcontroller, plural microcontrollers, a processor, or plural processors and the processor 1402 may comprise processor circuitry. FIG. 15a and FIG. 15b show tangible non-volatile media, respectively a removable memory unit 1502 and a compact disc (CD) 1508, storing computer-readable code which when run by a computer may perform methods according to embodiments described above. The removable memory unit 1502 maybe a memory stick, e.g. a USB memory stick, having internal memory 1506 storing the computer-readable code. The memory 1506 may be accessed by a computer system via a connector 1504. The CD 1508 maybe a CD-ROM or a DVD or similar. Other forms of tangible storage media maybe used.

Embodiments of the present invention may be implemented in software, hardware, application logic or a combination of software, hardware and application logic. The software, application logic and/ or hardware may reside on memory, or any computer media. In an example embodiment, the application logic, software or an instruction set is maintained on any one of various conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a“memory” or“computer-readable medium” may be any non-transitory media or means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate or transport the instructions for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer.

Reference to, where relevant,“computer-readable storage medium”,“computer program product”,“tangibly embodied computer program” etc., or a“processor” or “processing circuitry” etc. should be understood to encompass not only computers having differing architectures such as single/multi-processor architectures and sequencers/parallel architectures, but also specialised circuits such as field

programmable gate arrays FPGA, application specify circuits ASIC, signal processing devices and other devices. References to computer program, instructions, code etc. should be understood to express software for a programmable processor firmware such as the programmable content of a hardware device as instructions for a processor or configured or configuration settings for a fixed function device, gate array,

programmable logic device, etc. As used in this application, the term“circuitry” refers to all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogue and/or digital circuitry) and (b) to combinations of circuits and software (and/or firmware), such as (as applicable): (i) to a combination of processor(s) or (ii) to portions of processor(s)/software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a server, to perform various functions) and (c) to circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

In this brief description, reference has been made to various examples. The description of features or functions in relation to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the term‘example’ or‘for example’ or ‘may’ in the text denotes, whether explicitly stated or not, that such features or functions are present in at least the described example, whether described as an example or not, and that they can be, but are not necessarily, present in some of or all other examples. Thus‘example’,‘for example’ or‘may’ refers to a particular instance in a class of examples. A property of the instance can be a property of only that instance or a property of the class or a property of a sub-class of the class that includes some but not all of the instances in the class. It is therefore implicitly disclosed that a features described with reference to one example but not with reference to another example, can where possible be used in that other example but does not necessarily have to be used in that other example. Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not. Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavoring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.