Enhancements for radio access capability signaling (RACS)
Embodiments are presented herein of apparatuses, systems, and methods for a user equipment device (UE), manufacturer server, and/or cellular network to perform radio capability signaling. A new type of UE radio capability identifier is provided which may allow a network to distinguish between similar UEs that have or have not implemented a capability update. In order to perform a forced capability update, a manufacturer may issue information about the update to a cellular network (and receive acknowledgement of the information) prior to pushing the update to UEs. In response to an unforced capability update, a cellular network may maintain multiple UE radio capability identifiers for similar UEs which have or have not implemented the update. A UE radio capability identifier may be adjusted dynamically in response to temporary changes in the UE's capability.
1. A method, comprising:
at an Access and Mobility Management Function:
receiving a first UE radio capability identifier (ID) from a user equipment (UE) corresponding to a first version number;
transmitting the first UE radio capability ID to a UE radio Capability Management Function (UCMF);
receiving an updated UE radio capability ID based on an updated UE radio configuration from the UCMF corresponding to a second version number previously stored at the UCMF, wherein the updated UE radio capability ID is a public land mobile network (PLMN) assigned UE radio capability ID and is assigned by the UCMF; and
transmitting the updated UE radio capability ID to the UE through a cellular network.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the updated UE radio capability ID further includes an identifier associated with a capability update of the second version number.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the updated UE radio configuration does not change a software version number.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein an opcode is used to describe the updated UE radio configuration.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first UE radio capability ID is further based on an identification of a manufacturer.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein the updated UE radio capability ID is further based on an identification of a manufacturer.
7. An apparatus, comprising:
a processor configured to cause a user equipment device (UE) to:
register with a base station of a cellular network using an initial UE radio capability ID;
communicate with the base station at a full capability according to the initial UE radio capability ID;
determine to operate at a reduced capability on a temporary basis;
select a second UE radio capability ID according to the reduced capability;
re-register, with the base station, using the second UE radio capability ID;
communicate with the base station at the reduced capability according to the second UE radio capability ID;
determine to resume operation at the full capability; and
in response to the determination to resume operation at the full capability, revert to the initial UE radio capability ID.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the processor is further configured to cause the UE to:
transmit an information element describing a validity timer associated with the second UE radio capability UE.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the determination to resume operation at the full capability is based on expiration of the validity timer.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 , wherein to revert to the initial UE radio capability ID does not include re-registration with the base station using the initial UE radio capability ID.
11. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the determination to resume operation at the full capability is based on a change in conditions at the UE prior to expiration of the validity timer.
12. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the determination to operate at the reduced capability on the temporary basis is based on a temperature at a component of the UE reaching a temperature threshold.
13. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the initial UE radio capability ID is assigned by a public land mobile network (PLMN).
14. The apparatus of claim 13 , wherein the second UE radio capability ID is assigned by a manufacturer of the UE.
15. An apparatus, comprising:
a processor configured to cause a base station to:
receive a first UE radio capability identifier (ID) from a user equipment (UE) corresponding to a first version number;
transmit the first UE radio capability ID to a core network;
receive, from the core network, an updated UE radio capability ID based on an updated UE radio configuration corresponding to a second version number previously stored at the core network, wherein the updated UE radio capability ID is a public land mobile network (PLMN) assigned UE radio capability ID and is assigned by the core network; and
transmit the updated UE radio capability ID to the UE.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the updated UE radio capability ID further includes an identifier associated with a capability update of the second version number.
17. The apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the updated UE radio configuration does not change a software version number.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein an opcode is used to describe the updated UE radio configuration.
19. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the first UE radio capability ID is further based on an identification of a manufacturer.
20. The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the updated UE radio capability ID is further based on an identification of a manufacturer.