CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 62/505,035, filed May 11, 2017, the disclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to the wireless telecommunications field and, more particularly, to a Radio Access Network (RAN) node (e.g., BSS) and method for introducing one or more bits in any of the current system information (SI) messages or in a new SI message to ensure that a wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection such that the wireless device upon receipt of the SI message can transmit uplink Radio Link Control (RLC)/Media Access Control (MAC) radio blocks that will match the capability of the RAN node (e.g., BSS). In addition, the present disclosure relates to the wireless device and method for receiving a SI message from the RAN node (e.g., BSS) that indicates if a cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection such that the wireless device can then transmit uplink RLC/MAC radio blocks that will match the capability of the RAN node (e.g., BSS).

BACKGROUND

The following abbreviations and term are herewith defined, at least some of which are referred to within the following description of the present disclosure.

3GPP 3rd-Generation Partnership Project

ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit

BLER Block Error Rate

BSS Base Station Subsystem

BTS Base Transceiver Station cc Coverage Class

CN Core Network

CR Change Request

DCN Dedicated Core Network

EC Extended Coverage

EC-GSM Extended Coverage Global System for Mobile Communications

EC-RACH Extended Coverage Random Access Channel

eNB Evolved Node B

EDGE Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution

EGPRS Enhanced General Packet Radio Service

E-UTRAN Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

GERAN GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network

GPRS General Packet Radio Service

HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

IE Information Element

IoT Internet of Things

LTE Long-Term Evolution

MAC Media Access Control

MCS Modulation and Coding Scheme

MME Mobility Management Entity

MS Mobile Station

MSADCN Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection

MTC Machine Type Communications

NAS Non-Access Stratum

NB Narrow Band

NB-IoT Narrow Band-Internet of Things

PDN Packet Data Network

PLAIN Public Land Mobile Network

RACH Random Access Channel

RAN Radio Access Network

RAT Radio Access Technology RAU Routing Area Update

SGSN Serving GPRS Support Node

TS Technical Specification

UE User Equipment

UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

WB-E-UTRAN Wideband Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

WCDMA Wideband Code Division Multiple Access

WiMAX Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access Extended Coverage (EC): The general principle of extended coverage is that of using blind transmissions for the control channels and for the data channels to realize a target block error rate (BLER) performance for the channel of interest. In addition, for the data channels the use of blind transmissions assuming MCS-1 (i.e., the lowest modulation and coding scheme (MCS) supported in EGPRS today) is combined with HARQ retransmissions to realize the needed level of data transmission performance. Support for extended coverage is realized by defining different coverage classes. A different number of blind transmissions are associated with each of the coverage classes wherein extended coverage is associated with coverage classes for which multiple blind transmissions are needed (i.e., a single blind transmission is considered as the reference coverage). The number of total blind transmissions for a given coverage class can differ between different logical channels.

The 3rd-Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has specified an optional feature called Dedicated Core Networks (DCNs) which enables an operator to deploy one or more DCNs where each DCN comprises one or more Core Network (CN) nodes (e.g., Serving GPRS Support Node (SGSNs)). Each DCN may be dedicated to serve a specific type(s) of subscriber(s), one or more Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs), and one or more Radio Access Technologies (RATs) (e.g., GSM/EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Wideband E-UTRAN (WB-E-UTRAN), and Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT)). Moreover, as an enhancement, and in order to reduce the potential need for Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message re-routing when a mobile station (MS)/user equipment (UE)/ wireless device first enters a cell within a new Routing Area or at initial attach, another feature called UE/MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection has also been specified by 3GPP. This feature relies on an indication (DCN-ID) sent from the MS/UE wherein the Radio Access Network (RAN) uses the indication to select the correct Dedicated Core Network (see 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 23.401 V 14.3.0 (2017-03) (General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) enhancements for Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) access (Release 14))— the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes). The selection of a DCN-ID by a MS/UE is guided by the MS's/UE's ranking of available PLMNs from most to least preferred (i.e., a MS/UE can be equipped with PLMN specific DCN-ID values). At the Radio Access Network (RAN) Meeting #75, Change Requests (CRs) were approved to introduce support for the MS/UE Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection feature for UTRAN and E- UTRAN. However, support for the MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection feature in GERAN is still lacking.

A problem with the current GERAN specification is that the MS is unaware of whether the network (cell) supports the MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection feature or not. Thus, a MS that supports and attempts to use the MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection feature in a cell that does not support this feature implies that there will be a mismatch in the signaling between the MS to the Base Station Subsystem (BSS). This will, in cells that do not support the MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection feature, lead to reception by the BSS of uplink Radio Link Control (RLC)/Media Access Control (MAC) radio blocks from the MS that will not be understood by the BSS when they have been configured to include DCN-ID information. This in turn results in the inability of the BSS to extract a higher layer message (e.g., a NAS Routing Area Update (RAU) message) sent by the MS which results in NAS layer signalling failure. In view of the foregoing, it can be seen there is a need to address at least the aforementioned problems of the state-of-the art. The present disclosure addresses at least these problems. SUMMARY

A RAN node, a wireless device, and various methods for addressing the aforementioned problems are described in the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the RAN node, the wireless device, and the various methods are further described in the dependent claims.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a RAN node configured to interact with a wireless device. The RAN node comprises a processor and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the RAN node is operable to perform a transmit operation. In the transmit operation, the RAN node transmits to the wireless device a SI message that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message is a SI 13 message that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element which includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In another embodiment, the SI message is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In yet another embodiment, the SI message is a SI type 3 message that includes a Control Channel Description information element which includes one bit used to ensure that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. An advantage of the RAN node performing the transmit operation is that the RAN node will subsequently receive from the wireless device a RLC/MAC radio block that will match the capability of the RAN node, thereby allowing the RAN node to successfully extract information pertaining to a higher layer message (e.g., a NAS Routing Area Update message) that is at least partially carried within the received RLC/MAC radio block.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a RAN node configured to interact with a wireless device. The method comprises a transmitting step. In the transmitting step, the RAN node transmits to the wireless device a SI message that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message is a SI 13 message that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element which includes a one bit MS ASSISTED DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In another embodiment, the SI message is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In yet another embodiment, the SI message is a SI type 3 message that includes a Control Channel Description information element which includes one bit used to ensure that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. An advantage of the RAN node performing the transmitting step is that the RAN node will subsequently receive from the wireless device a RLC/MAC radio block that will match the capability of the RAN node, thereby allowing the RAN node to successfully extract information pertaining to a higher layer message (e.g., a NAS Routing Area Update message) that is at least partially carried within the received RLC/MAC radio block.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a wireless device configured to interact with a RAN node. The wireless device comprises a processor and a memory that stores processor-executable instructions, wherein the processor interfaces with the memory to execute the processor-executable instructions, whereby the wireless device is operable to perform a receive operation. In the receive operation, the wireless device receives from the RAN node a SI message that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message is a SI 13 message that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element which includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In another embodiment, the SI message is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In yet another embodiment, the SI message is a SI type 3 message that includes a Control Channel Description information element which includes one bit used to ensure that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. An advantage of the wireless device performing the receive operation is that it enables the wireless device to subsequently transmit to the RAN node a RLC/MAC radio block that will match the capability of the RAN node, thereby allowing the RAN node to successfully extract information pertaining to a higher layer message (e.g., a NAS Routing Area Update message) that is at least partially carried within the received RLC/MAC radio block.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method in a wireless device configured to interact with a RAN node. The method comprises a receiving step. In the receiving step, the wireless device receives from the RAN node a SI message that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message is a SI 13 message that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element which includes a one bit MS ASSISTED DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In another embodiment, the SI message is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field which ensures that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In yet another embodiment, the SI message is a SI type 3 message that includes a Control Channel Description information element which includes one bit used to ensure that the wireless device knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. An advantage of the wireless device performing the receiving step is that it enables the wireless device to subsequently transmit to the RAN node a RLC/MAC radio block that will match the capability of the RAN node, thereby allowing the RAN node to successfully extract information pertaining to a higher layer message (e.g., a NAS Routing Area Update message) that is at least partially carried within the received RLC/MAC radio block.

Additional aspects of the present disclosure will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures and any claims which follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present disclosure may be obtained by reference to the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a diagram of an exemplary wireless communication network which includes a CN node, multiple RAN nodes, and multiple wireless devices configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURES 2A-2B illustrate the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s table 10.5.2.37b.1 which has been changed to include a new 1 bit extension field called MS ASSISTED DCN to the SI 13 Rest Octets IE of the System Information type 13 message per a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURES 3A-3C illustrate the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s table 10.5.2.37b.2 which has been changed to include a new 1 bit extension field called MS ASSISTED DCN to the SI 13 Rest Octets IE System Information type 13 message per the first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURES 4A-4B illustrate the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0

(2017-03)'s figure 9.1.43q. l which has been changed to include a new 1 bit extension field called MS_ASSISTED_DCN to the EC System Information type 2 message (EC- SI2 message) per a second embodiment of present disclosure;

FIGURES 5A-5F illustrates the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s table 9.1.43q. l which has been changed to include a new 1 bit extension field called MS_ASSISTED_DCN to the EC System Information type 2 message (EC- SI2 message) per the second embodiment of present disclosure;

FIGURE 6 illustrates the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s figure 10.5.2.11.1 which has been changed where one of the previous spare bits is now labeled as MSADCN and is used in the System Information type 3 message to indicate if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection per a third embodiment of present disclosure; FIGURES 7A-7C) illustrate the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s table 10.5.2.11.1 which has been changed where one of the previous spare bits is now labeled as MSADCN and is used in the System Information type 3 message per the third embodiment of present disclosure;

FIGURE 8 is a flowchart of a method implemented in the RAN node in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 9 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the RAN node configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGURE 10 is a flowchart of a method implemented in the wireless device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and,

FIGURE 1 1 is a block diagram illustrating a structure of the wireless device configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A discussion is first provided herein to describe an exemplary wireless communication network that includes a CN node (e.g., SGSN), multiple RAN nodes (e.g., BSSs), and multiple wireless devices (e.g., mobile stations) which are configured in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure (see FIGURE 1). Then, a discussion is provided to disclose various embodiments of the present disclosure as to how the RAN node (e.g., BSS) can ensure that a wireless device (e.g., mobile station) knows if a cell (network) supports the MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection feature such that the mobile station can transmit uplink Radio Link Control (RLC)/Media Access Control (MAC) radio blocks that will match the capability of the RAN node (e.g., BSS) (see FIGURES 2-7). Thereafter, a discussion is provided to explain the basic functionalities-configurations of the RAN node (e.g., BSS), and the wireless devices (e.g., mobile stations) in accordance with different embodiments of the present disclosure (see FIGURES 8-1 1).

Exemplary Wireless Communication Network 100

Referring to FIGURE 1, there is illustrated an exemplary wireless communication network 100 in accordance with the present disclosure. The wireless communication network 100 includes a core network 106 (which comprises at least one CN node 107) and multiple RAN nodes 102i and 1022 (only two shown) which interface with multiple wireless devices 104i, 1042, 1043... 104 _n . The wireless communication network 100 also includes many well-known components, but for clarity, only the components needed to describe the features of the present disclosure are described herein. Further, the wireless communication network 100 is described herein as being a GSM/EGPRS wireless communication network 100 which is also known as an EDGE wireless communication network 100. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the techniques of the present disclosure which are applied to the GSM/EGPRS wireless communication network 100 are generally applicable to other types of wireless communication systems, including, for example, WCDMA, LTE, and WiMAX systems.

The wireless communication network 100 includes the RAN nodes 102i and 1022 (wireless access nodes—only two shown) which provide network access to the wireless devices 104i, 1042, 1043... 104 _n . In this example, the RAN node 102i is providing network access to wireless device 104i while the RAN node 1022 is providing network access to wireless devices 1042, 1043... 104 _n . The RAN nodes 102i and 1022 are connected to the core network 106 (e.g., SGSN core network 106) and, in particular, to the CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107). The core network 106 is connected to an external packet data network (PDN) 108, such as the Internet, and a server 110 (only one shown). The wireless devices 104i, 1042, 1043... 104 _n may communicate with one or more servers 1 10 (only one shown) connected to the core network 106 and/or the PDN 108.

The wireless devices 104i, 1042, 1043... 104 _n may refer generally to an end terminal (user) that attaches to the wireless communication network 100, and may refer to either a MTC device (e.g., a smart meter) or a non-MTC device. Further, the term "wireless device" is generally intended to be synonymous with the term mobile device, mobile station (MS). "User Equipment," or UE, as that term is used by 3GPP, and includes standalone wireless devices, such as terminals, cell phones, smart phones, tablets, cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, and wireless-equipped personal digital assistants, as well as wireless cards or modules that are designed for attachment to or insertion into another electronic device, such as a personal computer, electrical meter, etc. Likewise, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term RAN node 102i and 1022 (wireless access node 102i and 1022) is used herein in the most general sense to refer to a base station, a wireless access node, or a wireless access point in a wireless communication network 100, and may refer to RAN nodes 102i and 1022 that are controlled by a physically distinct radio network controller as well as to more autonomous access points, such as the so-called evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs) in Long-Term Evolution (LTE) networks.

Each wireless device 104i, 1042, 1043 . . . 104 _n may include a transceiver circuit l lOi, I IO2, I IO3... 1 10n for communicating with the RAN nodes 102i and 1022, and a processing circuit 1 12i, 1 122, 1 123. . . 1 12n for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit l lOi, I IO2, 1 IO3... 110 _n and for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 104i, 1042, 1043. . . 104 _n . The transceiver circuit l lOi, I IO2, 1103... 11 On may include a transmitter 1 14i, 1 142, 1 143. . . 1 14n and a receiver I I61, I I62, 1163... 116 _n , which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 1 12i, 1 122, 1 123. . . 1 12 _n may include a processor I I 81, 1 182, I I 83... 1 18 _n and a memory 120i, 1202, 1203. . . 120n for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding wireless device 104i, 1042, 1043. . . 104 _n . The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter.

Each RAN node 102i and 1022 (wireless access node 102i and 1022) may include a transceiver circuit 122i and 1222 for communicating with wireless devices 104i, 1042, 1043 . . . 104η, a processing circuit 1241 and 1242 for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 122i and 1222 and for controlling the operation of the corresponding RAN node 102i and 1022, and a network interface 126i and 1202 for communicating with the core network 106. The transceiver circuit 122i and 1222 may include a transmitter 128i and 1282 and a receiver 130i and 3 102, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 124i and 1242 may include a processor 132i and 122, and a memory 134i and 1 142 for storing program code for controlling the operation of the corresponding RAN node 102i and 1022. The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter. The CN node 107 (e.g., SGSN 107, MME 107) may include a transceiver circuit 136 for communicating with one or more RAN nodes, e.g., the RAN nodes 102i and 1022, a processing circuit 138 for processing signals transmitted from and received by the transceiver circuit 136 and for controlling the operation of the CN node 107, and a network interface 140 for communicating with one or more RAN nodes, e.g., the RAN nodes 102i and 1022. The transceiver circuit 136 may include a transmitter 142 and a receiver 144, which may operate according to any standard, e.g., the GSM/EDGE standard. The processing circuit 138 may include a processor 146 and a memory 148 for storing program code for controlling the operation of the CN node 107. The program code may include code for performing the procedures as described hereinafter.

Techniques for Ensuring that MS knows if a cell supports the MS Assisted DCN Selection

The present disclosure addresses the problems of the state-of-the-art described above in the Background Section. More specifically, the present disclosure addresses the problems of the state-of-the-art by introducing one or more bits in any of the current system information messages or in a new system information message that are transmitted by the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS 102i) (for example) to ensure that the MS 104i (for example) knows if a cell (network) supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. A detailed discussion is provided below to describe several different ways that the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS 102i) can introduce one or more bits into any of the current system information messages or in a new system information message that are transmitted to the MS 104i to ensure that the MS 104i knows whether or not the cell (network) supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection.

In a first embodiment, the objective of enabling the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS 102i) to ensure that the MS 104i knows if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection is achieved by introducing one or more bits in a System Information type 13 (SI 13) message 200. This can be done by introducing a new one bit extension field referred to herein as MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 which can be added as a Rel-14 extension to the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03) where the contents of this specification are hereby incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. In one example, the current specification 3GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017- 03)'s section 10.5.2.37b which has the excerpt below can be changed to include the new 1 bit extension field called MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 in a SI 13 Rest Octets information element 204 of the System Information type 13 message 200 per the first embodiment of present disclosure. The excerpt is as follows:

10.5.2.37b SI 13 Rest Octets

The SI 13 Rest Octets information element is coded according to the syntax specified below and described in tables 10.5.2.37b.1 and 10.5.2.37b.2.

The SI 13 Rest Octets information element is a type 5 information element with 20 octets length.

More specifically, the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017- 03)'s tables 10.5.2.37b. l (see FIGURES 2A-2B) and 10.5.2.37b.2 (see FIGURES 3A- 3C) can be changed as shown to include the new 1 bit extension field called MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 to the SI 13 Rest Octets information element 204 in the System Information type 13 message 200 per the first embodiment of present disclosure. It should be noted that there can be multiple variations of this embodiment which can achieve the same objective where e.g., the new field name can have a different name other than MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 or where the support in the specification is introduced in a later release.

In a second embodiment, the objective of enabling the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS 102i) to ensure that the MS 104i knows if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection is achieved by introducing one or more bits in the EC System Information type 2 message 400 (EC-SI2 message 400). This can be done by introducing a new one bit extension field referred to herein as MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 which can be added as a Rel-14 extension to the current specification 3GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03). In one example, the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s section 9.1.43q which has the excerpt below can be changed to include the new 1 bit extension field called MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 in the EC System Information type 2 message 400 (EC-SI2 message 400) per the second embodiment of present disclosure. The excerpt is as follows: 9.1.43q EC System information type 2

This message is sent on the EC-BCCH if EC-GSM-IoT is supported in the cell. It is sent by the network providing EC-RACH/RACH control information and cell selection information to mobile stations that have enabled EC operation. Multiple instances of this message may be sent by the network. The requirements for transmission of this message are defined in 3GPP TS 45.002.

Message type: EC SYSTEM INFORMATION TYPE 2

Significance: dual More specifically, the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-

03)'s figure 9.1.43q. l (see FIGURES 4A-4B) and table 9.1.43q. l (see FIGURES 5A- 5F) can be changed as shown to include the new 1 bit extension field called MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 to the EC System Information type 2 message 400 (EC- SI2 message 400) per the second embodiment of present disclosure. It should be noted that there can be multiple variations of this embodiment which can achieve the same objective where e.g., the new field name can have a different name other than MS_ASSISTED_DCN 202 or where the support in the specification is introduced in a later release. In a third embodiment, the objective of enabling the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS

102i) to ensure that the MS 104i knows if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection is achieved by using any of the available spare bits in any of the existing system information messages. For example, the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS 102i) can ensure that the MS 104i knows if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection by using one of the remaining spare bits in the Control Channel Description Information Element (IE) 602 in a System Information type 3 message 604 which is described in the current specification 3GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s section 10.5.2.1 1. In this regard, the current specification 3GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017-03)'s section 10.5.2.1 1 which has the excerpt below can be changed to use one of the spare bits labeled is MSADCN 606 to indicate if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection per the third embodiment of present disclosure. The excerpt is as follows:

10.5.2.1 1 Control Channel Description The purpose of the Control Channel Description information element is to provide a variety of information about a cell.

The Control Channel Description information element is coded as shown in figure 10.5.2.11.1 and table 10.5.2.11.1.

The Control Channel Description is a type 3 information element with 4 octets length.

More specifically, the current specification 3 GPP TS 44.018 V14.1.0 (2017- 03)'s figure 10.5.2.11.1 (see FIGURE 6) and table 10.5.2.11.1 (see FIGURES 7A-7C) can be changed as shown where one of the previous spare bits is now labeled as MSADCN 606 and used in the SI type 3 message 604 to indicate if a cell supports MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection per the third embodiment of present disclosure. It should be noted that there can be multiple variations of this embodiment which can achieve the same objective where e.g., the new MASDCN name 606 can have a different name when the support in the specification is introduced in a later release.

An advantage with the different embodiments of the present disclosure described above is that the RAN node 102i by introducing one or more bits in any of the current system information messages or in a new system information message to ensure that the wireless device 104i knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection enables the wireless device 104i to transmit uplink Radio Link Control (RLC)/Media Access Control (MAC) radio blocks 150 that will match the capability of the RAN node 102i (e.g., BSS 102i). This then allows the RAN node 102i to successfully extract information pertaining to a higher layer message (e.g., a NAS Routing Area Update message) that is at least partially carried within the uplink RLC/MAC radio block 150 in which the MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network indication is provided. It should be appreciated that the other RAN node 1022 may be configured the same as RAN node 102i to introduce one or more bits in any of the current system information messages or in a new system information message to ensure that the wireless devices 104¾ 1043... 104 _n know if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection enables the wireless devices 104¾ 1043... 104 _n to transmit uplink Radio Link Control (RLC)/Media Access Control (MAC) radio blocks that will match the capability of the RAN node 102 ₂ (e.g., BSS 102 ₂ ). Basic Functionalities-Configurations of wireless device 104i (for example) and RAN node 102i (for example)

Referring to FIGURE 8, there is a flowchart of a method 800 implemented in the RAN node 102i which is configured to interact with the wireless device 104i in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 802, the RAN node 102i transmits to the wireless device 104i a SI message 200, 400, 604 that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI 13 message 200 that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element 204 which includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 2-3). In another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message 400 that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 4-5). In yet another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI type 3 message 604 that includes a Control Channel Description information element 602 which includes one bit 606 used to ensure that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 6-7). At step 804, the RAN node 102i in response to the transmission of the SI message 200, 400, 604 receives from the wireless device 104i one or more RLC/MAC radio blocks 150 that match a capability of the RAN node 102i.

Referring to FIGURE 9, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary RAN node 102i configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the RAN node 102i comprises a transmit module 902, and a receive module 904. The transmit module 902 is configured to transmit to the wireless device 104i a SI message 200, 400, 604 that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI 13 message 200 that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element 204 which includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 2- 3). In another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message 400 that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 4-5). In yet another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI type 3 message 604 that includes a Control Channel Description information element 602 which includes one bit 606 used to ensure that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 6-7). The transmit module 904 is configured to receive from the wireless device 104i one or more RLC/MAC radio blocks 150 that match a capability of the RAN node 102i. In addition, it should be noted that the RAN node 102i may also include other components, modules or structures which are well-known, but for clarity, only the components, modules or structures needed to describe the features of the present disclosure are described herein.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 902 and 904 of the RAN node 102i may be implemented as suitable dedicated circuit. Further, the modules 902 and 904 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 902 and 904 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the RAN node 102i may comprise a memory 134i, a processor 132i (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver 122i. The memory 134i stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 132i to cause the RAN node 102i to perform the steps of the above-described method 800. Note: the other RAN node 1022 may be configured the same as RAN node 102i.

Referring to FIGURE 10, there is a flowchart of a method 1000 implemented in the wireless device 104i which is configured to interact with the RAN node 102i in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. At step 1002, the wireless device 104i receives from the RAN node 102i a SI message 200, 400, 604 that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI 13 message 200 that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element 204 which includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 2-3). In another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message 400 that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 4-5). In yet another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI type 3 message 604 that includes a Control Channel Description information element 602 which includes one bit 606 used to ensure that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 6-7). At step 1004, the wireless device 104i in response to the reception of the SI message 200, 400, 604 transmits to the RAN node 102i one or more RLC/MAC radio blocks 150 that match a capability of the RAN node 102i.

Referring to FIGURE 11, there is a block diagram illustrating structures of an exemplary wireless device 104i configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the wireless device 104i comprises a receive module 1102 and a transmit module 1104. The receive module 1102 is configured to receive from the RAN node 102i a SI message 200, 400, 604 that includes one or more bits to ensure that the wireless device knows if a cell supports a Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection. In one embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI 13 message 200 that includes a SI 13 Rest Octets information element 204 which includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 2- 3). In another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is an Extended Coverage (EC) SI Type 2 message 400 that includes a one bit MS_ASSISTED_DCN field 202 which ensures that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 4-5). In yet another embodiment, the SI message 200, 400, 604 is a SI type 3 message 604 that includes a Control Channel Description information element 602 which includes one bit 606 used to ensure that the wireless device 104i knows if the cell supports the Mobile Station Assisted Dedicated Core Network Selection (see discussion above with respect to FIGURES 6-7). The transmit module 1104 is configured to transmit to the RAN node 102i one or more RLC/MAC radio blocks 150 that match a capability of the RAN node 102i. In addition, it should be noted that the wireless device 104i may also include other components, modules or structures which are well-known, but for clarity, only the components, modules or structures needed to describe the features of the present disclosure are described herein.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the above-described modules 1 102 and 1104 of the wireless device 104i may be implemented as suitable dedicated circuit. Further, the modules 1 102 and 1104 can also be implemented using any number of dedicated circuits through functional combination or separation. In some embodiments, the modules 1 102 and 1104 may be even combined in a single application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). As an alternative software-based implementation, the wireless device 104i may comprise a memory 120i, a processor 1 18i (including but not limited to a microprocessor, a microcontroller or a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), etc.) and a transceiver HOi. The memory 120i stores machine-readable program code executable by the processor 118i to cause the wireless device 104i to perform the step of the above-described method 1000. Note: the other wireless devices 1042, 1043... 104 _n may be configured the same as wireless device 104i.

In view of the foregoing, it should be appreciated that embodiments described herein are illustrated by exemplary embodiments. It should also be appreciated that these embodiments are not mutually exclusive. That is, the components from one embodiment may be tacitly assumed to be present in another embodiment and it will be obvious to a person skilled in the art how those components may be used in the other exemplary embodiments.

Further, the embodiments described herein have been mainly exemplified with GSM/EDGE as the communications network 100 but generally they are applicable to other existing communications networks such as Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) and enhanced Machine Type Communication (eMTC) or even to future networks such as 5G and next radio. The radio access node 102i, 1022 has been exemplified with a BSS 102i, 1022, but generally it may be another radio access node serving the communication Evolved Node B (eNb) as well. For example for eMTC and NB-IoT the applicable radio access node 102i, 1022 may also be an eNb. The communication (wireless) device 104i, 1042, 1043... 1044 has been exemplified as a wireless device 104i, 1042, 1043... 1044, sometimes also referred to as the device. It should furthermore be noted that, to anyone skilled in the art, there are several realizations of the embodiments described herein with principally equivalent functionality where e.g. introduced fields may be longer or shorter or coded in a different way. An objective of the embodiments herein is to introduce procedures and the corresponding necessary modified or new messages/information elements/fields to ensure that a wireless device 104i, 1042, 1043... 1044 that supports UE/MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network selection, can detect whether or not a cell also supports UE/MS Assisted Dedicated Core Network selection.

In addition, it should be noted that the various message names, parameters, information elements and field names may change during the course of the specification work which implies that embodiments described herein would still apply as long as the principal function/use is the same.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the use of the term "exemplary" is used herein to mean "illustrative," or "serving as an example," and is not intended to imply that a particular embodiment is preferred over another or that a particular feature is essential. Likewise, the terms "first" and "second," and similar terms, are used simply to distinguish one particular instance of an item or feature from another, and do not indicate a particular order or arrangement, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Further, the term "step," as used herein, is meant to be synonymous with "operation" or "action." Any description herein of a sequence of steps does not imply that these operations must be carried out in a particular order, or even that these operations are carried out in any order at all, unless the context or the details of the described operation clearly indicates otherwise.

Of course, the present disclosure may be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without departing from the scope and essential characteristics of the invention. One or more of the specific processes discussed above may be carried out in a cellular phone or other communications transceiver comprising one or more appropriately configured processing circuits, which may in some embodiments be embodied in one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise one or more microprocessors, microcontrollers, and/or digital signal processors programmed with appropriate software and/or firmware to carry out one or more of the operations described above, or variants thereof. In some embodiments, these processing circuits may comprise customized hardware to carry out one or more of the functions described above. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Although multiple embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but instead is also capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the present disclosure that has been set forth and defined within the following claims.