WO2021063909A1

WO2021063909A1 - Apparatus, method and computer program

Info

Publication number: WO2021063909A1
Application number: PCT/EP2020/077165
Authority: WO
Inventors: Devaki Chandramouli; Alessio Casati
Original assignee: Nokia Technologies Oy
Priority date: 2019-10-01
Filing date: 2020-09-29
Publication date: 2021-04-08

Abstract

A method performed by a first communication apparatus, the method comprising: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

Description

APPARATUS, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM

Field

The present application relates to a method, apparatus, and computer program.

Background

A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as user terminals, base stations/access points and/or other nodes by providing carriers between the various entities involved in the communications path. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. The communication sessions may comprise, for example, communication of data for carrying communications such as voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia and/or content data and so on. Non-limiting examples of services provided comprise two-way or multi-way calls, data communication or multimedia services and access to a data network system, such as the Internet.

Summary

According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a first communication apparatus, comprising: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

The message may comprise an indication of a time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus.

The first time duration may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus

The mobile terminated communications may comprise a paging message.

The first communication apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus may comprise a network apparatus.

The method may comprise receiving a mobile terminated communication from the second communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration. The message may comprise at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the method may comprise receiving an acknowledgement message from the second communication apparatus.

The first time duration may comprise a first and second time indicating the start and the end of said first time duration.

The second time duration may comprise a third and fourth time indicating the start and the end of said second time duration.

The first time duration may comprise a first start time stamp and a first duration time to indicate said first time duration.

The second time duration may comprise a second start time stamp and a second duration time to indicate said second time duration.

According to an aspect, there is provided a method performed by a first communication apparatus, comprising: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

The message may comprise an indication of a time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the first connection.

The message may comprise an indication of a time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the second connection.

The first time periodicity may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the first connection.

The second time periodicity may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the second connection. The mobile terminated communications may comprise a paging message,

The first connection may comprise a first radio access technology, RAT, and the second connection comprises a second RAT.

The first and second RATs may be different.

The first communication apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus comprises a network apparatus.

The method may comprise receiving a paging message on the first connection at a time within the first time periodicity.

The method may comprise receiving a paging message on the second connection at a time within the second time periodicity.

The message may comprise at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message.

The first periodicity may start from a time stamp when the message was received by the second communication apparatus.

The first RAT and the second RAT may be set up in a first public land mobile network operator.

The first RAT may be set up in a first public land mobile network operator, and the second RAT may be set up in a second public land mobile network operator.

The first communication apparatus may support dual registration.

According to an aspect, there is provided a method, comprising: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from a second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus; and transmitting a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

The first time duration may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus. The method, wherein the first communication apparatus comprises a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus comprises a network apparatus.

The message may comprise a registration request message or a registration update message, the method further comprises transmitting an acknowledgement message to the first communication apparatus.

The method may comprise buffering a further mobile terminated communication message within the second communication apparatus during a time within the first time duration.

The method may comprise, following the buffering, transmitting the further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus when a time falls within the second time duration.

According to an aspect, there is provided a method, comprising: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

The message may comprise an indication of a time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the first connection. The message may comprise an indication of a time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the second connection.

The second time periodicity may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the second connection.

The method may be performed by a second communication apparatus.

The mobile terminated communication may comprise a paging message,

The method may comprise transmitting a mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time within the first time periodicity.

The method may comprise transmitting a mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time within the second time periodicity.

The first and second RATs may be different.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the method may comprise transmitting an acknowledgement message to the user equipment.

The first RAT may be set up in a first public land mobile network operator, and the second RAT may be set up in a second public land mobile network operator. The method may comprise, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time during the second periodicity, dropping said further mobile terminated communication message.

The method may comprise, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time during the second periodicity, buffering said further mobile terminated communication message until a time during the first periodicity, then transmitting said further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus.

The method may comprise, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time during the first periodicity, dropping said further paging message.

The method may comprise, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time during the first periodicity, buffering said further mobile terminated communication message until a time during the second periodicity, then transmitting said further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

The mobile terminated communications may comprise a paging message,

The apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus may comprise a network apparatus. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a mobile terminated communication from the second communication apparatus a time during the second time duration.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving an acknowledgement message from the second communication apparatus.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

The mobile terminated communications may comprise a paging message,

The first connection may comprise a first radio access technology, RAT, and the second connection may comprise a second RAT.

The first and second RATs may be different.

The apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus may comprise a network apparatus.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a paging message on the first connection at a time within the first time periodicity.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a paging message on the second connection at a time within the second time periodicity.

The apparatus may support dual registration. According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the apparatus; and transmitting a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

The first time duration may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus.

The first communication apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the apparatus may comprise a network apparatus.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting an acknowledgement message to the first communication apparatus.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: buffering a further mobile terminated communication message within the second communication apparatus during a time within the first time duration.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: following the buffering, transmitting the further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus when a time falls within the second time duration.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

The apparatus may comprise a second communication apparatus.

The mobile terminated communication may comprise a paging message,

The first connection may comprise a first radio access technology, RAT, and the second connection may comprise a second RAT. The first communication apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus may comprise a network apparatus.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting a mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time within the first time periodicity.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting a mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus.

The first and second RATs may be different.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: transmitting an acknowledgement message to the user equipment.

The first periodicity may start from a time stamp when the message was received by the apparatus.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time during the second periodicity, dropping said further mobile terminated communication message.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time during the second periodicity, buffering said further mobile terminated communication message until a time during the first periodicity, then transmitting said further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time during the first periodicity, dropping said further paging message.

The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time during the first periodicity, buffering said further mobile terminated communication message until a time during the second periodicity, then transmitting said further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus.

According to an aspect, there is provided a first communication apparatus, comprising means for: causing a transmission of a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

The mobile terminated communications may comprise a paging message.

The means may be for receiving a mobile terminated communication from the second communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means may be for receiving an acknowledgement message from the second communication apparatus.

The first time duration may comprise a first and second time indicating the start and the end of said first time duration. The second time duration may comprise a third and fourth time indicating the start and the end of said second time duration.

According to an aspect, there is provided a first communication apparatus, comprising means for: causing a transmission of a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

The mobile terminated communications may comprise a paging message,

The first and second RATs may be different.

The first communication apparatus may comprise a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus comprises a network apparatus. The means may be for receiving a paging message on the first connection at a time within the first time periodicity.

The means may be for receiving a paging message on the second connection at a time within the second time periodicity.

The first communication apparatus may support dual registration.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising means for: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the apparatus; and causing a transmission of a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

The message may comprise at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message. When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means may be for transmitting an acknowledgement message to the first communication apparatus.

The means may be for buffering a further mobile terminated communication message within the apparatus during a time within the first time duration.

The means may be for, following the buffering, causing a transmission of the further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus when a time falls within the second time duration.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus, comprising means for: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

The first time periodicity may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the first connection. The second time periodicity may provide the time when the second communication apparatus can schedule uplink data transmissions to the first communication apparatus on the second connection.

The mobile terminated communication may comprise a paging message,

The means may be for causing a transmission of a mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time within the first time periodicity.

The means may be for causing a transmission of a mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time within the second time periodicity.

The first and second RATs may be different.

When the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means may be for comprise causing a transmission of an acknowledgement message to the user equipment.

The means may be for, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time during the second periodicity, dropping said further mobile terminated communication message.

The means may be for, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the first connection at a time during the second periodicity, buffering said further mobile terminated communication message until a time during the first periodicity, then transmitting said further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus. The means may be for, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time during the first periodicity, dropping said further paging message.

The means may be for, if a further mobile terminated communication message is to be transmitted to the first communication apparatus using the second connection at a time during the first periodicity, buffering said further mobile terminated communication message until a time during the second periodicity, then transmitting said further mobile terminated communication message to the first communication apparatus.

According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions thereon for performing at least the following: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions thereon for performing at least the following: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions thereon for performing at least the following: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from a second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus; and transmitting a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration. According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions thereon for performing at least the following: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

A computer product stored on a medium may cause an apparatus to perform the methods as described herein.

An electronic device may comprise apparatus as described herein.

In the above, various aspects have been described. It should be appreciated that further aspects may be provided by the combination of any two or more of the various aspects described above.

Various other aspects and further embodiments are also described in the following detailed description.

Description of Figures

Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication system comprising a plurality of base stations and a plurality of communication devices;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example communication device;

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an example network function;

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a distributed services network;

Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of another distributed services network;

Figures 6a and 6b show example signalling diagrams between a user equipment and a network;

Figures 7a and 7b show other example signalling diagrams between a user equipment and a network;

Figure 8 schematically shows an example pattern for periodicities between connections; and

Figure 9 shows an example method flow diagram; Figure 10 shows another example method flow diagram;

Figure 11 shows an example method flow diagram; and

Figure 12 shows an example method flow diagram

Detailed description

Before explaining in detail some examples of the present disclosure, certain general principles of a wireless communication system and mobile communication devices are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3 to assist in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

In a wireless communication system 100, such as that shown in Figure 1, mobile communication devices or user apparatus or user equipment (UE) 102, 104 are provided wireless access via at least one base station or similar wireless transmitting and/or receiving node or point. A user can access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. A communication device of a user is may be a user equipment (UE) or a machine type terminal or any other suitable device. A communication device is provided with an appropriate signal receiving and transmitting apparatus for enabling communications, for example enabling access to a communication network or communications directly with other users. The communication device may access a carrier provided by a station or access point, and transmit and/or receive communications on the carrier.

The communication system and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved.

A base station may be referred to more generally as simply a network apparatus or a network access point. Base stations are typically controlled by at least one appropriate controller apparatus, so as to enable operation thereof and management of mobile communication devices in communication with the base stations. The controller apparatus may be located in a radio access network (e.g. wireless communication system 100) or in a core network (CN) (not shown) and may be implemented as one central apparatus or its functionality may be distributed over several apparatus. The controller apparatus may be part of the base station and/or provided by a separate entity such as a Radio Network Controller. In Figure 1 control apparatus 108 and 109 are shown to control the respective macro level base stations 106 and 107. In some systems, the control apparatus may additionally or alternatively be provided in a radio network controller. In Figure 1, base stations 106 and 107 are shown as connected to a wider communications network 113 via a gateway 112. A further gateway function may be provided to connect to another network.

There may be smaller base stations or cells (not shown) in some networks. These may be pico or femto level base stations or the like.

A possible communication device will now be described in more detail with reference to Figure 2 showing a schematic, partially sectioned view of a communication device 200. Such a communication device may be a user equipment (UE) or terminal. An appropriate communication device may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples comprise a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a mobile phone or what is known as a smart phone, a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., USB dongle), personal data assistant (PDA) or a tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine type device or any combinations of these or the like.

The device 200 may receive signals over an air or radio interface 207 via appropriate apparatus for receiving and may transmit signals via appropriate apparatus for transmitting radio signals. In Figure 2 transceiver apparatus is designated schematically by block 206. The transceiver apparatus 206 may be provided for example by means of a radio part and associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the communication device.

A device is typically provided with at least one data processing entity 201, at least one memory 202 and other possible components 203 for use in software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access systems and other communication devices. The data processing, storage and other relevant control apparatus can be provided on an appropriate circuit board and/or in chipsets. This feature is denoted by reference 204.

The user may control the operation of the mobile device by means of a suitable user interface such as key pad 205, voice commands, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof or the like. This may be optional in some embodiments.

A display 208, a speaker and a microphone can be also provided. One or more of these may be optional in some embodiments.

A communication device may comprise appropriate connectors (either wired or wireless) to other devices and/or for connecting external accessories, for example hands-free equipment, thereto. One or more of these may be optional. The communication devices may access the communication system based on various access techniques.

An example of wireless communication systems are architectures standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). A latest 3GPP based development is often referred to as 5G or New Radio (NR). The previous 3GPP based developments are often referred to as different generations for example 2G, 3G, 4G. Other examples of radio access system comprise those provided by base stations of systems that are based on technologies such as wireless local area network (WLAN) and/or WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access). It should be appreciate that although some embodiments are described in the context of a 4G and/or 5G system, other embodiments may be provided in any other suitable system including but not limited to subsequent systems or similar protocols defined outside the 3GPP forum.

An example apparatus is shown in Figure 3. Figure 3 shows an apparatus that could be comprised within a network function. As an example, the network function could be a base station, a management function, a serving gateway, a packet data network gateway, an access and mobility management function or a session management function. The apparatus 300 comprises at least one memory 301, at least one data processing unit 302, 303 and an input/output interface 304. For example the apparatus 300 can be configured to execute an appropriate software code to provide functions. The apparatus 300 may be included in a chipset apparatus.

Some of the example embodiments as shown below may be applicable to 3 GPP 5G standards. However, some example embodiments may also be applicable to 4G, 3G and other 3 GPP standards.

It has been proposed to have control and user plane separation. This may enable flexible network deployment and operation, by distributed or centralized deployment. This may provide for the independent scaling between control plane and user plane functions, while not affecting the functionality of the existing nodes subject to this split.

Control and user plane separation of EPC nodes (CUPS) was introduced into 4G. CUPS is an architectural enhancement feature that introduces the concept of separation between control Plane and user Plane of EPC nodes (such as for example S-GW (serving gateway, P- GW (packet data network), & T-DF (traffic detection function)).

An example architecture for such 4G system with CUPS is shown in Figure 4.

The architecture shows a base station 401 (such as an evolved Node B eNB) which can communicate with a mobile mobility management entity (MME) 403. The base station 401 may be in communication with one or more user equipment (UEs) (not shown). The MME 403 can communicate with a control plane serving gateway 405 (SGW-C) function which in turn can communicate with both a control plane portable gateway 407 (PGW-C) function and a user plane serving gateway function 409 (SGW-U). The SGW-U function 409 is also connected to a user plane portable gateway function 411 (PGW-U). The PGW-C function 407 can communicate with the PGW-U 411 function.

Therefore, as seen in Figure 4 the MME 403, the SGW-C and the PGW-C make up the control plane function, while the eNB 401, the SGW-U 409 and the PGW-U 411 make up the user plane function. The eNB 401 may comprise of both user plane functions and control plane functions.

5G architecture has been proposed with the control plane and user plane separate. This may provide for greater flexibility and/or other network improvements.

The proposed 5G system supports a service based architecture. A service based architecture utilises a service based framework for a variety of communications-related processes, such as service registration, deregistration, discovery, selection, routing, etc. A service-based architecture is characterised by, instead of having predefined interfaces between network elements, using a services model in which components query a network function repository function (NRF) to discover and communicate with each other over application programming interfaces (APIs). An API is a function and/or procedure that supports an application which access the features or data of an operating system, application or other service.

To support this service architecture, a plurality of functional entities (also known as network functions, NFs) may be provided. Network functions may comprise one or more of:

• Access and mobility management function (AMF): the AMF may provide features relating to UE-based authentication, authorisation, registration, mobility and connection management. The AMF may be independent of access technology type, and so a UE may be connected to an AMF regardless of the access technology used;

• Network Repository Function (NRF): the NRF may support service discovery functions, maintain NF profiles and available NF instances.

• Session Management function (SMF): the SMF may provide session management functions, including allocating Internet Protocol (IP) addresses to UEs. If a UE has multiple sessions, different SMFs may be allocated to each session to manage them individually; • Policy control function (PCF): the PCF may use information on the packet flow between two communicating entities to determine policies about mobility and session management for a given UE for the AMF and SMF to enforce this;

• Unified data management function (UDM): the UDM may store subscription data for a UE;

• Application function (AF): the AF may provide information on the packet flow to the PCF for supporting quality of services; and

• Authentication server function (AUSF): the AUSF may support authentication of a UE.

It has been proposed that some network functions (NFs), called NF service producers, expose services to other authorized NFs, called NF service consumers, through a service-based interface.

An example architecture for such a services-based architecture is depicted in Figure 5.

The architecture shows a user equipment (UE) 501 connected to a (radio) access network ((R)AN or 5G-AN) 503 at the access stratum, as well as an access and mobility management function (AMF) 511 at the non-access stratum. The RAN represents a base station.

The 5G core network (5GC) consists of various network functions (NFs) as discussed previously. In Figure 5 there are ten 5G core NFs. An access and mobility management function (AMF) 511, a session management function (SMF) 509, a policy control function (PCF) 521, an application function (AF) 525, an authentication server function (AUSF) 513, a user plane function (UPF) 505, unified data management (UDM) 523, a NF repository function (NRF) 519, a network exposure function (NEF) 517 and a network slice selection function (NSSF) 515. A data network (DN) 507 is shown.

In Figure 5 we see the following interfaces or references connecting the NFs:

N1 is the interface between the UE and the AMF.

N2 is the interface between the (R)AN and the AMF.

N3 is the interface between the (R)AN and the UPF.

N4 is the interface between the UPF and the SMF.

N6 is the interface between the UPF and the DN.

The NFs that are housed in the first dotted box 527 are the control plane functions of the 5G architecture. These NFs are the AUSF 513, the AMF 511, the SMF 509, the NSSF 515, the NEF 517, the NRF 519, the PCF 521 and the UDM 523. The NF housed in the second dotted box 529 is the user plane function of the 5G architecture. This NF is the UPF 505. The UPF 505 is a user plane function. The RAN has both control plane and user plane functions.

Some mobile devices are configured to allow two separate subscriber identity modules (SIM) and/or universal subscriber identity module cards (USIM) to be fitted into the mobile device. These devices may be called multi-SIM/multi -USIM devices. A SIM/USIM can be either physical or virtual, for example, provided in software. It has been proposed that a network should support UEs that can be idle with both USIMs, connected with one of the USIMs and idle with the other, or connected with both USIMs (in the case of multiple receive and at least one transmit). The two USIMs may belong to the same operator/network. In other examples, the two USIMs may belong to different operators/networks.

If a UE is paged, by the network, while the UE is performing high priority activity the paging may be ignored by the UE, or the paging may interrupt the high priority activity and cause it to terminate. This may waste network resources.

In some systems, when the network provides the paging to the UE using the paging, the UE will determine whether or not to respond to the paging. This has the disadvantage that after network has wasted paging resources, the UE can then determine not to respond to select paging messages. In some other systems, the UE changes between different radio access technologies on its own. The UE tunes away from one radio to another periodically. If a UE behaves like this on its own when the UE supports single radio, dual registration, the mobile terminated (MT) transactions may be impacted and a user experience can also be poor because the UE might be receiving MT services in a delayed fashion. The UE may be in the wrong radio when the network is transmitting packets or performing paging in a different radio.

There is a need for a mechanism for managing a UE’s camping pattern when the UE supports single radio or dual radio, in order to facilitate the UE’ s needs for high priority activity, thus avoid paging interruptions while high priority activity is ongoing. Similarly, for single radio or dual radio UE with dual registration capability, there is a need for a mechanism to determine a predictable pattern of camping behaviours of a UE in order to facilitate predictable MT communication patterns and avoid wasteful use of network resources. Some of the following examples and embodiments will attempt to address one or more of these problems.

Figures 6a and 6b show example signalling diagrams between a first communication apparatus 601, 605 and a second communication apparatus 603, 607. The first apparatus may be, for example, a UE or a terminal. The second apparatus may be, for example, a network, network entity or base station. In order to avoid interruptions at the UE 601, 605 from network paging during high priority activities, at a time of initial registration and registration update, the network (NW) 603, 607 and UE 601, 605 negotiate preferred services, and/or time period wherein the UE 601, 605 should/should not receive MT communication such as for example, paging. The NW 603, 605 can then determine when to page the UE 601, 605, and when not to page the UE 601, 605. Furthermore, it allows the NW 603, 607 to take control and use radio/paging resources when it is known that the UE 601, 605 will listen to the paging. This will be described in more detail below.

In step A1 of Figure 6a, the UE 601 transmits a registration request to the NW 603. In other examples, the UE 601 may transmit a registration update message. The registration request may comprise MT communication information for the UE 601. The MT communication information may comprise paging information. In this example shown below, the type of MT communication being used is paging. In other examples, other types of MT communication may be used.

The paging information may comprise an indication of a time duration wherein the UE 601 requests for no paging, a so-called “no-paging time”. The paging information may comprise an indication of a time duration wherein the UE 601 can be paged, a so called “MT time”. Based on received “no paging time”, the NW 603 will know when not to perform paging for MT transactions. The received “no-paging time” may be represented by the UE 601 as “from” - “to” time/time stamps (if the clocks of the UE 601 and NW 603 are synchronized) or as “start-time + duration” wherein the start time is from the current time. The registration request/update comprising the paging information may be forwarded to the AMF. The AMF may maintain/store the current paging information for the UE 601. The AMF may forward the paging information to the SMF. Pending MT communications may be stored in the SMF/UPF during a time period within the “no-paging time”. The SMF can buffer the stored MT communications if the SMF knows the paging information for the UE 601.

In some examples, the registration request/update message may comprise an indication of a time when the network can schedule uplink data transmissions to the UE. For example, the “MT time” may also provide the time when the network can schedule uplink data transmissions to the UE.

In step A2, the NW 603 transmits a registration response message to the UE 601. The registration response message may comprise an acknowledgement of the received paging information from the UE 601.

Another example is shown alongside Figure 6b.

At step Bl, the UE 605 transmits a connection release message to the NW 607. The connection release message may be a radio resource control (RRC) connection release message. The connection release message may comprise paging information for the UE 605. In a similar manner to Figure 6a, the paging information may comprise an indication of a time duration wherein the UE 605 requests for no paging, a so-called “no-paging time”. The paging information may comprise an indication of a time duration wherein the UE 605 can be paged, a so called “MT time”.

Figures 7a and 7b show example signalling diagrams between a first communication apparatus 701, 705 and a second communication apparatus 703, 707. The first apparatus may be, for example, a UE or a terminal. The second apparatus may be, for example, a network, network entity or base station. The examples in Figures 7a and 7b may be applicable for single radio or dual radio UEs with dual registration capability (multi-SIM). In order to avoid interruptions at the UE from MT communications from the network, such as paging, during high priority activities, at a time of initial registration/registration update, the NW 703, 707 and the UE 701, 705 may negotiate how long the UE 701, 705 should be camping on a certain connection prior to the UE 701, 705 moving to another connection. In some examples, the UE 701, 705 may be camping on a certain connection before moving to another connection. In some examples, the UE 701, 705 may be camping in a certain radio access technology (RAT) prior to the UE 701, 705 moving to another RAT. Some examples of different RATs are Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, long-term evolution (LTE) and 5GNR. The UEs 701, 705 in Figures 7a and 7b may support dual radio (dual RAT). In other examples, the UEs 701, 705 in Figures 7a and 7b may support single radio (single RAT). The UE 701, 705 and NW 703, 707 may negotiate a time period for tune away. Tuning away describes the UE 701, 705 moving from a first connection to a second connection. In some examples the first and second connection may be different RATs. In other examples, the first and second connection be the same RAT but on two separate SIM cards. This allows the NW 703, 707 to be in control of UE’s 701, 705 tune away from one current connection to the other connection. During a period when the UE 701, 705 is not listening to the current connection, the NW 703, 707 will refrain from initiating MT transactions, for example, paging messages. In an example, when the two connections are different RATs and when the network behind both RATs are well coordinated, the network can intelligently determine when to initiate MT transactions based on negotiated period for a given RAT. An example of a network behind both RATs being well coordinated is the same public land mobile network (PLMN) offering both RATs where the UE is camping. This will be described in more detail below.

At step A1 of Figure 7a, the UE 701 transmits a registration request to the NW 703. In other examples, the UE 701 may transmit a registration update message. The registration request may comprise MT communication information for the UE 701. The MT communication information may comprise paging information. In this example shown below, the type of MT communication being used is paging. In other examples, other types of MT communication may be used.

The paging information may comprise an indication of a first periodicity for a first connection. The paging information may comprise an indication of a second periodicity for a second connection. The first and second periodicity meaning a first time period and second time period that repeats in a periodic manner. Based on first and second periodicity, the NW 703 will know the period when the UE 701 will camp on the first connection and the period the UE 701 will camp on the second connection. The periodicity may be the duration starting from a time stamp when the registration request/update message was received by the NW 703. In some examples, the first and second periodicities may be the same, as shown in Figure 8. In other examples, the first and second periodicity may be different.

Based on the received first and second periodicities, the NW 703 controls delivery of MT packets (in connected mode) using the first connection and the second connection. A current connection may be either the first connection or the second connection dependent on the current time and the first and second periodicities. The registration request/update comprising the paging information may be forwarded, by the NW 703, to the AMF. The AMF may inform the SMFs/UPFs (for active protocol data unit (PDU) sessions) to ensure that the MT packets are delivered as per the first and second periodicities for the first or second connections. When the MT data is received at the NW 703 (for any PDU Session), a corresponding UPF may deliver the data to the UE 701 using the current connection, when the UE 701 is known to camp on the current connection. If the UE 701 is not camping on the current connection, the UPF may drop the packet. The dropping of the packet may help to avoid duplicated packet delivery. In another example, the UPF may buffer the packet and deliver the packet when the UE 701 returns to the corresponding connection. If the UE 701 is performing this negotiation of periodicities using both connections, then both connections may have the same knowledge regarding the periods the UE 701 will camp on the two connections. Therefore, the UE 701 can receive the packet on the appropriate connection based on negotiated schedule.

In some examples, the registration request/update message may comprise an indication of a time when the network can schedule uplink data transmissions to the UE for the first and second connection. As an example, the first periodicity may also be time period when the network can schedule uplink data transmissions to the UE on the first connection. As an example, the second periodicity may also be the time period when the network can schedule uplink data transmissions to the UE on the second connection. This may allow for configuration of time division multiplexing across the two connections for both uplink and downlink transmissions.

At step A2 of Figure 7a, the NW 703 transmits a registration response message to the UE 701. The registration response message may comprise an acknowledgement of the received paging information from the UE 701.

Another example is shown alongside Figure 7b.

At step Bl, the UE 705 transmits a connection release message to the NW 707. The connection release message may be a radio resource control (RRC) connection release message. The connection release message may comprise paging information for the UE 705. In a similar manner to Figure 7a, the paging information may comprise an indication of a first periodicity for a first connection. The paging information may comprise an indication of a second periodicity for a second connection. Based on first and second periodicity, the NW 703 will know the period when the UE 701 will camp on the first connection and the period the UE 701 will camp on the second connection.

In some examples, the first and second periodicities, for the first and second connections, may be set up in independent PLMNs using the same RAT type. In other examples, the first and second periodicities, for the first and second connections, may be set up for the same PLMN using the same RAT but used by different SIM cards.

Figure 8 schematically shows an example pattern for periodicities between connections. In the example, there is a first period 801 wherein the first/current connection is high. In the first period 801 a UE will camp on the first/current connection. There is a second period 803 wherein the second/other connection is high. In the second period 803 a UE will camp on the second/other connection. There is a third period 805 wherein the first/current connection is high. In the third period 805 a UE will camp on the first/current connection. There is a fourth period 807 wherein the second/other connection is high. In the fourth period 807 a UE will camp on the second/other connection. In some examples, the first/current connection may comprise a first RAT. In some examples, the second/other connection may comprise a second RAT. The first and second RAT may be different in some examples. In other examples, the first and second RAT may be the same but on different SIM cards. In other examples, the first and second RAT may be same but using two different PLMNs. In this example of Figure 8 the periodicities for the current and other connection is the same length of time. In other examples, the periodicities may differ between the current and the other RAT.

Figure 9 shows an example method flow diagram. The method steps may be performed by a first communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a terminal, or be comprised with the terminal. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a user equipment, or be comprised within the user equipment.

Step 901 comprises transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

Figure 10 shows another example method flow diagram. The method steps may be performed by a second communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a network apparatus, or be comprised with the network apparatus. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a base station, or be comprised within the base station.

Step 1001 comprises receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from a second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

Step 1003 transmitting a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

Figure 11 shows an example method flow diagram. The method steps may be performed by a first communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a terminal, or be comprised with the terminal. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a user equipment, or be comprised within the user equipment.

Step 1101 comprises transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

Figure 12 shows another example method flow diagram. The method steps may be performed by a second communication apparatus. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a network apparatus, or be comprised with the network apparatus. The first communication apparatus may be, for example, a base station, or be comprised within the base station.

Step 1201 comprises receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

Some examples shown allows for a reduction in interruptions at UEs with mobile terminated messages from the network, while the UE is performing high priority communications. Furthermore, wasting of network resources is reduced as UEs are able to communicate camping patterns to the network so that the network is able to facilitate predictable mobile terminated messages.

In particular for the examples shown alongside Figure 7, the network is under full control of UE’s behaviour and in case of a dual regi strati on/multi SIM support irrespective of whether the UE supports single radio or dual radio. Trial and error may be avoided for paging and MT packet delivery, thus reducing network resource wastage. The use of network resources may be optimized based on negotiated knowledge of UE’s camping behaviour.

The solution may be generalized and may be applied to dual registration (with single radio / dual radio capability), to single SIM, to dual SIM or to multi-SIM capability. The solution may also generalized to dual radio with dual credentials (for example, SIM for PLMN access + non-SIM credential for non-public network (NPN) access).

The method steps may be performed by an apparatus. The apparatus may be comprised within a communication device, such as a terminal or UE configured to access a communication network via an access point. In other examples, the UE may be within the apparatus. Method steps may be performed by a different part or component of the UE. The method steps may be performed by an apparatus, such as chipset or IC, within the UE. It must be understood that one or more steps may be omitted or take place in an alternate order.

It should be understood that each step in the signalling diagram of the Figures and any combination thereof may be implemented by various means or their combinations, such as hardware, software, firmware, one or more processors and/or circuitry.

It is noted that whilst embodiments have been described in relation to one example of a standalone 5G networks, similar principles maybe applied in relation to other examples of standalone 3G or LTE networks. It should be noted that other embodiments may be based on other cellular technology other than 5G or on variants of 5G. Therefore, although certain embodiments were described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies and standards, embodiments may be applied to any other suitable forms of communication systems than those illustrated and described herein.

It is also noted herein that while the above describes example embodiments, there are several variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

It should be understood that the apparatuses may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules. Although the apparatuses have been described as one entity, different modules and memory may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

In general, the various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special purpose circuits, software, logic or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the invention may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, special purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controller or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

The embodiments of this invention may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor, such as in the processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or program, also called program product, including software routines, applets and/or macros, may be stored in any apparatus- readable data storage medium and they comprise program instructions to perform particular tasks. A computer program product may comprise one or more computer-executable components which, when the program is run, are configured to carry out embodiments. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions of it.

Further in this regard it should be noted that any steps in the signalling diagrams as in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within the processor, magnetic media such as hard disk or floppy disks, and optical media such as for example DVD and the data variants thereof, CD. The physical media is a non-transitory media.

The memory may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. The data processors may be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and may comprise one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASIC), FPGA, gate level circuits and processors based on multi core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples.

Embodiments of the inventions may be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is by and large a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available for converting a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiment of this invention. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention as defined in the appended claims. Indeed there is a further embodiment comprising a combination of one or more embodiments with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

Claims:

1. A first communication apparatus, comprising means for: causing a transmission of a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

2. A first communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mobile terminated communications comprise a paging message.

3. A first communication apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first communication apparatus comprises a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus comprises a network apparatus.

4. A first communication apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the message may comprise at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message.

5. A first communication apparatus according to claim 4, wherein when the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means are further configured to perform: receiving an acknowledgement message from the second communication apparatus.

6. A second communication apparatus comprising means for: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from a second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus; and transmitting a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

7. A second communication apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the mobile terminated communications comprise a paging message.

8. A second communication apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the message comprises at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message.

9. A second communication apparatus according to claim 8, wherein when the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means is further configured to perform: transmitting an acknowledgement message to the first communication apparatus.

10. A method performed by a first communication apparatus, the method comprising: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus.

11. A method performed by a second communication apparatus comprising: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time duration when the first communication apparatus should not receive mobile terminated communications from a second communication apparatus, and a second time duration when the first communication apparatus may receive mobile terminated communications from the second communication apparatus; and transmitting a mobile terminated communication to the first communication apparatus at a time during the second time duration.

12. A first communication apparatus, comprising means for: causing a transmission of a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

13. A first communication apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the mobile terminated communications comprise a paging message.

14. A first communication apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the first communication apparatus comprises a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus comprises a network apparatus.

15. A first communication apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the message comprises at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message.

16. A first communication apparatus according to claim 15, wherein when the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means is further configured to perform: receiving an acknowledgement message from the second communication apparatus.

17. A second communication apparatus, comprising means for: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

18. A second communication apparatus according to claim 17, wherein the mobile terminated communication may comprise a paging message,

19. A second communication apparatus according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the first communication apparatus comprises a terminal apparatus, and the second communication apparatus comprises a network apparatus.

20. A second communication apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, wherein the message may comprise at least one of: a registration request message, a registration update message, and a connection release message.

21. A second communication apparatus according to claim 20, wherein when the message comprises a registration request message or a registration update message, the means is further configured to perform: causing a transmission of an acknowledgement message to the first communication apparatus.

22. A method performed by a first communication apparatus, comprising: transmitting a message to a second communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communications during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

23. A method performed by a second communication apparatus, the method comprising: receiving a message from a first communication apparatus, wherein the message comprises an indication of a first time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a first connection and a second time periodicity when the first communication apparatus will camp on a second connection, wherein the first communication apparatus can receive a mobile terminated communication during a first time within the first time periodicity on the first connection and can receive a mobile terminated communication during a second time within the second time periodicity on the second connection.

24. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions thereon, for performing at least the following steps from any one of method claims 10, 11, 22 and 23.