WO2015190986A1

WO2015190986A1 - Methods and arrangements for switching of states

Info

Publication number: WO2015190986A1
Application number: PCT/SE2015/050667
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrik Karlsson; Sofia BRISMAR; Martin Skarve; Henrik Nyberg
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Current assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson AB
Priority date: 2014-06-10
Filing date: 2015-06-10
Publication date: 2015-12-17
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-10

Abstract

Methods and arrangements for switching of states. A method is performed by a wireless communication device for switching of states of the wireless communication device. A reconfiguration order to switch states is received (300) from a communication network node (500). It is determined (302) whether the wireless communication device (500) has an established C-EDCH (Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel), and it is determined that the C-EDCH is not established, establishment of the C-EDCH with the communication network node (600) is initiated (304). In response to the establishment of the C-EDCH, switching (306) the states of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH is enabled. Furthermore, the switching of states over the C-EDCH may comprise utilizing a synchronized established radio link of a first state in a second state. By ensuring that switching of states is performed according to the same principle, e.g. a C-EDCH seamless switch, variations and inaccuracy in switching times will be decreased. In addition, by ensuring that the faster C-EDCH seamless switch will be utilized, the wireless communication device will be enabled to communicate user data at CELL DCH earlier than if a slower switching principle is utilized. Thereby, users of the wireless communication devices will perceive that performed services responds faster and with less variation in response times.

Description

METHODS AND ARRANGMENTS FOR SWITCHING OF STATES

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to switching of states in wireless communication networks. In particular, it relates to securing improving initial latency response in WCDMA (Wireless Code Division Multiple Access) networks. Commonly, e.g. in 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project), the abbreviation WCDMA is used for Wideband Code Division Multiple Access.

Background

In WCDMA systems, wireless communication devices, such as UEs are connected in accordance with RRC states. In WCDMA several RRC states exist.

• CELL DCH (Dedicated Channel): The state of HSPA (High Speed Packet Access) which can support excellent throughput rates and where active data users should be assigned to. A wireless communication device in CELL DCH state has a dedicated control channel.

• CELL_FACH (Forward Access Channel): A Semi active state which can provide a moderate/low user rate. The radio resource consumption is typically less than for CELL DCH. I.e., on average (including both transmission and idle period) the radio resource consumption is less. When a wireless communication device is inactive in CELL FACH state the serving NodeB is not aware of the wireless communication device, which not has a dedicated control channel.

• URA_PCH (UTRAN (UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications system) Terrestrial Radio Access Network) Resource Allocation Paging Channel): An inactive state which do not provide any user data capability but excellent for saving UE battery. Data active users are assigned to CELL DCH and data inactive users are assigned to URA PCH and/or CELL FACH.

With reference to Figure 1, which is a schematic graph, a prior art scenario of transmission of user data will now be described.

When a data inactive user in CELL FACH becomes active e.g. clicks on a web- page and like to transmit data to the system the UE initiate a C-EDCH pre-amble process according to the Figure 1. C-EDCH (Common Enhanced Dedicated CHannel) is a transport channel in CELL FACH state. In figure 1 is illustrated that the UE sends a number of pre-ambles to notify the NodeB that the UE wants to exchange user data. The UE establishes a DPCCH (Dedicated Physical Control CHannel) with the NodeB and thereafter also a DPDCH (Dedicated Physical Data CHannel). The DPDCH is a user data channel, and the UE can start to transmit data, i.e. user data, at a moderate data rate on C-EDCH. Thereafter there are two alternatives to initiate an up switch to state CELL DCH to further improve the end-user rate.

• Synchronized procedure A, i.e. switch using Synchronization Procedure

A: The system sends an order to switch from CELL FACH to CELL DCH using e.g. a Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message. When put into practice, an RNC (Radio network Controller) sends the order to the UE via a NodeB. At reception of the order the UE starts to listen for the assigned DL RL (a

Downlink Radio Link which comprises one or more radio bearers). When achieving DL synchronization it starts to transmit the UL (Uplink) control channel and after a pre-configured guard time it starts to transmit UL user data. This whole process takes ~200-300ms during which user data transmission is not possible. C-EDCH seamless switch: C-EDCH seamless switch is an improvement to WCDMA and relate to when using C-EDCH in CELL FACH state. It uses the fact that a UE using C-EDCH already has an established radio link that is in synchronization both in UL and DL. The switch order (triggered by e.g. a Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message) is mainly to change the DL

channelization code and UL scrambling code as well as the RRC state. This can in principle be changed from one TTI (Transmission Time Interval) to another. The switch might be seen as almost seamless i.e. no substantial user data transmission gap is required.

As a result the C-EDCH seamless switch solution provides a good capability of achieving very good end-user initial response latency for end-users in CELL FACH. The UE have the initial C-EDCH pre-amble delay in the order of -10-20 ms and thereafter the UE can start to transmit data. After some additional delay (e.g. the time to process the upswitch order) the actual state switch, without any user data transmission gaps, to CELL DCH can be performed, which provide excellent throughput.

Users in URA PCH that become active is first switched to CELL FACH and is thereafter following the channel state switching process used for CELL FACH users.

As stated above, the amount of user data which could be transmitted in

CELL FACH state is limited. Therefore, the UE will switch states to CELL DCH. When switching states, in a first scenario a UE which is in the CELL FACH state receives a reconfiguration order to switch states to CELL DCH. When receiving the reconfiguration order, the UE starts to listen for preambles 100 for identifying a DL RL. Then the UE waits a guard time before being able to send user data in CELL DCH.

However, if the configuration order is received at a time when there is an ongoing user data transmission in CELL FACH, i.e. when a C-EDCH (Common Enhanced Dedicated CHannel) is established (dash-dotted oval in Figure 1), the state switching will be performed by a so called C-EDCH seamless switch. As stated above limited amounts of user data could be transmitted in the CELL FACH state, and then is the C-EDCH established. However, the power consumption of the UE is higher when the C-EDCH is established than when it is not established. Therefore, e.g. in order to save battery in the UE, the C-EDCH will be terminated short after the user data is sent. Thus, the procedure for switching states will vary in dependence of whether or not there is an ongoing user data transmission in CELL FACH, which gives rise to a variation in switching times.

For end-users system responsiveness is a very important quality indication e.g. time from click on a web-page until something becomes visible on the screen.

Accordingly it is very important that the system minimizes the initial delay latency i.e. time from first UE transmission in a session until the first user-data is transmitted to the end-user e.g. periods where data transmission is restricted/not allowed.

Summary

The proposed solution relates to securing improved initial latency response in WCDMA networks. This is achieved by introducing a capability to secure that the C-EDCH (Common Enhanced Dedicated CHannel) seamless switch capability is used whenever an up-switch from CELL FACH state to CELL DCH state is performed and E-DCH is used in the source and target configuration.

According to a first aspect, a method is provided which is performed by a wireless communication device for switching of states of the wireless communication device. The method comprises: receiving (300), from a communication network node (500), a reconfiguration order to switch states; determining (302) whether the wireless communication device (500) has an established C-EDCH (Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel); when it is determined that the C-EDCH is not established, initiating (304) establishment of the C-EDCH with the communication network node (600), and in response to the establishment of the C-EDCH, switching (306) the states of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH.

Furthermore, the switching of states over the C-EDCH may comprise utilizing a synchronized established radio link of a first state in a second state. The first state may be one of CELL FACH and CELL URA, and the second state may be CELL DCH.

According to a second aspect, a method is provided which is performed by a communication network node for enabling a wireless communication device to switch states. The method comprises: sending, to the wireless communication device, a reconfiguration order to switch states of the wireless communication device; receiving, from the wireless communication device, a request for initiation of a C-EDCH, and, in response to the received request, establishing the C-EDCH with the wireless

communication device, such that the wireless communication device is enabled to initiate a switching of states over the C-EDCH.

According to further aspects, a wireless communication device such as a UE and a communication network node such as a NodeB, which are adapted to perform the method steps of any of the above described respective methods, are also provided. The wireless communication device and the communication network node, respectively, comprises instructions, which, when run in the respective processors, causes the wireless communication device and the communication network node to perform actions of the respective methods.

This is achieved by enabling the UE (User Equipment) at reception of the up switch order (e.g. using RRC (Radio Resource Control) message Radio Bearer

Reconfiguration) to initiate a C-EDCH transmission from which a C-EDCH seamless switch to CELL DCH is possible instead of performing a normal slow Synchronized Procedure A up switch, i.e. an up switch using Synchronization procedure A.

If a UE in CELL FACH (or URA PCH) receive a switch order (e.g. a Radio Bearer Reconfiguration message) and is not having an ongoing C-EDCH transmission. The UE should then not initiate the normal Synchronized Procedure A switch, i.e. the switch using Synchronization procedure A but instead initiate a C- EDCH transmission (even if it does not have any user data in the buffer) followed by a C-EDCH seamless switch to CELL DCH.

Thereby a C-EDCH seamless switch may always be secured instead of performing a Synchronized Procedure A switch, i.e. a switch using Synchronization procedure A. One advantage with the described solution is that so called C-EDCH seamless switch execution may be secured. Thereby minimal initial latency response may be secured for the end-user. If a switch order is received when there is no ongoing C- EDCH transmission there will be a delay in the order of about 10-20 ms (plus a delay caused by processing time of the upswitch order and a time for changing RRC states) until there is an established radio link where data transmission is possible and the switch to CELL DCH may thereafter be performed without any user data

transmission gaps/restrictions. Instead of having a 200-300 ms user data transmission gap by using Synchronized Procedure A, i.e. Synchronization procedure A, which accordingly introduces a likewise size of user data latency delay for any UE originated user data transmission.

Brief description of drawings

The solution will now be described in more detail by means of exemplary embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of channels in accordance with the existing art. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a change of states, according to possible

embodiments.

Figure 3 is a schematic flow chart of methods, according to possible embodiments. Figure 4 is a schematic flow chart of methods, according to possible embodiments. Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of a communication device, according to possible embodiments.

Figure 6 is a schematic block diagram of a communication network node, according to possible embodiments.

Figure 7 is a schematic block diagram of a computer program product, according to possible embodiments.

Detailed description

One problem with the C-EDCH seamless switch is that it is only possible if the UE has an ongoing C-EDCH transmission. If the C-EDCH transmission is finished the UE has to use the normal Synchronized Procedure A, with its longer switch time and user data transmission gap.

Due to latency in the network, mainly transport network which typically is in the order of 10-30ms but can be up to 130ms, there is a delay related to when the system can detect UE data activity and when the switch order is received by the UE.

Further most user data transmissions are not full buffer but TCP/IP transmission bursts, with frequent periods of inactivity which result in release of the C-EDCH resource.

Thereby there is a certain randomness connected to if the switch order is received during an ongoing C-EDCH transmission or not. Hence, even if the C-EDCH seamless switch capability is supported it is not possible to secure that a C-EDCH seamless switch is used, it can very well become a normal Synchronized Procedure A, i.e. a normal Synchronization Procedure A.

With reference to Figure 2, which is a schematic diagram, an example of a situation where the UE establishes C-EDCH transmission, before initiating switching of states from CELL FACH to CELL DCH will now be described, in accordance with one exemplifying embodiment. As seen in figure 2, the UE sends pre-ambles 100, and establishes the C-EDCH transmission (DPCCH + user data channel, i.e. DPDCH). The two first user data blocks illustrate user data sent when the C-EDCH is established.

In this embodiment two scenarios will be described where a UE receives a reconfiguration order to switch states.

In the first scenario, the reconfiguration order is received at the time tl, i.e. when no DPCCH is established. The UE determines that no DPCCH is established, sends preambles 100, establishes a DPCCH and starts sending user data. Thereby, an E-DCH (DPCCH + user data) is established and a so called C-EDCH seamless switch could be performed.

In the other scenario, the reconfiguration order is received at the time t2. The UE determines that a DPCCH is already established, starts sending user data, and performs a C-EDCH seamless switch.

By ensuring that switching of states is performed according to the same principle, e.g. a C-EDCH seamless switch, variations and inaccuracy in switching times will be decreased. In addition, by ensuring that the faster C-EDCH seamless switch will be utilized, the UE will be enabled to communicate user data at CELL DCH earlier than if a slower switching principle is utilized. Thereby, the users of the UEs will perceive that performed services responds faster and with less variation in response times.

With reference to Figure 3, which is a schematic flow chart, a scenario of a wireless communication device will now be described in accordance with one exemplifying embodiment.

In a first action 300, the UE receives an RB (Radio Bearer) reconfiguration order from the NodeB. The reconfiguration order is implemented as an RRC (Radio Resource Control) message, e.g. RB Reconfiguration message, RB Setup message, or Cell Update Confirm message.

In a subsequent action 302, the UE determines whether it has an ongoing C- EDCH transmission with the NodeB or not.

In case that there is an ongoing C-EDCH transmission, then in a following action 306, the UE initiates a C-EDCH seamless switch over the C-EDCH, i.e. utilizes the already established radio link, which is synchronized, to switch states from

CELL FACH state to CELL DCH state. In this exemplifying embodiment, the initiation is implemented as a switch order triggered by an RB reconfiguration message. However, the switch order may be alternatively implemented within the disclosed concept.

In case that it is determined that there is no ongoing C-EDCH transmission, then in another action 304, the UE initiates a C-EDCH transmission by: sending out preambles, establishing a DPCCH, and sending user data. Thereafter, the procedure proceeds with the above described action 306. Alternatively, the process may instead proceed by repeating the action 302 of determining whether there is an ongoing C- EDCH transmission. In this alternative, the result of the action 302 will be that there is an ongoing C-EDCH transmission.

By performing any of the above described process for switching the states, the UE may then be enabled to communicate user data with the NodeB in another action If a UE in CELL FACH or URA PCH state receive a switch order and the UE does not have an ongoing C-EDCH transmission, then the UE should initiate a normal C-EDCH transmission i.e. start C-EDCH pre-amble followed by DPCCH transmission. When this is established it should perform a C-EDCH seamless switch up to

CELL DCH.

Thus, the UE initiates a C-EDCH transmission to secure a C-EDCH seamless switch and minimize initial user data latency transmission.

In an alternative embodiment, which is based on some above described embodiments, identification information will be included on the first C-EDCH transmission. Then the RBS can use this identification information on C-EDCH to simplify the identification of to which configured dedicated channel on CELL DCH the C-EDCH should be switched to. The identification may be provided in different ways, For instance, the NodeB can monitor the MAC (Medium Access Control)-header where the UE identity is included. The Mac-header is included in every user data transmission and if the UE does not send any user data it has to send a data empty PDU (Protocol Data Unit) to only deliver the MAC-header with UE identity. Then UE identity is also included in the RNC RL establishment order to RBS. Another alternative is to arrange a dedicated information field sent in the first TTI(s), which the RBS reads. It contains identification information which is the same value as is received from the RNC at the establishment of the CELL DCH RL. However, the concept is not limited to the above described alternatives for sending identification information.

With reference to Figure 4, which is a schematic flow chart, a scenario of a communication network node will now be described in accordance with one

exemplifying embodiment.

In a first action 400, a NodeB, which is a communication network node, sends an RB reconfiguration order to a UE. As stated above in another embodiment, the RB reconfiguration order is implemented as a suitable RRC message.

In another action 402, the NodeB receives a request for initiation of a C-EDCH, i.e. DPCCH + user data. The request comprises preambles, as described above in another embodiment. In response to the received request, in a following action 404, the NodeB establishes the C-EDCH.

In a final action 406, the NodeB is initiated by the UE to perform a seamless switch over the C-EDCH, i.e. a C-EDCH seamless switch.

With reference to Figure 5, which is a schematic block diagram, a wireless communication device 500 will now be described in accordance with one exemplifying embodiment.

The wireless communication device 500 is implemented as a UE. However the disclosed concept is not limited to UEs, and may be applied also in other suitable wireless communication devices, e.g. so called M2M (Machine to Machine) devices.

The UE 500 comprises a communication module 502, a controller 504, and optionally a processor 506 and a storage module 508.

The communication module 502 and the controller 504 are arranged to essentially perform the actions of the corresponding method described above in conjunction with some embodiments.

Furthermore, the optional storage module 508 and processor 506 may be arranged to provide additional storage capacity and calculating capacity to the wireless communication device 500, e.g. for storing information regarding prior C-EDCH transmission or statuses, and assisting the controller 504.

With reference to Figure 5, also an alternative example implementation of the wireless communication device 500 will now be described in accordance with another exemplifying embodiment. In this embodiment, the controller is implemented as a processor 504, and the wireless communication device 500 comprises the storage module implemented as a memory 506. The wireless communication device 500 may comprise a communication module implemented as a communications interface 502 and provided in order to allow the wireless communication device 500 to communicate with other apparatuses (e.g., network nodes or communication devices), etc. To this end, the communications interface 502 may comprise a transmitter and a receiver. Alternatively, the communications interface 502 may comprise a transceiver combining both transmission and reception capabilities. The communications interface 502 may include a radio frequency (RF) interface allowing the wireless communication device 500 to communicate with other apparatuses etc through a radio frequency band through the use of different radio frequency technologies such as LTE, WCDMA, any other cellular network standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP), or any other wireless technology such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.

The memory 506 comprises instructions which are executable by the processor

504 whereby the communication device 500 is operative to: upon reception, from a communication network node 600, of a reconfiguration order to switch states, determine whether the wireless communication device 500 has an established C-EDCH; initiate establishment of the C-EDCH with the communication network node 600 when it is determined that a C-EDCH is not established; and in response to the establishment of the C-EDCH, switch states of the wireless communication device 500 over the C- EDCH. Furthermore, the memory 506 may comprise instructions which are executable by the processor 504 whereby the wireless communication device 500 is operative to receive the reconfiguration order, by means of the communications interface 502.

With reference to Figure 6, which is a schematic block diagram, a

communication network node 600 will now be described in accordance with one exemplifying embodiment.

The communication network node 600 is implemented as a NodeB. The NodeB 600 comprises a communication module 602, a controller 604, and optionally a processor 606 and a storage module 608.

The communication module 602 and the controller 604 are arranged to essentially perform actions for assisting the UE 500 to initiate a switching of status over a C-EDCH, according to a corresponding method described above in conjunction with another embodiment.

Furthermore, the optional storage module 608 and processor 606 may be arranged to provide additional storage capacity and calculating capacity to the communication network node 600, e.g. for storing information regarding prior C-EDCH transmission or statuses, and assisting the controller 604.

With reference to Figure 6, also an alternative example implementation of the communication network node 600 will now be described in accordance with another exemplifying embodiment. In this embodiment, the controller is implemented as a processor 604, and the communication network node 600 comprises the storage module implemented as a memory 606. The communication network node 600 may comprise a communication module implemented as a communications interface 602 and provided in order to allow the communication network node 600 to communicate with other apparatuses (e.g., other network nodes or communication devices), etc. To this end, the communications interface 602 may comprise a transmitter and a receiver. Alternatively, the communications interface 602 may comprise a transceiver combining both transmission and reception capabilities. The communications interface 602 may include a radio frequency (RF) interface allowing the communication network node 600 to communicate with other apparatuses etc through a radio frequency band through the use of different radio frequency technologies such as LTE, WCDMA, any other cellular network standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3 GPP), or any other wireless technology such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, etc.

The memory 606 comprises instructions which are executable by the processor 604 whereby the communication network node 600 is operative to: send, to the wireless communication device 500, a reconfiguration order to switch states of the wireless communication device 500; receive, from the wireless communication device 500, a request for initiation of a C-EDCH; and in response to the received request, establish the C-EDCH with the wireless communication device 500. Thereby, the wireless communication device will be enabled to initiate a switching of states over the C-

EDCH. Furthermore, the memory 606 may comprise instructions which are executable by the processor 604 whereby the wireless communication device 600 is operative to send the reconfiguration order and receive the request for initiation, by means of the communications interface 602.

Regarding the UE 500 and the NodeB 600 of the above exemplifying described embodiments, it is to be noted that they are described in a non-limiting manner.

Typically, a designer may select to arrange further units and components to provide appropriate operation, within the described concept, e.g. a further processors communication modules and storage means may be arranged. Moreover, physical implementations of the proposed arrangements may be performed alternatively within the disclosed concept. For instance, functionality of a specific illustrated unit may be implemented in another suitable unit when put into practice.

It is also to be noted that some of the described modules may be capable to perform further actions. For instance, the communication modules may be arranged to convey as well signalling information as user data between each other.

According to some exemplifying embodiments, a computer program product comprises a computer readable medium such as, for example, a diskette or a CD-ROM as illustrated by 700 in Figure 7. The computer readable medium may have stored thereon a computer program comprising program instructions. The computer program may be loadable into a data-processing unit 730, which may, for example, be comprised in a suitable apparatus 710 such as a UE 500 or a NodeB 600. When loaded into the data-processing unit 730, the computer program may be stored in a memory 720 associated with or integral to the data-processing unit 730. According to some embodiments, the computer program may, when loaded into and run by the data- processing unit 730, cause the data-processing unit 730 to execute method steps according to, for example, the methods shown in the figures 3 and 4, respectively.

It is to be noted that the arrangements of the described exemplifying

embodiments are described in a non-limiting manner. Typically, a designer may select to arrange further units and components to provide appropriate operation of the communication network node, within the described concept, e.g. further processors or memories. Moreover, physical implementations of the proposed arrangements may be performed alternatively within the disclosed concept. For instance, functionality of a specific illustrated unit or module may be implemented in another suitable unit or module when put into practice.

Reference throughout the specification to "one embodiment" or "an

embodiment" is used to mean that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the expressions "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or several embodiments. Although the present invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Rather, the invention is limited only by the accompanying claims and other embodiments than the specific above are equally possible within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the terms "comprise/comprises" or "include/includes", as used herein, do not exclude the presence of other elements or steps. Furthermore, although individual features may be included in different claims, these may possibly

advantageously be combined, and the inclusion of different claims does not imply that a combination of features is not feasible and/or advantageous. In addition, singular references do not exclude a plurality. Finally, reference signs in the embodiment examples are provided merely as a clarifying example and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the described solution in any way.

Numbered Exemplifying Embodiments, NEE EE1. A method performed by a wireless communication device (500), the method comprising:

• receiving a reconfiguration order from a communication network node (600), to switch state

• determining whether the wireless communication device (500) has an established Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH,

• when it is determined that the C-EDCH is not established, initiating the C-EDCH, and

• initiating a switching of state of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH. EE2. The method according to EE1, wherein the switching of state

CELL FACH state to CELL DCH state, or from CELL URA state to

CELL DCH state. EE3. The method according to EE1 or NEE2, further comprising;

incorporating identification information of the wireless communication device (500) in a C-EDCH transmission, such that the communication network node (600) will be enabled to apply the identification information to identify a dedicated channel on CELL DCH. EE4. A wireless communication device (500) adapted to enable switching of status, the wireless communication device (500) comprising:

• a communication module (502) adapted to receive a reconfiguration order from a communication network node (600), to switch state,

• a controller (504) adapted to determine whether the wireless

communication device (500) has an established Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH, and initiate the C-EDCH when it is determined that the C-EDCH is not established, and wherein the controller (504) is further adapted to initiate a switching of state of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH. EE5. A method performed by a communication network node (600),

comprising:

• sending a reconfiguration order to a wireless communication device (500), to switch state of the wireless communication device (500),

• receiving a request for initiation of a Common Enhanced Dedicated

Channel, C-EDCH, and

• establishing the C-EDCH with the wireless communication device (500), such that the wireless communication device is enabled to initiate a switching of state over the C-EDCH. EE6. The method according to EE5, wherein the switching of state

CELL FACH state to CELL DCH state, or from CELL URA state to

CELL DCH state. EE7. A communication network node (600) adapted to enable switching of status for a wireless communication device (500), the communication network node (600) comprising:

• a communication module (602) adapted to send a reconfiguration order to a wireless communication device (500), to switch state, and further adapted to receive a request for initiation of a Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH, and

• a controller (604) adapted to establish the C-EDCH with the wireless communication device (500), such that the wireless communication device is enabled to initiate a switching of state over the C-EDCH.

Claims

A method performed by a wireless communication device (500) for switching of states of the wireless communication device (500), the method comprising:

• receiving (300), from a communication network node (500), a

reconfiguration order to switch states,

• determining (302) whether the wireless communication device (500) has an established Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH,

• when it is determined that the C-EDCH is not established, initiating (304) establishment of the C-EDCH with the communication network node (600), and

• in response to the establishment of the C-EDCH, switching (306) the states of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the switching (306) of states over the C-EDCH comprises utilizing a synchronized established radio link of a first state in a second state.

The method according to claim 2, wherein the switching (306) of states comprises switching from the first state to the second state,

wherein the first state is one of: CELL FACH state and CELL URA state, and wherein the second state is CELL DCH state.

The method according to anyone of the claims 1 to 3, further comprising; incorporating identification information of the wireless communication device (500) in a C-EDCH transmission, such that the communication network node (600) will be enabled to apply the identification information to identify a dedicated channel in the CELL DCH state.

A method performed by a wireless communication device (500), the method comprising:

• initiating a switching of state of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH.

A wireless communication device (500) adapted to perform the method of anyone of the claims 1 to 5.

A wireless communication device (500) adapted to perform a switching of states of the wireless communication device (500), the wireless

communication device (500) comprising:

• a communication module (502) adapted to receive, from a

communication network node (600), a reconfiguration order to switch states,

• a controller (504) adapted to:

• determine whether the wireless communication device (500) has an established Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH,

• initiate establishment of the C-EDCH with the communication network node (600), when it is determined that the C-EDCH is not established, and

• in response to the establishment of the C-EDCH, switch states of the wireless communication device (500) over the C-EDCH.

The wireless communication device (500) according to claim 7, wherein the controller (504) is adapted to switch the states over the C-EDCH by utilizing a synchronized established radio link of a first state in a second state.

9. The wireless communication device (500) according to claim 8, wherein the controller (504) is adapted to switch the states from the first state to the second state,

10. The wireless communication device (500) according to anyone of the claims 7 to 9, wherein the controller (504) is adapted to incorporate

identification information of the wireless communication device (500) in a C- EDCH transmission, such that the communication network node (600) will be enabled to apply the identification information to identify a dedicated channel in the CELL DCH state.

11. A method performed by a communication network node (600) for

enabling a wireless communication device (500) to switch states, the method comprising:

• sending (400), to the wireless communication device (500), a

reconfiguration order to switch states of the wireless communication device (500),

• receiving (402), from the wireless communication device (500), a request for initiation of a Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH, and

• in response to the received request, establishing (404) the C-EDCH with the wireless communication device (500), such that the wireless communication device is enabled to initiate a switching of states over the C-EDCH.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein establishing (404) the C-

EDCH comprises receiving identification information of the wireless communication device (500), the identification information being incorporated in a transmission on the C-EDCH, and

wherein the received identification information is utilised for identifying a dedicated channel in the CELL DCH state.

13. A communication network node (600) adapted to perform the method according to anyone of the claims 11 or 12.

14. A communication network node (600) adapted to enable a wireless

communication device (500) to switch states, the communication network node (600) comprising:

• a communication module (602) adapted to send, to a wireless

communication device (500), a reconfiguration order to switch states of the wireless communication device (500), and

further adapted to receive, from the wireless communication device (500), a request for initiation of a Common Enhanced Dedicated Channel, C-EDCH, and

• a controller (604) adapted to, in response to the received request,

establish the C-EDCH with the wireless communication device (500), such that the wireless communication device (500) is enabled to initiate a switching of state over the C-EDCH.

15. The communication network node (600) according to claim 14, wherein the controller (604) is further adapted to:

• establish the C-EDCH by receiving identification information of the wireless communication device (500), the identification information being incorporated in a transmission on the C-EDCH, and

• utilise the received identification information for identifying a dedicated channel in the CELL DCH state.

16. The communication network node (600) according to claim 14 or 15 being implemented as a NodeB.

17. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium (700), having thereon a computer program comprising program instructions, the computer program being loadable into a data-processing unit (730) and adapted to cause execution of the method according to any of claims 1 to 5, and 11 to 12 when the computer program is run by the data-processing unit (730).