EP3854173A1

EP3854173A1 - Reliable transmission in wireless local area network

Info

Publication number: EP3854173A1
Application number: EP18789460.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Janne Tervonen; Mika Kasslin; Olli Alanen; Jari MUSTAJÄRVI; Thomas Hoehne
Original assignee: Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Current assignee: Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy
Priority date: 2018-09-21
Filing date: 2018-09-21
Publication date: 2021-07-28
Also published as: WO2020058563A1

Abstract

A method comprises:controlling, by the apparatus, a first station entity of the apparatus to transmit a first message to a first access node according to IEEE 802.11 specifications, wherein the first message indicates a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receiving, by the apparatus through the first station entity from the first access node, a multiconnectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi -connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and a second station entity of the apparatus; and selecting, by the apparatus amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and controlling the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

Description

Reliable Transmission in Wireless Local Area Network

Field

Various embodiments described herein relate to the field of wireless networking and, particularly, to reliable communications in a wireless local area network.

Background

ln a wireless network operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, a station (also called a terminal device or a client device) is associated to an access node, e.g. an access point ln some networking applications, there are very strict requirements for reliability and latency of communications. A term "Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communications" (URLLC) has been established and used in the development of new wireless communication means. Generally, URLLC may refer to lower latencies and higher reliability

Brief description

Some aspects of the invention are defined by the independent claims.

Some embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

According to an aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a first station entity operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications; a second station entity, different from the first station entity, operating according to the 1EEE 802.11 specifications in non-AP mode, and at least one processor configured to: control the first station entity to transmit a first message to a first access node, wherein the first message indicates service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receive, through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and the second station entity; and select, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and control the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

ln an embodiment, the processor is configured to perform the selection of the access node for at least the second station entity autonomously. ln an embodiment, the at least one processor is configured to control the first station entity and the second station entity to associate simultaneously to the same access node, if the second parameter indicates allowed simultaneous associations to the same access node.

ln an embodiment, the at least one parameter is based on the service quality requirement.

ln an embodiment, the indication of the at least two access nodes comprises identifiers of the at least two access nodes, and wherein the at least one parameter comprises a priority indicator for each identifier, the priority indicator indicating priority for the selection of the second access node for at least the second station entity, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to select the access node for the second station entity on the basis of the priority indicators.

ln an embodiment, the maximum number of allowed associations is lower than the number of access nodes comprised in the list.

ln an embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to select, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for the first station entity to associate to, wherein the selected access node is different from the first access node.

ln an embodiment, the maximum number of access nodes on the list with the at least one parameter implicitly indicates to the at least one processor a number of stations that can establish the simultaneous associations.

ln an embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to receive, through the first station entity or the second station entity before transmitting the first message, a message comprising an information element indicating multi connectivity capability for the apparatus.

ln an embodiment, the first message is a multi-connectivity information request message, and wherein the multi-connectivity information message is a response to the multi-connectivity information request message.

ln an embodiment, the first station entity and second station entity have different medium access control addresses.

ln an embodiment, the service quality requirement specifies required reliability in terms of at least one of latency and a packet loss rate.

ln an embodiment, the at least one parameter indicates rules for managing associations in connection with switching an association from one access node to another access node due to mobility of the apparatus.

According to another aspect, there is provided a network controller apparatus comprising: a communication circuitry configured to establish communication links with stations and with access nodes operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications; at least one processor configured to: receive, from an apparatus through the communication circuitry, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprises a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus, select, in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association; determine at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmit through the communication circuitry a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi connectivity parameter.

ln an embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to receive, in the first message, a number of stations comprised in the apparatus, and to select the at least two access nodes and/or the at least one multi-connectivity parameter on the basis of the number of stations.

ln an embodiment, the at least one processor is further configured to determine identifiers of stations comprised in the apparatus and to control, by using a value of the second parameter, the access nodes during handovers of the stations during mobility of the apparatus.

ln an embodiment, the at least one processor is configured, upon selecting the at two access nodes, to transmit to at least one of the at least two access nodes a message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the message configuring the at least one of the at least two access nodes for association with the apparatus.

ln an embodiment, the at least processor is configured, upon selecting the at two access nodes, to transmit to at least one access node that is none of the at least two access nodes a control message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the control message configuring the at least one access node to reject an association request from the apparatus.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: controlling, by an apparatus, a first station entity of the apparatus to transmit a first message to a first access node according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, wherein the first message indicates a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receiving, by the apparatus through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi-connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and a second station entity of the apparatus; and selecting, by the apparatus amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and controlling the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

ln an embodiment, the selection of the access node is performed for at least the second station entity autonomously by the apparatus.

ln an embodiment, the first station entity and the second station entity are controlled by the apparatus to associate simultaneously to the same access node, if the second parameter indicates allowed simultaneous associations to the same access node.

ln an embodiment, the indication of the at least two access nodes comprises identifiers of the at least two access nodes, and wherein the at least one parameter comprises a priority indicator for each identifier, the priority indicator indicating priority for the selection of the second access node for at least the second station entity, and the method comprises selecting the access node for the second station entity on the basis of the priority indicators.

ln an embodiment, the method comprises selecting, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for the first station entity to associate to, wherein the selected access node is different from the first access node.

ln an embodiment, the maximum number of access nodes on the list with the at least one parameter implicitly indicates a number of stations that can establish the simultaneous associations.

ln an embodiment, the method comprises receiving, through the first station entity or the second station entity before transmitting the first message, a message comprising an information element indicating multi-connectivity capability for the apparatus. ln an embodiment, the first message is a multi-connectivity information request message, and wherein the multi-connectivity information message is a response to the multi-connectivity information request message.

According to another aspect, there is provided a method comprising: receiving, by a network controller apparatus from an apparatus through a communication circuitry operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprises a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus, selecting, by the network controller apparatus in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association; determining, by the network controller apparatus, at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmitting, by the network controller apparatus through the communication circuitry, a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi-connectivity parameter.

ln an embodiment, the method comprises receiving, in the first message, a number of stations comprised in the apparatus, and selecting the at least two access nodes and/or the at least one multi-connectivity parameter on the basis of the number of stations.

ln an embodiment, the method comprises determining identifiers of stations comprised in the apparatus and controlling, by using a value of the second parameter, the access nodes during handovers of the stations during mobility of the apparatus.

ln an embodiment, the method further comprises upon selecting the at two access nodes: transmitting to at least one of the at least two access nodes a message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the message configuring the at least one of the at least two access nodes for association with the apparatus. ln an embodiment, the method further comprises upon selecting the at two access nodes: transmitting to at least one access node that is none of the at least two access nodes a control message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the control message configuring the at least one access node to reject an association request from the apparatus.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when loaded into the computer, cause the computer to execute a computer process comprising: controlling a first station entity of an apparatus to transmit a first message to a first access node according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, wherein the first message indicates a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receiving, through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi-connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and a second station entity of the apparatus; and selecting, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and controlling the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

According to another aspect, there is provided a computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when loaded into the computer, cause the computer to execute a computer process comprising: receiving, from an apparatus through a communication circuitry operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprises a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus, selecting, in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association; determining at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmitting, through the communication circuitry, a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi-connectivity parameter. List of drawings

Embodiments are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

Figure 1 illustrates a wireless communication scenario to which some embodiments of the invention may be applied;

Figure 2A illustrates a process for selecting access nodes to serve an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2B illustrates a process for guiding the apparatus selecting the access nodes according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate some embodiments for managing multi connectivity of the apparatus;

Figure 5 illustrates a process for managing associations of the apparatus in a mobile scenario according to an embodiment of the invention;

Figure 6 illustrates protocol stacks according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate block diagrams of structures of apparatuses according to some embodiments of the invention.

Description of embodiments

The following embodiments are examples. Although the specification may refer to "an", "one", or "some" embodiment(s) in several locations, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment(s), or that the feature only applies to a single embodiment. Single features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consist of only those features that have been mentioned and such embodiments may contain also features/structures that have not been specifically mentioned.

A wireless communication scenario to which some embodiments of the invention may be applied is illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1 illustrates a wireless apparatus 100 that may comprise multiple station entities 120, 122, 124. The wireless device 100 may operate as one or more stations in an 1EEE 802.11 based wireless network or networks. Figure further illustrates multiple access nodes 102, 104, 106. An access node may manage a wireless network and provide the other wireless apparatus 100 wireless access, e.g. to other networks such as the lnternet. The station entities 120 to 124 may employ a physical layer and a medium access control (MAC) layer that comply with wireless local area network (WLAN) specifications based on 1EEE 802.11. ln the WLAN specifications, a wireless network may be called a basic service set (BSS), the access node may be called an access point, and the apparatus or station entity served by the access point are called stations (STA). ln peer networks, a wireless network operating according to the WLAN specifications may be established amongst the stations. While some embodiments of the invention are described in the context of the 1EEE 802.11, it should be appreciated that these or other embodiments of the invention may be applicable to wireless networks based on other specifications, e.g. WiMAX (Worldwide lnteroperability for Microwave Access), UMTS LTE (Long term Evolution for Universal Mobile Telecommunication System), 5G cellular communication systems, including unlicensed radio variants, Multefire, mobile ad hoc networks (MANET), mesh networks, and other networks having cognitive radio features, e.g. transmission medium sensing features and adaptive capability to coexist with radio access networks based on different specifications and/or standards. Some embodiments may be applicable to networks having features under development by other 1EEE task groups. Therefore, the following description may be generalized to other systems as well.

The access node 102 to 106 may be a fixed access point or a mobile access point. The station entities 120 to 124 each may be considered to be a terminal device or a station capable of connecting or associating to any one of the access nodes 102 to 106. A station entity may establish a connection with any one of access nodes it has detected to provide a wireless connection within the neighbourhood of the apparatus 100. The connection establishment may include authentication in which an identity of the station entity is established in the access node. The authentication may comprise setting up an encryption key used in the BSS. After the authentication, the access node and the station entity may carry out association in which the station entity is fully registered in the BSS, e.g. by providing the station entity with an association identifier (A1D). The separate user authentication may follow association, which may also comprise building an encryption key used in the BSS. lt should be noted that in other systems terms authentication and association are not necessarily used and, therefore, the association of the station entity to an access node should be understood broadly as establishing a connection between the station entity and the access node such that the station entity is in a connected state with respect to the access node and waiting for downlink frame transmissions from the access node and monitoring its own buffers for uplink frame transmissions. A station entity not associated to the access node is in an unassociated state. An unassociated station entity may still exchange some frames with the access node, as described below. The traditional mobile broadband is not anymore the only use case for wireless networks. One of the areas where new growth possibilities are currently developed is so called vertical market. As an example industrial sites like factories and harbors can be mentioned. One commonly used term for the new vertical deployments is lndustry 4.0, describing the "fourth industrial revolution" with increased level of automation and data exchange in manufacturing technologies. Although there are diverse set of use cases for different type of industries, one of the common requirement for lndustry 4.0 markets is URLLC (Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication). The exact definition of URLLC may vary, but in general a radio interface delay is required to be around 1 milliseconds (ms) or less, and the service quality requirement related to the packet loss rate can be e.g. higher than 99.99999% or even higher than 99.999999% meaning that at least 99.99999% or 99.999999% of data packets shall be successfully delivered over the radio interface, respectively. Since the exact definitions may vary in the literature, let us provide a few more examples. The radio interface or physical layer delay requirement may be less than 2 ms. less than 0.5 ms, or even less than 0.1 ms. The service quality requirement in terms of the packet throughput or a similar metric indicating the ratio of successful communication events with respect to the total communication events may be higher than 99.9999% or higher than 99.999%. lnstead of defining the service quality requirement through the packet losses, another reliability metric may be used, e.g. bit error rate or frame error rate ln general, the service quality requirement may specify the minimum threshold for the reliability through the tolerance to errors. The delay requirement may specify a maximum delay for the radio interface, while the service quality requirement may determine the proportion of data that needs to be transmitted correctly within the delay requirement.

There are a few ways to achieve URLLC communication requirements. One approach is to optimize a physical layer and the MAC layer. Another alternative is to increase the reliability through redundancy, for example by using with multi connectivity where a device is connected to multiple access nodes simultaneously and sends/receives the same data through all connected access nodes. This way, the probability of successful transmission is increased, and the required level of reliability can be reached.

For lndustry 4.0 deployments, the devices in the network often are not ordinary smart-phone type of devices lnstead, there may be a set of dedicated devices designed for one specific task or for a set of limited tasks. For example, a simple sensor may have rather static unidirectional data transfer requirements with very predictable data pattern and high reliability and low latency requirements ln such scenarios, both the wireless network and the connected devices may be operated by the same entity. This results in a high degree of control also for the device functionality. The same entity may refer to an operator or a manufacturer that has imposed specific configurations or implementations on the wireless network and the connected devices. For example, in industrial deployments, the network and device capabilities may differ from publicly accessible wireless networks.

The present invention provides a practical way to increase the radio transmission reliability and decrease latency by employing the multi-connectivity where the apparatus 100 is configured to operate more than one simultaneous radio associations/connections by using the multiple station entities 120 to 124. Such an apparatus capable of multiple simultaneous radio connections may be called a multi association (MUA) device ln general, the different associations may be realized with a single radio access technology, e.g. the 1EEE 802.11 technology. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate some embodiments of methods for establishing the multi-connectivity between the apparatus 100 and the access nodes 102 to 106 or a subset of the access nodes 102 to 106. Figure 2A illustrates a process executed in the apparatus 100 while Figure 2B illustrates a process executed in a network controller apparatus 110 configured to control the operation of the access nodes 102 to 106. The network controller apparatus 110 may be a logical entity separate from the access nodes 102, 104, 106 in the sense that it may establish a protocol layer on top of the protocol stacks of the access nodes 102 to 106 or, from another perspective, control the operation of the protocol stacks of the access nodes 102 to 106. Although logically separate entity, the network controller may physically reside in any one of the access nodes 102 to 106, or it may be a physically separate entity as well.

Referring to Figure 2A, the process executed by the apparatus 100 comprises: receiving, through a station entity of the apparatus, a message comprising information indicating multi-connectivity capability for the apparatus (block 202); controlling a first station entity of the apparatus to transmit a first message to a first access node (block 204). The first message indicates a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus ln block 206, the apparatus receives, through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi-connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and the second station entity ln block 208, the apparatus selects, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and controls the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

The information indicating the multi-connectivity capability may be comprised in an information element comprised in the message received in block 202. The information element may be dedicated for carrying the multi-connectivity capability information, or the information element may have another purpose as well.

ln an embodiment, block 202 is omitted, and the apparatus may discover the multi-connectivity capability of the wireless network(s) for the apparatus by using a multi-connectivity information request and the associated response.

Referring to Figure 2B, the process executed by the network controller apparatus 110 comprises: receiving (block 212), from the apparatus 100 through a communication circuitry of the network controller apparatus, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprising a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; selecting (block 214), in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association and further determining (block 214) at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmitting (block 216) through the communication circuitry a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi-connectivity parameter.

The embodiments described above provide a solution where the apparatus may acquire guidance information for the multi-connectivity from the network controller apparatus and, then, select the access nodes for the different station entities on the basis of the guidance information. The guidance information may comprise a list comprising the at least two access nodes and the parameter(s) described above. The guidance information may explicitly indicate only one access node but it may also indicate that an access node transmitting or relaying the guidance information is also available for the multi-connectivity. On the basis of the guidance information, the apparatus may make an autonomous selection of one or more access nodes to which to associate the station entities 120 to 124 or a subset of the station entities 120 to 124.

ln the embodiment of Figure 1, the number of station entities in the apparatus is three but the number may be different. However, the apparatus may have at least two station entities. An upper limit for the station entities may be defined by requirements set to the apparatus, e.g. price, size, or complexity. From another perspective, the upper limit may be set by the available radio bandwidth, frequency channels, and/or general traffic density such as a number of overlapping networks and devices using the same band.

ln an embodiment, the apparatus 110 transmits and the apparatus 100 receives the guidance information in a broadcast message, e.g. a beacon message. The apparatus 100 may send the service quality requirement when associating to an access node and, thereafter, the network controller apparatus 110 may control the transmission of the guidance information in the broadcast messages transmitted by access nodes to which the station entity/entities of the apparatus is/are currently associated.

ln another embodiment, the apparatus 110 transmits and the apparatus 100 receives the guidance information in a unicast message, e.g. in a multi-connectivity information response message that is a response to a multi-connectivity information request message transmitted by the apparatus 100 in block 204.

ln an embodiment, the association in connection with Figures 2A and 2B is a wireless service used to establish mapping between an access point and a station entity and enable the station entity to invoke distribution system services (DSSs). The DSS is a mechanism for transporting data traffic, e.g. in an 802.11 network.

ln an embodiment, each station entity 120 to 124 may have a unique identifier, e.g. a unique MAC address. Each station entity may have a separate MAC and physical layer functionality, thus effectively providing the apparatus with three distinct WLAN radio interfaces. The station entities may be integrated to the apparatus or provided as peripheral devices such as universal serial bus (USB) dongles, or be realized by a combination of integrated and peripheral devices.

ln an embodiment, the service quality requirement specifies a service associated with certain service quality requirement in terms of the latency and/or reliability ln another embodiment, the service quality requirement directly specifies a service quality requirement value ln an embodiment, the service quality requirement assumes access categories of the WLAN: voice (AC_VO), video (AC_VI), best effort (AC_BE), and background (AC_BK). AC_VO is the highest priority AC and generally provides fastest access to the channel. The latency requirement can be mapped to the different AC classes ln a similar manner, the reliability in terms of the packet losses, for example, may be associated with the access categories, e.g. AC_BK may set a different for the reliability than AC_VL for example.

ln an embodiment, the service quality requirement specifies link adaptation parameters of the association in both endpoints. The higher the service quality requirement is, the more robust modulation and coding scheme (MCS) is used in transmission, and the more retransmissions may be allowed for transmitted data packets. Typically, each retransmission gradually improves the reliability of the MCS.

ln an embodiment, different service quality requirements are specified for the different station entities, allowing some associations or station entities to use a high data rate MCS, ensuring good latency when channel conditions are favorable, and allowing other associations to use a more reliable MCS and a higher retransmission count, improving reliability in the data delivery with the cost of lower data rates.

ln an embodiment, either the station or the access node can specify explicit constraints for the used MCS and retransmission count.

ln an embodiment, a traffic identifier (TID) of a WLAN message (data or control message) is be used to convey the service quality requirement during the association. The T1D is a 4-bit field used to indicate the required AC class for both sending and receiving side of the WLAN association, and other quality of service (QoS) related information. The service quality requirement could reuse some of the T1D values not required for the AC class identification to convey the requested service quality requirement. The AC class itself is indicated in the T1D by using 3 bits, having two values for each AC class. Thus, the service quality requirement may use the remaining values, e.g. a Boolean reliability component (H1GH/LOW). The remaining 8 values of the T1D could be optionally reused as well.

ln an embodiment, the apparatus may further include in the multi connectivity information request the identifiers of the station entities or an identifier of the apparatus. The identifier(s) may be associated with the reliability requirements in a database accessible to the network controller apparatus. Therefore, the identifier(s) may serve as implicit indicator(s) of the reliability requirements. For example, a certain device may employ fixed reliability requirements. Therefore, the identifier(s) enable unambiguous determination of the reliability requirements upon acquiring the identifier(s), e.g. during the establishment of the association. The network controller apparatus may thus use the identifiers when selecting the access nodes and/or parameter(s).

ln an embodiment, the selection of the access nodes for the list and/or determining the at least one parameter in block 214 is based on the reliability requirement. Let us next consider some embodiments.

The maximum number of access nodes for the simultaneous associations may be linked to the service quality requirement such that a higher maximum number of allowed associations may be allocated to a stricter reliability requirement. For example, the network controller apparatus may assign a higher maximum number of allowed associations for AC_V0 traffic than for AC_BE traffic. The maximum number of allowed associations may, however, be lower than the number of access nodes comprised in the list.

The network controller apparatus may select the access nodes on the basis of the service quality requirement such that the list includes only such access nodes that meet the service quality requirement either alone or together with other access nodes in the list. The network controller apparatus may omit from the list such access nodes that are deemed not to contribute to reaching the reliability requirement, e.g. an access node that has a high traffic load or is experiencing high interference may be omitted for AC_VO traffic ln another embodiment, the network controller apparatus may select for the list those access nodes that operate on different frequency channels, in particular for higher reliability requirement. For a low service quality requirement such as the AC_BK, the network controller apparatus may select access nodes that operate on the same frequency channel. The network controller apparatus may associate different frequency channels or different access points with different types of traffic (voice, video, best effort, background) and use this association when selecting the access nodes for the requested traffic type.

The network controller apparatus may also use the service quality requirement when determining whether or not to allow the simultaneous associations to the same access node via different station entities. For example, the network controller apparatus may allow the simultaneous associations to the same access node for lower reliability requirements, e.g. AC_BK and AC_BE, and deny the simultaneous associations to the same access node from the higher reliability requirements, e.g. AC_Vl and AC_VO. ln this manner, the diversity through different access nodes could be pursued. From another perspective, the network controller apparatus may allow the simultaneous associations to the same access node for higher reliability requirements, e.g. AC_Vl, and deny the simultaneous associations to the same access node from the lower reliability requirements, e.g. AC_BK. ln this manner, the network controller apparatus may prevent the lower priority traffic from congesting any single access point. The network controller apparatus may, in other embodiments, take another perspective for determining whether or not to allow the simultaneous associations to the same access node.

ln an embodiment, the maximum number of access nodes on the list with the at least one parameter implicitly indicates a number of stations the apparatus can use to establish the simultaneous associations. For example, if the apparatus has three station entities but the list comprises only two access nodes and does not allow simultaneous associations to the same access node, the apparatus may disable one of the station entities and control the two remaining station entities to connect to the two access nodes, one station entity per access node.

ln an embodiment where the apparatus controls at least two station entities to establish at least two associations to the same access node, the at least two station entities may carry out transmissions in a cooperative manner so as to reduce collisions caused by the at least two station entities carrying out simultaneous transmissions to the same access node. The apparatus may comprise an internal controller, e.g. an URLLC controller 604 described below, that manages the transmissions.

After establishing the multiple associations to the same and/or different access nodes, the apparatus is ready for data transfer by using the multi-connectivity. When transferring the data, the data may be copied and transferred through all the station entities that have an association ln this manner, the probability of at least one successful transmission with the first transmission attempt is increased and latency reduced. The station entity receiving the first acknowledgment indicating successful reception of the data may indicate the acknowledgment to the other station entities so that unnecessary retransmissions can be avoided.

Let us now describe some embodiments with reference to signaling diagrams of Figures 3 and 4. Referring to Figure 3, the apparatus may carry out a discovery of the URLLC multi-connectivity in step 300. ln the discovery, the apparatus may attempt to discover the multi-connectivity capabilities of the wireless network(s) for the apparatus, i.e. what types of multi-connection options there is provided that the apparatus might utilize. Step 300 may comprise block 202. The apparatus may perform the discovery through active or passive scanning ln the passive scanning, the apparatus may receive one or more broadcast frames from one or more of the access nodes 102 to 106 through one or more station entities 120 to 124. The broadcast frame may be a beacon frame or another broadcast frame ln active scanning, the apparatus may transmit a request frame such as a probe request to one of the access nodes through one of the station entities. The access nodes may incorporate in a probe response frame an information element indicating the capability for the URLLC multi connectivity service. The information element may be a one-bit flag, e.g. in a vendor- specific field of the probe response or the beacon frame, or another management frame. The discovery may be carried out while none of the station entities is in an associated state.

ln another embodiment, the availability of the URLLC multi-connectivity service may be advertised through a generic advertisement service (GAS) protocol of the 1EEE 802.11 networks. The GAS protocol may be used to advertise higher layer services such as the URLLC multi-connectivity service. As known since the 1EEE 802. llu specifications, the GAS service may employ a query/response mechanism where the apparatus may send a GAS request to an access node to query for the URLLC multi-connectivity service and receive a GAS response comprising the information element from the access node lf the apparatus has discovered the network controller apparatus 110, the apparatus may address the multi-connectivity information request message to the network controller apparatus 110 as a GAS request, for example. The access node may mediate the request to the network controller apparatus and the response from the network controller apparatus to the apparatus lf the apparatus is not aware of the presence of the network controller apparatus 110, the apparatus may address the multi-connectivity information request message to the access node 102. The access node 102 may mediate the request to the network controller apparatus 110 and the response from the network controller apparatus 110 to the apparatus 100. ln the response, the access node may provide an identifier or an address of the network controller apparatus 110 so that the apparatus may later address the network controller apparatus directly ln an embodiment, an access network query protocol is employed in the discovery procedure.

ln another embodiment where the wireless network operates according to the specifications of WiFi Aware specified in Neighbor Awareness Networking (NAN) technical specifications, a corresponding discovery mechanism of the NAN may be employed ln this embodiment, the query for the URLLC multi-connectivity service may be transmitted in a WiFi Aware subscribe message, and the corresponding response in a WiFi Aware publish message.

The discovery of the URLLC multi-connectivity service may be carried out in an associated state or unassociated state ln the unassociated state, although no authentication needs to be performed before the discovery, the access node or the network controller apparatus may verify an identity of the apparatus, e.g. through a unique identifier of the apparatus or the MAC address(es) of the station entity/entities ln the associated state, only one of the station entities 120 to 124 may be associated to an access node.

ln an embodiment, step 300 may be omitted and the discovery process may consist of step 302, e.g. the query-response procedure where the apparatus provides the network controller apparatus with the service quality requirement and the network controller apparatus provides the apparatus with the guidance information regarding the multi-connectivity.

When the apparatus has discovered the availability of the URLLC multi connectivity service, it may carry out the above-describe query-response procedure with the network controller apparatus 110 in step 302. Step 302 may include at least blocks 204, 212 to 216, and 206. An example of the information contained in the multi connectivity information response is illustrated in Figure 3. The information may include the identifiers of the access nodes 102, 104 to which the apparatus is guided to associate. The identifiers may be associated with a priority indicator indicating the priority of the access nodes 102, 104. ln this example, the access node 102 may have a higher priority than the access node 104. The information may also include, as the parameters, the maximum number of associations which is two simultaneous associations in this example and rejection of associating to the same access node with different station entities 120 to 124.

Upon receiving the guidance information regarding the multi-connectivity from the network controller apparatus 110, the apparatus may perform the access node selection in block 208. As the maximum number of associations is two, the apparatus may disable the station entity 124. As the association to the same access node is prohibited, the apparatus may select different access nodes to the station entities 120 and 122, i.e. the access nodes 102 and 104. ln step 304, the station entity 122 establishes an association to the access node 104. ln step 306, the station entity 120 establishes an association to the access node 102. Thereafter, the data transfer may be carried out by employing the multi-connectivity.

ln an embodiment, upon carrying out block 214 the network controller apparatus prepares the access nodes entered on the list for the association with the apparatus. This may include transmitting a preparation message to each access node entered on the list (step 301). The preparation message may comprise at least one identifier of the apparatus, e.g. the MAC addresses of one or more of the station entities of the apparatus. Upon receiving an association request from a station entity indicated in the received preparation message, the access node may be bound to establish the association. Upon receiving an association request from a station entity not indicated in a received preparation message, the access node may carry out an autonomous decision of whether or not to allow the association lnstead of directly controlling the access nodes, a separate access node controller may be provided. The network controller apparatus may then inform the access node controller by using the preparation messages, and the access node controller may control the access nodes according to this embodiment.

ln an embodiment, one of the station entities 120 to 124 of the apparatus 100 is dedicated as a primary station entity. The highest priority access node in the received list may be selected for the primary station entity while the other station entity/entities may associate to lower priority access node(s). ln the embodiment of Figure 4, the same reference numbers refer to the same or substantially similar operations or functions ln this example, the guidance information may specify the access nodes 104 and 106 to which association is allowed, the maximum number of associations is three, and the simultaneous associations to the same access node is allowed. Accordingly, network controller apparatus 110 may send the preparation message to the access nodes 104 and 106 in the above-described manner in step 400. However, the access node 102 is not in the list. The network controller apparatus may transmit a preparation message to the access node 102 as well, but the preparation message configures the access node 102 to reject an association request originating from the apparatus.

ln other embodiments, some or all the preparation messages of steps 301 and 400 are omitted. The network controller apparatus 110 may thus use no preparation messages and rely on the apparatus 100 operating according to the guidance information.

As indicated by the guidance information, the apparatus may control the station entities 120, 122 to associate to the access node 104. However, let us assume that the apparatus intends to deviate from the guidance and controls the station entity 124 to transmit an association request to the access node 102 (step 402). Since the preparation message received at the access node 102 in step 400 mandates the access node to reject the association request from a station entity of the apparatus, the access node 102 responds to the association request received in step 402 with an association response that rejects the association request ln this manner, erratic behaviour of the stations may be controlled in the wireless network.

ln an embodiment, the apparatus controls the first station entity 120 to perform the first association to an access node in a conventional manner. The subsequent associations with the other station entity/entities may be expedited by utilizing fast transition mechanism used in 802.11 networks. The fast transition is originally designed for handovers where earlier authentication with a source access node is utilized towards a target access node such that the handover does not trigger a new authentication with the target access node lmplementing the fast transition to the multi-connectivity scenario, the authentication for the first station entity 120 may be spanned to the other station entities. The same authentication key may be shared amongst the station entities and the access nodes associated to the apparatus.

ln an embodiment where the service discovery is carried out in the associated state where a station entity is communicating with an access node, the access node is not necessary comprised in the list provided by the network controller apparatus ln such a case, block 208 may comprise selecting a new access node for the station entity to associate to.

ln an embodiment, the at least one parameter indicates rules for managing associations in connection with switching an association from one access node to another access node due to mobility of the apparatus, i.e. rules for handovers ln an embodiment, the apparatus employs the above-described parameters as the handover rules ln another embodiment, there is provided as at least one handover rule additional to the described parameters. Such a handover rule may cause the apparatus to select a target access node for the handover such that the target access node operates on a different (frequency) channel or frequency band than occupied by the other operating associations.

Figure 5 illustrates an embodiment for managing the operating associations in the apparatus on the basis of the at least one parameter. Referring to Figure 5, the apparatus receives the handover rules in block 500 as a part of block 206 or step 302. While operating the simultaneous associations in a mobile scenario, the apparatus may monitor the quality of the associations and determine the need to hand one or more associations to another access node (block 502). Upon detecting no need for the handover, the apparatus may keep monitoring. Upon detecting that an association needs a handover from one access node to another, the process may proceed from block 502 to block 504 where the apparatus checks the handover rules, optionally including the at least one parameter. Then, the apparatus makes the decision regarding the handover of the association.

Upon detecting a new access node to which the association can be handed over, the process may proceed to block 506 where the association to the new access node is handed over. The new access node refers to an access node that did not serve the apparatus when the handover was triggered. Upon detecting that there are no new access nodes available, e.g. not provided in the list received in block 206 or the apparatus detects no new access nodes in scanning, the process may proceed to block 508 where the association is handed over to an access node that serves another station entity of the apparatus. Execution of block 508 may be subjected to the received parameter allowing the multiple simultaneous associations to the same access node. Upon detecting no access node where to hand over the association such that the handover rules can be complied with, the process may proceed to block 510 where the association is dropped. The apparatus may control the respective station entity to dismantle the association and start scanning for access nodes to which a new association can be established. From blocks 506, 508, 510, the process may return to block 502. ln a manner similar to preparing the access nodes for the association attempt from the apparatus in steps 301 and 400, the network controller apparatus may prepare the access nodes for the handovers of the apparatus. Upon acquiring one or more identifiers of the apparatus 100, e.g. the MAC addresses of the stations 120 to 124, the network controller apparatus may monitor the associations of the apparatus and control the access nodes to manage the associations. The network controller apparatus may monitor the mobility of the apparatus by monitoring the associations of the apparatus. The network controller apparatus may also store knowledge of locations of the access nodes and neighbour reports indicating radio environment and capabilities of the station entities to detect the access nodes during the mobility of the apparatus. By using such knowledge and the above-described preparation messages, the network controller apparatus may prepare new access nodes to accept or reject handover or new association requests from the apparatus.

ln an embodiment, the network controller apparatus monitor whether or not the service quality requirement requested by the apparatus is met. Upon detecting that the multiple associations cannot meet the reliability requirement, the network controller apparatus may trigger corrective measures, e.g. control handover of one or more associations of the apparatus to a new access node with lower traffic load and/or better radio link with the apparatus or controlling traffic flows in the 802.11 network in such manner that the service quality requirement is met.

ln an embodiment, the guidance information is updated in a regular manner. The apparatus may be configured to contact the network controller entity periodically for updated guidance information ln a rather static operating environment that may be typical to industrial scenarios, the guidance information may be static and no need for regular updates exists.

Figure 6 illustrates protocol stacks according to an embodiment of the invention ln particular, Figure 6 illustrates a protocol stack of the apparatus 100, the 802.11 network, and a server that terminates the multi-connectivity on the network side. The server may comprise the network controller apparatus or be separate of it.

Referring to Figure 6, the apparatus 100 may have an application layer that comprises one or more computer program applications 600 that require transfer of data over the 802.11 network. An application may issue an order for a lower protocol layer to establish a connection to a designated end device, e.g. an application server (not shown). Below the application layer 600, a multipath transport control protocol (MPTCP) layer 602 may be provided to handle the multi-connectivity. Alternatives to the MPTCP layer 602 include multipath user datagram protocol (MPUDP) and multipath quick UDP internet connections (MPQU1C) protocol, for example. The MPTCP layer 602 may form a client for the multi-connectivity. The MPTCP layer may control the establishment of the multi-connectivity and carry out data duplication (transmission) and aggregation (reception). For example, upon receiving the order from the application layer the MPTCP client may determine the service quality requirement for data of the requesting application. The service quality requirement may be determined from a quality-of-service classification of the data. Certain applications may use only a single reliability requirement, e.g. in an industrial application where the apparatus is a sensor device configured for a single purpose and having a single measurement application. Upon determining that multi-connectivity shall be utilized, the MPTCP client may request a lower layer to establish the multi connectivity connection to a MPTCP server or proxy. The MPTCP server/proxy may form another end-point of the MPTCP connection with respective data duplication and aggregation functions.

The request may be received by an URLLC controller 604 controlling the multi-connectivity over the 802.11 network(s) and controlling the operation of the stations of the apparatus 100. The URLLC controller 604 may be configured to carry out the process of Figure 2A, for example, or any one of its embodiments. Upon receiving the guidance for the multi-connectivity from the network controller apparatus, the URLLC controller 604 may order the lower layer 606 forming the stations of the apparatus 100 to establish the selected associations. The stations may form the physical layer and the MAC layer 606 of the apparatus.

ln the 802.11 network, the access nodes 102 to 106 may form the physical layer and the MAC layer 612 that communicates with the stations 606 of the apparatus 100. The operation of the layer 612 may be controlled by the network controller apparatus 110 that forms a URLLC control layer 610 in the network. The URLLC control layer may carry out the process of Figure 2B or any one of its embodiments.

The access nodes implementing the layer 612 may have radio interfaces with which to establish the MAC layer and the physical layer towards the stations. The access nodes may further have another communication circuitry that establishes the MAC layer and the physical layer towards the MPTCP server/proxy. The other communication circuitry may form the MAC layer and the physical layer according to Ethernet specifications, for example ln the MPTCP server/proxy, a corresponding physical layer and the MAC layer 622 may be provided, e.g. the Ethernet. On top of the layer 622, an MPTCP layer may be provided to communicate with the layer 602 of the apparatus and to operate as the other end point for the multi-connectivity.

Regarding the data transfer, upon receiving data from the application server to be transmitted to the apparatus, the MPTCP server may split or duplicate data packets, determine the access nodes currently associated to the apparatus 100, and control the layer 622 to route the copied data through the access nodes. The information on the access nodes may be received from the network controller apparatus, e.g. the URLLC control layer 610. Upon receiving one or more of the copies of the data packet, the MPTCP client 602 at the apparatus may combine the copies ln another embodiment, the MPTCP client 602 extracts data from a firstly received copy and forwards the data to the upper layer. Then it may discard the remaining copies, provided that the extraction was successful. Upon receiving data from the application layer 600 to be transmitted to the application server, the MPTCP client may split or duplicate data packets and control the layer 606 to transmit the copied data through the access nodes. The information on the associated stations may be acquired internally from the layer 604. Upon receiving one or more of the copies of the data packet, the MPTCP server 620 may combine the copies ln another embodiment, the MPTCP server 620 extracts data from a firstly received copy and forwards the data to the upper layer. Then it may discard the remaining copies, provided that the extraction was successful.

Figure 7 illustrates an embodiment of a structure of the above-mentioned functionalities of an apparatus executing the functions of the network controller apparatus in the process of Figure 2B or any one of its embodiments. The apparatus may be the network controller apparatus. The apparatus may be or may be comprised in an access point, a server computer, a router device, or any other apparatus provided with communication capability with the access nodes ln another embodiment, the apparatus carrying out the above-described functionalities of the network controller apparatus is comprised in such a device, e.g. the apparatus may comprise a circuitry, e.g. a chip, a chipset, a processor, a micro controller, or a combination of such circuitries in any one of the above-described devices. The apparatus may be an electronic device comprising electronic circuitries for realizing some embodiments of the network controller apparatus.

Referring to Figure 7, the apparatus may comprise a communication interface 22 or a communication circuitry configured to provide the apparatus with capability for bidirectional communication with the access nodes the apparatus is configured to control. The communication interface 22 may also provide the communication capability with an URLLC entity of terminal devices or stations, as described above. The communication interface may comprise at least one modem and other communication components, analogue and digital, for processing received management data packets and management data packets to be transmitted. The components may comprise standard well-known components such as a modem, amplifier, filter, and encoder/decoder circuitries.

The apparatus may further comprise a memory 20 storing one or more computer program products 24 configuring the operation of at least one processor of the apparatus, e.g. an URLLC controller circuitry described below. The memory 20 may further store a configuration database storing operational configurations of the apparatus. The configuration database may, for example, store information on the networks or access nodes controlled by the apparatus. The information may contain traffic load status in the access nodes, neighbour information of the access nodes, interference measurements of the access nodes, etc.

The apparatus may further comprise the URLLC controller circuitry 10 configured to control or manage URLLC connectivity in the wireless networks operated by the access nodes. The URLLC controller circuitry 10 may execute functions of the URLLC controller layer 610. The URLLC controller circuitry 10 may comprise an URLLC configuration selector 18 configured to communication with the apparatus 100 and similar apparatuses and negotiate regarding the selection of the access nodes to which to associate the stations of the apparatus 100. The URLLC configuration selector may carry out the process of Figure 2B and step 302 in the network controller apparatus 110. The URLLC configuration selector 18 may be configured to use the above- described information in the configuration database when providing the guidance to the apparatus regarding the selection of the access nodes. The URLLC configuration selector may thus consider the traffic situation and/or the interference scenario when providing the guidance.

The URLLC controller may further comprises an access node controller 16 configured to control the operation of the access nodes. The access node controller 16 may be configured to carry out step 301 or 400, for example. The access node controller 16 may be configured to use the above-described information stored in the configuration database when controlling the operation of the access nodes. The access node controller 16 may thus consider the traffic situation and/or the interference scenario when providing the guidance. The traffic situation may comprise the traffic conditions of apparatus employing the URLLC service. Accordingly, the access node controller may react to possible deficiencies in meeting the reliability requirements of the apparatus using the URLLC service.

ln an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory 20 including a computer program code 24, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to carry out the functionalities of the network controller apparatus according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2B and 3 to 6. According to an aspect, when the at least one processor executes the computer program code, the computer program code causes the apparatus to carry out the functionalities according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2B and 3 to 6. According to another embodiment, the apparatus comprises the at least one processor and at least one memory 20 including a computer program code 24, wherein the at least one processor and the computer program code 24 perform the at least some of the functionalities of the network controller apparatus according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2B and 3 to 6. Accordingly, the at least one processor, the memory, and the computer program code form processing means for carrying out some embodiments in the network controller apparatus. According to yet another embodiment, the apparatus carrying out some embodiments in the network controller apparatus comprises a circuitry including at least one processor and at least one memory 20 including computer program code 24. When activated, the circuitry causes the apparatus to perform the at least some of the functionalities of the network controller apparatus according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2B and 3 to 6.

Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a structure of the above-mentioned functionalities of the apparatus 100 executing the process of Figure 2A or any one of the embodiments performed by the apparatus 100. The apparatus may comply with 1EEE 802.11 technology. The apparatus may be or may be comprised in a computer (PC), a laptop, a tablet computer, a cellular phone, a palm computer, a sensor device, or any other apparatus provided with radio communication capability ln another embodiment, the apparatus carrying out the above-described functionalities is comprised in such a device, e.g. the apparatus may comprise a circuitry such as a chip, a chipset, a processor, a micro controller, or a combination of such circuitries in any one of the above-described devices. The apparatus may be an electronic device comprising electronic circuitries for realizing some embodiments of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 8, the apparatus may comprise the stations 120 to 124 providing the apparatus with radio communication capability within several wireless networks. The stations 120 to 124 may each comprise a radio modem supporting the 1EEE 802.11 technology, e.g. any one or more of the following versions: 802.11b, 802. llg, 802. llu, 802.11ac, 802.11ax, 802. Had, 802.11ay, NAN. The stations 120 to 124 may each further comprise a radio frequency (RF) front end comprising standard well-known components such as an amplifier, filter, frequency-converter, (de) modulator, and encoder/decoder circuitries and one or more antennas. The stations may share at least some of the RF components such as the antenna(s).

The apparatus may further comprise a memory 60 storing one or more computer program products 62 configuring the operation of at least one processor of the apparatus. The memory 60 may further store a configuration database 64 storing operational configurations of the apparatus. The configuration database 64 may, for example, store the received list of access nodes available for the multi-connectivity and the parameter(s) received from the network controller apparatus according to any one of the above-described embodiments.

The apparatus may further comprise the at least one processor 50 managing the operation of the apparatus. The at least one processor 50 may comprise an application processor 56 forming the application layer 600. The application processor may execute computer programs forming the primary function of the apparatus. For example, if the apparatus is a sensor device, the application processor may execute one or more signal processing applications processing measurement data acquired from one or more sensor heads. The application processor may generate data to be transmitted over the radio interface.

The at least one processor 50 may further comprise a MPTCP processor 52 forming the MPTCP client 602. ln case the apparatus supports a higher layer multipath data transfer protocol other than the multipath TCP, the MPTCP processor may be modified accordingly. The MPTCP processor may thus execute the data splitting and combining functions, provided that there is a network providing the capability for multi-connectivity.

The at least one processor may further comprise an URLLC controller forming the URLLC control layer 604. The URLLC controller may carry out the communication with the network controller apparatus and control the stations 120 to 124.

ln an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one processor 50 and at least one memory 60 including a computer program code 62, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to carry out the functionalities of the apparatus 100 according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3 to 6. According to an aspect, when the at least one processor executes the computer program code, the computer program code causes the apparatus to carry out the functionalities according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3 to 6. According to another embodiment, the apparatus comprises the at least one processor and at least one memory 60 including a computer program code 62, wherein the at least one processor and the computer program code 62 perform the at least some of the functionalities of the apparatus 100 according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3 to 6. Accordingly, the at least one processor, the memory, and the computer program code form processing means for carrying out some embodiments of the present invention in the apparatus 100. According to yet another embodiment, the apparatus carrying out some embodiments of the invention in the apparatus 100 comprises a circuitry including at least one processor and at least one memory 60 including computer program code 62. When activated, the circuitry causes the apparatus to perform the at least some of the functionalities of the apparatus 100 according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2A and 3 to 6.

The circuitries or modules of the URLLC controller 10 and the at least one processor 50 may be realized as sub-circuitries of the respective communication circuitries ln another embodiment, the circuitries or modules of URLLC controller 10 and the at least one processor 50 may be realized by computer program modules configured to execute of the respective functions of the circuitries or modules.

As used in this application, the term 'circuitry' refers to one or more of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations such as implementations in only analog and/or digital circuitry; (b) combinations of circuits and software and/or firmware, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of processor(s) or processor cores; or (ii) portions of processor(s)/software including digital signal processor(s), software, and at least one memory that work together to cause an apparatus to perform specific functions; and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that require software or firmware for operation, even if the software or firmware is not physically present.

This definition of 'circuitry' applies to uses of this term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" would also cover an implementation of merely a processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a processor, e.g. one core of a multi-core processor, and its (or their) accompanying software and/or firmware. The term "circuitry" would also cover, for example and if applicable to the particular element, a baseband integrated circuit, an application- specific integrated circuit (AS1C), and/or a field-programmable grid array (FPGA) circuit for the apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

The processes or methods described in Figures 2A to 6 may also be carried out in the form of one or more computer processes defined by one or more computer program. A separate computer program may be provided in one or more apparatuses that execute functions of the processes described in connection with the figures. The computer program(s) may be in source code form, object code form, or in some intermediate form, and it may be stored in some sort of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include transitory and/or non- transitory computer media, e.g. a record medium, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signal, telecommunications signal, and software distribution package. Depending on the processing power needed, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital processing unit or it may be distributed amongst a number of processing units.

Embodiments described herein are applicable to wireless networks defined above but also to other wireless networks. The protocols used, the specifications of the wireless networks and their network elements develop rapidly. Such development may require extra changes to the described embodiments. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly and they are intended to illustrate, not to restrict, the embodiment lt will be obvious to a person skilled in the art that, as technology advances, the inventive concept can be implemented in various ways. Embodiments are not limited to the examples described above but may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a first station entity operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications;

a second station entity, different from the first station entity, operating according to the 1EEE 802.11 specifications in non-AP mode,

at least one processor configured to: control the first station entity to transmit a first message to a first access node, wherein the first message indicates service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receive, through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and the second station entity; and select, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and control the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to perform the selection of the access node for at least the second station entity autonomously.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to control the first station entity and the second station entity to associate simultaneously to the same access node, if the second parameter indicates allowed simultaneous associations to the same access node.

4. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one parameter is based on the service quality requirement.

5. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the indication of the at least two access nodes comprises identifiers of the at least two access nodes, and wherein the at least one parameter comprises a priority indicator for each identifier, the priority indicator indicating priority for the selection of the second access node for at least the second station entity, and wherein the at least one processor is configured to select the access node for the second station entity on the basis of the priority indicators.

6. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the maximum number of allowed associations is lower than the number of access nodes comprised in the list.

7. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to select, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for the first station entity to associate to, wherein the selected access node is different from the first access node.

8. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the maximum number of access nodes on the list with the at least one parameter implicitly indicates to the at least one processor a number of stations that can establish the simultaneous associations.

9. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive, through the first station entity or the second station entity before transmitting the first message, a message comprising an information element indicating multi-connectivity capability for the apparatus.

10. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first message is a multi connectivity information request message, and wherein the multi-connectivity information message is a response to the multi-connectivity information request message.

11. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the first station entity and second station entity have different medium access control addresses.

12. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the service quality requirement specifies required reliability in terms of at least one of latency and a packet loss rate.

13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one parameter indicates rules for managing associations in connection with switching an association from one access node to another access node due to mobility of the apparatus.

14. A network controller apparatus comprising:

a communication circuitry configured to establish communication links with stations and with access nodes operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications; at least one processor configured to: receive, from an apparatus through the communication circuitry, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprises a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus, select, in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association; determine at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmit through the communication circuitry a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi-connectivity parameter.

15. The network controller apparatus of claim 14, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to receive, in the first message, a number of stations comprised in the apparatus, and to select the at least two access nodes and/or the at least one multi-connectivity parameter on the basis of the number of stations.

16. The network controller apparatus of claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to determine identifiers of stations comprised in the apparatus and to control, by using a value of the second parameter, the access nodes during handovers of the stations during mobility of the apparatus.

17. The network controller apparatus of any preceding claim 14 to 16, wherein the at least one processor is configured, upon selecting the at two access nodes, to transmit to at least one of the at least two access nodes a message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the message configuring the at least one of the at least two access nodes for association with the apparatus.

18. The network controller apparatus of any preceding claim 14 to 17, wherein the at least processor is configured, upon selecting the at two access nodes, to transmit to at least one access node that is none of the at least two access nodes a control message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the control message configuring the at least one access node to reject an association request from the apparatus.

19. A method comprising:

controlling, by an apparatus, a first station entity of the apparatus to transmit a first message to a first access node according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, wherein the first message indicates a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receiving, by the apparatus through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi-connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and a second station entity of the apparatus; and selecting, by the apparatus amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and controlling the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the selection of the access node is performed for at least the second station entity autonomously by the apparatus.

21. The method of claim 19 or 20, wherein the first station entity and the second station entity are controlled by the apparatus to associate simultaneously to the same access node, if the second parameter indicates allowed simultaneous associations to the same access node.

22. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 21, wherein the at least one parameter is based on the service quality requirement.

23. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 22, wherein the indication of the at least two access nodes comprises identifiers of the at least two access nodes, and wherein the at least one parameter comprises a priority indicator for each identifier, the priority indicator indicating priority for the selection of the second access node for at least the second station entity, and the method comprises selecting the access node for the second station entity on the basis of the priority indicators.

24. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 23, wherein the maximum number of allowed associations is lower than the number of access nodes comprised in the list.

25. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 24, comprising selecting, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for the first station entity to associate to, wherein the selected access node is different from the first access node.

26. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 25, wherein the maximum number of access nodes on the list with the at least one parameter implicitly indicates a number of stations that can establish the simultaneous associations.

27. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 26, comprising receiving, through the first station entity or the second station entity before transmitting the first message, a message comprising an information element indicating multi connectivity capability for the apparatus.

28. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 27, wherein the first message is a multi connectivity information request message, and wherein the multi-connectivity information message is a response to the multi-connectivity information request message.

29. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 28, wherein the first station entity and second station entity have different medium access control addresses.

30. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 29, wherein the service quality requirement specifies required reliability in terms of at least one of latency and a packet loss rate.

31. The method of any preceding claim 19 to 30, wherein the at least one parameter indicates rules for managing associations in connection with switching an association from one access node to another access node due to mobility of the apparatus.

32. A method comprising: receiving, by a network controller apparatus from an apparatus through a communication circuitry operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprises a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus, selecting, by the network controller apparatus in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association; determining, by the network controller apparatus, at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmitting, by the network controller apparatus through the communication circuitry, a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi-connectivity parameter.

33. The method of claim 32, comprising receiving, in the first message, a number of stations comprised in the apparatus, and selecting the at least two access nodes and/or the at least one multi-connectivity parameter on the basis of the number of stations.

34. The method of claim 32 or 33, comprising determining identifiers of stations comprised in the apparatus and controlling, by using a value of the second parameter, the access nodes during handovers of the stations during mobility of the apparatus.

35. The method of any preceding claim 32 to 34, further comprising upon selecting the at two access nodes: transmitting to at least one of the at least two access nodes a message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the message configuring the at least one of the at least two access nodes for association with the apparatus.

36. The method of any preceding claim 32 to 35, further comprising upon selecting the at two access nodes: transmitting to at least one access node that is none of the at least two access nodes a control message comprising at least one identifier of the apparatus, the control message configuring the at least one access node to reject an association request from the apparatus.

37. A computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when loaded into the computer, cause the computer to execute a computer process comprising:

controlling a first station entity of an apparatus to transmit a first message to a first access node according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, wherein the first message indicates a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus; receiving, through the first station entity from the first access node, a multi connectivity information message indicating at least two access nodes available for multi-connectivity association and further comprising at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the first station entity and a second station entity of the apparatus; and selecting, amongst the at least two access nodes on the basis of the at least one parameter, an access node for at least the second station entity and controlling the second station entity to associate to the selected access node.

38. A computer program product embodied on a distribution medium readable by a computer and comprising program instructions which, when loaded into the computer, cause the computer to execute a computer process comprising:

receiving, from an apparatus through a communication circuitry operating according to 1EEE 802.11 specifications, a first message indicating that the apparatus is capable of multiple simultaneous associations via different station entities and comprises a service quality requirement for data to be transferred by the apparatus, selecting, in response to the first message, at least two access nodes available for the apparatus for multi-connectivity association; determining at least one of the following multi-connectivity parameters for the apparatus: a first parameter indicating maximum number of associations allowed for the apparatus and a second parameter indicating whether or not the apparatus is allowed to establish simultaneous associations to the same access node via the different station entities; and transmitting, through the communication circuitry, a multi-connectivity information message indicating the at least two access nodes and further comprising the at least one multi-connectivity parameter.