Method and apparatus for extending signaling in a wireless communication network

A wireless device comprising:

• a communication interface configured to receive downlink signals from base stations in a wireless communication network and transmit uplink signals to base stations in the wireless communication network;
• and
• a processing circuit that is operatively associated with the communication interface and configured to:
• assign an alternate use to a selected identifier, wherein the alternate use is known by or signaled to the wireless device, and wherein the selected identifier is one among a set or range of identifiers that is reserved according to a controlling standard for use in identifying any one or more of secondary cell groups, secondary cells, radio bearers and logical channels, which use is referred to as a standard use, wherein the selected identifier is not mapped to an evolved packet system, EPS, bearer at the time of assignment, wherein the alternate use comprises use of the selected identifier to identify one of a non-standard control element, control signaling message, data container or element and logical channel for extending signaling support between the first and second wireless communication apparatuses beyond that defined by the controlling standard;
• omit the selected identifier from consideration for standard use, for so long as the alternate use is active;
• and
• use the selected identifier according to the alternate use in one or more communications with a base station.

A method at a first wireless communication apparatus configured for operation in a wireless communication network, the method comprising:

• selecting an identifier from among a set or range of identifiers that is reserved according to a controlling standard for use by the first wireless communication apparatus in identifying any one or more of secondary cell groups, secondary cells, radio bearers and logical channels, which use is referred to as a standard use;
• assigning an alternate use to the selected identifier, wherein the alternate use is known by or signaled to a second wireless communication apparatus that is in communication with the first wireless communication apparatus, wherein the selected identifier is not mapped to an Evolved Packet System, EPS, bearer at the time of assignment, wherein the alternate use comprises use of the selected identifier to identify one of a non-standard control element, control signaling message, data container or element and logical channel for extending signaling support between the first and second wireless communication apparatuses beyond that defined by the controlling standard;
• omitting the selected identifier from consideration for standard use, for so long as the alternate use is active;
• and
• using the selected identifier according to the alternate use in one or more communications with the second wireless communication apparatus.