Overload control in a communication network

A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising:

• transmitting a random access preamble to a radio network node;
• receiving a MAC PDU from the radio network node, the MAC PDU comprising a request to extend the time period during which the UE waits for reception of a MAC Random Access Response, RAR, from the radio network node;
• and in response thereto
• starting a timer and monitoring a Physical Downlink Control Channel, PDCCH, for reception of the MAC RAR until the timer has reached a maximum time limit, the maximum time limit corresponding to the extended time period.

A radio network node comprising:

• a receiver configured to receive a random access preamble from an unserved user equipment, UE;
• a transmitter;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing computer program code, which, when run in the processor causes the radio network node (700) to:
• determine, upon receiving the random access preamble, whether a condition indicative of the radio network node having insufficient resources to respond properly to all random access preambles received by the radio network node exists;
• and when it is determined that a condition indicative of the radio network node having insufficient resources to respond properly to all random access preambles received by the radio network node does exist,
• including, in a Medium Access Control, MAC, Protocol Data Unit, PDU, a request to extend the time period during which the unserved UE waits for reception of a MAC Random Access Response, RAR;
• and
• transmit, via the transmitter, the MAC PDU including said request to the unserved UE.

A user equipment, UE, comprising:

• a transmitter configured to transmit, to a radio network node, a random access preamble;
• a receiver configured to receive a MAC PDU from the radio network node, the MAC PDU comprising a MAC header including a request to extend the time period during which the UE waits for reception of a MAC Random Access Response, RAR from the radio network node;
• a processor;
• and
• a memory storing computer program code, which, when run in the processor causes the UE to, after reception of said request:
• start a timer and monitor a Physical Downlink Control Channel, PDCCH for reception, via the receiver of the MAC RAR until the timer has reached a maximum time limit, the maximum time limit corresponding to the extended time period.