Ran initiated data collection

A Radio Access Network, RAN, node, the RAN node comprising:

• power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the RAN node;
• and
• processing circuitry configured to:
• transmit a data collection request to a network control entity, the data collection request indicating a request to start data collection within a Radio Access Network, RAN;
• receive a data collection response from the network control entity, the data collection response indicating whether the RAN can start the data collection procedure;
• and
• in response to the data collection response indicating that the RAN can start the data collection procedure, transmit a data collection configuration message initializing data collection by at least one User Equipment, UE.

A method performed by a network control entity, the method comprising:

• receiving a data collection request from a Radio Access Network, RAN, node, the data collection request indicating a request to start data collection within a RAN;
• determining whether the RAN can start the data collection procedure;
• and
• transmitting a data collection response from the network control entity to the RAN node, the data collection response indicating whether the RAN can start the data collection procedure.

A network control entity, the network control entity comprising:

• power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the network control entity;
• and
• processing circuitry configured to:
• receive a data collection request from a Radio Access Network, RAN, node, the data collection request indicating a request to start data collection within a RAN;
• determine whether the RAN can start the data collection procedure;
• and
• transmit a data collection response from the network control entity to the RAN node, the data collection response indicating whether the RAN can start the data collection procedure.