METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARRIER SWITCHING IN CELLS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS

Description

1 / 32 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CARRIER SWITCHING IN CELLS FOR MOBILE COMMUNICATIONS Cross-reference to related patent application(s)

[0001] This disclosure forms part of a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of priority under U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 506,842, filed June 8, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical field

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to mobile communications and, more particularly, to carrier switching in a cell in relation to a device in mobile communications. State of the art

[0003] Unless otherwise indicated in this document, the approaches described in this section do not constitute prior art with respect to the claims listed below and are not admitted as prior art by their inclusion in this section.

[0004] In Long-Term Evolution (LTE) or New Radio (NR) mobile communications, logical cells and physical carriers are generally mapped in a one-to-one relationship, which can cause problems and inefficiency in some scenarios. For example, in the current NR carrier aggregation (CA) structure, one carrier is associated with one cell. The complexity and overhead of the Layer 1 signal can increase with the number of carrier-cell pairs, and the one-to-one mapping between carrier and cell can cause problems that impact spectrum aggregation performance.

[0005] Therefore, to increase network flexibility and solve some problems caused by one-to-one mapping between carrier and cell, techniques for associating multiple carriers with a single cell can be introduced. In Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 10 / 47 2 / 32 However, based on current techniques for associating multiple carriers with a cell, uplink or downlink communication can only be performed via a fixed carrier, which can significantly limit communication data rates.

[0006] Thus, increasing the data rates of communications based on multiple carriers associated with a single cell becomes an important issue in newly developed wireless communication networks, and there is an urgent need to provide suitable schemes to increase the data rates of communications based on multiple carriers associated with a single cell. Summary

[0007] The following summary is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the following summary is provided to introduce concepts, highlights, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described in this document. Selected implementations are described in more detail below in the detailed description. Thus, the following summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed object, nor is it intended to be used to determine the scope of the claimed object.

[0008] One objective of this disclosure is to propose solutions or schemes that address the aforementioned issues related to carrier switching in a cell with respect to a device in mobile communications.

[0009] In one aspect, a method may involve an apparatus receiving a configuration from a network node. The configuration may include a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. The method may also involve the apparatus communicating with the network node according to at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 11 / 47 3 / 32 may include at least one downlink reception and one uplink transmission. The method may also involve the device receiving a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching from the network node. The method may also involve the device communicating with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication.

[0010] In one aspect, a method may involve an apparatus transmitting a configuration to a user equipment (UE). The configuration may include a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. The method may also involve the apparatus communicating with the UE according to at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication may include at least one downlink transmission and one uplink reception. The method may also involve the apparatus transmitting a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching to the UE. The method may also involve the apparatus communicating with the UE according to the carrier switching pattern or the indication.

[0011] In one aspect, an apparatus may comprise a transceiver that, during operation, communicates wirelessly with at least one network node of a wireless network. The apparatus may also comprise a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver. The processor, during operation, may perform operations comprising receiving, through the transceiver, a configuration from a network node. The configuration includes a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. The processor may also perform operations comprising communicating, through the transceiver, with the network node according to at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication may include at least one downlink reception and one Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 12 / 47 4 / 32 Uplink transmission. The processor can also perform operations that include receiving, through the transceiver, a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching from the network node. The processor can also perform operations that include communicating, through the transceiver, with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or the indication.

[0012] It is noteworthy that, although the description provided in this document may be in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks and network topologies, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, 5th Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet of Things (IoT) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) and 6th Generation (6G), the concepts, schemes and any variations / derivations proposed may be implemented in, for and by other types of radio access technologies, networks and network topologies. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described in this document. Brief description of the figures

[0013] The accompanying figures are included to provide a greater understanding of the disclosure and are incorporated into and form part of this disclosure. The figures illustrate implementations of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It is appreciated that the figures are not necessarily to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to the size in the actual implementation, in order to clearly illustrate the concept of this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario according to schemes in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 13 / 47 5 / 32

[0015] FIG. 2 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario according to schemes in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario according to schemes in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a diagram that represents an example of a scenario according to schemes in accordance with implementations of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example communication system according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a flowchart of an example process according to an implementation of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of an example process according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Detailed description of preferred implementations

[0021] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed objects are disclosed in this document. However, it should be understood that the embodiments and implementations disclosed are merely illustrative of the claimed objects, which may be carried out in various ways. This disclosure may, however, be carried out in many different ways and should not be interpreted as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations presented here. On the contrary, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided so that the description of this disclosure is complete and comprehensive and fully conveys the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted in order to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments and implementations presented. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 14 / 47 6 / 32 Overview

[0022] Implementations according to this disclosure refer to various techniques, methods, schemes and / or solutions related to carrier switching in a cell with respect to a device in mobile communications. According to this disclosure, various possible solutions can be implemented separately or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in one combination or another.

[0023] With respect to the present disclosure, a network node may configure a plurality of carriers (i.e., component carriers identified by component carrier IDs) associated with a cell for a user equipment (UE). The UE may communicate with the network node according to at least one carrier of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell. More specifically, with respect to communication (e.g., uplink transmission (UL) / downlink reception (DL) from the UE's point of view and UL reception / DL transmission from the network node's point of view), the UE may receive a carrier switching pattern or a carrier switching-associated indication from the network node and communicate with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication in order to maximize the data rate of the communication.

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of scenario 100 under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure. Scenario 100 involves at least one network node and a UE, which may be part of a wireless communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G / NR network, an IoT network, or a 6G network). Scenario 100 illustrates the actual network structure. The UE may connect to the network side. The network side may comprise one or more network nodes. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 15 / 47 7 / 32

[0025] In some embodiments, the network node may transmit a configuration to the UE. The configuration may include a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. In other words, the configuration may include parameters indicating the plurality of carriers associated with the cell. The network node may perform communication (e.g., UL data transmission / DL data transmission from the network perspective and UL data transmission / DL data reception from the UE perspective) with the UE according to at least one carrier in the cell. The network node and the UE may receive a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching from the network node and communicate with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication.

[0026] In some deployments, the configuration may be included in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration. The number of carrier plurality associated with the cell may be greater than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the UE may be able to use. In other words, the number of carrier plurality associated with the cell may be greater than or equal to the maximum number of carriers of the UE's UE capacity. For example, when the UE is able to utilize two 100 MHz carriers based on the UE capacity, the network configures for the UE two or more 100 MHz carriers (e.g., four 100 MHz carriers) through the configuration.

[0027] In some implementations, the number of at least one carrier associated with the cell that is effectively used for communication may be less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the UE is capable of using. In other words, the number of carriers effectively activated for communication between the network node and the UE in the corresponding cell may be less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers of the Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 16 / 47 8 / 32 UE capacity of the UE. For example, when the UE is capable of using two 100 MHz carriers based on the UE capacity, the enabled 100 MHz carriers are configured as two or less (e.g., two 100 MHz carriers).

[0028] For example, reference is made to FIG. 2, which illustrates an example of scenario 200 under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, the UE may be compatible with multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques and may have four receiving units (RxUs) and two transmitting units (TxUs). The network node may transmit the configuration to the UE. After receiving the configuration, the UE may be configured with four carriers CC#1 to CC#4 associated with a cell CL#1. Two carriers, CC#1 and CC#2, may be used as enabled carriers for communication(s) between the network node and the UE. It should be noted that RxUs and TxUs may be independent hardware entities or different logical units of the same hardware entity. However, the implementations of RxUs and TxUs are not intended to be limited.

[0029] With respect to a DL (transmission from the network node's point of view and reception from the UE's point of view), the UE can use four RxUs to receive data from the network node via carrier CC#1 during the first three slots (which are symbolized as D). Then, the UE can receive a carrier switching pattern or an indication from the network node and communicate with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication. More specifically, in this example, the UE can switch from carrier CC#1 to carrier CC#2 and then use four RxUs to receive data from the network node via carrier CC#2 during the next two slots (which are symbolized as D). Carrier switching can occur during a gap. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 17 / 47 9 / 32

[0030] With respect to a UL (transmission from the UE's point of view and reception from the network node's point of view), the UE can use two TxUs to prepare and transmit data to the network node via carrier CC#2 during the last two of the first three slots (which are symbolized as S for data preparation and U for data uplink). Then, the UE can receive a carrier switching pattern or an indication from the network node and communicate with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication. More specifically, in this example, the UE can switch from carrier CC#2 to carrier CC#1 and then use two TxUs to prepare and transmit data to the network node via carrier CC#1 during the next two slots (which are symbolized as S for data preparation and U for data uplink). Carrier switching can occur during a gap.

[0031] In some cases, the carrier switching intervals for DL ​​transmission / reception and UL transmission / reception may be the same or different. In particular, the UE may report a capability regarding the length of the carrier switching interval. The UE may report the same length or different lengths for RxU and TxU. After receiving the capability, the network node may determine specific carrier switching interval lengths and transmit the specific carrier switching interval lengths to the UE, so that the UE applies the same or different specific carrier switching interval length(s) for RxU and TxU.

[0032] For example, reference is made to FIG. 3, which illustrates an example of scenario 300 under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, the UE may be compatible with MIMO techniques and may have four Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 18 / 47 10 / 32 The network node has two RxUs and two TxUs. The network node can transmit the configuration to the UE. After receiving the configuration, the UE can be configured with four carriers CC#1 to CC#4 associated with a CL#2 cell. Two carriers, CC#3 and CC#4, can be used as enabled carriers for communication(s) between the network node and the UE.

[0033] With respect to a DL (transmission from the network node's point of view and reception from the UE's point of view), the UE can use four RxUs to receive data from the network node via carrier CC#3 during the first three slots (which are symbolized as “D”). Then, the UE can receive a carrier switching pattern or an indication from the network node and communicate with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or the indication. More specifically, in this example, the UE can switch from carrier CC#3 to carrier CC#4 during two slots and then use four RxUs to receive data from the network node via carrier CC#4 during the following three slots (which are symbolized as “D”).

[0034] With respect to a UL (transmission from the UE's point of view and reception from the network's point of view), the UE can use: (1) one TxU to prepare and transmit data to the network node via carrier CC#3 during two slots (symbolized as “S” for data preparation and “U” for data uplink), which follow the first three slots; and (2) the other TxU to prepare and transmit data to the network node via carrier CC#4 during two slots (symbolized as “S” for data preparation and “U” for data uplink), which follow the first three slots. The UE can then receive a carrier switching pattern or indication from the network node and communicate with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication. More specifically, in this example, with respect to Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 19 / 47 11 / 32 TxU transmitting data via carrier CC#4, the UE can switch from carrier CC#4 to carrier CC#3 during three slots, and then the UE can use two TxUs to prepare and transmit data to the network node via carrier CC#3 during the following two slots (which are symbolized as S for data preparation and U for data uplink).

[0035] In some cases, the UE's TxU(s) / RxU(s) (e.g., idle TxU(s) / RxU(s)) may be reallocated to an active carrier with a higher transmission rating. In some cases, the UE's TxU(s) / RxU(s) (e.g., idle TxU(s) / RxU(s)) may be reallocated to an active carrier that has UL or DL ​​opportunity (i.e., a carrier that can be used for UL or DL ​​transmission / reception). In some cases, the TxU(s) / RxU(s) (e.g., idle TxU(s) / RxU(s)) may be reallocated to an active carrier with low traffic load.

[0036] In some implementations, carrier switching can be performed by the network node and the UE between different cells. For example, the UE can switch from a carrier associated with a first cell to a carrier associated with a second cell.

[0037] In some implementations, the network node can transmit a source reference signal (RS) for time and frequency synchronization on one of the carriers associated with the cell. In other words, the UE can receive the source RS for time and frequency synchronization from a single carrier of the carriers activated in the cell. Furthermore, since the plurality of carriers associated with the cell can be synchronized within a Time Advance (TA) group (i.e., the carriers may have the same time / frequency offset), the source RS transmitted via a carrier from the plurality of carriers can be Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 20 / 47 12 / 32 is used to derive time and frequency synchronization information corresponding to the other carriers in the carrier plurality.

[0038] In some implementations, the network node can transmit a pathloss and UL reference timing RS on one of the carriers in the cell's plurality of carriers. In other words, the UE can receive the source pathloss and UL reference timing RS from a single carrier among the carriers activated in the cell. Furthermore, since the cell's plurality of carriers can be synchronized (i.e., the carriers may have the same time / frequency offset) within a TA group, the source RS transmitted via one carrier in the plurality of carriers can be used to derive pathloss and UL reference timing information corresponding to the other carriers in the plurality of carriers.

[0039] In some embodiments, the network node can configure the UE to switch between carrier plurality for a communication (e.g., transmit / receive), so that the UE can switch between carrier plurality for the communication.

[0040] In some implementations, the network node can transmit a carrier switching pattern to the UE, so that the UE determines a switching behavior among the plurality of carriers for a communication. In particular, the carrier switching pattern can be transmitted via an RRC configuration. After receiving the carrier switching pattern, the UE can determine the carrier switching behavior among the plurality of carriers for the communication.

[0041] In some cases, the UE can communicate with the node of Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 21 / 47 13 / 32 network based on: (1) switching a DL reception and a UL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; (2) switching DL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; or (3) switching UL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching DL reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0042] Thus, the network node can communicate with the UE based on: (1) switching DL transmission and UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; (2) switching DL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; or (3) switching UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching DL transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0043] In addition, the UE may be compatible with MIMO techniques and may have n RxUs and m TxUs. The network node may transmit carrier switching patterns to the UE. Some of the carrier switching patterns may be intended for RxUs, and some of the carrier switching patterns may be intended for TxUs. It should be noted that the carrier switching patterns for RxU and TxU may be different for better future compatibility.

[0044] Reference is made to FIG. 4, which illustrates an example of scenario 400 under schemes according to implementations of the present disclosure. In this example, a first carrier switching pattern for the RxUs is configured as Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 22 / 47 14 / 32 Slot-level carrier indication and symbol-level carrier indication. There are 10 slots in the first carrier switching pattern. Regarding the slot level, slots labeled with 'a' indicate that the UE should perform DL reception via carrier CC#a, and slots labeled with 'x' indicate that the UE should perform carrier switching. Regarding the symbol level, symbols labeled with 'a' indicate that the UE should perform DL reception via carrier CC#a, symbols labeled with 'x' indicate that the UE should perform carrier switching, and symbols labeled with 'b' indicate that the UE should perform DL reception via carrier CC#b.

[0045] In addition, in this example, a second carrier switching pattern for the TxUs is configured as slot-level carrier indication and symbol-level carrier indication. There are 10 slots in the second carrier switching pattern. With respect to the slot level, slots labeled b indicate that the UE should perform UL transmission via carrier CC#b, and slots labeled x indicate that the UE should perform carrier switching. With respect to the symbol level, symbols labeled b indicate that the UE should perform UL transmission via carrier CC#b, symbols labeled x indicate that the UE should perform carrier switching, and symbols labeled a indicate that the UE should perform UL transmission via carrier CC#a.

[0046] Thus, after receiving the first carrier switching pattern and the second carrier switching pattern, the UE can determine the CC#ae CC#b carriers associated with the cell and (1) use two RxUs to perform DL receptions with the network node via the CC#ae CC#b carriers according to the first carrier switching pattern and (2) use one TxU to perform UL transmissions with the network node by Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 23 / 47 15 / 32 between carriers CC#ae CC#b according to the second carrier switching pattern.

[0047] Note that the network node can configure the UE to have a specific number determined by the UE to determine the specific number of RxU(s) to apply the first carrier switching pattern. The network node can configure the UE to have another specific number determined by the UE to determine another specific number of TxU(s) to apply the second carrier switching pattern. In some cases, different RxUs or TxUs may apply different carrier switching patterns. It is not intended to limit all RxUs or TxUs to applying the same carrier switching pattern.

[0048] As another example, a third carrier switching pattern for the RxUs is configured as the number of slot-level MIMO layers (i.e., MIMO rank) and the number of symbol-level MIMO layers. A number for each slot / symbol of the third carrier switching pattern informs the UE of the number of RxUs to perform DL reception per carrier. A fourth carrier switching pattern for the TxUs is configured as the number of slot-level MIMO layers and the number of symbol-level MIMO layers. A number for each slot / symbol of the fourth carrier switching pattern informs the UE of the number of TxUs to perform UL transmission per carrier. In other words, the network node can configure a specific number of RxUs / TxUs for the UE to receive / transmit DL / UL per carrier.

[0049] In some implementations, the network node may transmit a Layer 1 indication to the UE, so that the UE determines carrier plurality switching behavior for communication. In particular, the Layer 1 indication may be a physical layer indication transmitted via a downlink control information (DCI) or a medium access control (MAC) layer indication. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 24 / 47 16 / 32 transmitted via a MAC control element (MACCE). After receiving the Layer 1 indication, the UE can determine the carrier switching behavior among the plurality of carriers for communication.

[0050] In some cases, the UE may communicate with the network node based on: (1) switching a DL reception and a UL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; (2) switching the DL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; or (3) switching the UL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the layer 1 indication.

[0051] Thus, the network node can communicate with the UE based on: (1) switching DL transmission and UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; (2) switching DL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; or (3) switching UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching DL transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the layer 1 indication.

[0052] For example, the layer 1 indication is a DCI bit field (e.g., DCI for scheduling). The DCI bit field is used to indicate carrier switching. In particular, the DCI bit field is used to indicate to the UE to which carrier the RxU(s) (or TxU(s)) is / are switched.

[0053] It should be noted that RxU and TxU may be indicated for carrier switching by different layer 1 indications. It is not intended to limit that all RxUs or TxUs Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 25 / 47 17 / 32 should be indicated for carrier switching by the same layer 1 indication.

[0054] As another example, carrier switching can be indicated by MIMO layer adaptation. The maximum number of MIMO layers is configured per cell. The maximum number of MIMO layers is shared among the carriers within a cell.

[0055] In some cases, the layer 1 indication may include timing (e.g., future timing) for carrier switching. The timing may be applied: (1) once; (2) until overwritten; or (3) until terminated by another command. Illustrative implementations

[0056] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a communication system 500 containing an example of a communication device 510 and an example of a network device 520, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Each of the communication devices 510 and 520 network devices can perform various functions to implement schemes, techniques, processes and methods described in this document, relating to cell carrier switching with respect to user equipment and network devices in mobile communications, including the scenarios / schemes described above, as well as the processes 600 and 700 described below.

[0057] The 510 communication device may be part of an electronic device, which may be a UE, such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, the 510 communication device may be implemented in a smartphone, a smartwatch, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, or computing equipment such as a tablet, a laptop, or a notebook. The 510 communication device may also be part of a machine-type device, which Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 26 / 47 18 / 32 can be an IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT device, such as a stationary or fixed device, a household appliance, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the 510 communication device can be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. Alternatively, the 510 communication device can be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced instruction set processors (RISCs), or one or more complex instruction set processors (CISCs). The 510 communication device may include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 5, such as, for example, a 512 processor.The 510 communication apparatus may also include one or more other components not relevant to the scheme proposed in this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such component(s) of the 510 communication apparatus are not shown in FIG. 5 nor described below, in the interest of simplicity and brevity.

[0058] The 520 network appliance may be part of a network appliance, which may be a network node, such as a satellite, a base station, a small cell, a router, or a gateway. For example, the 520 network appliance may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE network, in a gNB in ​​a 5G / NR, IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT network, or in a satellite or base station in a 6G network. Alternatively, the 520 network appliance may be implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as, for example and without limitation, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. The 520 network appliance Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 27 / 47 19 / 32 may include at least some of the components shown in FIG. 5, such as, for example, a 522 processor. The 520 network device may also include one or more other components not relevant to the scheme proposed in this disclosure (for example, internal power supply, display device and / or user interface device) and, therefore, such component(s) of the 520 network device are not shown in FIG. 5 nor described below, in the interest of simplicity and brevity.

[0059] In one aspect, each of the 512 and 522 processors may be implemented in the form of one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, although the singular term “a processor” is used in this document to refer to the 512 and 522 processors, each of the 512 and 522 processors may include multiple processors in some implementations and a single processor in other implementations, according to the present disclosure. In another aspect, each of the 512 and 522 processors may be implemented in the form of hardware (and optionally firmware) with electronic components including, for example and without limitation, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varactors, which are configured and arranged to achieve specific purposes according to the present disclosure.In other words, in at least some implementations, each of the 512 and 522 processors is a purpose-built machine designed, arranged, and configured specifically to perform specific tasks, including autonomous reliability enhancements on a device (e.g., as represented by the 510 communication appliance) and on a network (e.g., as represented by the network appliance). Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 28 / 47 20 / 32 520), in accordance with various implementations of this disclosure.

[0060] In some implementations, the communication device 510 may also include a transceiver 516 coupled to the processor 512 and capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In some implementations, the communication device 510 may also include a memory 514 coupled to the processor 512 and capable of being accessed by the processor 512 and storing data. In some implementations, the network device 520 may also include a transceiver 526 coupled to the processor 522 and capable of transmitting and receiving data wirelessly. In some implementations, the network device 520 may also include a memory 524 coupled to the processor 522 and capable of being accessed by the processor 522 and storing data. Thus, the communication device 510 and the network device 520 can communicate wirelessly with each other through the transceiver 516 and the transceiver 526, respectively.To aid better understanding, the following description of the operations, functionalities, and capabilities of each of the 510 communication and 520 network devices is provided in the context of a mobile communication environment in which the 510 communication device is implemented in or as a communication device or a UE, and the 520 network device is implemented in or as a network node of a communication network.

[0061] In some implementations, processor 512 can receive, via transceiver 516, a configuration from network device 520. The configuration may include a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. Processor 512 can communicate with network device 520 via transceiver 516 according to at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication may include at least one transmission and one reception. Processor 512 can receive, via transceiver 516, a Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, p. 29 / 47 21 / 32 carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching from network device 520. Processor 512 can communicate, via transceiver 516, with network device 520 according to the carrier switching pattern or indication.

[0062] In some implementations, the number of carrier plurality associated with the cell is greater than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0063] In some implementations, the number of at least one carrier used for communication is less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0064] In some implementations, processor 512 can receive, via transceiver 516, an RS source for time and frequency synchronization from a carrier of the carrier plurality associated with the cell.

[0065] In some implementations, processor 512 can receive, via transceiver 516, a pathloss source RS and UL reference timing from a carrier of the carrier plurality associated with the cell.

[0066] In some implementations, processor 512 can receive, via transceiver 516, the carrier switching pattern from network device 520 by means of an RRC configuration.

[0067] In some implementations, the 512 processor can communicate with the 520 network appliance based on: (1) switching a DL reception and a UL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; (2) switching the DL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; or (3) switching the UL transmission from the first carrier. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 30 / 47 22 / 32 for the second carrier and switch DL reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0068] In some implementations, the indication may include a layer 1 indication.

[0069] In some implementations, the 512 processor can communicate with the 520 network appliance based on: (1) switching a DL reception and a UL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; (2) switching the DL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; or (3) switching the UL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the layer 1 indication.

[0070] In some implementations, the layer 1 indication may include a carrier switching timer, and the timer may be applied: (1) once; (2) until overwritten; or (3) until terminated by another command.

[0071] In some implementations, processor 522 can transmit, via transceiver 526, a configuration to communication device 510. The configuration may include a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. Processor 522 can communicate with communication device 510 via transceiver 526 according to at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication may include at least one transmission and one reception. Processor 522 can transmit, via transceiver 526, a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching to communication device 510. Processor 522 can communicate with communication device 510 via transceiver 526. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 31 / 47 23 / 32 according to the carrier switching pattern or indication.

[0072] In some implementations, the number of carrier plurality associated with the cell is greater than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0073] In some implementations, the number of at least one carrier used for communication is less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0074] In some implementations, the 522 processor can transmit, via the 526 transceiver, an RS source for time and frequency synchronization on a carrier from the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

[0075] In some implementations, the 522 processor can transmit, via the 526 transceiver, a pathloss source RS and uplink reference timing on a carrier from the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

[0076] In some implementations, processor 522 can transmit, via transceiver 526, the carrier switching pattern to communication device 510 by means of an RRC configuration.

[0077] In some implementations, the 522 processor can communicate with the 510 communication device based on: (1) switching a UL reception and a DL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; (2) switching the DL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; or (3) switching the UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching pattern. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, page 32 / 47 24 / 32

[0078] In some implementations, the indication may include a layer 1 indication.

[0079] In some implementations, the 522 processor can communicate with the 510 communication device based on: (1) switching a UL reception and a DL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; (2) switching the DL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; or (3) switching the UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the layer 1 indication.

[0080] In some implementations, the layer 1 indication may include a carrier switching timer, and the timer may be applied: (1) once; (2) until overwritten; or (3) until terminated by another command. Illustrative processes

[0081] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of process 600 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 600 may be an exemplary implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partially or totally, with respect to the cell carrier switching of the present disclosure. Process 600 may represent an aspect of the implementation of the functionalities of the communication device 510. Process 600 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 610 to 640. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 600 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into a smaller number of blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 600 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 6 or, alternatively, in a different order. Process 600 Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 33 / 47 25 / 32 can be implemented by the 510 communication device or by any suitable UE or machine-type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 600 is described below in the context of the 510 communication device. Process 600 can start in block 610.

[0082] In block 610, process 600 may involve processor 512 of communication device 510 receiving a configuration from a network node. The configuration includes a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. Process 600 may proceed from block 610 to block 620.

[0083] In block 620, process 600 may involve processor 512 of communication device 510 performing communication with the network node according to at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication may include at least one transmission and one reception. Process 600 may proceed from block 620 to block 630.

[0084] In block 630, process 600 may involve processor 512 of communication device 510 receiving a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching from the network node. Process 600 may proceed from block 630 to block 640.

[0085] In block 640, process 600 may involve processor 512 of communication device 510 communicating with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or indication.

[0086] In some implementations, the number of carrier plurality associated with the cell is greater than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0087] In some implementations, the number of at least one carrier used for communication is less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0088] In some implementations, process 600 may Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 34 / 47 26 / 32 involves the 512 processor receiving an RS source for time and frequency synchronization from a carrier of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

[0089] In some implementations, process 600 may involve processor 512 receiving a pathloss source RS and uplink reference timing from a carrier of the carrier plurality associated with the cell.

[0090] In some implementations, process 600 may involve processor 512 receiving the carrier switching pattern from the network node via an RRC configuration.

[0091] In some implementations, process 600 may involve processor 512 communicating with the network node based on: (1) switching a DL reception and a UL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; (2) switching the DL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; or (3) switching the UL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching pattern.

[0092] In some implementations, the indication may include a layer 1 indication.

[0093] In some implementations, process 600 may involve processor 512 communicating with the network node based on: (1) switching a DL reception and a UL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to layer 1 indication; (2) switching DL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to layer 1 indication; or (3) switching UL transmission from the first carrier. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 35 / 47 27 / 32 for the second carrier and switch DL reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the layer 1 indication.

[0094] In some implementations, the layer 1 indication may include a carrier switching timer, and the timer may be applied: (1) once; (2) until overwritten; or (3) until terminated by another command.

[0095] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of process 700 according to an implementation of the present disclosure. Process 700 may be an exemplary implementation of the above scenarios / schemes, either partially or completely, with respect to cell carrier switching of the present disclosure. Process 700 may represent an aspect of the implementation of the functionalities of the network device 520. Process 700 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as illustrated by one or more of blocks 710 to 740. Although illustrated as distinct blocks, several blocks of process 700 may be divided into additional blocks, combined into a smaller number of blocks, or eliminated, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of process 700 may be executed in the order shown in FIG. 7 or, alternatively, in a different order.Process 700 can be implemented by network appliance 520 or by any suitable network device or machine-type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 700 is described below in the context of network appliance 520. Process 700 can start on block 710.

[0096] In block 710, process 700 may involve processor 522 of network device 520 transmitting a configuration to a UE. The configuration may include a plurality of carriers associated with a cell. Process 700 may proceed from block 710 to block 720.

[0097] In block 720, process 700 may involve the Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 36 / 47 28 / 32 processor 522 is communicating with the UE using at least one carrier associated with the cell. The communication may include at least one transmission and one reception. Process 700 may proceed from block 720 to block 730.

[0098] In block 730, process 700 may involve processor 522 transmitting a carrier switching pattern or a carrier switching associated indication to the UE. Process 700 may proceed from block 730 to block 740.

[0099] In block 740, process 700 may involve processor 522 communicating with the UE according to the carrier switching pattern or indication.

[0100] In some implementations, the number of carrier plurality associated with the cell is greater than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0101] In some implementations, the number of at least one carrier used for communication is less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

[0102] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 522 transmitting an RS source for time and frequency synchronization on a carrier from the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

[0103] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 522 transmitting a pathloss source RS and uplink reference timing on a carrier from the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

[0104] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 522 transmitting the carrier switching pattern to the UE via an RRC configuration.

[0105] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 522 communicating with the UE based Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 37 / 47 29 / 32 in: (1) switching a UL reception and a DL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier in accordance with the carrier switching pattern; (2) switching the DL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier in accordance with the carrier switching pattern; or (3) switching the UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier in accordance with the carrier switching pattern.

[0106] In some implementations, the indication may include a layer 1 indication.

[0107] In some implementations, process 700 may involve processor 522 communicating with the UE based on: (1) switching a UL reception and a DL transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to layer 1 indication; (2) switching the DL transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to layer 1 indication; or (3) switching the UL reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the DL transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to layer 1 indication. Additional notes

[0108] The subject described in this document sometimes illustrates different components contained within, or connected to, different other components. It should be understood that such represented architectures are merely examples and that, in fact, many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. In a conceptual sense, any arrangement of components that achieves the same functionality is effectively associated in such a way that the desired functionality is achieved. Thus, any two Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 38 / 47 The 30 / 32 components combined here to achieve a specific functionality can be considered as "associated with each other" in such a way that the desired functionality is achieved, regardless of architectures or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components thus associated can also be seen as being "operationally connected" or "operationally coupled" to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components capable of being thus associated can also be seen as "operationally coupleable" to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operationally coupleable components include, but are not limited to, physically connectable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or wirelessly interactive components and / or logically interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0109] Furthermore, with regard to the use of any singular and / or plural terms in this document, those skilled in the art may convert from plural to singular and / or from singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. The various permutations between singular and plural may be expressly presented in this document for the sake of clarity.

[0110] Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, in general, the terms used in this document, and especially in the appended claims, for example, in the bodies of the appended claims, are generally intended to be “open” terms. For example, the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least”, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to”, etc. Moreover, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, if a specific number Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 39 / 47 31 / 32 If the intention of introducing a feature in a claim is intended, such intention shall be explicitly stated in the claim, and in the absence of such a statement, there is no such intention. For example, as an aid to understanding, the appended claims may contain the use of the introductory expressions “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim elements. However, the use of such expressions should not be interpreted as meaning that the introduction of a claim element by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any claim containing such introduced element to implementations containing only one occurrence of that element, even when the same claim includes the introductory expressions “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an”, i.e., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”.The same applies to the use of definite articles employed to introduce elements of a claim. Furthermore, even if a specific number of an element introduced in a claim is explicitly mentioned, those skilled in the art will recognize that such mention should be interpreted as meaning at least the number mentioned. For example, the simple mention of “two occurrences,” without other modifiers, means at least two occurrences, or two or more occurrences. Moreover, in cases where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, such a construction is generally intended for the meaning that a person skilled in the art would understand from that convention. For example, “a system that has at least one of A, B, and C” would include, but not be limited to, systems that have only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. In cases where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used..." is used, in general such a way." Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 40 / 47 32 / 32 construction is intended for the meaning that a person skilled in the art would understand from this convention. For example, “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include, but not be limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc. It will further be understood by those skilled in the art that practically any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood as contemplating the possibilities of including one of the terms, any of the terms, or both terms. For example, the expression “A or B” should be understood as including the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0111] From the foregoing, it will be acknowledged that various implementations of this disclosure have been described herein for illustrative purposes, and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Thus, the various implementations disclosed in this document are not intended to be limiting, the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. Petition 870250096361, dated 10 / 22 / 2025, pp. 41 / 47

Claims

1 / 6 CLAIMS 1. A method characterized in that it comprises: receiving, by a processor of an apparatus, a configuration from a network node, wherein the configuration includes a plurality of carriers associated with a cell; performing, by the processor, a communication with the network node according to at least one carrier associated with the cell, wherein the communication includes at least one uplink transmission and one downlink reception; receiving, by the processor, a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with the carrier switching of the network node; and communicating, by the processor, with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or the indication.

2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a number of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell is greater than or equal to a maximum number of carriers that the apparatus is capable of using.

3. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of at least one carrier used for communication is less than or equal to the maximum number of carriers that the device is capable of using.

4. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the processor, a reference signal from a source for time and frequency synchronization from a carrier of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

5. Method, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the processor, a source reference signal for path loss and uplink reference timing from a carrier of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell. Petition 870250090581, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 16 / 25 2 / 6 6. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: receiving, by the processor, the carrier switching pattern from the network node through a radio resource control (RRC) configuration.

7. A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the step of communicating with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern further comprises: communicating, by the processor, with the network node based on switching a downlink reception and an uplink transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; communicating, by the processor, with the network node based on switching the downlink reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching pattern; or communicating, by the processor, with the network node based on switching the uplink transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the downlink reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching pattern.

8. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the indication includes a layer 1 indication.

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the step of communicating with the network node according to the indication further comprises: communicating, by the processor, with the network node based on switching a downlink reception and an uplink transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; communicating, by the processor, with the network node based on switching the downlink reception from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the layer 1 indication; or communicating, by the processor, with the network node based on switching the uplink transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the downlink reception from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the layer 1 indication.

10. Method, according to claim 9, characterized in that the layer 1 indication additionally includes a carrier switching timing, and the timing is applied once, applied until overwritten, or applied until terminated by another command.

11. A method characterized in that it comprises: transmitting, by a processor of an apparatus, a configuration to a user equipment (UE), wherein the configuration includes a plurality of carriers associated with a cell; performing, by the processor, a communication with the UE according to at least one of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell, wherein the communication includes at least one downlink transmission and one uplink reception; transmitting, by the processor, a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with carrier switching to the UE; and communicating, by the processor, with the UE according to the carrier switching pattern or the indication.

12. Method, according to claim 11, characterized in that a number of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell is greater than or equal to a maximum number of carriers that the UE is capable of using.

13. Method, according to claim 11, characterized in that a number of at least one carrier used for communication is less than or equal to a maximum number of carriers that the EU is capable of using. Petition 870250090581, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, page 18 / 25 4 / 6 14. Method, according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, a source reference signal for time and frequency synchronization on a carrier from the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

15. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, a source reference signal for path loss and uplink reference timing on a carrier of the plurality of carriers associated with the cell.

16. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: transmitting, by the processor, the carrier switching pattern to the UE through a radio resource control (RRC) configuration.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the step of communicating with the UE according to the carrier switching standard further comprises: communicating, by the processor, with the UE based on switching an uplink reception and a downlink transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the carrier switching standard; communicating, by the processor, with the UE based on switching the downlink transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the carrier switching standard; or communicating, by the processor, with the UE based on switching the uplink reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the downlink transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the carrier switching standard. Petition 870250090581, dated 10 / 03 / 2025, p. 19 / 25 5 / 6 18. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that the indication includes a layer 1 indication.

19. A method according to claim 18, characterized in that the step of communicating with the UE according to the indication further comprises: communicating, by the processor, with the UE based on switching an uplink reception and a downlink transmission from a first carrier to a second carrier according to the Layer 1 indication; communicating, by the processor, with the UE based on switching the downlink transmission from the first carrier to the second carrier according to the Layer 1 indication; or communicating, by the processor, with the UE based on switching the uplink reception from the first carrier to the second carrier and switching the downlink transmission from the second carrier to the first carrier according to the Layer 1 indication.

20. Apparatus characterized in that it comprises: a transceiver which, during operation, communicates wirelessly with a network node; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver such that, during operation, the processor performs operations comprising: receiving, through the transceiver, a configuration from the network node, wherein the configuration includes a plurality of carriers associated with a cell; performing, through the transceiver, communication with the network node according to at least one carrier associated with the cell, wherein the communication includes at least one downlink reception and one uplink transmission; receiving, through the transceiver, a carrier switching pattern or an indication associated with the carrier switching of the network node; and communicating, through the transceiver, with the network node according to the carrier switching pattern or the indication.Petition 870250090581, dated 03 / 10 / 2025, p. 21 / 25.

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