COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE, BASE STATION, METHOD, AND INTEGRATED CIRCUIT

Abstract

Some exemplary embodiments relate to a user equipment, a base station, and respective methods for a UE and a base station. For example, the UE comprises a transceiver unit that, when operated, receives two or more configuration indicators, each indicating a configuration of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. For example, the UE further comprises circuitry that, when operated, causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals based on the two or more configuration indicators. In another example, the UE comprises a transceiver unit that, when operated, receives an I-DRX configuration indicator indicating an idle mode discontinuous reception configuration. For example, the UE further comprises circuitry that, when operated, causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals during the ON period in a radio resource control idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the transmission and reception of signals in communication systems, such as 3GPP® communication systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for such transmission and reception. [Background technology]

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is working on technical specifications for next-generation cellular technology (also known as 5G), including New Radio (NR) access technology (RAT) operating in the frequency range up to 100 GHz. NR is the successor to technologies represented by Long Term Evolution (LTE) and LTE Advanced (LTE-A).

[0003] For systems such as LTE and NR, further improvements and options may facilitate increasing the network's energy saving capabilities. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] One of several non-limiting exemplary embodiments features that promote efficient resource usage, especially in scenarios involving periodic traffic. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In one embodiment, the technology disclosed herein features a communications device (User Equipment (UE)). The UE includes a transceiver that, during operation, receives two or more configuration indicators that indicate a configuration of a periodic timing pattern, each of the configuration indicators including an ON period. The UE further includes circuitry that, during operation, causes the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals based on the two or more configuration indicators.

[0006] In another embodiment, the technology disclosed herein features a communications device (User Equipment (UE)). The UE, in operation, includes a transceiver unit that receives an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration indicator that indicates an I-DRX configuration. The UE, in operation, further includes circuitry that causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals during an ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0007] It should be noted that the general or specific embodiments may be implemented as a system, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, a storage medium, or any selective combination thereof.

[0008] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, but not all of them necessarily need to be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] The following exemplary embodiments are described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example architecture of a 3GPP NR system. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram showing functional separation between NG-RAN and 5GC [Figure 3] Sequence diagram of RRC connection setup / reconfiguration procedure [Figure 4] Schematic showing enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC) usage scenarios [Figure 5] Block diagram illustrating an exemplary 5G system architecture for non-roaming [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified exemplary embodiment of a set of synchronization signal blocks distributed over half frames. [Figure 7] A diagram showing several beams and their corresponding SSB indices, SSB1 to SSB8, and how the beams are transmitted by the gNB in a beam-sweeping scheme. [Figure 8] A general and simplified exemplary block diagram of a user equipment and a base station [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates a method performed by a user equipment and a base station according to first to fourth exemplary embodiments. [Figure 10] Diagram showing cell-specific C-DRX configuration and multiple C-DRX configurations for each UE group [Figure 11] FIG. 10 illustrates a method performed by a user equipment and a base station according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates a method according to an embodiment in which DCI is not used to indicate the DRX configuration that the UE follows. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 illustrates another method according to an embodiment, in which a DCI is used to indicate the DRX configuration that the UE follows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] <5G NR system architecture and protocol stack> 3GPP continues to work on the next release of fifth-generation cellular technology (also known as simply "5G"), which includes the development of New Radio Access Technology (NR) operating in the frequency range up to 100 GHz. The first version of the 5G standard was completed in late 2017, allowing for the prototyping and commercial deployment of 5G NR-compliant smartphones.

[0011] In particular, the system architecture assumes a Next Generation - Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) comprising gNBs. The gNBs provide UE-side termination of NG radio access user plane (SDAP / PDCP / RLC / MAC / PHY) and control plane (RRC) protocols. The gNBs are connected to each other via an Xn interface. The gNBs are also connected to a Next Generation Core (NGC) via a Next Generation (NG) interface, more specifically to an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) (e.g., a specific core entity that performs AMF) via an NG-C interface, and to a User Plane Function (UPF) (e.g., a specific core entity that performs UPF) via an NG-U interface. The NG-RAN architecture is shown in Figure 1 (see, e.g., 3GPP TS 38.300, ed. 15.6.0, section 4).

[0012] The NR user plane protocol stack (see, for example, Section 4.4.1 of 3GPP TS 38.300) includes a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) sublayer (see, for example, Section 6.4 of 3GPP TS 38.300), a Radio Link Control (RLC) sublayer (see, for example, Section 6.3 of 3GPP TS 38.300), and a Medium Access Control (MAC) sublayer (see, for example, Section 6.2 of 3GPP TS 38.300). A new Access Stratum (AS) sublayer (Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP)) has been introduced on top of PDCP (see, for example, Section 6.5 of 3GPP TS 38.300). A control plane protocol stack has also been defined for NR (see, for example, Section 4.4.2 of 3GPP TS 38.300). An overview of Layer 2 functions is given in 3GPP TS 38.300, Section 6. The functions of the PDCP, RLC, and MAC sublayers are listed in 3GPP TS 38.300, Sections 6.4, 6.3, and 6.2, respectively. The functions of the RRC layer are listed in 3GPP TS 38.300, Section 7.

[0013] For example, the Medium-Access-Control layer handles logical channel multiplexing and scheduling and scheduling-related functions, including handling various numerologies.

[0014] For example, the physical layer (PHY) is responsible for coding, PHY HARQ processing, modulation, multi-antenna processing, and mapping of signals to appropriate physical time-frequency resources. The physical layer also handles mapping of transport channels to physical channels. The physical layer provides services to the MAC layer in the form of transport channels. A physical channel corresponds to a set of time-frequency resources used for transmitting a specific transport channel, and each transport channel is mapped to a corresponding physical channel. For example, physical channels include the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), and the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) as uplink physical channels, and the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), and the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) as downlink physical channels.

[0015] NR use cases / deployment scenarios may include enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), which have diverse requirements in terms of data rate, latency, and coverage. For example, eMBB is expected to support peak data rates (20 Gbps in the downlink and 10 Gbps in the uplink) and effective (user-experienced) data rates that are approximately three times higher than those offered by IMT-Advanced. For URLLC, on the other hand, more stringent requirements are placed on ultra-low latency (0.5 ms for user plane latency in both UL and DL) and high reliability (1-10 Mbps within 1 ms). -5 Finally, mMTC is preferably designed for high connection density (1,000,000 devices / km in urban environments). 2), wide coverage in adverse environments, and extremely long battery life (15 years) for low-cost devices may be desired.

[0016] Therefore, OFDM numerology (e.g., subcarrier spacing, OFDM symbol length, cyclic prefix (CP) length, number of symbols per scheduling interval) suitable for one use case may not be valid for another use case. For example, low-latency services may preferably require a shorter symbol length (and therefore a larger subcarrier spacing) and / or fewer symbols per scheduling interval (also called TTI) than mMTC services. Furthermore, deployment scenarios with large channel delay spreads may preferably require a longer CP length than scenarios with small delay spreads. Subcarrier spacing should be optimized accordingly to maintain similar CP overhead. NR may support one or more subcarrier spacing values. Therefore, subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, etc. are currently considered. Symbol length T u and the subcarrier spacing Δf is given by the formula Δf=1 / T u Similar to LTE systems, the term "resource element" can be used to mean the smallest resource unit consisting of one subcarrier for the length of one OFDM / SC-FDMA symbol.

[0017] In the new radio system 5G-NR, a resource grid of subcarriers and OFDM symbols is defined for each numerology and each carrier in the uplink and downlink, respectively. Each element of the resource grid is called a resource element and is identified based on a frequency index in the frequency domain and a symbol position in the time domain (see 3GPP TS 38.211, e.g., 17.1.0 (e.g., Section 4)). For example, downlink and uplink transmissions are configured as frames with a time length of 10 ms. Each frame consists of 10 subframes, each with a time length of 1 ms. In a 5G NR implementation, the number of consecutive OFDM symbols per subframe depends on the subcarrier spacing setting. For example, with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, a subframe has 14 OFDM symbols (similar to an LTE-compliant implementation, assuming a normal cyclic prefix). On the other hand, with a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz, a subframe has two slots, each with 14 OFDM symbols.

[0018] <Functional separation between NG-RAN and 5GC in 5G NR> Figure 2 shows the functional separation between NG-RAN and 5GC. The logical node of NG-RAN is gNB or ng-eNB. 5GC has logical nodes AMF, UPF, and SMF.

[0019] In particular, the gNB and ng-eNB host the following main functions: - Radio Resource Management functions such as Radio Bearer Control, Radio Admission Control, Connection Mobility Control, dynamic allocation (scheduling) of resources to UEs in both uplink and downlink; - IP header compression, encryption, and integrity protection of data; - AMF selection at UE attach time if routing to the AMF cannot be determined from information provided by the UE; - Routing of user plane data towards UPF; - Routing of control plane information towards AMF; - Connection setup and release; - scheduling and sending of paging messages; - Scheduling and transmission of system broadcast information (originating from AMF or Operation, Admission, and Maintenance Function (OAM)); - Setting up measurements and reporting of measurements for mobility and scheduling; - Transport level packet marking in the uplink; - Session management; - Network slicing support; - QoS flow management and mapping to data radio bearers; - Support for UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state; - Non-Access Stratum (NAS) message delivery functions; - Sharing of radio access networks; - Dual connectivity; - Close cooperation between NR and E-UTRA.

[0020] The Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) hosts the following main functions: - Terminating Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling; - NAS signaling security; - Access Stratum (AS) security controls; - 3GPP Core Network (CN) inter-node signaling for mobility between access networks; - Reachability to idle mode UEs (including control and execution of paging retransmissions); - Managing the registration area; - Support for intra-system and inter-system mobility; - Access authentication; - Access authorization, including checking roaming privileges; - Mobility management control (subscription and policy); - Network slicing support; - Selection of Session Management Function (SMF).

[0021] Additionally, the User Plane Function (UPF) hosts the following main functions: - Anchor points for intra-RAT / inter-RAT mobility (if applicable); - External PDU (Protocol Data Unit) session points for interconnection with data networks; - Packet routing and forwarding; - Packet inspection and policy rule enforcement for the user plane; - Traffic usage reporting; - uplink classifier that supports routing of traffic flows to the data network; - Branching Point to support multi-homed PDU sessions; - QoS processing for the user plane (e.g., packet filtering, gating, UL / DL rate enforcement); - Uplink traffic validation (mapping of SDF to QoS flows); - Buffering of downlink packets and triggering function for downlink data notification.

[0022] Finally, the Session Management Function (SMF) hosts the following main functions: - Session management; - Allocation and management of IP addresses for the UE; - Selection and control of the UPF; - Traffic steering setting function in the User Plane Function (UPF) for routing traffic to the appropriate destination; - Policy enforcement and QoS of the control part; - Notification of downlink data.

[0023] <Procedures for RRC connection setup and reconfiguration> Figure 3 shows some of the interactions between the UE, gNB, and AMF (5GC entity) when the UE transitions from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED in the NAS part. (See, for example, 3GPP TS 38.300, version 15.6.0).

[0024] RRC is a higher layer signaling protocol used to configure the UE and the gNB. In particular, with this transition, the AMF prepares UE context data (including, for example, PDU session context, security keys, UE radio capabilities, and UE security capabilities) and sends it to the gNB with an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP REQUEST. The gNB then activates AS security together with the UE. This is done by the gNB sending a SecurityModeCommand message to the UE, and the UE responding with a SecurityModeComplete message. The gNB then sends an RRCReconfiguration message to the UE, and upon receiving an RRCReconfigurationComplete from the UE, the gNB reconfigures the UE to set up a Signaling Radio Bearer 2 (SRB2) and a Data Radio Bearer (DRB). For signaling-only connections, the RRCReconfiguration steps are omitted because SRB2 and DRB are not set up. Finally, the gNB notifies the AMF that the setup procedure is complete with an INITIAL CONTEXT SETUP RESPONSE.

[0025] Therefore, the present disclosure provides a 5th Generation Core (5GC) entity (e.g., AMF, SMF, etc.) that includes: control circuitry that, in operation, establishes a Next Generation (NG) connection with a gNodeB; and a transmitter that, in operation, transmits an initial context setup message to the gNodeB via the NG connection so that a signaling radio bearer between the gNodeB and a user equipment (UE) is set up. Specifically, the gNodeB transmits Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, including a resource allocation configuration information element (IE), to the UE via the signaling radio bearer. The UE then transmits in uplink or receives in downlink based on the resource allocation configuration.

[0026] <IMT usage scenarios from 2020 onwards> Figure 4 illustrates some use cases for 5G NR. The 3rd Generation Partnership Project New Radio (3GPP NR) is considering three use cases envisioned by IMT-2020 to support a wide variety of services and applications. The first phase of specifications for enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) has been completed. Current and future work includes standardization for ultra-reliable, low-latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine-type communications (mMTC), in addition to expanding support for eMBB. Figure 4 illustrates some examples of expected usage scenarios for IMT beyond 2020 (see, for example, Figure 2 in ITU-R M.2083).

[0027] URLLC use cases have stringent performance requirements for throughput, latency, and availability. URLLC use cases are envisioned as one of the enablers of future applications, such as wireless control of industrial production or manufacturing processes, remote medical surgery, automated power transmission and distribution in smart grids, and road safety. URLLC's ultra-high reliability is supported by identifying technologies that meet the requirements set by TR 38.913. Key requirements for NR URLLC in Release 15 include a target user plane latency of 0.5 ms on the uplink (UL) and 0.5 ms on the downlink (DL). A typical URLLC requirement for a single packet transmission is a block error rate (BLER) of 1E-5 for a 32-byte packet size with a user plane latency of 1 ms.

[0028] From a physical layer perspective, reliability can be improved in many possible ways. Current reliability improvement room includes defining a separate CQI table for URLLC, a more compact DCI format, repeated transmission of PDCCH, etc. However, this room can be expanded to achieve ultra-high reliability as NR (with respect to the key requirements of NR URLLC) becomes more stable and developed. Specific use cases for NR URLLC in Release 15 include augmented reality / virtual reality (AR / VR), e-health, e-safety, and mission-critical applications.

[0029] Additionally, technology enhancements targeted by NR URLLC aim to improve latency and reliability. Technology enhancements for latency improvement include configurable numerology, non-slot-based scheduling with flexible mapping, grant-free (configured grant) uplink, slot-level repeated transmission in the data channel, and preemption in the downlink. Preemption means that a transmission with already allocated resources is stopped and the allocated resources are used for another transmission with a later requested lower latency / higher priority. Thus, a previously allowed transmission is preempted by a later transmission. Preemption is applicable regardless of the specific service type. For example, a transmission of service type A (URLLC) can be preempted by a transmission of service type B (eMBB, etc.). Technology enhancements for reliability improvement include dedicated CQI / MCS tables for a target BLER of 1E-5.

[0030] The use case for massive machine-type communication (mMTC) is characterized by a very large number of connected devices that typically transmit relatively small amounts of data that are not sensitive to latency. These devices are required to be low cost and have very long battery life. From an NR perspective, using very narrow bandwidth portions is one solution that saves power and allows for long battery life for the UE.

[0031] As mentioned above, the scope of reliability improvement in NR is expected to become broader. One of the key requirements for all cases, especially for URLLC and mMTC, is high or ultra-high reliability. Several mechanisms can improve reliability from a radio perspective and a network perspective. Generally, there are two to three key areas that can help improve reliability. These areas include compact control channel information, data channel / control channel repetition, and diversity in the frequency, time, and / or spatial domains. These areas are generally applicable to reliability improvement regardless of the specific communication scenario.

[0032] Further use cases with more stringent requirements are envisioned for NR URLLC, such as factory automation, transportation, and power distribution. The stringent requirements include high reliability (10 -6 reliability up to a certain level), high availability, packet sizes up to 256 bytes, time synchronization up to a few microseconds (depending on the use case, the value can be 1 microsecond or a few microseconds depending on the frequency range and low latency in the 0.5ms-1ms range (especially for targeted user plane latency of 0.5ms).

[0033] Furthermore, for NR URLLC, there may be several technical extensions from the perspective of the physical layer. These technical extensions include the extension of the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) related to compact DCI, the repeated transmission of PDCCH, and the increased monitoring of PDCCH. In addition, the extension of UCI (Uplink Control Information) is related to the extension of enhanced HARQ (Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request) and CSI feedback. There may also be extensions of PUSCH related to hopping at the mini-slot level, and extensions of retransmission / repeated transmission. The term "mini-slot" refers to a transmission time interval (TTI: Transmission Time Interval) that contains fewer symbols than a slot (a slot has 14 symbols).

[0034] <QoS Control> The QoS (Quality of Service) model of 5G is based on QoS flows and supports both QoS flows that require a guaranteed flow bit rate (GBR (Granteed Bit Rate) QoS flows) and QoS flows that do not require a guaranteed flow bit rate (non-GBR QoS flows). Therefore, at the NAS level, a QoS flow is the finest granularity of QoS differentiation in a PDU session. A QoS flow is identified within a PDU session by a QoS flow ID (QFI: QoS Flow ID) that is carried in an encapsulation header via the NG-U interface.

[0035] For each UE, the 5GC establishes one or more PDU sessions. For each UE, the NG-RAN establishes at least one Data Radio Bearer (DRB) for each PDU session, e.g., as shown above with reference to Figure 3. Additional DRBs for the QoS flows of that PDU session can be configured later (when this is up to the NG-RAN). The NG-RAN maps packets belonging to different PDU sessions to different DRBs. NAS-level packet filters in the UE and the 5GC associate UL packets and DL packets with QoS flows, while AS-level mapping rules in the UE and the NG-RAN associate UL QoS flows and DL QoS flows with DRBs.

[0036] Figure 5 shows the non-roaming reference architecture for 5G NR (see Section 4.23 of TS 23.501 ver. 16.1.0). An Application Function (AF) (e.g., an external application server hosting 5G services, as illustrated in Figure 4) interacts with the 3GPP core network to provide services, e.g., to support application influence on traffic routing, access to the Network Exposure Function (NEF), or to interact with the policy framework for policy control (e.g., QoS control) (see Policy Control Function (PCF)). Based on the operator's deployment, Application Functions that are considered trusted by the operator can interact directly with the relevant Network Functions. Application Functions that are not permitted by the operator to directly access Network Functions interact with the relevant Network Functions using the external exposure framework via the NEF.

[0037] Figure 5 further illustrates further functional units of the 5G architecture, namely, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Repository Function (NRF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), and Data Network (DN, e.g., operator-provided services, Internet access, or third-party services). All or part of the core network functions and application services may be deployed and run in a cloud computing environment.

[0038] Therefore, the present disclosure provides an application server (e.g., an AF in a 5G architecture) comprising: a transmitter that, in operation, transmits a request including QoS requirements for at least one of a URLLC service, an eMBB service, and an mMTC service to at least one of 5GC functions (e.g., an NEF, an AMF, an SMF, a PCF, an UPF, etc.) to establish a PDU session including a radio bearer between a gNodeB and a UE according to the QoS requirements; and a control circuit that, in operation, performs a service using the established PDU session.

[0039] <Control signal> In the present disclosure, the downlink control signal (information) according to the present disclosure may be a signal (information) transmitted via a PDCCH of a physical layer, or may be a signal (information) transmitted via a MAC Control Element (CE) of a higher layer or an RRC. The downlink control signal may be a predefined signal (information).

[0040] The uplink control signal (information) according to the present disclosure may be a signal (information) transmitted via a PUCCH of a physical layer, or may be a signal (information) transmitted via a MAC CE of a higher layer or RRC. The uplink control signal may also be a predefined signal (information). The uplink control signal may be uplink control information (UCI), first-stage sidelink control information (SCI), or second-stage SCI. <Base station> In the present disclosure, a base station may be, for example, a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a cluster head, an access point, a Remote Radio Head (RRH), an eNodeB (eNB), a gNodeB (gNB), a Base Station (BS), a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a base unit, or a gateway. Furthermore, in sidelink communication, a terminal may be used instead of a base station. The base station may be a relay device that relays communication between an upper node and a terminal. The base station may be a roadside unit.

[0041] <Uplink / Downlink / Sidelink> The present disclosure may be applied to any of the uplink, downlink, and sidelink.

[0042] For example, the present disclosure may be applied to the uplink PUSCH, PUCCH, and PRACH, the downlink PDSCH, PDCCH, and PBCH, and the sidelink PSSCH (Physical Sidelink Shared Channel), PSCCH (Physical Sidelink Control Channel), and PSBCH (Physical Sidelink Broadcast Channel).

[0043] The PDCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PUCCH are examples of a downlink control channel, a downlink data channel, an uplink data channel, and an uplink control channel, respectively. The PSCCH and PSSCH are examples of a sidelink control channel and a sidelink data channel, respectively. The PBCH and PSBCH are examples of a broadcast channel, and the PRACH is an example of a random access channel.

[0044] <Data channel / control channel> The present disclosure may be applied to both data channels and control channels. The channels in the present disclosure may be replaced with data channels including PDSCH, PUSCH, and PSSCH, and / or control channels including PDCCH, PUCCH, PBCH, PSCCH, and PSBCH.

[0045] <Reference signal> In this disclosure, a reference signal is a signal known to both a base station and a mobile station, and each reference signal may be referred to as a reference signal (RS) or a pilot signal. A reference signal may be any of a DMRS, a Channel State Information - Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), a Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), a Cell-specific Reference Signal (CRS), and a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS).

[0046] <time interval> In the present disclosure, the time resource unit is not limited to one or a combination of a slot and a symbol, and may be a time resource unit such as a frame, a superframe, a subframe, a slot, a subslot of a time slot, a minislot, or a symbol, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbol, a Single Carrier-Frequency Division Multiplexing Access (SC-FDMA) symbol, or other time resource unit. The number of symbols included in one slot is not limited to the number of symbols exemplified in the above-mentioned embodiment, and may be other numbers of symbols.

[0047] <Frequency band> The present disclosure may be applied to both licensed and unlicensed bands.

[0048] <Communication> The present disclosure may be applied to communication between a base station and a terminal (Uu link communication), communication between terminals (sidelink communication), and V2X (Vehicle to Everything) communication. The channels in the present disclosure may be rephrased as PSCCH, PSSCH, physical sidelink feedback channel (PSFCH), PSBCH, PDCCH, PUCCH, PDSCH, PUSCH, and PBCH.

[0049] The present disclosure can be applied to both terrestrial networks and non-terrestrial networks (NTNs) using satellites or high altitude pseudo satellites (HAPSs). The present disclosure can also be applied to networks with large cell sizes and terrestrial networks with large delays compared to the symbol length or slot length, such as ultra-wideband transmission networks.

[0050] <Antenna port> An antenna port refers to a logical antenna (antenna group) formed from one or more physical antennas. That is, an antenna port does not necessarily refer to a single physical antenna, but may refer to an array antenna consisting of multiple antennas. For example, the number of physical antennas constituting an antenna port is not defined. Instead, an antenna port is defined as the smallest unit through which a terminal is permitted to transmit a reference signal. An antenna port can also be defined as the smallest unit for multiplication of precoding vector weights.

[0051] <Downlink control channel monitoring, PDCCH, DCI> Many of the functions performed by a UE include monitoring a downlink control channel (e.g., PDCCH, see 3GPP TS 38.300, version 15.6.0, section 5.2.3) to receive, for example, specific control information or data intended for the UE.

[0052] Below is a non-exhaustive list of such features: - Paging message monitoring function, - System information acquisition function, - signaling supervision operation in discontinuous reception (DRX) functionality; - inactivity monitoring behavior in the discontinuous reception (DRX) function; - receiving a random access response in a random access function; - Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer reordering function As described above, the PDCCH is monitored by the UE to identify and receive information intended for the UE, such as control information and user traffic (e.g., DCI on the PDCCH, user data on the PDSCH indicated by the PDCCH).

[0053] The control information in the downlink, which can be called Downlink Control Information (DCI), has the same purpose in 5G NR as DCI in LTE, i.e. it is a set of special control information for scheduling, for example, a downlink data channel (e.g., PDSCH) or an uplink data channel (e.g., PUSCH). Many different DCI formats have already been defined for 5G NR (see TS 38.212, ed. 15.6.0, section 7.3.1).

[0054] These DCI formats represent the predetermined formats that the respective information is formed and transmitted in. In particular, DCI formats 0_1 and 1_1 are used for scheduling the PUSCH and PDSCH in one cell, respectively.

[0055] The PDCCH monitoring in each of these functions serves a specific purpose and is therefore initiated for that purpose. PDCCH monitoring is typically controlled at least based on a timer operated by the UE. The timer has the purpose of controlling PDCCH monitoring, for example, to limit the maximum length of time that the UE monitors the PDCCH. For example, the UE does not need to monitor the PDCCH indefinitely and can stop monitoring after a certain time to conserve power.

[0056] As mentioned above, one of the purposes of the DCI in the PDCCH is to dynamically schedule resources in the downlink, uplink, or sidelink. In particular, several formats of the DCI are provided to convey notification of resources allocated to a data channel for a particular user (resource allocation, RA). The resource allocation may include specifying resources in the frequency domain and / or the time domain.

[0057] <Control information: Search space set> PDCCH monitoring is performed by the UE to identify and receive information intended for the UE, such as control information and user traffic (eg, DCI on the PDCCH and user data on the PDSCH indicated by the PDCCH). Control information in the downlink (which can be referred to as, for example, Downlink Control Information (DCI)) has essentially the same purpose in 5G NR as DCI in LTE, i.e., it is a special set of control information for, for example, scheduling a downlink data channel (e.g., PDSCH) or an uplink data channel (e.g., PUSCH). In an exemplary implementation according to 5G NR, there are several different DCI formats already defined (see TS 38.212, version 17.1.0, section 7.3.1). An overview is provided in the following table: [Table 1]

[0058] In 5G NR, the PDCCH is transmitted in a radio resource region called the control resource set (CORESET). In LTE, the concept of a CORESET does not explicitly exist. Instead, the PDCCH in LTE uses the entire carrier bandwidth in the first one to three OFDM symbols (four in the narrowest case). In contrast, the CORESET in NR can occur anywhere within a slot and anywhere within the frequency range of the carrier, except that the UE is not supposed to process the CORESET outside the active bandwidth portion (BWP). Therefore, the UE monitors the PDCCH as specified in 3GPP TS 38.213, e.g., version 17.1.0, clauses 10 and 11. In the exemplary specification, the UE monitors a set of PDCCH candidates defined as a PDCCH search space set. The search space set can be a common search space (CSS) or a UE-specific search space (USS).

[0059] As exemplarily specified in section 10.1 of 3GPP TS 38.213, the UE: - the Type0-PDCCH CSS set by MIB pdcch-ConfigSIB1 or PDCCH-ConfigCommon searchSpaceSIB1 or PDCCH-ConfigCommon searchSpaceZero for DCI formats with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI on the primary cell of the MCG; - Type0A-PDCCH CSS set by searchSpaceOtherSystemlnformation in PDCCH-ConfigCommon for DCI formats with CRC scrambled by SI-RNTI on the primary cell of the MCG - Type1-PDCCH CSS set by ra-SearchSpace in PDCCH-ConfigCommon for DCI formats with CRC scrambled by RA-RNTI, MsgB-RNTI, or TC-RNTI on the primary cell - Type2-PDCCH CSS set by the pagingSearchSpace of PDCCH-ConfigCommon for DCI formats with CRC scrambled by P-RNTI on the primary cell of the MCG - Type3-PDCCH CSS set by SearchSpace in PDCCH-Config with searchSpaceType=common for DCI formats with CRC scrambled by INT-RNTI, SFI-RNTI, TPC-PUSCH-RNTI, TPC-PUCCH-RNTI, TPC-SRS-RNTI, or CI-RNTI and, for the primary cell only, by C-RNTI, MCS-C-RNTI, CS-RNTI, or PS-RNTI. - a USS set configured by the SearchSpace of the PDCCH-Config with searchSpaceType=ue-Specific for a DCI format with a CRC scrambled by C-RNTI, MCS-C-RNTI, SP-CSI-RNTI, CS-RNTI, SL-RNTI, SL-CS-RNTI, or SL semi-persistent scheduling V-RNTI The PDCCH candidate is monitored in one or more of the sets of CSSs and USSs, such as: Each activated serving cell configured for PDCCH monitoring with the corresponding search space set monitors one or more CORESETs in the active DL BWP, where monitoring implies decoding each PDCCH candidate according to the monitored DCI format. <Time domain in 5G NR> In the time domain, transmissions in 5G NR are organized into frames of 10 ms length, each divided into ten equally sized subframes of 1 ms length. The subframes are divided into one or more slots of 14 OFDM symbols each. The time length of a slot, in milliseconds, depends on the numerology. Thus, for example, for a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz, an NR slot has the same structure as an LTE subframe with a regular cyclic prefix. A subframe in 5G NR serves as a numerology-independent time reference, which is particularly useful when multiple numerologies are mixed on the same carrier, while a slot is a typical dynamic scheduling unit.

[0060] 5G NR supports multiple slot formats, each of which indicates how each symbol in a slot is used. The slot format defines which symbols in a particular slot are used for the uplink and which symbols are used for the downlink. In LTE TDD, if a subframe (equivalent to a slot in NR) is configured for DL or UL, all symbols in that subframe must be used as DL or UL. However, in NR, each symbol in a slot can be configured differently as DL or UL. Flexible symbols also exist that can be configured as DL or UL. In an exemplary 5G NR-compliant implementation, the gNB uses a slot format indicator (SFI) to inform the UE of the slot format to be used (see also 3GPP TS 38.213, Section 16.7.0, Section 11.1.1). For example, the slot format indicator includes an index value associated with the slot format (e.g., in the form of a table).

[0061] <Synchronization signal block measurement timing setting - SMTC - PSS / SSS, PBCH> NR introduces so-called synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), which contain a primary synchronization signal (PSS), a secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (actually, the PBCH DMRS and PBCH data). The PSS and SSS can be used by UEs to discover, synchronize to, and identify networks. The PBCH carries minimal system information, including an indication of where the remaining broadcast system information is transmitted.

[0062] In LTE, these three signals (PSS, SSS, and PBCH) were also used, but not as part of one SSB. In NR, the elements of the three SSBs are always transmitted together, e.g., they have the same period. A given SSB may be repeated within an SS burst set, which may potentially be used for gNB beam-sweeping transmission. An SS burst set may be limited to a specific period, such as a 5 ms window (half frame). During initial cell selection, the UE may assume a default SS burst set period of 20 ms.

[0063] The 5G NR PSS is a physical layer-specific signal for identifying radio frame boundaries and is a type of m-sequence. The 5G NR SSS is a physical layer-specific signal for identifying subframe boundaries and is also an m-sequence. PSS / SSS sequences are defined in 3GPP TS 38.212 and consist of complex values used by each element / sample of the sequence. Information about current exemplary 5G implementations of PSS and SSS, including their respective sequence generation and mapping to physical resources, is available in TS 38.211 ed. 16.7.0, sections 7.4.2 and 7.4.3.

[0064] The time-frequency structure of the SS / PBCH block carrying the SSS is described in Section 7.4.3.1 of TS 38.211. In this exemplary 5G implementation, in the time domain, the SS / PBCH block consists of four OFDM symbols numbered in ascending order from 0 to 3. The distribution of the PSS, SSS, and PBCH signals within the SS / PBCH block is defined by Table 7.4.3.1-1.

[0065] In the frequency domain, an SS / PBCH block consists of 240 contiguous subcarriers indexed from 0 to 239. The exact subcarriers used for each PSS, SSS, and PBCH signal within the SS / PBCH block are also defined by Table 7.4.3.1-1.

[0066] A simplified illustration of an SSB according to the above definition is shown in Figure 6. The bottom part of Figure 6 shows the PSS, SSS, and PBCH in the time and frequency domains.

[0067] The timing (OFDM symbol) at which the SS block (see Figure 6) is transmitted by the gNB can be defined differently. In particular, the first symbol index (within each half-frame having an SSB) at which a candidate SSB starts is determined according to Section 4.1, "Cell Search," of 3GPP 38.213 Version 16.7.0. In this example 5G NR implementation, the first symbol index depends on the SCS (e.g., 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 120 kHz, 240 kHz), the type of channel access (e.g., without shared spectrum channel access, with shared spectrum channel access), and the carrier frequency (e.g., <3 GHz, >3 GHz, <1.88 GHz, >1.88 GHz, <6 GHz, >6 GHz). Figure 6 shows examples of sets of SSBs assuming starting OFDM symbols of 2, 8, 16, 22, 30, 36, 44, and 50 (for a 30 kHz SCS and for frequencies > 3 GHz). The numbering of the associated OFDM symbols starts at 0 for half frames. The number of SSBs in the set of SSBs may also be limited to a maximum Lmax. As an example, an SSB set may contain 4, 8, or 64 SSBs.

[0068] The time domain period can be defined in ServingCellConfigCommon or ServingCellConfigCommonSIBIEs using the field ssb-periodictyServingCell among the values ms5, ms10, ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160.

[0069] The candidate SS / PBCH blocks in a half-frame (e.g., referred to as a set of SSBs) are indexed in time in ascending order from 0 to Lmax-1. Correspondingly, each SSB in the set of SSBs is assigned a unique number that starts from 0 and increases by 1.

[0070] The above SSB set in Figure 6 illustrates a case where all possible candidate SSBs are actually transmitted by the base station. However, it is not necessary to transmit all SSBs. Rather, the gNB may select and transmit only some of the SSBs in the set of SSBs based on certain requirements. The SSBs actually transmitted by the SSBs can be referred to as an SSB pattern. An SSB pattern essentially has similar characteristics to the corresponding SSB set, including periodicity.

[0071] The gNB informs the UE of the SSB pattern, i.e., which SSBs are actually transmitted and which are not, for example, by transmitting an SSB bitmap that defines the SSB pattern, where each bit in the SSB bitmap indicates whether the corresponding SSB is transmitted or not.

[0072] The length of the SSB bitmap depends on the applicable SSB set and may be, for example, 4, 8, or 64 bits.

[0073] According to one example option, the RRC protocol information element ssb-PositionsInBurst can be transmitted as part of the ServingCellConfigCommon and ServingCellConfigCommonSIB information elements (see section 6.3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331 version 16.6.0). The ssb-PositionsInBurst IE indicates the time-domain positions of the transmitted SSBs in an SSB burst. A bitmap can be used, for example, to indicate {1,1,1,1,1,1,1,1}, meaning that all eight SSBs of a set are transmitted, or {1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0}, meaning that only four SSBs of the set, specifically SSBs with SSB indexes #0, 2, 4, and 6, are transmitted.

[0074] Below are two examples: ServingCellConfigCommon::=SEQUENCE{ ...., ssb-PositionsInBurst CHOICE{ shortBitmap BIT STRING(SIZE(4)), mediumBitmap BIT STRING(SIZE(8)), longBitmap BIT STRING(SIZE(64)) }, ssb-periodicityServingCell ENUMERATED{ms5,ms10,ms20,ms40,ms80,ms160,spare2,spare1} ServingCellConfigCommonSIB::= SEQUENCE{ ... ssb-PositionsInBurst SEQUENCE{ inOneGroup BIT STRING (SIZE(8)), groupPresence BIT STRING(SIZE(8))OPTIONAL-Cond Above6GHzOnly }, ssb-periodicityServingCell ENUMERATED {ms5, ms10, ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160, spare2, spare1} } One of the SSBs defined in the different bandwidth portions is defined as a Cell-Defining SSB, which is an SSB associated with a Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI).

[0075] Simply put, the gNB configures a set of candidate SSBs to be used within the cell. From the set of candidate SSBs, the gNB can select all or a small number of candidate SSBs to actually transmit on, which is called an SSB pattern.

[0076] As an example, the transmit power used by the gNB for SSB transmissions may be signaled to the UE by the higher layer parameter ss-PBCH-BlockPower described in TS 38.331. TS 38.331 defines the average EPRE (Energy per Resource Element) of resource elements carrying secondary synchronization signals in dBm used by the gNB for SSB transmissions (see also TS 38.213, Clause 7). The UE assumes that the SSS, PBCH DM-RS, and PBCH data have the same EPRE. The UE may assume that the ratio of PSS EPRE to SSS EPRE for an SS / PBCH block is either 0 dB or 3 dB.

[0077] All SSBs can be transmitted on all beams in the system. Alternatively, SSBs can be transmitted on different beams, for example, if SSB beamforming is enabled. In that case, each SSB is transmitted on a different spatial beam, as shown in Figure 7. Similar to the exemplary assumption in Figure 6, there are eight SSBs (0-7) that can be transmitted on different beams, each with a different beam direction. Therefore, beam-swept transmission of SSBs is realized. In other words, the beam (and SSB) sweep transmission is time-division multiplexed and occurs at different times. Two UEs, UE1 and UE2, receive different SSBs at different times. Each beam has a beam index, which corresponds to the SSB index transmitted through that beam.

[0078] The UE uses SSB, especially SSB signals (eg, PSS, SSS, PBCH) in different mechanisms such as serving cell measurements, time / frequency synchronization, etc.

[0079] <Quasi Co-Location (QCL) / Transmission Configuration Indicator (TCI)> According to the definition of QCL in TS38.214 Sec. 5.1.5, a UE can configure a list of up to M TCI-State configurations in the higher layer parameter PDSCH-Config to decode the PDSCH according to the detected PDCCH with DCI intended for the UE and a given serving cell. Here, M depends on the UE capability, maxNumberConfiguredTCIstatesPerCC. Each TCI-State includes parameters for configuring a quasi-co-location relationship between one or two downlink reference signals (RSs) and the DM-RS port of the PDSCH, the DM-RS port of the PDCCH, or the CSI-RS port of the CSI-RS resources. The quasi-co-location relationship is configured by the higher layer parameter qcl-Type1 for the first DL RS and by qcl-Type2 (if configured) for the second DL RS. If there are two DL RSs, their QCL types must not be the same, regardless of whether they refer to the same or different DL RSs. The quasi-collocation type corresponding to each DLRS is given by the higher layer parameter qcl-Type in QCL-Info and can take one of the following values: - 'QCL-TypeA': {Doppler shift, Doppler spread, mean delay, delay spread} - 'QCL-TypeB': {Doppler shift, Doppler spread} - 'QCL-TypeC': {Doppler shift, average delay} - 'QCL-TypeD': {Spatial Rx parameters}

[0080] When an RS (or RS resource, as described above) is quasi-collocated with an SSB index, the SSB index may be referred to as the "QCL reference" of the RS (resource). Similarly, when an RS is quasi-collocated with an SSB beam, the SSB beam may be referred to as the "QCL reference" of the RS. In general, one, more, or each constituent RS of a configured RS may be quasi-collocated with a respective SSB.

[0081] In particular, the QLC reference of the signaling containing the availability indication may be the SSB index of the SSB that is quasi-collocated with the signaling. For example, as shown in Figure 7, there may be eight SSBs / beams #0 to #7. Each SSB / beam may contain availability signaling (e.g., an L1 indication). Thus, these signals have QLC references #0 to #7, respectively.

[0082] The SSB or SSB index can be, for example, (i) an SSB index expressed as an absolute number (e.g., a count of the absolute and consecutive number of SSB indices with the first index starting from 0), (ii) the SSB index of the actually transmitted beam indicated by ssb-PositionsInBurst in SIB1, (iii) the SSB index of the indicated QCL (e.g., indicated by SIB or RRC), or (iv) the index of the beam transmitting / carrying the SSB (i.e., the beam index).

[0083] In 5G NR, the Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) state is used to establish a quasi-co-location (QCL) connection between a target RS and a source RS. The TCI state is configured for the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCHH) or the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) to carry the QCL indication for each RS.

[0084] Enhanced UE Power Saving for NR User experience is important for the success of 5G / NR, not only in terms of the perceived data rate and latency, but also in terms of UE power consumption. Therefore, enhanced UE power saving is extremely important for the success of 5G / NR. In Rel-16, several useful power saving schemes are defined, including power saving signals / DCI as an extension of connected mode DRX (cDRX or C-DRX), additional adaptation for the maximum number of MIMO layers, SCell suspension operation, and cross-slot scheduling as an extension of the BWP framework, RRM relaxation in power consumption in idle / non-active mode, and UE assistance information.

[0085] In Rel-17, additional extensions are needed to address the outstanding issues in Rel-16, including power consumption in idle / non-active mode in NR SA deployments considering both eMBB UEs and Reduced Capability NR devices, connected mode power consumption in FR2 deployments, etc. One specific example is to consider and identify extensions to Rel-16 DCI-based power saving adaptation during DRX active time in the active BWP, including reduction of PDCCH monitoring when C-DRX is set (RAN1).

[0086] Another power saving study topic relates to XR-specific power saving in RAN1 and RAN2. In particular, power saving techniques for extended reality (XR) are being considered, including techniques to address XR service characteristics such as periodicity, multiple flows, jitter, latency, and reliability. One technique may relate to enhanced PDCCH monitoring. A further XR-related study topic relates to XR-specific capacity improvements in RAN1 and RAN2, including the consideration of mechanisms to provide more efficient resource allocation and scheduling for XR service characteristics such as periodicity, multiple flows, jitter, latency, and reliability. Techniques may relate to SPS and CG extensions, as well as dynamic scheduling / grant extensions.

[0087] Energy savings that can be achieved in UE include: UE-specific BWP adaptation and use of dormant SCells (using DCI format 0_1 (for UL) and DCI format 1_1 (for DL)) UE or UE group specific time domain adaptation with DRX and time domain adaptation using DCI format 2_6 Notification of UE group specific CSI-RS / TRS availability for IDLE / INACTIVE UEs via DCI format 2_7 and paging Adaptation of DCI-based PDCCH monitoring with PDCCH skipping and Search Space Set Group (SSSG) switching This includes mechanisms such as

[0088] <Discontinuous Reception (DRX)> Packet data is often bursty with occasional periods of silence. From a latency perspective, it is beneficial to constantly monitor downlink control signaling to receive uplink grants or downlink data transmissions and react instantly to changes in traffic activity. This, in turn, comes at a cost in terms of power consumption in the device. To reduce device power consumption, a discontinuous reception (DRX) mechanism may be included.

[0089] The basic mechanism of DRX is a configurable DRX cycle within the device. Once the DRX cycle is configured, the device monitors downlink control signaling only during the active period of each DRX cycle, and during the remaining inactive periods it turns off its receiver circuitry and goes into sleep mode. This significantly reduces power consumption. Naturally, this imposes limitations on the scheduler, as the device can only accommodate ON periods.

[0090] In the LTE downlink, a DRX cycle may be configured, as defined, for example, for connected mode in 3GPP TS 36.321 (“Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); Medium Access Control (MAC) protocol specification”, Version 15.5.0, Section 5.7) and for idle mode in 3GPP TS 36.304 (“Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA); User Equipment (UE) procedures in idle mode”, Version 15.3.0, Section 7.1), so that the user equipment (UE) does not need to decode physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmissions or receive physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) transmissions for a certain period of time by periodically turning off its receiver.

[0091] According to the 3GPP TS 38.321 version 15.5.0 specification, if a DRX cycle is configured, the active time includes the time during which the drx-onDurationTimer, drx-InactivityTimer, drx-RetransmissionTimerDL, drx-RetransmissionTimerUL, or ra-ContentionResolutionTimer is running, as described in section 5.1.5 of 3GPP TS 38.321.

[0092] The drx-onDurationTimer defines the duration at the start of a DRX cycle, and the drx-InactivityTimer specifies the duration after a PDCCH opportunity where the PDCCH indicates a new uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) transmission for the MAC entity. The drx-RetransmissionTimerDL and drx-RetransmissionTimerUL define the maximum duration until a DL retransmission is received and until a grant for a UL retransmission is received, respectively.

[0093] Active time also includes the time during which no PDCCH indicating a new transmission addressed to the MAC entity's Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) is received after successful reception of a random access response to a contention-based random access preamble that was not selected by the MAC entity, as described in section 5.1.4 of 3GPP TS 38.321, version 15.5.0.

[0094] When an RRC connected UE is configured with DRX (cDRX / C-DCX), it periodically monitors the PDCCH for a configured duration called the DRX OnDuration period. If no data is scheduled, the UE can turn off its RF chain and enter a power-saving state. When the UE detects a DCI indicating a new DL or UL transmission, it starts the DRX inactivity timer. Until the DRX inactivity timer expires, the UE must continue monitoring the PDCCH for potential subsequent data scheduling.

[0095] For UEs in RRC idle / inactive state, the DRX mechanism is related to paging detection (iDRX / I-DRX). Specifically, the UE needs to detect paging occasions every DRX cycle for paging messages and system information updates.

[0096] The DRX mechanism is a trade-off between UE power efficiency and data transmission latency. This trade-off depends on parameters related to the inactivity timer, DRX OnDuration, and DRX cycle. Overall, the DRX mechanism is beneficial for reducing UE power consumption by allowing the UE to periodically enter a power saving mode.

[0097] <Cell Type - Primary Cell, Secondary Cell, Serving Cell> The term "cell" refers to a component carrier (CC) on which allocatable resources (e.g., time-frequency-spatial resources) are located. There may be more carriers used by a terminal, for example, to increase the number of available resources. These CCs may be referred to as cells.

[0098] A primary cell (Pcell) operates on a primary frequency on which a UE performs an initial connection establishment procedure and / or initiates a connection re-establishment procedure. A Pcell may be a cell explicitly indicated in a handover procedure.

[0099] A secondary cell (Scell) operates on a secondary frequency and may be configured once an RRC connection is established and may be used to provide additional radio resources.

[0100] For an RRC_CONNECTED UE without Carrier Aggregation (CA), there is only one serving cell, which is the primary cell. For an RRC_CONNECTED UE with CA configured, the term "serving cell" refers to the primary cell and all secondary cells.

[0101] In other words, a serving cell is a cell from which a UE is configured to transmit and / or receive data.

[0102] <Secondary Cell (SCell) Suspension> SCell refers to a frequency carrier through Carrier Aggregation (CA) together with the Primary Frequency Carrier (PCell). The SCell may provide more data bandwidth on other carrier frequencies to improve data throughput while the PCell ensures coverage. The Enhancing LTE Carrier Aggregation Utilization (euCA) in Rel-15 introduces a new SCell state, the dormant SCell state. When there is no high demand for data transmission, the SCell can be inactive to save power.

[0103] When an SCell is in dormant state, the UE stops monitoring the PDCCH on the SCell, but activities such as CSI measurement / reporting and RRM measurements are not affected. Transition to and from SCell dormant state is achieved via Medium Access Control (MAC) signaling.

[0104] In Rel-16 NR, dormant behavior can be realized at the BWP level. A BWP that supports dormant behavior for an SCell is called a dormant BWP if no PDCCH monitoring opportunities are configured.

[0105] The SCell dormancy indication may be conveyed by a DCI with different DCI formats for the UE to detect outside and during the DRX active time. During the DRX active time, the SCell dormancy indication field may be carried by a DCI with the DCI format used by data scheduling (i.e., DCI format 0_1 and DCI format 1_1). The information field indicating the dormancy behavior may be in the form of a bitmap, with each bit corresponding to one configured SCell group.

[0106] When the UE is outside the DRX active time, the UE may detect DCI with DCI format 2_6 in the primary cell (PCell) or primary secondary cell (PSCell) for an SCell dormancy indication.

[0107] <PDCCHスキップ> According to the PDCCH skipping technique, the base station can send DCI to instruct the UE to skip the PDCCH when there is no data to transmit to the UE, and after receiving the instruction, the UE can stop monitoring the PDCCH to save power.

[0108] That is, the network dynamically signals the UE to safely skip monitoring the configured PDCCH control search space for a certain duration or until the network and UE receive further instructions to reactivate PDCCH monitoring. In this way, different UEs may be configured with the same PDCCH search space but with different monitoring patterns. Therefore, a UE configured with PDCCH skip assumes that no traffic will be transmitted during the skip period.

[0109] <Search Space Set Group (SSSG) Switching> 3GPPP has discussed the concept of configuring at least two search space set groups (SSS, abbreviated as SS set) for monitoring PDCCH. This concept can be particularly useful, for example, for operation in unlicensed radio spectrum, where a gNB must first acquire a channel to transmit a PDCCH.

[0110] For example, different SSS groups may vary based on when and / or how long a UE monitors the PDCCH in a slot. Different groups may contain different search space sets. One search space set may be part of multiple SSS groups.

[0111] The UE may be configured to switch between groups based on at least the following alternatives:

[0112] A first alternative involves implicit configuration, e.g., by the UE detecting DL bursts, DM-RS (DeModulation Reference Signal), or Wideband-DM-RS (WB-DM-RS), or GC-PDCCH and / or PDCCH, and / or based on information about the COT structure. Here, it is assumed that the UE derives the corresponding SSS group from the state of the gNB's COT, such that, for example, when the UE is within the gNB's COT, the UE uses one specific SSS group, and when the UE is outside the gNB's COT, the UE uses another specific SSS group. The start of the COT can be derived by the UE, for example, from explicit information (e.g., see the COT indication above) or implicitly from detection of downlink transmissions, such as one or more of the above (DL bursts, DM-RS, GC-PDCCH, PDCCH). Alternatively, the end of the COT may be derived by the UE, for example, from the COT length indication bit field in the GC-PDCCH (with DCI format 2_0) or from the SFI bit field in the GC-PDCCH (with DCI format 2_0).

[0113] A second alternative for instructing the UE to switch to a specific SSS group includes, for example, an explicit instruction such as a bit field in the GC-PDCCH and / or PDCCH indicating the SSS group index that the UE needs to monitor. When the SSS group index is different from the one currently in use, the UE knows, for example, that it needs to switch the SSS group from the next slot boundary. Thereby, the gNB can fully control the SSS group used by the UE. For example, the gNB may determine SSS group switching without having to cross the boundary of the COT (e.g., inside or outside the COT).

[0114] <MIMO Layer Adaptation> When the UE receives signals from the base station, by using multiple antennas, it is possible to achieve a receive diversity gain or a combining gain for better performance. On the other hand, an increase in active antennas consumes more UE energy. Since data traffic arrives in bursts, not all antennas are always applied. Therefore, it can be beneficial to UE energy efficiency if some antennas can be instructed to be turned off when small data packets are transmitted or when the channel state conditions are sufficiently good.

[0115] In Release 15, the maximum number of MIMO layers (Lmax) in the DL is set for each serving cell and is common to all DL BWPs of the serving cell. In Release 16, the maximum number of MIMO layers in the DL can be set individually for each DL BWP. The maximum number of MIMO layers in the DL can be changed via a BWP switch that can save power by adapting to the small number of receiving antennas on the UE side.

[0116] <Enhanced Base Station Power Saving for NR> Network energy saving is a topic discussed in Rel. 18 SI. The discussion aims to consider efficient gNB adaptation based on traffic and UE load. That is, the gNB may be optimized to reduce specific activities in some modules to save energy. Such optimization may or may not involve further signaling or procedures that affect UE behavior. gNB adaptation can be performed in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial / antenna domain, and power domain.

[0117] To save power at the gNB, current NR systems support several power-saving features. For example, the gNB may instruct or configure the UE to skip DRX OnDuration or skip paging occasions. Also, PDCCH monitoring may be adapted in the time domain / frequency domain. Furthermore, the number of MIMO layers may be reduced.

[0118] In this regard, implementations may allow the gNB to reuse UE power saving signaling to achieve energy savings at the gNB by muting some resources, however such behavior may be generally inefficient due to L1 UE-specific / group-wide signaling to all UEs to achieve network-level energy savings.

[0119] Alternatively, the DRX settings of all UEs may be adapted to each other, however, adapting the DRX settings to each individual UE may have disadvantages for the quality of service and power consumption of the UE.

[0120] <Further improvements> The above briefly presents considerations for network power saving. However, the current 5G NR release cannot provide sufficient power saving for gNBs due to low efficiency and potential degradation of UE power consumption.

[0121] The present disclosure provides a solution for enabling enhanced power saving for network entities such as base stations, eNBs, or gNBs.

[0122] <Embodiment> The present inventors have identified the possibility of providing an improved procedure that can avoid one or more of the above disadvantages. The present disclosure relates to different solutions and variations for such an improved procedure. Thus, the present disclosure provides techniques that increase power saving capabilities.

[0123] The present disclosure provides, inter alia, a base station, a corresponding method for a base station, a user equipment (UE), a corresponding method for the user equipment, a communication system including the base station and the user equipment, and an integrated circuit that, in operation, controls processes for the base station / user equipment to perform the respective methods.

[0124] In the following description of the embodiments, numerical values are merely examples, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, specific implementations of indicators in DCI, RRC messages, etc. are merely examples that do not limit the present disclosure.

[0125] <Technical terms> The following describes UEs, base stations, and procedures for new radio access technologies envisioned in 5G mobile communication systems (although these may also be used in LTE mobile communication systems). Various implementations and variations are also described. The following disclosure is facilitated by, and may be based, for example, at least in part on, the above discussion and findings.

[0126] Generally, it should be noted that many assumptions have been made herein so as to explain the principles underlying the present disclosure in a clear and understandable manner. However, it should be understood that these assumptions are merely examples made herein for illustrative purposes, are not necessarily essential to the invention, and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles described in the following disclosure and claims can be applied to different scenarios and in ways not explicitly described herein.

[0127] Furthermore, although specific terminology used in the context of new radio access technologies for upcoming communication systems has not yet been fully determined or may ultimately change, some of the terms used below, such as procedures, entities, and layers, are closely related to those used in LTE / LTE-A systems or in the current 3GPP 5G standardization. Therefore, the terminology may change in the future without affecting the functionality of the embodiments. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments and their scope of protection are not limited to the specific terminology illustratively used herein due to the absence of newer or ultimately agreed-upon terminology, but should be understood more broadly in terms of the functions and concepts underlying the functions and principles of the present disclosure.

[0128] <Device> A terminal, user terminal, user device, mobile station, or mobile node is referred to as user equipment (UE) in LTE and NR. User equipment may be a mobile device or communication device, such as a wireless telephone, smartphone, tablet computer, or universal serial bus (USB) stick with user equipment functionality. However, the term mobile device is not limited thereto; in general, a relay may also have such mobile device functionality or function as a relay. For example, a terminal is a physical entity (physical node) in a communication network. Furthermore, a communication device may be any machine-type communication device, such as an IoT device. A node may have several functional entities. A functional entity refers to a software or hardware module that realizes and / or provides a predetermined set of functions to the same node or other nodes or other functional entities of the network. A node may have one or more interfaces that attach the node to a communication facility or medium over which the node can communicate. Similarly, a network entity may have logical interfaces that attach the functional entity to a communication facility or medium over which the functional entity may communicate with other functional entities or corresponding nodes.

[0129] <Base station> In the present disclosure, a base station may be, for example, a Transmission Reception Point (TRP), a cluster head, an access point, a Remote Radio Head (RRH), an eNodeB (eNB), a gNodeB (gNB), a Base Station (BS), a Base Transceiver Station (BTS), a base unit, a gateway, or a scheduling device. Also, in sidelink communication, a terminal may be used instead of a base station. The base station may be a relay device that relays communication between an upper node and a terminal. The base station may be a roadside unit. The base station may be, for example, a scheduling node, a scheduling device, or a network node that forms part of a network for providing services to terminals. In particular, the base station may provide wireless access to terminals. Communication between terminals and base stations is generally standardized and can be defined by different layers, such as PHY, MAC, and RRC. In LTE and NR, the air interface protocol stack includes a physical layer, a medium access layer (MAC), and upper layers. The control plane is provided with a radio resource control protocol, which is an upper layer protocol. Through RRC, base stations can control the configuration of terminals, and terminals can communicate with base stations to perform control tasks such as establishing and modifying connections and bearers, measurements, and other functions. The term used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), and the term currently used in 5G NR is gNB. The term base station or radio base station here refers to a physical entity in a communication network. Similar to a mobile station, a base station may have several functional entities. A functional entity refers to a software or hardware module that realizes and / or provides a predetermined set of functions to other functional entities of the same or other nodes or networks. The physical entity performs several control tasks for communication devices, including one or more of scheduling and configuration.It should be noted that base station functionality and communication device functionality may also be integrated within a single device. For example, a mobile terminal may also implement the functionality of a base station for other terminals. The term used in LTE is eNB (or eNodeB), and the term currently used in 5G NR is gNB. In particular, a base station may be a gNB in a Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) NR system.

[0130] As described above, the present disclosure provides a user equipment and a base station. The present disclosure further provides a corresponding method and program. An example of such a communication system is shown in FIG. 8. The communication system 1 may be a wireless communication system according to 5G technical specifications, particularly an NR communication system. However, the present disclosure is not limited to 3GPP NR and may also be applied to other wireless systems or cellular systems such as NTN.

[0131] FIG. 8 shows a general, simplified, and exemplary block diagram of a user equipment 100 (also referred to as a communication device) and a scheduling device 200 (which are assumed to be located in a base station, e.g., an LTE eNB (also referred to as an ng-eNB) or a gNB in 5G NR, for illustrative purposes). However, typically, the scheduling device may be a terminal in the case of a sidelink connection between two terminals. Also, particularly with regard to URLLC, eMBB, and mMtC use cases, the user equipment 100 may be a sensor device, a wearable device, or a connected vehicle or a controller of an automated machine in an industrial factory. The user equipment may also be capable of functioning as a relay between the scheduling device 200 and other communication devices (e.g., the present disclosure is not limited to a communication “terminal” or a user “terminal”). As shown in FIG. 8, the UE 100 and the scheduling device 200 (eNB / gNB) can communicate with each other via a (radio) physical channel 300 using their respective transceivers 110 (UE side) and 210 (scheduling device side). The scheduling device 200 and the user equipment 100 together form a communication system 1. The communication system 1 may further include other entities than those shown in Figure 1. The communication between the UE 100 and the scheduling device is typically standardized and may be defined by various layers such as PHY, MAC, RRC, etc. (see background description above).

[0132] As shown on the left side of FIG. 8 , the user equipment 100 may include a transceiver 110 and a circuit 120 (or processing circuit), and the scheduling device 200 may include a transceiver 210 and a (processing) circuit 330. The transceivers 110 and 210 may include a receiver and a transmitter, and / or function as both a receiver and a transmitter. In other words, in this disclosure, the term “transceiver” is used for hardware and software components that enable the user equipment 100 or the scheduling device 200 to transmit and / or receive wireless signals over a wireless channel, respectively. Thus, a transceiver corresponds to a receiver, a transmitter, or a combination of a receiver and a transmitter. Typically, it is assumed that the scheduling device and the user equipment can both transmit and receive wireless signals. However, for some applications, particularly eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC (smart home, smart city, industrial automation, etc.), it is possible that a device, such as a sensor, only receives signals. Furthermore, the term “circuit” includes a processing circuit formed by one or more processors or processing units, etc. The transmitter may be responsible for executing the transmission process and other processes related thereto. The receiver may be responsible for executing the reception process and other processes related thereto, such as monitoring a channel. The circuit (or processing circuit) may be one or more hardware, such as one or more processors or any LSI. There is an input / output point (or node) between the transceiver and the processing circuit, and the processing circuit, in operation, controls the transceiver, i.e., controls the receiver and / or transmitter, and can exchange receive / transmit data. The transceiver may include an RF front, including one or more antennas, amplifiers, radio frequency (RF) modulators / demodulators, etc., as the transmitter and receiver. The processing circuit may control the transceiver to perform control tasks, such as transmitting user data and control data provided by the processing circuit and / or receiving user data and control data that are further processed by the processing circuit.The processing circuitry may also be responsible for performing other processes such as judging, determining, calculating, measuring, etc.

[0133] <Discontinuous reception - Discontinuous transmission> In the following, several embodiments will be described in detail using the term discontinuous reception (DRX). However, the present disclosure is not limited to a reception process performed by a UE, but also relates to a transmission process. Therefore, the term "DRX" should not be understood to relate only to the reception of signals by a UE, but may also relate to the transmission of signals by a UE. Therefore, especially in the framework of cell-specific DRX configuration, this concept may also be referred to as discontinuous transmission (DTX).

[0134] <Uplink and downlink signals> In the following description, the term signaling is used for transmission and reception of data in the downlink (DL) or uplink (UL).

[0135] In this regard, it is noted that the description of DL signal reception includes, but is not limited to, reception of at least a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH), a Channel Status Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS), a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), a Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH), and / or a Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), etc.

[0136] It should also be noted that the description of UL signal transmission includes, but is not limited to, transmission of at least a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCH), a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), and / or a Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), etc.

[0137] First Embodiment According to a first exemplary embodiment, for example, a user equipment 100 as shown in Fig. 8 is provided. The user equipment 100 includes a transceiver unit 110 and a circuit 120. In operation, the transceiver unit 110 receives two or more setting indicators, each indicating a setting of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. In operation, the circuit 120 causes the transceiver unit 110 to receive and / or transmit a signal based on the two or more setting indicators.

[0138] Note that the configured timing pattern may include OFF periods in addition to ON periods, but the ON periods may be extended depending on traffic (see the section "Discontinuous Reception - DRX"), so the timing pattern does not necessarily include OFF periods in all cases.

[0139] The circuitry 120 may implement functions beyond the above-mentioned obtaining and determining, such as, for example, further controlling the transceiver unit 110 to receive control signaling and / or to receive or transmit data. Thus, the circuitry 120 may illustratively be considered to include a transceiver control circuit 121 configured to perform the above-mentioned control. The configuration may be provided by hardware adaptation and / or software.

[0140] Corresponding to the above-mentioned UE 100, a method to be executed by the UE 100 (or a communication device) is provided. As shown in Fig. 9, the method includes: (i) a step S101 of receiving two or more setting indicators, each indicating a setting of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period; and (ii) a step of receiving and / or transmitting a signal based on the two or more setting indicators.

[0141] As also shown on the right (right-hand) side of Fig. 8, according to another exemplary embodiment, a base station 200 is provided. The base station 200 comprises a transceiver 210 and a circuit 220. In operation, the circuit 220 determines two or more configurations of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. In operation, the transceiver transmits two or more configuration indicators to a user equipment (UE) indicating the two or more configurations, and receives and / or transmits signals from and / or to the UE based on the two or more configurations.

[0142] The circuitry 220 may implement functions beyond the above-mentioned determinations, such as, for example, further controlling the transceiver unit 210 to transmit control signaling and / or to receive or transmit data. Thus, the circuitry 220 may illustratively be considered to include a scheduling circuit 221 configured to perform the above-mentioned determinations. The configuration may be provided by hardware adaptation and / or software.

[0143] Further, a method executed by a base station corresponding to the above scheduling device is provided. As shown in Fig. 9, the method includes: (i) step S201 of determining two or more configurations of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period; (ii) step S202 of transmitting two or more configuration indicators indicating the two or more configurations to a user equipment (UE (User Equipment) 100); and (iii) steps of receiving and / or transmitting a signal from and / or to the UE 100 based on the two or more configurations.

[0144] <Second embodiment> According to the second embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the UE 100 receives two or more setting indicators, each indicating a setting of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period, and receives and / or transmits signals based on the two or more setting indicators.

[0145] In the second embodiment, a cell-specific DRX configuration and a UE-specific DRX configuration are configured, and DCI may or may not be used to indicate the DRX configuration to follow for signal transmission.

[0146] In other words, the UE 100 receives two or more configuration indicators indicating two or more configurations, including a first configuration designated for a plurality of UEs served by the cell and a second configuration designated for a subset of the plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE 100.

[0147] For example, the first configuration may be a DRX configuration indicated in a system information block (SIB) received by the UE 100. The second configuration may be a DRX configuration indicated by dedicated RRC signaling, for example.

[0148] Each configuration may correspond to a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. The multiple UEs may include the UE 100 and one or more other UEs served by the cell. That is, the UE 100 may be configured with at least two DRX configurations, one of which (a first configuration), i.e., a cell-specific configuration, is configured for all UEs served by the cell, including the UE 100 according to this embodiment. The second configuration is a DRX configuration configured for a subset of all UEs served by the cell. In other words, a group of UEs is configured with the second DRX configuration. Needless to say, another group of UEs is configured with a different DRX configuration (a third DRX configuration).

[0149] The DRX settings may differ in the length of each ON period and / or its periodicity, the term period referring to a recurring period after which the pattern of ON and OFF periods is repeated according to each DRX setting.

[0150] 11 shows a situation in which a cell-specific C-DRX configuration is configured for all UEs in the cell, and three C-DRX configurations are configured for each group of UEs #1 to #3 (i.e., three subsets of all UEs served by the cell). One group, for example, UE group #1, may include UE 100.

[0151] The UE 100 may receive and / or transmit signals in the overlapping period of the ON period according to the first configuration and the second configuration.

[0152] In other words, UE 100 receives and / or transmits signals only during the ON periods of both the first and second DRX settings. For example, if UE 100 is in UE group #1, UE 100 may receive and / or transmit signals only at timings included in the ON period of the cell-specific C-DRX setting and the ON period of the C-DRX setting of UE group #1, and may not receive and / or transmit signals at timings included in only one of the ON periods of the C-DRX settings (the cell-specific C-DRX setting and the C-DRX setting of UE group #1).

[0153] The UEs included in UE groups #2 and #3 may behave accordingly. Therefore, base station 200 may expect uplink transmission and / or perform downlink (DL) transmission only during the portion of the cell-specific C-DRX configuration ON period that overlaps with the C-DRX configuration ON period of UE groups #1 to #3. Therefore, base station 200 may sleep outside the cell-specific C-DRX configuration ON period. Furthermore, base station 200 may sleep during the portion of the ON period that does not overlap with any of the C-DRX configuration ON periods of UE groups #1 to #3.

[0154] As a result, the time that base station 200 may sleep can be extended, leading to energy savings. Also, for example, no additional signaling is required in downlink control information (DCI).

[0155] However, in a modification of the second embodiment, the base station 200 may instruct the UE 100, for example by DCI, which of the first configuration and the second configuration the UE 100 should follow.

[0156] In other words, the UE 100 may receive Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating either the first configuration or the second configuration, and may receive and / or transmit a signal during an ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0157] Note that the instruction by the DCI may be implicit or explicit. For example, a new parameter may be defined to indicate the DRX setting that the UE 100 receiving the DCI should follow. If the UE 100 does not receive such an instruction by the DCI, a default DRX setting may be defined. For example, if there is no instruction as to which DRX setting the UE 100 should follow, the UE 100 may follow the first configuration. Alternatively, if there is no instruction, the UE 100 may follow the second DRX setting. Alternatively, if there is no instruction, the UE 100 may follow the first DRX setting and the second DRX setting in the sense that it receives and / or transmits signals during an overlapping period between the ON periods of the first setting and the second setting. Alternatively, if there is no instruction, the UE 100 may follow both the first setting and the second setting in the sense that it receives and / or transmits signals during an ON period of either one of the first setting and the second setting.

[0158] Allowing the UE 100 to indicate which DRX configuration to follow may improve the flexibility of the base station 200 and improve its ability to balance network energy saving gains, UE power saving gains, and quality of service. That is, using cell-specific DRX configurations can significantly reduce signaling overhead. Using DCI to indicate which DRX configuration the UE will follow can increase the flexibility of control.

[0159] <Third embodiment> According to the third embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the UE 100 receives two or more setting indicators, each indicating a setting of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period, and receives and / or transmits signals based on the two or more setting indicators.

[0160] In the third embodiment, multiple cell-specific DRX configurations are configured in the UE 100. The DCI may or may not be used to indicate the DRX configuration to be followed for signal transmission / reception. For example, the UE 100 may receive multiple DRX configuration indicators in the SIB.

[0161] In other words, the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations designated for multiple UEs served by the cell, including UE 100.

[0162] In a variation of the third embodiment, the UE 100 determines to receive and / or transmit a signal based on an RRC-configured DRX configuration, i.e., the UE 100 may receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message indicating one of two or more configurations, and transmit a signal during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the RRC message.

[0163] Table 2 shows potential mappings of DRX configuration indicator values set by RRC and the characteristics of the applied DRX configuration. In this example, the DRX configurations indicated by values 00, 01, and 10 differ in their respective periods. An indicator value of 11 indicates that no DRX configuration is applied. In this example, the DRX configurations differ from each other in their respective periods, but may additionally or alternatively differ from each other in the duration of their respective ON periods and / or their relative time relationship / shift to each other. [Table 2]

[0164] In another variation of the third embodiment, the UE 100 determines to receive and / or transmit a signal based on a DRX configuration indicated by the DCI. In other words, the UE 100 may receive downlink control information (DCI) indicating one of two or more configurations. The UE 100 may receive and / or transmit a signal during an ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0165] Table 3 shows potential mappings of DRX setting indicator values in the DCI to the characteristics of the applied DRX setting. As with the first variant, in this example, the DRX settings indicated by values 00, 01, and 10 differ in their respective periods. An indicator value of 11 indicates that no DRX setting is applied. In this example, the DRX settings differ from each other in their respective periods, but may additionally or alternatively differ from each other in the duration of their respective ON periods and / or their relative time relationship / shift to each other. [Table 3]

[0166] In a more general scope of this embodiment, the bit width of the indication in the DCI may be more or less than 2, and the number of indicators may be more or less than 4. This is merely an example for ease of explanation. That is, the DRX indication in the DCI may indicate one DRX configuration among multiple DRX configurations using an indicator with an appropriate bit width.

[0167] In the above variants, the DRX configuration followed by the UE 100 is configured by an RRC message or indicated in a DCI. This approach may provide greater flexibility in balancing network energy saving gains, system throughput, and service delay. Using a DCI to indicate the DRX configuration that the UE 100 should follow allows for faster adaptation of the above aspects.

[0168] In the above example, the DRX configured by the RRX or the DRX indicated by the DCI may indicate one DRX to follow or no DRX to follow.

[0169] In another variant, i.e., a third variant, the UE 100 may receive and / or transmit signals based on the DRX configuration and the DCI indicating which DRX configuration to follow to the UE 100. However, the DCI may also indicate a combination of DRX configurations.

[0170] For example, as shown in Table 4, similar to the second modification, indicator values 00 and 01 indicate one DRX setting, i.e., a DRX setting "DRX#1" with a period of 200 ms and a DRX setting "DRX#2" with a period of 100 ms. However, indicator values 10 and 11 indicate a combination of DRX settings DRX#1 and DRX#2. Specifically, indicator value 10 indicates that UE 100 may receive and / or transmit signals at timings within the ON duration of at least one of settings DRX#1 and DRX#2. On the other hand, indicator value 11 indicates that UE 100 may receive and / or transmit signals within the durations of both the ON duration of DRX#1 and the ON duration of DRX#2, i.e., within the overlapping period of the respective ON durations. [Table 4]

[0171] In other words, UE100 may receive Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating (i) one of the configurations according to which signals are transmitted and / or received, (ii) at least two configurations according to which signals are transmitted and / or received within the ON period according to one of the at least two configurations, or (iii) at least two configurations according to which signals are transmitted and / or received within an overlapping period of the ON period according to the at least two configurations.

[0172] According to a third variant, multiple DRX patterns can be created, for example, by combining DRX settings configured in SIBs with low signaling overhead.

[0173] In a more general scope of this embodiment, the bit width of the indication in the DCI may be more or less than 2, and the number of indicators may be more or less than 4. This is merely an example for ease of explanation. That is, the DRX indication in the DCI may indicate one DRX configuration among multiple DRX configurations using an indicator with an appropriate bit width.

[0174] <Fourth embodiment> According to the fourth embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the UE 100 receives two or more setting indicators, each indicating a setting of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period, and receives and / or transmits signals based on the two or more setting indicators.

[0175] Multiple cell-specific DRX configurations are configured in the UE 100. The DCI may or may not be used to indicate the DRX configuration to be followed for signal transmission / reception. For example, the UE 100 may receive multiple DRX configuration indicators in the SIB.

[0176] In other words, the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations designated for a subset of the plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE.

[0177] In the fourth embodiment, the UE receives multiple UE-specific DRX configurations via RRC signaling, and DCI is used to indicate the DRX configuration to follow for signal transmission / reception. For example, DCI format 2_6, 0_1, or 1_1 may be extended for this purpose.

[0178] In a first variant, the indication of the DRX configuration may be implicit. For example, the DRX configuration to be used may be interpreted from a field indicating SCell dormancy in the DCI. In other words, the DRX configuration may be linked to SCell dormancy.

[0179] In other words, each of the two or more configurations is associated with a secondary cell (SCell) dormancy configuration. The DCI received by the UE 100 indicates one of the two or more configurations according to the SCell dormancy indicator. The UE 100 receives and transmits signals during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI, i.e., the SCell dormancy indicator.

[0180] Note that the SCell dormancy configuration may relate to one or more SCells. That is, the SCell dormancy configuration may relate to one or more dormant SCells and / or one or more non-dormant SCells.

[0181] Table 5 shows a possible mapping between the SCell dormancy indication in the DCI and each DRX configuration. Specifically, each SCell dormancy indicator value is associated with a DRX configuration. In this example, the DRX configurations differ from each other in their respective periods, but may additionally or alternatively differ from each other in the duration of their respective ON durations and / or in their time relationship / shift with each other. [Table 5]

[0182] In this embodiment, four DRX configurations are associated with four SCell dormancy indicators in the DCI, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. More or less than four DRX configurations may be associated with a corresponding number of SCell dormancy indicators. Also, SCell dormancy indications are not necessarily linked to DRX configurations. That is, dormancy indications for some SCells may be associated with respective DRX configurations, while dormancy indications for other SCells may not be associated. When the UE 100 receives a DCI including an SCell dormancy indication that is not associated with a DRX configuration, the UE 100 may follow the predetermined DRX configuration or may not apply a DRX configuration.

[0183] In a preferred variant, the more non-dormant SCells are indicated by the SCell dormancy indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configuration and / or the shorter the respective ON duration.

[0184] That is, multiple DX configurations may be associated with an SCell dormancy indication in the DCI so that a longer DRX cycle is associated with a larger number of non-dormant SCells. In other words, a DRX configuration with a shorter cycle may be associated with an SCell dormancy indicator indicating a larger number of dormant SCells. Also, or alternatively, a shorter ON period realized by, for example, an OnDuration timer with a shorter duration may be associated with a larger number of non-dormant SCells. In other words, a DRX configuration with a longer ON duration (an OnDuration timer with a longer execution time) may be associated with a larger number of dormant SCells.

[0185] This approach may enhance energy saving capabilities since more frequency resources may reduce the possibility of scheduling resources in the time domain.

[0186] In a second variant, the indication of the DRX configuration is implicit. Specifically, the DRX configuration to use may be interpreted from a field indicating Search Space Set Group (SSSG) switching. In other words, the DRX configuration may be linked to SSSG switching.

[0187] In other words, each of the two or more configurations is associated with SSSG switching. The DCI received by the UE 100 indicates one of the two or more configurations by the SSSG switching indicator. The UE 100 receives and transmits signals during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI, i.e., the SSSG switching indicator.

[0188] Table 6 shows possible mappings between the SSSG switching bit in the DCI and each DRX configuration. Specifically, each SSSG switching bit value is associated with a DRX configuration. In this example, the DRX configurations differ from each other in their respective periods, but may additionally or alternatively differ from each other in the duration of their respective ON durations and / or their time relationship / shift with each other. [Table 6]

[0189] The present disclosure is not limited to four SSSG switching bit indications in a DCI being associated with DRX configurations. For example, there may be fewer than four or more than four SSSG switching bit indications associated with fewer than four or more than four DRX configurations. Also, the SSSG switching bits may not necessarily be linked to the DRX configurations. That is, some SSSG switching bits may be associated with respective DRX configurations, while other SSSG switching bits may not be associated. If the UE 100 receives a DCI including SSSG switching bits not associated with a DRX configuration, the UE 100 may follow the predetermined DRX configuration or may not apply a DRX configuration.

[0190] In a preferred variant, the higher the time density of the PDCCH monitored according to the SSSG switching indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configuration and / or the shorter the respective ON duration.

[0191] That is, multiple DX configurations may be associated with the SSSG switching bit in the DCI such that a longer DRX period is associated with a higher time density of the monitored PDCCH. In other words, a DRX configuration with a shorter period may be associated with the SSSG switching bit in the DCI corresponding to a lower time density of the monitored PDCCH. Also, or alternatively, a shorter ON duration, for example, achieved by an OnDuration timer with a shorter duration, may be associated with a higher time density of the monitored PDCCH. In other words, a DRX configuration with a longer ON duration (longer running OnDuration timer) may be associated with a lower time density of the monitored PDCCH.

[0192] PDCCH temporal density may be the number of monitored PDCCH resources and / or monitoring opportunities divided by a predetermined amount of time.

[0193] This approach may enhance energy saving capabilities since a longer DRX period and / or a shorter DRX ON duration is associated with closer PDCCH monitoring, thereby achieving a balance between base station energy saving due to sleep duration and system performance for active / non-sleep durations.

[0194] In a third variant, the DRX configuration is implicitly indicated. Specifically, the DRX configuration to be used is interpreted from a field indicating whether PDCCH skipping is performed. In other words, the DRX configuration can be linked to PDCCH skipping / PDCCH monitoring.

[0195] In other words, each of the two or more configurations is associated with a PDCCH skip configuration. The DCI received by the UE 100 indicates one of the two or more configurations according to the PDCCH skip indicator. The UE 100 receives and transmits signals during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI, i.e., the PDCCH skip indicator.

[0196] Table 7 shows possible mappings between the values of the PDCCH skip indicator in the DCI and the respective DRX configurations. Specifically, each PDCCH skip indicator value is associated with a DRX configuration. In this example, the DRX configurations differ from each other in their respective periodicities. Specifically, when PDCCH skip is not indicated (when the PDCCH skip indication value is 0), the UE 100 follows a DRX configuration with a period of 200 ms. On the other hand, when the PDCCH skip indication indicates PDCCH skip (when the PDCCH skip indication value is 1), the UE 100 follows a DRX configuration with a period of 100 ms. However, the DRX configurations may additionally or alternatively differ in the duration of their respective ON durations and / or their time relationship / shift with each other. [Table 7]

[0197] In a preferred variant, the longer the PDCCH skip duration indicated by the PDCCH skip indicator, the longer or shorter the indicated configuration periodicity.

[0198] That is, a longer DRX cycle may correspond to a longer PDCCH skip duration, or a shorter DRX cycle may correspond to a shorter PDCCH skip duration.

[0199] This embodiment allows for better control of the trade-off between energy saving gain and scheduling flexibility for base station 200.

[0200] In summary, according to the fourth embodiment, the UE 100 receives multiple UE-specific (or UE group-specific) DRX configurations in RRC signaling, and determines whether to receive and / or transmit a single signal based on the DRX configurations and the DCI indicating which DRX configuration the UE 100 should follow.

[0201] Therefore, the flexibility of controlling the DRX configuration is improved, and in particular the reuse of the current DCI for UE power saving may minimize the impact on specifications and reduce the control signaling overhead.

[0202] Furthermore, according to a preferred modification of the modified example, the DRX configuration and / or each ON duration is associated with the SCell dormancy configuration, SSSG switching, or PDCCH skipping configuration, and the period and / or duration of each ON duration is set to depend on the specific configuration (SCell dormancy configuration, SSSG switching, or PDCCH skipping). This concept can be similarly applied to the first to third embodiments.

[0203] <Fifth embodiment> According to the fifth embodiment, for example, a user equipment 100 as shown in Fig. 8 is provided. The user equipment 100 includes a transceiver unit 110 and a circuit 120. In operation, the transceiver unit 110 receives an idle mode discontinuous reception (I-DRX) setting indicator that indicates an I-DRX setting. In operation, the circuit 120 causes the transceiver unit 110 to receive and / or transmit signals during an ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX setting.

[0204] The circuitry 120 may implement functions beyond the above-mentioned obtaining and determining, such as, for example, further controlling the transceiver unit 110 to receive control signaling and / or to receive or transmit data. Thus, the circuitry 120 may illustratively be considered to include a transceiver control circuit 121 configured to perform the above-mentioned control. The configuration may be provided by hardware adaptation and / or software.

[0205] A method performed by the UE 100 (or a communication device) is provided corresponding to the above-mentioned UE 100. As shown in Fig. 11 , the method includes: (i) a step S301 of receiving an idle mode discontinuous reception (I-DRX) configuration indicator indicating an I-DRX configuration; and (ii) a step of receiving and / or transmitting a signal during an ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0206] 8, according to another exemplary embodiment, a base station 200 is provided. The base station 200 includes a transceiver unit 210 and a circuit 220. In operation, the circuit 220 determines an idle mode discontinuous reception (I-DRX) configuration. In operation, the transceiver unit 210 transmits an I-DRX configuration indicator to the user equipment (UE) 100 indicating the I-DRX configuration, and receives and / or transmits signals during ON periods from and / or to the UE 100 in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, RRC inactive mode, and RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0207] The circuitry 220 may implement functions beyond the above-mentioned determinations, such as further controlling the transceiver 210 to receive control signaling and / or to receive or transmit data. Thus, the circuitry 220 may illustratively be considered to include a scheduling circuit 221 configured to perform the above-mentioned determinations. The configuration may be provided by hardware adaptation and / or software.

[0208] Further, there is provided a method performed by a base station corresponding to the above scheduling device. As shown in Fig. 11, the method includes: (i) a step S401 of determining an idle mode discontinuous reception (I-DRX) configuration; (ii) a step S402 of transmitting an I-DRX configuration indicator indicating the I-DRX configuration to a user equipment (UE) 100; and (iii) a step S403 of receiving and / or transmitting signals from and / or to the UE 100 during an ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0209] Also, any of the steps / operations described herein may be performed or controlled by circuit 120 (UE side) and / or circuit 220 (scheduling device side). In the following description, unless expressly stated or otherwise indicated by context, details and embodiments apply to the communications device (UE 100), the base station 200 (scheduling device or scheduling node), and the method, respectively.

[0210] Furthermore, it should be noted that since the present disclosure relates to resource usage and scheduling, both entities, user equipment (typically a communication device / transmitting / receiving device) and scheduling device (typically a network node) may be involved.

[0211] According to this embodiment, the current cell-specific I-DRX configuration may be applied to UEs in RRC CONNECTED and RRC IDLE / INACTIVE states, and further DCI signaling may or may not be used to indicate, for example, whether the UE should follow the I-DRX configuration or not.

[0212] In other words, the UE 100 may receive an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration indicator that indicates an I-DRX configuration, and the UE may receive and / or transmit signals during an ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0213] That is, only one set of DRX configurations can be used to control all UEs served by the cell. For example, UE 100 may receive the I-DRX configuration via a dedicated indicator in SIBx, e.g., SIB1. Using one I-DRX configuration may be beneficial when UE service latency is not very demanding and may allow maximizing the energy saving gains of the network with low control overhead.

[0214] In a first variant of the fifth embodiment, in addition to the current parameters PF / PO indicating the paging monitoring configuration, an additional active time (e.g., OnDuration timer) may be defined as a new parameter (for the existing I-DRX configuration) and configured in a specific SIBx, such as SIB1. During the execution time of the OnDuration timer (additional active time), the UE 100 in the RRC connected mode may be allowed to skip receiving DL signals (e.g., monitoring PDCCH) and / or skip transmitting UL signals during the inactive duration.

[0215] In other words, the I-DRX configuration indicator may include a timing indicator indicating the active time. The UE 100 may determine the ON period according to the I-DRX configuration and the indicated active time, and may skip receiving and / or transmitting signals during periods outside the ON period.

[0216] That is, according to the modification of the fifth embodiment, the I-DRX configuration is reused in both CONNECTED UE and IDLE / INACTIVE UE, and the UE 100 may be configured with the I-DRX configuration and an additional active time when in the RRC CONNECTED mode. Outside the ON duration according to the I-DRX configuration and the active time, the UE 100 may not receive and / or transmit signals.

[0217] According to this embodiment, the base station 200 does not expect transmission or reception outside the active period according to the I-DRX configuration and each OnDuration timer, and therefore may enter a sleep state, thereby optimizing the energy saving gain of the network, and no additional L1 control overhead is required.

[0218] According to a second configuration, the DCI is used to indicate to the RRC CONNECTED UE whether to skip or continue receiving / transmitting signals before each I-DRX cycle.

[0219] In other words, UE 100 may receive Downlink Control Information (DCI) that indicates whether the UE should skip or continue receiving and / or transmitting signals before each I-DRX cycle according to the I-DRX configuration when in RRC connected mode.

[0220] For example, the UE 100 may receive a DCI including an indicator indicating that it should skip receiving and / or transmitting signals before an I-DRX cycle when in the RRC CONNECTED mode. Thus, the UE 100 does not receive and / or transmit signals before an I-DRX cycle when in the RRC CONNECTED mode. Furthermore, the UE 100 may receive a DCI including an indicator indicating that it should continue receiving and / or transmitting signals when in the RRC CONNECTED mode.

[0221] That is, whether to skip signal reception / transmission may be signaled by DCI. According to this aspect, since the system overhead is small, it is possible to realize a trade-off between energy saving in the network and system performance, and flexibility is improved.

[0222] <Methods according to the first to fifth embodiments> In the above embodiments, DCI may or may not be used to indicate to UE 100 which DRX configuration or combination of DRX configurations to follow. Figures 12 and 13 show methods according to the first to fifth embodiments, where DCI is used (Figure 13) and where it is not used (Figure 12).

[0223] FIG. 12 illustrates a method according to an embodiment in which a DCI is not used to indicate the DRX configuration to follow.

[0224] In step S501, the UE 100 receives one or more setting indicators, each of which indicates a setting of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. For example, the UE 100 receives one or more DRX settings. In the first to fourth embodiments, the UE 100 receives two or more setting indicators. On the other hand, in the fifth embodiment, the UE 100 receives one setting indicator.

[0225] Further, in step S502, the UE 100 determines whether the ON duration of one or more DRX settings is running. In other words, the UE 100 determines whether the DRX settings are ON. This may be performed as described in the above embodiment. If the DRX settings are ON (yes in step S502), the UE 100 transmits (Tx) and / or receives (Rx) signals as scheduled or configured in step S503. On the other hand, if the DRX settings are not ON (no in step S502), the UE 100 skips the transmission (Tx) and / or reception (Rx) of signals as scheduled or configured in step S504. In other words, the UE 100 does not transmit signals outside the ON duration.

[0226] FIG. 13 illustrates a method according to an embodiment in which a DCI is used to indicate the DRX configuration to follow.

[0227] Step S601 corresponds to step S501 in FIG. 12, and the UE 100 receives one or more setting indicators indicating one or more settings of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period.

[0228] In step S602, the UE 100 receives Downlink Control Information (DCI). The DCI may indicate a combination of DRX or DRC settings to follow (as in the first to fourth embodiments), or may indicate whether to skip or continue reception and / or transmission of signals before an I-DRX cycle (as in the fifth embodiment).

[0229] In step S603, the UE 100 determines which DRX setting or which combination of DRX settings to follow based on the instruction of the DCI. Furthermore, it is determined whether the determined DRX setting / combination of DRX settings is ON. If the determined DRX setting is ON (yes in step S603), the UE 100 transmits (Tx) and / or receives (Rx) signals as scheduled or configured in step S604. On the other hand, if the DRX setting is not ON (no in S602), the UE 100 skips the transmission (Tx) and / or reception (Rx) of signals as scheduled or configured in S605. In other words, the UE 100 does not transmit signals outside the ON duration.

[0230] Sixth Embodiment According to the sixth embodiment, similar to the third and fourth embodiments, the UE 100 receives two or more configuration indicators, each indicating a configuration of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. The UE 100 receives and / or transmits a signal based on the two or more configuration indicators. The two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations specified for multiple UEs served by the cell, including the UE 100. That is, the sixth embodiment can be seen as a modification and / or extension of the third and fourth embodiments.

[0231] In a sixth embodiment, a DRX configuration includes or is associated with a set of SSB beam indices / patterns and / or TCI states. When a DRX configuration is indicated and applied by a UE, the associated SSB beam indices and / or TCI states are applied.

[0232] In other words, for example, the two or more configuration indicators may further indicate two or more target SSB patterns, including one or more SSBs from the set of candidate SSBs, to be used by the UE 100. The UE 100 performs SSB-related functions based on the two or more configuration indicators.

[0233] For example, SSB-related functions are performed based on a target SSB pattern indicated by a configuration indicator that indicates the configuration that the UE 100 follows for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0234] Alternatively, each of the two or more configurations may be associated with a target Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) pattern, and the UE 100 performs SSB-related functions based on the target SSB pattern associated with the configuration the UE follows for signal reception and / or transmission.

[0235] For example, an SSB pattern may be associated with each configured DRX configuration. When the UE 100 receives an indicator indicating the DRX configuration that the UE 100 should follow (e.g., as described in the third and fourth embodiments), the UE 100 may determine the associated SSB pattern and perform SSB-related functions according to the determined SSB pattern.

[0236] Alternatively, for example, the configuration indicator may further indicate the SSB pattern to be applied by the UE 100. That is, the configuration indicator may not only indicate the DRX configuration but also indicate the SSB pattern to be applied.

[0237] Also, for example, the configuration indicator may further indicate a Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) status, and the UE may receive and / or transmit signals based on the TCI status.

[0238] That is, for example, signals may be received and / or transmitted based on a TCI state indicated by a configuration indicator that indicates a configuration to be followed by the UE for reception and / or transmission of signals.

[0239] Alternatively, each of the two or more configurations is associated with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, and the UE 100 receives and / or transmits signals based on the TCI state associated with the configuration that the UE follows for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0240] That is, according to this embodiment, an SSB pattern and / or TCI state is associated with each DRX configuration. The UE 100 applies the SSB pattern and / or TRX state associated with the DRX configuration to be followed. The association relationship between the DRX configuration and the SSB pattern / TCI state may be predetermined or signaled. That is, the UE 100 may receive a configuration indicator and determine the corresponding SSB pattern and / or TCI state, or may receive a configuration indicator indicating one or more respective SSB patterns / TCI states in addition to the DRX configuration. The UE 100 may then apply the SSB pattern / TCI state indicated by the configuration indicator to the applied DRX configuration.

[0241] Hardware and Software Implementations of the Disclosure The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software in conjunction with hardware. Each functional block described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit. Each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data inputs and outputs. Depending on the level of integration, the LSI may be referred to as an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI. The integration method is not limited to LSIs; it may also be realized by dedicated circuits, general-purpose processors, or dedicated processors. Furthermore, FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), which can be programmed after LSI fabrication, or reconfigurable processors, which allow the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI to be reconfigured, may also be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital or analog processing. Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology can be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology is also a possibility.

[0242] The present disclosure may be implemented in any type of apparatus, device, or system having a communication function (collectively referred to as a communication apparatus).

[0243] A communications device may include a wireless transceiver (transmitter / receiver) and processing / control circuitry. The wireless transceiver may include a receiver and a transmitter, or both. The wireless transceiver (transmitter / receiver) may include an RF (Radio Frequency) module and one or more antennas. The RF module may include an amplifier, an RF modulator / demodulator, or the like.

[0244] Non-limiting examples of communication devices include telephones (e.g., cell phones, smartphones), tablets, personal computers (PCs) (e.g., laptops, desktops, notebooks), cameras (e.g., digital still / video cameras), digital players (e.g., digital audio / video players), wearable devices (e.g., wearable cameras, smartwatches, tracking devices), game consoles, digital book readers, telehealth / telemedicine devices, communication-enabled vehicles or mobile transportation (e.g., cars, airplanes, ships), and combinations of the above devices.

[0245] Communications equipment is not limited to portable or mobile equipment, but also includes non-portable or fixed equipment, devices, and systems of any kind, such as smart home devices (appliances, lighting equipment, smart meters or metering devices, control panels, etc.), vending machines, and any other "things" that may exist on an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0246] Communications include data communications via cellular systems, wireless LAN systems, communications satellite systems, etc., as well as data communications via combinations of these.

[0247] A communications apparatus also includes devices such as controllers and sensors connected or coupled to a communications device that performs the communications functions described in this disclosure, such as controllers and sensors that generate control and data signals used by the communications device to perform the communications functions of the communications apparatus.

[0248] The communication apparatus also includes infrastructure facilities, such as base stations, access points, and any other apparatus, device, or system that communicates with or controls the various apparatuses listed above, but are not limited to these.

[0249] Furthermore, various embodiments may also be implemented by software modules. These software modules are executed by a processor or directly in hardware. A combination of software modules and hardware implementation is also possible. The software modules may be stored on any type of computer-readable storage medium, such as RAM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory, registers, hard disks, CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc. In particular, according to other implementations, non-transitory computer-readable storage media are provided. Furthermore, it should be noted that individual features of different embodiments may be the subject of other embodiments, individually or in any combination.

[0250] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and / or modifications may be made to the present disclosure as set forth in the specific embodiments without departing from the concept or scope of the invention as broadly described. The embodiments described herein are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0251] Further Aspects According to a first aspect, there is provided User Equipment (UE) comprising: a transceiver unit that, when operated, receives two or more configuration indicators that indicate a configuration of a periodic timing pattern, each of the configuration indicators including an ON period, and the UE further comprises circuitry that, when operated, causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals based on the two or more configuration indicators.

[0252] According to a second aspect, there is provided a UE according to the first aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators include a first configuration designated for a plurality of UEs served by the cell and a second configuration designated for a subset of the plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE.

[0253] According to a third aspect, there is provided a UE according to the second aspect, wherein the circuitry, in operation, causes the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals within an overlapping period of the ON periods according to a first setting and a second setting.

[0254] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided the UE according to the second aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, in operation, receives Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating one of a first configuration and a second configuration, and the circuitry, in operation, causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals within the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0255] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a UE as described in the first aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations specified for a plurality of UEs served by a cell, including the UE.

[0256] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a UE according to the fifth aspect, wherein the transceiver, in operation, receives a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or Downlink Control Information (DCI), the RRC message or DCI indicating one of two or more configurations. The circuit, in operation, causes the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the RRC message or DCI.

[0257] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a user equipment (UE) according to the fifth aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, in operation, receives Downlink Control Information (DCI). The circuitry, in operation, causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals in accordance with the DCI. The DCI indicates (i) one of the configurations, according to which signals are transmitted and / or received, (ii) at least two configurations, according to which signals are transmitted and / or received within an ON period in accordance with one of the at least two configurations, or (iii) at least two configurations, according to which signals are transmitted and / or received within an overlapping period of the ON period in accordance with the at least two configurations.

[0258] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a UE according to the first aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations designated for a subset of a plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE. Each of the two or more configurations is associated with a secondary cell (SCell) dormancy configuration, a search space set group (SSSG), or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) skip configuration. In operation, the transceiver unit receives downlink control information (DCI) indicating one of the two or more configurations according to the SCell dormancy indicator, the SSSG switching indicator, or the PDCCH skip indicator. In operation, the circuitry causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals during an ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0259] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a UE according to the eighth aspect, wherein (i) the more non-dormant SCells indicated by the SCell dormancy indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON durations, (ii) the higher the time density of the PDCCHs monitored according to the SSSG switching indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON durations, or (iii) the longer the PDCCH skip duration indicated by the PDCCH skip indicator, the longer or shorter the period of the indicated configurations.

[0260] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided a UE according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more target synchronization signal block (SSB) patterns to be used by the UE, the SSB patterns including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs. Further, the circuitry, in operation, performs an SSB-related function based on the two or more configuration indicators.

[0261] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided a UE according to the tenth aspect, wherein the circuitry, in operation, performs SSB-related functions based on a target SSB pattern indicated by a configuration indicator that indicates a configuration to be followed by the UE for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0262] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a UE according to any one of the fifth to ninth aspects, wherein each of the two or more configurations is associated with a target synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern to be used by the UE, the target SSB pattern including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs. Further, the circuitry, in operation, performs SSB-related functions based on the target SSB pattern associated with the configuration to be followed by the UE for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0263] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided the UE of any one of the fifth to twelfth aspects, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more Transmission Configuration Indication (TCI) states, and wherein the circuitry, in operation, receives and / or transmits a signal based on the TCI state.

[0264] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a UE as described in the thirteenth aspect, wherein the circuitry, in operation, causes the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals based on a TCI state indicated by a configuration indicator indicating a configuration to be followed by the UE for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0265] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a UE according to any one of the fifth to twelfth aspects, wherein each of the two or more configurations is associated with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, and the circuitry, in operation, causes the transceiver to receive and / or transmit signals based on the TCI state associated with the configuration that the UE follows for receiving and / or transmitting the signals.

[0266] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a UE as described in any one of the first to fifteenth aspects, wherein the two or more settings indicated by the two or more setting indicators are discontinuous reception (DRX) settings.

[0267] According to a seventeenth aspect, there is provided User Equipment (UE) comprising: a transceiver unit that, in operation, receives an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration indicator indicative of an I-DRX configuration. The UE further comprises circuitry that, in operation, causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals during ON periods in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, RRC inactive mode, and RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0268] According to an eighteenth aspect, there is provided the UE according to the seventeenth aspect, wherein the I-DRX configuration indicator includes a timing indicator indicating an active time. In operation, the circuitry determines an ON period according to the I-DRX configuration and the indicated active time, and causes the transceiver unit to skip receiving and / or transmitting signals during periods outside the ON period.

[0269] According to a 19th aspect, there is provided a UE according to the 17th or 18th aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, in operation, receives Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating whether the UE should skip or continue receiving and / or transmitting signals before each I-DRX cycle in accordance with an I-DRX configuration when in an RRC connected mode.

[0270] According to a twentieth aspect, there is provided a method for a User Equipment (UE), comprising: receiving two or more configuration indicators, each indicating a configuration of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period; and receiving and / or transmitting a signal based on the two or more configuration indicators.

[0271] According to a 21st aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the 20th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators include a first configuration designated for a plurality of UEs served by the cell and a second configuration designated for a subset of the plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE.

[0272] According to a 22nd aspect, there is provided a method according to the 21st aspect, wherein the signals are received and / or transmitted within an overlapping period of the ON periods according to the first setting and the second setting.

[0273] According to a 23rd aspect, there is provided the UE according to the 21st aspect, further comprising receiving Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating one of the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein signals are received and / or transmitted within the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0274] According to a 24th aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the 20th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations specified for a plurality of UEs served by the cell, including the UE.

[0275] According to a 25th aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the 24th aspect, further comprising receiving a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or Downlink Control Information (DCI), the RRC message or DCI indicating one of two or more configurations, wherein signals are received and / or transmitted during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the RRC message or DCI.

[0276] According to a 26th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 24th aspect, further comprising receiving Downlink Control Information (DCI), wherein a signal is received and / or transmitted according to the DCI, the DCI indicating (i) one of the configurations, according to which the signal is transmitted and / or received, (ii) at least two configurations, according to which the signal is transmitted and / or received within an ON period according to one of the at least two configurations, or (iii) at least two configurations, according to which the signal is transmitted and / or received within an overlapping period of the ON period according to the at least two configurations.

[0277] According to a 27th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 20th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations designated for a subset of a plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UEs. Each of the two or more configurations is associated with a secondary cell (SCell) dormancy configuration, a search space set group (SSSG), or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) skip configuration. The method further includes receiving downlink control information (DCI) indicating one of the two or more configurations according to the SCell dormancy indicator, the SSSG switching indicator, or the PDCCH skip indicator. A signal is received and / or transmitted during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0278] According to a 28th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 27th aspect, wherein (i) the more non-dormant SCells indicated by the SCell dormancy indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON duration, (ii) the higher the time density of the PDCCHs monitored according to the SSSG switching indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON duration, or (iii) the longer the PDCCH skip duration indicated by the PDCCH skip indicator, the longer or shorter the period of the indicated configurations.

[0279] According to a 29th aspect, there is provided a method according to any one of the 24th to 28th aspects, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more target synchronization signal block (SSB) patterns to be used by the UE, the SSB patterns including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs. Further, the method includes performing an SSB-related function based on the two or more configuration indicators.

[0280] According to a 30th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 29th aspect, further comprising the step of performing an SSB-related function based on a target SSB pattern indicated by a configuration indicator, the target SSB pattern indicating a configuration to be followed by the UE for receiving and / or transmitting signals.

[0281] According to a 31st aspect, there is provided a method according to the 24th to 28th aspects, wherein each of the two or more configurations is associated with a target synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern to be used by the UE, the target SSB pattern including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs. Further, the method includes performing an SSB-related function based on the target SSB pattern associated with the configuration to be followed by the UE for signal reception and / or transmission.

[0282] According to a 32nd aspect, there is provided the method of any one of the 24th to 31st aspects, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states, and further wherein a signal is received and / or transmitted based on the TCI states.

[0283] According to a 33rd aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the 32nd aspect, wherein the signal is received and / or transmitted based on a TCI state indicated by a configuration indicator indicating a configuration to be followed by the UE for receiving and / or transmitting the signal.

[0284] According to a 34th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 24th to 31st aspects, wherein each of the two or more configurations is associated with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state, and the signal is received and / or transmitted based on the TCI state associated with the configuration that the UE follows for receiving and / or transmitting the signal.

[0285] According to a 35th aspect, there is provided a method according to any one of the 20th to 34th aspects, wherein the two or more settings indicated by the two or more setting indicators are discontinuous reception (DRX) settings.

[0286] According to a thirty-sixth aspect, there is provided a method for User Equipment (UE), comprising: receiving an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration indicator indicative of an I-DRX configuration; and receiving and / or transmitting signals during an ON period in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, RRC inactive mode, and RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0287] According to a 37th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 36th aspect, wherein the I-DRX setting indicator includes a timing indicator indicating an active time. The method further includes determining an ON period according to the I-DRX setting and the indicated active time, and skipping reception and / or transmission of signals during periods outside the ON period.

[0288] According to a 38th aspect, there is provided a method according to the 36th or 37th aspect, further comprising a step of receiving downlink control information (DCI) indicating whether the UE should skip or continue receiving and / or transmitting signals before each I-DRX cycle according to an I-DRX configuration when in an RRC connected mode.

[0289] According to a thirty-ninth aspect, there is provided a base station comprising: circuitry configured, in operation, to determine two or more configurations of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period, the base station further comprising a transceiver configured, in operation, to transmit two or more configuration indicators to a user equipment (UE) indicative of the two or more configurations, and to receive and / or transmit signals from and / or to the UE based on the two or more configurations.

[0290] According to a fortieth aspect, there is provided a base station as described in the thirty-ninth aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators include a first configuration designated for a plurality of UEs served by the cell and a second configuration designated for a subset of the plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE.

[0291] According to a 41st aspect, there is provided a base station as described in the 40th aspect, wherein, in operation, the transceiver unit receives and / or transmits signals within an overlapping period of the ON period in accordance with a first setting and a second setting.

[0292] According to a 42nd aspect, there is provided the base station according to the 40th aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, in operation, transmits Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating one of the first configuration and the second configuration. Furthermore, the transceiver unit, in operation, receives and / or transmits signals within an ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0293] According to a forty-third aspect, there is provided a base station as described in the thirty-ninth aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations specified for a plurality of UEs served by the cell, including the UE.

[0294] According to a 44th aspect, there is provided the base station according to the 43rd aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, in operation, transmits a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or Downlink Control Information (DCI), the RRC message or DCI indicating one of two or more configurations. Further, the transceiver unit, in operation, receives and / or transmits signals during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the RRC message or DCI.

[0295] According to a 45th aspect, there is provided the base station according to the 43rd aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, upon operation, transmits Downlink Control Information (DCI). Furthermore, the transceiver unit, upon operation, receives and / or transmits signals in accordance with the DCI. The DCI indicates (i) one of the configurations, according to which signals are transmitted and / or received, (ii) at least two configurations, according to which signals are transmitted and / or received within an ON period according to one of the at least two configurations, or (iii) at least two configurations, according to which signals are transmitted and / or received within an overlapping period of the ON period according to the at least two configurations.

[0296] According to a 46th aspect, there is provided a base station according to the 39th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations designated for a subset of a plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UEs. Each of the two or more configurations is associated with a secondary cell (SCell) dormancy configuration, a search space set group (SSSG), or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) skip configuration. The transceiver unit, in operation, transmits downlink control information (DCI) indicating one of the two or more configurations according to the SCell dormancy indicator, the SSSG switching indicator, or the PDCCH skip indicator. Furthermore, the transceiver unit, in operation, receives and / or transmits signals during an ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0297] According to a 47th aspect, there is provided a base station as described in the 46th aspect, wherein the more non-dormant SCells indicated by the SCell dormancy indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON durations; the higher the time density of the PDCCHs monitored according to the SSSG switching indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON durations; or the longer the PDCCH skip duration indicated by the PDCCH skip indicator, the longer or shorter the period of the indicated configurations.

[0298] According to a 48th aspect, there is provided a base station described in any one of aspects 43 to 47, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more target synchronization signal block (SSB) patterns to be used by the UE, the target synchronization signal block (SSB) patterns including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs.

[0299] According to a 49th aspect, there is provided a base station as described in any one of aspects 43 to 47, wherein each of the two or more settings is associated with a target synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern to be used by the UE, the target synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs.

[0300] According to a 50th aspect, there is provided a base station as described in any one of the 43rd to 49th aspects, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states.

[0301] According to a fifty-first aspect, there is provided a base station according to any one of the forty-third to forty-ninth aspects, wherein each of the two or more configurations is associated with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state.

[0302] According to a 52nd aspect, there is provided a base station according to any one of the 39th to 51st aspects, wherein the two or more settings indicated by the two or more setting indicators are Discontinuous Reception (DRX) settings.

[0303] According to a fifty-third aspect, there is provided a base station comprising: circuitry that, during operation, determines an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration. The base station further comprises a transceiver that, during operation, transmits an I-DRX configuration indicator to a user equipment (UE) indicative of the I-DRX configuration, and receives and / or transmits signals from and / or to the UE during an ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0304] According to a fifty-fourth aspect, there is provided the base station according to the fifty-third aspect, wherein the I-DRX setting indicator includes a timing indicator indicating an active time. In operation, the circuitry determines an ON period according to the I-DRX setting and the indicated active time, and causes the transceiver to skip receiving and / or transmitting signals during periods outside the ON period.

[0305] According to a 55th aspect, there is provided a base station as described in the 53rd or 54th aspect, wherein the transceiver unit, when operating, transmits downlink control information (DCI) indicating whether the UE should skip or continue receiving and / or transmitting signals before each I-DRX cycle in accordance with the I-DRX configuration when in RRC connected mode.

[0306] According to a 56th aspect, there is provided a method for a base station, the method comprising: determining two or more configurations of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period; transmitting two or more configuration indicators to a user equipment (UE) indicating the two or more configurations; and receiving and / or transmitting a signal from and / or to the UE based on the two or more configurations.

[0307] According to a 57th aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the 56th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators include a first configuration designated for a plurality of UEs served by the cell and a second configuration designated for a subset of the plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UE.

[0308] According to a fifty-eighth aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the fifty-seventh aspect, wherein the signals are received and / or transmitted within an overlapping period of the ON periods according to the first setting and the second setting.

[0309] According to a 59th aspect, there is provided the method according to the 57th aspect, further comprising transmitting Downlink Control Information (DCI) indicating one of the first configuration and the second configuration, wherein a signal is received and / or transmitted within the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0310] According to a 60th aspect, there is provided a method as recited in a 56th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations specified for a plurality of UEs served by the cell, including the UE.

[0311] According to a 61st aspect, there is provided a method as recited in the 60th aspect, further comprising the step of transmitting a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or Downlink Control Information (DCI), the RRC message or DCI indicating one of two or more configurations, wherein signals are received and / or transmitted during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the RRC message or DCI.

[0312] According to a 62nd aspect, there is provided a method according to the 60th aspect, further comprising transmitting Downlink Control Information (DCI), wherein a signal is received and / or transmitted according to the DCI, the DCI indicating (i) one of the configurations, according to which the signal is transmitted and / or received, (ii) at least two configurations, according to which the signal is transmitted and / or received within an ON period according to one of the at least two configurations, or (iii) at least two configurations, according to which the signal is transmitted and / or received within an overlapping period of the ON period according to the at least two configurations.

[0313] According to a 63rd aspect, there is provided a method according to a 56th aspect, wherein the two or more configurations indicated by the two or more configuration indicators are configurations designated for a subset of a plurality of UEs served by the cell, the subset including the UEs. Each of the two or more configurations is associated with a secondary cell (SCell) dormancy configuration, a search space set group (SSSG), or a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) skip configuration. The method further includes transmitting downlink control information (DCI) indicating one of the two or more configurations according to the SCell dormancy indicator, the SSSG switching indicator, or the PDCCH skip indicator. A signal is received and / or transmitted during the ON period according to the configuration indicated by the DCI.

[0314] According to a 64th aspect, there is provided a method according to a 63rd aspect, wherein the more non-dormant SCells indicated by the SCell dormancy indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON duration; the higher the time density of the PDCCHs monitored according to the SSSG switching indicator, the longer the period of the indicated configurations and / or the shorter the respective ON duration; or the longer the PDCCH skip duration indicated by the PDCCH skip indicator, the longer or shorter the period of the indicated configurations.

[0315] According to a 65th aspect, there is provided a method according to any one of aspects 60 to 64, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more target synchronization signal block (SSB) patterns to be used by the UE, the SSB patterns including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs.

[0316] According to a 66th aspect, there is provided a method according to any one of the 60th to 64th aspects, wherein each of the two or more settings is associated with a target synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern to be used by the UE, the target synchronization signal block (SSB) pattern including one or more SSBs from a set of candidate SSBs.

[0317] According to a 67th aspect, there is provided a method according to any one of the 60th to 66th aspects, wherein the two or more configuration indicators further indicate two or more transmission configuration indication (TCI) states.

[0318] According to a sixty-eighth aspect, there is provided a base station according to any one of the sixtieth to sixty-sixth aspects, wherein each of the two or more configurations is associated with a transmission configuration indication (TCI) state.

[0319] According to a 69th aspect, there is provided a method according to any one of the 56th to 68th aspects, wherein the two or more settings indicated by the two or more setting indicators are Discontinuous Reception (DRX) settings.

[0320] According to a seventieth aspect, there is provided a method for a base station, the method comprising: determining an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration; transmitting an I-DRX configuration indicator to a User Equipment (UE) indicating an I-DRX configuration; and receiving signals from and / or transmitting signals to the UE during ON periods in Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, RRC inactive mode, and RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

[0321] According to a 71st aspect, there is provided a method according to the 70th aspect, wherein the I-DRX setting indicator includes a timing indicator indicating an active time. The method further includes determining an ON period according to the I-DRX setting and the indicated active time, and skipping reception and / or transmission of signals during periods outside the ON period.

[0322] According to a 72nd aspect, there is provided a method according to the 70th or 71st aspect, further comprising a step of transmitting downlink control information (DCI) indicating whether the UE should receive a signal and / or continue transmission before each I-DRX cycle according to an I-DRX configuration when in an RRC connected mode.

[0323] In summary, some exemplary embodiments relate to a user equipment (UE), a base station, and respective methods for the UE and the base station. For example, the UE comprises, in operation, a transceiver unit that receives two or more configuration indicators, each indicating a configuration of a periodic timing pattern including an ON period. For example, the UE further comprises, in operation, circuitry that causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals based on the two or more configuration indicators. In another example, the UE comprises, in operation, a transceiver unit that receives an Idle Mode Discontinuous Reception (I-DRX) configuration indicator that indicates an I-DRX configuration. For example, the UE further comprises, in operation, circuitry that causes the transceiver unit to receive and / or transmit signals during the ON period in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode, an RRC inactive mode, and an RRC connected mode according to the I-DRX configuration.

Claims

1. A transceiver that receives a setting indicator indicating one of two or more settings for discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission including an active period, A circuit that causes the transmitting and receiving unit to receive and / or transmit a signal based on the setting indicator, A communication device equipped with the following features.

2. The setting indicated by the setting indicator is provided to a plurality of communication devices served by the cell. The communication device according to claim 1.

3. The setting indicator is indicated by Downlink Control Information (DCI) of the serving cell, The setting indicated by the setting indicator is provided for multiple serving cells. The communication device according to claim 1.

4. The two or more settings described above are determined via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, and the setting indicators are transmitted via Downlink Control Information (DCI). The communication device according to claim 1.

5. The setting indicated by the setting indicator includes at least one of a cell-specific discontinuous reception (DRX) setting or a cell-specific discontinuous transmission (DTX) setting. The communication device according to claim 1.

6. The first value of the setting indicator indicates that discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission is applied, The second value of the setting indicator indicates that the discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission are not applied. The communication device according to claim 1.

7. The setting indicator consists of two bits and indicates one of four patterns. The communication device according to claim 1.

8. The communication device monitors the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) in the Type3-PDCCH common search space set in order to receive DCI. The communication device according to claim 1.

9. The circuit causes the transmitting and receiving unit to receive and / or transmit the signal during the inactive period of the two or more settings, even if it is indicated as an active period by higher layer signaling. The communication device according to claim 1.

10. A circuit for determining two or more settings of discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission including an active period, A setting indicator indicating one of the two or more settings is transmitted to the communication device. Based on the aforementioned setting, receive a signal from the communication device and / or transmit a signal to the communication device. Transmitter / receiver unit, A base station equipped with the necessary components.

11. A method for communication devices, The steps include receiving a setting indicator that shows one of two or more settings for discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission, including an active period, The steps of receiving and / or transmitting a signal based on the setting indicator, Methods that include...

12. A method for base stations, A step of determining two or more settings for discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission, including an active period, The steps include: transmitting a setting indicator to a communication device that indicates one of the two or more settings; The steps of receiving a signal from and / or transmitting a signal to the communication device based on the aforementioned setting, Methods that include...

13. It is an integrated circuit, Control to receive a setting indicator that shows one of two or more settings for discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission, including an active period. Controls the system to receive and / or transmit signals based on the aforementioned setting indicator. An integrated circuit having a circuit configured in such a way.

14. It is an integrated circuit, Control to determine two or more settings for discontinuous reception and / or discontinuous transmission, including an active period. Control the communication device to transmit a setting indicator indicating one of the two or more settings mentioned above. Based on the aforementioned setting, control the system to receive signals from and / or transmit signals to the communication device. An integrated circuit having a circuit configured in such a way.

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