MÉTODOS E APARELHOS PARA CONFIGURAÇÃO DE SRS COM ÁREA DE VALIDADE

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and apparatuses for sounding reference signal (SRS) configuration with validity area. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) can include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a timing advance (TA) command.

Description

1 / 52 METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING SRS WITH A VALIDITY AREA TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] This disclosure relates to wireless communications and, more specifically, to methods and apparatus for setting up a sounding reference signal (SRS) with a valid area. BACKGROUND

[002] A wireless communications system may include one or more network communication devices, such as base stations (BSs), which may support wireless communications to one or more user communication devices, which may also be known as user equipment (UE) or other suitable terminology. The wireless communications system may support wireless communications with one or more user communication devices by utilizing wireless communications system features (e.g., timing features (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency features (e.g., subcarriers, carriers, or the like).In addition, the wireless communications system can support wireless communications in various radio access technologies, including third-generation (3G) radio access technology, fourth-generation (4G) radio access technology, fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology, and other suitable radio access technologies besides 5G (e.g., sixth generation (6G)). SUMMARY

[003] An article before an element is unrestricted and understood as referring to at least one of those elements or to one or more of those elements. The terms at least one, one or more, and at least one of one or more may be interchangeable. As used in this document, including in the claims, or as used in a list of items (for example, a list of items preceded by a phrase such as by). Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 10 / 74 2 / 52 less than one of or one or more of or one or both of) indicates an inclusive list, so that, for example, a list of at least one of A, B, or C means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C). Furthermore, as used in this document, the phrase "based on" should not be interpreted as referring to a closed set of conditions. For example, an example step described as "based on condition A" could be based on either condition A or condition B without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In other words, as used in this document, the expression "based on" should be interpreted in the same way as the expression "based at least in part on". Additionally, as used in this document, including in the claims, a set may include one or more elements.

[004] Some implementations of the methods and devices described in this document may include a UE for wireless communication. The UE may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to at least one memory and configured to make the UE: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a timing advance (TA) command.

[005] In some UE implementations described in this document, the indication is an SRS configuration request or SRS activation request, and at least one processor is further configured to have the UE receive, in response to the SRS configuration request or SRS activation request, the TA command for a random access procedure. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 11 / 74 3 / 52 which is completed successfully.

[006] In some UE implementations described in this document, the indication is a TA command request, and at least one processor is still configured to have the UE receive the TA command in response to the indication.

[007] In some UE implementations described in this document, the TA command request is transmitted periodically based on a periodicity, or transmitted based on an event, or transmitted based on the UE implementation; and the periodicity or event is configured or preconfigured for the UE, or is predefined.

[008] In some UE implementations described in this document, the event is that a difference of a reference signal receive power (RSRP) value relative to a reference value is greater than a first threshold within a first time period or a UE movement speed is greater than a second threshold within a second time period; and the first threshold, the first time period, the second threshold, or the second time period is configured or pre-configured for the UE, or is predefined.

[009] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to have the UE monitor the TA command of a service BS within a period of time after performing each SRS transmission.

[010] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to perform UE: in response to receiving the TA command, start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer.

[011] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to perform the UE: start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer in response to receiving a Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 12 / 74 4 / 52 indication to start the area-specific time alignment timer; or stop the area-specific time alignment timer in response to receiving an indication to stop the area-specific time alignment timer.

[012] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: transmit the indication in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer and an unreleased SRS setting, where the indication is a disable request to disable the unreleased SRS setting; receive, in response to the disable request, a disable response to disable the unreleased SRS setting; and disable the unreleased SRS setting.

[013] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: release the unreleased SRS configuration when there is no SRS transmission during a period of time after the area-specific time alignment timer expires.

[014] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: transmit the indication in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, wherein the indication is an activation request to activate the unreleased SRS configuration, and wherein the activation request indicates: the unreleased SRS configuration and a cause value; or a service type or a quality of service (QoS) requirement.

[015] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is also configured to perform the UE: transmit the indication in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, where the indication is a Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 13 / 74 5 / 52 request to acquire the time alignment configuration which indicates another area-specific time alignment timer, and the request indicates the SRS configuration is not released and a cause value.

[016] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: receive a paging message in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires; and transmit the indication after receiving the paging message, where the indication is a request to acquire the time alignment configuration that indicates another area-specific time alignment timer.

[017] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: interrupt an SRS transmission and release an SRS configuration in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer; and transmit the indication in the case of a pending location service, where the indication is a request to acquire a new SRS configuration, and the request indicates a cause value.

[018] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: maintain one of the area-specific time alignment timer and one cell-specific time alignment timer at the same time based on a received SRS setting; or invalidate a cell-specific time alignment setting in response to receiving the first setting; or not receive a cell-specific SRS setting and an area-specific SRS setting at the same time; or not activate a cell-specific SRS setting and an area-specific SRS setting at the same time.

[019] In some UE implementations described in this Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 14 / 74 6 / 52 document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: receive a third configuration indicating a cell-specific time alignment timer; and start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer and the cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously in response to receiving a TA command or an indication to start the area-specific time alignment timer or the cell-specific time alignment timer.

[020] In some UE implementations described in this document, if the cell-specific time alignment timer expires but the area-specific time alignment timer is running, at least one processor is still configured to make the UE: continue an SRS transmission; determine an uplink desynchronization (UL) for cell-specific UL transmissions; stop all cell-specific UL transmissions; or initiate a TA command update or request a cell-specific time alignment setting when a cell-specific UL transmission occurs.

[021] In some UE implementations described in this document, if the UE reselects to a new cell within the SRS validity area and different from a cell associated with the cell-specific time alignment timer, at least one processor is still configured to make the UE: stop or restart the cell-specific time alignment timer; and keep the area-specific time alignment timer running.

[022] In some UE implementations described in this document, in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires, at least one processor is still configured to make the UE: stop an SRS transmission; and stop the cell-specific time alignment timer. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 15 / 74 7 / 52

[023] In some UE implementations described in this document, the first configuration also indicates multiple SRS configurations for multiple SRS validity areas and is received via a Radio Resource Control Release (RRC) message or a Positioning System Information Block (posSIB) message.

[024] In some UE implementations described in this document, the first configuration still indicates an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations used by the UE; or at least one processor is still configured to have the UE determine an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations used by the UE based on a cell identity (ID) and validity area information indicating the multiple SRS validity areas.

[025] In some UE implementations described in this document, the indication is an activation request to activate an SRS configuration from multiple SRS configurations.

[026] In some UE implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the UE receive an activation response in response to the activation request, wherein the activation response indicates an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations and a TA command used by the UE.

[027] In some UE implementations described in this document, the activation request indicates the SRS configuration, and at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: receive an acknowledgment (ACK) in response to the activation request if the indicated SRS configuration is available; or receive an activation response in response to the activation request, where the activation response indicates a different SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations if the indicated SRS configuration is not available. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 16 / 74 8 / 52

[028] In some UE implementations described in this document, the activation request indicates a cause value.

[029] Some implementations of the methods and devices described in this document may include a processor for wireless communication. The processor may include: at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to make the processor: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when a UE including the processor is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command.

[030] Some implementations of the methods and devices described in this document may include a BS for wireless communication. The BS may include: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled to at least one memory and configured to make the BS: transmit, to an UE, a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and receive an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command.

[031] In some BS implementations described in this document, the indication is an SRS configuration request or SRS activation request, and at least one processor is still configured to have the BS transmit, in response to the SRS configuration request or SRS activation request, the TA command for a random access procedure that is completed successfully. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 17 / 74 9 / 52

[032] In some BS implementations described in this document, the indication is a TA command request, and at least one processor is still configured to have the BS transmit the TA command in response to the indication.

[033] In some BS implementations described in this document, the TA command request is received periodically based on a periodicity or received based on an event; and the periodicity or event is configured or preconfigured for the UE, or is predefined.

[034] In some BS implementations described in this document, the event is that a difference of an RSRP value relative to a reference value is greater than a first threshold within a first time period or a UE movement speed is greater than a second threshold within a second time period; and the first threshold, the first time period, the second threshold or the second time period is configured or pre-configured for the UE, or is predefined.

[035] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is also configured to perform the BS: transmit, to the UE, an indication to start the area-specific time alignment timer or an indication to stop the area-specific time alignment timer.

[036] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to perform the BS: receive the indication in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer and an unreleased SRS setting, where the indication is a disable request to disable the unreleased SRS setting; transmit, in response to the disable request, a disable response to disable the unreleased SRS setting; and disable the unreleased SRS setting. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 18 / 74 10 / 52

[037] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to perform the BS: release the unreleased SRS configuration when there is no SRS transmission during a period of time after the area-specific time alignment timer expires.

[038] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the BS: receive the indication in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, where the indication is an activation request to activate the unreleased SRS configuration, and where the activation request indicates: the unreleased SRS configuration and a cause value; or a service type or a QoS requirement.

[039] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to perform the BS: receive the indication in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, where the indication is a request to acquire the time alignment configuration that indicates another area-specific time alignment timer, and the request indicates the unreleased SRS configuration and a cause value.

[040] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the BS: transmit a paging message in case the area-specific time alignment timer expires; and receive the indication after transmitting the paging message, where the indication is a request to acquire the time alignment configuration that indicates another area-specific time alignment timer.

[041] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is still configured to Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 19 / 74 11 / 52 perform the BS: release an SRS configuration in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer; and receive the indication in case there is a pending location service, where the indication is a request to acquire a new SRS configuration, and the request indicates a cause value.

[042] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to make the BS: maintain one of the area-specific time alignment timer and one cell-specific time alignment timer at the same time based on a transmitted SRS configuration; or invalidate a cell-specific time alignment configuration in response to the transmission of the first configuration; or not transmit a cell-specific SRS configuration and an area-specific SRS configuration at the same time; or not activate a cell-specific SRS configuration and an area-specific SRS configuration at the same time.

[043] In some BS implementations described in this document, the first configuration also indicates multiple SRS configurations for multiple SRS validity areas and is transmitted via an RRC release message or a posSIB message.

[044] In some BS implementations described in this document, the first configuration still indicates an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations used by the UE; or at least one processor is still configured to have the BS determine an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations used by the UE based on a cell ID and validity area information indicating the multiple SRS validity areas.

[045] In some BS implementations described in this document, the indication is an activation request to activate Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 20 / 74 12 / 52 an SRS configuration of multiple SRS configurations.

[046] In some BS implementations described in this document, at least one processor is further configured to have the BS transmit an activation response in response to the activation request, wherein the activation response indicates an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations and a TA command used by the UE.

[047] In some BS implementations described in this document, the activation request indicates the SRS configuration, and at least one processor is further configured to make the BS: transmit an ACK in response to the activation request if the indicated SRS configuration is available; or transmit an activation response in response to the activation request, where the activation response indicates a different SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations if the indicated SRS configuration is not available.

[048] In some BS implementations described in this document, the activation request indicates a cause value.

[049] Some implementations of the methods and devices described in this document may include a method performed by an UE. The method may include: receiving a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and transmitting an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, where the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command.

[050] Some implementations of the methods and devices described in this document may include a method performed by a BS. The method may include: transmitting to an UE an initial configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with a validity area of Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 21 / 74 13 / 52 SRS; and receive an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, where the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[051] To describe how the advantages and features of the application can be obtained, we present a description of the application by means of references to its specific embodiments, illustrated in the attached drawings. These drawings represent only examples of embodiments of the application and, therefore, should not be considered limiting of its scope.

[052] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a wireless communications system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[053] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary area-specific time alignment timer in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[054] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method carried out by a UE and a BS in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

[055] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a UE in accordance with aspects of this disclosure.

[056] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a processor in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[057] Figure 6 illustrates an example of BS in accordance with aspects of this disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[058] The detailed description in the attached drawings is intended to be a description of the preferred embodiments of the present application and is not intended to represent the only way in which the present application may be carried out. It should be understood that equal or equivalent functions may be performed by different embodiments. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 22 / 74 14 / 52 which is intended to encompass the spirit and scope of the present request.

[059] Although the operations are represented in the drawings in a specific order, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that such operations need not be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or that all the operations illustrated need to be performed to achieve the desired results; sometimes one or more operations may be omitted. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically represent one or more exemplary processes in the form of a flowchart. However, other operations not represented may be incorporated into the exemplary processes illustrated schematically. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the operations illustrated. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.

[060] Detailed references will be made to some embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, embodiments are provided for specific network architectures and new service scenarios, such as Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Advanced LTE, 3GPP, 5G New Radio (NR), Advanced 5G, 6G, and so on. It is considered that, along with the development of network architectures and new service scenarios, all embodiments of the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems; furthermore, the terminology presented in the present application may be altered, which should not affect the principle of the present application.

[061] Aspects of the present disclosure are described in the context of a wireless communications system.

[062] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a 100 wireless communications system, in accordance with aspects of the present Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 23 / 74 15 / 52 disclosure. The wireless communications system 100 may include one or more network equipment (NEs) (e.g., BSs) 102, one or more UEs 104, and a core network (CN) 106. The wireless communications system 100 may support various radio access technologies. In some implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be a 4G network, such as an LTE network or an LTE Advanced (LTE-A) network. In some other implementations, the wireless communications system 100 may be an NR network, such as a 5G network, a 5G Advanced (5G-A) network, or a 5G ultra-wideband (5G-UWB) network. In other implementations, the 100 wireless communications system may be a combination of a 4G network and a 5G network, or other suitable radio access technology, including the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), and IEEE 802.20 standards.The 100 wireless communications system can support radio access technologies beyond 5G, for example, 6G. Furthermore, the 100 wireless communications system can support technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), etc.

[063] One or more NEs 102 may be dispersed over a geographical region to form the wireless communications system 100. One or more of the NEs 102 described in this document may be, include, or be referred to as a network node, a base station, a network element, a network function, a network entity, a radio access network (RAN), a NodeB, an eNodeB (eNB), a next-generation NodeB (gNB), or other suitable terminology. An NE 102 and a UE 104 may communicate via a communication link, which may be a wireless or wired connection. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 may perform wireless communication (e.g., receive signaling, transmit signaling) via a Uu interface.

[064] An NE 102 can provide a geographic coverage area Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 24 / 74 16 / 52 for which NE 102 can support services for one or more UEs 104 within the geographic coverage area. For example, an NE 102 and a UE 104 can support wireless communication of service-related signals (e.g., voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcast, etc.) according to one or multiple radio access technologies. In some implementations, an NE 102 can be mobile, for example, a satellite associated with a non-terrestrial network (NTN). In some implementations, different geographic coverage areas associated with the same or different radio access technologies may overlap, but the different geographic coverage areas may be associated with different NE 102s.

[065] One or more UEs 104 may be dispersed across a geographic region of the wireless communications system 100. A UE 104 may include or be referred to as a remote unit, a mobile device, a wireless device, a remote device, a subscriber device, a transmitter device, a receiver device, or some other suitable terminology. In some implementations, the UE 104 may be referred to as a unit, a station, a terminal, or a client, among other examples. Additionally, or alternatively, the UE 104 may be referred to as an Internet of Things (IoT) device, an Internet of Everything (IoE) device, or a machine-like communication (MTC) device, among other examples.

[066] A UE 104 can support wireless communication directly with other UE 104s via a communication link. For example, a UE 104 can support wireless communication directly with another UE 104 via a device-to-device (D2D) communication link. In some implementations, such as vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), or cellular V2X deployments, the communication link may be termed a side link. For example, a UE 104 can support communication Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 25 / 74 17 / 52 wirelessly directly with another UE 104 via a PC5 interface.

[067] A 102 NE can support communications with a 106 CN, or with another 102 NE, or both. For example, a 102 NE can interact with another 102 NE or with the 106 CN through one or more backhaul links (e.g., S1, N2, N2, or network interface). In some deployments, the 102 NEs can communicate directly. In other implementations, the 102 NEs can communicate with each other or indirectly (e.g., through the 106 CN). In some implementations, one or more 102 NEs can include subcomponents, such as an access network entity, which can be an example of an access node controller (ANC). An ANC can communicate with one or more UEs 104 through one or more other access network transmission entities, which may be called radio heads, smart radio heads, or transmit-receive points (TRPs).

[068] The CN 106 can support user authentication, access authorization, tracking, connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. The CN 106 can be an evolved packet core (EPC) or a 5G core (5GC), which may include a control plane entity that manages access and mobility (e.g., a mobility management entity (MME), an access and mobility management function (AME)) and a user plane entity that routes packets or interconnects with external networks (e.g., a service gateway (S-GW), a packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW), or a user plane function (UPF)). In some implementations, the control plane entity may manage non-access stratum (NAS) functions such as mobility, authentication, and carrier management (e.g., data carriers, signal carriers, etc.) for one or more UEs 104 served by one or more NEs 102 associated with CN 106.

[069] CN 106 can communicate with a data network by Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 26 / 74 18 / 52 packets are sent via one or more backhaul links (e.g., via an S1, N2, N2, or other network interface). The packet data network may include an application server. In some implementations, one or more UEs 104 may communicate with the application server. A UE 104 may establish a session (e.g., a Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session or similar) with CN 106 via a NE 102. CN 106 may route traffic (e.g., control information, data, and similar) between UE 104 and the application server using the established session (e.g., the established PDU session). The PDU session may be an example of a logical connection between UE 104 and CN 106 (e.g., one or more network functions of CN 106).

[070] In the wireless communications system 100, NEs 102 and UEs 104 can utilize resources of the wireless communications system 100 (e.g., timing resources (e.g., symbols, slots, subframes, frames, or the like) or frequency resources (e.g., subcarriers, carriers)) to perform various operations (e.g., wireless communications). In some implementations, NEs 102 and UEs 104 can support different resource structures. For example, NEs 102 and UEs 104 can support different frame structures. In some implementations, such as in 4G, NEs 102 and UEs 104 can support a single frame structure. In some other implementations, such as in 5G and among other suitable radio access technologies, NEs 102 and UEs 104 can support multiple frame structures (i.e., multiple frame structures). The NE 102 and UE 104 can support various frame structures based on one or more numerologies.

[071] One or more numerologies may be supported in the 100 wireless communications system, and a numerology may include a subcarrier spacing and a cyclic prefix. A first numerology (e.g., μ = 0) may be associated with a first Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, p. 27 / 74 19 / 52 subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. In some implementations, the first numerology (e.g., μ = 0) associated with the first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) may utilize one slot per subframe. A second numerology (e.g., μ = 1) may be associated with a second subcarrier spacing (e.g., 30 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A third numerology (e.g., μ = 2) may be associated with a third subcarrier spacing (e.g., 60 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix or an extended cyclic prefix. A fourth numerology (e.g., μ = 3) may be associated with a fourth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 120 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix. A fifth numerology (e.g., μ=4) may be associated with a fifth subcarrier spacing (e.g., 240 kHz) and a normal cyclic prefix.

[072] A time interval of a resource (for example, a communication resource) can be organized according to frames (also called radio frames). Each frame can have a duration, for example, of 10 milliseconds (ms). In some implementations, each frame can include multiple subframes. For example, each frame can include 10 subframes, and each subframe can have a duration, for example, of 1 ms. In some implementations, each frame can have the same duration. In some implementations, each subframe of a frame can have the same duration.

[073] Additionally or alternatively, a time interval of a resource (e.g., a communication resource) can be organized according to slots. For example, a subframe can include a number (e.g., quantity) of slots. The number of slots in each subframe can also depend on one or more numerologies supported in the 100 wireless communication system. For example, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth numerologies (i.e., μ = 0, μ = 1, μ = 2, μ = 3, μ = Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 28 / 74 20 / 52 4) Associated with the respective subcarrier spacings of 15 kHz, 30 kHz, 60 kHz, 120 kHz, and 240 kHz, they may utilize a single slot per subframe, two slots per subframe, four slots per subframe, eight slots per subframe, and 16 slots per subframe, respectively. Each slot may include a number (e.g., quantity) of symbols (e.g., orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols). In some implementations, the number (e.g., quantity) of slots for a subframe may depend on a numerology. For a normal cyclic prefix, a slot may include 14 symbols. For an extended cyclic prefix (e.g., applicable for 60 kHz subcarrier spacing), a slot may include 12 symbols. The relationship between the number of symbols per slot, the number of slots per subframe, and the number of slots per frame for a normal cyclic prefix and an extended cyclic prefix may depend on numerology.It should be understood that the reference to a first numerology (e.g., μ = 0) associated with a first subcarrier spacing (e.g., 15 kHz) can be used interchangeably between subframes and slots.

[074] In the 100 wireless communications system, an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum can be divided, based on frequency or wavelength, into various classes, frequency bands, frequency channels, etc. By way of example, the 100 wireless communications system can support one or multiple operating frequency bands, such as the frequency band designations FR1 (410 MHz - 7.125 GHz), FR2 (24.25 GHz - 52.6 GHz), FR3 (7.125 GHz - 24.25 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz - 114.25 GHz), FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz - 71 GHz) and FR5 (114.25 GHz - 300 GHz). In some implementations, NEs 102 and UEs 104 can perform wireless communications in one or more of the operating frequency bands. In some implementations, FR1 can be used by NEs 102 and UEs 104, among other equipment or devices, for cellular communications traffic (e.g., Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 29 / 74 21 / 52 control information, data). In some implementations, FR2 can be used by NEs 102 and UEs 104, among other equipment or devices for short-range, high-data-rate capabilities.

[075] FR1 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least three numerologies). For example, FR1 may be associated with a first numerology (e.g., μ=0), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz; a second numerology (e.g., μ=1), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 30 kHz; and a third numerology (e.g., μ=2), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz. FR2 may be associated with one or multiple numerologies (e.g., at least two numerologies). For example, FR2 may be associated with a third numerology (e.g., μ=2), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 60 kHz; and a fourth numerology (e.g., μ=3), which includes a subcarrier spacing of 120 kHz.

[076] SRS, which is an uplink reference signal transmitted from a UE to a BS, can be used for UL positioning. The SRS positioning validity area (also called the SRS validity area or validity area) for UL positioning in an unconnected state (e.g., RRC INACTIVE state or RRC IDLE state) can prevent SRS configuration upon cell re-selection and is therefore recommended for use in high-precision low-power positioning (LPHAP). For example, a UE can be configured with an SRS configuration along with an SRS validity area, where the SRS validity area includes one or more cells (e.g., a list of cells) in which the SRS configuration is valid, and the one or more cells include a cell in which the UE receives the SRS configuration. If the UE re-selects to another cell within the SRS validity area during an SRS transmission (e.g., transmission of Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 30 / 74 22 / 52 (SRS positioning) when the UE is in the unconnected state, the UE can continue transmitting SRS without SRS reconfiguration. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the SRS configuration with the SRS validity area can be configured for the UE via an RRC release message (e.g., RRCRelease, as specified in TS 38.331) or a posSIB message. In some embodiments of this disclosure, multiple SRS configurations for multiple SRS validity areas can be configured for the UE via an RRC release message or a posSIB message.

[077] In legacy, a UE can be configured with a time alignment timer (e.g., denoted as: inactivePosSRS-TimeAlignmentTimer) that can control how long a medium access control (MAC) entity of the UE considers an SRS transmission within a cell as aligned to uplink time when the UE is in the unconnected state. This time alignment timer can be called a cell-specific time alignment timer.The UE can start or restart the cell-specific time alignment timer upon receiving a TA command and can stop the cell-specific time alignment timer upon receiving an indication from the BS (e.g., the BS transmits the indication to the UE via upper-layer signaling and the UE's MAC entity receives the indication from an upper layer of the UE) or upon reselecting to a new cell different from the one in which the UE receives the cell-specific time alignment timer. When the cell-specific time alignment timer expires, the UE can notify the RRC layer to release the SRS placement configuration(s) to the unconnected state. According to the implementations of this disclosure, to maintain a valid TA for SRS transmission in the unconnected state and... Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 31 / 74 23 / 52 corresponding to the area-specific SRS configuration, i.e., the area-specific SRS configuration for positioning SRS transmission in the unconnected state, an area-specific time alignment timer (also known as an SRS area-specific time alignment timer) for a UE can be set to control area-specific SRS transmission within the SRS validity area in the unconnected state. For example, the area-specific time alignment timer could control how long a UE MAC entity considers the SRS transmission within the SRS validity area to be aligned with uplink time.

[078] In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer upon receiving a TA command. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may interrupt the area-specific time alignment timer upon re-selecting a cell outside the SRS validity area. In some embodiments of this disclosure, the UE may interrupt SRS transmission when the area-specific time alignment timer expires.

[079] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary area-specific time alignment timer in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[080] Referring to Figure 2, an UE can receive an SRS configuration with an SRS validity area via an RRC release message. The SRS configuration can also include an area-specific time alignment timer. The UE can enter a disconnected state after receiving the RRC release message. In the disconnected state, in response to receiving a TA command, the UE can start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 32 / 74 24 / 52 area and perform an SRS transmission based on the SRS configuration. When the area-specific time alignment timer expires, the UE may stop the SRS transmission, even if it is still within the SRS validity area.

[081] There are some problems that need to be solved when designing an SRS configuration with an SRS validity area and an area-specific time alignment timer.

[082] Question #1 is how to acquire a TA command. As mentioned above, an UE can start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer upon receiving a TA command. In a legacy system, a TA command is received in a random access reply message to a service cell. However, the UE may not perform SRS transmission all the time, and the network may not know which cell the UE is currently camped in if the UE does not initiate an uplink transmission when within the SRS validity area. Therefore, the UE may not receive the TA command from the network for a long period if no uplink request is initiated as a legacy. Given this, how to acquire a TA command needs to be resolved.

[083] Question #2 is how to handle an SRS configuration associated with an SRS validity area (i.e., validity area-specific SRS configuration) when the area-specific time alignment timer expires. In legacy systems, when a cell-specific time alignment timer expires, the UE MAC entity can notify the RRC layer to release a placement SRS configuration. However, when the area-specific time alignment timer expires, the release of the validity area-specific SRS configuration needs to be considered in more detail.

[084] Question #3 is how to deal with the relationship between the Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 33 / 74 25 / 52 Area-Specific Time Alignment Timer and Cell-Specific Time Alignment Timer, and how to determine the maintenance of the Area-Specific Time Alignment Timer and the Cell-Specific Time Alignment Timer. For example, in a wireless communication system, the Area-Specific Time Alignment Timer and the Cell-Specific Time Alignment Timer may be supported, but the relationship between the two timers for SRS positioning transmission is unclear. Therefore, the interaction / maintenance of the two timers must be considered.

[085] Question #4 is how to determine an SRS configuration to be used by the UE when multiple SRS configurations for multiple SRS validity areas are configured for the UE. For example, the network may provide multiple SRS configurations for multiple SRS validity areas simultaneously, and the principles for the UE to determine which SRS configuration will be used and to switch between different SRS configurations need to be defined.

[086] The embodiments of this disclosure provide solutions for configuring SRS with a validity area, which can solve at least one of the problems above. More details will be described in the following text, in combination with the attached drawings.

[087] Figure 3 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method implemented by a UE and a BS, according to aspects of this disclosure. Although the method is illustrated at the system level by a UE and a BS (e.g., UE 104 and NE 102, as illustrated in Figure 1), those skilled in the art may understand that the method implemented in the UE and the method implemented in the BS can be implemented separately and incorporated by other devices with similar functions. In some implementations, the UE may perform a set of instructions to control functional elements of the UE to perform the operations or functions. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 34 / 74 26 / 52 described. In some implementations, the BS may perform a set of instructions to control functional elements of the BS to perform the operations or functions described.

[088] As shown in Figure 3, in step 302, the BS can transmit an initial configuration to a UE. The initial configuration can include (or indicate) an area-specific time alignment timer (e.g., denoted as inactivePosSRSArea-TimeAlignmentTimer) associated with an SRS validity area. Consequently, in step 304, the UE can receive the initial configuration from the BS.

[089] In step 306, the UE can transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a disconnected state. The disconnected state can be an RRC INACTIVE state or an RRC IDLE state. The second configuration includes an SRS configuration, a time alignment configuration, or a TA command. Consequently, in step 308, the BS can receive the indication from the UE when it is in the disconnected state.

[090] Implementations of the illustrated method may include, but are not limited to, the following embodiments which illustrate the details of steps 302-308 in different cases.

[091] Modality 1

[092] The solutions in Mode 1 can solve, for example, Problem #1 mentioned earlier.

[093] In Mode 1, the first configuration transmitted by the BS in step 302 and received by the UE in step 304 may include (or indicate) an SRS configuration with an SRS validity area, for example, the SRS configuration may include information about the SRS validity area, indicating the SRS validity area. The first configuration may also include (or indicate) an area-specific time alignment timer associated with the SRS configuration (therefore, also associated with Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 35 / 74 27 / 52 SRS validity area). For example, the first setting may include an area-specific time alignment setting, indicating the area-specific time alignment timer. In some examples, the SRS setting may indicate or include the area-specific time alignment timer. In some other examples, the SRS setting may not indicate or include the area-specific time alignment timer.

[094] The SRS validity area may include one or more cells (e.g., a list of cells) in which the SRS configuration is valid. The area-specific time alignment timer may control area-specific validity SRS transmission (e.g., SRS transmission within the SRS validity area). For example, the area-specific time alignment timer could control how long a UE MAC entity considers SRS transmission within the SRS validity area to be aligned to uplink time.

[095] In some embodiments, the first configuration may be transmitted by the BS and received by the UE via an RRC release message (e.g., RRCRelease, as specified in TS 38.331). In some embodiments, the first configuration may be transmitted by the BS and received by the UE via a posSIB message.

[096] In Mode 1, the indication transmitted by the UE in step 306 and received by the BS in step 308 may be an indication to acquire a TA command. That is, the second configuration may include the TA command.

[097] In some modes, the indication to acquire the TA command may be an uplink request, for example, an SRS activation request, an SRS configuration request, an SRS configuration update request, etc. In some modes, the request Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 36 / 74 28 / 52 uplink data can be transmitted via: MSG1 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSG3 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSGA in a 2-step random access procedure, or an accompanying control element (CE) MAC for MSG1, MSG3, or MSGA.

[098] In response to receiving the uplink request, the BS may transmit to the UE the TA command for a successfully completed random access procedure. In some embodiments, the TA command may be transmitted within a downlink (DL) message, for example, via MSG2 in a 4-step random access procedure, when the uplink request is transmitted via MSG1 of the 4-step random access procedure or a corresponding CE MAC; via MSG4 in a 4-step random access procedure, when the uplink request is transmitted via MSG3 of the 4-step random access procedure or a corresponding CE MAC; or via MSGB of a 2-step random access procedure, when the uplink request is transmitted via MSGA of the 2-step random access procedure or a corresponding CE MAC.

[099] In some modes, for example, when no SRS activation request or SRS configuration request (updated) is initiated, the indication to acquire the TA command may be a TA command request.

[100] As a modality, the TA command request can be transmitted periodically by the UE based on a periodicity. The periodicity can be configured or preconfigured for the UE by the BS, or be predefined.

[101] As another method, the TA command request can be transmitted by the UE based on an event. For example, when the event occurs or is detected by the UE, the UE can transmit the TA command request. The event can be Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 37 / 74 29 / 52 configured or pre-configured for the EU by BS, or to be predefined.

[102] For example, the event may be that a difference of an RSRP value relative to a reference value is greater than a first threshold within a first time period. The first threshold and / or the first time period may be configured or pre-configured for the UE by the BS, or may be predefined. The UE may store an RSRP value as a reference value when receiving a time alignment configuration (e.g., area-specific time alignment configuration).

[103] As another example, the event may be that a UE movement speed is greater than a second threshold within a second time period. The second threshold and / or the second time period may be configured or pre-configured for the UE by the BS, or may be predefined.

[104] As another method, the TA command request can be transmitted based on the UE implementation.

[105] In response to receiving the TA command request, the BS can transmit the TA command to the UE.

[106] In some modes, the UE can monitor the TA command from the BS (which is the UE's service BS) within a period of time after performing each SRS transmission.

[107] In some Mode 1 cases, in response to receiving the TA command from the BS, the UE (e.g., the UE MAC entity) may start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer. For example, the UE may start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer if there is a positioning SRS transmission in progress in the unconnected state. The BS may perform similar operations. For example, in response to the TA command transmission, the BS (e.g., the BS MAC entity) may start or restart the alignment timer. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 38 / 74 30 / 52 of specific area time.

[108] In some Mode 1 cases, the BS may transmit an indication to initiate the area-specific time alignment timer. For example, the indication may be transmitted via an RRC signal. In response to receiving the indication, the UE (e.g., the UE MAC entity) may initiate or restart the area-specific time alignment timer. For example, after an upper layer (e.g., the RRC layer) of the UE receives the indication from the BS, the upper layer of the UE may transmit an indication to the UE MAC entity to initiate the area-specific time alignment timer, and the MAC entity may initiate or restart the area-specific time alignment timer in response to receiving the indication from the upper layer of the UE.

[109] In some Mode 1 cases, the BS may transmit an indication to interrupt the area-specific time alignment timer. For example, the indication may be transmitted via an RRC signal (e.g., an RRCResume message or an RRCSetup message, as specified in TS 38.331). In response to receiving the indication, the UE (e.g., the UE MAC entity) may interrupt the area-specific time alignment timer. For example, after an upper layer (e.g., the RRC layer) of the UE receives the indication from the BS, the upper layer of the UE may transmit, to the UE MAC entity, an indication to interrupt the area-specific time alignment timer, and the MAC entity may interrupt the area-specific time alignment timer in response to receiving the indication from the upper layer of the UE.

[110] Modality 2 [lll]The solutions in Mode 2 can solve, for example, Problem #2 mentioned earlier.

[112] All definitions relating to the first configuration Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 39 / 74 31 / 52 transmitted by BS in step 302 and received by the EU in step 304, as provided in Mode 1, may also be applied in Mode 2, which are omitted from this document for simplicity.

[113] In some Mode 2 cases, when the area-specific time alignment timer expires, the UE may stop SRS transmission, but the SRS configuration is not released.

[114] In some examples, in step 306, the UE may transmit the indication in response to the area-specific time alignment timer expiring and the SRS configuration not being released. In these examples, the indication may be a disable request to disable the unreleased SRS configuration. That is, the second configuration may include the unreleased SRS configuration.

[115] For example, the deactivation request can be transmitted via: MSG1 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSG3 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSGA in a 2-step random access procedure, an accompanying CE MAC for MSG1, MSG3 or MSGA, or a small data transmission (SDT) procedure.

[116] In response to receiving the UE's deactivation request, the BS may transmit a deactivation response to the UE to disable the unreleased SRS configuration. The deactivation response may be transmitted via MSG2 in a 4-step random access procedure when the deactivation request is transmitted via MSG1 in a 4-step random access procedure, via MSG4 in a 4-step random access procedure when the deactivation request is transmitted via MSG3 in a 4-step random access procedure, via MSGB in a 2-step random access procedure when the deactivation request is transmitted via MSGA in a 2-step random access procedure, or via a CE MAC. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 40 / 74 32 / 52 accompanying signal for MSG2, MSG4, or MSGB when the deactivation request is transmitted via an accompanying MAC CE for MSG1, MSG3, or MSGA. In response to receiving the deactivation response, the UE may deactivate the unreleased SRS configuration. The BS may also deactivate the unreleased SRS configuration.

[117] In some instances, the UE and BS may release the unreleased SRS configuration when there is no SRS transmission during a period after the area-specific time alignment timer expires. The period may be configured for the UE by the BS (e.g., indicated by the first configuration or by the SRS configuration in the first configuration), or it may be pre-configured for the UE by the BS, or it may be predefined.

[118] In some examples, in step 306, the UE may transmit the indication if the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, where the indication is an activation request to activate an unreleased SRS configuration. That is, the second configuration may include an unreleased SRS configuration.

[119] For example, the activation request can be transmitted via: MSG1 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSG3 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSGA in a 2-step random access procedure, an accompanying CE MAC for MSG1, MSG3 or MSGA, or an SDT procedure.

[120] In response to receiving the UE activation request, the BS may transmit an activation response to the UE to activate an unreleased SRS configuration. The activation response to the activation request may be transmitted via MSG2 in a 4-step random access procedure when the activation request is transmitted via MSG1 of the 4-step random access procedure, via MSG4 in a Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 41 / 74 33 / 52 four-step random access procedure when the activation request is transmitted via MSG3 of the four-step random access procedure, via MSGB of the two-step random access procedure when the activation request is transmitted via MSGA of the two-step random access procedure, or via an accompanying CE MAC for MSG2, MSG4 or MSGB when the activation request is transmitted via an accompanying CE MAC for MSG1, MSG3 or MSGA. In response to receiving the activation response, the UE may activate the unreleased SRS configuration. The BS may also activate the unreleased SRS configuration.

[121] For example, the activation request may indicate the unreleased SRS configuration (for example, include an index, an identity, or a detailed list of parameters of the unreleased SRS configuration) and a cause value (for example, the area-specific time alignment time expires). In this example, the activation response may be an ACK indicating the activation of the unreleased SRS configuration indicated by the activation request.

[122] As another example, the activation request may be initiated in response to a service. In this example, since the BS may need to know which SRS configuration is appropriate for the service, the activation request may indicate a service type or a QoS requirement to assist the BS in determining an unreleased SRS configuration to be activated. In this example, the activation response may indicate an unreleased SRS configuration (e.g., include an index of the unreleased SRS configuration) to be activated, and then the UE and the BS may activate the unreleased SRS configuration indicated by the activation response.

[123] In some examples, in step 306, the UE may transmit the indication if the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, where the indication is a request to acquire a Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 42 / 74 34 / 52 time alignment setting indicates another area-specific time alignment timer. That is, the second setting may include a time alignment setting.

[124] In response to receiving the UE request, the BS may transmit the time alignment configuration to the UE, indicating another area-specific time alignment timer. The time alignment configuration in response to the request may be transmitted via an RRC signal, for example, RRCRelease message.

[125] As an example, another area-specific time alignment timer can be used for an unreleased SRS configuration. In this example, the request can indicate the unreleased SRS configuration and a cause value (e.g., area-specific time alignment timer expires).

[126] For example, in response to receiving the UE request, the BS may transmit to the UE a time alignment configuration that indicates another area-specific time alignment timer. In addition, a new TA command is also transmitted along with the time alignment configuration. In response to receiving the new TA command, the UE may start another area-specific time alignment timer.

[127] In some examples, if the area-specific time alignment timer expires, the BS may transmit a paging message to the UE to notify it. The paging message may include a paging cause value (e.g., area-specific time alignment timer expires). After receiving the paging message, in step 306, the UE may transmit the indication to the BS, where the indication is a request (e.g., via an RRCResumerequest message, as specified in TS 38.331) to acquire a time alignment configuration that indicates another Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 43 / 74 35 / 52 area-specific time alignment timer. That is, the second setting may include a time alignment setting.

[128] In response to receiving the request from the UE, BS may transmit to the UE the time alignment configuration indicating another area-specific time alignment timer.

[129] In some other Mode 2 cases, in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer, the UE may interrupt SRS transmission and release the SRS configuration.

[130] In some examples, in the case of a pending location service (e.g., after the area-specific time alignment timer expires or when the UE is outside the SRS validity area), in step 306, the UE may transmit the indication to the BS, where the indication is a request (e.g., via an RRCResumerequest message, as specified in TS 38.331) to acquire a new SRS configuration (i.e., update the SRS configuration). The request to acquire a new SRS configuration may indicate a cause value. The cause value may be: the area-specific time alignment timer expiring, leaving the SRS validity area, etc. In response to receiving the request, the BS may provide a new SRS configuration to the UE. A new time alignment configuration may also be provided to the UE with the new SRS configuration.

[131] Modality 3

[132] In some cases, an area-specific time alignment timer and a cell-specific time alignment timer can both be supported in one system. Mode 3 provides solutions for these cases. That is, Mode 3 solutions can solve, for example, the Problem Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 44 / 74 36 / 52 #3 mentioned previously.

[133] In some Mode 3 cases, the UE can maintain only one of an area-specific time alignment timer and a cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously, based on a received SRS configuration. For example, if an SRS configuration (e.g., an area-specific validity SRS configuration) associated with an SRS validity area is received, the UE only starts or restarts the area-specific time alignment timer when it receives a TA command or an indication to start a time alignment timer from the BS. As another example, if a cell-specific SRS configuration is received, the UE only starts or restarts the cell-specific time alignment timer when it receives a TA command or an indication to start a time alignment timer from the BS. The BS can perform similar operations.In other words, the BS can only maintain one of an area-specific time alignment timer and a cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously, based on a transmitted SRS configuration.

[134] In some examples, the UE may invalidate a cell-specific time alignment setting (which may indicate a cell-specific time alignment timer) in response to receiving an area-specific time alignment setting (which may indicate an area-specific time alignment timer).

[135] In some examples, a UE (for example, a UE with LPHAP capability) cannot be configured with cell-specific SRS and area-specific SRS simultaneously. In these examples, the BS cannot transmit a cell-specific SRS configuration and an area-specific SRS configuration simultaneously; and the UE cannot receive a Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 45 / 74 37 / 52 cell-specific SRS configuration and a validity area-specific SRS configuration simultaneously.

[136] In some examples, a UE (for example, a UE with LPHAP capability) is not allowed to activate a cell-specific SRS setting and a validity area-specific SRS setting simultaneously if both are configured. In these examples, the BS also cannot activate a cell-specific SRS setting and a validity area-specific SRS setting simultaneously.

[137] In some Mode 3 cases, an SDT procedure may be triggered for an uplink transmission. In such cases, the UE may start or restart an SDT time alignment timer (e.g., cg-SDTTimeAlignmentTimer, as specified in TS 38.321). The SDT time alignment timer is independent of the area-specific time alignment timer and the cell-specific time alignment timer. That is, operations related to the SDT time alignment timer are independent of the area-specific time alignment timer and the cell-specific time alignment timer.

[138] In some Mode 3 cases, the UE can maintain an area-specific time alignment timer and a cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously.

[139] In these cases, the first configuration transmitted by BS in step 302 and received by UE in step 304 may include an SRS configuration with an SRS validity area including a list of cells (e.g., including cell #1, cell #2, and cell #3) and an area-specific time alignment timer (e.g., set to inactivePosSRSArea-TimeAlignmentTimer) associated with the area. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 46 / 74 38 / 52 SRS validity. In addition to the first setting, BS can transmit to UE a third setting indicating a cell-specific time alignment timer (e.g., inactivePosSRS-TimeAlignmentTimer or cg-SDTTimeAlignmentTimer, as specified in TS 38.321) associated with a cell (e.g., cell #1) in the cell list.

[140] For example, the UE can start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer and the cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously in response to receiving a TA command or an indication to start a time alignment timer (the area-specific time alignment timer or the cell-specific time alignment timer) from the BS. The BS can perform similar operations. For example, the BS can start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer and the cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously in response to transmitting a TA command or an indication to start a time alignment timer to the UE.

[141] As another example, when the cell-specific time alignment timer expires, but the area-specific time alignment timer is running, the UE can perform at least one of the following actions: continue an SRS transmission; determine a UL desynchronization for cell-specific UL transmissions; stop all cell-specific UL transmissions; or initiate a TA command update (e.g., transmitting a TA command request) or request a cell-specific time alignment setting (e.g., transmitting a cell-specific time alignment setting request) when a cell-specific UL transmission occurs (e.g., arrival of Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 47 / 74 39 / 52 UL data, UL feedback caused by DL data, etc.). The BS can perform the corresponding operations. For example, the BS can receive a TA command request or a cell-specific time alignment configuration request and transmit the corresponding response to the UE.

[142] As another example, the UE can reselect to a new cell (e.g., cell #2) within the SRS validity area and different from the cell (e.g., cell #1) associated with the cell-specific time alignment timer. The UE can pause or restart the cell-specific time alignment timer and keep the area-specific time alignment timer running. The BS can perform similar operations.

[143] As another example, when the area-specific time alignment timer expires, the UE can stop SRS transmission. The UE can also stop the cell-specific time alignment timer if it is still running. The BS can perform similar operations. For example, the BS can stop the cell-specific time alignment timer.

[144] Modality 4

[145] The solutions in Mode 4 can solve, for example, Problem #4 mentioned earlier.

[146] In Mode 4, the first configuration transmitted by the BS in step 302 and received by the UE in step 304 may include (or indicate) multiple SRS configurations for (or associated with) multiple SRS validity areas. An SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations may or may not include validity area information indicating an SRS validity area associated with the SRS configuration. For example, the first configuration may include three SRS configurations with validity area information (e.g., denoted as srsconfig1-area, srsconfig2-area2, and srsconfig3-area3) or without. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 48 / 74 40 / 52 validity area information (e.g., denoted as srsconfig1, srsconfig2, and srsconfig3). For each SRS configuration of the multiple SRS configurations, the first configuration may also include a corresponding area-specific time alignment timer associated with the SRS configuration.

[147] Mode 4 can be divided into Mode 4-1 and Mode 4-2.

[148] Mode 4-1

[149] In Mode 4-1, the first configuration can be transmitted by the BS to the UE by means of an RRC release message (e.g., an RRCRelease message as specified in TS 38.331).

[150] In one embodiment, the first configuration may also indicate an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations that is used by the UE. For example, the first configuration may include an index or an ID of an SRS configuration used by the UE.

[151] In another embodiment, each SRS configuration of the multiple SRS configurations may include validity area information indicating a corresponding SRS validity area. The UE or BS may determine an SRS configuration of the multiple SRS configurations that is used by the UE based on a cell ID and validity area information of the multiple SRS configurations, indicating the multiple SRS validity areas. For example, if three SRS configurations with validity area information (e.g., denoted as srsconfiglareal, srsconfig2-area2, and srsconfig3-area3) are configured for the UE, and areai includes a list of cells that includes cell #1, cell #2, and cell #3, in the event that the UE camps in cell #1, the UE may determine to use srsconfigl-area from the multiple SRS configurations.

[152] Mode 4-2 Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 49 / 74 41 / 52

[153] In Mode 4-2, the first configuration can be transmitted by the BS to the UE by means of a posSIB message.

[154] After receiving the first configuration including the multiple SRS configurations, in step 306, the UE can transmit the indication to the BS, and the BS can receive the indication in step 308, where the indication can be an activation request to activate an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations.

[155] In some examples, the BS may transmit an activation response in response to the activation request to the UE. The activation response may indicate an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations and a TA command used by the UE. For example, the activation response may include an index or an ID of the SRS configuration.

[156] In some examples, the activation request may indicate an SRS configuration among multiple SRS configurations. For example, the activation response may include an index or an ID of the SRS configuration.

[157] If the indicated SRS configuration is available, the BS can transmit an ACK in response to the activation request. After receiving the ACK in response to the activation request, the UE can activate the indicated SRS configuration.

[158] If the indicated SRS configuration is not available, the BS may transmit an activation response in response to the activation request, wherein the activation response may indicate a new SRS configuration from among multiple SRS configurations, different from the indicated SRS configuration. In some examples, the activation response may also include a TA command used by the UE. After receiving the activation response, the UE may activate the new SRS configuration.

[159] The activation request transmitted by the UE may indicate a cause value, for example, the cause value may be: the area-specific time alignment timer Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 50 / 74 42 / 52 expires, outside the SRS validity area, etc.

[160] In some examples, the activation request can be transmitted via: MSG1 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSG3 in a 4-step random access procedure, MSGA in a 2-step random access procedure, an RRC signal or a UL MAC CE for MSG1, MSG3 or MSGA.The ACK or activation response in response to the activation request can be transmitted via MSG2 in a 4-step random access procedure when the activation request is transmitted via MSG1 of the 4-step random access procedure, via MSG4 in a 4-step random access procedure when the activation request is transmitted via MSG3 of the 4-step random access procedure, via MSGB of the 2-step random access procedure when the activation request is transmitted via MSGA of the 2-step random access procedure, via an RRC signal when the activation request is transmitted via an RRC signal, or via a DL MAC CE for MSG2, MSG4, or MSGB when the activation request is transmitted via UL MAC CE for MSG1, MSG3, or MSGA.

[161] In some instances, when the UE exits a current SRS validity area or a current SRS configuration is invalid (for example, the area-specific time alignment timer expires), the UE needs to activate a new SRS configuration from among the multiple SRS configurations. All operations described in Mode 4-2 can also be applied in this document for the UE to activate a new SRS configuration.

[162] Figure 4 illustrates an example of a UE 400 according to aspects of the present disclosure. The UE 400 may include at least one 402 processor and at least one 404 memory. In addition, the UE 400 may also include one or more of at least one 406 controller or at least one 408 transceiver. The 402 processor, the 404 memory, the 406 controller or the 408 transceiver, or various combinations thereof, or various Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 51 / 74 43 / 52 of these components may be examples of means for carrying out various aspects of the present disclosure, as described in this document. These components may be coupled (e.g., operationally, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) by means of one or more interfaces.

[163] The 402 processor, the 404 memory, the 406 controller or the 408 transceiver, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuit assembly). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means for performing the functions described in this disclosure.

[164] The 402 processor may include an intelligent hardware device (for example, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the 402 processor may be configured to operate the 404 memory. In some other implementations, the 404 memory may be integrated into the 402 processor. The 402 processor may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in the 404 memory to enable the UE 400 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[165] Memory 404 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 404 may store computer-readable and computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by the processor 402, cause the UE 400 to perform various functions described in this document. The code may be stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium, such as memory 404 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media includes non-transient storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 52 / 74 44 / 52 Transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transient storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or specialized computer.

[166] In some implementations, the 402 processor and the 404 memory coupled to the 402 processor can be configured to enable the UE 400 to perform one or more of the functions described in this document (for example, executing instructions stored in memory 404 by the 402 processor). For example, the 402 processor can support wireless communication in the UE 400, according to the examples disclosed in this document. The UE 400 can be configured to support a means of performing the operations of the methods described in the embodiments of this disclosure.In one embodiment, the 402 processor can be configured to make the UE 400: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command.

[167] The 406 controller can manage input and output signals for the UE 400. The 406 controller can also manage peripherals not integrated into the UE 400. In some implementations, the 406 controller may use an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the 406 controller may be implemented as part of the 402 processor.

[168] In some implementations, the UE 400 may include at least one 408 transceiver. In some other implementations, the UE 400 may have more than one 408 transceiver. The 408 transceiver may represent a wireless transceiver. The 408 transceiver may Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 53 / 74 45 / 52 include one or more receiving chains 410, one or more transmitting chains 412 or a combination thereof.

[169] A 410 receiver chain can be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, the 410 receiver chain may include one or more antennas to receive the signal over the air or wirelessly. The 410 receiver chain may include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The 410 receiver chain may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain the transmitted data by inverting the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. The 410 receiver chain may include at least one decoder to decode the demodulated signal and receive the transmitted data.

[170] A 412 transmitter chain can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The 412 transmitter chain may include at least one modulator to modulate data into a carrier signal, preparing the signal for wireless transmission. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The 412 transmitter chain may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to a power level appropriate for wireless transmission. The 412 transmitter chain may also include one or more antennas to transmit the amplified signal into the air or to a wireless medium.

[171] Figure 5 illustrates an example of a 500 processor according to aspects of the present disclosure. The 500 processor can be an example of a processor configured to perform Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 54 / 74 46 / 52 various operations according to the examples described in this document. The 500 processor may include a 502 controller configured to perform various operations according to the examples described in this document. The 500 processor may optionally include at least one 504 memory, which may be, for example, a layer 1 (L1), layer 2 (L2) or layer 3 (L3) cache. Additionally, or alternatively, the 500 processor may optionally include one or more arithmetic logic units (ALUs) 506. One or more of these components may be in electronic communication or otherwise coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) by means of one or more interfaces (e.g., buses).

[172] The 500 processor may be a processor chipset and include a protocol stack (e.g., a software stack) executed by the processor chipset to perform various operations (e.g., receive, get, retrieve, transmit, send, forward, store, determine, identify, access, write, read) as described in this document. The processor chipset may include one or more cores, one or more caches (e.g., local memory or included in the processor chipset (e.g., the 500 processor) or other memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), static RAM (SRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetic RAM (MRAM), resistive RAM (RRAM), flash memory, phase-change memory (PGM), and others).

[173] The 502 controller can be configured to manage and coordinate various operations (e.g., signaling, receiving, obtaining, retrieving, transmitting, outputting, forwarding, storing, determining, identifying, accessing, recording, reading) of the 500 processor to enable the 500 processor to support various operations, according to the Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 55 / 74 47 / 52 examples are described in this document. For example, controller 502 can operate as a control unit for processor 500, generating control signals that manage the operation of various components of processor 500. These control signals include enabling or disabling functional units, selecting data paths, initiating memory access, and coordinating the timing of operations.

[174] Controller 502 can be configured to fetch (e.g., get, retrieve, receive) instructions from memory 504 and determine the subsequent instruction(s) to be executed to enable processor 500 to support various operations as described in this document. Controller 502 can be configured to track the memory address of instructions associated with memory 504. Controller 502 can be configured to decode instructions to determine the operation to be performed and the operands involved. For example, controller 502 can be configured to interpret the instruction and determine the control signals to be sent to other components of processor 500 to enable processor 500 to support various operations as described in this document. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 502 can be configured to manage the data flow within processor 500.The 502 controller can be configured to control data transfer between registers, ALUs, and other functional units of the 500 processor.

[175] The 504 memory may include one or more caches (e.g., local memory or memory included in the 500 processor or other memory such as RAM, ROM, DRAM, SDRAM, SRAM, MRAM, flash memory, etc.). In some implementations, the 504 memory may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., local in the 500 processor). In some other implementations, the 504 memory may reside externally to the processor chipset (e.g., by Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 56 / 74 48 / 52 example, remotely to processor 500).

[176] Memory 504 can store computer-readable and computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by processor 500, cause processor 500 to perform various functions described in this document. The code can be stored in a non-transient, computer-readable medium, such as system memory or another type of memory. Controller 502 and / or processor 500 can be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 504, causing processor 500 to perform various functions. For example, processor 500 and / or controller 502 can be coupled to memory 504, and processor 500, controller 502, and memory 504 can be configured to perform various functions described in this document. In some examples, processor 500 can include multiple processors and memory 504 can include multiple memories.One or more of the multiple processors may be coupled to one or more of the multiple memories, which may, individually or collectively, be configured to perform various functions described in this document.

[177] One or more 506 ALUs can be configured to support various operations, as described in this document. In some implementations, one or more 506 ALUs may reside within or on a processor chipset (e.g., the 500 processor). In some other implementations, one or more 506 ALUs may reside externally to the processor chipset (e.g., the 500 processor). One or more 506 ALUs can perform one or more calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, on data. For example, one or more 506 ALUs may receive input operands and an operation code, which determines an operation to be performed. One or more 506 ALUs can be configured with a variety of logic and arithmetic circuits, including adders, subtractors, shifters, and Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 57 / 74 49 / 52 logic gates, to process and manipulate data according to the operation. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more 506 ALUs can support logical operations such as AND, OR, XOR, NOR, and NAND, allowing one or more 506 ALUs to handle conditional operations, comparisons, and bitwise operations.

[178] The 500 processor can support wireless communication according to the examples disclosed in this document. The 500 processor can be configured or operable to support a means of performing the operations of the methods described in the embodiments of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the 502 controller can cause the 500 processor to: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when an UE including the 500 processor is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command.

[179] Figure 6 illustrates an example of BS 600 according to aspects of the present disclosure. BS 600 may include at least one processor 602 and at least one memory 604. In addition, BS 600 may also include one or more of at least one controller 606 or at least one transceiver 608. The processor 602, the memory 604, the controller 606 or the transceiver 608, or various combinations thereof or various components thereof, may be examples of means of carrying out various aspects of the present disclosure as described in this document. These components may be coupled (e.g., operatively, communicatively, functionally, electronically, electrically) by means of one or more interfaces.

[180] The processor 602, memory 604, controller 606 or Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 58 / 74 50 / 52 the 608 transceiver, or various combinations or components thereof, may be implemented in hardware (e.g., circuit assembly). The hardware may include a processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an order-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other programmable logic device, or any combination thereof configured as or otherwise supporting a means to perform the functions described in this disclosure.

[181] The 602 processor may include an intelligent hardware device (for example, a general-purpose processor, a DSP, a CPU, an ASIC, an FPGA, or any combination thereof). In some implementations, the 602 processor may be configured to operate memory 604. In other implementations, memory 604 may be integrated into the 602 processor. The 602 processor may be configured to execute computer-readable instructions stored in memory 604 to enable the BS 600 to perform various functions of the present disclosure.

[182] Memory 604 may include volatile or non-volatile memory. Memory 604 may store computer-readable and computer-executable code, including instructions that, when executed by the processor 602, cause the BS 600 to perform various functions described in this document. The code may be stored on a non-transient computer-readable medium, such as memory 604 or another type of memory. Computer-readable media include both non-transient storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A non-transient storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general-purpose or specific-purpose computer.

[183] ​​In some implementations, the 602 processor and the 604 memory coupled to the 602 processor can be configured to make the BS 600 perform one or more of the functions described in this Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 59 / 74 51 / 52 document (for example, executing, by processor 602, instructions stored in memory 604). For example, processor 602 can support wireless communication on BS 600, according to the examples disclosed in this document. BS 600 can be configured to support a means of performing the operations of the methods described in the embodiments of this disclosure. In one embodiment, processor 602 can be configured to make BS 600: transmit, to an UE, a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with an SRS validity area; and receive an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a TA command.

[184] The 606 controller can manage input and output signals for the BS 600. The 606 controller can also manage non-integrated peripherals for the BS 600. In some implementations, the 606 controller may use an operating system such as iOS®, ANDROID®, WINDOWS®, or other operating systems. In some implementations, the 606 controller may be implemented as part of the 602 processor.

[185] In some implementations, the BS 600 may include at least one 608 transceiver. In other implementations, the BS 600 may have more than one 608 transceiver. The 608 transceiver may represent a wireless transceiver. The 608 transceiver may include one or more 610 receiver chains, one or more 612 transmitter chains, or a combination thereof.

[186] A 610 receiver chain can be configured to receive signals (e.g., control information, data, packets) via a wireless medium. For example, the 610 receiver chain may include one or more antennas to receive the signal over the air or wirelessly. The 610 receiver chain may Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 60 / 74 52 / 52 include at least one amplifier (e.g., a low-noise amplifier (LNA)) configured to amplify the received signal. The 610 receiver chain may include at least one demodulator configured to demodulate the received signal and obtain the transmitted data by inverting the modulation technique applied during signal transmission. The 610 receiver chain may include at least one decoder to decode the demodulated signal and receive the transmitted data.

[187] A 612 transmitter chain can be configured to generate and transmit signals (e.g., control information, data, packets). The 612 transmitter chain may include at least one modulator to modulate data into a carrier signal, preparing the signal for wireless transmission. The at least one modulator may be configured to support one or more techniques, such as amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or digital modulation schemes such as phase-shift keying (PSK) or quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM). The 612 transmitter chain may also include at least one power amplifier configured to amplify the modulated signal to a power level appropriate for wireless transmission. The 612 transmitter chain may also include one or more antennas to transmit the amplified signal into the air or to a wireless medium.

[188] The description presented in this document is intended to enable a person with common technical knowledge in the field to create or use this disclosure. Several modifications to the disclosure will be evident to a person with common technical knowledge in the field, and the generic principles defined in this document can be applied to other variations without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to the examples and projects described in this document, but should be given the broader scope consistent with the principles and new features disclosed in this document. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 61 / 74

Claims

CLAIMS 1. User equipment (UE) for wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to make the UE: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with a SRS (Sensory Reference Signal) validity area; and transmit an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a timing advance (TA) command.

2. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the indication is a request for a TA command, and at least one processor is further configured to make the UE receive the TA command in response to the indication.

3. UE, according to claim 2, characterized in that: the TA command request is transmitted periodically based on a periodicity, or transmitted based on an event, or transmitted based on the UE implementation; the periodicity or event is configured or pre-configured for the UE, or is predefined; the event is that a difference of a reference signal reception power (RSRP) value relative to a reference value is greater than a first threshold within a first time period or a UE movement speed is greater than a second threshold within a second time period; and the first threshold, the first time period, the second threshold or the second time period is configured or pre-configured for the UE, or is predefined.

4. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to have the UE monitor the TA command from a service base station (BS) within a period of time after performing each SRS transmission.

5. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer in response to receiving an indication to start the area-specific time alignment timer; or stop the area-specific time alignment timer in response to receiving an indication to stop the area-specific time alignment timer.

6. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to perform the UE: transmit the indication in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer and an unreleased SRS configuration, wherein the indication is a disable request to disable the unreleased SRS configuration; receive, in response to the disable request, a disable response to disable the unreleased SRS configuration; and disable the unreleased SRS configuration.

7. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is still configured to do the UE: transmit the indication in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, wherein the indication is an activation request to activate the unreleased SRS configuration, and wherein the activation request indicates: the unreleased SRS configuration and a cause value; or a service type or a quality of service (QoS) requirement.

8. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to perform the UE: transmit the indication in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires and an SRS configuration is not released, wherein the indication is a request to acquire the time alignment configuration that indicates another area-specific time alignment timer, and the request indicates the unreleased SRS configuration and a cause value.

9. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: receive a paging message if the area-specific time alignment timer expires; and transmit the indication after receiving the paging message, wherein the indication is a request to acquire the time alignment configuration that indicates another area-specific time alignment timer.

10. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: interrupt an SRS transmission and release an SRS configuration in response to the expiration of the area-specific time alignment timer; and transmit the indication in the event that there is a pending location service, where the indication is a request to acquire a new SRS configuration, and the request indicates a case value.

11. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: maintain one of the area-specific time alignment timer and one cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously based on a received SRS setting; or invalidate a cell-specific time alignment setting in response to receiving the first setting; or not receive a cell-specific SRS setting and a valid area-specific SRS setting simultaneously; or not activate a cell-specific SRS setting and a valid area-specific SRS setting simultaneously.

12. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to make the UE: receive a third configuration indicating a cell-specific time alignment timer; and start or restart the area-specific time alignment timer and the cell-specific time alignment timer simultaneously in response to receiving a TA command or an indication to start the area-specific time alignment timer or the cell-specific time alignment timer.

13. UE, according to claim 12, characterized in that in the event that the cell-specific time alignment timer expires, but the area-specific time alignment timer is running, at least one processor is still configured to make the UE: continue an SRS transmission; determine an uplink desynchronization (UL) for cell-specific UL transmission(s); interrupt all cell-specific UL transmissions; or initiate a TA command update or request a cell-specific time alignment setting when a cell-specific UL transmission occurs.

14. UE, according to claim 12, characterized in that in the event that the area-specific time alignment timer expires, at least one processor is still configured to make the UE: interrupt an SRS transmission; and stop the cell-specific time alignment timer.

15. UE, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first configuration further indicates multiple SRS configurations for multiple SRS validity areas and is received by means of a Radio Resource Control Release (RRC) message or a Positioning System Information Block (posSIB) message.

16. EU, according to claim 15, characterized in that the indication is an activation request to activate an SRS configuration from multiple SRS configurations.

17. UE, according to claim 16, characterized in that at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to receive an activation response in response to the activation request, wherein the activation response indicates an SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations and a TA command used by the UE; or wherein the activation request indicates the SRS configuration, and at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to: receive an acknowledgment (ACK) in response to the activation request if the indicated SRS configuration is available; or receive an activation response in response to the activation request, wherein the activation response indicates a different SRS configuration from the multiple SRS configurations in the event that the indicated SRS configuration is not available; or wherein the activation request indicates a cause value.

18. Processor for wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises: at least one controller coupled with at least one memory and configured to make the processor: receive a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with a validity area of ​​the sounding reference signal (SRS); and transmit an indication to acquire, activate or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when a user device, including the processor, is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a timing advance (TA) command.

19. Base station (BS) for wireless communication, characterized in that it comprises: at least one memory; and at least one processor coupled with the at least one memory and configured to make the BS: transmit, to a user equipment (UE), a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with a signal validity area of ​​Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, page 67 / 74 7 / 7 polling reference (SRS); and receive an indication to acquire, activate or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UE is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a timing advance (TA) command.

20. Method implemented by a user device (UD), the method characterized in that it comprises: receiving a first configuration including an area-specific time alignment timer associated with a sounding reference signal (SRS) validity area; and transmitting an indication to acquire, activate, or deactivate a second configuration associated with the SRS validity area when the UD is in a non-connected state, wherein the second configuration includes an SRS configuration, or a time alignment configuration, or a timing advance (TA) command. Petition 870250083993, dated 09 / 18 / 2025, pp. 68 / 74

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