Signaling radio bearers for release of cell groups

Abstract

Methods, systems, and devices related to management of lower layer resources of signaling radio bearers (SRBs) in dual connectivity (DC) or multi-connectivity (MC) scenarios are described. In one example aspect, a method for wireless communication includes operating a first wireless communication node in a wireless network. The wireless network includes a master cell group and at least one secondary cell group, and the master cell group is configured with one or more split signaling radio bearers. The method further includes transmitting, from the first wireless communication node in the wireless network to a second wireless communication node in the wireless network, a message indicating a release of one or more split signaling radio bearers of the master cell group or a release of the secondary cell group.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent document typically relates to digital wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication technology is propelling the world towards an increasingly connected and networked society. The rapid growth and technological advancements in mobile communications are leading to greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other factors, such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various technologies, including new ways to provide higher quality of service, are being discussed.

[0003] Summary of a specific embodiment

[0004] This document discloses methods, systems, and apparatuses related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically relates to techniques for managing lower-level resources of signaling radio bearers (SRBs) in dual-connectivity (DC) or multi-connectivity (MC) scenarios.

[0005] In one exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: operating a first wireless communication node in a wireless network, wherein the wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group, and wherein the first wireless communication node is configured with one or more split signaling radio bearers; and sending a message from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node in the wireless network, the message indicating the release of the one or more split signaling radio bearers or the release of the secondary cell group. The message may be a radio resource control message.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one or more separate signaling radio bearers are configured for the primary cell group. In some embodiments, the release of the one or more separate signaling radio bearers in the primary cell group includes the release of the lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more separate signaling radio bearers. In some embodiments, the message also indicates the release of the one or more signaling radio bearers in the secondary cell group.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method includes: receiving an acknowledgment at the first wireless communication node from the second wireless communication node, the acknowledgment being configured to acknowledge the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group or the release of the secondary cell group.

[0008] In some embodiments, the message causes the second wireless communication node to release at least one of the following: (1) the one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group, (2) lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group, or (3) lower-layer resources corresponding to the secondary cell group. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node is the primary node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is the secondary node of the wireless network.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method includes: releasing at least one of the following via the first wireless communication node: (1) one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group, (2) lower-layer resources corresponding to one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group, or (3) lower-layer resources corresponding to the secondary cell group. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node is a secondary node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is a primary node of the wireless network.

[0010] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: operating a wireless communication node in a wireless network, wherein the wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group; and sending a message from the wireless communication node to a mobile device, the message indicating the release of the secondary cell group or the release of one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0011] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node is a primary communication node in the wireless network, and the message indicates the release of the secondary cell group. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node is a secondary communication node in the wireless network, and the message indicates the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0012] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving an acknowledgment at the wireless communication node from the mobile device, the acknowledgment being configured to acknowledge the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0013] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication is disclosed. The method includes: receiving a message from a communication node in a wireless network, the message indicating the release of a cell group in the wireless network; releasing lower-layer resources of the cell group; and avoiding monitoring one or more faults of the cell group.

[0014] In some embodiments, the cell group is a secondary cell group in the wireless network. In some embodiments, the lower-layer resources include lower-layer resources corresponding to all data radio bearers and all signaling radio bearers of the cell group.

[0015] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication device including a transmitter is disclosed. The transmitter is configured to send a message from a first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node in a wireless network, the message indicating the release of one or more separation signaling radio bearers in a primary cell group or the release of a secondary cell group. The message may be a radio resource control message. The wireless communication device may also include processor electronics for implementing the methods described in this document.

[0016] In some embodiments, the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers in the primary cell group includes the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more separate signaling radio bearers. In some embodiments, the message also indicates the release of one or more signaling radio bearers in the secondary cell group.

[0017] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive an acknowledgment from a second wireless communication node at the first wireless communication node, the acknowledgment being configured to acknowledge the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group or the release of the secondary cell group.

[0018] In some embodiments, the message causes the second wireless communication node to release at least one of the following: (1) the one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group, (2) lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group, or (3) lower-layer resources corresponding to the secondary cell group. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node is the primary node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is the secondary node of the wireless network.

[0019] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a processor configured to release at least one of the following via the first wireless communication node: (1) the one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group, (2) lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group, or (3) lower-layer resources corresponding to the secondary cell group. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node is a secondary node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is a primary node of the wireless network.

[0020] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication device including a transmitter is disclosed. The transmitter is configured to send a message from the wireless communication node to a mobile device, the message indicating the release of the secondary cell group or the release of one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0021] In some embodiments, the wireless communication node is a primary communication node in the wireless network, and the message indicates the release of the secondary cell group. In some embodiments, the wireless communication node is a secondary communication node in the wireless network, and the message indicates the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0022] In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive an acknowledgment from the mobile device at a wireless communication node, the acknowledgment being configured to confirm the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0023] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a receiver configured to receive a message from a communication node in a wireless network, the message indicating the release of a cell group in the wireless network. The apparatus also includes a processor configured to release lower-layer resources of the cell group and avoid monitoring one or more faults in the cell group.

[0024] In some embodiments, the cell group is a secondary cell group in the wireless network. In some embodiments, the lower-layer resources include lower-layer resources corresponding to all data radio bearers and all signaling radio bearers of the cell group.

[0025] In yet another exemplary aspect, the various techniques described herein may be embodied in processor-executable code and stored on a computer-readable program medium.

[0026] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the appended annex, drawings, and the following description. Other features will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims.

[0027] Brief description of the attached figures

[0028] Figure 1 An exemplary schematic diagram of a system architecture for dual connectivity (DC) is shown.

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the Layer 2 (L2) radio protocol stack of the Primary Cell Group (MCG) Radio Bearer (RB) is shown.

[0030] Figure 3A A schematic diagram of the L2 radio protocol stack with MCG separated RB on two network elements is shown.

[0031] Figure 3B An example of the L2 radio protocol stack for a secondary cell group (SCG) radio bearer (RB) is shown.

[0032] Figure 4A Examples of decoupling high-level entities from low-level entities are shown in dual-connection (DC) or multi-connection (MC) modes.

[0033] Figure 4B This illustrates another example of decoupling high-level entities from low-level entities in dual-connection (DC) or multi-connection (MC) modes.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a flowchart representation of a method used for wireless communication.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a flowchart representation of another method used for wireless communication.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a flowchart representation of another method used for wireless communication.

[0037] Figure 8 Examples of wireless communication systems in which one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied are shown.

[0038] Figure 9 It is a block diagram representation of a part of a radio station.

[0039] Detailed description

[0040] With the continuous development of wireless communication technology, a wide range of wireless communication services have emerged, which will significantly increase the bandwidth requirements of wireless communication systems. The development of next-generation wireless communication—5G New Radio (NR) communication—is part of the ongoing evolution of mobile broadband to meet the growing network demands. NR will provide greater throughput to allow more users to connect simultaneously. Aspects such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency are important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios.

[0041] With the advent of NR in the field of wireless technology, user equipment (UE) will be able to support both existing protocols (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and NR protocols. Figure 1An exemplary schematic diagram of a system architecture for dual connectivity (DC) is shown. Some example embodiments of DC may include system configurations or operating modes of wireless devices in which a user equipment can operate using two logically separate communication connections to the network. The current base station (referred to as first network element 101) currently serving the UE and coupled to core network 103 can select a suitable other base station for the UE 100 to serve as a second network element 102. For example, a suitable base station can be selected by choosing a candidate base station and comparing the channel quality of the candidate base station (the channel between the candidate base station and the UE) with a predetermined threshold. Once selected, both base stations can provide radio resources to the UE 100 for data transmission on the user plane.

[0042] On the wired interface side (e.g., backhaul connection), the first network element 101 and the core network 103 establish one or more interfaces 104 (e.g., control plane interface and user plane interface) for the UE 100. The second network element 102 and the core network 103 can establish one or more interfaces 105 (e.g., control plane interface and / or user plane interface) for the UE 100. Interface 106 (e.g., Xn interface) interconnects the two network elements.

[0043] On the radio interface side, the first network element and the second network element (101 and 102) can use the same or different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) to provide radio resources. Each network element can independently schedule transmissions with UE 100. One network element (e.g., the first network element 101) acts as the primary node (MN), and other network elements (e.g., the second network element 102) act as secondary nodes (SNs). In some cases, UE 100 can connect to more than two nodes, with one node acting as the MN and the remaining nodes acting as the SNs.

[0044] In some embodiments, the UE can support LTE-NR dual connectivity. For example, one of the typical LTE-NR dual connectivity architectures can be established as follows: MN is an LTE RAN node (e.g., eNB), and SN is an NR RAN node (e.g., gNB). The eNB and gNB are connected to the evolved packet core (EPC) network (e.g., the LTE core network). Figure 1 The architecture shown can also be modified to include various primary / secondary node configurations. For example, the NR RAN node could be MN, and the LTE RAN node could be SN. In this case, the core network used for the primary NR RAN node is the Next Generation Convergence Network (NG-CN), which can also be called the 5G Core Network (5GC). In each dual-connectivity scenario, one network (e.g., the LTE network) is responsible for addressing coverage issues, while the other network (e.g., the NR network) is responsible for improving throughput. Figure 1 The architecture shown can also be extended to support multiple connections (MC), where one MN and multiple SNs provide both coverage and throughput for UE access.

[0045] In wireless communication, a radio bearer (RB) is a virtual concept used to define how data and / or signaling from a UE are processed as they propagate over the network. There are two types of RBs: Data Radio Bearers (DRBs) for carrying User Plane (UP) traffic and Signaling Radio Bearers (SRBs) for carrying Control Plane (CP) traffic. Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the Layer 2 (L2) radio protocol stack for a Primary Cell Group (MCG) RB is shown. Protocol stack 200 includes a Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity 202, a Radio Link Control (RLC) entity 204, and a Media Access Control (MAC) entity 206. For an SRB carrying CP services, the Radio Resource Control (RRC) entity is located above the L2 protocol stack.

[0046] If a network element is responsible for data transmission with the UE, it establishes a serving cell and at least one DRB to carry data services with the UE. For example, if a secondary node (e.g., a gNB) performs data transmission with the UE, it can establish the primary cell of a secondary cell group (PScell) and at least one secondary cell group (SCG) DRB. Furthermore, the secondary node (e.g., the gNB) can establish one or more signaling radio bearers (SRBs) to carry typically limited control services with the UE.

[0047] In DC or MC scenarios, signaling radio bearers (SRBs) can be classified into the following categories: primary cell group (MCG) separated SRB1 (also known as SRB1S), primary cell group (MCG) separated SRB2 (also known as SRB2S), and secondary cell group (SCG) SRB (also known as SRB3). Figures 3A-3B Examples of different types of SRBs are shown. For example, such as Figure 3A As shown, the L2 protocol stack of the MCG-separated SRB (SRB1S or SRB2S) is set up on two serving network elements. The MCG-separated SRB is configured with two sets of RLC entities and MAC entities. The CP interface is on the first network element (e.g., MN), and the PDCP entity is located on the same network element. Figure 3B An example of an SCG SRB (i.e., SRB3) configured on a single network element (i.e., SN) is shown. The L2 radio protocol stack of SRB3 is similar to... Figure 2The MCG RB is shown. It should be noted that although the description in this patent document focuses on the MCG split RB, similar types of split radio bearers can also be configured for SCG, such that each SCG split RB has two sets of lower-layer resources (e.g., RLC and MAC entities) set on two serving network elements (i.e., MN and SN) and a set of higher-layer resources (e.g., PDCP entities) set on one network element (i.e., SN).

[0048] The SRB type above is designed as a bearer type harmonization. That is, the UE does not distinguish between one or more network elements corresponding to a PDCP entity. For example, in some embodiments, the bearer type can be configured entirely as NR PDCP entity. Such a design also allows higher-layer entities (e.g., PDCP entities) to be decoupled from lower-layer entities (e.g., RLC and MAC entities). Figures 4A-4B An example of decoupling higher-level entities from lower-level entities is shown in DC or MC modes. Figure 4A An example of inter-NB transport in MCG is shown. In this example, the CP interface and the higher-layer entity are located at the first network element (i.e., MN). The lower-layer entity is decoupled and located at the second network element (i.e., SN). Figure 4B An example of inter-NB bearer in an SCG network is shown. In this example, the CP interface and the higher-layer entity are located at the second network element (i.e., SN). The lower-layer entity is decoupled and located at the first network element (i.e., MN).

[0049] With the development of communication standards, a new DRB bearer type—SN-terminated CG bearer—has been introduced to allow the decoupling of lower-layer and higher-layer resources for data services. For example, the PDCP entity for the SN-terminated MCG bearer is configured on the SN, while the RLC and MAC entities are configured only on the MN. One advantage of using the new DRB type is that the network side no longer needs to configure RLC or MAC entities for the UE on the SN, and the UE does not need to monitor signal quality (such as SN radio link failure (RLF)) or detect SN failures on the SN side. This is still particularly useful when the SN coverage is low for data services, but it is still expected that the UE will perform control transmissions with the SN.

[0050] However, if an SRB is established between the UE and the SN, the new DRB type—SN Termination MCB Bearer—will not completely prevent the UE from monitoring signal quality or faults on the SN. Currently, once an SRB is established, it is not released until the SN is removed or the UE changes to another SN. Therefore, the RLC entity used for the SRB continues to exist, causing the UE to continuously monitor SN signal quality and SN faults, even when it is not necessary to do so.

[0051] This patent document describes a method and corresponding apparatus that allows the release of lower-layer resources of one or more SRBs and, when necessary, allows the UE to skip SN failure SRB detection and / or SN signal quality monitoring, thereby reducing the UE's bandwidth and power consumption. Details of the technology are described in the following embodiments. In each of the following embodiments, the network can use the following steps to establish one or more MCG-separated SRBs (e.g., SRB1S and / or SRB2S):

[0052] Step A.1: MN first sends a message to SN (e.g., "SN ADDITION REQUEST"). This message includes information elements such as "Requested MCG Separation SRB" to establish one or more MCG separation SRBs.

[0053] Step A.2: Upon receiving the request message, the SN sends a response to the MN (e.g., "SN ADDITION REQUESTACKNOWLEDGE"). This message includes information elements such as "MCG detach SRB allowed" to notify the MN of the established MCG detach SRB. Where appropriate, the MN and SN may release the lower-level resources corresponding to the SRB.

[0054] Example 1

[0055] This embodiment describes an exemplary signaling process for the management of SRBs between the MN and SN. Figure 5 This is a flowchart representation of a method 500 for wireless communication. Method 500 includes operating a first wireless communication node in a wireless network at 502. The wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group. The first wireless communication node is configured with one or more separate signaling radio bearers. Method 500 also includes sending a message from the first wireless communication node in the wireless network to a second wireless communication node in the wireless network at 504, indicating the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers or the release of a secondary cell group.

[0056] The separated signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group (e.g., SRB1S and / or SRB2S) have lower-layer resources in both the primary and secondary cell groups (also referred to as MCG branches and SCG branches). In some embodiments, this message indicates the release of one or more separated signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group. In some embodiments, this message indicates the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to one or more separated signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group. After the lower-layer resources of the secondary cell group are released, the separated signaling radio bearers can be considered released, or changed to signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group configured only with the lower-layer resources of the primary cell group. Therefore, in this case, the message also indicates the release of separated signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group.

[0057] Both MN and SN can initiate the release process. These two scenarios will be described in further detail below.

[0058] MN initiates the SRB release process

[0059] When MN initiates the SRB release process, MN can perform the following steps:

[0060] Step B.1: The MN sends a message to the SN (e.g., "SN MODIFICATION REQUEST"). This message may include information elements such as "Request for release of MCG detached SRB" to request the release of the lower-level resources corresponding to the MCG detached SRBs (e.g., SRB1S and / or SRB2S) on the SN. In some embodiments, the message may include information elements such as "Request for release of SCG" to request the release of the SCG.

[0061] Step B.2: Upon receiving the message, the SN sends a response message to the MN (e.g., "SN MODIFICATION REQUEST ACKNOWLEDGE"). This message may include information elements such as "Allowed release of MCG detached SRB" to acknowledge the release of the lower-level resource corresponding to the MCG detached SRB on the SN. In some embodiments, the message may include information elements such as "Allowed release of SCG" to acknowledge the release of the SCG.

[0062] SN initiates SRB release process

[0063] When the SN initiates the SRB release process, the SN may perform the following steps:

[0064] Step C.1: The SN sends a message to the MN (e.g., "SN MODIFICATION REQUIRED"). This message may include information elements such as "Requested release of MCG detached SRB" to request the release of lower-level resources corresponding to the detached SRBs (e.g., SRB1S and / or SRB2S) on the SN. In some embodiments, the message may include information elements such as "Requested release of SCG" to request the release of the SCG.

[0065] Step C.2: Upon receiving the message, the MN sends a response message (e.g., "SN MODIFICATIONCONFIRM") to the SN. This message includes information elements such as "Allowed release of MCG detached SRB" to confirm the release of the lower-level resource corresponding to the MCG detached SRB on the SN. In some embodiments, the message may include information elements such as "Allowed release of SCG" to confirm the release of the SCG.

[0066] Special Cases of SRB3

[0067] Currently, SRB3 is only configured on the SN side; MN is unaware of its existence. Therefore, SN needs to initiate the creation and release of SRB3 itself.

[0068] Before SRB3 is established, there is no bearer between the SN and the UE. Therefore, the SN needs to pass information to the MN so that the MN can relay the information to the UE to establish SRB3.

[0069] To establish SRB3, the SN can perform the following steps:

[0070] Step D.1: SN determines that it needs to establish one or more SRB3s.

[0071] Step D.2: Configure the SN with the lower-level resources corresponding to one or more SRB3s, such as one or more corresponding SCG RLC bearers.

[0072] Step D.3: The SN transmits information from one or more SRB3s to the MN, enabling the MN to relay the information to the UE.

[0073] The MN will then relay the relevant SRB3 information via a message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) to establish an SRB3 between the SN and the UE. After the SRB3 is established, the SN can communicate directly with the UE without going through the MN.

[0074] Example 2

[0075] This embodiment describes exemplary operations performed by the network regarding the management of SRBs (specifically, the release of lower-level resources of the isolated SRB on the SN and / or the release of SRB3). In this embodiment, both the MN and the SN are included.

[0076] In some implementations, after receiving a request from the MN to release the lower-level resources of the MCG Separate SRB on the SN (or mimicking the process of doing so), the SN releases the lower-level resources corresponding to the MCG Separate SRB. The SN then sends an acknowledgment to the MN as described in Example Embodiment 1. From the MN's perspective, the MCG Separate SRB now becomes an MCG SRB in which only one set of lower-level resources is configured on the MN.

[0077] Special Cases of SRB3

[0078] Using the established SRB3, the SN can communicate directly with the UE via the Uu interface to facilitate its release. The SN can decide to release one or more SRB3s based on certain conditions. The conditions can be at least one of the following:

[0079] 1) The SN receives a request from the MN to release the low-level resources corresponding to all SN-side DRBs.

[0080] 2) The SN requests the release of the low-level resources corresponding to all SN-side DRBs, and the MN confirms the request.

[0081] 3) The low-level resources corresponding to all DRBs on the SN have been released.

[0082] 4) SN receives a request from MN to release the low-level resources corresponding to all DRBs and all MCG detached SRBs.

[0083] 5) SN requests the release of low-level resources corresponding to all DRBs and all MCG detached SRBs, and MN confirms the request.

[0084] 6) The low-level resources corresponding to all DRBs and all MCGs separated from SRBs have been released.

[0085] 7) SN receives the message to release SCG.

[0086] In some embodiments, after determining that one of the conditions has been triggered, the SN first sends a request to the UE to indicate release, and waits for confirmation from the UE before releasing SRB3.

[0087] In some embodiments, the SN releases one or more SRB3s after one of its decision conditions has been triggered. For example, after receiving a request to release an SCG from the MN (or initiating a process to do so), if any one or more DRBs and / or one or more detached SPBs exist on the SN, the SN releases the lower-layer resources corresponding to all DRBs and detached SRBs. The SN may release the SCG RLC bearers corresponding to all DRBs. In some embodiments, the SN further releases the lower-layer resources corresponding to any MCG detached SRBs. The SN may also decide to release one or more SRB3s if any SRB3s are configured on the SN.

[0088] It should be noted that releasing SRB3 includes releasing the lower-level resources corresponding to SRB3. In some embodiments, releasing SRB3 also includes releasing higher-level resources. That is, once SRB3 is released, both the lower-level and higher-level resources are released.

[0089] Example 3

[0090] This embodiment describes an exemplary signaling procedure between the network and the UE regarding the management of SRBs (specifically, the release of lower-layer resources of the SRB). In this embodiment, the network includes both an MN and a SN.

[0091] Figure 6 This is a flowchart representation of a method 600 for wireless communication. Method 600 includes operating a wireless communication node in a wireless network at 602. The wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group. The method also includes sending a message from the wireless communication node to a mobile device at 604 indicating the release of a secondary cell group or the release of one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group.

[0092] In some embodiments, after the SN releases all DRBs and SRBs as described in Example Embodiment 2, the MN sends a message (e.g., an RRC message) to the UE indicating the release of the SCG, so that the UE can also release the SCG. This message may include information elements such as a "list of secondary cell groups to be released". The message may also include a group identifier (e.g., CellGroupId) for identifying the current cell of the SN.

[0093] Special Cases of SRB3

[0094] In some embodiments, after the SN determines that one or more SRB3s need to be released, the SN may perform the following steps:

[0095] Step E.1: The SN sends a message (e.g., an RRC message) to the UE via the Uu interface. The message includes information elements indicating the release of one or more SRB3s.

[0096] Step E.2: The SN receives an RRC response message from the UE via the Uu interface. This message confirms the release of SRB3.

[0097] The SN can then release SRB3 accordingly. However, in some embodiments, the RRC response message instructs the UE to refuse to release one or more SRB3s. In this case, the SN will not release one or more SRB3s.

[0098] Example 4

[0099] The example describes exemplary operations performed by the UE after receiving a message from the network to release a cell group. Releasing a cell group includes releasing lower-layer resources of the cell group.

[0100] Figure 7 This is a flowchart representation of method 700 for wireless communication. Method 700 includes receiving, at 702, a message from a communication node in a wireless network indicating the release of lower-layer resources associated with a cell group in the wireless network. Method 700 includes releasing the lower-layer resources of the cell group at 704. Method 700 also includes avoiding one or more faults of the monitored cell group at 706. For example, a fault of the SCG may include one or more of the following: SCG RLF, SN change fault, or SCG reconfiguration with synchronization fault.

[0101] More specifically, the UE can perform the following operations regarding the release of one or more SRBs:

[0102] Step F.1: The UE receives a message from the network (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message).

[0103] Step F.2: The UE reads the message. If the message includes information elements indicating the release of the SCG (e.g., "List of Secondary Cell Groups to be Released"), the UE releases the SCG. Specifically, the UE releases the lower-layer resources of the SCG.

[0104] Step F.3: The UE stops monitoring the SN signal quality and also stops detecting and / or reporting SCG faults when one of the following conditions is detected:

[0105] 1) The message includes information elements for releasing the SCG.

[0106] 2) This message indicates the release of all SN-side DRBs.

[0107] 3) This message indicates the release of all SN-side DRBs and SRBs (including SRB1S, SRB2S and SRB3).

[0108] It should be noted again that although the foregoing description focuses on the MCG-separated SRB, the disclosed techniques can also be applied to the separation of RBs for SCG configurations (e.g., a separation of RBs in which lower-level resources are configured on both MN and SN, while higher-level resources are configured only on SN).

[0109] Figure 8 An example of a wireless communication system in which one or more embodiments of the present technology can be applied is shown. The wireless communication system 800 may include one or more base stations (BS) 805a, 805b, one or more wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d, and a core network 825. Base stations 805a, 805b may provide wireless services to wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d in one or more wireless sectors. In some embodiments, base stations 805a, 805b include directional antennas for generating two or more directional beams to provide wireless coverage in different sectors.

[0110] The core network 825 can communicate with one or more base stations 805a and 805b. The core network 825 provides connectivity with other wireless and wired communication systems. The core network may include one or more service subscription databases to store information related to subscribed wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d. The first base station 805a can provide wireless services based on a first radio access technology, while the second base station 805b can provide wireless services based on a second radio access technology. Depending on the deployment scenario, base stations 805a and 805b can be located together in the field or can be installed separately. Wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d can support multiple different radio access technologies.

[0111] In some implementations, a wireless communication system may include multiple networks using different wireless technologies. Dual-mode or multi-mode wireless devices include two or more wireless technologies that can be used to connect to different wireless networks.

[0112] Figure 9This is a block diagram representation of a portion of a radio station. Radio station 905 (such as a base station or wireless device (or UE)) may include processor electronics 910 (such as a microprocessor) implementing one or more of the wireless technologies presented in this document. Radio station 905 may include transceiver electronics 915 for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals on one or more communication interfaces (such as antenna 920). Radio station 905 may include other communication interfaces for transmitting and receiving data. Radio station 905 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information such as data and / or instructions. In some embodiments, processor electronics 910 may include at least a portion of transceiver electronics 915. In some embodiments, at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules, or functions are implemented using radio station 905.

[0113] Therefore, it is evident that methods and corresponding apparatuses related to the management of one or more SRBs are disclosed. The disclosed technology allows a UE operating in DC or MC mode to skip SN fault detection and / or SN signal quality monitoring when necessary, thereby reducing the UE's bandwidth and power consumption.

[0114] Based on the foregoing, it will be understood that specific embodiments of the currently disclosed technology have been described herein for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the currently disclosed technology is not limited except for the appended claims.

[0115] The disclosed and other embodiments, modules, and functional operations described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuits or computer software, firmware, or hardware (including the structures disclosed in this document and their structural equivalents) or in one or more combinations thereof. The disclosed and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for execution by or control of the operation of a data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a storage device, a material composition affecting machine-readable propagated signals, or a combination thereof. The term "data processing apparatus" covers all means, devices, and machines for processing data, including, for example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus may also include code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question (e.g., code constituting processor firmware), a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination thereof. The propagated signals are artificially generated signals, such as machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signals, which are generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device.

[0116] Computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, scripts, or code) can be written in any programming language (including compiled or interpreted languages) and can be deployed in any form, including as standalone programs or as modules, components, subroutines, or other units suited to a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored as a part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), a single file dedicated to the program in question, or multiple coordinating files (e.g., portions of files storing one or more modules, subroutines, or code). Computer programs can be deployed to be executed on a single computer or on multiple computers located in one location or distributed across multiple locations and interconnected via a communication network.

[0117] The processes and logic described in this document can be executed by one or more programmable processors, which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logic can also be executed by dedicated logic circuitry, and the device can be implemented as dedicated logic circuitry, such as FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0118] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors in any type of digital computer. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more storage devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data from such mass storage devices, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, including, for example, semiconductor storage devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. The processor and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry.

[0119] Although this patent document contains numerous details, these details should not be construed as limiting any invention or the scope of the claims, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Certain features described in the context of separate embodiments of this patent document may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, the individual features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments. Furthermore, although features are described above as functioning in a particular combination and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from a claimed combination may be excluded from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may refer to a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0120] Similarly, although operations are described in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order or sequence shown, or requiring all of the shown operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0121] Only some implementation methods and examples are described, and other implementation methods, enhancements and variations may be made based on the content described and shown in this patent document.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: Operating a first wireless communication node in a wireless network, wherein the wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group, and wherein the first wireless communication node establishes one or more separate signaling radio bearers for the primary cell group, the one or more separate signaling radio bearers having lower-layer resources in both the primary cell group and the secondary cell group; and A message is sent from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node in the wireless network, the message indicating the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers, the release including the release of lower-layer resources of the secondary cell group corresponding to the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The release of the one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group includes the release of lower-layer resources corresponding to the one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The message also indicates the release of one or more signaling radio bearers in the secondary cell group.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising: An acknowledgment is received at the first wireless communication node from the second wireless communication node, the acknowledgment being used to confirm the release of the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The message causes the second wireless communication node to release the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The first wireless communication node is the master node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is the auxiliary node of the wireless network.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Release at least one of the following through the first wireless communication node: The one or more separate signaling radio bearers of the primary cell group. Lower-layer resources corresponding to one or more signaling radio bearers of the secondary cell group, or Lower-level resources corresponding to the auxiliary cell group.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first wireless communication node is an auxiliary node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is the master node of the wireless network.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The message is a radio resource control message.

10. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor configured to perform a method comprising: Operate the first wireless communication node in the wireless network, where... The wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group, wherein the first wireless communication node establishes one or more separate signaling radio bearers for the primary cell group, the one or more separate signaling radio bearers having lower-layer resources in both the primary cell group and the secondary cell group; and A message is sent from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node in the wireless network, the message indicating the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers, the release including the release of lower-layer resources of the secondary cell group corresponding to the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to: receive an acknowledgment at the first wireless communication node from the second wireless communication node, the acknowledgment being used to confirm the release of the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein, The message causes the second wireless communication node to release the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first wireless communication node is the master node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is the auxiliary node of the wireless network.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having code stored thereon, the code causing the processor, when executed by a processor, to perform a method comprising: Operate the first wireless communication node in the wireless network, where... The wireless network includes a primary cell group and at least one secondary cell group, wherein the first wireless communication node establishes one or more separate signaling radio bearers for the primary cell group, the one or more separate signaling radio bearers having lower-layer resources in both the primary cell group and the secondary cell group; and A message is sent from the first wireless communication node to a second wireless communication node in the wireless network, the message indicating the release of one or more separate signaling radio bearers, the release including the release of lower-layer resources of the secondary cell group corresponding to the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured such that: An acknowledgment is received at the first wireless communication node from the second wireless communication node, the acknowledgment being used to confirm the release of the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

16. The non-transitory computer-readable medium according to claim 14, wherein, The message causes the second wireless communication node to release the one or more separate signaling radio bearers.

17. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the first wireless communication node is the master node of the wireless network, and the second wireless communication node is the auxiliary node of the wireless network.

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