Configuration of measurement gaps in New Radio (NR)-NR Dual Connectivity (NR-NR DC) arrangements

Abstract

The present invention generally describes implementation schemes of a next generation Node‑B (gNB), a user equipment (UE), and a communication method. A master gNB (MgNB) may be arranged to operate with a secondary gNB (SgNB) according to a new radio (NR)‑NR dual connectivity (NR‑NR DC) arrangement. If the UE does not support per-frequency (per-FR) measurement gaps, the MgNB may configure per-UE measurement gaps for the UE for measurement of signals in a first frequency range and a second frequency range. If the UE supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB may configure a first measurement gap in the first frequency range, and the SgNB may configure a second measurement gap in the second frequency range.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 735,711, filed on September 24, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Embodiments relate to wireless communications. Some embodiments relate to wireless networks, including 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) networks, 3GPP LTE (Long Term Evolution) networks, fifth generation (5G) networks, and / or new radio (NR) networks. Some embodiments relate to measurement gaps, including per-frequency (per-FR) measurement gaps and per-user equipment (per-UE) measurement gaps. Some embodiments relate to methods for configuring measurement gaps in an NR-NR dual connectivity (NR-NR DC) arrangement. Background Art

[0004] Efficient use of the resources of a wireless network is important for providing bandwidth and acceptable response times to users of the wireless network. However, there are often many devices trying to share the same resources, and some devices may be limited by the communication protocol they use or by the bandwidth of their hardware. In addition, wireless devices may need to operate with both newer protocols and legacy device protocols. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1A is a functional diagram of an exemplary network according to some embodiments;

[0006] Figure 1B is a functional diagram of another exemplary network according to some embodiments;

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary machine according to some embodiments;

[0008] Figure 3 An exemplary communication circuit according to some aspects is shown;

[0009] Figure 4 illustrates the operation of a communication method according to some embodiments; and

[0010] Figure 5 The operation of a communication method according to some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The following description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate specific embodiments so that those skilled in the art can practice these embodiments. Other embodiments may be combined with structural changes, logical changes, electrical changes, process changes and other changes. The parts and features of some embodiments may be included in the parts and features of other embodiments or replace the parts and features of other embodiments. The embodiments set forth in the claims cover all available equivalents in these claims.

[0012] Figure 1A is a functional diagram of an exemplary network according to some embodiments. Figure 1B is a functional diagram of another exemplary network according to some embodiments. In the references herein, "FIG. 1" may include Figure 1A and Figure 1B In some embodiments, network 100 may be a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network. In some embodiments, network 150 may be a 3GPP network, a New Radio (NR) network, and / or a fifth generation (5G) network. In other embodiments, other networks may be used. In some embodiments, the network may include one or more of the following: Figure 1A one or more of the components shown; Figure 1B One or more components shown; and one or more additional components. Some embodiments may not necessarily include Figure 1A and Figure 1B All parts shown in .

[0013] The network 100 may include a radio access network (RAN) 101 and a core network 120 (e.g., shown as an evolved packet core (EPC)) coupled together via an S1 interface 115. For convenience and brevity, only a portion of the core network 120 and the RAN 101 are shown. In some embodiments, the RAN 101 may include one or more of the following: one or more components of an evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN), one or more components of a NR network, and / or one or more other components.

[0014] The core network 120 may include a mobility management entity (MME) 122, a serving gateway (serving GW) 124, and a packet data network gateway (PDN GW) 126. In some embodiments, the networks 100, 150 may include (and / or support) one or more evolved Node-Bs (eNBs) 104 and / or one or more next generation Node-Bs (gNBs) 105. The eNBs 104 and / or gNBs 105 may operate as base stations for communicating with user equipment (UE) 102. In some embodiments, one or more eNBs 104 may be configured to operate as gNBs 105. The embodiments are not limited to Figure 1AThe number of eNBs 104 shown or Figure 1B The number of gNBs 105 shown. The implementation is not limited to Figure 1A Connectivity of components shown.

[0015] It should be noted that references herein to eNB 104 or gNB 105 are not limiting. In some embodiments, one or more operations, methods, and / or techniques (such as those described herein) may be practiced by a base station component (and / or other components), including but not limited to gNB 105, eNB 104, serving cell, transceiver point (TRP), and / or others. In some embodiments, the base station component may be configured to operate in accordance with one or more of the following: 3GPP LTE protocols / standards, NR protocols / standards, fifth generation (5G) protocols / standards; and / or other protocols / standards, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0016] The description herein of one or more operations, techniques and / or methods practiced by components (such as UE 102, eNB 104, gNB 105 and / or other components) is not limiting. In some embodiments, one or more of these operations, techniques and / or methods may be practiced by another component.

[0017] The MME 122 manages access-related mobility aspects, such as gateway selection and tracking area list management. The Serving GW 124 terminates the interface towards the RAN 101 and routes data packets between the RAN 101 and the core network 120. In addition, it can be a local mobility anchor for inter-eNB handovers and can also provide an anchor for inter-3GPP mobility. The Serving GW 124 and the MME 122 can be implemented in one physical node or in separate physical nodes.

[0018] In some embodiments, the UE 102, eNB 104 and / or gNB 105 may be configured to transmit orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals over a multi-carrier communication channel in accordance with an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technique.

[0019] In some embodiments, network 150 may include one or more components configured to operate in accordance with one or more 3GPP standards, including but not limited to the NR standard. Figure 1B The illustrated network 150 may include a next generation RAN (NG-RAN) 155, which may include one or more gNBs 105. In some embodiments, the network 150 may include an E-UTRAN 160, which may include one or more eNBs. The E-UTRAN 160 may be similar to the RAN 101 described herein, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0020] In some embodiments, network 150 may include MME 165, which may be similar to MME 122 described herein, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. In some embodiments, network 150 may include SGW 170, which may be similar to SGW 124 described herein, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard.

[0021] The implementation plan is not limited to Figure 1B The number or type of components shown. The embodiments are not limited to Figure 1B Connectivity of components shown.

[0022] As used herein, the term "circuit" may refer to, belong to or include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a (shared, dedicated or group) processor, and / or a (shared, dedicated or group) memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable hardware components that provide the functionality. In some embodiments, the circuit may be implemented in one or more software or firmware modules, or the functions associated with the circuit may be implemented by one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, the circuit may include a logic component that may be at least partially operated in hardware. The embodiments described herein may be implemented in a system using any appropriately configured hardware and / or software.

[0023] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary machine according to some embodiments. Machine 200 is an exemplary machine on which any one or more of the techniques and / or methods discussed herein may be executed. In alternative embodiments, machine 200 may operate as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. Machine 200 may be UE 102, eNB 104, gNB 105, access point (AP), station (STA), user, device, mobile device, base station, another device, or any machine capable of (sequentially or otherwise) executing instructions specifying actions to be taken by the machine. In addition, although only one machine is shown, the term "machine" should also be deemed to include any collection of machines that individually or collectively execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more methods discussed herein (such as cloud computing software as a service (SaaS)) and other computer cluster configurations.

[0024] Examples as described herein may include or may operate on a logical component or multiple components, modules, or mechanisms.

[0025] The machine (e.g., computer system) 200 may include a hardware processor 202 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a hardware processor core, or any combination thereof), a main memory 204, and a static memory 206, some or all of which may communicate with each other via an interconnection link (e.g., a bus) 208. The machine 200 may also include one or more of 210-228.

[0026] The storage device 216 may include a machine-readable medium 222 on which is stored one or more sets of data structures or instructions 224 (e.g., software) embodied or utilized by any one or more of the techniques or functionality described herein. During execution of the instructions 224 by the machine 200, these instructions may also reside completely or at least partially within the main memory 204, within the static memory 206, or within the hardware processor 202. In one example, one or any combination of the hardware processor 202, the main memory 204, the static memory 206, or the storage device 216 may constitute a machine-readable medium. In some embodiments, the machine-readable medium may be or may include a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, the machine-readable medium may be or may include a computer-readable storage medium.

[0027] Although the machine-readable medium 222 is shown as a single medium, the term "machine-readable medium" may include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) configured to store one or more instructions 224. The term "machine-readable medium" may include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 200 and causing the machine 200 to perform any one or more of the techniques of the present disclosure, or any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying data structures used by or associated with such instructions. Non-limiting examples of machine-readable media may include solid-state memory, and optical and magnetic media. Specific examples of machine-readable media may include: non-volatile memory, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM)) and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks and removable disks; magneto-optical disks; random access memory (RAM); and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. In some examples, the machine-readable medium may include non-transitory machine-readable media. In some examples, the machine-readable medium may include machine-readable media that is not a transitory propagating signal.

[0028] The instructions 224 may also be transmitted or received over the communication network 226 using a transmission medium via the network interface device 220 using any of a number of transmission protocols. In one example, the network interface device 220 may include multiple antennas for wireless communication using at least one of single input multiple output (SIMO), multiple input multiple output (MIMO), or multiple input single output (MISO) technology. In some examples, the network interface device 220 may use multi-user MIMO technology for wireless communication. The term "transmission medium" should be taken to include any intangible medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying instructions for execution by the machine 200, and includes digital or analog communication signals or other intangible media used to facilitate the communication of such software.

[0029] Figure 3 An exemplary communication circuit according to some aspects is shown. It should be noted that in some aspects, a device such as UE 102, eNB 104, gNB 105, machine 200 and / or other device may include one or more components of the communication circuit 300. The communication circuit 300 may include a protocol processing circuit 305, which may implement one or more of the following: medium access control (MAC), radio link control (RLC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), radio resource control (RRC) and non-access stratum (NAS) functions. The communication circuit 300 may also include a digital baseband circuit 310, which may implement one or more physical layer (PHY) functions. The communication circuit 300 may also include a transmit circuit 315, a receive circuit 320 and / or an antenna array circuit 330. The communication circuit 300 may also include a radio frequency (RF) circuit 325. In one aspect of the present disclosure, the RF circuit 325 may include a plurality of parallel RF chains for one or more of the transmission or reception functions, each chain being connected to one or more antennas of the antenna array 330.

[0030] In some embodiments, the processing circuit may perform one or more operations described herein and / or other operations. In a non-limiting example, the processing circuit may include one or more components, such as processor 202, protocol processing circuit 305, digital baseband circuit 310, similar components, and / or other components.

[0031] In some embodiments, the transceiver may transmit one or more elements (including but not limited to those described herein) and / or receive one or more elements (including but not limited to those described herein). In a non-limiting example, the transceiver may include one or more components such as transmit circuit 315, receive circuit 320, radio frequency circuit 325, the like, and / or other components.

[0032] Although the UE 102, eNB 104, gNB 105, machine 200, and / or other devices described herein may each be illustrated as having several separate functional elements, one or more of these functional elements may be combined and may be implemented by a combination of software configurable elements, such as processing elements, including a combination of a digital signal processor (DSP), one or more microprocessors, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), and various hardware and logic circuits for performing at least the functions described herein. In some embodiments, a functional element may refer to one or more processes running on one or more processing elements.

[0033] Embodiments may be implemented in one or a combination of hardware, firmware, and software. Embodiments may also be implemented as instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device, which may be read and executed by at least one processor to perform the operations described herein. A computer-readable storage device may include any non-transient mechanism for storing information in a machine (e.g., computer) readable form. For example, a computer-readable storage device may include a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a disk storage medium, an optical storage medium, a flash memory device, and other storage devices and media. Some embodiments may include one or more processors and may be configured by instructions stored on a computer-readable storage device.

[0034] It should be noted that in some embodiments, the apparatus of UE 102, eNB 104, gNB 105, machine 200 and / or other devices may include Figures 2 to 3 The various components shown and / or other components. Thus, in some embodiments, the techniques and operations described herein as being performed by a device may be performed by means of a device.

[0035] According to some embodiments, a master next generation Node-B (MgNB) 105 may be arranged to operate with a secondary next generation Node-B (SgNB) 105 according to a new radio (NR)-NR dual connectivity (NR-NR DC) arrangement. The MgNB 105 may receive UE capability information from a user equipment (UE) 102 indicating whether the UE 102 supports per-frequency (per-FR) measurement gaps. Each per-FR measurement gap may be used for signal measurement in one frequency range. If the MgNB 105 operates in a first frequency range and a second frequency range, and if the SgNB 105 operates in the second frequency range, and if the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit a radio resource control (RRC) signaling to the UE 102, the RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap for signal measurement in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the MgNB 105 operates in the first frequency range and the second frequency range, and if the SgNB 105 operates in the second frequency range, and if the UE 102 supports per FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may: transmit RRC signaling to the UE 102, the RRC signaling configuring a first per FR measurement gap for the first frequency range; and transmit additional signaling to the SgNB 105, the additional signaling indicating that the SgNB 105 will configure a second per FR measurement gap for the second frequency range for the UE 102. These embodiments will be described in more detail below.

[0036] Figure 4 The operation of a communication method according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 5 2 illustrates the operation of another communication method according to some embodiments. It is important to note that Figures 4 to 5 Compared to the operations or processes shown, embodiments of methods 400, 500 may include additional or even fewer operations or processes. In addition, embodiments of methods 400, 500 are not necessarily limited to Figures 4 to 5 In describing the methods 400, 500, reference may be made to one or more of the figures, but it should be understood that the methods 400, 500 may be practiced using any other suitable systems, interfaces, and components.

[0037] In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more operations of the method 400, but embodiments are not limited to the MgNB 105 performing the method 400 and / or its operations. In some embodiments, another device and / or component (such as the UE 102, SgNB 105, gNB 105, eNB 104, and / or others) may perform one or more operations of the method 400. In some embodiments, another device and / or component (such as the UE 102, SgNB 105, gNB 105, eNB 104, and / or others) may perform one or more operations that may be similar, related, and / or reciprocal to one or more operations of the method 400. In a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the SgNB 105 may perform operations that may be the same, similar, reciprocal, and / or related to the operations of the method 400. In another non-limiting example, in some embodiments, the UE 102 may perform operations that may be the same, similar, reciprocal, and / or related to the operations of the method 400.

[0038] In some embodiments, UE 102 may perform one or more operations of method 500, but embodiments are not limited to the performance of method 500 and / or the operation thereof by UE 102. In some embodiments, another device and / or component (such as MgNB 105, SgNB 105, gNB 105, eNB 104, and / or others) may perform one or more operations of method 500. In some embodiments, another device and / or component (such as MgNB 105, SgNB 105, gNB 105, eNB 104, and / or others) may perform one or more operations that may be similar, related, and / or reciprocal to one or more operations of method 500. In a non-limiting example, in some embodiments, MgNB 105 and / or SgNB 105 may perform operations that may be the same, similar, reciprocal, and / or related to the operations of method 500.

[0039] It should be noted that one or more operations of one method (such as 400, 500, and / or other methods described herein) may be the same, similar, related, and / or reciprocal to one or more operations of another method (such as 400, 500, and / or other methods described herein). For example, in some embodiments, the operations of method 400 may be the same, similar, and / or reciprocal to the operations of method 500. In a non-limiting example, the operations of method 400 may include transmitting elements (such as frames, blocks, messages, and / or other elements) by the MgNB 105, and the operations of method 500 may include receiving the same elements (and / or similar elements) by the UE 102. In another non-limiting example, the operations of method 400 may include transmitting elements (such as frames, blocks, messages, and / or other elements) by the MgNB 105, and the operations of another method may include receiving the same elements (and / or similar elements) by the SgNB 105. In some cases, at least some of the descriptions of operations and techniques described as part of one method (such as 400, 500, and / or other methods described herein) may be related to another method (such as 400, 500, and / or other methods described herein).

[0040] Methods 400, 500, and other methods described herein may refer to eNB 104, gNB 105, and / or UE 102 operating in accordance with 3GPP standards, 5G standards, NR standards, and / or other standards. However, the embodiments are not limited to the execution of those methods by those components, and may also be performed by other devices such as Wi-Fi access points (APs) or user stations (STAs). In addition, methods 800, 900, and other methods described herein may be implemented by wireless devices configured to operate in other suitable types of wireless communication systems, including systems configured to operate in accordance with various IEEE standards such as IEEE 802.11. Methods 400, 500 may also be applicable to an apparatus of MgNB 105, an apparatus of SgNB 105, an apparatus of UE 102, an apparatus of eNB 104, an apparatus of gNB 105, and / or an apparatus of another device described above.

[0041] In some embodiments, an apparatus of a device (including but not limited to UE 102, eNB 104, gNB 105, and / or others) may include a memory that can be configured to store one or more elements, and the apparatus may use them to perform one or more operations. The apparatus may include processing circuits that can perform one or more operations (including but not limited to operations in method 400 and / or other methods described herein). The processing circuit may include a baseband processor. The baseband circuit and / or the processing circuit may perform one or more operations described herein. The apparatus may include a transceiver for transmitting and / or receiving one or more blocks, messages, and / or other elements.

[0042] Embodiments are not limited by references herein to the transmission, reception and / or exchange of elements such as frames, messages, requests, indicators, signals or other elements. In some embodiments, such elements may be generated, encoded or otherwise processed by processing circuitry for transmission by a transceiver or other component case. In some embodiments, such elements may be received by a transceiver or other component and may be decoded, detected or otherwise processed by processing circuitry. In some embodiments, processing circuitry and a transceiver may be included in the same device. In some embodiments, a transceiver may be separate from a device including a processing circuit.

[0043] One or more elements described herein (such as messages, operations, and / or other) may be included in 3GPP protocols, 3GPP LTE protocols, 4G protocols, 5G protocols, NR protocols, and / or other protocols, but the implementation is not limited to the use of those elements. In some embodiments, other elements may be used, including other elements in the same standard / protocol, other elements in another standard / protocol, and / or other elements. In addition, the scope of the implementation is not limited to the use of elements included in the standard.

[0044] In some embodiments, UE 102, eNB 104 and / or gNB 105 may be arranged to operate according to 3GPP protocols, NR protocols and / or other protocols.

[0045] In some descriptions herein, reference may be made to one or more techniques, operations, and / or methods performed by the MgNB 105, but such reference is not limiting. In some embodiments, one or more of these techniques, operations, and / or methods may be performed by one or more of the following: a gNB 105, a gNB 105 capable of being configured to operate as a MgNB 105, a gNB 105 configured to operate as a MgNB 105, a gNB 105 operating as a MgNB 105, and / or others.

[0046] At operation 405, the MgNB 105 may exchange signals (such as RRC signals, control signals, and / or other signals) with the UE 102, and at operation 410, the MgNB 105 may exchange signals (such as RRC signals, control signals, and / or other signals) with the SgNB 105. At operation 415, the MgNB 105 may transmit RRC signals for configuring per-UE measurement gaps for the UE 102. At operation 420, the MgNB 105 may transmit RRC signals for configuring one or more per-frequency (per-FR) measurement gaps for the UE 102. At operation 425, the MgNB 105 may transmit additional signals to the SgNB 105.

[0047] In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may be arranged to operate with the SgNB 105 according to an NR-NR dual connectivity (NR-NR DC) arrangement. The MgNB 105 may receive UE capability information from the UE 102 indicating whether the UE 102 supports per-frequency (per-FR) measurement gaps, each per-FR measurement gap being used for signal measurement in one frequency range. In some cases, the MgNB 105 may operate in a first frequency range and a second frequency range, and the SgNB 105 may operate in the second frequency range. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 a radio resource control (RRC) signal configuring per-UE measurement gaps for signal measurement in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following: transmit RRC signaling to configure a first per-FR measurement gap for a first frequency range to the UE 102; transmit additional signaling to the SgNB 105 indicating that the SgNB 105 will configure a second per-FR measurement gap for a second frequency range for the UE 102; and / or others. It should be noted that the above situation may include, but is not limited to, a situation in which the SgNB 105 operates in the second frequency range and does not operate in the first frequency range, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect.

[0048] In some cases, the MgNB 105 may operate in a first frequency range and a second frequency range, and the SgNB 105 may operate in the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may select a first option or a second option for configuring a second per-FR measurement gap for the second frequency range for the UE 102. In the first option, the MgNB 105 may encode an RRC signaling that configures the first per-FR measurement gap to further configure the second per-FR measurement gap. In the second option, the MgNB 105 may encode additional signaling (transmitted to the SgNB 105) to indicate that the SgNB 105 will configure the second per-FR measurement gap. In some embodiments, the SgNB 105 may configure the second per-FR measurement gap in the second option. It should be noted that the above situation may include, but is not limited to, a situation where the SgNB 105 operates in the second frequency range and does not operate in the first frequency range, but the scope of the embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0049] In some cases, the MgNB 105 and the SgNB 105 operate in a first frequency range, and the MgNB 105 and the SgNB 105 do not operate in a second frequency range. In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following operations in such cases. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures per-UE measurement gaps for signal measurements in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures per-FR measurement gaps for the first frequency range.

[0050] In some cases, the MgNB and the SgNB operate in the second frequency range, and the MgNB and the SgNB do not operate in the first frequency range. In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following operations in such a case. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures per-UE measurement gaps for signal measurements in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures per-FR measurement gaps for the second frequency range.

[0051] In some cases, the MgNB and the SgNB operate in the second frequency range, and the MgNB and the SgNB do not operate in the first frequency range. In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following operations in such a case. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures per-UE measurement gaps for signal measurements in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 additional signaling that the SgNB 105 will configure per-FR measurement gaps for the second frequency range. In some embodiments, in the above case, the SgNB 105 may configure per-FR measurement gaps for the second frequency range.

[0052] In some cases, the MgNB 105 operates in the second frequency range, and the SgNB 105 operates in the first frequency range. In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following operations in such a case. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 an RRC signaling that configures per-UE measurement gaps for signal measurement in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 an RRC signaling that configures a first per-FR measurement gap for the first frequency range, and further configures a second per-FR measurement gap for the second frequency range. It should be noted that the above case may include, but is not limited to, the case where the MgNB 105 operates in the second frequency range and does not operate in the first frequency range, and the SgNB 105 operates in the first frequency range and does not operate in the second frequency range, but the scope of the embodiment is not limited in this respect.

[0053] In some cases, the MgNB operates in the second frequency range and the SgNB operates in the first frequency range. In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following operations in such a case. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures per-UE measurement gaps for signal measurements in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the MgNB 105 may perform one or more of the following: transmit to the UE 102 RRC signaling that configures a second per-FR measurement gap for the second frequency range; transmit to the SgNB 105 additional signaling that indicates that the SgNB 105 will configure a first per-FR measurement gap for the first frequency range; and / or other. In some embodiments, in the above case, the SgNB 105 may configure a per-FR measurement gap for the first frequency range. It should be noted that the above situation may include but is not limited to the following situation: MgNB 105 operates within the second frequency range and does not operate within the first frequency range, and SgNB 105 operates within the first frequency range and does not operate within the second frequency range, but the scope of the implementation scheme is not limited in this respect.

[0054] Some descriptions herein (including but not limited to the description of methods 400 and 500) may refer to a first frequency range and a second frequency range. In a non-limiting example, the first frequency range may be a FR1 frequency range. The FR1 frequency range may be below 6 gigahertz (GHz), but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. The second frequency range may be a FR2 frequency range. The FR2 frequency range may be within the microwave frequency range, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. The embodiments are not limited to the exemplary frequency ranges given above, because in some embodiments any suitable frequency range can be used.

[0055] In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may transmit a signal to configure a synchronization signal block (SSB) measurement for at most one measurement object having the same SSB frequency and the same SSB subcarrier spacing.

[0056] In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may transmit a signal to configure SSB measurements for the same SSB frequency, the same SSB subcarrier spacing, and the same SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC).

[0057] In some embodiments, the MgNB 105 may be configured to exchange RRC signals with the UE 102 regardless of the RRC signals exchanged between the SgNB 105 and the UE 102.

[0058] In some embodiments, the SgNB 105 may be arranged to operate with the MgNB 105 according to the NR-NRDC arrangement. The SgNB 105 may receive a signal from the MgNB 105 indicating whether the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps. Each per-FR measurement gap may be used for signal measurement in one frequency range. If the UE 102 does not support per-FR measurement gaps, the SgNB 105 may avoid transmitting a signal for configuring per-FR measurement gaps or per-UE measurement gaps. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, the SgNB 105 may receive additional signal from the MgNB 105 indicating whether the SgNB 105 will configure per-FR measurement gaps in the frequency range in which the SgNB 105 operates. The frequency range may be a first frequency range or a second frequency range, but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. If the additional signal indicates that SgNB 105 will configure per-FR measurement gaps, SgNB 105 may transmit an RRC signal to UE 102, where the RRC signal may indicate configuration information of per-FR measurement gaps within the frequency range in which SgNB 105 operates.

[0059] At operation 505, the UE 102 may exchange signals (such as RRC signals, control signals, and / or other signals) with the MgNB 105. At operation 510, the UE 102 may exchange signals (such as RRC signals, control signals, and / or other signals) with the SgNB 105. At operation 515, the UE 102 may receive RRC signals for configuring per-UE measurement gaps for the UE 102. At operation 520, the UE 102 may receive RRC signals for configuring one or more per-frequency (per-FR) measurement gaps for the UE 102. In some embodiments, at operation 520, the UE 102 may receive RRC signals from the MgNB 105 and / or RRC signals from the SgNB 105. At operation 525, the UE 102 may determine signal measurements based on the configured measurement gaps.

[0060] In some embodiments, UE 102 may be arranged to operate according to a NR-NRDC arrangement. In some embodiments, the NR-NR DC arrangement may include one or more of the following: communication between UE 102 and MgNB 105; communication between UE 102 and SgNB 105; and / or other.

[0061] In some embodiments, UE 102 may transmit UE capability information indicating whether UE 102 supports per FR measurement gaps to MgNB 105. In some embodiments, each per FR measurement interval may be used for signal measurement in one frequency range, although the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this respect. If UE 102 does not support per FR measurement gaps, UE 102 may perform measurements of received signals in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range during the per UE measurement gap configured by RRC signaling from MgNB 105. If the UE 102 supports per-FR measurement gaps, and if both the MgNB 105 and the SgNB 105 operate only in one of the frequency ranges of the first frequency range and the second frequency range, the UE 102 may perform one or more of the following: during the per-FR gap configured by the RRC signaling from the MgNB 105, perform a first measurement of signals in the frequency range in which both the MgNB 105 and the SgNB 105 operate; perform a second measurement of signals in the frequency range in which the MgNB 105 and the SgNB 105 do not operate, the second measurement being performed independently of the per-FR gap; and / or others. For example, if both the MgNB 105 and the SgNB 105 operate in the first frequency range but do not operate in the second frequency range, the UE 102 may perform measurements of signals in the first frequency range based on the per-FR gap configured by the MgNB 105, and may perform measurements of signals in the second frequency range independently of the per-FR gap.

[0062] In some embodiments, if UE 102 supports per FR measurement gaps, and if the MgNB operates in a first frequency range and the SgNB operates in a second frequency range, UE 102 may perform one or more of the following: perform a first measurement of a signal in the first frequency range during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from MgNB 105; perform a second measurement of a signal in the second frequency range during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from MgNB 105 or SgNB 105; and / or others.

[0063] The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 CFR 1.72(b), which requires an Abstract to be provided that enables the reader to ascertain the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. It is understood that the Abstract will not be used to limit or interpret the scope or meaning of the claims. The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A base station, comprising: Memory; as well as a processing circuit in communication with the memory, wherein the processing circuit is configured to cause the base station to: decoding, from a user equipment UE, UE capability information indicating whether the UE supports per-frequency range, i.e., per-FR, measurement gaps, wherein a first per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a first frequency range FR1 located in a frequency range below 6 GHz, and a second per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a second frequency range FR2 located in a frequency range above FR1, wherein the base station operates with a secondary node according to a New Radio-New Radio Dual Connectivity NR-NRDC arrangement, and Wherein, when the base station operates in FR1 and FR2, and the secondary node operates in FR2: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: encoding, for transmission to the UE, radio resource control (RRC) signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2; and When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: encoding RRC signaling configuring a first per-FR measurement gap for FR1 for transmission to the UE; and encoding additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure a second per FR measurement gap for FR2 for the UE for transmission to the secondary node; and Wherein, when the base station and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: encoding RRC signaling for configuring a per-FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; or Additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure per FR measurement gaps for FR2 is encoded for transmission to the UE.

2. The base station according to claim 1, in, When the base station operates in FR1 and FR2 and the secondary node operates in FR2 and the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to: encoding the RRC signaling for configuring the first per FR measurement gap to further configure the second per FR measurement gap; or The additional signaling indicating that the secondary node is to configure the second per FR measurement gap is encoded FR2.

3. The base station according to claim 1, in, When the base station and the secondary node operate in FR1 but not in FR2: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: encoding RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2 for transmission to the UE; When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: RRC signaling configuring the per-FR measurement gap for FR1 is encoded for transmission to the UE.

4. The base station according to claim 1, in, When the base station and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: when the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to cause the base station to: RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2 is encoded for transmission to the UE.

5. The base station according to claim 1, in, When the base station operates in FR2 and the secondary node operates in FR1: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: encoding RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2 for transmission to the UE; as well as When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the base station to: encoding RRC signaling configuring a first per FR measurement gap for FR1 and further configuring a second per FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; or encoding RRC signaling configuring a second per FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; as well as Additional signaling indicating that the secondary node is to configure a first per FR measurement gap for FR1 is encoded for transmission to the secondary node.

6. The base station according to claim 1, The processing circuit is further configured to cause the base station to: Signaling is encoded to configure synchronization signal block SSB measurement for at most one measurement object with the same SSB frequency and the same SSB subcarrier spacing.

7. The base station according to claim 1, The processing circuit is further configured to cause the base station to: The signaling is encoded to configure the synchronization signal block SSB measurement for the same SSB frequency, the same SSB subcarrier spacing, and the same SSB-based measurement timing configuration SMTC.

8. The base station according to claim 1, The base station is configured to exchange RRC signaling with the UE regardless of RRC signaling exchanged between the secondary node and the UE.

9. The base station according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit comprises a baseband processor for decoding the UE capability information, and The base station further includes a transceiver for receiving the UE capability information.

10. A secondary node, the secondary node being arranged to operate with a primary node according to a New Radio - NR Dual Connectivity NR-NR DC arrangement, the secondary node comprising: Memory; as well as a processing circuit in communication with the memory and configured to: decoding, from the master node, signaling indicating whether a user equipment UE supports per-frequency range, i.e., per-FR, measurement gaps, wherein a first per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for measuring signals within a first frequency range FR1 located within a frequency range below 6 GHz, and a second per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for measuring signals within a second frequency range FR2 located within a frequency range above FR1; Wherein, when the primary node operates in FR1 and FR2 and the secondary node operates in FR2: When the UE does not support the per FR measurement gap, avoiding transmitting signaling for configuring the per FR measurement gap or the per UE measurement gap; When the UE supports the per FR measurement gap, decoding additional signaling from the primary node, the additional signaling indicating whether the secondary node will configure a per FR measurement gap within a frequency range in which the secondary node operates; and When the additional signaling indicates that the secondary node is to configure a per-FR measurement gap, encoding a radio resource control RRC signaling for transmission to the UE, wherein the RRC signaling indicates configuration information of the per-FR measurement gap within the frequency range in which the secondary node operates; Wherein, when the primary node and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap: The master node encodes RRC signaling for configuring a per-FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; or The primary node encodes additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure a per FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE, and the secondary node configures a per FR measurement gap for FR2.

11. The secondary node according to claim 10, The secondary node is configured to exchange RRC signaling with the UE regardless of RRC signaling exchanged between the primary node and the UE.

12. A user equipment UE, the UE comprising: Memory; as well as a processing circuit in communication with the memory, wherein the processing circuit is configured to cause the UE to: encoding UE capability information indicating whether the UE supports per-frequency range, i.e., per-FR, measurement gaps for transmission to a base station, wherein a first per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a first frequency range FR1 located in a frequency range below 6 GHz, and a second per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a second frequency range FR2 located in a frequency range above FR1, and wherein the base station operates with a secondary node according to a New Radio-New Radio dual connectivity NR-NR DC arrangement; Wherein, when the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to cause the UE to: perform measurement of received signals in both FR1 and FR2 during a per-UE measurement gap configured by radio resource control RRC signaling from the base station; Wherein, when the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap and both the base station and the secondary node operate in only one frequency range of the frequency ranges of FR1 and FR2, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the UE to: performing a first measurement of signals within the frequency range in which both the base station and the secondary node operate during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from the base station; and performing a second measurement of signals within the frequency range in which the base station and the secondary node do not operate, wherein the second measurement is performed independently of each FR gap; Wherein, when the base station and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: When the UE supports the per FR measurement gap, the processing circuit is further configured to enable the UE to: Decoding the RRC signaling configuring the per-FR measurement gap for FR2; or Additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure per FR measurement gaps for FR2 is decoded.

13. The UE according to claim 12, in, When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap and the base station operates in FR1 and the secondary node operates in FR2, the processing circuit is further configured to cause the UE to: performing a first measurement of a signal within FR1 during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from the base station; as well as A second measurement of the signal in FR2 is performed during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from the base station or the secondary node.

14. The UE according to claim 12, The processing circuit is further configured to cause the UE to: Decode signaling used to configure synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements for up to one measurement object with the same SSB frequency and the same SSB subcarrier spacing.

15. The UE according to claim 12, The processing circuit is further configured to cause the UE to: Decode the signaling used to configure the synchronization signal block SSB measurement for the same SSB frequency, the same SSB subcarrier spacing and the same SSB-based measurement timing configuration SMTC.

16. A method for a base station, comprising: decoding, from a user equipment UE, UE capability information indicating whether the UE supports per-frequency range, i.e., per-FR, measurement gaps, wherein a first per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a first frequency range FR1 located in a frequency range below 6 GHz, and a second per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a second frequency range FR2 located in a frequency range above FR1, wherein the base station operates with a secondary node according to a New Radio-New Radio Dual Connectivity NR-NRDC arrangement, and Wherein, when the base station operates in FR1 and FR2, and the secondary node operates in FR2: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, the method further includes, by the base station: encoding, for transmission to the UE, radio resource control (RRC) signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2; and When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the method further includes, by the base station: encoding RRC signaling configuring a first per-FR measurement gap for FR1 for transmission to the UE; and encoding additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure a second per FR measurement gap for FR2 for the UE for transmission to the secondary node; and Wherein, when the base station and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the method further includes, by the base station: encoding RRC signaling for configuring a per-FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; or Additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure per FR measurement gaps for FR2 is encoded for transmission to the UE.

17. The method according to claim 16, in, When the base station operates in FR1 and FR2 and the secondary node operates in FR2 and the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the method further includes: encoding the RRC signaling for configuring the first per FR measurement gap to further configure the second per FR measurement gap; or The additional signaling indicating that the secondary node is to configure the second per FR measurement gap is encoded.

18. The method according to claim 16, in, When the base station and the secondary node operate in FR1 but not in FR2, the method further comprises: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap: encoding RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2 for transmission to the UE; When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap: RRC signaling configuring the per-FR measurement gap for FR1 is encoded for transmission to the UE.

19. The method according to claim 16, in, When the base station and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1, the method further includes: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap: RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2 is encoded for transmission to the UE.

20. The method according to claim 16, in, When the base station operates in FR2 and the secondary node operates in FR1, the method further comprises: When the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap: encoding RRC signaling configuring a per-UE measurement gap to measure signals in both FR1 and FR2 for transmission to the UE; and When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap: encoding RRC signaling configuring a first per FR measurement gap for FR1 and further configuring a second per FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; or encoding RRC signaling configuring a second per FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; and Additional signaling indicating that the secondary node is to configure a first per FR measurement gap for FR1 is encoded for transmission to the secondary node.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising: Signaling is encoded to configure synchronization signal block SSB measurement for at most one measurement object with the same SSB frequency and the same SSB subcarrier spacing.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The signaling is encoded to configure the synchronization signal block SSB measurement for the same SSB frequency, the same SSB subcarrier spacing, and the same SSB-based measurement timing configuration SMTC.

23. The method according to claim 16, The base station is configured to exchange RRC signaling with the UE regardless of RRC signaling exchanged between the secondary node and the UE.

24. A method for a secondary node, the secondary node being arranged to operate with a primary node according to a New Radio - NR Dual Connectivity NR-NR DC arrangement, the method comprising: decoding, from the master node, signaling indicating whether a user equipment UE supports per-frequency range, i.e., per-FR, measurement gaps, wherein a first per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for measuring signals within a first frequency range FR1 located within a frequency range below 6 GHz, and a second per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for measuring signals within a second frequency range FR2 located within a frequency range above FR1; Wherein, when the primary node operates in FR1 and FR2 and the secondary node operates in FR2: When the UE does not support the per FR measurement gap, avoiding transmitting signaling for configuring the per FR measurement gap or the per UE measurement gap; When the UE supports the per FR measurement gap, decoding additional signaling from the primary node, the additional signaling indicating whether the secondary node will configure a per FR measurement gap within a frequency range in which the secondary node operates; and When the additional signaling indicates that the secondary node is to configure a per-FR measurement gap, encoding a radio resource control RRC signaling for transmission to the UE, wherein the RRC signaling indicates configuration information of the per-FR measurement gap within the frequency range in which the secondary node operates; Wherein, when the primary node and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap: The master node encodes RRC signaling for configuring a per-FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE; or The primary node encodes additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure a per FR measurement gap for FR2 for transmission to the UE, and the secondary node configures a per FR measurement gap for FR2.

25. The method according to claim 24, The secondary node is configured to exchange RRC signaling with the UE regardless of RRC signaling exchanged between the primary node and the UE.

26. A method for wireless communication, comprising: encoding UE capability information indicating whether a user equipment UE supports per-frequency range, i.e., per-FR, measurement gaps for transmission to a base station, wherein a first per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a first frequency range FR1 located in a frequency range below 6 GHz, and a second per-FR measurement gap is a measurement gap for signal measurement within a second frequency range FR2 located in a frequency range above FR1, and wherein the base station operates with a secondary node according to a New Radio-New Radio dual connectivity NR-NR DC arrangement; wherein, when the UE does not support the per-FR measurement gap, performing measurement of received signals in both FR1 and FR2 during a per-UE measurement gap configured by radio resource control RRC signaling from the base station; Wherein, when the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap and both the base station and the secondary node operate in only one frequency range of the frequency ranges of FR1 and FR2: performing a first measurement of signals within the frequency range in which both the base station and the secondary node operate during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from the base station; and performing a second measurement of signals within the frequency range in which the base station and the secondary node do not operate, wherein the second measurement is performed independently of each FR gap; Wherein, when the base station and the secondary node operate in FR2 but not in FR1: When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap, the method further includes, by the UE: Decoding the RRC signaling configuring the per-FR measurement gap for FR2; or Additional signaling indicating that the secondary node will configure per FR measurement gaps for FR2 is decoded.

27. The method according to claim 26, in, When the UE supports the per-FR measurement gap and the base station operates in FR1 and the secondary node operates in FR2, the method further includes: performing a first measurement of a signal within FR1 during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from the base station; and A second measurement of the signal in FR2 is performed during each FR gap configured by RRC signaling from the base station or the secondary node.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising: Decode signaling used to configure synchronization signal block (SSB) measurements for up to one measurement object with the same SSB frequency and the same SSB subcarrier spacing.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising: Decode the signaling used to configure the synchronization signal block SSB measurement for the same SSB frequency, the same SSB subcarrier spacing and the same SSB-based measurement timing configuration SMTC.

30. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions which, when executed, implement the method of any one of claims 16 to 29.

31. A computer program product comprising program code portions for performing the method according to any one of claims 16 to 29 when the computer program product is run on one or more computing devices.

Images