Method and apparatus for controlling transmission on pre-configured uplink resources in a wireless communication network

Abstract

In the context of using radio signal measurements made by a wireless device (12) with respect to a wireless communication network (10) to determine whether a current timing advance TA value remains valid for transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource PUR of the wireless communication network (10), the wireless device (12) "relaxes" the radio signal measurements it makes with respect to the wireless communication network (10). Relaxation refers to the length of the interval between making new measurements. According to the techniques herein, the wireless device (12) operates according to limits imposed on the degree or degree of relaxation to ensure or at least improve the reliability of the verification of the radio measurements with respect to the TA value. The determination of the degree of relaxation is made at the wireless device (12) or at a supporting network node (22) of the wireless communication network (10).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the use of pre-configured uplink resources in a wireless communication network. Background Art

[0002] In 3GPP, there has been a lot of recent work on specifying technologies covering machine-to-machine (M2M) and / or Internet of Things (IoT) related use cases. Recent work in 3GPP Releases 13 and 14 includes enhancements to support Machine Type Communications (MTC) with new User Equipment (UE) categories (Cat-M1, Cat-M2) to support reduced bandwidth of 6 Physical Resource Blocks (PRBs) (up to 24 PRBs for Cat-M2) as well as providing a new radio interface (with UE categories Cat-NB1 and Cat-NB2) for Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) UEs.

[0003] The LTE enhancements introduced in 3GPP Releases 13, 14, and 15 for MTC are called "eMTC", including (but not limited to) support for bandwidth-limited UEs (Cat-M1) and support for coverage enhancements. This designation separates the discussion from NB-IoT (the label used here for any release), although the supported features are similar at a general level.

[0004] There are several differences between "legacy" LTE and the procedures and channels defined for eMTC and NB-IoT. Some important differences include: new physical channels, such as the Physical Downlink Control Channel, which is called MPDCCH in eMTC and NPDCCH in NB-IoT; and the new Physical Random Access Channel NPRACH for NB-IoT. Another important difference is the coverage level (also called coverage enhancement level) that these technologies can support. By applying repetition to the transmitted signals and channels, both eMTC and NB-IoT allow UE operation down to much lower SNR levels compared to LTE, i.e., the lowest operating point for eMTC and NB-IoT is Es / IoT ≥ -15 dB, which is comparable to -6 dB Es / IoT for "legacy" LTE.

[0005] The work items in Release 16 introduce enhancements to NB-IoT and eMTC involving pre-configured uplink resources (PUR), also known as pre-allocated uplink resources. There may be different types of PURs, such as dedicated PURs allocated for a specific UE, contention-free PURs intended for non-contention use by more than one UE, and contention-based PURs, in which the resource(s) involved are pre-configured for contention-based use.

[0006] A PUR is a physical channel resource that is specified in terms of time and frequency allocation over the radio interface. For example, in the LTE context, the PUR contains a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) allocation. In the case of NB-IoT, the PUR resource is the same as the NPUSCH resource. For cat-M, it is the same as the PUSCH resource containing 6 PRBs (e.g., for UE category M1) or 24 RBs (e.g., for UE category M2).

[0007] Transmissions on the PUR may also involve transmission repetitions, such as for extended or enhanced coverage. Transmitting the same information multiple times allows the information to be successfully received at a lower received signal level than would be feasible without using repetitions. Extended coverage is useful, for example, for communicating with machine-type UEs or NB-IoT devices that have lower transmit power levels or are installed indoors or in other locations where the path loss to the network is high.

[0008] In an example scenario, a UE is connected to an access node or other type of radio network node in a radio access network (RAN) and is equipped with a timing advance (TA) value for aligning its uplink transmissions with the radio signal frame / subframe structure used by the radio network node. The TA configured at the UE acts as an offset applied by the UE between the start of a received downlink subframe and a transmitted uplink subframe in order to account for propagation delays between the UE and the radio network node providing the serving cell. Applying the TA value ensures that the radio network node receives the UE's uplink transmissions with proper time alignment.

[0009] When the UE is in the connected state, the network uses Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling to, for example, allocate a PUR to the UE. The UE may use the PUR to perform uplink transmissions while still in the connected state, or may use the PUR after transitioning to the idle state. In the latter scenario, the UE has a TA value configured for it by the network when it was connected, and when transmitting on the PUR, it uses that configured TA value, assuming that the UE has not changed cells since becoming idle. If the UE changes cells (moves into the coverage area of ​​another cell), the PUR allocation is no longer valid and the configured TA value is no longer valid.

[0010] If the UE has not changed cells while idle, it may still be configured to check the validity of the configured TA value. For example, the UE may compare the reference signal received power (RSRP) value measured for the serving cell when the UE was connected to the serving cell (such as together with the TA value configured for the UE) with the current or updated measurement of the RSRP of the cell. According to this approach, the UE considers the TA value valid or invalid depending on how its new RSRP measurement compares to the previous RSRP measurement. For example, if the magnitude of the difference between the new RSRP measurement and the previous RSRP measurement is less than a certain threshold, the UE considers the TA value valid and uses the TA value to perform its uplink transmission on the PUR. On the other hand, if the difference between the previous RSRP measurement and the new RSRP measurement exceeds a threshold, the UE considers the TA value invalid and it does not use the TA value to perform its uplink transmission on the PUR.

[0011] Additional complications arise in the context of discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles, such as those used in LTE or other types of networks. In LTE, "DRX cycles" are utilized to enable the UE to save its battery. DRX cycles are used in the RRC idle state and may also be used in the RRC connected state. Examples of the lengths of DRX cycles currently used in the RRC idle state are 320 ms, 640 ms, 1.28 s, and 2.56 s. Examples of the lengths of DRX cycles currently used in the RRC connected state may range from 2 ms to 2.56 s. In contrast, so-called "enhanced DRX" (eDRX) cycles are expected to be very long, for example ranging from a few seconds to a few minutes or even to one or several hours. Typical values ​​for eDRX cycles may be between 4-10 minutes.

[0012] The DRX / eDRX cycle is configured by the network and is characterized by the following parameters:

[0013] - OnDuration: During the OnDuration of a DRX cycle, a timer called "onDurationTimer" configured by the network node is running. This timer specifies the number of consecutive control channel subframes (e.g., (one or more) PDCCH, ePDCCH subframes) at the start of the DRX cycle. It is also interchangeably referred to as the DRX ON period. More specifically, the DRX ON period is the duration in a downlink subframe that the UE is awake to receive a control channel (e.g., PDCCH, ePDCCH). If the UE successfully decodes a control channel (e.g., PDCCH, ePDCCH) during the ON Duration, the UE starts the drx-Inactive Timer (see below) and remains awake until it expires. When the onDurationTimer is running, the UE is considered to be in the DRX state of the DRX cycle.

[0014] - DRX-Inactivity Timer: It specifies the number of consecutive control channel (e.g. PDCCH, ePDCCH) subframes after the subframe in which the control channel (e.g. PDCCH) indicates the initial UL or DL ​​user data transmission of this MAC entity. It is also configured by the network node. When the drx-inactivity timer is running, the UE is considered to be in non-DRX state, i.e., not using DRX.

[0015] - Active Time: This is the duration that the UE monitors control channels (e.g. PDCCH, ePDCCH). In other words, this is the total duration that the UE is awake. This includes the "on-duration" of the DRX cycle, the time that the UE performs continuous reception when the inactivity timer has not expired, and the time that the UE performs continuous reception when waiting for DL ​​retransmission after one HARQ RTT. The minimum active time is equal to the length of the on-duration, and the maximum active time is undefined (infinite).

[0016] Figure 1 Example DRX ON and DRX OFF durations of a DRX cycle are shown in FIG. Figure 2 DRX operation in LTE with more detailed parameters is shown in FIG.

[0017] Unless otherwise specified, the term "DRX" as used herein refers to either or both of conventional DRX and eDRX. In conventional DRX-related processes, a DRX cycle length of up to 2.56 seconds may be configured for a UE. However, a DRX cycle longer than 2.56 seconds and typically much longer than 2.56 seconds (e.g., approximately several seconds to several minutes) may be configured for a UE supporting extended DRX (eDRX). eDRX configuration parameters include eDRX cycle length, paging window length, etc. "Paging window length" may also be referred to as paging time window (PTW) length. Within the PTW of an eDRX cycle, one or more conventional DRX cycles may be configured for a UE. Summary of the invention

[0018] In the context of using radio signal measurements made by a wireless device with respect to a wireless communication network to determine whether a current timing advance (TA) value remains valid for transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource (PUR) of the wireless communication network, the wireless device "relaxes" the radio signal measurements it makes with respect to the wireless communication network. Relaxation refers to the length of the interval between making new measurements. According to the techniques herein, the wireless device operates according to limits imposed on the degree or degree of relaxation to ensure or at least improve the reliability of the verification of the radio measurements with respect to the TA value. The determination of the degree of relaxation is made at the wireless device or at a supporting network node of the wireless communication network.

[0019] In an example embodiment, a method performed by a wireless device configured to operate in a wireless communication network includes determining a measurement relaxation limit for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device. The limit controls the interval between consecutive radio signal measurements performed by the wireless device. The method further includes the wireless device conditionally performing an uplink transmission on a PUR of the wireless communication network. The wireless device performs the transmission conditionally on the radio signal measurement indicating that a configured TA value of the wireless device remains valid. That is, depending on whether the radio signal measurement indicates that the configured TA value is still valid, the wireless device decides whether to perform the transmission on the PUR. Here, the wireless device uses the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission.

[0020] As another example embodiment, a wireless device includes a communication circuit configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from a wireless communication network. In addition, the wireless device includes a processing circuit operatively associated with the communication circuit and configured to determine a measurement relaxation limit for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device. The limit controls the interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device, and the processing circuit is further configured to perform an uplink transmission on a PUR of the wireless communication network in dependence on the radio signal measurements indicating that a configured TA value of the wireless device remains valid. The wireless device utilizes the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission.

[0021] In another embodiment, a method performed by a radio network node configured to operate in a wireless communication network includes the radio network node determining a limit of measurement relaxation for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by a wireless device. The limit controls the interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device, wherein the wireless device uses the measurements to verify a TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmissions on a PUR of the wireless communication network. The method further includes the radio network node transmitting an indication of the limit to the wireless device.

[0022] In a related embodiment, a radio network node includes a communication circuit configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from a wireless communication device and a processing circuit operatively associated with the communication circuit. The processing circuit is configured to determine a limit of measurement relaxation for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the device. The limit controls an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device and used to verify a TA value as a condition for the wireless device to perform uplink transmissions on a PUR of a wireless communication network. The processing circuit is further configured to transmit an indication of the limit to the wireless device.

[0023] In another embodiment, a computer program comprising instructions is provided which, when executed by at least one processor, causes the processor to perform any of the method steps described above.

[0024] In another embodiment, a carrier containing a computer program is provided, the computer program containing instructions, which when executed by at least one processor causes the processor to perform any one of the method steps described above. In some examples, the carrier is one of the following: an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0025] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the above features and advantages. In fact, those skilled in the art will recognize additional features and advantages upon reading the following detailed description and viewing the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] Figure 1 is a diagram of example on and off durations for a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle as may be used by a wireless device for operation with respect to a wireless communication network.

[0027] Figure 2 is a diagram for additional example details regarding a DRX cycle.

[0028] Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a wireless communication network.

[0029] Figure 4A is a logic flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operations performed by a wireless device.

[0030] Figure 4B is a logic flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operations performed by a wireless device.

[0031] Figure 5A is a logic flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operations performed by a radio network node.

[0032] Figure 5B is a logic flow diagram of one embodiment of a method of operations performed by a radio network node.

[0033] Figure 6 is a graph of example radio signal measurements made by a wireless device.

[0034] Figure 7 is another diagram of example radio signal measurements in the context of DRX operation by a wireless device.

[0035] Figure 8 is a logic flow diagram of another example embodiment of a method of operation performed by a wireless device.

[0036] Fig. 9 is a logic flow diagram of another example embodiment of a method of operations performed by a radio network node.

[0037] Fig.10 is a block diagram of another example embodiment of a wireless device.

[0038] Fig.11 is a block diagram of another example embodiment of a radio network node.

[0039] Fig.12 is a block diagram of a wireless communication network according to some embodiments.

[0040] Fig.13 is a block diagram of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0041] Fig.14 is a block diagram of a virtualization environment according to some embodiments.

[0042] Fig.15 is a block diagram of a communication network and a host computer according to some embodiments.

[0043] Fig.16 is a block diagram of a host computer according to some embodiments.

[0044] Fig.17 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0045] Fig.18 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0046] Fig.19 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0047] Fig. 20 is a flow chart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to one embodiment.

[0048] Fig.21 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a virtualized wireless device.

[0049] Fig. 22 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a virtualized base station or other radio network node of a wireless communication network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] As one aspect of the present disclosure, it is recognized herein that there are certain (one or more) challenges with respect to controlling transmissions on a PUR. For example, a UE performing an uplink transmission on a PUR performs the transmission while in an RRC idle state using a TA value that was previously provided to the UE when the UE was in an RRC connected state. Even where the UE remains in a cell where the TA value is valid, the UE may still need to perform measurements (e.g., RSRP signal measurements) to determine whether the TA value remains valid. However, due to DRX or other reasons, the UE may perform such measurements on a more "relaxed" basis (e.g., at longer intervals and / or with reduced accuracy). Therefore, operationally, the UE may not be in a good position to verify the TA value before performing an uplink transmission on the PUR.

[0051] Figure 3An example wireless communication network 10 is shown, although its specific description should be understood to be non-limiting, and any device or node name or related terminology should not be understood to limit the present description to a particular type or generation of networks. In the example case, the network 10 is configured according to the third generation partnership project (3GPP) technical specifications. In particular, the network 10 can be a long term evolution (LTE) network, and an advanced-LTE network or a fifth generation (5G) network based on the new air interface (NR) specification. In addition, the network 10 can be hybrid, or otherwise include more than one radio access network (RAN) and / or use more than one radio access technology (RAT).

[0052] With the above qualifications in mind, the depicted network 10 provides one or more communication services for one or more types of wireless communication devices, such as smartphones and other personal computing devices, MTC devices, NB-IoT devices, etc. For simplicity, the figure depicts one wireless device 12, and it should be understood that the network 10 can support many devices of many different types. Likewise, the network 10 can provide a range of communication services, one or more of which can involve communicatively coupling the wireless device 12 to one or more external networks 14, such as the Internet or another packet data network (PDN).

[0053] The network 10 includes a RAN 20 having one or more radio network nodes (RNNs), of which one node 22 is depicted for simplicity. The RNNs 22 may be of the same type or of different types, for example, in a heterogeneous network deployment using different types of radio nodes with different coverage or other capabilities. Other terms such as access point, base station, etc. may be used to represent the RNNs 22, and the broader aspects of the RNN architecture may vary without departing from the operational configurations and hardware implementations of interest herein.

[0054] A core network (CN) 24 included in the network 10 is communicatively coupled to the external network(s) 14 and provides various supporting management and control operations, such as managing the access, authentication, and mobility of wireless devices 12 accessing the network 10 and providing data connectivity / routing for user traffic to and from respective ones of the wireless devices 12 connected to the network 10.

[0055] Temporary forward reference Figure 4A In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 12 performs the method 400, which may be performed as part of ongoing operations at the wireless device 12 and may be looped or repeated or otherwise performed as needed.

[0056] The method 400 includes the wireless device 12 determining (block 402) a timing advance (TA) verification method to be used by the wireless device 12 to perform uplink transmissions on a preconfigured uplink resource (PUR). For example, when the wireless device 12 is connected to a particular radio network node (RNN) 22 in the network 10, the network 10 indicates the PUR to the wireless device 12 and indicates the TA verification method to be used by the wireless device 12 in later deciding whether a TA value received by the wireless device 12 for communication with the RNN 22 remains valid (which is used to set uplink transmission timing of the wireless device 12 when performing uplink transmissions on the PUR).

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the method 400 further includes: depending on whether the TA verification method depends on radio resource management (RRM) measurements, the wireless device 12 controls (block 404A) the performance of its RRM measurements. Here, the term "RRM measurements" should be interpreted broadly to essentially cover any signal measurements performed by the wireless device 12 on network signals transmitted by the RNN 22 and / or one or more of its neighboring RNNs 22. In one or more embodiments, the RNN 22 transmits a reference signal, and the RRM measurements constitute the wireless device 12 performing a reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement on the reference signal.

[0058] Furthermore, the statement that whether or not the TA verification method is dependent on the RRM measurements the performance of the wireless device 12 controlling its RRM measurements should be broadly construed. Consider an example scenario in which the wireless device 12 is in connected mode and is served by the RNN 22. The RNN 22 indicates a PUR to the wireless device 12, sets or maintains a TA used by the wireless device 12 for transmitting to the RNN 22 while the wireless device 12 is connected to the RNN 22 by sending one or more TA values ​​to the wireless device 12, and configures a TA verification method for use by the wireless device 12 to determine whether the TA value it has stored for the RNN 22 is valid for use when performing an uplink transmission on the PUR by the wireless device 12. For example, the wireless device 12 may have become idle, and therefore, there is uncertainty as to whether the TA value configured in the wireless device 12 for the RNN 22 is still valid.

[0059] Although the RNN 22 may configure various verification methods at the wireless device 12 for use by the wireless device 12 to verify its stored TA value, at least one such verification method depends on RRM measurements made by the wireless device 12. For example, in one verification method, the wireless device 12 determines the reference signal received power (RSRP) of the reference signal transmitted by the RNN 22 along with the most recent TA value received from the RNN 22. The wireless device 12 stores the TA value as the configured TA value and stores the corresponding RSRP measurement in logical association with the configured TA value. The wireless device 12 may then determine whether the configured TA value is still valid for use by comparing the stored RSRP measurement to the “current” measurement of the RSRP of the RNN’s reference signal.

[0060] The idea here is that if the current RSRP measurement is the same as or close enough to the stored RSRP measurement, then the configured TA value is likely suitable for transmission to the RNN 22. However, the "current" RSRP at the wireless device 12 may be, for example, the most recent RSRP measurement made by the wireless device 12 with respect to the RNN 22. Therefore, if the wireless device 12 is operating with a degree of measurement relaxation that requires a long interval between RSRP measurements, then the most recent RSRP measurement available at the wireless device 12 may be stale, meaning that using it to compare with the RSRP measurement stored for the configured TA value may result in an unreliable validation of the configured TA value.

[0061] Thus, in at least one contemplated embodiment, the wireless device 12 checks whether the TA verification method it is configured to use depends on RRM measurements, and if so, it avoids relaxing its measurements and instead uses its "normal" measurements, even if its operating environment or default behavior would otherwise cause it to operate with relaxed measurements. That is, the wireless device 12 may be configured to select between normal measurement operation and relaxed measurement operation (or select a degree of measurement relaxation) based on certain triggers or operating conditions, either according to conditions specified by the standard or according to a proprietary design.

[0062] Unless otherwise noted, the term "relaxed measurements" refers to making / updating certain radio signal measurements less frequently than would otherwise be done. For example, if "normal measurements" implies a specific interval or timing at which measurements are performed, then repeating those measurements over longer intervals represents a relaxation of the measurements, with the "degree" of relaxation referring to the amount or degree to which the intervals are lengthened. At least for purposes of discussion, the wireless device 12 may be referred to as operating in a "normal" or "relaxed" measurement mode, where the relaxed modes may allow for different degrees of relaxation.

[0063] For example, if the wireless device 12 is operating in DRX or otherwise operating in idle mode or any lower power or lower inactive state, it may be configured to automatically use relaxed measurements to complement its low activity state. In at least one embodiment contemplated herein, the wireless device 12 configured to use one or more techniques disclosed herein will override this automatic behavior and avoid operating with relaxed measurements (or limit the degree of relaxation) to improve the reliability of TA verification.

[0064] The normal measurement mode ("normal" measurements) specifies, for example, a specific periodicity or a specific trigger for performing RRM measurements, such that when operating with normal measurements, the wireless device 12 performs RRM measurements more frequently and / or with greater accuracy than when operating with relaxed measurements. Alternatively, to the extent that there are "multiple degrees" or "multiple levels" of measurement relaxation (e.g., expressed as a relaxation factor "N"), the wireless device 12 may control or otherwise limit the extent of measurement relaxation allowed.

[0065] Broadly, the normal measurement mode is more stringent than the relaxed measurement mode in one or more aspects. For example, the relaxed measurement mode may use longer intervals between measurements of the reference signal of the RNN 22. In this regard, a wireless device 12 operating with relaxed measurements will not detect RSRP changes of the reference signal as quickly as it would when operating with normal measurements. Therefore, compared to normal mode measurements, relaxed mode measurements will be less fresh or reliable when used to assess whether stored TA values ​​remain valid. That is, to the extent that the wireless device 12 lengthens the intervals between making new radio signal measurements, recent measurements made by the wireless device 12 are allowed to age longer before being updated, thereby increasing the risk that its most recent measurements do not reflect current channel conditions.

[0066] To better understand the details just above, consider a scenario where the wireless device 12 is connected to the RNN 22. When the wireless device 12 is connected to it, the RNN 22 may indicate a PUR to be used by the wireless device 12. The wireless device 12 may later decide to perform an uplink transmission on the PUR, and that transmission must be transmitted with the proper uplink timing adjustment in order to be properly received at the RNN 22. However, if the wireless device 12 is in idle mode when it decides to perform an uplink transmission, then the only TA value it has for the RNN 22 is the one that was earlier provided to it by the RNN 22 before the wireless device 12 became idle.

[0067] To assess whether the stored (configured) TA value is still valid, the wireless device 12 may compare its most recent signal measurement of the RNN 22 with a signal measurement made by the wireless device 12 at a time corresponding to the time when the TA value was determined by the RNN 22. That is, if the RSRP or other type of signal measurement is the same now as it was when the TA value was determined, then the wireless device 12 may infer that the TA value is still valid for use. Here, the word "same" may be understood as substantially the same within a certain allowable range or threshold of difference.

[0068] Therefore, the wireless device 12 needs sufficiently recent and / or accurate signal measurements in order to have a "good" signal measurement to compare with a previous signal measurement associated with a TA value stored in the wireless device 12. Accordingly, the wireless device 12 may configure its RRM measurements to avoid having outdated or less accurate RRM signal measurements for comparison.

[0069] As an alternative to the operation of block 404A, in response to determining that the TA verification method depends on RRM measurements, and further in response to determining that the RRM measurement configuration of the wireless device 12 is not suitable to support such verification (at least not suitable at the required reliability level), the wireless device 12 may prohibit (block 404B) the use of the stored TA value to perform uplink transmissions on the PUR. Therefore, where the operation of block 404A can be understood as the wireless device 12 controlling its RRM measurement configuration to ensure that the measurements will be suitable for determining the validity of the TA value, the operation of block 404B can be understood as the wireless device 12 allowing the use of a more relaxed RRM measurement configuration while avoiding unreliable verification of the stored TA value.

[0070] Figure 4B Another example method of operation performed by the wireless device 12 is depicted and may be understood to be a generalization of the method 400. In more detail, Figure 4B A method 410 of operations performed by a wireless device 12 configured for operation in a wireless communication network 10 is shown. The method 410 includes the wireless device 12 determining (block 412) a limit for measurement relaxation for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device 12. The limit controls the interval between consecutive radio signal measurements performed by the wireless device 12 with respect to the wireless communication network 10.

[0071] The method 410 further includes, dependent on whether the radio signal measurement indicates that the configured TA value of the wireless device 12 remains valid, the wireless device 12 performing (block 416) an uplink transmission on the PUR of the wireless communication network 10. The wireless device 12 uses the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission, and it will be appreciated that the method 410 implicitly includes or relies on the wireless device 12 performing (block 414) a relaxation measurement according to the determined relaxation limit.

[0072] Determining (block 412) the limit includes, for example, the wireless device 12 determining a limit for the relaxation factor. Here, the relaxation factor may be an integer multiple of the DRX cycle configured for the wireless device 12. As an example, determining the limit for the relaxation factor includes the wireless device 12 limiting a maximum allowed value of the relaxation factor according to the length of the DRX cycle. The limit may also be determined as a limit on the length of the DRX cycle used by the wireless device 12.

[0073] In all such examples, in at least one implementation, "determining" includes the wireless device 12 receiving an indication of the limit via control signaling transmitted by a radio network node of the wireless communication network 10. That is, the wireless device may "determine" the limit based on its own calculations or operational logic, or may "determine" the limit based on receiving signaling from the network 10 indicating the limit to be used.

[0074] With respect to the radio signal measurements used for TA verification, in one or more embodiments, they include received signal power measurements made by the wireless device 12 during operation in the relaxed measurement mode. For example, the wireless device 12 measures the received signal power on a reference signal transmitted for a cell of the wireless communication network 10 that is a serving cell for the wireless device 12. As a specific example, the radio signal measurements are radio resource measurements (RRM) as configured by the wireless communication network 10.

[0075] In at least one embodiment, the method 410 includes: depending on a comparison of a current reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement performed by the wireless device 12 with respect to a serving cell of the wireless communication network 10 and a previous RSRP measurement performed by the wireless device 12 with respect to the serving cell at a time when the configured TA value was valid, the wireless device 12 determining whether the configured TA value remains valid.

[0076] The method 410 may also include or at least rely on the wireless device 12 receiving the configured TA value while the wireless device 12 is operating in a connected mode with respect to the wireless communication network 10, and the wireless device 12 subsequently transitioning from the connected mode to the relaxed measurement mode.

[0077] Figure 5A A network-side method 500 such as may be performed in an RNN 22 or other type of network node is shown. For example, another node in the RAN 20 or CN 24 may perform the method 500. In addition, the method 500 may be performed on a distributed basis, such as jointly or collaboratively between two or more nodes, and at least a portion of it may be implemented in a cloud environment, such as a data / processing center remote from the RNN 22 / RAN 20 involved.

[0078] The method 500 includes determining (block 502) an RRM measurement configuration used at the wireless device 12, which may entail determining whether the wireless device 12 is configured to use a "normal" measurement mode or a "relaxed" measurement mode. More broadly, the operations in block 502 may be understood as the network node(s) performing the method 500 to determine whether the wireless device 12 is configured to perform RRM measurements in a manner that results in the RRM measurements being suitable for use by the wireless device 12 in performing TA verification. "Suitable" means, for example, sufficiently current and / or sufficiently accurate.

[0079] The method 500 continues by determining (block 504) a TA verification method to be used by the wireless device 12, depending on the RRM measurement configuration of the wireless device 12. For example, if the network node(s) determine that the wireless device 12 has an RRM measurement configuration that is expected to result in measurements suitable for TA verification, the network node(s) may select a verification method that depends on such measurements. Otherwise, the network node(s) may avoid any TA verification method that depends on such measurements, and instead choose to configure the wireless device 12 to use a TA verification method that does not depend on such measurements.

[0080] Furthermore, the method 500 includes the network node(s) indicating (block 506) the TA verification method to the wireless device 12. The indication may be sent via RRC signaling and may include sending an index or other identifier that maps to the selected TA verification method.

[0081] The method 500 may be performed when the wireless device 12 is connected to the RRN 22 in the network 10, or more generally, when the wireless device 12 is connected to the network 10 and a PUR is allocated for use by the wireless device 12. In this regard, the network node(s) may determine the RRM measurement configuration for the wireless device 12 based on the wireless device 12 indicating its configuration to the network 10 or based on the network 10 knowing one or more operating conditions of or for the wireless device 12 and knowing how those operating conditions dictate the RRM measurement configuration selected by the wireless device 12.

[0082] Figure 5B As shown in Figure 3 Another example embodiment of a method of operation performed by a network node such as the RNN 22 depicted in FIG. The method may be understood as a generalization of the method 500 or as a supplement to the method 500.

[0083] In more detail, Figure 5BA method 510 of operations performed by an RNN 22 configured for operation in a wireless communication network 10 is depicted. The method 510 includes the RNN 22 determining (block 512) a limit on measurement relaxation for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device 12. The limit controls an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device 12 with respect to the wireless communication network 10 and used by the wireless device 12 to verify a TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmissions on a PUR of the wireless communication network 10. The method 510 further includes the RNN 22 transmitting (block 512) an indication of the limit to the wireless device 12.

[0084] Transmitting (block 512) the indication of the limit includes transmitting the indication using dedicated signaling to the wireless device 12 or using broadcast signaling, for example, via a cell of the wireless communication network 10 that is a serving cell for the wireless device. As one example, the RNN 22 operates as a serving node with respect to the wireless device 12 and provides the indication to the wireless device 12 over a radio link between the wireless device 12 and the RNN 2 at a time when the wireless device 12 is in a connected or active mode with respect to the wireless communication network 10. In another example, the wireless device 12 operates in an idle mode and receives the signaling as broadcast signaling.

[0085] In at least one embodiment, the limit comprises a limit on a maximum value allowed by a relaxation factor that acts as an integer multiple of the length of a DRX cycle associated with operation of the wireless device 12 during the relaxed measurement mode. In such embodiments, the method 510 comprises determining the limit based on the length of the DRX cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the limit comprises a limit on a maximum length of a DRX cycle associated with operation of the wireless device 12 during the relaxed measurement mode.

[0086] Return to Figure 3 , the example wireless device 12 includes communication circuitry 30, such as a wireless modem circuit or module, which includes a radio frequency transceiver including a transmitter 32 and a receiver 34. Such circuitry may include a radio front end (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals via one or more antennas of the wireless device 12 and analog to digital and digital to analog conversion stages for performing between analog and digital signal domains. Such circuitry may further include at least a portion of baseband signal processing for signal reception and transmission, or such processing may be included within the illustrated processing circuitry 36, which may include fixed circuitry, programmable configurable circuitry, or a mixture of fixed circuitry and programmable configurable circuitry.

[0087] In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 12 further includes a storage device 38, which may be integrated or separate from the processing circuit 36. The storage device 38 provides short-term working memory for program execution and data processing, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the storage device 38 provides long-term storage for computer program instructions 40 executed by the processing circuit 36, and may store various items of operating or configuration data 42. Thus, the storage device 38 includes one or more types of computer-readable media, such as DRAM, SRAM, FLASH, SSD, etc.

[0088] In at least one embodiment, the storage device 38 stores computer program instructions 60 that, when executed by the processing circuitry 36 of the wireless device 12 , cause the wireless device 12 to perform the method 400 and / or the method 410 as described above.

[0089] More generally, the example wireless device 12 includes a device configured to transmit a signal to a user, such as a Figure 3 1 and 2. The example wireless device 12 includes a communication circuit 30 that transmits and receives signals to and from a wireless communication network, such as the example network 10 depicted in FIG. 2. In addition, the example wireless device 12 includes a processing circuit 36 ​​that is operatively associated with the communication circuit 30. Here, "operatively associated" means that the processing circuit 36 ​​sends and receives messages or other data or signaling to and from other entities (such as the RNN 22) via the communication circuit 30.

[0090] The processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to determine a limit of measurement relaxation for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device 12. The limit controls the interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device 12 with respect to the wireless communication network 10. In addition, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to: perform uplink transmissions on the PUR of the wireless communication network 10, depending on whether the radio signal measurements indicate that the configured TA value of the wireless device 12 remains valid. The processing circuit 36 ​​uses the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmissions.

[0091] In an example embodiment, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to determine the limit as a limit on a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor being an integer multiple of the DRX cycle configured for the wireless device 12. For example, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to determine the limit on the relaxation factor based on the length of the DRX cycle. As another example, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to determine the limit by determining a limit on the length of the DRX cycle used by the wireless device 12. The limit may be determined jointly, such as a limit on both the maximum value allowed for the relaxation factor and the maximum DRX interval allowed.

[0092] In one or more embodiments, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to determine the limit by receiving an indication of the limit via control signaling transmitted by the RNN 22 of the wireless communication network 10. In one or more other embodiments, the wireless device 12 determines the limit as a local calculation or determination.

[0093] The radio signal measurements in question include received signal power measurements, such as performed by the wireless device 12 on a reference signal transmitted for a cell of the wireless communication network 10 that is a serving cell for the wireless device 12. Here, the serving cell may be one of the cells selected for camping on or otherwise monitored by the wireless device 12 when operating in the relaxed measurement mode, and it may be the nearest serving cell for serving the wireless device 12 when the wireless device 12 is in an active or connected mode with respect to the wireless communication network 10. As a specific example, the radio signal measurements are RRM as configured by the wireless communication network 10.

[0094] With respect to the “configured TA value,” in one or more embodiments, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to receive the configured TA value when the wireless device 12 is operating in a connected mode with respect to the wireless communication network 10. The wireless device 12 subsequently transitions from the connected mode to the relaxed measurement mode. Thus, the “configured TA value” may be the last (most recent) TA value provided to the wireless device 12 by the wireless communication network 10.

[0095] In deciding whether the configured TA value remains valid, in at least one embodiment, the processing circuit 36 ​​is configured to make the decision based on a comparison of a current RSRP measurement made by the wireless device 12 with respect to a serving cell of the wireless communication network 10 and a previous RSRP measurement made by the wireless device 12 with respect to the serving cell when the configured TA value was valid. Here, the current RSRP measurement is, for example, the most recent RSRP measurement made by the wireless device 12 in accordance with its relaxed measurement operation.

[0096] Figure 3 The example RNN 22 is also depicted as including communication circuitry 50, such as a wireless modem circuit or module (or a pool of such resources), which includes a radio frequency transceiver including a transmitter 52 and a receiver 54. Such circuitry may include a radio front end (not shown) for transmitting and receiving signals via one or more antennas of the RNN 22 and analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion stages for performing between analog and digital signal domains. Such circuitry may further include at least a portion of baseband signal processing for signal reception and transmission, or such processing may be included in the illustrated processing circuitry 56, which may include fixed circuitry, programmable configurable circuitry, or a mixture of fixed circuitry and programmable configurable circuitry.

[0097] The communication circuitry 50 may further include one or more network (NW) interfaces 55 for communicating with one or more other nodes in the network 10, such as other RNNs 22 or various nodes in the CN 24. For example, the NW interface(s) 55 include one or more wired or wireless interfaces and associated protocol processors for communicatively coupling to other nodes in the network 10 according to an applicable communication protocol.

[0098] In one or more embodiments, the RNN 22 further includes a storage device 58, which may be integrated or separate from the processing circuit 56. The storage device 58 provides short-term working memory for program execution and data processing, for example. Additionally or alternatively, the storage device 58 provides long-term storage for computer program instructions 60 executed by the processing circuit 56, and may store various items of operating or configuration data 62. Accordingly, the storage device 58 includes one or more types of computer-readable media, such as DRAM, SRAM, FLASH, SSD, etc.

[0099] In at least one embodiment, the storage device 58 stores computer program instructions 60 that, when executed by the processing circuitry 56 of the RNN 22, cause the RNN 22 to perform the method 500 and / or the method 510 as described above.

[0100] More generally, the RNN 22 includes a device configured to send a signal to a wireless communication device (e.g., Figure 3 The RNN 22 includes a communication circuit 50 for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from the wireless device 12 depicted in FIG.

[0101] The processing circuit 56 is configured to determine a limit of measurement relaxation for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device 12. The limit controls an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device 12 with respect to the wireless communication network 10 and used by the wireless device 12 to verify a TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmissions on a PUR of the wireless communication network 10. As an example, the RNN 22 configures the PUR before the wireless device 12 transitions to the idle mode, and the processing circuit 56 is further configured to transmit an indication of the limit to the wireless device 12.

[0102] In at least one embodiment, the processing circuit 56 is configured to transmit the indication of the limit via a cell of the wireless communication network 10 that is a serving cell for the wireless device 12. For example, the radio network node 22 provides or otherwise controls the serving cell in question and operates as a serving node with respect to the wireless device 12, and it transmits the indication in the serving cell using dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0103] As one example, the limit includes a limit on a maximum value allowed by a relaxation factor that acts as an integer multiple of the length of a DRX cycle associated with operation of the wireless device 12 during the relaxed measurement mode, and the processing circuit 56 is configured to determine the limit based on the length of the DRX cycle. In another example, the limit includes a limit on a maximum length of a DRX cycle.

[0104] By providing examples of specific embodiments, but without imposing limitations on the scope of the contemplated processes and machines (devices), consider a first example embodiment of a user equipment (UE), which can be broadly understood as another term for a wireless device 12. The network involved allocates a PUR to the UE and provides a TA value for the UE to use to adjust its uplink transmission timing, and the UE must determine whether the TA value is still valid when it plans to perform an uplink transmission on the PUR later. For example, the TA value provided to the UE by the serving cell / serving RNN 22 of the network 10 before the UE transitions from connected mode to idle mode operation is stored in the UE, and subject to the UE determining that the stored TA value remains valid, the UE will later utilize the TA value to perform transmissions on the PUR.

[0105] In this context, the UE may adapt its criteria for entering the relaxed measurement mode, i.e., decide whether to increase the interval between consecutive radio signal measurements. Here, "increase" may be relative to a default or normal behavior. In a first example, the UE enters a relaxed measurement mode regarding serving cell measurements, which means that it relaxes its measurements of one or more radio signals of the serving cell. In a second example, the UE enters a relaxed measurement mode regarding one or more neighboring cells adjacent to the serving cell. In a third example, the UE operates with relaxed measurements for both the serving cell and (one or more) neighboring cells. In addition, it is assumed that the UE is configured to verify the TA in the IDLE state using the serving cell RSRP change method.

[0106] In a first aspect of a first UE embodiment, the UE operates in a scenario in which it is configured to perform TA verification using a serving cell RSRP variation method, which means that the reliability of the verification depends on the adequacy of its RSRP measurement. When operating in normal mode for measuring RSRP, the measurement is suitable for verifying a stored TA value. However, when operating in relaxed mode for measuring RSPR, the measurement is not suitable for verifying a stored TA value. As a qualification, there may be multiple degrees or degrees of measurement relaxation, which means that some degrees of relaxation may still result in measurements suitable for TA verification, while other degrees (more relaxed) are not suitable.

[0107] Thus, the UE first determines whether it is operating in the normal mode or in the relaxed mode (or determines the degree of relaxation, for example, based on the interval between RSRP measurements, the accuracy of such measurements, etc.). Then, the UE determines whether the TA verification method to be used by it depends on the UE's RSRP measurement. If so, and if the UE measurement mode is relaxed (or exceeds a defined degree of relaxation or threshold), the UE avoids using the stored TA value to perform uplink transmission on the PUR by automatically asserting the TA value invalid or by otherwise taking measures to obtain a new TA value or to coordinate with the network regarding uplink transmission.

[0108] On the other hand, if the obtained information indicates that the UE is not in the relaxed measurement mode (or if the degree of relaxation is acceptable), then the UE uses the serving cell RSRP variation method to verify the received TA and makes a decision on whether the TA value can be used to perform uplink transmission on the PUR based on the verification result.

[0109] In a second aspect of the first UE embodiment, assume that the UE is in the relaxed measurement mode with respect to the serving cell. The UE further obtains information about the relaxation factor (N) and uses it to adapt the TA verification method for PUR transmission using the serving cell RSRP variation. More specifically, if N is greater than a certain threshold (T), then the UE uses the serving cell RSRP variation to assert the TA verification as failed. Thus, it can use the EDT procedure to transmit the expected data, or it can perform random access to enter the CONNECTD state. On the other hand, if N < T, then the UE can use the serving cell RSRP variation method to verify the received TA.

[0110] In an example embodiment on the network side, the network node obtains information about the UE's measurement configuration (e.g., whether the UE uses the relaxed measurement mode) and selects and configures a TA verification method for the UE for PUR transmission based on this information. For example, if the network node determines that the UE is configured to operate in the relaxed measurement mode (or with a relaxation factor N greater than a certain threshold), then the network node selects a TA verification method that does not depend on the RSRP measurement for the UE to use (where the RSRP measurement is an example of the RRM measurement mentioned above).

[0111] Another embodiment relates to a wireless device that obtains information related to a TA verification method for PUR transmission in its serving cell and uses this information to adapt its criteria for entering the relaxed (serving) cell measurement mode:

[0112] - In the first aspect of the third embodiment, if the obtained information indicates that the UE is configured with a specific TA verification method for PUR transmission, it remains in the normal measurement mode (i.e., periodically measures the serving cell in each DRX cycle as in a conventional system) regardless of other criteria for entering the relaxed (serving) cell measurement mode. An example of a specific TA verification method is a TA verification method based on a serving cell RSRP change. On the other hand, if it is not configured with a specific TA verification method (e.g., not configured with a TA verification method based on a serving cell RSRP change), or if it is not configured with PUR at all, the UE is allowed to enter the relaxed measurement mode based on existing criteria.

[0113] - In the second aspect of the third embodiment, if the obtained information indicates that the UE is configured with a specific TA verification method for PUR transmission, then it may enter a relaxed measurement mode, but with a specific set of one or more configuration parameters. An example of a specific TA verification method is a TA verification method based on the variation of the serving cell RSRP. For example, the UE may use a relaxation factor (N) and it measures on the serving cell if N is not greater than a certain threshold (H). Thus, H is associated with the specific TA verification method. The parameter H may be predefined, or it may be configured by the network node. The value of H may further depend on the DRX cycle. If the obtained information indicates that the UE is not configured with a specific TA verification method for PUR transmission, then it may enter a relaxed measurement mode as in conventional practice (i.e. without any specific value of N being associated with the TA verification method / PUR operation).

[0114] Embodiments for using PUR in RRC_IDLE state are described. However, they are applicable to UE operation in any low activity state of the UE. Examples of low activity states are RRC_IDLE, RRC_INACTIVE, any state where the UE context is known to one or more cells in a set of cells, etc.

[0115] It is worth noting that the term "network node" as used herein may correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node that communicates with a UE and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, SeNB, network nodes belonging to an MCG or SCG, base stations (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes (such as MSRBS), eNodeB, gNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay station, donor node controlling a relay station, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmission point, transmission node, RRU, RRH, node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g., MSC, MME, etc.), O&M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g., E-SMLC), MDT, test equipment (physical node or software), etc.

[0116] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term user equipment (UE) or wireless device is used and refers to any type of wireless device that communicates with a network node and / or with another UE in a cellular or mobile communication system. Examples of UEs are target devices, device-to-device (D2D) UEs, machine-type UEs or UEs capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, PDAs, PADs, tablets, mobile terminals, smart phones, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, ProSe UEs, V2V UEs, V2X UEs, etc.

[0117] Embodiments are described for LTE (e.g., MTC and NB-IoT). However, the contemplated techniques are applicable to any RAT or multi-RAT system in which a UE receives and / or transmits signals (e.g., data), such as LTE FDD / TDD, WCDMA / HSPA, GSM / GERAN, Wi Fi, WLAN, CDMA2000, 5G, NR, etc.

[0118] The term "time resource" as used herein may correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource expressed in terms of a length of time. Examples of time resources are: symbol, mini-slot, slot, subframe, radio frame, TTI, short TTI, interleaved time, etc.

[0119] Consider a scenario including a UE served by a first cell (cell1) of a wireless communication network. Cell1 is managed or served or operated by a network node (NW1) (e.g., a base station). The UE operates in a certain coverage enhancement (CE) level relative to a certain cell (e.g., relative to cell cell1). The UE is configured to receive signals (e.g., paging, WUS, NPDCCH, NPDCCH, MPDSCH, PDSCH, etc.) from at least cell1. The UE may be further configured to perform one or more signal measurements on cell1 and one or more additional cells (e.g., neighbor cells).

[0120] Example operational steps performed by the UE for adapting PUR transmission when the UE is configured with a specific TA verification method include:

[0121] - Step 1: Obtaining information about a specific TA verification method to be used by the UE to verify a stored TA value in the UE for performing uplink transmissions on the PUR;

[0122] - Step 2: Obtain information about the UE's measurement mode (e.g., normal measurement mode, relaxed measurement mode); and

[0123] - Step 3: Adapt PUR transmission based on the obtained measurement mode information.

[0124] The steps just above are described in more detail below.

[0125] Step 1:

[0126] In this first step, the UE obtains information about a specific type of TA verification method, which the UE needs to use to verify the received timing advance (TA) command. Typically, this method is configured by the serving network node and, therefore, this type of method is known to the UE. Examples of methods that can be configured for TA verification are:

[0127] - Service cell changes

[0128] - Time Alignment Timer (TAT) for IDLE mode

[0129] - Serving cell signal (e.g. RSRP) changes

[0130] This document describes a TA verification method based on serving cell change: given that the serving cell has not changed at least since receiving a TA command from the serving cell, the UE uses the pre-configured TA value when transmitting using PUR resources in the idle state. Otherwise, once the serving cell changes, the TA value from the old serving cell is considered invalid.

[0131] A TAT-based TA verification method is described herein: Given that the TAT is still running, the UE uses a pre-configured TA value, such as a TA value previously provided to the UE by the network and stored in the UE, when transmitting on a PUR in the idle state. Otherwise (if the TAT has expired), the TA becomes invalid. Here, it will be appreciated that when the UE receives the TA value from the network, the UE restarts the timer, and once the timer expires, the TA value is considered invalid (stale).

[0132] A TA verification method based on serving cell signal variation is described herein: This is based on the maximum allowed variation of signal strength in the serving cell (ΔSSmax). Examples of ΔSSmax are RSRP variation (ΔRSRPmax), path loss variation (ΔPLmax), etc. More specifically, if the magnitude of the difference (ΔSS) between the measured signal strength (SSm) (e.g. PL, RSRP, NRSRP, etc.) compared to the reference signal strength (e.g. SSref) value in the cell estimated by the UE is within a certain threshold (ΔSSmax), then the UE assumes that the configured TA is valid. The SSref may be based on a configured or pre-defined value, or it may be based on measurements performed by the UE in the serving cell, such as RSRP, etc. The UE may obtain the SSref at a certain time instance T1, for example, when receiving the TA value from the serving cell. The UE may obtain the SSm at another time instance T2, for example, before transmitting a PUR in the serving cell.

[0133] Such configuration is usually provided to the UE as part of the PUR configuration received from CONNECTED mode.

[0134] Step 2:

[0135] In this second step, the UE obtains information about its measurement mode, i.e., whether it is in normal measurement mode (ModeA) or relaxed measurement mode (ModeB). Typically, the selection of the measurement mode is made autonomously by the UE based on a set of criteria that may be pre-defined or configured. For category M1 / M2 UEs or NB-IoT UEs, the criteria for entering the relaxed serving cell monitoring mode are as follows [TS 36.133 v15.6.0]:

[0136] - WUS has been configured in the serving NB-IoT cell using WUS-Config-NB-r15, and

[0137] - the serving cell measurement relaxation is signaled by the network using numDRX-CycleRelaxed-r15 as n, and

[0138] - meet the serving cell S criterion with at least 2 dB margin,

[0139] - Satisfy the relaxed monitoring criteria for neighbour cells in TS 36.304 v15.3.0 clause 5.2.4.12.1.

[0140] When the above criteria have been met, the UE may automatically switch from ModeA to ModeB, and vice versa when the UE fails to meet the criteria. In one example, the UE may notify the serving network node about the measurement mode change. In this embodiment, it is assumed that there are at least two measurement modes, which are called ModeA (an example of a "normal measurement mode" at the UE) and ModeB (an example of a "relaxed measurement mode" at the UE), and they have the following characteristics:

[0141] The relaxed measurement mode is characterized by one or more relaxed measurement requirements regarding the reference signal measurement requirements. Examples of relaxed measurement requirements are: a measurement period longer than a reference measurement period, a measurement accuracy including a deviation greater than a reference deviation, a measurement accuracy greater than a reference measurement accuracy, etc. For example, under the relaxed measurement requirements, longer delays (e.g., longer than a certain threshold) may be allowed for the UE to perform various operational tasks, such as radio link monitoring, handover, neighbor cell detection, cell reselection, etc. The relaxed measurement mode may also characterize coverage enhancement operations and support for low mobility. As an example, the reference measurement requirements may correspond to those measurement requirements defined for the normal measurement mode.

[0142] On the other hand, the normal measurement mode is characterized by stricter measurement requirements relative to the reference measurement requirements. In some implementations, the stricter measurement requirements may correspond to the reference measurement requirements, such as those defined for the normal measurement mode. Examples of stricter measurement requirements are: the measurement period is shorter than the reference measurement period, the measurement accuracy includes a deviation less than the reference deviation, and so on. For example, under the stricter measurement requirements, the UE may need to perform various operational tasks in a shorter time compared to the relaxed measurement mode. In addition, the normal measurement mode may also characterize good radio conditions, such as CE Level 0, normal coverage, CE Mode A, and in this case, the UE may support higher speeds.

[0143] If the UE is in the relaxed measurement mode (Mode B), the UE may further obtain information about the relaxation. Examples of such information are:

[0144] - Relaxation factor, i.e. how much the UE is allowed to relax the measurements compared to the reference pattern. For example, a factor N would mean that the UE is allowed to measure every Nth DRX cycle instead of every DRX cycle, and specific examples of N are 4, 6, 8, etc.

[0145] - The duration of relaxation, i.e., how long the UE should stay in the relaxed measurement mode when the criterion is met. For example, duration T0.

[0146] Since the actual switching of the measurement mode is performed by the UE, the type of measurement that the UE is currently in or about to be in is known to the UE.

[0147] Step 3:

[0148] In this third step, when the UE is configured with a specific type of TA verification method, the UE uses the information obtained in the previous steps to adapt the PUR transmission.

[0149] In one aspect of the embodiment, if the obtained information indicates that the UE is configured with a specific TA verification method (e.g., a method of verifying the TA using serving cell RSRP change), and the obtained information further indicates that the UE is in a relaxed measurement mode, the UE shall take any of the following actions:

[0150] - abandon the scheduled PUR transmission,

[0151] - assert the result of the TA verification method as failed, regardless of whether the relative measurement change is within the signaled threshold,

[0152] - inform the serving network node that it cannot perform TA authentication using the configured TA authentication method,

[0153] - Switch to CONNECTED mode and update / get new TA value,

[0154] - Falling back to the traditional process to perform the scheduled data transfer, examples of such processes include transfers using EDT, transfers in the CONNECTED state,

[0155] - Suspend or delay PUR transmission for at least a certain period of time or until the UE returns to normal measurement mode.

[0156] In another aspect of this embodiment, if the obtained information indicates that the UE is configured with a specific TA verification method (e.g., a method of verifying TA using a serving cell RSRP change), and the obtained information further indicates that the UE is in a relaxed measurement mode, the UE further checks information about a relaxation factor for adapting PUR transmission. The UE compares the relaxation factor (N) that may be signaled or predefined by the network node with a certain threshold (T). Based on the comparison, the UE decides whether to allow or not allow PUR transmission regardless of the TA verification result.

[0157] In one example, assume N=8 and T=4, and since N>T, the UE declares the TA verification method using the serving cell RSRP as failed, because the UE is allowed to measure (most likely) every 8th DRX cycle, and therefore, the measurements used to verify the TA are likely to be old and therefore unreliable for verifying the TA value stored in the UE. The UE may further take any of the actions described above, such as abandoning or delaying PUR transmission.

[0158] In another example, assuming N=4 and T=4, and since N≤T, the UE performs PUR transmission based on the result of the TA verification method using serving cell RSRP variation, because the UE is required to measure quite frequently, and therefore, the last available measurement used in the verification process is likely to be valid.

[0159] Another envisaged embodiment relates to a method of selecting a TA verification method to be used by a UE, wherein a network node performs the network side method. The steps involved in this further network node embodiment can be summarized as follows:

[0160] - Step 1: Obtain information about the UE measurement mode (e.g., normal measurement mode, relaxed measurement mode).

[0161] - Step 2: Based on the information obtained about the UE measurement pattern, a TA verification method is selected.

[0162] - Step 3: Configure the UE with the TA authentication method selected for PUR operation.

[0163] The steps are described in more detail below.

[0164] Step 1:

[0165] The steps involved in this first step are similar to those described in step 2 of the operating method described in detail above for the network node.

[0166] Step 2:

[0167] In this step, the network node selects at least one TA verification method from a plurality of TA verification methods for PUR operation. During the selection process, the network node shall exclude any TA verification method that relies on RRM measurement (e.g., absolute RSRP measurement, relative RSRP measurement, absolute RSRQ measurement, etc.).

[0168] In one specific example, when the information obtained in the previous step indicates that the UE is in the relaxed measurement mode (or any relaxed mode relative to the reference mode), the network node should not select a TA verification method based on signal measurements (e.g. one TA verification method based on serving cell RSRP variation). When the UE is in the relaxed measurement mode, the UE may not perform measurements frequently, and therefore, the measurements used to verify the received TA are likely to be outdated and may therefore lead to incorrect evaluation results. The network node may instead select any other TA verification method that does not require signal measurements. Examples of such methods are:

[0169] - configure the TAT timer associated with the received TA,

[0170] - Configure the TA to always be valid in the cell,

[0171] - Serving cell change, e.g., after the serving cell is changed, the TA received from the serving cell becomes invalid, otherwise, the TA remains valid,

[0172] - Verify the received TA based on any other criteria not depending on RRM measurements.

[0173] Step 3:

[0174] In this third step, the network node configures the UE with the TA verification method selected for PUR operation.Such configuration may be done using dedicated signaling in the RRC_CONNECTED state or using any broadcast signaling.

[0175] In another aspect of the network node embodiment, a set of TA verification methods may be configured for the UE by the network node, which methods may be applicable for the UE to verify the TA when the UE is in the relaxed monitoring mode. Examples of this set of TA verification methods are the same as the examples described above in step 2 of Section 5.3. Upon entering the relaxed measurement mode, the UE may autonomously select one of the TA verification methods in the pre-configured set of TA verification methods and use the selected method to verify the TA for PUR transmission. When in the relaxed measurement mode, the UE should not apply any methods other than those in the pre-configured set of TA verification methods.

[0176] Another envisaged method of operation at the UE involves the UE selecting or adapting its measurement mode. For the UE, the steps involved in this method of method variation can be summarized as follows:

[0177] - Step 1: Obtain information on the specific TA verification method used for the PUR,

[0178] - Step 2: Based on the information obtained about the type of TA verification method, select the measurement mode,

[0179] - Step 3: Perform one or more measurements using the selected measurement mode.

[0180] The steps are described in more detail below.

[0181] Step 1:

[0182] In this first step, the UE obtains information about a specific type of TA verification method, which the UE needs to use to verify the received timing advance (TA) command. Typically, this method is configured by the serving network node and, therefore, this type of method is known to the UE. Examples of methods that can be configured for TA verification are:

[0183] - Change of service area,

[0184] - Time Alignment Timer (TAT) for IDLE mode,

[0185] - Serving cell RSRP changes.

[0186] Such configuration is typically provided to the UE as part of the PUR configuration received from the network when the UE is in CONNECTED mode.

[0187] Step 2:

[0188] In this second step, the UE selects at least one measurement mode from a plurality of measurement modes based on the type of TA verification method configured by the UE in the previous step (step 1).

[0189] If the UE has been configured with a specific TA verification method for PUR transmission that uses serving cell measurement variations (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, Es / IoT, SINR, SNR, etc.), the UE remains in measurement mode A (also known as normal measurement mode) regardless of whether the criteria for entering measurement mode B (also known as relaxed measurement mode) are met. In other words, if the UE has been configured with a specific type of TA verification method, the UE is not allowed to enter the relaxed measurement mode.

[0190] For UEs that need to verify the pre-configured or received TA value when a PUR transmission opportunity arrives, first, the UE needs to determine the magnitude of the serving cell RSRP change relative to a reference value (e.g., ΔRSRP) and ensure that the transmission is only made if the magnitude of the change is less than the RSRP threshold (i.e., ΔRSRP ≤ Δmax-RSRP) signaled from the involved radio network node (e.g., eNodeB). Considering the UE power consumption, it is not expected that the UE will perform additional RRM measurements for PUR purposes. Instead, the relative change ΔRSRP is derived using the last available measurement in the UE, see Figure 6In example A, the UE uses the last RRM measurement associated with the PUR transmission opportunity (the second measurement) and the RRM measurement closest to the time when the TA was received (the first measurement). In example B, it is assumed that the measurement occasions and the PUR transmission opportunities are aligned.

[0191] As about Figure 6 Observation, note that it is not expected that the UE will perform additional serving cell measurements for TA verification purposes.

[0192] The same UE may support relaxed serving cell monitoring. Relaxed serving cell monitoring allows the UE to measure every Nth DRX cycle instead of every DRX cycle as in Mode A, and N is a signaled parameter indicating the relaxation factor. It is important to note that relaxed serving cell monitoring may have an adverse impact on the reliability of the TA verification method using the serving cell RSRP variation method, because the last measurement used for TA verification may be outdated, may not be tightly linked to the PUR configuration and PUR transmission timing, and may lead to incorrect TA verification results, see Figure 7 .

[0193] Therefore, a UE configured with the TA verification method using the serving cell RSRP change method should not be allowed to enter Mode B, i.e., the relaxed serving cell monitoring mode, regardless of whether other relaxed monitoring criteria are met. Instead, the UE should remain in Mode A, which is characterized by stricter measurement requirements compared to Mode B requirements.

[0194] In some implementations, the stricter measurement requirements may correspond to reference measurement requirements, such as those defined for the normal measurement mode. Examples of stricter measurement requirements are: a measurement period is shorter than a reference measurement period, a measurement accuracy includes a deviation less than a reference deviation, etc. For example, under stricter measurement requirements, the UE may need to perform various operational tasks in a shorter time compared to the relaxed measurement mode.

[0195] If the UE has not configured a specific type of TA verification method (e.g., a method based on serving cell RRM measurement changes), then based on the criteria involved, the UE is allowed to enter measurement mode B (Mode B). For example, with respect to the relevant 3GPP technical specifications, the use of the relaxed measurement mode may be triggered or applied based on the following criteria:

[0196] - WUS has been configured in the serving NB-IoT cell using WUS-Config-NB-r15, and

[0197] - the serving cell measurement relaxation is signaled by the network using numDRX-CycleRelaxed-r15 as n, and

[0198] - Meet the serving cell S-criterion with a tolerance of at least 2 dB.

[0199] - Meet the relaxed monitoring criteria for neighboring cells in clause 5.2.4.12.1 of TS 36.304 v15.3.0.

[0200] See 3GPP TS 36.331 v15.6.0, 3GPP TS 36.304 v15.3.0, and 3GPP TS 36.133 v15.6.0.

[0201] Mode B is characterized by one or more relaxed measurement requirements regarding reference measurement requirements. Examples of relaxed measurement requirements are: a measurement period longer than the reference measurement period, a measurement accuracy including a deviation greater than the reference deviation, a measurement accuracy greater than the reference measurement accuracy, etc. For example, under relaxed measurement requirements, a longer delay (e.g., longer than a certain threshold) may be allowed for the UE to perform various operational tasks such as radio link monitoring, handover, neighbor cell detection, cell reselection, etc. The relaxed measurement mode may also characterize coverage enhancement operations and support for low mobility. As an example, the reference measurement requirements may correspond to those defined for the normal measurement mode.

[0202] In yet another aspect of this UE embodiment, even if the UE is configured with a specific type of TA verification method but has a specific set of one or more relaxed configuration parameters, the UE may enter the relaxed measurement mode. As an example, when the UE is configured with a specific TA verification method and it operates in the relaxed measurement mode, the UE may limit the relaxation factor (N). Compared with a large value of N, limiting the value of N (e.g., N < T) will require the UE to measure more frequently, and this will in turn improve the TA verification method because the measurements used are updated and may be valid. In a specific example, N = 4 and T = 6. In this case, the UE will be allowed to enter the relaxed measurement mode only when N <= T; otherwise, the UE should not enter the relaxed measurement mode.

[0203] Step 3:

[0204] In this third step, the UE uses the selected measurement mode (Mode A or Mode B) to perform one or more measurements. The UE may further use the results of the performed measurements to perform one or more operational tasks. Examples of measurements are NRSRP, NRSRQ, SINR, path loss, etc. Examples of such tasks are power control, reporting the results to a network node, random access procedures, etc.

[0205] As another example, Figure 8A method 800 according to a particular embodiment is depicted. The method 800 includes the UE determining (block 802) a method to be used by the UE to verify a configured TA value in the UE for performing an uplink transmission on a PUR. That is, at an earlier time, the UE receives a TA value from the RNN, and the UE must later determine whether the configured TA value is still valid for use by the UE to control its uplink transmission timing in order to perform an uplink transmission towards the RNN. Therefore, the operation in 802 can be understood as the UE determining by what method it will perform this later verification of the configured TA value. In an example embodiment, the UE "determines" the verification method based on receiving / processing configuration signaling from the RNN, where the signaling sets / indicates the verification method to be used by the UE.

[0206] Once the UE knows that the verification method it assumes for TA verification depends on RRM measurements made by the UE, the UE has several options. As seen in block 804, the UE can exercise its normal behavior with respect to making RRM measurements, and then control the performance of its PUR transmissions depending on whether its RRM measurements are sufficiently reliable for TA verification. That is, the UE can enter a relaxed measurement mode, or allow for any degree of measurement relaxation that it designs to allow for a given situation or most operating scenarios, without having to worry itself about whether the resulting RRM measurements will be sufficiently reliable for TA verification.

[0207] Then, when the UE needs or decides to perform a PUR transmission, it faces the possibility that the RRM measurements are not reliable enough for TA verification. Of course, the UE may operate in a normal or more stringent measurement mode in which sufficiently reliable RRM measurements are obtained, and in this case, it uses its most recent measurement(s) in the configured TA verification method. However, if the UE has been performing RRM measurements in a manner that makes its most recent measurement(s) too unreliable (e.g., too old, not accurate enough), then it will control the execution of its PUR transmission accordingly. For example, the UE may skip / avoid performing the transmission. Of course, the UE may use another type of transmission by, for example, performing an EDT transmission or reconnecting to the RNN. In another example, the UE obtains a new TA value from the RNN involved before performing a PUR transmission.

[0208] As another option, block 804 shows that the UE may control its performance of RRM measurements (or at least any relevant subset of such measurements) to ensure that the UE has measurements that are deemed sufficiently reliable at any later time when the UE decides or needs to perform uplink transmission on the PUR in question.

[0209] in short, Figure 8To illustrate, upon determining that the method to be used by the UE to verify a stored TA value for performing uplink transmission on a PUR associated with the stored TA value depends on the UE's RRM measurements, the UE has two options: (1) use any RRM measurement configuration that is otherwise suitable for most operating conditions of the UE and, if that RRM configuration does not provide sufficiently reliable measurements, deal with the consequences at the time of the envisioned PUR transmission; or (2) control its RRM configuration (e.g., override its normal control of RRM measurements) to ensure that the UE uses an RRM measurement configuration that provides RRM measurements of sufficient reliability.

[0210] "Handling" the "consequences" of having unreliable RRM measurements includes, for example, the UE skipping PUR transmission, acquiring a new TA value before performing PUR transmission, etc. Again, skipping PUR transmission does not necessarily mean that the UE does not perform another type of uplink transmission.

[0211] Fig. 9 A method 900 according to other specific embodiments is depicted. The method 900 includes a network node (such as an eNB in ​​LTE or a gNB in ​​5G / NR) determining an RRM measurement configuration for a UE, for example, determining whether the UE is configured to operate in a normal RRM measurement mode or in a relaxed RRM measurement mode, or determining a degree or level of relaxation used at the UE (block 902). The network node may determine the measurement configuration of the UE based on an indication received directly or indirectly from the UE, or it may infer the measurement configuration from other information (e.g., the DRX / non-DRX configuration of the UE).

[0212] At block 904, the network node determines a TA verification method depending on the measurement configuration of the UE. For example, assume that there are one or more TA verification methods that do not depend on RRM measurements by the UE and one or more TA verification methods that depend on RRM measurements by the UE. Therefore, in one implementation of the illustrated method, the network node is configured to: in response to determining that the RRM measurement configuration of the UE is not suitable for (one or more) TA verification methods that depend on RRM measurements, select one of the TA verification methods that do not depend on RRM measurements of the UE.

[0213] In one example, the network node is programmed or otherwise configured to consider a certain measurement mode (e.g., a defined relaxed measurement mode of RRM measurements performed by the UE) to be inappropriate. Alternatively, the network node may be configured to consider a certain degree or extent of measurement relaxation to correspond to a threshold at which the RRM measurements at the UE are inappropriate for use by the UE for TA verification. For example, the network node may consider the periodicity or accuracy of the RRM measurements defined for the RRM measurement configuration of the UE, such as to assess whether the UE obtains measurements frequently enough or with sufficient accuracy to allow the UE to use those measurements for TA verification.

[0214] Once the network node determines the TA verification method to be used by the UE, it indicates the selected method to the UE (block 906). If the network node is a radio network node connected to the UE, it sends the indication directly to the UE. If the network node is located in a core network or does not otherwise anchor the air interface to the UE, the indication is sent indirectly, for example, through one or more other network nodes.

[0215] Note that the device described above may perform the methods and any other processing herein by implementing any functional component, module, unit or circuit. For example, in one embodiment, the device includes a corresponding circuit or circuit system configured to perform the steps shown in the method diagram. In this regard, the circuit or circuit system may include a circuit dedicated to performing a certain functional processing and / or one or more microprocessors combined with a memory. For example, the circuit may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers and other digital hardware, and other digital hardware may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute program codes stored in a memory, and the memory may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory, a cache memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory may include program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more techniques described herein. In an embodiment using a memory, the memory stores program codes that execute the techniques described herein when executed by the one or more processors.

[0216] For example, Fig.10 A wireless device 1000 implemented according to one or more embodiments is shown. The wireless device 1000 may be the wireless device 12 described previously or another wireless communication device. As shown, the wireless device 1000 includes a processing circuit 1010 and a communication circuit 1020. The communication circuit 1020 (e.g., a radio circuit) is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes via, for example, any communication technology. Such communications may be performed via one or more antennas located inside or outside the wireless device 1000. The processing circuit 1010 is configured to perform the processing described above by, for example, executing instructions stored in a memory 1030. In this regard, the processing circuit 1010 may implement certain functional components, units, or modules.

[0217] Fig.11A network node 1100 as implemented according to one or more embodiments is shown. The network node 1100 may be the RNN 22 described in detail above or any other type of network node. As shown, the network node 1100 includes a processing circuit 1110 and a communication circuit 1120. The communication circuit 1120 is configured to transmit and / or receive information to and / or from one or more other nodes via, for example, any communication technology. The processing circuit 1110 is configured to perform the processing described above by, for example, executing instructions stored in a memory 1130. In this regard, the processing circuit 1110 may implement certain functional components, units, or modules.

[0218] Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the embodiments herein further include corresponding computer programs.

[0219] A computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor of a device, cause the device to perform any corresponding process described above. In this regard, the computer program may include one or more code modules corresponding to the components or units described above.

[0220] The embodiment further includes a carrier embodying such a computer program. The carrier may include one of the following: an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0221] In this regard, embodiments herein also include a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer-readable (storage or recording) medium and containing instructions that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform as described above.

[0222] The embodiment further includes a computer program product including a computer program code portion, which, when executed by a computing device, is used to perform the steps of any embodiment described herein. The computer program product may be stored on a computer readable recording medium.

[0223] Additional embodiments will now be described.At least some of these embodiments may be described for illustrative purposes as applicable to certain contexts and / or wireless network types, but the embodiments are equally applicable to other contexts and / or wireless network types not explicitly described.

[0224] About such as Fig.12 Wireless networks such as the example wireless networks shown illustrate embodiments disclosed herein, although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components. The network shown includes a more detailed depiction of the network 10 described previously, for example, or includes another network according to another embodiment. For simplicity, Fig.12The wireless network of FIG. 1 depicts only the network 1206, the network nodes 1260 and 1260b, and the wireless devices 1210, 1210b, and 1210c. In practice, the wireless network may further include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (such as a landline, a service provider, or any other network node or end device). In the illustrated components, the network node 1260 and the wireless device 1210 are depicted in additional detail. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate the wireless devices to access and / or use services provided by or via the wireless network.

[0225] A wireless network may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular and / or radio network or other similar type of system. In some embodiments, a wireless network may be configured to operate according to a specific standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of a wireless network may implement: communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; wireless local area network (WLAN) standards such as IEEE 802.11 standards; and / or any other suitable wireless communication standards such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee standards.

[0226] The network 1206 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet data networks, optical networks, wide area networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks, wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks that enable communication between devices.

[0227] The network node 1260 and the wireless device 1210 include various components that will be described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing wireless connectivity in a wireless network. In various embodiments, the wireless network may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals (whether via a wired or wireless connection).

[0228] As used herein, a network node refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or with other network nodes or devices in a wireless network in order to enable and / or provide wireless access for the wireless device and / or perform other functions (e.g., management) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved NodeBs (eNBs), and NR NodeBs (gNBs)). Base stations can be classified based on the amount of coverage they provide (or in other words, based on their transmission power levels), and the base stations can then be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay station. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station, such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU) (sometimes referred to as a remote radio head (RRH)). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna-integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Still further examples of network nodes include multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment (such as an MSR BS), a network controller (such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC)), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), a core network node (e.g., MSC, MME), an O&M node, an OSS node, a SON node, a positioning node (e.g., E-SMLC), and / or an MDT. As another example, a network node may be a virtual network node as described in more detail below. However, more generally, a network node may represent any suitable device (or device group) that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to enable and / or provide access to a wireless network for a wireless device or to provide a certain service to a wireless device that has accessed a wireless network.

[0229] exist Fig.12 In the embodiment, the network node 1260 includes a processing circuit 1270, a device readable medium 1280, an interface 1290, an auxiliary device 1284, a power supply 1286, a power supply circuit 1287, and an antenna 1262. Fig.12The network node 1260 shown in the example wireless network of may represent a device including the shown combination of hardware components, but other embodiments may include network nodes with different combinations of components. It will be appreciated that the network node includes any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. In addition, although the components of the network node 1260 are depicted as being a single box located within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in reality, the network node may include multiple different physical components that make up a single shown component (e.g., the device readable medium 1280 may include multiple separate hard drives and multiple RAM modules).

[0230] Similarly, the network node 1260 may be composed of multiple physically independent components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), which may each have their own corresponding components. In certain scenarios where the network node 1260 includes multiple independent components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the independent components may be shared between several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such scenarios, in some instances, each unique NodeB and RNC pair may be considered to be a single independent network node. In some embodiments, the network node 1260 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be replicated (e.g., independent device readable media 1280 for different RATs), and some components may be reused (e.g., RATs may share the same antenna 1262). The network node 1260 may also include multiple sets of various illustrated components for different wireless technologies (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) integrated into the network node 1260. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within network node 1260 .

[0231] The processing circuit 1270 is configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as provided by the network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 1270 may include: processing the obtained information by, for example, converting the information obtained by the processing circuit 1270 into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information; and making a determination as a result of the processing.

[0232] The processing circuit 1270 may include a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide network node 1260 functionality alone or in combination with other network node 1260 components such as device readable medium 1280. For example, the processing circuit 1270 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 1280 or in a memory within the processing circuit 1270. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 1270 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

[0233] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 1270 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1272 and baseband processing circuitry 1274. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 1272 and baseband processing circuitry 1274 may be located on separate chips (or chipsets), boards, or units (such as a radio unit and a digital unit). In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 1272 and baseband processing circuitry 1274 may be located on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0234] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB, or other such network device may be performed by processing circuit 1270 executing instructions stored on device-readable medium 1280 or memory within processing circuit 1270. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by processing circuit 1270 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium (such as in a hardwired manner). In any of those embodiments, processing circuit 1270 may be configured to perform the described functionality regardless of whether instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to processing circuit 1270 alone or other components of network node 1260, but are enjoyed by network node 1260 as a whole and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0235] Device-readable medium 1280 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory, including, but not limited to, a persistent storage device, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., a flash drive, a compact disk (CD), or a digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by processing circuit 1270. Device-readable medium 1280 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including computer programs, software, applications including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that are executable by processing circuit 1270 and used by network node 1260. Device-readable medium 1280 may be used to store any calculations performed by processing circuit 1270 and / or any data received via interface 1290. In some embodiments, it may be considered that the processing circuit 1270 and the device readable medium 1280 are integrated together.

[0236] The interface 1290 is used to transmit signaling and / or data between the network node 1260, the network 1206 and / or the wireless device 1210 by wire or wirelessly. As shown, the interface 1290 includes (one or more) ports / (one or more) terminals 1294 for sending and receiving data to and from the network 1206, for example, by a wired connection. The interface 1290 also includes a radio front-end circuit 1292 that can be coupled to the antenna 1262 or as a part of the antenna 1262 in some embodiments. The radio front-end circuit 1292 includes a filter 1298 and an amplifier 1296. The radio front-end circuit 1292 can be connected to the antenna 1262 and the processing circuit 1270. The radio front-end circuit can be configured to adjust the signal communicated between the antenna 1262 and the processing circuit 1270. The radio front-end circuit 1292 can receive digital data and send the digital data outward to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. The radio front end circuit 1292 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1298 and / or amplifiers 1296. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1262. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1262 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by the radio front end circuit 1292. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuit 1270. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0237] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 1260 may not include a separate radio front end circuit 1292; instead, the processing circuit 1270 may include the radio front end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 1262 without the separate radio front end circuit 1292. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or part of the RF transceiver circuit 1272 may be considered to be part of the interface 1290. In still other embodiments, the interface 1290 may include one or more ports or terminals 1294, the radio front end circuit 1292, and the RF transceiver circuit 1272 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the interface 1290 may communicate with the baseband processing circuit 1274 as part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0238] Antenna 1262 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 1262 may be coupled to radio front-end circuit 1290 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 1262 may include one or more omnidirectional, sector or flat panel antennas operable to transmit / receive radio signals between, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals in any direction, sector antennas may be used to transmit / receive radio signals from devices within a specific area, and flat panel antennas may be line-of-sight antennas for transmitting / receiving radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some cases, the use of more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In some embodiments, antenna 1262 may be separate from network node 1260 and may be connected to network node 1260 via an interface or port.

[0239] Antenna 1262, interface 1290 and / or processing circuit 1270 may be configured to perform any receiving operation and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal may be received from a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, antenna 1262, interface 1290 and / or processing circuit 1270 may be configured to perform any transmitting operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0240] The power circuit 1287 may include or may be coupled to a power management circuit and is configured to supply power to the components of the network node 1260 for performing the functionality described herein. The power circuit 1287 may receive power from the power supply 1286. The power supply 1286 and / or the power circuit 1287 may be configured to provide power to the various components of the network node 1260 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required by each respective component). The power supply 1286 may be included in the power circuit 1287 and / or the network node 1260 or may be located outside thereof. For example, the network node 1260 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., a power outlet) via an input circuit or interface (such as a cable), whereby the external power source supplies power to the power circuit 1287. As another example, the power supply 1286 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack connected to or integrated in the power circuit 1287. The battery may provide backup power when the external power source fails. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

[0241] Alternative embodiments of network node 1260 may include Fig.12 1260, which may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the network node, including any functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 1260 may include a user interface device that allows information to be input into the network node 1260 and allows information to be output from the network node 1260. This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other management functions on the network node 1260.

[0242] As used herein, a wireless device refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with a network node and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise specified, the term wireless device may be used interchangeably with a user equipment (UE) herein. Wireless communication may involve the use of electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information through the air to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. In some embodiments, a wireless device may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, a wireless device may be designed to transmit information to a network according to a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event or in response to a request from the network. Examples of wireless devices include, but are not limited to, smartphones, mobile phones, cellular phones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, game consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback appliances, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablets, laptop computers, laptop embedded equipment (LEE), laptop mounted equipment (LME), smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, etc. The wireless device may support device-to-device (D2D) communication by implementing 3GPP standards, for example, for secondary link communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and in this case may be referred to as a D2D communication device.

[0243] As yet another specific example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, a wireless device may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another wireless device and / or a network node. In this case, the wireless device may be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, the wireless device may be a UE that implements the 3GPP Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices (such as power meters), industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances (such as refrigerators, televisions, etc.), personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, a wireless device may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operating status or other functions associated with its operation. As described above, a wireless device may represent an endpoint of a wireless connection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. In addition, as described above, a wireless device may be mobile, in which case it may be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

[0244] As shown, the wireless device 1210 includes an antenna 1211, an interface 1214, a processing circuit 1220, a device-readable medium 1230, a user interface device 1232, an auxiliary device 1234, a power supply 1236, and a power supply circuit 1237. The wireless device 1210 may include multiple sets of one or more of the components shown for different wireless technologies supported by the wireless device 1210, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, NB-IoT, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, to name just a few examples. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets as other components within the wireless device 1210.

[0245] Antenna 1211 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface 1214. In some alternative embodiments, antenna 1211 may be separate from wireless device 1210 and may be connected to wireless device 1210 via an interface or port. Antenna 1211, interface 1214 and / or processing circuit 1220 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operation described herein as being performed by a wireless device. Any information, data and / or signal may be received from a network node and / or another wireless device. In some embodiments, radio front end circuitry and / or antenna 1211 may be considered an interface.

[0246] As shown, the interface 1214 includes a radio front end circuit 1212 and an antenna 1211. The radio front end circuit 1212 includes one or more filters 1218 and an amplifier 1216. The radio front end circuit 1214 is connected to the antenna 1211 and the processing circuit 1220, and is configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna 1211 and the processing circuit 1220. The radio front end circuit 1212 may be coupled to the antenna 1211 or be part of the antenna 1211. In some embodiments, the wireless device 1210 may not include a separate radio front end circuit 1212; instead, the processing circuit 1220 may include the radio front end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 1211. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1222 may be considered to be part of the interface 1214. The radio front end circuit 1212 may receive digital data, which will be sent out to other network nodes or wireless devices via a wireless connection. The radio front end circuit 1212 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 1218 and / or amplifiers 1216. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 1211. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 1211 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by the radio front end circuit 1212. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuit 1220. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0247] The processing circuit 1220 may include a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software, and / or encoded logic operable to provide wireless device 1210 functionality, either alone or in combination with other wireless device 1210 components such as device readable medium 1230. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuit 1220 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 1230 or in a memory within the processing circuit 1220 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0248] As shown, the processing circuit 1220 includes one or more of the RF transceiver circuit 1222, the baseband processing circuit 1224, and the application processing circuit 1226. In other embodiments, the processing circuit may include different components and / or different combinations of components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 1220 of the wireless device 1210 may include a SOC. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 1222, the baseband processing circuit 1224, and the application processing circuit 1226 may be located on a separate chip or chipset. In an alternative embodiment, part or all of the baseband processing circuit 1224 and the application processing circuit 1226 may be combined into one chip or chipset, and the RF transceiver circuit 1222 may be located on a separate chip or chipset. In a still alternative embodiment, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1222 and the baseband processing circuit 1224 may be located on the same chip or chipset, and the application processing circuit 1226 may be located on a separate chip or chipset. In still other alternative embodiments, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 1222, baseband processing circuit 1224, and application processing circuit 1226 may be combined in the same chip or chipset. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 1222 may be part of the interface 1214. The RF transceiver circuit 1222 may condition the RF signal for the processing circuit 1220.

[0249] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being performed by the wireless device may be provided by the processing circuit 1220 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 1230 (which may be a computer-readable storage medium in some embodiments). In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuit 1220 without executing instructions stored on an independent or separate device-readable storage medium (such as in a hard-wired manner). In any of those specific embodiments, the processing circuit 1220 may be configured to perform the described functionality regardless of whether instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuit 1220 alone or other components of the wireless device 1210, but are enjoyed by the wireless device 1210 as a whole and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0250] The processing circuit 1220 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain acquisition operations) described herein as being performed by the wireless device. Such operations as performed by the processing circuit 1220 may include: processing the acquired information by, for example, converting the information acquired by the processing circuit 1220 into other information, comparing the acquired information or the converted information with information stored by the wireless device 1210, and / or performing one or more operations based on the acquired information or the converted information; and making a determination as a result of the processing.

[0251] The device-readable medium 1230 is operable to store a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, etc., and / or other instructions executable by the processing circuit 1220. The device-readable medium 1230 may include a computer memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM) or a read-only memory (ROM)), a mass storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), a removable storage medium (e.g., a compact disk (CD) or a digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable memory device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuit 1220. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the processing circuit 1220 and the device-readable medium 1230 may be integrated together.

[0252] The user interface device 1232 may provide a component that allows a human user to interact with the wireless device 1210. Such interaction may have a variety of forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 1232 may be operable to generate output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the wireless device 1210. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface device 1232 installed in the wireless device 1210. For example, if the wireless device 1210 is a smart phone, the interaction may be performed via a touch screen; if the wireless device 1210 is a smart meter, the interaction may be performed through a screen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or a speaker that provides an audible alarm (e.g., if smoke is detected). The user interface device 1232 may include an input interface, device, and circuit and an output interface, device, and circuit. The user interface device 1232 is configured to allow information to be input into the wireless device 1210 and is connected to the processing circuit 1220 to allow the processing circuit 1220 to process the input information. The user interface device 1232 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity sensor or other sensor, a key / button, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuitry. The user interface device 1232 is also configured to allow information to be output from the wireless device 1210 and to allow the processing circuit 1220 to output information from the wireless device 1210. The user interface device 1232 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone jack, or other output circuitry. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface device 1232, the wireless device 1210 can communicate with an end user and / or a wireless network and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0253] Auxiliary device 1234 is operable to provide more specific functionality that may not generally be performed by a wireless device. This may include specialized sensors for taking measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communications such as wired communications, etc. The inclusion and types of components of auxiliary device 1234 may vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0254] In some embodiments, the power source 1236 may be in the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources may also be used, such as an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a power cell. The wireless device 1210 may further include a power circuit 1237 for delivering power from the power source 1236 to various parts of the wireless device 1210 that require power from the power source 1236 to perform any functionality described or indicated herein. In some embodiments, the power circuit 1237 may include a power management circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the power circuit 1237 may be operable to receive power from an external power source; in this case, the wireless device 1210 may be connected to an external power source (such as an electrical outlet) via an input circuit or interface (such as a power cable). In some embodiments, the power circuit 1237 may also be operable to deliver power from an external power source to the power source 1236. This may be used, for example, to charge the power source 1236. The power circuit 1237 may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from the power source 1236 so as to make the power suitable for the corresponding components of the wireless device 1210 to which the power is supplied.

[0255] Fig.13 One embodiment of a UE in accordance with various aspects described herein is shown. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated device. Rather, a UE may represent a device that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user but may not, or may not initially, be associated with a particular human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended to be sold to or operated by an end user but may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter). UE 13200 may be any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a NB-IoT UE, a Machine Type Communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As Fig.13 As shown, UE 1300 is an example of a wireless device configured to communicate according to one or more communication standards promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE and / or 5G standards. As mentioned previously, the terms wireless device and UE may be used interchangeably. Therefore, although Fig.13Although it is a UE, the components discussed herein are also applicable to a wireless device, and vice versa.

[0256] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment, UE 1300 includes a processing circuit 1301, which is operatively coupled to an input / output interface 1305, a radio frequency (RF) interface 1309, a network connection interface 1311, a memory 1315 including a random access memory (RAM) 1317, a read-only memory (ROM) 1319, and a storage medium 1321, a communication subsystem 1331, a power supply 1333, and / or any other components or any combination thereof. The storage medium 1321 includes an operating system 1323, an application 1325, and data 1327. In other embodiments, the storage medium 1321 may include other similar types of information. Some UEs may utilize, for example, Fig.13 All of the components shown may be used, or only a subset of the components may be used. The level of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. In addition, some UEs may include multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0257] exist Fig.13 In the embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit 1301 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuit 1301 may be configured to implement: any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored in a memory as a machine-readable computer program, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored programs, general-purpose processors (such as microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs)) together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuit 1301 may include two central processing units (CPUs). The data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

[0258] In the depicted embodiment, the input / output interface 1305 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and output device. The UE 1300 may be configured to use an output device via the input / output interface 1305. The output device may use the same type of interface port as the input device. For example, a USB port may be used to provide input to the UE 1300 and output from the UE 1300. The output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, a transmitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 1300 may be configured to use an input device via the input / output interface 1305 to allow a user to capture information into the UE 1300. The input device may include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, etc. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from the user. The sensor can be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device can be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and an optical sensor.

[0259] exist Fig.13 , the RF interface 1309 may be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components (such as transmitters, receivers, and antennas). The network connection interface 1311 may be configured to provide a communication interface to the network 1343a. The network 1343a may cover a wired and / or wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 1343a may include a Wi-Fi network. The network connection interface 1311 may be configured to include a receiver and transmitter interface for communicating with one or more other devices through a communication network according to one or more communication protocols (such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, etc.). The network connection interface 1311 may implement receiver and transmitter functionality suitable for a communication network link (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions may share circuit components, software, or firmware, or may alternatively be implemented separately.

[0260] RAM 1317 may be configured to interface with processing circuit 1301 via bus 1302 to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during execution of software programs such as operating systems, applications, and device drivers. ROM 1319 may be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuit 1301. For example, ROM 1319 may be configured to store unchanged low-level system code or data for basic system functions, such as basic input and output (I / O), booting, or receiving keystrokes stored in non-volatile memory from a keyboard. Storage medium 1321 may be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disk, optical disk, floppy disk, hard disk, removable cassette, or flash drive. In one example, storage medium 1321 may be configured to include operating system 1323, application 1325 (such as a web browser application, a widget or gadget engine, or another application), and data file 1327. The storage medium 1321 may store any of a variety of operating systems or combinations of operating systems for use by the UE 1300 .

[0261] The storage medium 1321 may be configured to include multiple physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy disk drive, a flash memory, a USB flash drive, an external hard drive, a thumb drive, a pen drive, a key drive, a high-density digital versatile disk (HD-DVD) optical drive, an internal hard drive, a Blu-ray optical drive, a holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical drive, an external mini dual in-line memory module (DIMM), a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), an external micro DIMM SDRAM, a smart card memory (such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) module), other memory or any combination thereof. The storage medium 1321 may allow the UE 1300 to access computer executable instructions, applications, etc. stored on a temporary or non-temporary storage medium, download data, or upload data. An article of manufacture (such as one utilizing a communication system) may be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 1321, which may include a device-readable medium.

[0262] exist Fig.13In the embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit 1301 may be configured to communicate with the network 1343b using the communication subsystem 1331. The network 1343a and the network 1343b may be the same one or more networks or different one or more networks. The communication subsystem 1331 may be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 1343b. For example, the communication subsystem 1331 may be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (such as another wireless device, UE or base station of a radio access network (RAN)) according to one or more communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.13, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, etc.). Each transceiver may include a transmitter 1333 and / or a receiver 1335 for respectively implementing a transmitter or receiver functionality (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.) suitable for a RAN link. In addition, the transmitter 1333 and the receiver 1335 of each transceiver may share circuit components, software or firmware, or may alternatively be implemented separately.

[0263] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of the communication subsystem 1331 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as using a global positioning system (GPS) to determine the location, another similar communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, the communication subsystem 1331 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. The network 1343b may cover wired and / or wireless networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 1343b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near-field network. The power supply 1313 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power to the components of the UE 1300.

[0264] The features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE 1300, or may be divided across multiple components of UE 1300. In addition, the features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in any combination of hardware, software or firmware. In one example, the communication subsystem 1331 may be configured to include any of the components described herein. In addition, the processing circuit 1301 may be configured to communicate with any of such components via the bus 1302. In another example, any of such components may be represented by program instructions stored in a memory, which perform the corresponding functions described herein when executed by the processing circuit 1301. In another example, the functionality of any of such components may be divided between the processing circuit 1301 and the communication subsystem 1331. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware, and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0265] Fig.14 1400 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1400 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In this context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or apparatus, which may include virtualized hardware platforms, storage devices, and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization may be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device) or a component thereof, and involves the implementation of at least a portion of functionality as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers executed on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

[0266] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 1400 hosted by one or more hardware nodes 1430. Furthermore, in embodiments where the virtual nodes are not radio access nodes or do not require radio connectivity (e.g., core network nodes), then the network nodes may be fully virtualized.

[0267] Functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 1420 (which may alternatively be referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to implement some features, functionality, and / or benefits of some embodiments disclosed herein. Applications 1420 are run in a virtualized environment 1400 that provides hardware 1430 including processing circuitry 1460 and memory 1490. Memory 1490 contains instructions 1495 executable by processing circuitry 1460, whereby applications 1420 are operable to provide one or more features, benefits, and / or functionality disclosed herein.

[0268] The virtualized environment 1400 includes a general or special purpose network hardware device 1430 including a collection of one or more processors or processing circuits 1460, which may be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, dedicated application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuit including digital or analog hardware components or special-purpose processors. Each hardware device may include a memory 1490-1, which may be a non-persistent memory for temporarily storing instructions 1495 or software executed by the processing circuit 1460. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 1470 (also known as network interface cards), which include a physical network interface 1480. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, persistent, machine-readable storage medium 1490-2 in which software 1495 and / or instructions executable by the processing circuit 1460 are stored. The software 1495 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 1450 (also known as hypervisors), software for executing virtual machines 1440, and software that enables it to perform the functions, features and / or benefits described with respect to some embodiments described herein.

[0269] The virtual machines 1440 include virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage devices, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1450 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of instances of the virtual appliances 1420 may be implemented on one or more virtual machines 1440 and may be implemented in different ways.

[0270] During operation, processing circuitry 1460 executes software 1495, which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), for instantiating a hypervisor or virtualization layer 1450. Virtualization layer 1450 may represent a virtual operating platform that appears to virtual machines 1440 as networked hardware.

[0271] like Fig.14 As shown, hardware 1430 may be an independent network node with common or specific components. Hardware 1430 may include antenna 14225, and some functions may be implemented via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1430 may be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premises equipment (CPE)), where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 14100 that oversees, among other things, lifecycle management of application 1420.

[0272] Virtualization of hardware is referred to in some contexts as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate many network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage devices (which can be located in data centers and customer premises equipment).

[0273] In the context of NFV, a virtual machine 1440 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs a program as if it were being executed on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each virtual machine 1440 and the portion of the hardware 1430 that executes the virtual machine form an independent virtual network element (VNE), whether it is hardware dedicated to the virtual machine and / or hardware shared by the virtual machine with other virtual machines 1440.

[0274] Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions running in one or more virtual machines 1440 on top of the hardware networking infrastructure 1430 and corresponds to Fig.14 Application 1420.

[0275] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 14200 may be coupled to one or more antennas 14225, each radio unit 14200 including one or more transmitters 14220 and one or more receivers 14210. The radio units 14200 may communicate directly with the hardware nodes 1430 via one or more suitable network interfaces, and may be used in combination with virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or base station.

[0276] In some embodiments, some signaling may be accomplished using a control system 14230 , which may alternatively be used for communications between the hardware node 1430 and the radio unit 14200 .

[0277] Fig.15 A telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network is shown according to some embodiments. In particular, reference is made to Fig.15According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunication network 1510 such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which includes an access network 1511 such as a radio access network and a core network 1514. The access network 1511 includes a plurality of base stations 1512a, 1512b, 1512c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each of which defines a corresponding coverage area 1513a, 1513b, 1513c. Each base station 1512a, 1512b, 1512c may be connected to the core network 1514 via a wired or wireless connection 1511. A first UE 1591 located in the coverage area 1513c is configured to be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 1512c or to be paged via the corresponding base station 1512c. A second UE 1592 in the coverage area 1513a may be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 1512a. Although multiple UEs 1591 , 1592 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where only a UE is located in the coverage area or only a UE is connected to the corresponding base station 1512 .

[0278] The telecommunications network 1510 itself is connected to a host computer 1530, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server farm. The host computer 1530 may be owned or controlled by a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 1521 and 1522 between the telecommunications network 1510 and the host computer 1530 may extend directly from the core network 1514 to the host computer 1530, or may pass through an optional intermediate network 1520. The intermediate network 1520 may be one of a public, private, or managed network, or a combination of more than one of these networks; the intermediate network 1520, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 1520 may include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0279] Fig.15The communication system as a whole enables a connection between a connected UE 1591, 1592 and a host computer 1530. The connection may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 1550. The host computer 1530 and the connected UE 1591, 1592 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 1550 using the access network 1511, the core network 1514, any intermediate networks 1520, and possibly additional infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. The OTT connection 1550 may be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 1550 passes are unaware of the routes of uplink and downlink communications. For example, there may be no or no need to inform the base station 1512 about the past routes of incoming downlink communications that forwarded (e.g., handed over) data originating from the host computer 1530 to the connected UE 1591. Similarly, the base station 1512 does not need to know the future routes of outgoing uplink communications sent from the UE 1591 to the host computer 1530.

[0280] According to the embodiment, reference will now be made to Fig.16 Example implementations of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the previous paragraphs are described. Fig.16 A host computer is shown communicating with a user device via a partially wireless connection via a base station according to some embodiments. In the communication system 1600, the host computer 1610 includes hardware 1615, which includes a communication interface 1616 configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with different communication devices of the communication system 1600. The host computer 1610 further includes a processing circuit 1618 that may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit 1618 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, and field programmable gate arrays (not shown) that are suitable for executing instructions. The host computer 1610 further includes software 1611, which is stored in the host computer 1610 or can be accessed by the host computer 1610 and can be executed by the processing circuit 1618. The software 1611 includes a host application 1612. The host application 1612 is operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a UE 1630 connected via an OTT connection 1650 terminated at the UE 1630 and the host computer 1610. In providing services to the remote user, the host application 1612 may provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection 1650.

[0281] The communication system 1600 further includes a base station 1620 disposed in the telecommunication system, and the base station 1620 includes hardware 1625 to enable it to communicate with the host computer 1610 and the UE 1630. The hardware 1625 may include a communication interface 1626 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with different communication devices of the communication system 1600 and a communication interface 1626 for establishing and maintaining a connection with a network located in a coverage area (in a region) served by the base station 1620. Fig.16 1670 of at least a wireless connection 1670 of a UE 1630 in the embodiment of the present invention. The communication interface 1626 may be configured to facilitate a connection 1660 to a host computer 1610. The connection 1660 may be direct, or it may be through a core network of a telecommunications system (in Fig.16 The base station 1620 may be connected to the base station 1620 by a processor 1625 (not shown) and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 1625 of the base station 1620 further includes processing circuitry 1628, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, and field programmable gate arrays (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The base station 1620 further has software 1621 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0282] The communication system 1600 further includes the UE 1630 already mentioned. Its hardware 1635 may include a radio interface 1637 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 1670 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 1630 is currently located. The hardware 1635 of the UE 1630 further includes a processing circuit 1638, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or a combination of these programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 1630 further includes software 1631 stored in the UE 1630 or accessible by the UE 1630 and executable by the processing circuit 1638. The software 1631 includes a client application 1632. The client application 1632 is operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 1630 under the support of the host computer 1610. In the host computer 1610, the executed host application 1612 can communicate with the executed client application 1632 via the OTT connection 1650 terminated at the UE 1630 and the host computer 1610. In providing services to users, the client application 1632 can receive request data from the host application 1612 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 1650 can transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 1632 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0283] Notice, Fig.16 The host computer 1610, base station 1620 and UE 1630 shown in FIG. Fig.15 The host computer 1530, one of the base stations 1512a, 1512b, 1512c, and one of the UEs 1591, 1592 may be similar or identical. That is, the internal workings of these entities may be similar to or identical to those of the host computer 1530, one of the base stations 1512a, 1512b, 1512c, and one of the UEs 1591, Fig.16 shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Fig.15 network topology.

[0284] exist Fig.16 16, an OTT connection 1650 has been abstractly drawn in order to illustrate communications between a host computer 1610 and a UE 1630 via a base station 1620, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the exact message routing via those devices. The network infrastructure may determine the routing, which may be configured to hide the routing from the UE 1630 or from the service provider operating the host computer 1610, or both. While the OTT connection 1650 is active, the network infrastructure may further make decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0285] The wireless connection 1670 between the UE 1630 and the base station 1620 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments may improve the performance of an OTT service provided to the UE 1630 using the OTT connection 1650 in which the wireless connection 1670 forms the last leg. More specifically, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the reliability of PUR transmissions through the UE and thereby provide benefits such as increasing the reliability of communications between the UE and the host computer 1610. Such improvements may reduce latency by, for example, avoiding having to skip a PUR transmission or obtain a new TA value to perform a PUR transmission.

[0286] The measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. In response to changes in the measurement results, there may be further optional network functionality to reconfigure the OTT connection 1650 between the host computer 1610 and the UE 1630. The measurement process and / or the network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 1650 may be implemented with software 1611 and hardware 1615 of the host computer 1610, or software 1631 and hardware 1635 of the UE 1630, or both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 1650 passes; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by supplying the values ​​of the monitoring quantities exemplified above or supplying the values ​​of other physical quantities that can be used by the software 1611, 1631 to calculate or estimate the monitoring quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 1650 may include message formats, retransmission settings, priority routing, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 1620, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 1620. Such processes and functionality are known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that assists the host computer 1610 in measuring throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurements may be achieved because the software 1611 and 1631 causes messages, particularly empty or 'dummy' messages, to be transmitted using the OTT connection 1650 as it monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0287] Fig.17 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 To simplify the present disclosure, this section will only include the host computers, base stations and UEs described in the present disclosure. Fig.17 In step 1710, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 1711 of step 1710 (which may be optional), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 1720, the host computer initiates a transmission that carries the user data to the UE. In step 1730 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 1740 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0288] Fig.18 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.15 and Fig.16To simplify the present disclosure, this section will only include the host computers, base stations and UEs described in the present disclosure. Fig.18 Reference is made to the accompanying drawings of . In step 1810 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 1820, the host computer initiates a transmission that carries the user data to the UE. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may pass through a base station. In step 1830 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0289] Fig.19 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 To simplify the present disclosure, this section will only include the host computers, base stations and UEs described in the present disclosure. Fig.19 Reference to the accompanying drawings of . In step 1910 (which may be optional), the UE receives user data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 1920, the UE provides the user data. In sub-step 1921 of step 1920 (which may be optional), the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 1911 of step 1910 (which may be optional), the UE executes the client application, which provides the user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. In providing the user data, the executed client application may further consider the user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data is provided, in sub-step 1930 (which may be optional), the UE initiates the transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step 1940 of the method, the host computer receives the user data transmitted from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.

[0290] Fig. 20 is a flow chart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UE, which can be reference Fig.15 and Fig.16 To simplify the present disclosure, this section will only include the host computers, base stations and UEs described in the present disclosure. Fig. 20 In step 2010 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 2020 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 2030 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0291] Fig.21 A wireless device 2100 is depicted, which includes a processing module or unit (such as processing unit 2102) and a transmission / reception unit 2104. The processing unit may be implemented at least in part via processing circuitry (including virtualized processing circuitry based on underlying circuitry). The wireless device 2100 operates according to any of the example embodiments described above for the wireless device 12, for example.

[0292] Fig. 22 A network node 2200 is depicted, which includes a processing module or unit (such as a processing unit 2202) and a transmission / reception unit 2204. The processing unit may be implemented at least in part via a processing circuit (including a virtualized processing circuit based on an underlying circuit). The network node 2200 operates according to any of the example embodiments described above for the radio network node 22, for example.

[0293] Any suitable steps, methods, features, functions or benefits disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include multiple of these functional units. These functional units may be implemented via processing circuits (which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers) and other digital hardware (which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), dedicated digital logic, etc.). The processing circuit may be configured to execute program codes stored in a memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory device, optical storage device, etc. The program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more technologies described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuit may be used to cause the corresponding functional unit to perform the corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0294] In general, unless a different meaning is explicitly given and / or implied in the context in which it is used, all terms used herein will be interpreted according to their common meaning in the relevant technical field. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, references to an element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. are openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. Unless a step is explicitly described as after or before another step, and / or in the case of implying that a step must be after or before another step, the steps of any method disclosed herein are not necessarily performed in the exact order disclosed. Where appropriate, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other purposes, features and advantages of the attached embodiments will be apparent from the description.

[0295] The term "unit" may have a conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and / or electronic devices, and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuits, devices, modules, processors, memories, logical solid-state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for performing corresponding tasks, processes, calculations, output and / or display functions, etc., such as those described herein.

[0296] Some embodiments contemplated herein are described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein. The disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited solely to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example in order to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0297] Therefore, modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will occur to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the preceding description and the associated drawings. It will be appreciated, therefore, that the contemplated methods and apparatus are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

[0298] The following are additional examples to support understanding of the disclosed embodiments.

[0299] A1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method controlling signal measurements by the wireless device depending on a type of TA verification method the wireless device is configured to use, wherein the wireless device uses the signal measurements to verify a stored TA value, and wherein subject to the verification, the wireless device uses the stored TA value to perform an uplink transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource (PUR).

[0300] A2. The method of example A1 wherein controlling the signal measurements comprises selecting or adapting a measurement mode, and wherein the signal measurements comprise measurements of one or more reference signals transmitted by one or more radio network nodes of the wireless communication network.

[0301] A3. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: in response to the UE being in a normal measurement mode regarding performing signal measurements for assessing the validity of a stored TA value in the UE, using one or more signal measurements performed in the normal measurement mode to assess the validity of the stored TA value, and in response to the stored TA value being valid, using the stored TA value to perform uplink transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource (PUR); and in response to the UE being in a relaxed measurement mode regarding performing signal measurements for assessing the validity of the stored TA value, not using the stored TA value to perform uplink transmission on the PUR.

[0302] A4. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising controlling a measurement mode or configuration of the wireless device, depending on a particular type of verification method that the wireless device is configured to use to verify a stored TA value, for use by the wireless device in performing uplink transmissions on preconfigured uplink resources (PURs).

[0303] A5. The method of Example A4, wherein controlling the measurement mode or configuration of the wireless device includes: in response to determining that the specific type of verification method is a serving cell signal evaluation, selecting or remaining in a normal measurement mode, wherein the wireless device detects or assesses changes between a previous measurement of a serving cell reference signal and a current measurement of the serving cell reference signal as a basis for determining whether a stored TA value is still valid.

[0304] A6. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: controlling the wireless device to perform signal measurements depending on whether the wireless device uses signal measurements to assess validity of a stored timing advance (TA) value, the signal measurements being reference signal measurements performed by the wireless device on one or more reference signals.

[0305] A7. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: receiving a timing advance value from a radio network node in a wireless communication network for adapting the uplink transmission timing of the wireless device with respect to the radio network node; and subsequently determining whether the timing advance (TA) value remains valid for use when performing uplink transmission on a pre-configured uplink resource (PUR); and wherein the wireless device is configured to perform measurements on a reference signal transmitted by the radio network node for the purpose of radio resource management (RRM) by the network, and wherein the method includes the wireless device controlling it to perform measurements depending on whether its determination of the validity of the TA value relies on the measurements.

[0306] A8. The method of example A7, wherein controlling it to perform the measurements comprises: in response to determining that the validity of the TA value will depend on the measurements, not allowing use of a relaxed measurement mode, wherein the relaxed measurement mode involves less frequent or less precise measurements than the normal measurement mode.

[0307] A9. The method of example A7 or A8, wherein the wireless device receives the TA value while in a connected state relative to the network and determines the validity of the TA value while in an idle state relative to the network.

[0308] AA1. The method of any of the preceding A examples, further comprising: providing user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer via transmission to a radio network node.

[0309] B1. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: determining a measurement configuration of a UE; determining a timing advance (TA) verification method depending on the measurement configuration; and indicating the TA verification method to the UE for use by the UE to subsequently verify a TA value configured in the UE by a radio network node (RNN) for controlling uplink timing of the UE when performing transmissions on pre-configured uplink resources allocated by the RNN.

[0310] B2. The method of example B1, wherein determining the TA verification method includes: determining whether the UE's measurement configuration is associated with a signal measurement having sufficient reliability for the TA value for the UE to verify the configuration, the signal measurement being a measurement of a reference signal transmitted by the RNN; and if so, allowing selection of a TA verification method that depends on the signal measurement, and if not, not allowing selection of any TA verification method that depends on the signal measurement.

[0311] BB. The method of any of the previous B examples, further comprising: obtaining user data; and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

[0312] C1. A wireless device configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0313] C2. A wireless device comprising a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0314] C3. A wireless device comprising: a communication circuit; and a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0315] C4. A wireless device, comprising: a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A; and a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0316] C5. A wireless device, comprising: a processing circuit and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the wireless device is configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0317] C6. A user equipment (UE), comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; a radio front-end circuit connected to the antenna and a processing circuit, and which is configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuit; a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A; an input interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuit; an output interface connected to the processing circuit and configured to output information that has been processed by the processing circuit from the UE; and a battery connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0318] C7. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a wireless device, cause the wireless device to perform the steps of any one of the examples in Example A.

[0319] C8. A carrier embodying the computer program of example C7, wherein the carrier is one of the following: an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0320] C9. A radio network node configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in B.

[0321] C10. A radio network node comprising a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in B.

[0322] C11. A radio network node, comprising: a communication circuit; and a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in B.

[0323] C12. A radio network node, comprising: a processing circuit configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example B; a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the radio network node.

[0324] C13. A radio network node, comprising: a processing circuit and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuit, whereby the radio network node is configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in B.

[0325] C14. The radio network node of any of Examples C9-C13, wherein the radio network node is a base station.

[0326] C15. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor of a radio network node, cause the radio network node to perform the steps of any one of the examples in Example B.

[0327] C16. The computer program of example C14, wherein the radio network node is a base station.

[0328] C17. A carrier embodying the computer program of any one of examples C15-C16, wherein the carrier is one of the following: an electronic signal, an optical signal, a radio signal, or a computer-readable storage medium.

[0329] D1. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising: a processing circuit configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the cellular network comprises a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example B.

[0330] D2. The communication system of the previous example further comprises a base station.

[0331] D3. The communication system of the first two examples further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0332] D4. The communication system of the first three examples, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and the UE includes a processing circuit configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0333] D5. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, providing user data; and at the host computer, initiating transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the base station performs any steps of any one of the examples in Example B.

[0334] D6. The method of the previous example further comprises: at the base station, transmitting user data.

[0335] D7. The method of the first two examples, wherein the user data is provided by executing a host application at the host computer, the method further comprising: executing a client application associated with the host application at the UE.

[0336] D8. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE comprising a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to perform any one of the preceding 3 examples.

[0337] D9. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising: a processing circuit configured to provide user data; and a communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE), wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the components of the UE are configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0338] D10. The communication system of the previous example, wherein the cellular network further comprises a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0339] D11. The communication system of the first two examples, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0340] D12. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, providing user data; and at the host computer, initiating transmission carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any one of the examples in Example A.

[0341] D13. The method of the previous example further comprises: at the UE, receiving user data from the base station.

[0342] D14. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the UE being configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0343] D15. The communication system of the previous example further includes a UE.

[0344] D16. The communication system of the first two examples, further comprising a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward user data carried by transmissions from the UE to the base station to a host computer.

[0345] D17. The communication system of the first three examples, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0346] D18. The communication system of the first four examples, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide request data; and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide user data in response to the request data.

[0347] D19. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, at the host computer, user data transmitted from the UE to the base station, wherein the UE performs any steps of any one of the examples in Example A.

[0348] D20. The method of the previous example further comprises: at the UE, providing user data to the base station.

[0349] D21. The method of the first two examples further comprises: executing, at the UE, a client application to provide user data to be transmitted; and executing, at the host computer, a host application associated with the client application.

[0350] D22. The method of the first three examples further comprises: executing a client application at the UE; and receiving input data of the client application at the UE, providing the input data at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application, wherein user data to be transmitted is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0351] D23. A communication system comprising a host computer, the host computer comprising a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, the processing circuit of the base station being configured to perform any steps of any of the examples in Example B.

[0352] D24. The communication system of the previous example further includes a base station.

[0353] D25. The communication system of the first two examples further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0354] D26. The communication system of the first three examples, wherein: the processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data to be received through the host computer.

[0355] D27. A method implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: at the host computer, receiving from the base station user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from the UE, wherein the UE performs any steps of any of the examples in Example A.

[0356] D28. The method of the previous example further comprises: receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0357] D29. The method of the first two examples, further comprising: at the base station, initiating transmission of the received user data to a host computer.

[0358] Note that modifications and other embodiments of the disclosed invention(s) will occur to those skilled in the art having benefit of the teachings presented in the preceding description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the invention(s) are not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure. Although specific terms may be employed herein, they are used in a general and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A method (410) performed by a wireless device (12) in a wireless communication network (10), the method (410) comprising: determining (412) a measurement relaxation limit for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12), wherein the limit comprises a limit on a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor being an integer multiple of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle configured for the wireless device (12); as well as Depending on the radio signal measurement indicating that the configured timing advance TA value of the wireless device (12) remains valid, uplink transmission is performed (416) on pre-configured uplink resources PUR of the wireless communication network (10), and the wireless device (12) uses the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission.

2. The method (410) of claim 1, wherein: Determining the limit of the relaxation factor includes defining a maximum allowed value of the relaxation factor according to a length of the DRX cycle.

3. A method (410) performed by a wireless device (12) in a wireless communication network (10), the method (410) comprising: determining (412) a measurement relaxation limit for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12); as well as performing (416) an uplink transmission on a pre-configured uplink resource PUR of the wireless communication network (10) in dependence on the radio signal measurement indicating that a configured timing advance TA value of the wireless device (12) remains valid, the wireless device (12) utilizing the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission, Wherein determining (412) the limit comprises determining a limit on the length of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle used by the wireless device (12).

4. The method (410) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: Determining (412) the limit includes receiving an indication of the limit via control signaling transmitted by a radio network node (22) of the wireless communication network (10).

5. The method (410) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The radio signal measurements include received signal power measurements performed by the wireless device (12) on a reference signal transmitted for a cell of the wireless communication network (10) that is a serving cell for the wireless device (12).

6. The method (410) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The radio signal measurements are radio resource measurements RRM as configured by the wireless communication network (10).

7. The method (410) of any one of claims 1-3, further comprising: When the wireless device (12) operates in a connected mode or an idle mode with respect to the wireless communication network (10), the wireless device (12) receives the configured TA value.

8. The method (410) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The method (410) includes: depending on a comparison of a current reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement performed by the wireless device (12) with respect to a serving cell of the wireless communication network (10) and a previous RSRP measurement performed by the wireless device (12) with respect to the serving cell when the configured TA value was valid, the wireless device (12) determining whether the configured TA value remains valid.

9. A wireless device (12), comprising: a communication circuit (30) configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from a wireless communication network (10); as well as a processing circuit (36) operatively associated with the communication circuit (30) and configured to: determining a measurement relaxation limit for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12), wherein the limit comprises a limit on a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor being an integer multiple of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle configured for the wireless device (12); as well as Depending on the radio signal measurement indicating that the configured timing advance TA value of the wireless device (12) remains valid, uplink transmission is performed on a pre-configured uplink resource PUR of the wireless communication network (10), and the wireless device (12) uses the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission.

10. The wireless device (12) of claim 9, wherein: The processing circuit (36) is configured to determine the limit of the relaxation factor based on the length of the DRX cycle.

11. A wireless device (12), comprising: a communication circuit (30) configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from a wireless communication network (10); as well as a processing circuit (36) operatively associated with the communication circuit (30) and configured to: determining a measurement relaxation limit for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by the wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between successive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12); as well as performing an uplink transmission on a pre-configured uplink resource PUR of the wireless communication network (10) in dependence on the radio signal measurement indicating that a configured timing advance TA value of the wireless device (12) remains valid, the wireless device (12) utilizing the configured TA value to control the timing of the uplink transmission, The processing circuit (36) is configured to determine the limit as a limit on the length of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle used by the wireless device (12).

12. The wireless device (12) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The processing circuit (36) is configured to determine the limit by receiving an indication of the limit via control signaling transmitted by a radio network node (22) of the wireless communication network (10).

13. The wireless device (12) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The radio signal measurements include received signal power measurements performed by the wireless device (12) on a reference signal transmitted for a cell of the wireless communication network (10) that is a serving cell for the wireless device (12).

14. The wireless device (12) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The radio signal measurements are radio resource measurements RRM as configured by the wireless communication network (10).

15. The wireless device (12) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The processing circuit (36) is configured to receive the configured TA value when the wireless device (12) operates in a connected mode or an idle mode with respect to the wireless communication network (10).

16. The wireless device (12) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein: The processing circuit (36) is configured to determine whether the configured TA value remains valid depending on a comparison of a current reference signal received power (RSRP) measurement performed by the wireless device (12) with respect to a serving cell of the wireless communication network (10) and a previous RSRP measurement performed by the wireless device (12) with respect to the serving cell when the configured TA value was valid.

17. A method (510) performed by a radio network node (22) in a wireless communication network (10), the method (510) comprising: determining (512) a measurement relaxation limit for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by a wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12) and used to verify a timing advance TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource PUR of the wireless communication network (10), wherein the limit comprises a limit on a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor being an integer multiple of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle configured for the wireless device (12); and An indication of the limit is transmitted (514) to the wireless device (12).

18. The method (510) of claim 17, wherein: The limit comprises a limit on an allowed maximum value of a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor acting as an integer multiple of the length of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle associated with operation of the wireless device (12), and wherein the method (510) comprises determining the limit based on the length of the DRX cycle.

19. A method (510) performed by a radio network node (22) in a wireless communication network (10), the method (510) comprising: determining (512) a measurement relaxation limit for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by a wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12) and used to verify a timing advance TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmissions on preconfigured uplink resources PUR of the wireless communication network (10); as well as transmitting (514) an indication of the limit to the wireless device (12), The limit includes a limit on a maximum length of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle associated with operation of the wireless device (12).

20. The method (510) of any one of claims 17-19, wherein: Transmitting (514) the indication of the limit includes transmitting the indication via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling in a cell of the wireless communication network (10) that is a serving cell for the wireless device (12).

21. A radio network node (22), comprising: a communication circuit (50) configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the wireless communication device (12); as well as a processing circuit (56) operatively associated with the communication circuit (50) and configured to: determining a limit of measurement relaxation for limiting a degree of measurement relaxation used by a wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements performed by the wireless device (12) and used to verify a timing advance TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource PUR of a wireless communication network (10), wherein the limit comprises a limit of a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor being an integer multiple of a discontinuous reception DRX cycle configured for the wireless device (12); and An indication of the limit is transmitted to the wireless device (12).

22. The radio network node (22) of claim 21, wherein: The limit comprises a limit on an allowed maximum value of a relaxation factor, the relaxation factor acting as an integer multiple of a length of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle associated with operation of the wireless device (12), and wherein the processing circuit (56) is configured to determine the limit based on the length of the DRX cycle.

23. A radio network node (22), comprising: a communication circuit (50) configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the wireless communication device (12); as well as a processing circuit (56) operatively associated with the communication circuit (50) and configured to: determining a measurement relaxation limit for limiting the degree of measurement relaxation used by a wireless device (12), the limit controlling an interval between consecutive radio signal measurements made by the wireless device (12) and used to verify a timing advance TA value as a condition for performing uplink transmission on a preconfigured uplink resource PUR of a wireless communication network (10); as well as transmitting an indication of the limit to the wireless device (12), The limit includes a limit on a maximum length of a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle associated with operation of the wireless device (12).

24. The radio network node (22) according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein: The processing circuit (56) is configured to transmit the indication of the limit via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling in a cell of the wireless communication network (10) that is a serving cell for the wireless device (12).

25. A computer program product comprising computer program code portions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods according to claims 1 to 8 or 17 to 20.

26. A computer readable storage medium having stored thereon a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the processor to perform any of the methods of claims 1 to 8 or 17 to 20.

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