Method and apparatus for assisting cell reselection and paging

Abstract

A method, system and apparatus for wireless communication are disclosed. The method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a dedicated signal including physical cell identifier (PCI) range information and determining whether a preset condition has occurred. In response to determining that the preset condition has occurred, the method includes setting, by the UE, the PCI range information in the dedicated signal as invalid. In response to determining that the preset condition has not occurred, the method includes replacing, by the UE, previously received PCI range information with the PCI range information in the dedicated signal and using the PCI range information in the dedicated signal to assist cell reselection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is generally directed to wireless communication. In particular, the present disclosure relates to methods for assisting cell reselection and paging. BACKGROUND

[0002] Wireless communication technology is pushing the world towards an increasingly interconnected and networked society. High speed, low latency wireless communication relies on efficient network resource management and allocation between user mobile stations and wireless access network nodes, including but not limited to wireless base stations. New generation networks are expected to provide high speed, low latency, and ultra-reliable communication capabilities and meet the needs from different industries and users. In order to meet the low latency and high reliability requirements of vertical industries and support new generation network services, dedicated wireless networks (i.e., private networks) are of interest. SUMMARY

[0003] This document relates to methods, systems, and apparatuses for wireless communication, and more specifically, to methods for assisting cell reselection and paging.

[0004] In one embodiment, the present disclosure describes a method for wireless communication. The method includes transmitting, over an interface between a central unit and a distributed unit, information of a private network by performing the following operations: obtaining the information of the private network; sending, from the distributed unit to the central unit, a setup request; and sending, from the central unit to the distributed unit, a setup response based on the setup request.

[0005] In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes another method for wireless communication. The method includes transmitting, over an interface between a radio access network (RAN) node and a core network (CN) node, a list of at least one private network identifier (ID) or physical cell identifier (PCI) range information by performing the following operations: obtaining the PCI range information; sending, from the RAN node to the CN node, the PCI range information; and sending, from the CN node to the RAN node, paging information.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes another method for wireless communication. The method includes transmitting, over an interface between a source radio access network (RAN) node and a target RAN node, a list of at least one private network identifier (ID) or physical cell identifier (PCI) range information by performing the following operations: sending, from the source RAN node to the target RAN node, the list of at least one private network ID or the PCI range information.

[0007] In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes another method for wireless communication. The method includes transmitting, by a radio access network (RAN) node and a user equipment (UE), a dedicated signal including physical cell identifier (PCI) range information by performing the following operations: obtaining the PCI range information; and sending, from the RAN node to the UE, the dedicated signal, wherein the dedicated signal includes the PCI range information.

[0008] In another embodiment, the present disclosure describes another method for wireless communication. The method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a dedicated signal including physical cell identifier (PCI) range information; replacing, by the UE, previously received PCI range information with the PCI range information in the dedicated signal; assisting, by the UE, cell reselection using the PCI range information in the dedicated signal; determining, by the UE, whether a preset condition has occurred; and in response to determining that the preset condition has occurred, setting, by the UE, the PCI range information in the dedicated signal to be invalid.

[0009] In some other embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication can include a memory that stores instructions and a processing circuitry in communication with the memory. When the processing circuitry executes the instructions, the processing circuitry is configured to perform the above-described method.

[0010] In some other embodiments, an apparatus for wireless communication can include a memory that stores instructions and a processing circuitry in communication with the memory. When the processing circuitry executes the instructions, the processing circuitry is configured to perform the above-described method.

[0011] In some other embodiments, a computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the above-described method.

[0012] The above aspects and other aspects and implementations are described in greater detail in the drawings, the descriptions, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 An example of a wireless communication system including a central network, one or more wireless network nodes, and one or more user equipments is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 An example of a network node is shown.

[0015] Figure 3 An example of a user equipment is shown.

[0016] Figure 4A A flowchart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0017] Figure 4B A flowchart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0018] Figure 4C A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0019] Figure 4D A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0020] Figure 4E A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0021] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of one embodiment for transmitting information between a central unit and a distributed unit is shown.

[0022] Figure 6A A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0023] Figure 6B A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0024] Figure 6C A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0025] Figure 6D A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0028] Figure 9A A schematic diagram of one embodiment for transmitting information between a radio access network (RAN) node and a core network (CN) is shown.

[0029] Figure 9B A schematic diagram of another embodiment for transmitting information between a radio access network (RAN) node and a core network (CN) is shown.

[0030] Figure 10A A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0031] Figure 10B A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0032] Figure 10C A flow chart of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0033] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of one embodiment for transmitting information between a target radio access network (RAN) node and a source RAN node is shown.

[0034] Figure 12 A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for transmitting a page between a first node and a second node is shown.

[0035] Figure 13 A flow diagram of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0036] Figure 14 A flow diagram of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0037] Figure 15 A flow diagram of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0038] Figure 16A A flow diagram of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0039] Figure 16B A flow diagram of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0040] Figure 16C A flow diagram of a method for wireless communication is shown.

[0041] Figure 17 A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for transmitting information between a radio access network (RAN) node and a user equipment (UE) is shown.

[0042] Figure 18A A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to use physical cell identifier (PCI) range information to assist with intra-frequency cell reselection is shown.

[0043] Figure 18B A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to use physical cell identifier (PCI) range information to assist with intra-frequency cell reselection is shown.

[0044] Figure 18C A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to use physical cell identifier (PCI) range information to assist with intra-frequency cell reselection is shown.

[0045] Figure 19A A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to use physical cell identifier (PCI) range information to assist with inter-frequency cell reselection is shown.

[0046] Figure 19B A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to use physical cell identifier (PCI) range information to assist with inter-frequency cell reselection is shown.

[0047] Figure 20A A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to determine whether a validity timer has expired is shown.

[0048] Figure 20B A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment to determine whether to perform a new public land mobile network (PLMN) or standalone non-public network (SNPN) selection for a non-access stratum (NAS) request is shown.

[0049] Figure 20C A diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for a user equipment (UE) to determine whether the UE changes a current state is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present disclosure will now be described in detail below with frequent reference to the drawings, which are included to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification. The embodiments of the present disclosure may, however, be implemented in various manners different from those to be set forth below, and thus should not be construed to be limited to any embodiments set forth herein, but should be construed to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the scope of the subject matter as claimed.

[0051] Throughout the specification and claims, the terms may have subtly different meanings suggested or implied in context beyond the explicit meanings. Also, as used herein, the phrase “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, and the phrase “in another embodiment” or “in other embodiments” does not necessarily refer to a different embodiment. As used herein, the phrase “in an implementation” or “in some implementations” does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, and the phrase “in another implementation” or “in other implementations” does not necessarily refer to a different implementation. For example, it is intended that the claimed subject matter can include combinations of example embodiments or implementations in whole or in part.

[0052] Generally, the terms can be understood at least partially from usage in context. For example, terms such as “and”, “or”, or “and / or” as used herein can include a variety of meanings that can depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used. Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” or “at least one” as used herein, depending at least in part upon context, can be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular or can be used to describe combinations of features, structures or characteristics. Similarly, terms such as “a”, “an”, or “the” again are understood to be used in the singular or plural as required by the context. Furthermore, the term “based on” or “determined based on” can be understood as not necessarily intended to refer to a set of exclusive factors, and, instead, can allow for existence of additional factors not necessarily expressly described herein, again, at least in part, depending on context.

[0053] The present disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for assisting cell reselection and paging. The present disclosure addresses the problem in existing methods that during reselection by a standalone non-public network (SNPN) user equipment (UE), the UE can need to read master information block / system information block 1 (MIB / SIB1) of higher ranked cells to check whether these cells belong to NPN membership, and thus can increase UE power consumption and prolong the reselection interval.

[0054] 5G networks are expected to provide high speed, low latency, and ultra-reliable communication capabilities, and meet the needs from different industries and users. In order to meet the low latency and high reliability requirements of vertical industries, and support 5G LAN type services, dedicated wireless networks (i.e., private networks) are attracting attention and can be adopted.

[0055] A non-public network (NPN) is a 5GS deployed for non-public use. In one implementation, the NPN can be used as a standalone non-public network (SNPN), i.e., operated by an NPN operator and does not rely on network functions provided by a public land mobile network (PLMN). In another implementation, the NPN can be used as a public network integrated NPN, i.e., a non-public network deployed with the support of a PLMN.

[0056] A public network integrated NPN can be provided by means of, for example, a dedicated data network name (DNN) or by one or more single network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) assigned thereto. A closed access group (CAG) can optionally be used selectively to prevent user equipment (UE) that is not allowed to access the public network integrated NPN from accessing the public network integrated NPN. Important enablers of CAG in the non-access stratum (NAS) layer can include CAG selection and provision of an allowed CAG list, and optionally, an indication that the UE is only allowed to access the 5GS from the network to the UE via a generic UE configuration update procedure via a CAG cell.

[0057] Existing non-public network procedures can be limited to supporting vertical and local area network (LAN) services, and from the perspective of an operator, a solution for a public network integrated NPN can also be applicable to a wider range of use cases, such as small office home office (SOHO) and residential, private network coverage deployment, etc.

[0058] Enhancing the 5G system to support NPN can require the introduction of new type of network identifier (ID) for non-public networks that can include a non-public network ID (NPN ID) and a closed access group (CAG) ID. To implement these dedicated network functions at the radio access network (RAN) side, support of the following features / functions can be required, such as identification, discovery, selection / reselection, and access control for non-public networks, non-public network related mobility restriction enhancements, non-public network related Xn and NG interface enhancements.

[0059] Problems in SNPN scenarios can be described as follows. In SNPN scenarios, a UE can only access SNPN cells with matching IDs. When SNPN cells adopt the same approach, during reselection, a SNPN UE can ignore physical cell IDs (PCIs) outside the reserved PCI range. The UE can then perform cell reselection in cells with matching PCIs and read system information to check for accessibility. Thus, the UE can need to read MIB / SIB1 of higher ranked cells to check whether these cells belong to NPN members. This extended procedure can result in higher UE power consumption and increased reselection interval.

[0060] The present disclosure describes methods and apparatuses for assisting cell reselection and paging, thereby addressing at least one of the above-mentioned existing problems.

[0061] Figure 1 A wireless communication system 100 is shown that includes one or more wireless network nodes (132 and 134) and one or more user equipment (UEs) (152, 154, and 156). The wireless network nodes can be base stations, which can be Node Bs (NBs, e.g., eNBs or gNBs) in the context of mobile telecommunication. Each UE can wirelessly communicate with the wireless network nodes via a plurality of radio channels 140. For example, a first UE 152 can wirelessly communicate with a first wireless network node 132 via channels that include a plurality of radio channels during a time period, and the first UE 152 can also wirelessly communicate with a second wireless network node 134 via channels that include a plurality of radio channels during a time period. Likewise, a second UE 154 and a third UE 156 can wirelessly communicate with the first and second wireless network nodes. The first wireless network node 132 and the second wireless network node 134 can communicate with each other via one or more channels 135.

[0062] In one implementation, with reference to Figure 1 The wireless communication system 100 can include another base station that functions as a central unit (CN) 110. The CN 110 can communicate with one or more wireless network nodes that function as distributed units (DUs) via one or more channels 120.

[0063] Figure 2 An example base station 200 is shown. The example base station can include radio Tx / Rx circuitry 208 to receive and transmit with UEs and / or other base stations. The base station can also include network interface circuitry 209 to communicate the base station with other base stations and / or a core network (e.g., optical or wired interconnections, Ethernet and / or other data transmission media / protocols). The base station 200 can optionally include input / output (I / O) interface 206 to communicate with an operator, etc.

[0064] The base station can also include system circuitry 204. The system circuitry 204 can include one or more processors 221 and / or memory 222. The memory 222 can include an operating system 224, instructions 226, and parameters 228. The instructions 226 can be configured for one or more of the processors 124 to perform the functions of the base station. The parameters 228 can include parameters to support the execution of the instructions 226. For example, the parameters can include network protocol settings, bandwidth parameters, radio frequency mapping assignments, and / or other parameters.

[0065] Figure 3An example UE 300 is shown. The UE 300 can be a mobile device, such as a smartphone. The UE 300 can include a communication interface 302, system circuitry 304, input / output interface (I / O) 306, display circuitry 308, and storage 309. The display circuitry can include a user interface 310. The system circuitry 304 can include any combination of hardware, software, firmware, or other logic / circuitry. The system circuitry 304 can be implemented, for example, using one or more system on a chip (SoC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), discrete analog and digital circuits, and other circuitry. The system circuitry 304 can be part of the implementation of any desired functionality in the UE 300. In this regard, the system circuitry 304 can include logic that facilitates, for example, decoding and playing music and videos (e.g., MP3, MP4, MPEG, AVI, FLAC, AC3, or WAV decoding and playing); running applications; accepting user input; saving and retrieving application data; establishing, maintaining, and terminating cellular telephone calls or data connections that are one example of an Internet connection; establishing, maintaining, and terminating wireless network connections, Bluetooth connections, or other connections; and displaying relevant information on the user interface 310. The user interface 310 and input / output (I / O) interface 306 can include a graphical user interface, a touch-sensitive display, haptic feedback or other tactile outputs, voice or facial recognition input, buttons, switches, a speaker, and other user interface elements. Additional examples of I / O interface 306 can include a microphone, video and still image cameras, temperature sensors, vibration sensors, rotation and direction sensors, earphone and microphone input / output jacks, universal serial bus (USB) connectors, memory card slots, radiation sensors (e.g., IR sensors), and other types of input.

[0066] Reference is made to Figure 3The communication interface 302 can include radio frequency (RF) transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) circuitry 316 that handles transmission and reception of signals via one or more antennas 314. The communication interface 302 can include one or more transceivers. A transceiver can be a wireless transceiver that includes modulation / demodulation circuitry, digital to analog converters (DACs), shaping tables, analog to digital converters (ADCs), filters, waveform shapers, preamplifiers, power amplifiers, and / or other logic for transmitting and receiving via one or more antennas, or (for some devices) via physical (e.g., wired) media. Transmitted and received signals can conform to any of a wide variety of formats, protocols, modulations (e.g., QPSK, 16-QAM, 64-QAM, or 256-QAM), channels, bit rates, and encodings. As one specific example, the communication interface 302 can include transmit and receive transceivers that support 2G, 3G, BT, WiFi, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), High Speed Packet Access (HSPA)+, and 4G / Long Term Evolution (LTE) standards. However, the techniques described below are applicable to other wireless communication technologies whether derived from the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), GSM Association, 3GPP2, IEEE, or other partnership or standards body.

[0067] Reference is made to Figure 3 The system circuitry 304 can include one or more processors 321 and memory 322. The memory 322 stores, for example, an operating system 324, instructions 326, and parameters 328. The processor 321 is configured to execute the instructions 326 to carry out the desired functionality of the UE 300. The parameters 328 can provide and specify configuration and operational options for the instructions 326. The memory 322 can also store any BT, WiFi, 3G, 4G, 5G, or other data transmitted or received by the UE 300 via the communication interface 302. In various implementations, the system power for the UE 300 can be provided by an energy storage device such as a battery or a transformer.

[0068] The present disclosure describes several embodiments that can be implemented in part or in whole on the network base stations and / or user equipment described above.

[0069] Embodiment #1: Transmission of SNPN or CAG information over the interface between the Central Unit (CU) and the Distributed Unit (DU)

[0070] The present disclosure describes embodiments of a method for transmitting standalone non-public network (SNPN) information over an interface between a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU). The method can be performed by a network comprising the CU and the DU. The network can optionally comprise more than one DU.

[0071] Reference is made to Figure 4AMethod 400 can include step 410: obtaining information of the SNPN; step 420: sending a request from the distributed unit to the central unit; and step 430: sending a response based on the request from the central unit to the distributed unit.

[0072] Referring to Figure 5 The DU can include a gNB-DU 510 and the CU can include a gNB-CU 520. The gNB-DU 510 can send a F1 setup request 530 to the gNB-CU 520. The F1 setup request can include a first portion of SNPN information. For example, the F1 setup request can include at least one element in Table 1. The gNB-CU 520 can send a F1 setup response 540 to the gNB-DU 510. The F1 setup response can depend on the F1 setup request. The F1 setup response can include a second portion of SNPN information. For example, the F1 setup response can include at least one element in Table 2.

[0073] Table 1: F1 setup request example

[0074]

[0075]

[0076] Referring to Figure 4B Method 400 can optionally include step 440: transmitting a configuration update message on an interface between the central unit and the distributed unit. The configuration update message can include the same or different information as the setup request or the setup response.

[0077] Table 2: F1 setup response example

[0078]

[0079]

[0080] In step 410, the information of the SNPN can include at least one of the following, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2:

[0081] SNPN identifier (SNPN ID) information of at least one serving cell,

[0082] SNPN ID information of at least one neighbor cell,

[0083] Physical cell identifier (PCI) information of the SNPN, or

[0084] Synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) information of the SNPN.

[0085] In one implementation, the PCI information of the SNPN can include information per SNPN ID, or information of all SNPN cells.

[0086] In another implementation, the PCI information of the SNPN can include PCI range information, such as a list of PCIs, a PCI range, or a list of PCI ranges. For example, the PCI range information can include the PCI ranges of all SNPNs as shown in Table 3. For another example, the PCI range information can include the range information per SNPN ID as shown in Table 4.

[0087] Table 3: PCI ranges of all SNPNs

[0088]

[0089] Table 4: PCI ranges per SNPN ID

[0090]

[0091]

[0092] Referring to Figure 4C , the method 400 can optionally include a step 450 of configuring the PCI information based on at least one of the information list. In one implementation, the PCI information can be configured to be common for all SNPN cells. In another implementation, the PCI information can be configured per SNPN ID, a Public Land Mobile Network Identifier (PLMN ID), or a combination of SNPN ID and PLMN ID. In another implementation, the frequency of the PCI information can be configured to be common for all SNPN cells on the frequency. In another implementation, the frequency of the PCI information can be configured per SNPN ID, a PLMN ID, or a combination of SNPN ID and PLMN ID on the frequency.

[0093] In another implementation, the PCI information can be configured in a positive way. The positive way can mean a list of PCIs of allowed and capable cells. For example, the PCI information can be configured to include the PCI or a list of PCIs of cells with SNPN capability.

[0094] In another implementation, the PCI information can be configured in a negative way. The negative way can mean a list of PCIs of disallowed or incapable cells. For example, the PCI information can be configured to include the PCI or a list of PCIs of cells without SNPN capability.

[0095] Referring to Figure 4DIn an embodiment, the method 400 can optionally include a step 460 of providing SNPN ID information. In an embodiment, the SNPN ID information can include one or more SNPN IDs per cell, or per PLMN and per cell. In another embodiment, the SNPN ID information can include one or more SNPN IDs per PLMN.

[0096] Referring to step 420 in Figure 4A When the distributed unit sends the setup request or configuration update message to the central unit, the distributed unit can indicate to the central unit at least one of:

[0097] an SNPN of at least one service,

[0098] at least one available SNPN,

[0099] PCI information of the SNPN, or

[0100] SMTC information of the SNPN.

[0101] Referring to step 430 in Figure 4A When the central unit sends the setup response or configuration update message to the distributed unit, the central unit can indicate or update to the distributed unit at least one of:

[0102] an SNPN of at least one service,

[0103] at least one available SNPN,

[0104] PCI information of the SNPN, or

[0105] SMTC information of the SNPN.

[0106] Referring to step 470 in Figure 4E The method 400 can optionally include a step 470 of sending paging information from the central unit to the distributed unit. In an embodiment, the paging information includes at least one of:

[0107] PCI information

[0108] an SNPN ID, or

[0109] a list of at least one SNPN ID.

[0110] Another embodiment of a method for transmitting closed access group (CAG) information over an interface between a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) is described. In one implementation, this embodiment can be implemented on the same network as, and work in conjunction with, the previous embodiments. In another implementation, this embodiment can be implemented on a different network than, and work independently of, the previous embodiments. In another implementation, this embodiment can be implemented on the same network as, and work in parallel with, the previous embodiments.

[0111] Referring to Figure 6A , the method 600 for transmitting closed access group (CAG) information over an interface between a central unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) can further include a step 610 of obtaining the closed access group (CAG) information, a step 620 of sending a setup request from the distributed unit to the central unit, and a step 630 of sending a setup response based on the setup request from the central unit (CU) to the distributed unit (DU).

[0112] Referring to Figure 5 , the DU can include a gNB-DU 510 and the CU can include a gNB-CU 520. The gNB-DU 510 can send an Fl setup request 530 to the gNB-CU 520. The Fl setup request can include a first portion of the CAG information. For example, the Fl setup request can include at least one element in Table 1. The gNB-CU 520 can send an Fl setup response 540 to the gNB-DU 510. The Fl setup response can be dependent on the Fl setup request. The Fl setup response can include a second portion of the CAG information. For example, the Fl setup response can include at least one element in Table 2.

[0113] Referring to Figure 6B , the method 600 can optionally include a step 640 of transmitting a configuration update message over the interface between the central unit and the distributed unit. The configuration update message can include the same or different information than the setup request or the setup response.

[0114] In step 610, the CAG information can include at least one of the following, as shown in Table 1 and Table 2:

[0115] CAG identifier (CAG ID) information for each public land mobile network (PLMN) of each serving cell,

[0116] CAG ID information for each PLMN of at least one neighbor cell,

[0117] physical cell identifier (PCI) information for the CAG, or

[0118] CAG's synchronization signal block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) information.

[0119] In one embodiment, the CAG's PCI information can include information per CAG ID or information of all CAG cells.

[0120] In another embodiment, the CAG's PCI information can include PCI range information, such as a PCI list, a PCI range, or a list of PCI ranges. For example, the PCI range information can include the PCI ranges of all CAGs as shown in Table 5. For another example, the PCI range information can include the range information per CAG ID as shown in Table 6.

[0121] Table 5: PCI ranges of all CAGs

[0122]

[0123] Table 6: PCI ranges per CAG ID

[0124]

[0125] Reference Figure 6C , the method 600 can optionally include a step 650 of configuring the PCI information based on at least one of the information list. In one embodiment, the PCI information can be configured to be common for all CAG cells. In another embodiment, the PCI information can be configured to be a CAG ID, a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID), or a combination of a CAG ID and a PLMN ID. In another embodiment, the frequency of the PCI information can be configured to be common for all CAG cells on the frequency. In another embodiment, the frequency of the PCI information can be configured to be a CAG ID, a PLMN ID, or a combination of a CAG ID and a PLMN ID on the frequency.

[0126] In another embodiment, the PCI information can be configured in a positive way. The positive way can mean a list of allowed and capable cells' PCIs. For example, the PCI information can be configured to include a PCI or a list of PCIs of CAG capable cells.

[0127] In another embodiment, the PCI information can be configured in a negative way. The negative way can mean a list of not allowed or incapable cells' PCIs. For example, the PCI information can be configured to include a PCI or a list of PCIs of CAG incapable cells.

[0128] Reference Figure 6AAt step 620 in the method 600, when the distributed unit sends the setup request or the configuration update message to the central unit, the distributed unit can indicate to the central unit at least one of the following:

[0129] at least one serving CAG per cell,

[0130] at least one serving CAG per PLMN,

[0131] at least one available CAG per cell,

[0132] at least one available CAG per PLMN,

[0133] PCI information of the CAG, or

[0134] SMTC information of the CAG.

[0135] Referring to Figure 6A At step 630 in the method 600, when the central unit sends the setup response or the configuration update message to the distributed unit, the central unit can indicate or update to the distributed unit at least one of the following:

[0136] at least one serving CAG per cell,

[0137] at least one serving CAG per PLMN,

[0138] at least one available CAG per cell,

[0139] at least one available CAG per PLMN,

[0140] PCI information of the CAG, or

[0141] SMTC information of the CAG.

[0142] Referring to Figure 6D The method 600 can optionally include a step 660 of sending paging information from the central unit to the distributed unit. In one embodiment, the paging information includes at least one of the following:

[0143] PCI information,

[0144] a CAG ID, or

[0145] a list of at least one CAG ID.

[0146] In another embodiment, the method 400 can include one or more steps in the method 600. For example, some or all of the steps in the method 600 can be implemented on the same network as the method 400 and can be part of the method 400. It can be appreciated that this embodiment is merely an example and not a limitation.

[0147] Embodiment #2: On an interface between a radio access network (RAN) node and a core network (CN) node Transmission Equivalent standalone non-public network of a list of (eSNPNs) / SNPN IDs, a list of allowed CAGs or PCI range information

[0148] Embodiments of methods for transmitting a list of at least one SNPN ID, a list of at least one allowed closed access group (CAG), and physical cell identifier (PCI) range information on an interface between a radio access network (RAN) node and a core network (CN) node are described.

[0149] With reference to Figure 7 One embodiment of the method 700 can include the step 710 of obtaining the PCI range information, the step 720 of sending the PCI range information from the RAN node to the CN node, and the step 730 of sending paging information from the CN node to the RAN node.

[0150] With reference to Figure 8 Another embodiment of the method 800 can include the step 810 of obtaining the PCI range information, the step 815 of determining whether the dedicated signal includes the PCI range information, the step 820 of sending the PCI range information from the RAN node to the CN node in response to determining that the dedicated signal includes the PCI range information, and the step 830 of sending paging information from the CN node to the RAN node.

[0151] In one implementation, the PCI range information can include information per SNPN ID, or information for all SNPN cells. Alternatively, the PCI range information can include a list of PCIs, a PCI range, or a list of PCI ranges.

[0152] In another implementation, the PCI range information can include a PCI range per network identifier, or a PCI range per network type. The network identifier can include an SNPN identifier, or a CAG identifier; and the network type can include an SNPN type or a CAG type.

[0153] Alternatively, the PCI information is provided based on at least one of:

[0154] the PCI information is provided as being common for all SNPN cells,

[0155] the PCI information is provided for a combination of an SNPN ID, a public land mobile network identifier (PLMN ID), or an SNPN ID and a PLMN ID,

[0156] a frequency of the PCI information is provided as being common for all SNPN cells on the frequency, and

[0157] The frequency of the PCI information is provided for the SNPN ID, the PLMN ID, or the combination of the SNPN ID and the PLMN ID on the frequency.

[0158] Referring to Figure 7 step 720 in Figure 8 step 820 in, the RAN node can transmit the PCI range information to the CN. As illustrated in Figure 9A FIG. 9, in 950, the RAN node 910 can transmit a path switch with the PCI range information to the CN 920. In response to determining that the RAN node indicates that the PCI range information is included in the dedicated signal, the RAN node 910 can indicate the PCI range information to the CN 920. Alternatively, in another implementation, in 960, the RAN node 910 can transmit the PCI range information in the dedicated signal to a user equipment (UE) 930.

[0159] Referring to Figure 7 step 730 in Figure 8 step 830 in, the CN node can transmit the paging information to the RAN node. As illustrated in Figure 9B FIG. 9, in 970, the CN node 920 can transmit paging information with the PCI range information to the RAN node 910. When the paging information is transmitted to the RAN node, the CN node 920 can indicate the PCI range information to the RAN node 910. Alternatively, in another implementation, the paging information can include a list of allowed CAGs or eSNPNs.

[0160] Embodiment #3: Transmission of a list of eSNPNs / SNPN IDs, a list of allowed CAGs or PCI range information over the interface between Radio Access Network (RAN) nodes Figure 10A

[0161] The present disclosure describes embodiments of methods for transmitting a list of at least one SNPN ID, a list of at least one allowed closed access group (CAG), or physical cell identifier (PCI) range information over an interface between a source radio access network (RAN) node and a target RAN node.

[0162] In one implementation, the PCI range information can include information per SNPN ID, or information for all SNPN cells. Alternatively, the PCI range information can include a list of PCIs, a PCI range, or a list of PCI ranges.

[0163] In another implementation, the PCI range information can include a PCI range per network identifier, or a PCI range per network type. The network identifier can include an SNPN identifier, or a CAG identifier; and the network type can include an SNPN type or a CAG type.

[0164] Referring toFigure 10B In one implementation, the method 1000 can include a step 1010 of sending, from the source RAN node to the target RAN node, a list of at least one SNPN, a list of at least one allowed CAG, or PCI range information. In one implementation during a handover procedure between the source RAN node and the target RAN node, the step 1010 can include sending, from the source RAN node to the target RAN node, the list of at least one SNPN, the list of at least one allowed CAG, or the PCI range information. In another implementation, the step 1010 can include sending, from the source RAN node to the target RAN node, the list of at least one SNPN, the list of at least one allowed CAG, or the PCI range information when the target RAN node retrieves a user equipment (UE) context from the source RAN node.

[0165] Referring to Figure 10C The method 1000 can optionally include a step 1020 of sending, from the target RAN node to the UE, new PCI range information. Referring to Figure 10A The method 1000 can optionally include a step 1030 of sending, from the RAN node to one or more other RAN nodes, paging information based on the list of at least one SNPN, the list of at least one allowed CAG, or the PCI range information.

[0166] Referring to Figure 11 The source node can send information to the target node, and the information can include the list of at least one SNPN, the list of at least one allowed CAG, or the PCI range information, in the step 1010 of the method 1000 of

[0167] Referring to Figure 12 In 1170, the source RAN node 1120 can indicate the eSNPN list / SNPN ID, the allowed CAG list, or the PCI range information to the target RAN node 1110 when the target RAN node 1110 retrieves a UE context from the source RAN node 1120. Optionally, in one implementation, the target RAN node 1110 can send a retrieve UE context request to the source RAN node 1120 in 1160 before a UE context retrieval response by the target RAN node 1110. Optionally, in another implementation, the UE 1130 can send an RRC resume request to the target RAN node 1110 in 1150. Optionally, in another implementation, the target node 1110 can indicate new PCI information to the UE; and when the target RAN node 1110 fails to indicate the new PCI information to the UE 1130, the target node 1110 can send a RAN paging on a cell based on the eSNPN list / SNPN ID, the allowed CAG list, or the PCI range information in 1180.

[0168] Referring to Embodiment #4: Transmission of PCI range information in a dedicated signal between a Radio Access Network (RAN) node and a User Equipment (UE) In 1250, the first node 1210 can transmit paging information to the second node. The paging information can include PCI information, CAG information, or SNPN information. The first node 1210 and the second node 1220 can include a CU and a DU, gNB1 and gNB2, a CN and a gNB, a CU-User Plane (UP) and a CU-Control Plane (CP), a CN and an eLTE node, eLTE node1 and eLTE node2, respectively.

[0169] Figure 13 Embodiment #5: User Equipment (UE) assisting in cell reselection based on PCI range information received in a dedicated signal

[0170] The present disclosure describes an embodiment of a method for transmitting physical cell identifier (PCI) range information in a dedicated signal between a radio access network (RAN) node and a user equipment (UE).

[0171] Referring to Figure 14 In 1300, the method can include the step 1310 of obtaining PCI range information; and the step 1320 of transmitting a dedicated signal from the RAN node to the UE, wherein the dedicated signal includes the PCI range information.

[0172] In an embodiment, the dedicated signal can include a radio resource control (RRC) release message (or RRCRelease Msg). Alternatively, in another embodiment, the PCI range information can include a PCI range for an intra-frequency or at least one inter-frequency.

[0173] One example of the RRC release message can include a PCI range on a current frequency for an intra-frequency:

[0174]

[0175]

[0176] Another example of the RRC release message can include a PCI range on at least one different frequency (i.e., at least one inter-frequency):

[0177]

[0178]

[0179] As shown in the above examples, the size of the PCI range can be enumerated, e.g., n2 for 2 cells, n4 for 4 cells, n48 for 48 cells, etc. The PCI range can include a PCI list, a PCI range, or a list of PCI ranges. For example, when the cells start from cell 1 and the size of the PCI range is n2, the PCI range is cell 1 and cell 2. For another example, when the cells start from cell 3 and the size of the PCI range is n4, the PCI range is cell 2, cell 3, cell 4, and cell 5.

[0180] Figure 17

[0181] The present disclosure describes embodiments of a method for receiving PCI range information in a dedicated signal by a user equipment (UE). The method can be performed by a UE (e.g., a smartphone).

[0182] Reference Figure 15 Method 1400 can include receiving, by a user equipment (UE), a dedicated signal including physical cell identifier (PCI) range information, replacing, by the UE, previously received PCI range information with the PCI range information in the dedicated signal, assisting, by the UE, cell reselection using the PCI range information in the dedicated signal, determining, by the UE, whether a preset condition has occurred, and setting, by the UE, the PCI range information in the dedicated signal to be invalid in response to determining that the preset condition has occurred.

[0183] Referring to step 1420 and / or step 1430, the UE is configured to replace any previously received PCI range information with the PCI range information in the dedicated signal when none of any preset conditions have occurred, and is configured to assist cell reselection using the PCI range information in the dedicated signal.

[0184] Reference Figure 15 The present disclosure describes an embodiment of step 1420. In 1730, UE 1720 can receive system information. The system information can be transmitted by RAN node 1710. For example, the system information can include PCI range 1 on a first frequency (f1) and PCI range 2 on a second frequency (f2). In 1732, the UE’s current PCI range information can include PCI range 1 on f1 and PCI range 2 on f2.

[0185] In 1740, the UE can receive the dedicated signal as an RRC release message. The RRC release message can be sent by the RAN node 1710. For example, the RRC release message can include PCI range 3 on fl and PCI range 4 on f2. In response to the received dedicated signal, the UE can delete or ignore the previously received PCI range 1 on fl and PCI range 2 on f2, and can replace the current PCI range information with PCI range 3 on fl and PCI range 4 on f2. Then, the UE can use the PCI range 3 on fl and the PCI range 4 on f2 for cell reselection on fl and f2, respectively.

[0186] Referring to Figure 15 Step 1430 of using the PCI range information in the dedicated signal by the UE to assist cell reselection can include step 1510 of setting, by the UE, the range of the PCI in the PCI range information as candidate cells; step 1520 of obtaining, by the UE, ranking information of each cell in the candidate cells; step 1530 of ranking, by the UE, the candidate cells based on the ranking information, and checking the accessibility from the cell with the best ranking, and when the accessibility check fails, ignoring the cell from the candidate cells to obtain modified candidate cells; and step 1540 of obtaining, by the UE, the cell with the best ranking and matching dedicated network ID (e.g. SNPN ID or CAG ID) in the modified candidate cells as cell reselection.

[0187] Referring to Figure 16A Step 1520 in, the ranking information can include one or more physical and / or environmental parameters of the cell. For example, the ranking information can include the physical signal strength and signal quality of the cell.

[0188] Referring to Figure 16B Step 1530 in, in an implementation, when the UE performs step 1530 and finds any unsuitable cell, the UE can record the status of the unsuitable cell, e.g. set a status flag for the unsuitable cell. Then, the UE can exclude the known unsuitable cell from the candidate cells during the ranking process to save time. In another implementation, the UE can exclude the known unsuitable cell from the obtained ranking information to save time and improve efficiency.

[0189] The unsuitable cell can include any cell that is not in the member cells of a standalone non-public network (SNPN), can also include any cell that is not in the member cells of an allowed closed access group (CAG), or can include any cell that is not allowed to be accessed by the UE. Referring to Figure 16CStep 1530 can optionally further include step 1610: for any CAG cell known by the UE to not be a CAG member cell, exclude the CAG cell from the candidate cells during ranking of the candidate cells. Referring to Figures 18A-18C Step 1530 can optionally further include step 1620: for any SNPN cell known by the UE to not be a SNPN member cell, exclude the SNPN cell from the candidate cells during ranking of the candidate cells. Referring to Figure 18A Step 1530 can optionally further include step 1630: for any SNPN cell known by the UE to not be allowed to access, exclude the SNPN cell from the candidate cells during ranking of the candidate cells.

[0190] Referring to Figure 18B The present disclosure describes one example of a method 1400 for a UE configured to use PCI range information to assist in intra-frequency cell reselection. In Figure 18C The UE can receive a PCI range 1810 in the PCI range information from 1 to 4 (i.e., PCI = 1, 2, 3, and 4) from a current frequency (e.g., frequency 0) of cell 1 entering an idle or inactive state. The current PCI range on the UE can be the PCI range from 1 to 4.

[0191] Referring to Figures 19A-19B The UE can trigger an intra-frequency reselection, and the UE can detect a cell range 1820 from 2 to 10 (i.e., PCI = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10). The UE can set the PCI range in the PCI range information as candidate cells, and thus set the PCI range from cell 2 to cell 4 (i.e., PCI = 2, 3, and 4) as candidate cells 1825, since the detected cell 2, cell 3, and cell 4 are in the PCI range 1810 in the PCI range information.

[0192] After the UE sets the candidate cells 1825, the UE can obtain ranking information of each cell in the candidate cells 1825. For example, the UE can obtain or calculate the ranking information of cell 2, cell 3, and cell 4, and can find that cell 4 ranks the highest. The UE can read a master information block / system information block 1 (MIB / SIB1). For example, referring to Figure 19A When the UE obtains that cell 4 does not broadcast a matching network ID, the UE can ignore or remove cell 4 from the candidate cells to obtain modified candidate cells 1835, and then the UE can proceed to evaluate reselection based on the ranking information from the modified candidate cells 1835, for this example, between cell 2 and cell 3.

[0193] Optionally, in one implementation, when the UE reselects cell 2 and triggers an intra-frequency reselection, the UE can exclude cell 4 from the candidate cells during ranking of the candidate cells, because cell 4 is known by the UE to be a non-member cell of the SNPN. In this implementation, the UE only obtains or calculates ranking information for cell 1 and cell 3.

[0194] Referring to Figure 19B The present disclosure describes one example of a method 1400 for a UE to use PCI range information to assist inter-frequency cell reselection. In Figure 14 The UE can receive PCI range information from cell 1 on frequency 0. The PCI range information can include a PCI range 1911 of 4 to 5 (i.e., PCI = 4 and 5) on frequency 1 and a PCI range 1912 of 4 to 7 (i.e., PCI = 4, 5, 6, and 7) on frequency 2. Cell 1 on frequency 0 can enter an idle or inactive state. The current PCI range on the UE can be the PCI range 1911 on frequency 1 and the PCI range 1912 on frequency 2.

[0195] Referring to Figure 20A The UE can trigger an inter-frequency reselection, and the UE can detect a cell range 1921 of 2 to 10 (i.e., PCI = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) on frequency 1 and a cell range 1922 of 3 to 10 (i.e., PCI = 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10) on frequency 2. On frequency 1, the UE can set cell 4 and cell 5 as candidate cells because the detected cell 4 and cell 5 are in the PCI range 1911 in the PCI range information. On frequency 2, the UE can set cell 4, cell 5, cell 6, and cell 7 as candidate cells because the detected cell 4, cell 5, cell 6, and cell 7 are in the PCI range 1912 in the PCI range information.

[0196] Referring to Figure 20B In step 1420 in

[0197] Figure 20COne example is shown in which the UE determines whether the validity timer expires. In 2030, the UE 2020 can receive an RRC release message. The RRC release message can include PCI range information. The RRC release message can be transmitted by the RAN node 2010. In response to the received RRC release message, in 2040, the UE can store the PCI range information and start / initiate a timer (or validity timer). The UE can include a timer threshold, which can be a pre-determined value or an adjustable value based on current conditions of the UE and / or the RAN node. The current conditions can include data transmission rate, idle rate, etc. The timer threshold can be, for example, but not limited to, one millisecond, ten milliseconds, one second, and ten seconds. In 2045, the timer expires when the timer reaches the timer threshold. In 2080, in response to determining that the timer expires, the UE can delete the PCI range information.

[0198] ​ One example is shown in which the UE determines whether the UE changes a current state. In 2030, the UE 2020 can receive an RRC release message. The RRC release message can include PCI range information. The RRC release message can be transmitted by the RAN node 2010. In response to the received RRC release message, in 2040, the UE can store the PCI range information and start / initiate a timer (or validity timer). In 2065, the UE can change the current state, for example, enter an RRC connected state in response to a NAS / AS layer triggered procedure. In 2090, in response to determining that the UE changes the current state, the UE can stop the validity timer and delete the PCI range information. Optionally, in 2070, the UE 2020 can communicate with the RAN node 2010 related to an RRC establishment or resume procedure.

[0199] ​ One example is shown in which the UE determines whether the UE changes a current state. In 2030, the UE 2020 can receive an RRC release message. The RRC release message can include PCI range information. The RRC release message can be transmitted by the RAN node 2010. In response to the received RRC release message, in 2040, the UE can store the PCI range information and start / initiate a timer (or validity timer). In 2065, the UE can change the current state, for example, enter an RRC connected state in response to a NAS / AS layer triggered procedure. In 2090, in response to determining that the UE changes the current state, the UE can stop the validity timer and delete the PCI range information. Optionally, in 2070, the UE 2020 can communicate with the RAN node 2010 related to an RRC establishment or resume procedure.

[0200] The present disclosure describes methods, devices, and computer readable media for wireless communications. The present disclosure addresses issues with performing cell reselection and paging. The methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media described in the present disclosure can facilitate the performance of cell reselection and paging. The methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media described in the present disclosure can also reduce power consumption of a UE and the time required to perform cell reselection and paging, thereby improving efficiency and overall performance. The methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media described in the present disclosure can improve the overall efficiency of a wireless communication system.

[0201] Reference throughout the specification to a feature, advantage, or similar language does not imply that all of the features and advantages that can be realized with the present solution should or are in any single embodiment of the present solution. Rather, language referring to the feature and advantage of a specific embodiment means that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present solution. Thus, discussions of features and advantages, and similar language, throughout the specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

[0202] Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the present solution can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, in light of the description herein, that an embodiment can practice without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages can be recognized in all embodiments of the present solution.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) range information is transmitted in the signal between the Radio Access Network (RAN) node and the User Equipment (UE) by performing the following operations: The signal is sent from the RAN node to the user equipment. The signal mentioned above includes the PCI range information; as well as The PCI range information includes a PCI range list, where each frequency or different frequency under each PLMN ID in the multiple Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN IDs) corresponds to a PCI range in the PCI range list.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The signal includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message.

3. A method for wireless communication, comprising: The user equipment receives a signal from the radio access network (RAN) node, wherein the signal includes physical cell identifier (PCI) range information. as well as The user equipment determines the PCI range information for cell reselection; The PCI range information includes a PCI range list, where each frequency or different frequency under each PLMN ID in the multiple Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN IDs) corresponds to a PCI range in the PCI range list.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: The signal includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message.

5. A wireless communication device, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein when the processor reads instructions from the memory, the processor is configured to perform the following operations: The user equipment receives a signal from a radio access network (RAN) node, wherein the signal includes Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) range information; and The user equipment determines the PCI range information for cell reselection; The PCI range information includes a PCI range list, where each frequency or different frequency under each PLMN ID in the multiple Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN IDs) corresponds to a PCI range in the PCI range list.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 5, wherein: The signal includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message.

7. A radio access network (RAN) node, comprising a processor and a memory, wherein when the processor reads instructions from the memory, the processor is configured to: The Physical Cell Identifier (PCI) range information is transmitted in the signal between the Radio Access Network (RAN) node and the User Equipment (UE) by performing the following operations: The signal is sent from the RAN node to the user equipment. The signal mentioned above includes the PCI range information; and The PCI range information includes a PCI range list, where each frequency or different frequency under each PLMN ID in the multiple Public Land Mobile Network Identifiers (PLMN IDs) corresponds to a PCI range in the PCI range list.

8. The RAN node according to claim 7, wherein: The signal includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release message.

9. A non-transitory computer program product comprising computer-readable program medium code stored thereon, the code causing the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-4 when executed by a processor.

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