Toggle configuration of search space set for control channel monitoring

Abstract

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless networks, and more particularly to switching the configuration of a search space set for control channel monitoring. Background Art

[0002] Mobile broadband will continue to drive the demand for large overall service capacity and large achievable end-user data rates in wireless access networks. Several scenarios in the future will require data rates of up to 10Gbps in local areas. These demands for very high system capacity and very high end-user data rates can be met by networks with distances between access nodes ranging from a few meters in indoor deployments to about 50 meters in outdoor deployments, and with infrastructure density much higher than today's densest networks. This disclosure refers to such networks as New Radio (NR) systems. NR is currently being studied by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In addition to traditional licensed proprietary bands, NR systems are also expected to work on unlicensed bands, especially for enterprise solutions.

[0003] NR-specific numerology and bandwidth considerations

[0004] Multiple parameter sets are supported in NR. The parameter set is defined by subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) overhead. Multiple subcarrier spacings can be derived by extending the basic subcarrier spacing by an integer 2^n. Although it is assumed that very small subcarrier spacing is not used at very high carrier frequencies, the parameter set used can be selected independently of the frequency band. Flexible network and user equipment (UE) channel bandwidths are supported.

[0005] From the perspective of Radio Access Network 1 (RAN1) specifications, the maximum channel bandwidth per NR carrier in Release 15 (Rel-15) is 400 MHz. Note that all details of the channel bandwidth up to at least 100 MHz per NR carrier will be specified in Rel-15. At least for the case of a single parameter set, from the perspective of RAN1 specifications, the candidates for the maximum number of subcarriers per NR carrier in Rel-15 are 3300 or 6600. In later releases, NR channel design should take into account potential future extensions of these parameters, allowing Rel-15 UEs to access NR networks on the same frequency band in later releases.

[0006] The subframe duration is fixed to 1ms and the frame length is 10ms. The scalable parameter set shall allow subcarrier spacing from at least 15kHz to 480kHz. All parameter sets with 15kHz and larger subcarrier spacing are aligned on symbol boundaries every 1ms in the NR carrier regardless of the CP overhead. More specifically, for the normal CP family, the following is adopted.

[0007] For 15kHz*2 n Subcarrier spacing (n is a non-negative integer)

[0008] ○ Each symbol length (including CP) of the 15kHz subcarrier spacing is equal to the corresponding 2 of the extended subcarrier spacing n The sum of the symbols.

[0009] ○ Except for the first OFDM symbol in every 0.5 ms, all OFDM symbols within 0.5 ms have the same size.

[0010] ○ The first OFDM symbol within 0.5ms is 16Ts longer compared to other OFDM symbols (assuming 15kHz and a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) size of 2048).

[0011] ■16T s CP for the first symbol.

[0012] For 15kHz*2 n Subcarrier spacing (n is a negative integer)

[0013] ○ Each symbol length (including CP) of the subcarrier spacing is equal to 15kHz corresponding to 2 n The sum of the symbols.

[0014] Multi-channel UL transmission for enhanced LAA (eLAA)

[0015] The baseline for License Assisted Access (LAA) uplink (UL) multi-carrier operation is an extension of single carrier operation when the eNB schedules Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) transmissions on multiple carriers. The Listen Before Talk (LBT) type on each carrier is signaled to the UE via the corresponding UL grant.

[0016] In addition, if Cat.4LBT has been successfully completed on a designated carrier in the group, a UE that has received an UL grant on a group of carriers scheduled with Cat.4LBT (with the same starting point in a subframe on all carriers) can immediately switch to 25μs LBT before transmitting on a carrier in the group. Before starting the Cat.4LBT procedure on any carrier in the group, the UE must uniformly randomly select a carrier among the carriers scheduled with Cat.4LBT as the designated carrier.

[0017] Figure 1 It is shown that when LBT succeeds in multiple channels according to the above rules, different transport blocks (TBs) are generated for each carrier and subframe. Obviously, a guard band can be used for each carrier. This is because of the limitation of Long Term Evolution (LTE) technology (the maximum bandwidth supported by LTE is 20MHz).

[0018] Multi-channel UL transmission for Wi-Fi

[0019] Unlike eLAA, Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11ac, etc.) defines new, wider channels instead of 20MHz. Figure 2 As shown in , 40MHz can bring more available subcarriers compared to the simple aggregation of two 20MHz channels. The benefit comes from two aspects: 1) guard band reduction, and 2) pilot subcarrier overhead savings. Wider channels can bring higher spectrum efficiency.

[0020] Before sending a 40 MHz frame, the station is responsible for ensuring that the entire 40 MHz channel is clear. A clear-channel assessment is performed on the primary channel according to well-known rules for transmission on 802.11 channels. Even if a device intends to send a 40 MHz frame, the slot boundaries and timing are based only on access to the primary channel. The secondary channel must be idle during the priority interframe space before it can be used as part of a 40 MHz transmission. In Wi-Fi, based on the LBT results, the UE decides on its own when and how to send UL data, i.e., 20 MHz and 40 MHz transmissions.

[0021] NR broadband operation and LBT bandwidth segments

[0022] Similar to NR, NR-U is expected to support transmissions with wide bandwidths, e.g., up to hundreds of MHz. However, there may be different radio technologies with different device capabilities sharing the same spectrum simultaneously. It is unlikely that a device will sense the channel idle over the entire wide bandwidth, especially when heavily loaded. Therefore, it is beneficial for NR-U to support transmissions with dynamic bandwidths, where a device can decide which portion(s) of the supported bandwidth to use based on its LBT results.

[0023] There are two common methods used by devices in broadband transmission: carrier aggregation (CA) transmission and single carrier broadband transmission. In CA transmission (similar to LAA based on LTE), the device performs LBT per component carrier (e.g., 20MHz), and then transmits on each component carrier (CC) where LBT succeeds. In single carrier broadband transmission, the device performs LBT per LBT bandwidth segment (20MHz) (also called LBT bandwidth or LBT subband), and aggregates resources from each idle LBT bandwidth segment in a single physical shared channel (SCH). Figure 3An example of wideband operation using CA and a single system carrier bandwidth of 80 MHz is shown.Different UEs may operate at different maximum bandwidth sizes and may transmit with different numbers of resource blocks (RBs) depending on their LBT results.

[0024] Figure 3 The schematic diagram in only considers 80 MHz bandwidth; however, by configuring additional component carriers (20 MHz or wider), wideband operation can span over 80 MHz and the same principles as above apply.

[0025] In principle, if a large number of control resource sets (CORESETs) can be configured, separate CORESETs and search spaces need to be configured for different LBT bandwidth segments to ensure the availability of control signaling when at least one LBT bandwidth segment is available. Figure 3 In the example shown in (b), UE 2 needs to monitor both CORESET2 and CORESET3 because the channel may be available only in LBT bandwidth segment 2 or only in LBT bandwidth segment 3. Similarly, UE3 will monitor all four CORESETs to obtain its PDCCH. In addition, it is not desirable to configure a wide CORESET across the LBT bandwidth segments. When part of the channel is busy, the PDCCH is interleaved between the LBT bandwidth segments, or all PDCCH candidates are located in the available LBT bandwidth segments. Both cases will result in lost scheduling opportunities. Therefore, there is no fundamental difference between CA and the wide bandwidth part (BWP) method in terms of the number of CORESETs and search spaces to be monitored by the UE. However, there is a difference, which is about the capabilities of the UE. In 3GPP NR Release 15 (Rel-15), a maximum of only 3 CORESETs can be configured, which limits the number of locations in the frequency domain that the UE can monitor for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0026] NR CORESET Configuration

[0027] The control resource set defines, among other things, (1) the duration of the CORESET (in OFDM symbols) which determines the duration occupied by the PDCCH, and (2) the frequency domain resources occupied by the PDCCH. The current Rel-15 radio resource control (RRC) configuration includes the following:

[0028] ·controlResourceSetId: ID of CORSET.

[0029] frequencyDomainResources: A bitmap indicating 6 consecutive PRB groups (RB groups) allocated within the bandwidth part, ie, frequency domain resources for PDCCH. An RB group of 6 physical resource blocks (PRBs) is also called a control channel element (CCE).

[0030] Duration: The number of OFDM symbols in the CORESET, i.e., the time domain resources used for the PDCCH.

[0031] ·[other…]

[0032] NRPDCCH SearchSpace Configuration

[0033] PDCCH is organized into SearchSpaces, and each search space is associated with a CORESET. The current RRC configuration includes the following:

[0034] controlResourceSetId: A reference to the SearchSpace's associated CORESET.

[0035] · monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset: The timeslot used for PDCCH monitoring, configured as periodicity and offset.

[0036] • duration: The number of consecutive time slots that the SearchSpace lasts in each time domain monitoring opportunity (ie, on a per periodicity basis as given in periodityAndOffset).

[0037] · monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot: Symbols used for PDCCH monitoring in the slot configured for PDCCH monitoring (see monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset). The most significant (left) bit represents the first OFDM symbol in the slot.

[0038] nrofCandidates: The number of PDCCH candidates per aggregation level.

[0039] • searchSpaceType: Indicates whether this is a common search space (present) or a UE-specific search space and the downlink control information (DCI) format for which it is monitored.

[0040] Search space configuration for wideband operation

[0041] As mentioned above, NR supports carrier bandwidths up to 100 MHz in Rel-15. NR-U will naturally support such wideband carriers to increase system capacity. However, similar to Wi-Fi, LBT is usually performed in a 20 MHz LBT bandwidth segment (LBT subband).

[0042] When an NR-U base station (called a gNB base station in NR) operates with full bandwidth across multiple LBT bandwidth segments (e.g., one LBT bandwidth segment is 20MHz in the 5GHz band), the gNB will perform LBT in multiple LBT bandwidth segments. Based on the LBT results, part of the carrier bandwidth may be unavailable due to being used by other systems using unlicensed channels (e.g., Wi-Fi). Due to the nature of unlicensed spectrum, it is likely that multiple radio systems are active in transmission, making the NR-U spectrum only partially available.

[0043] Since the LBT bandwidth segment (also referred to as LBT bandwidth, LBT subband, or subband as referred to in this article) is only partially available, a mechanism is needed to enable the gNB to transmit and enable the UE that decodes the PDCCH candidates in each subband to receive the scheduled data transmission in these available subbands. One approach is to configure one CORESET per subband and search the space associated with the CORESET. However, as mentioned above, in Rel-15, there is a limitation on the number of CORSETS that can be configured per serving cell (carrier) (Rel-15 only supports a maximum of 3 per carrier). Therefore, an alternative mechanism is needed to configure PDCCH candidates in all subbands of a wideband carrier.

[0044] An example of such an alternative mechanism is as follows. In the current NR specification, the UE supports up to 3 CORESETs per BWP. In order to support very wide BWPs (up to 160 MHz or 320 MHz) available in unlicensed bands, the current 3 CORESET limitation poses a significant obstacle to the efficient use of wide spectrum by NR-U.

[0045] By performing frequency domain conversion on the CORESET defined for the LBT bandwidth segment, the PDCCH search space for different LBT bandwidth segments (subbands) can be configured. Figure 4 and Figure 5As a non-limiting example, the PDCCH search spaces for different LBT bandwidth segments can be configured by frequency domain conversion of the CORESET defined for the LBT bandwidth segment. PDCCH SearchSpace1 for LBT bandwidth segment 1 can be configured based on the existing NR specification. PDCCH SearchSpace2, SearchSpace3 and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 2, 3 and 4 are configured by adding a new frequency offset field in the RRC configuration of SearchSpace.

[0046] · CORESET with frequency resources located within LBT bandwidth segment (sub-band) 1.

[0047] PDCCH SearchSpace1 for LBT bandwidth segment (subband) 1 can be configured based on the existing NR specification. PDCCHSearchSpace2, SearchSpace3 and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 2, 3 and 4 require changes to the NR specification.

[0048] ○ As an example, PDCCHSearchSpace2 can be configured for LBT bandwidth segment 2 by adding a new frequency offset field to NR-USearchSpace in the RRC configuration:

[0049] ■monitoringFrequencyOffset: The frequency offset that moves the CORESET to a new frequency position.

[0050] The frequency offset may be in units of 6 RBs (as used in the definition of CORESET). The frequency offset may be in units of RB or RBG size to allow fine tuning of the SearchSpace position.

[0051] PDCCH SearchSpace3 and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 3 and 4 can be configured similarly.

[0052] As another example, PDCCHSearchSpace1, SearchSpace2, SearchSpace3, and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 1, 2, 3, and 4 may be configured by a new monitored LBT bandwidth segment bitmap in the RRC configuration:

[0053] ○ monitoringLBPsWithinBWP: LBT bandwidth segments used for PDCCH monitoring in the BWP configured for PDCCH monitoring. Each bit corresponds to a monitored PDCCH in the corresponding LBT bandwidth segment.

[0054] UE energy saving mechanism

[0055] The above design of having the UE search for potential PDCCHs in several different LBT subbands is only necessary for the beginning of the gNB's Channel Occupancy Time (COT). This is because the gNB and UE do not know in advance in which LBT subband(s) the LBT process will be successfully completed. Once the gNB completes the LBT process and knows the location of the available subbands, the UE is expected to reduce the PDCCH monitoring locations after the beginning of the gNB COT to reduce power consumption.

[0056] Similar to multiple monitoring positions in the frequency domain, it is also beneficial for the UE to search for potential PDCCHs at several time positions (in addition to the start of the timeslot) in the beginning part of the gNB COT. This allows the gNB to start sending user data to the UE immediately after the LBT procedure is successfully completed. Figure 6 As discussed in the previous paragraph, the gNB is also expected to instruct the UE to switch to a less frequent PDCCH monitoring mode in a timely manner to achieve energy saving. Summary of the invention

[0057] There are some challenges. For example, a unified mechanism needs to be designed to instruct the UE to monitor potential PDCCHs between:

[0058] Frequent (mini-slot based) PDCCH monitoring at the beginning of the COT and less frequent (slot based) monitoring for the remainder of the COT;

[0059] • At the beginning of the COT are multiple monitoring positions for multiple sub-bands and a single monitoring position for the remainder of the COT.

[0060] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and embodiments thereof may provide solutions to these or other challenges. For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions including one or more of the following features:

[0061] Switchable feature configuration of search space sets;

[0062] Mechanisms for organizing and exploiting multiple sets of switchable search spaces;

[0063] A mechanism for organizing and utilizing multiple switchable search space groups;

[0064] The effective duration of monitoring of non-default switchable search space sets;

[0065] · Non-default maximum timer period configuration for switchable search space sets.

[0066] Various embodiments are presented herein that address one or more of the issues disclosed herein.

[0067] According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidates.

[0068] According to certain embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method comprising: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set comprises: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidates.

[0069] According to certain embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer program. The computer program includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method including: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidates.

[0070] According to certain embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method comprising: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidates.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, a wireless device includes: a memory operable to store instructions and processing circuitry operable to execute the instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the wireless device to: monitor a first search space set for control channel candidates, receive an indication to switch the search space set (the indication is received from a network node), and switch the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. To switch the search space set, the processing circuitry is operable to: stop monitoring the first search space set and start monitoring the second search space set for the control channel candidates.

[0072] Each of the above methods, computer programs, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media and / or wireless devices may include other suitable features, such as one or more of the following features:

[0073] In some embodiments, the indication to switch the search space set is received in a field in the group DCI format.

[0074] In some embodiments, the search space set is switched after a predetermined period of time to stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is received in an indication from the network node. In some embodiments, the indication of the predetermined period of time is received in a duration field in a group common DCI format.

[0075] Some embodiments start a timer based on starting monitoring the second search space set, and switch the search space set based on expiration of the timer. Switching the search space set includes stopping monitoring the second search space set and starting monitoring the first search space set. In some embodiments, the value of the timer is received from the network node. In some embodiments, the value of the timer is received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0076] Some embodiments receive search space set group information from a network node. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set. Some embodiments determine a first search space set and a second search space set based on the search space set group information. The first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value.

[0077] In some embodiments, the indication of the switch search space set is received in a group identifier field of a group-common DCI format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

[0078] Some embodiments begin monitoring a first search space set based on receiving search space set group information from a network node.

[0079] In some embodiments, the search space set grouping information is received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0080] In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0081] According to some embodiments, a method performed by a network node includes sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates switching a search space set that the wireless device monitors for a control channel candidate. Switching the search space set includes stopping monitoring a first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for a candidate control channel.

[0082] According to some embodiments, a computer program including instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method including: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates switching a search space set that the wireless device monitors for a control channel candidate. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring a first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for a candidate control channel.

[0083] According to certain embodiments, a computer program product includes a computer program. The computer program includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method including: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates switching a search space set that the wireless device monitors for a control channel candidate. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring a first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for a candidate control channel.

[0084] According to certain embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method comprising: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates switching a search space set that the wireless device monitors for a control channel candidate. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring a first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for a candidate control channel.

[0085] According to certain embodiments, a network node includes: a memory operable to store instructions and a processing circuit operable to execute the instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the network node to send an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates switching a search space set monitored by the wireless device for a control channel candidate. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring a first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for a candidate control channel.

[0086] Each of the above methods, computer programs, computer program products, non-transitory computer readable media and / or network nodes may include other suitable features, such as one or more of the following features:

[0087] Some embodiments send a control channel to the wireless device via a first search space set prior to sending an indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets.

[0088] Some embodiments send a control channel to the wireless device via a second search space set after sending an indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets.

[0089] In some embodiments, the indication of switching search space sets is sent in a field in the group DCI format.

[0090] Some embodiments send an indication of a predetermined period to the wireless device after which the wireless device will stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set. In some embodiments, the indication of the predetermined period is sent in a duration field in a group common DCI format.

[0091] Some embodiments send a value of the timer to the wireless device, which the wireless device uses to determine when to stop monitoring the second set of search spaces and start monitoring the first set of search spaces. In some embodiments, the value of the timer is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0092] Some embodiments send search space set group information to a wireless device. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set. A first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value, and a second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value. In some embodiments, the search space set group information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message. In some embodiments, the indication of switching the search space set is sent in a group identifier field of a group common DCI format, and the group identifier field indicates the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0094] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments may help improve monitoring of COT. Certain embodiments may improve UE energy saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0095] For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] Figure 1 An example of multi-channel UL transmission in eLAA is shown.

[0097] Figure 2 The diagram shows 20MHz and 40MHz channels used for 802.11n.

[0098] Figure 3 Figure 3. CA and single-carrier broadband transmission.

[0099] Figure 4 Illustration of multiple SearchSpaces configured from a CORESET.

[0100] Figure 5 The diagram shows the frequency domain (FD) monitoring positions within the search space configured by the frequency domain transformation (offset) of the CORESET.

[0101] Figure 6 Figure 2 shows an example of NR-U PDSCH and PDCCH transmission and UE PDCCH monitoring.

[0102] Figure 7 Illustrated is an example of a wireless network in accordance with some embodiments.

[0103] Figure 8 Illustrated is an example of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0104] Fig. 9 Illustrated is an example of a virtualized environment in accordance with some embodiments.

[0105] Fig.10 Illustrated is an example of a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediary network in accordance with some embodiments.

[0106] Fig.11 An example is illustrated in which a computer communicates with a user device via a base station over a partially wireless connection according to some embodiments.

[0107] Fig.12 An example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0108] Fig.13 An example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0109] Fig.14 An example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0110] Fig.15 An example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0111] Fig.16 An example of a method performed by a wireless device according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0112] Fig.17 An example virtualization device is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments.

[0113] Fig.18 An example of a method performed by a wireless device according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0114] Fig.19 An example of a method performed by a network node according to some embodiments is illustrated.

[0115] Fig. 20 and Fig.21 Each diagram illustrates an example of an RRC signaling design. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0116] Generally, all terms used in this article should be interpreted according to their common meaning in the relevant technical field, unless different meanings are clearly given and / or different meanings are implied from the context of its use. Unless clearly stated, all references to one / an / the element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. should be openly interpreted as referring to at least one instance of an element, device, assembly, part, step, etc. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is clearly described as after or before another step and / or it is implied that a step must be after or before another step. Where applicable, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein can be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment can be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other purposes, features and advantages of the attached embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0117] Some embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0118] Example #1 (Adding a switchable feature to the search space set configuration)

[0119] In the current NR specification, when a search space set is configured by the gNB, the UE will monitor potential PDCCH candidates in that search space set.

[0120] According to the first embodiment, a new switchable feature may be added to the search space set configuration. The switchableMonitoring field indicates that the search space set may be turned off via network signaling.

[0121] If the value is set to default, the search space set is monitored by default. Monitoring of the search space set can be turned off via network signaling.

[0122] If the value is set to non-default, the search space set will not be monitored until instructed to do so by the network.

[0123] For a search space set without a switchableMonitoring field, the UE shall monitor the search space set.

[0124] exist Fig. 20 A non-limiting example of RRC signaling design is shown in . Note that the parameters frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations and FreqOffset enable multiple frequency domain monitoring opportunities, which enhances the multiple time domain monitoring opportunities (monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot) already supported in Rel-15.

[0125]

[0126] Example #2 (Switchable Search Space Set)

[0127] According to the second embodiment, all search space sets with the switchableMonitoring field configured to the UE form a switchable search space set group.

[0128] According to a further embodiment, a UE configured with a switchable search space set group shall monitor one search space set from the switchable search space set group.It is not expected that a UE will be configured with more than one search space set within a switchable search space set group (whose switchableMonitoring field is set to default).

[0129] The switchable search space sets within the switchable search space set group are classified and indexed by the searchSpaceIds of the switchable search space sets.

[0130] Network signaling is provided to instruct a UE to switch PDCCH monitoring to a specific switchable search space set within a group of switchable search space sets. One non-limiting exemplary signaling is via a search space monitoring index field in a group common PDCCH (GC-PDCCH) located in a common search space. When such signaling is used, all UEs receiving the group common PDCCH switch their search space sets according to the monitoring field index in the GC-PDCCH. The details of the configured search space set corresponding to the signaled monitoring field index may be different for different UEs.

[0131] Other possible embodiments are to signal the UE to switch PDCCH monitoring to a specific search space set within the switchable search space set group through UE-specific PDCCH, MAC-CE, or through RRC reconfiguration.

[0132] As a non-limiting example, the signaling may include a bitmap, wherein one or more set bits in the bitmap refer to a specific switchable search space set within the group of switchable search space sets.

[0133] As a non-limiting example, a UE is configured with five UE-specific switchable search space sets (SSSSs):

[0134] SSSS0 is a mini-slot based search space set with multiple frequency domain monitoring positions, which can be used in the beginning of the gNB COT, where a mini-slot refers to a Type B PD SCH / PUSCH mapping that occupies a subset of 14 OFDM symbols within a slot.

[0135] ○searchSpaceId=5

[0136] ○frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to {0, O2, O3, O4}, where O2, O3, and O4 are frequency offsets or may correspond to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The frequency offset for converting CCEs in the associated CORESET to different LBT subbands is shown in .

[0137] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1001000 1000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates starting from OS #0, #3 and #7.

[0138] ○ switchableMonitoring is set as default.

[0139] SSSS1 is a slot-based search space set located in LBT subband #1, which can be used after the beginning of the gNB COT.

[0140] ○searchSpaceId=6

[0141] ○frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is not set, which means CORESET is used without frequency offset.

[0142] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates only starting from OS#0.

[0143] ○ switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0144] SSSS2 is a slot-based search space set located in LBT subband #2, which can be used after the beginning of the gNB COT.

[0145] ○searchSpaceId=7

[0146] ○frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to O2 so that the PDCCH candidates are all located in LBT subband #2.

[0147] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates only starting from OS#0.

[0148] ○ switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0149] SSSS3 is a slot-based search space set located in LBT subband #3, which can be used after the beginning of the gNB COT.

[0150] ○searchSpaceId=8

[0151] ○frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to O3 so that the PDCCH candidates are all located in LBT subband #3.

[0152] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates only starting from OS#0.

[0153] ○ switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0154] SSSS4 is a slot-based search space set located in LBT subband #4, which can be used after the beginning of the gNB COT.

[0155] ○searchSpaceId=9

[0156] ○frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to O4 so that the PDCCH candidates are all located in LBT subband #4.

[0157] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates only starting from OS#0.

[0158] ○ switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0159] For this example, the switchable search space set group consists of search space sets #5, #6, #7, #8, and #9. The switchable search space sets can be indexed by three bits in the GC-PDCCH, UE-specific PDCCH, MAC CE, or RRC configuration message, where the value 000 indicates search space set #5, the value 001 indicates search space set #6, the value 010 indicates search space set #7, the value 011 indicates search space set #8, and the value 100 indicates search space set #9.

[0160] As another non-limiting example, the UE is configured with the above UE-specific switchable search space set, except that SSSS1 instead of SSSS0 is set as the default switchable search space set. This type of configuration is suitable for operating environments with mostly low loads, so that slot-based monitoring in one subband is sufficient most of the time. When the load increases significantly, the network can instruct the UE to temporarily switch to more frequent / intensive monitoring or monitor in a different subband.

[0161] In another non-limiting example, a UE may be configured with a default search space having one monitoring opportunity per time slot, but with multiple monitoring opportunities in the frequency domain.

[0162] Example #3

[0163] This embodiment is similar to embodiment #2, except for the following differences.

[0164] The switchableMonitoring field of multiple search space sets within a switchable search space set group can be set to default. These search space sets are all monitored unless they are explicitly turned off by the network.

[0165] The signaling may indicate whether each search space set in the switchable search space set group can be turned off individually. In a non-limiting example of the signaling, for the switchable search space set group described in Embodiment 2, the signaling may be performed using a 5-bit bitmap, where the bits correspond to the search space sets with searchSpaceIds 5-9. When the bit corresponding to the search space set is 0, the search space set is not monitored, and when it is 1, the search space set is monitored. Such a bitmap may be provided via a group common PDCCH, a UE-specific PDCCH, a MAC CE, or an RRC configuration.

[0166] Embodiment #4 (Multiple Switchable Search Space Sets)

[0167] According to this embodiment, the network may configure multiple switchable search space set groups for the UE.

[0168] According to a further embodiment, a UE configured with multiple switchable search space set groups shall monitor one (default) search space set from each of the multiple switchable search space set groups. For each of the multiple switchable search space set groups, it is expected that the UE will not be configured with more than one search space set (whose switchableMonitoring field is set to default).

[0169] The switchable search space sets within each switchable search space set group are classified and indexed by the searchSpaceIds of the switchable search space sets.

[0170] Network signaling is provided to instruct the UE to switch PDCCH monitoring to a specific switchable search space set within a switchable search space set group. One non-limiting exemplary signaling is via a Group Common PDCCH (GC-PDCCH) located in a common search space. Fields are provided for each switchable search space set group.

[0171] The same sub-embodiments of embodiment #2 related to the signaling mechanism also apply to this embodiment (UE-specific PDCCH, MAC-CE, RRC, bitmap).

[0172] Embodiment #5 (Multiple switchable search space set groups with multiple default search space sets)

[0173] This embodiment is similar to embodiment #4, except for the following differences.

[0174] The switchableMonitoring field of multiple search space sets within each switchable search space set group in the switchable search space set group can be set to default. These search space sets are all monitored unless they are explicitly turned off by the network.

[0175] The signaling may indicate whether each search space set in each switchable search space set group in the switchable search space set group can be individually turned off. As described in Embodiment 3, such signaling may be provided via a bitmap for each switchable search space set group. Such a bitmap may be provided via a group common PDCCH, a UE-specific PDCCH, a MAC CE, or an RRC configuration.

[0176] Example #6 (Switching between multiple search space sets)

[0177] According to this embodiment, the network may configure multiple search space set groups for the UE. The search space set group described for Embodiment 2 is a non-limiting example of such a search space set group.

[0178] Only one of these search space set groups is marked as the default search space set group, while the other groups are non-default. Signaling via GC-PDCCH, or UE-specific PDCCH, MAC CE or RRC configuration can select one of these search space set groups to monitor.

[0179] When a group of search space sets is signaled to the UE to monitor, all search space sets within the signaled group are monitored.

[0180] In a non-limiting example, the search space set group includes all search spaces monitored by the UE at a given time, including all common and UE-specific search spaces.

[0181] In a variation of this embodiment, multiple search space set groups may be marked as default search space set groups, and signaling may turn each of these groups on or off individually.

[0182] Embodiment 7 (Validity period for switching search space sets)

[0183] For embodiments 2-6, an effective period is provided for each switchable search space set group in the network signaling for search space set monitoring switching. The effective period indicates the duration that the UE will monitor the switchable search space set indicated in the search space set group after receiving an indication to monitor the switchable search space set. After this duration, the UE will monitor the default switchable search space set within the switchable search space set group.

[0184] As a non-limiting example, a valid period in units of time slots is included as a field in the GC-PDCCH.

[0185] Other embodiments are to signal the validity period in UE-specific PDCCH or MAC-CE, or to configure the value via RRC signaling.

[0186] Embodiment 8 (Timer period for switchable search space set)

[0187] For embodiments 1 to 6, a maximum timer period may be configured for a non-default switchable search space set. The UE does not monitor a non-default switchable search space set until instructed to do so by the network. In addition, once instructed to monitor such a non-default switchable search space set, the UE will start a timer and switch back to monitoring the default switchable search space set in the switchable search space set group when the timer reaches or exceeds the maximum timer period.

[0188] As a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the maximum timer period is based on the number of time slots.

[0189] exist Fig.21 A non-limiting example of RRC signaling design is shown in FIG.

[0190]

[0191] Embodiment #9 (Switching between multiple search space sets or multiple search space set groups without default)

[0192] According to this embodiment, any one of the above embodiments is configured without configuring any search space set as the default search space set. The UE only follows the last successfully received indication for the search space set or search space set group to be monitored.

[0193] For the case where the signaling indicating the search space set or search space set group is not successfully received by the UE, the network can ensure robustness by appropriate configuration of the search space set. For example, all configured search space set groups can have a subset of the search space sets configured within the group that is the same between all configured search space set groups. When the signaling indicating the search space set is not correctly received by the UE, these search space sets can be used as a fallback for communication with the UE to ensure robustness.

[0194] Example Network

[0195] Although the subject matter described herein may be implemented in any suitable type of system using any suitable components, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to wireless networks such as Figure 7 For simplicity, Figure 7 The wireless network of only depicts network 106, network nodes 160 and 160b, and WD 110, 110b and 110c. In practice, the wireless network may also include any additional elements suitable for supporting communication between wireless devices or between a wireless device and another communication device (such as a landline phone, a service provider, or any other network node or terminal device). In the components shown, network node 160 and wireless device (WD) 110 are depicted with additional details. The wireless network may provide communication and other types of services to one or more wireless devices to facilitate access of wireless devices and / or use of services provided by or via the wireless network.

[0196] 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), 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.

[0197] The network 106 may include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTN), 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 to enable communication between devices.

[0198] The network node 160 and the WD 110 include various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network node and / or wireless device functions, such as providing wireless connections 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 signals via a wired or wireless connection.

[0199] As used herein, a network node refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, set 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 to enable and / or provide wireless access to a wireless device and / or perform other functions (e.g., management) in a 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 node Bs (eNBs), and NR NodeBs (gNBs)). They can be classified based on the amount of coverage provided by the base stations (or in other words, their transmit power levels), and they can also be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station can be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay. 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 also 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). Yet another example of a network node includes an MSR device such as a multi-standard radio (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 operation and maintenance (O&M) node, an operation support system (OSS) node, a self-organizing network (SON) node, a positioning node (e.g., an evolved serving mobile positioning center (E-SMLC)), and / or a minimization of drive tests (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 group of devices) that is capable of, configured to, arranged to, and / or operable to enable and / or provide a wireless device with access to a wireless network or to provide some services to a wireless device that has accessed a wireless network.

[0200] exist Figure 7In the embodiment, the network node 160 includes a processing circuit 170, a device readable medium 180, an interface 190, an auxiliary device 184, a power supply 186, a power supply circuit 187, and an antenna 162. Figure 7 The network node 160 shown in the exemplary wireless network of can represent a device including a combination of the hardware components shown, but other embodiments can include network nodes with different combinations of components. It should be understood 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 160 are depicted as a single box within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, the network node can include multiple different physical components that make up a single shown component (for example, the device readable medium 180 can include multiple separate hard drives and multiple RAM modules).

[0201] Similarly, the network node 160 can be composed of multiple physically separated components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), each of which can have its own corresponding components. In certain scenarios where the network node 160 includes multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more separate components can be shared between several network nodes. For example, a single RNC can control multiple NodeBs. In this scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair can be regarded as a separate network node in some instances. In some embodiments, the network node 160 can be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In this embodiment, some components can be copied (e.g., separate device-readable media 180 for different RATs) and some components can be reused (e.g., the same antenna 162 can be shared by RATs). The network node 160 can also include multiple groups of various components shown for different wireless technologies (such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) integrated into the network node 160. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within the network node 160 .

[0202] The processing circuit 170 is configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being provided by the network node. These operations performed by the processing circuit 170 may include, for example, processing information obtained by the processing circuit 170 by converting the obtained information 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.

[0203] Processing circuit 170 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. For example, processing circuit 170 may execute instructions stored in device readable medium 180 or in a memory within processing circuit 170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, processing circuit 170 may include a system on a chip (SOC).

[0204] In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be 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 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on the same chip or chipset, board, or unit.

[0205] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB, or other such network device may be performed by processing circuit 170 executing instructions stored on device-readable medium 180 or a memory within processing circuit 170. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functions may be provided by processing circuit 170 without the need to execute instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those embodiments, processing circuit 170 may be configured to perform the described functions, regardless of whether instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited solely to processing circuit 170 or other components of network node 160, but are enjoyed by network node 160 as a whole, and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0206] Device readable medium 180 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer readable memory that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by processing circuit 170, including but not limited to permanent storage devices, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., flash drive, compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and / or computer executable storage device. Device readable medium 180 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 can be executed by processing circuit 170 and used by network node 160. Device readable medium 180 may be used to store any computations performed by processing circuit 170 and / or any data received via interface 190. In some embodiments, processing circuit 170 and device readable medium 180 may be considered integrated.

[0207] Interface 190 is used in wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between network node 160, network 106 and / or WD 110. As shown, interface 190 includes port / terminal 194 to send and receive data, such as sending data to network 106 and receiving data from network 106 through wired connection. Interface 190 also includes radio front-end circuit 192 that can be coupled to antenna 162, or in some embodiments, is coupled to a part of antenna 162. Radio front-end circuit 192 includes filter 198 and amplifier 196. Radio front-end circuit 192 can be connected to antenna 162 and processing circuit 170. Radio front-end circuit 192 can be configured to adjust the signal transmitted between antenna 162 and processing circuit 170. Radio front-end circuit 192 can receive digital data that will be sent to other network nodes or WDs via wireless connection. Radio front-end circuit 192 can use the combination of filter 198 and / or amplifier 196 to convert digital data into radio signals with suitable channel and bandwidth parameters. Radio signals can then be sent via antenna 162. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 162 may collect radio signals, which may then be converted into digital data by radio front end circuit 192. The digital data may be transmitted to processing circuit 170. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0208] In some alternative embodiments, the network node 160 may not include a separate radio front end circuit 192, but rather the processing circuit 170 may include the radio front end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 162 without a separate radio front end circuit 192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuit 172 may be considered part of the interface 190. In some other embodiments, the interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 194, the radio front end circuit 192, and the RF transceiver circuit 172 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the interface 190 may communicate with the baseband processing circuit 174 as part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0209] Antenna 162 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. Antenna 162 may be coupled to radio front-end circuit 190 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly sending and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may include one or more omnidirectional sector or flat panel antennas operable to send / receive radio signals, for example, between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas may be used to send / receive radio signals in any direction, sector antennas may be used to send / receive radio signals from devices within a specific area, and flat panel antennas may be line of sight antennas for sending / receiving radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, using more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In some embodiments, antenna 162 may be separated from network node 160 and may be connected to network node 160 via an interface or port.

[0210] Antenna 162, interface 190 and / or processing circuit 170 can be configured to perform any receiving operation and / or certain obtaining operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal can be received from a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network device. Similarly, antenna 162, interface 190 and / or processing circuit 170 can be configured to perform any sending operation described herein as being performed by a network node. Any information, data and / or signal can be sent to a wireless device, another network node and / or any other network device.

[0211] The power circuit 187 may include or be coupled to a power management circuit and is configured to provide power to the components of the network node 160 for performing the functions described herein. The power circuit 187 may receive power from the power supply 186. The power supply 186 and / or the power circuit 187 may be configured to provide power to the various components of the network node 160 in a form suitable for the corresponding components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required by each corresponding component). The power supply 186 may be included in the power circuit 187 and / or the network node 160, or outside the power circuit 187 and / or the network node 160. For example, the network node 160 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., a power outlet) via an input circuit or an interface such as a cable, whereby the external power source provides power to the power circuit 187. As another example, the power supply 186 may include a power source in the form of a battery or a battery pack, which is connected to or integrated into the power circuit 187. If the external power source fails, the battery can provide backup power. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

[0212] Alternative embodiments of network node 160 may include Figure 7 , 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 160 may include a user interface device to allow information to be input into the network node 160 and to allow information to be output from the network node 160. This may allow a user to perform diagnostics, maintenance, repair, and other management functions on the network node 160.

[0213] As used herein, wireless device (WD) refers to a device that can, is configured to, is set to, and / or is operable to wirelessly communicate with a network node and / or other wireless devices. Unless otherwise specified, the term WD can be used interchangeably with user equipment (UE) in this article. Wireless communication can involve the use of electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information through the air to send and / or receive wireless signals. In some embodiments, WD can be configured to send and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, WD can be designed to send information to the network on a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network. Examples of WD include but are not limited to smart phones, 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 devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablet computers, laptop computers, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), smart devices, wireless customer end devices (CPEs), vehicle-mounted wireless terminal devices, etc. WD can support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and in this case can be referred to as a D2D communication device. As another specific example, in the Internet of Things (loT) scenario, WD can represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and sends the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another WD and / or network node. In this case, WD can be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which can be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, WD can be a UE that implements the 3GPP narrowband Internet of Things (NB-loT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), or personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, WD can represent a vehicle or other device that can monitor and / or report its operating status or other functions associated with its operation. As mentioned above, WD can represent the end point of wireless connection, in which case, the device can be referred to as a wireless terminal. In addition, as mentioned above, WD can be mobile, in which case, it can also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

[0214] As shown, wireless device 110 includes antenna 111, interface 114, processing circuit 120, device readable medium 130, user interface device 132, auxiliary device 134, power supply 136, and power supply circuit 137. WD 110 may include multiple groups of one or more of the various components shown for different wireless technologies supported by WD 110 (such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies, to name a few). These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chipsets and other components within WD 110.

[0215] Antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to send and / or receive wireless signals, and is connected to interface 114. In some alternative embodiments, antenna 111 may be separated from WD 110 and may be connected to WD 110 via an interface or port. Antenna 111, interface 114, and / or processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operation described herein as being performed by WD. Any information, data, and / or signal may be received from a network node and / or another WD. In some embodiments, radio front end circuitry and / or antenna 111 may be considered as an interface.

[0216] As shown, the interface 114 includes a radio front-end circuit 112 and an antenna 111. The radio front-end circuit 112 includes one or more filters 118 and an amplifier 116. The radio front-end circuit 114 is connected to the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120, and is configured to adjust the signal transmitted between the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120. The radio front-end circuit 112 may be coupled to the antenna 111 or a part of the antenna 111. In some embodiments, the WD 110 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 112; instead, the processing circuit 120 may include a radio front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122 may be considered as part of the interface 114. The radio front-end circuit 112 may receive digital data to be sent out to other network nodes or WDs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuit 112 may use a combination of filters 118 and / or amplifiers 116 to convert the digital data into a radio signal with suitable channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal can then be sent via an antenna. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 111 may collect radio signals, which are then converted into digital data by radio front end circuit 112. The digital data may be transmitted to processing circuit 120. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0217] The processing circuit 120 may include 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 that is operable to provide the functionality of the WD 110 alone or in combination with other WD 110 components such as device readable medium 130. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuit 120 may execute instructions stored in the device readable medium 130 or in a memory within the processing circuit 120 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0218] As shown, the processing circuit 120 includes one or more of the RF transceiver circuit 122, the baseband processing circuit 124, and the application processing circuit 126. In other embodiments, the processing circuit may include different components and / or different combinations of components. In some embodiments, the processing circuit 120 of the WD 110 may include a SOC. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuit 122, the baseband processing circuit 124, and the application processing circuit 126 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In an alternative embodiment, part or all of the baseband processing circuit 124 and the application processing circuit 126 may be combined into one chip or chipset, and the RF transceiver circuit 122 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In another alternative embodiment, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122 and the baseband processing circuit 124 may be on the same chip or chipset, and the application processing circuit 126 may be on a separate chip or chipset. In another alternative embodiment, part or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122, the baseband processing circuit 124, and the application processing circuit 126 may be combined into the same chip or chipset. In some embodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be part of interface 114. RF transceiver circuitry 122 may condition RF signals for processing circuitry 120.

[0219] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein as being performed by the WD may be provided by the processing circuit 120 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 130, which may be a computer-readable storage medium in some embodiments. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functions may be provided by the processing circuit 120 without the need to execute instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, the processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform the described functions, regardless of whether the instructions stored on the device-readable storage medium are executed. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited solely to the processing circuit 120 or other components of the WD 110, but are enjoyed by the WD 110 as a whole, and / or generally by end users and wireless networks.

[0220] Processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain obtaining operations) described herein as being performed by WD. Such operations performed by processing circuit 120 may include processing information obtained by processing circuit 120, for example, by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored by WD 110, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making determinations as a result of the processing.

[0221] Device-readable medium 130 may be operable to store a computer program; software; an application including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables, etc.; and / or other instructions executable by processing circuit 120. Device-readable medium 130 may include computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., hard disk), removable storage media (e.g., compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable storage device that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by processing circuit 120. Processing circuit 120 and device-readable medium 130 may be considered integrated.

[0222] The user interface device 132 may provide a component that allows a human user to interact with the WD 110. This interaction may have multiple forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 132 may be operable to generate output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the WD 110. The type of interaction may vary depending on the type of user interface device 132 installed in the WD 110. For example, if the WD 110 is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touch screen; if the WD 110 is a smart meter, the interaction may be through a screen that provides use (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 132 may include input interfaces, devices, and circuits, as well as output interfaces, devices, and circuits. The user interface device 132 is configured to allow information to be input into the WD 110, and is connected to the processing circuit 120 to allow the processing circuit 120 to process the input information. The user interface device 132 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 circuits. The user interface device 132 is also configured to allow information to be output from the WD 110, and to allow the processing circuit 120 to output information from the WD 110. The user interface device 132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone jack, or other output circuits. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface device 132, the WD 110 can communicate with an end user and / or a wireless network and allow them to benefit from the functionality described herein.

[0223] Auxiliary device 134 is operable to provide more specific functions that may not normally be performed by a WD. This may include specialized sensors for measuring for various purposes, interfaces for additional communication types such as wired communications, etc. The inclusion and types of components of auxiliary device 134 may vary depending on the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0224] In some embodiments, the power supply 136 may be in the form of a battery or a battery pack. Other types of power supplies may also be used, such as an external power source (e.g., a power outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a battery cell. The WD 110 may also include a power circuit 137 for delivering power from the power supply 136 to various parts of the WD 110 that require power from the power supply 136 to perform any function described or indicated herein. In some embodiments, the power circuit 137 may include a power management circuit. Additionally or alternatively, the power circuit 137 may be operable to receive power from an external power source; in this case, the WD 110 may be connected to an external power source (such as a power outlet) via an input circuit or an interface such as a power cord. In some embodiments, the power circuit 137 may also be operable to deliver power from an external power source to the power supply 136. This may be used, for example, for charging the power supply 136. The power circuit 137 may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from the power supply 136 to make the power suitable for each corresponding component of the WD 110 being powered.

[0225] Figure 8 An embodiment of a UE according to the various aspects described herein is shown. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may not necessarily have a user in terms of a human user who owns and / or operates the associated equipment. Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user but may not be associated with a specific human user or was not originally associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended to be sold to an end user or operated by an end user but may be associated with the benefit of a user or may be operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart meter). UE 200 may be any UE identified by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including an NB-loT UE, a Machine Type Communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As Figure 8 As shown in , UE 200 is an example of a WD 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 previously mentioned, the terms WD and UE can be used interchangeably. Therefore, although Figure 8 The reference is to UE, but the components discussed in this article are also applicable to WD and vice versa.

[0226] exist Figure 8In the embodiment, UE 200 includes processing circuit 201, which is operably coupled to input / output interface 205, radio frequency (RF) interface 209, network connection interface 211, memory 215 including random access memory (RAM) 217, read-only memory (ROM) 219, and storage medium 221, communication subsystem 231, power supply 233, and / or any other components or any combination thereof. Storage medium 221 includes operating system 223, application 225, and data 227. In other embodiments, storage medium 221 may include other similar types of information. Some UEs may use Figure 8 All components shown in the UE may be used, or only a subset of these components may be used. The level of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. Further, some UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0227] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit 201 can be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuit 201 can be configured to implement any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored as a machine-readable computer program in a memory, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., using discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic and suitable firmware; one or more stored programs, general-purpose processors such as microprocessors or digital signal processors (DSPs) and suitable software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuit 201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). The data may be information in a form suitable for use by a computer.

[0228] In the described embodiment, the input / output interface 205 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and output device. The UE 200 may be configured to use an output device via the input / output interface 205. 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 200 and output from the UE 200. 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 200 may be configured to use an input device via the input / output interface 205 to allow a user to capture information into the UE 200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive display or a presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a webcam, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a steering wheel, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smart card, etc. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor for sensing input from a 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.

[0229] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment of the present invention, the RF interface 209 can be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as transmitters, receivers, and antennas. The network connection interface 211 can be configured to provide a communication interface to the network 243a. The network 243a can include 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 243a can include a WiFi network. The network connection interface 211 can be configured to include a receiver and a 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 211 can implement receiver and transmitter functions suitable for communication network links (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The transmitter and receiver functions can share circuit components, software or firmware, or can be implemented separately.

[0230] RAM 217 can be configured to interface with processing circuit 201 via bus 202 to provide storage or cache of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as operating systems, applications, and device drivers. ROM 219 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to processing circuit 201. For example, ROM 219 can be configured to store constant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O) stored in non-volatile memory, startup, or receiving keystrokes from a keyboard. Storage medium 221 can be configured to include a memory such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a disk, an optical disk, a floppy disk, a hard disk, a removable cassette, or a flash drive. In one example, storage medium 221 can be configured to include an operating system 223, an application 225 such as a web browser application, a control or a gadget engine or another application, and a data file 227. The storage medium 221 may store any one of various operating systems or a combination of operating systems for use by the UE 200 .

[0231] The storage medium 221 may be configured to include multiple physical drive units, such as a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a floppy 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 disc (HD-DVD) optical drive, a built-in hard drive, a Blu-ray disc 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 subscriber identity (SIM / RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. The storage medium 221 may allow the UE 200 to access computer executable instructions, applications, etc. stored on a temporary or non-temporary storage medium to unload data or upload data. An article of manufacture (such as an article of manufacture utilizing a communication system) may be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 221, which may include a device-readable medium.

[0232] exist Figure 8In the embodiment of the present invention, the processing circuit 201 can be configured to communicate with the network 243b using the communication subsystem 231. The network 243a and the network 243b can be the same network or different networks. The communication subsystem 231 can be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 243b. For example, the communication subsystem 231 can 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 WD, UE or a base station of a radio access network (RAN) according to one or more communication protocols such as IEEE 802.2, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, etc. Each transceiver can include a transmitter 233 and / or a receiver 235 to respectively implement the functions of a transmitter or a receiver suitable for a RAN link (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.). Further, the transmitter 233 and the receiver 235 of each transceiver can share circuit components, software or firmware, or can alternatively be implemented separately.

[0233] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of the communication subsystem 231 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 a location, another similar communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, the communication subsystem 231 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. The network 243b 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 243b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near-field network. The power supply 213 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to the components of the UE 200.

[0234] The features, benefits and / or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE 200, or may be divided between multiple components of UE 200. 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 231 may be configured to include any component described herein. Further, the processing circuit 201 may be configured to communicate with any such component via bus 202. In another example, any such component may be represented by a program instruction stored in a memory that performs the corresponding function described herein when executed by the processing circuit 201. In another example, the function of any such component may be divided between the processing circuit 201 and the communication subsystem 231. In another example, the non-computationally intensive functions of any such component may be implemented in software or firmware, and the computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0235] Fig. 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualized environment 300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of an apparatus or device that 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 an implementation in which at least a portion of a function is implemented 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).

[0236] In some embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be implemented as virtual components performed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted by one or more hardware nodes 330. Further, in embodiments where the virtual nodes are not radio access nodes or do not require radio connectivity (e.g., core network nodes), the network nodes may be fully virtualized.

[0237] Functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (alternatively referred to as software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to implement some functionality, features, and / or benefits of some embodiments disclosed herein. Applications 320 run in a virtualized environment 300 that provides hardware 330 including processing circuitry 360 and memory 390. Memory 390 contains instructions 395 executable by processing circuitry 360, whereby applications 320 are operable to provide one or more features, benefits, and / or functionality disclosed herein.

[0238] The virtualization environment 300 includes a general or special network hardware device 330, which includes a set of one or more processors or processing circuits 360, which can be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuits, including digital or analog hardware components or special processors. Each hardware device may include a memory 390-1, which may be a non-permanent memory for temporarily storing instructions 395 or software executed by the processing circuit 360. Each hardware device may include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, also known as network interface cards, which include physical network interfaces 380. Each hardware device may also include a non-transitory, permanent, machine-readable storage medium 390-2 in which software 395 and / or instructions executable by the processing circuit 360 are stored. The software 395 may include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 350 (also known as hypervisors), software for executing virtual machines 340, and software that allows it to perform functions, features and / or benefits related to some embodiments described herein.

[0239] The virtual machine 340 includes virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage devices, and can be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of instances of the virtual device 320 can be implemented on one or more virtual machines 340 and can be implemented in different ways.

[0240] During operation, processing circuit 360 executes software 395 to instantiate a hypervisor or virtualization layer 350 , which may sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). Virtualization layer 350 may present a virtual operating platform that appears to networked hardware to virtual machine 340 .

[0241] like Fig. 9 As shown in , hardware 330 can be an independent network node with common or specific components. Hardware 330 may include antenna 3225, and some functions may be implemented via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 330 may be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)), where multiple hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration (MANO) 3100 (which oversees the lifecycle management of application 320 along with other programs).

[0242] In some contexts, virtualization of hardware is referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to consolidate multiple network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage devices that can be located in data centers and client devices.

[0243] In the context of NFV, a virtual machine 340 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executed on a physical, non-virtual machine. Each virtual machine 340 and the portion of the hardware 330 that executes the virtual machine, i.e., the hardware dedicated to the virtual machine and / or the hardware shared by the virtual machine with other virtual machines 340, form a separate virtual network element (VNE).

[0244] 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 340 on top of the hardware networking infrastructure 330 and corresponds to Fig. 9 Application 320.

[0245] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200, each including one or more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210, may be coupled to one or more antennas 3225. The radio units 3200 may communicate directly with the hardware nodes 330 via one or more suitable networks, and may be used in conjunction with virtual components to provide radio functionality to a virtual node such as a radio access node or base station.

[0246] In some embodiments, some signaling may be implemented using control system 3230 , which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware node 330 and radio unit 3200 .

[0247] refer to Fig.10 According to an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network 410 such as a 3GPP type cellular network, which includes an access network 411 such as a radio access network and a core network 414. The access network 411 includes a plurality of base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points, each of which defines a corresponding coverage area 413a, 413b, 413c. Each base station 412a, 412b, 412c may be connected to the core network 414 via a wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 located in the coverage area 413c is configured to be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 412c or to be paged by the corresponding base station 412c. A second UE 492 located in the coverage area 413a may be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 412a. Although multiple UEs 491, 492 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is in the coverage area or a single UE is connected to the corresponding base station 412.

[0248] The telecommunications network 410 itself is connected to a host computer 430, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server farm. The host computer 430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. Connections 421 and 422 between the telecommunications network 410 and the host computer 430 may extend directly from the core network 414 to the host computer 430, or may be connected via an optional intermediate network 420. The intermediate network 420 may be one or a combination of more than one of a public, private, or managed network; the intermediate network 420 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 420 may include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0249] Fig.10 The communication system as a whole implements a connection between the connected UE 491, 492 and the host computer 430. The connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450. The host computer 430 and the connected UE 491, 492 are configured to use the access network 411, the core network 414, any intermediate network 420, and possibly other infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries to transmit data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 450. The OTT connection 450 can be transparent in the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 450 passes do not know the routes of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the base station 412 may not or need not be informed of the past routes of incoming downlink communications, wherein the incoming downlink communications have data that will be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 491 originating from the host computer 430. Similarly, the base station 412 does not need to know the future routes of outgoing uplink communications originating from the UE 491 to the host computer 430.

[0250] Now refer to Fig.115. The exemplary implementation of the UE, base station and host computer discussed in the previous paragraphs according to the embodiment is described. In the communication system 500, the host computer 510 includes hardware 515, which includes a communication interface 516 configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with different communication devices in the communication system 500. The host computer 510 also includes a processing circuit 518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuit 518 may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The host computer 510 also includes software 511, which is stored in the host computer 510 or can be accessed by it and can be executed by the processing circuit 518. The software 511 includes a host application 512. The host application 512 may be operable to provide services to remote users (such as UE 530 connected via an OTT connection 550 terminating at the UE 530 and the host computer 510). In providing services to remote users, the host application 512 may provide user data that is sent using the OTT connection 550 .

[0251] The communication system 500 also includes a base station 520, which is provided in the telecommunication system and includes hardware 525 that enables it to communicate with the host computer 510 and the UE 530. The hardware 525 may include a communication interface 526 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with different communication devices in the communication system 500, and a communication interface 526 for establishing and maintaining at least a connection with a network located in a coverage area (not in a coverage area) served by the base station 520. Fig.11 526 may be configured to facilitate a connection 560 to the host computer 510. The connection 560 may be direct, or it may pass through a core network (not shown in FIG. 54 ) in the telecommunications system. Fig.11 ) and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 525 of the base station 520 also includes a processing circuit 528, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The base station 520 also has software 521 that is stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0252] The communication system 500 also includes the UE 530 already mentioned. Its hardware 535 may include a radio interface 537, which is configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 570 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 530 is currently located. The hardware 535 of the UE 530 also includes a processing circuit 538, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 530 also includes software 531, which is stored in the UE 530 or can be accessed by it and can be executed by the processing circuit 538. The software 531 includes a client application 532. The client application 532 can be operated with the support of the host computer 510 to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 530. In the host computer 510, the executing host application 512 can communicate with the executing client application 532 via an OTT connection 550 terminated at the UE 530 and the host computer 510. When providing services to users, client application 532 can receive request data from host application 512 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 550 can transmit both request data and user data. Client application 532 can interact with users to generate the user data it provides.

[0253] Notice, Fig.11 The host computer 510, base station 520 and UE 530 shown in FIG. Fig.10 The host computer 430, one of the base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, and one of the UEs 491, 492 may be similar or identical. That is, the internal workings of these entities may be similar to Fig.11 As shown in , and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Fig.10 Those in .

[0254] exist Fig.11 In the figure, the OTT connection 550 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate the communication between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 via the base station 520, without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the precise message routing via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to be hidden from the UE 530 or the service provider operating the host computer 510, or both. When the OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure can further make decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0255] The wireless connection 570 between the UE 530 and the base station 520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments may improve the performance of the OTT service provided to the UE 530 using the OTT connection 550, where the wireless connection 570 constitutes the last leg. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve data rates or power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as reducing user waiting time or extending battery life.

[0256] A measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rates, delays, and other factors that one or more embodiments improve. There may also be an optional network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 may be implemented in the software 511 and hardware 515 of the host computer 510 or the software 531 and hardware 535 of the UE 530, or both. In an embodiment, a sensor (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with a communication device through which the OTT connection 550 passes; the sensor may participate in the measurement process by providing the value of the monitoring quantity exemplified above, or providing the value of other physical quantities (the software 511, 531 may calculate or estimate the monitoring quantity based on the other physical quantities). The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 550 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routes, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect the base station 520, and it may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 520. Such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates host computer 510 measurements of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. These measurements may be accomplished while causing software 511 and 531 to send messages (particularly empty or "dummy" messages) using OTT connection 550 to monitor propagation time, errors, etc.

[0257] Fig.12 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.10 and Fig.11 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the Fig.12. In step 610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 611 of step 610 (which may be optional), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 620, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. In step 630 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the base station sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0258] Fig.13 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.10 and Fig.11 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the Fig.13 . In step 710 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 720, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. According to the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the transmission may pass through a base station. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0259] Fig.14 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.10 and Fig.11 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the Fig.14. In step 810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 821 of step 820 (which may be optional), the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 811 of step 810 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application, which provides the user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing the user data, the executed client application may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing the user data, in sub-step 830 (which may be optional), the UE initiates the transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, according to the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the host computer receives the user data sent from the UE.

[0260] Fig.15 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.10 and Fig.11 For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the Fig.15 In step 910 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0261] 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 and other digital hardware, wherein the processing circuits may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and other digital hardware 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), buffer memory, flash memory device, optical memory, 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, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the processing circuit may be used to cause the corresponding functional unit to perform the corresponding function.

[0262] Fig.16 A method according to a particular embodiment is shown. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a wireless device or UE (such as the wireless device 110 or UE 200 described above). The method begins at step 1002, where one or more search space sets (or search space set groups) are determined to monitor for control channel candidates. The determination is based at least in part on signaling received from a network node indicating to turn on or off monitoring of the search space set (or search space set group). The method continues to step 1004, where the one or more search space sets (or search space set groups) determined in step 1002 are monitored. Further, the method proceeds to step 1006, where one or more control channel candidates are determined based on the monitoring in step 1004.

[0263] In some embodiments, a network node (such as network node 160) may perform methods similar to those described herein as being performed by a wireless device. For example, in general, the network node may determine one or more search space sets (or groups of search space sets) for the wireless device to monitor, and may send signaling to the wireless device to indicate turning on or off monitoring of the one or more search space sets (or groups of search space sets).

[0264] Fig.17 A wireless network (eg, Figure 7 1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1100 in a wireless network (shown in FIG. 1 ). The apparatus may be in a wireless device or a network node (e.g., Figure 7 The apparatus 1100 is implemented in the wireless device 110 or the network node 160 shown in FIG. 1100 is operable to perform the reference Fig.16 The example methods described and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It should also be understood that Fig.16 The method does not have to be performed only by the apparatus 1100. At least some operations of the method may be performed by one or more other entities.

[0265] The virtual device 1100 may include a processing circuit that may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware that may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory that may include one or more types of memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory, a buffer memory, a flash memory device, an optical storage device, etc. In several embodiments, 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 techniques described herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuit may be used to cause the determination unit 1102, the monitoring unit 1104, and any other suitable unit of the device 1100 to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0266] like Fig.17 As shown in , the apparatus 1100 includes a determining unit 1102 and a monitoring unit 1104. The determining unit 1102 is configured to determine one or more search space sets (or search space set groups) to monitor for control channel candidates. The determination may be based at least in part on a signaling received from a network node indicating turning on or off monitoring. The monitoring unit 1104 is configured to monitor the search space set determined by the determining unit 1102.

[0267] Fig.18 An example of a method performed by a wireless device is shown. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a wireless device 110, which includes a memory 130 operable to store instructions and a processing circuit 120 operable to execute instructions so that the wireless device 110 performs the method. As an example, in some embodiments, the method may be performed by a UE 200, which includes a memory 215 operable to store instructions and a processing circuit (e.g., a processor 201) operable to execute instructions so that the UE 200 performs the method.

[0268] In some embodiments, the method begins at step 1802, where search space set group information is received. The search space set group information is received from a network node. For example, the search space set group information may be received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets and a corresponding group identifier associated with each search space set. As an example, a first search space set may be associated with a group identifier having a first value (such as 0), and a second search space set may be associated with a group identifier having a second value (such as 1). In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0269] At step 1804, the wireless device determines a first search space set and a second search space set based on the search space set group information received in step 1802. For example, the wireless device determines that each search space set associated with a group identifier having a first value (such as 0) belongs to the first search space set, and each search space set associated with a group identifier having a second value (such as 1) belongs to the second search space set.

[0270] At step 1806, the wireless device monitors the first search space set for control channel candidates. In some embodiments, based on having received search space set group information from the network node in step 1802, the wireless device starts monitoring the first search space set (eg, a default search space set).

[0271] The method proceeds to step 1808, where an indication of switching the search space set is received. The indication of switching the search space set is received from a network node. In some embodiments, the indication of switching the search space set may be received in a field in a group common DCI format. As an example, the indication of switching the search space set may be received in a group identifier field in a group common DCI format. The group identifier field indicates a first value (such as 0) or a second value (such as 1) of a group identifier. Thus, if the wireless device is already monitoring a first search space set, the wireless device may receive a DCI including a second value of the group identifier as an indication of switching from a first (e.g., default) search space set to a second (e.g., non-default) search space set.

[0272] In some embodiments, as shown in step 1810, the wireless device receives a value of a timer from a network node. For example, the timer value may be received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message. The wireless device may use the timer to determine when to switch search space sets (an example of which is further described below with respect to step 1816). The network node may send the timer value to the wireless device at any suitable time, such as any time before step 1814.

[0273] In step 1812, the wireless device switches the search space set based on having received an indication to switch the search space set in step 1808. In some embodiments, switching the search space set may be further based on a delay, such as a number of symbols for the wireless device to wait before switching the search space. Switching the search space set includes stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring the second search space set for the control channel candidate.

[0274] In some embodiments, based on starting to monitor the second search space set, the wireless device starts a timer as shown in step 1814. Based on the expiration of the timer, the wireless device switches the search space set as shown in step 1816. For example, the wireless device stops monitoring the second (e.g., non-default) search space set and starts monitoring the first (e.g., default) search space set again. Embodiment #8 above describes an example of a timer.

[0275] Although Fig.18 An example is shown where the wireless device resumes monitoring the first search space set based on expiration of the timer, but in other embodiments, the wireless device may resume monitoring the first search space set based on one or more other criteria. As an example, in some embodiments, the wireless device may switch search space sets (stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set) after a predetermined period of time. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time may be in units of time slots, examples of which are described above with respect to embodiment #7. In some embodiments, the wireless device receives an indication of the predetermined period of time from the network node. For example, the indication of the predetermined period of time may be received in a duration field in a group common DCI format.

[0276] Fig.19 An example of a method performed by a network node is shown. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a network node 160, which includes a memory 180 operable to store instructions and a processing circuit 170 operable to execute instructions to cause the network node 160 to perform the method. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a network node 160, which includes a memory 180 operable to store instructions and a processing circuit 170 operable to execute instructions to cause the network node 160 to perform the method. Fig.19 The functions performed by the network nodes in Fig.18 For example, the functions performed by the wireless devices are described as being reciprocal. Fig.19 The information provided by the network nodes in Fig.18 wireless device in the receiver and vice versa.

[0277] In some embodiments, the method begins at step 1902, where search space set group information is sent to the wireless device. In some embodiments, the search space group information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set. For example, a first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value (such as 0), and a second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value (such as 1). In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0278] In some embodiments, the method proceeds to step 1904 where a control channel is transmitted to the wireless device. The control channel is transmitted via a first search space set (eg, a default search space).

[0279] The method proceeds to step 1906, where an indication is sent to the wireless device to switch the search space set that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates (which indicates that the wireless device stops monitoring the first search space set and starts monitoring the second search space set for control channel candidates). As an example, the network node may determine to send the indication to the wireless device to switch search space based on resource availability, COT information, power and / or performance considerations, or other suitable criteria. In some embodiments, the indication of switching the search space set is sent in a field in the group common DCI format. For example, the indication of switching the search space set may be sent in a group identifier field, which indicates the first value or the second value of the group identifier described with respect to step 1902.

[0280] In some embodiments, the network node sends a value of a timer to the wireless device as shown in step 1908. The timer allows the wireless device to determine when to stop monitoring the second set of search spaces and start monitoring the first set of search spaces. In some embodiments, the timer value is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0281] At step 1910, the wireless device sends a control channel to the wireless device via the second search space set. Thus, the network node may send a control channel using the second search space set after sending an indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets in step 1906 (and before the timer described with respect to step 1908 expires).

[0282] Although Fig.19 An example is shown where the network node facilitates switching back to the first search space set based on expiration of a timer, but in other embodiments the wireless device may resume monitoring the first search space set based on one or more other criteria. As an example, in some embodiments, the network node may send an indication of a predetermined period of time to the wireless device after which the wireless device may switch search space sets (stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set). In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time may be in units of time slots. In some embodiments, the predetermined period of time may be indicated in a duration field in a group common DCI format.

[0283] Example

[0284] Group A Embodiment

[0285] 1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0286] - receiving an indicator from a network node indicating whether a search space set is to be monitored for control channel candidates;

[0287] - Based on an indicator received from the network node, monitor or abandon monitoring the set of search spaces.

[0288] 2. The method according to the aforementioned embodiment, wherein the indicator comprises a value selected from a first value and a second value, the first value indicating turning on monitoring of the search space set, and the second value indicating turning off monitoring of the search space set.

[0289] 3. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0290] - receiving information from a network node, the information indicating a subset of one or more search space sets that has been selected from the group of search space sets; and

[0291] -Monitor a subset of one or more search space sets for control channel candidates.

[0292] 4. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0293] - receiving information from a network node, the information indicating a plurality of search space sets selected for monitoring, each search space set being selected from a respective group of a plurality of search space set groups; and

[0294] - For control channel candidates, multiple search space sets indicated by the network node are monitored.

[0295] 5. The method according to embodiment 3 or 4 further comprises: in response to receiving a signal instructing to turn off monitoring of the first search space set from the network node, turning off monitoring of the first search space set.

[0296] 6. The method according to embodiment 4 further comprises: in response to receiving a signal instructing to turn off monitoring of the first group of search space sets from the network node, turning off monitoring of the first group of search space sets.

[0297] 7. The method according to embodiment 3 or 4 further includes: after a predetermined period of time, turning off monitoring of the first search space set in the search space sets.

[0298] 8. The method of embodiment 4 further comprises: shutting down monitoring of the first group of search space sets after a predetermined period of time.

[0299] 9. The method of embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined period is indicated in signaling received from the network node.

[0300] 10. The method of embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined period of time is based on a timer set by the wireless device.

[0301] 11. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising:

[0302] - provide user data; and

[0303] - Forwarding the user data to a host computer via transmission to a base station.

[0304] Group B Embodiment

[0305] 12. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0306] -determining whether the wireless device is to monitor a search space set for control channel candidates; and

[0307] -Sending an indicator to the wireless device indicating whether to monitor a search space set for control channel candidates.

[0308] 13. The method according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the indicator comprises a value selected from a first value and a second value, the first value indicating that monitoring of the search space set is turned on, and the second value indicating that monitoring of the search space set is turned off.

[0309] 14. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0310] -selecting a subset of one or more search space sets to monitor by the wireless device for control channel candidates, the subset of one or more search space sets being selected from the group of search space sets; and

[0311] - Sending information to the wireless device indicating a subset of one or more search space sets that has been selected from the group of search space sets.

[0312] 15. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0313] -selecting a plurality of search space sets to be monitored by the wireless device for control channel candidates, each search space set being selected from a respective group of a plurality of search space set groups; and

[0314] -Sending information to the wireless device indicating a plurality of search space sets that have been selected from the group of search space sets.

[0315] 16. The method according to embodiment 14 or 15 further includes: determining to turn off monitoring of a first search space set in the search space set, and sending a signal to the wireless device indicating to turn off monitoring of the first search space set in the search space set.

[0316] 17. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising: determining to turn off monitoring of the first group of search space sets, and sending a signal to the wireless device indicating to turn off monitoring of the first group of search space sets.

[0317] 18. The method of embodiment 14 or 15 further comprises sending a signal to the wireless device indicating a time period after which the wireless device will switch monitoring of a first search space set among the search space sets.

[0318] 19. The method of embodiment 15, further comprising: sending a signal to the wireless device indicating a time period after which the wireless device will switch monitoring of the first group of search space sets.

[0319] 20. The method according to any one of the preceding embodiments, further comprising:

[0320] - obtain user data; and

[0321] -Forward the user data to a host computer or wireless device.

[0322] Group C Embodiment

[0323] 21. A wireless device, comprising:

[0324] - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps described in any one of the embodiments of group A; and

[0325] - A power circuit configured to provide power to the wireless device.

[0326] 22. A base station, comprising:

[0327] - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps described in any one of the embodiments of group B;

[0328] - A power supply circuit configured to supply power to the base station.

[0329] 23. A user equipment (UE), the UE comprising:

[0330] - an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals;

[0331] - a radio front end circuit connected to the antenna and the processing circuit and configured to condition signals transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuit;

[0332] - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps described in any one of the embodiments of group A;

[0333] - an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuitry;

[0334] - 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

[0335] - A battery connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0336] 24. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0337] 25. A computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0338] 26. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier comprising a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0339] 27. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0340] 28. A computer program product comprising a computer program, the computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0341] 29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier comprising a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0342] 30. A communication system including a host computer, comprising:

[0343] - processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0344] - a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0345] - 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 of the steps of any one of Group B embodiments.

[0346] 31. The communication system according to any one of the preceding embodiments further comprises a base station.

[0347] 32. The communication system according to the first two embodiments further comprises a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0348] 33. The communication system according to any of the preceding three embodiments, wherein:

[0349] - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0350] - The UE comprises a processing circuit configured to execute a client application associated with a host application.

[0351] 34. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0352] - at the host computer, providing user data; and

[0353] - At a host computer, initiating transmission of user data to a UE via a cellular network comprising a base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps of any one of the Group B embodiments.

[0354] 35. The method according to the preceding embodiment further comprises: sending user data at a base station.

[0355] 36. The method according to the above two embodiments, wherein the user data is provided by executing a host application at a host computer, and the method further comprises: executing a client application associated with the host application at a UE.

[0356] 37. 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 first three embodiments.

[0357] 38. A communication system including a host computer, comprising:

[0358] - processing circuitry configured to provide user data; and

[0359] - a communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0360] - 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 one of the embodiments of group A.

[0361] 39. The communication system according to the preceding embodiment, wherein the cellular network further comprises a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0362] 40. The communication system according to the preceding two embodiments, wherein:

[0363] - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0364] - The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0365] 41. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0366] - at the host computer, providing user data; and

[0367] - At a host computer, initiating transmission of user data to a UE via a cellular network including a base station, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0368] 42. The method according to the preceding embodiment further comprises: at the UE, receiving user data from the base station.

[0369] 43. A communication system including a host computer, comprising:

[0370] - a communication interface configured to receive user data originating from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station,

[0371] - wherein the UE comprises a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to perform any steps of any one of the embodiments of group A.

[0372] 44. The communication system according to the aforementioned embodiment further includes a UE.

[0373] 45. The communication system according to the previous two embodiments further comprises 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 the transmission from the UE to the base station to a host computer.

[0374] 46. ​​The communication system according to any of the preceding three embodiments, wherein:

[0375] - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and

[0376] - The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data.

[0377] 47. The communication system according to any one of the preceding four embodiments, wherein:

[0378] - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute the host application to provide the requested data; and

[0379] - The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application in response to requesting the data, thereby providing the user data.

[0380] 48. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0381] - At a host computer, receiving user data sent from a UE to a base station, wherein the UE performs any of the steps in any one of the embodiments of Group A.

[0382] 49. The method according to the aforementioned embodiment further comprises: at the UE, providing user data to the base station.

[0383] 50. The method according to the previous two embodiments further comprises:

[0384] - at the UE, executing a client application, thereby providing user data to be sent; and

[0385] - At the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

[0386] 51. The method according to the first three embodiments, further comprising:

[0387] - At the UE, executing a client application; and

[0388] - receiving, at the UE, input data for the client application, the input data being provided at a host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application,

[0389] - wherein the user data to be sent is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0390] 52. A communication system comprising a 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, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to perform any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0391] 53. The communication system according to the preceding embodiment further comprises a base station.

[0392] 54. The communication system according to the first two embodiments further comprises a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0393] 55. The communication system according to any of the preceding three embodiments, wherein:

[0394] - the processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application;

[0395] - The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with a host application, thereby providing user data to be received by the host computer.

[0396] 56. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0397] - receiving, at a host computer, from a base station user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from a UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps of any one of Group A embodiments.

[0398] 57. The method according to the preceding embodiment further comprises: receiving user data from the UE at the base station.

[0399] 58. The method according to the preceding two embodiments further comprises: at the base station, initiating transmission of the received user data to the host computer.

[0400] In some embodiments, a computer program, a computer program product, or a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In a further example, these instructions are carried on a signal or carrier and can be executed on a computer, wherein these instructions, when executed, perform any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0401] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the systems and devices described herein may be modified, added, or omitted. The components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. In addition, the operations of the systems and devices may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. In addition, any suitable logic including software, hardware, and / or other logic may be used to perform the operations of the systems and devices. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0402] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the methods described herein may be modified, added or omitted. These methods may include more, less or other steps. In addition, the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0403] Although the present disclosure has been described according to certain embodiments, the changes and substitutions of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the above description of the embodiments does not limit the present disclosure. Other changes, substitutions and modifications are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0404] At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in the present disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between these abbreviations, priority should be given to how the abbreviation is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should take precedence over any subsequent listing.

[0405] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0406] 5G Fifth Generation

[0407] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0408] CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

[0409] CP Cyclic Prefix

[0410] DL Downlink

[0411] eNB Evolved NodeB

[0412] ePDCCH Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0413] FFS for further study

[0414] Base stations in gNB NR

[0415] GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

[0416] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0417] MAC Media Access Control

[0418] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0419] MSC Mobile Switching Center

[0420] NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0421] NR New Radio

[0422] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0423] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0424] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0425] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0426] RAN Radio Access Network

[0427] RNC Radio Network Controller

[0428] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0429] UE User Equipment

[0430] UL Uplink

[0431] UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0432] UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network

[0433] WCDMA Wide CDMA

[0434] WLAN Wide Area Network

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: For control channel candidates, monitoring (1806) a first search space set; receiving (1808) an indication from a network node to switch a search space set; Based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set, switching (1812) the search space set, wherein switching the search space set comprises: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidate; receiving (1802) search space set group information from the network node, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set; and Based on the search space set group information, determine (1804) the first search space set and the second search space set, wherein the first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The indication of the switch search space set is received in a field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, further comprising: The search space set is switched after a predetermined period of time, wherein switching the search space set comprises: stopping monitoring the second search space set and starting monitoring the first search space set.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: An indication of the predetermined period is received from the network node.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The indication of the predetermined period is received in a duration field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, further comprising: Based on starting to monitor the second search space set, starting (1814) a timer; as well as Based on the expiration of the timer, the search space set is switched (1816), wherein switching the search space set includes stopping monitoring the second search space set and starting monitoring the first search space set.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: A value for the timer is received (1810) from the network node.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The value of the timer is received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The indication of a switch search space set is received in a group identifier field of a group common downlink control information (DCI) format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 9, wherein: Based on receiving the search space set group information from the network node, monitoring (1806) the first search space set is initiated.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 9, wherein: The search space set group information is received from the network node through a radio resource control configuration message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions, which when executed by a computer, perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A wireless device (110), comprising: a memory (130) operable to store instructions; as well as The processing circuit (120) is operable to execute the instructions to cause the wireless device to: For control channel candidates, monitoring a first search space set; receiving an indication from a network node to switch a search space set; switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set, wherein, to switch the search space set, the processing circuit is operable to: stop monitoring the first search space set and start monitoring a second search space set for the control channel candidate; receiving search space set group information from the network node, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set; and Based on the search space set group information, the first search space set and the second search space set are determined, wherein the first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value.

15. The wireless device of claim 14, wherein: The indication of the switch search space set is received in a field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

16. The wireless device according to any one of claims 14-15, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: The search space set is switched after a predetermined period, wherein, to switch the search space set, the processing circuit is operable to: stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set.

17. The wireless device of claim 16, wherein: The processing circuit is operable in one step to: An indication of the predetermined period is received from the network node.

18. The wireless device of claim 17, wherein: The indication of the predetermined period is received in a duration field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

19. The wireless device according to any one of claims 14-15, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: Based on starting to monitor the second search space set, starting a timer; and Based on expiration of the timer, the search space set is switched, wherein, to switch the search space set, the processing circuit is operable to: stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set.

20. The wireless device of claim 19, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: A value for the timer is received from the network node.

21. The wireless device of claim 20, wherein: The value of the timer is received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

22. The wireless device of claim 14, wherein: The indication of a switch search space set is received in a group identifier field of a group common downlink control information (DCI) format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

23. The wireless device according to claim 14 or 22, wherein: The processing circuit is operable to begin monitoring the first search space set based on receiving the search space set group information from the network node.

24. The wireless device according to claim 14 or 22, wherein: The search space set group information is received from the network node through a radio resource control configuration message.

25. The wireless device according to any one of claims 14-15, wherein: The first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

26. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: sending (1906) to a wireless device an indication to switch a set of search spaces that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates, wherein switching the set of search spaces comprises: stopping monitoring a first set of search spaces and starting monitoring a second set of search spaces for candidate control channels; and Sending (1902) search space set group information to the wireless device, the search space set group information indicating multiple search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set, wherein the first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: A control channel is sent (1904) to the wireless device, the control channel being sent via the first search space set prior to sending the indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets.

28. The method according to any one of claims 26-27, further comprising: A control channel is sent (1910) to the wireless device, the control channel being sent via the second search space set after sending the indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26-27, wherein: The indication of the switch search space set is sent in a field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26-27, further comprising: An indication of a predetermined period of time is sent to the wireless device, after which the wireless device will stop monitoring the second set of search spaces and begin monitoring the first set of search spaces.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein: The indication of the predetermined period is sent in a duration field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

32. The method according to any one of claims 26-27, further comprising: A value of a timer is sent (1908) to the wireless device, and the wireless device uses the value of the timer to determine when to stop monitoring the second set of search spaces and start monitoring the first set of search spaces.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein: The value of the timer is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

34. The method of claim 26, wherein: The indication of a switching search space set is sent in a group identifier field of a group common downlink control information (DCI) format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

35. The method according to any one of claims 26-27, wherein: The search space set grouping information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

36. The method according to any one of claims 26-27, wherein: The first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

37. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions which, when executed by a computer, perform the method according to any one of claims 26-36.

38. A network node (160), comprising: a memory (180) operable to store instructions; as well as The processing circuit (170) is operable to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: sending an indication to a wireless device to switch a set of search spaces that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates, wherein switching the set of search spaces comprises: stopping monitoring a first set of search spaces and starting monitoring a second set of search spaces for candidate control channels; and Sending search space set group information to the wireless device, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set, wherein the first search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set whose associated group identifier has a second value.

39. The network node according to claim 38, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: A control channel is sent to the wireless device, the control channel being sent via the first search space set prior to sending the indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets.

40. The network node according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: A control channel is sent to the wireless device, the control channel being sent via the second search space set after sending the indication to the wireless device to switch search space sets.

41. The network node according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein: The indication of the switch search space set is sent in a field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

42. The network node according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: An indication of a predetermined period of time is sent to the wireless device, after which the wireless device will stop monitoring the second set of search spaces and begin monitoring the first set of search spaces.

43. The network node according to claim 42, wherein: The indication of the predetermined period is sent in a duration field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

44. The network node according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein: The processing circuit is further operable to: A value of a timer is sent to the wireless device, and the wireless device uses the value of the timer to determine when to stop monitoring the second set of search spaces and start monitoring the first set of search spaces.

45. The network node of claim 44, wherein: The value of the timer is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

46. ​​The network node of claim 38, wherein: The indication of a switching search space set is sent in a group identifier field of a group common downlink control information (DCI) format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

47. The network node according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein: The search space set grouping information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

48. The network node according to any one of claims 38-39, wherein: The first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

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