Method and apparatus for early data transmission

Abstract

An apparatus comprises: at least one processor; and at least one memory comprising computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: determine at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, send a data packet to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the apparatus.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus, method and computer program, and in particular, but not exclusively, to an apparatus, method and computer program for switching data transmission between radio access technologies for early data transmission. Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations / access points, and / or other nodes by providing a carrier wave between the various entities involved in the communication path. For example, a communication system can be provided by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices.

[0003] The communication system can be accessed via a suitable communication device or terminal. The communication device is equipped with suitable signal receiving and sending means for realizing communication, for example, realizing access to a communication network or communicating directly with other communication devices. The communication device can access a carrier provided by a station or access point and send and / or receive communications on the carrier.

[0004] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or specification that specifies what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how it should be implemented. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising components for: determining at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, sending a data packet to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the apparatus and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the apparatus.

[0006] The first operation mode may include one of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode, and the second operation mode may include the other of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode.

[0007] At least one condition is determined based on at least one of: comparing a data packet size to a threshold data packet size; comparing a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality to a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and comparing a power headroom to a threshold power headroom.

[0008] The component may be further configured to perform: receiving at least one condition from at least one of the first access node or the second access node.

[0009] The component may be further configured to perform: receiving, from the second access node, information indicating network resources for transmission of data packets to the first access node using the second operation mode.

[0010] The first access node may include a gNB, and the second access node may include an eNB.

[0011] The information indicative of network resources may include information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

[0012] The first early data transmission type and the second early data transmission type may include: sending a random access request from the apparatus, the random access request including a random access preamble; and receiving a random access response at the apparatus in response to the random access request.

[0013] The first early data transmission type may further include sending the data packet based on the random access response by using message 3 in the first operation mode.

[0014] The second early data transmission type may further include sending the data packet based on the random access response by using message 3 in the second operation mode.

[0015] The second early data transmission type may include: sending a random access request to a second access node, the random access request including a random access preamble; receiving a random access response from the second access node, wherein the random access response received from the second access node includes information indicating network resources for the device to monitor communications from the first access node; receiving a random access response from the first access node based on the information indicating network resources included in the random access response received from the second access node; and sending data packets to the first access node using early data transmission in the second operating mode.

[0016] The component may be further configured to perform: after sending the data packet in the second operation mode, switching from the second operation mode to an idle state in the first operation mode.

[0017] According to some examples, the apparatus is in an idle state when in the first operating mode.

[0018] Sending the data packet may include sending an identifier, wherein the identifier is configured to cause the data packet to be routed to a destination before the connection is established.

[0019] The connection establishment may include a radio resource control connection establishment procedure.

[0020] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, comprising a component for performing the following operations: sending information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode based on the at least one condition; and sending information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0021] The at least one condition may include at least one of: a threshold data packet size; a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and a threshold power headroom.

[0022] The first early data transmission type may include: receiving a random access request from a user equipment, the random access request including a random access preamble; and sending a random access response to the user equipment in response to the random access request.

[0023] The first early data transmission type may further include: receiving the data packet by using message 3.

[0024] The first early data transmission type may further include receiving a data packet and an identifier using Message 3, wherein the apparatus is further configured to route the data packet to a destination based on the identifier.

[0025] The second early data transmission type may include: receiving a random access request from a user equipment, the random access request including a random access preamble; and sending a first random access response to the user equipment, the first random access response including information indicating a physical downlink control channel for the user equipment to monitor the user equipment to receive a second random access response from a second access node.

[0026] The information indicative of network resources may include information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

[0027] The component may be further configured to execute: sending, to the second access node, information for configuring the second access node to send a random access response to the user equipment.

[0028] According to some examples, the user equipment is in an idle state when in the first operating mode.

[0029] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer code of one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: determine at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, send data packets to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the device and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the device.

[0030] The first operation mode may include one of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode, and the second operation mode may include the other of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode.

[0031] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to determine at least one condition based on at least one of: comparing a data packet size with a threshold data packet size; comparing a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality with a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and comparing a power margin with a threshold power margin.

[0032] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive at least one condition from at least one of the first access node or the second access node.

[0033] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive, from the second access node, information indicating network resources for data packet transmission to the first access node using the second operating mode.

[0034] The first access node may include a gNB, and the second access node may include an eNB.

[0035] The information indicative of network resources may include information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

[0036] When using a first early data transmission type and a second early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: send a random access request from the apparatus, the random access request comprising a random access preamble; and receive a random access response at the apparatus in response to the random access request.

[0037] When using the first early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: send the data packet based on the random access response by using message 3 in the first operating mode.

[0038] When using the second early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: send the data packet based on the random access response by using message 3 in the second operating mode.

[0039] When using a second early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code can be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to: send a random access request to a second access node, the random access request including a random access preamble; receive a random access response from the second access node, wherein the random access response received from the second access node includes information indicating network resources for the device to monitor communications from the first access node; receive a random access response from the first access node based on the information indicating network resources included in the random access response received from the second access node; and send data packets to the first access node using early data transmission in the second operating mode.

[0040] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: switch from the second operating mode to an idle state in the first operating mode after sending the data packet in the second operating mode.

[0041] According to some examples, the apparatus is in an idle state when in the first operating mode.

[0042] When sending the data packet, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: send an identifier, wherein the identifier is configured to cause the data packet to be routed to a destination before a connection is established.

[0043] The connection establishment may include a radio resource control connection establishment procedure.

[0044] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory comprising computer code for one or more programs, the at least one memory and the computer code being configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to at least: send information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode based on the at least one condition; and send information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0045] The at least one condition may include at least one of: a threshold data packet size; a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and a threshold power headroom.

[0046] When using a first early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive a random access request from a user equipment, the random access request comprising a random access preamble; and send a random access response to the user equipment in response to the random access request.

[0047] When using the first early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive the data packet by using Message 3.

[0048] When using a first early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive a data packet and an identifier by using message 3, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code may be further configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: route the data packet to a destination based on the identifier.

[0049] When using a second early data transmission type, the at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: receive a random access request from a user equipment, the random access request comprising a random access preamble; and send a first random access response to the user equipment, the first random access response comprising information instructing the user equipment to monitor a physical downlink control channel on which the user equipment receives a second random access response from a second access node.

[0050] The information indicative of network resources may include information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

[0051] The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to: send, to the second access node, information for configuring the second access node to send a random access response to the user equipment.

[0052] According to some examples, the user equipment is in an idle state when in the first operating mode.

[0053] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: determining at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, sending a data packet to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the device and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the device.

[0054] The first operation mode may include one of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode, and the second operation mode may include the other of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode.

[0055] At least one condition is determined based on at least one of: comparing a data packet size to a threshold data packet size; comparing a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality to a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and comparing a power headroom to a threshold power headroom.

[0056] The method may include receiving at least one condition from at least one of the first access node or the second access node.

[0057] The method may include receiving, from the second access node, information indicating network resources for transmission of data packets to the first access node using the second operating mode.

[0058] The first access node may include a gNB, and the second access node may include an eNB.

[0059] The information indicative of network resources may include information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

[0060] The first early data transmission type and the second early data transmission type may include: sending a random access request from the apparatus, the random access request including a random access preamble; and receiving a random access response at the apparatus in response to the random access request.

[0061] The first early data transmission type may further include sending the data packet based on the random access response by using message 3 in the first operation mode.

[0062] The second early data transmission type may further include sending the data packet based on the random access response by using message 3 in the second operation mode.

[0063] The second early data transmission type may include: sending a random access request to a second access node, the random access request including a random access preamble; receiving a random access response from the second access node, wherein the random access response received from the second access node includes information indicating network resources for the device to monitor communications from the first access node; receiving a random access response from the first access node based on the information indicating network resources included in the random access response received from the second access node; and sending data packets to the first access node using early data transmission in the second operating mode.

[0064] The method may include, after sending the data packet in the second operating mode, switching from the second operating mode to an idle state in the first operating mode.

[0065] According to some examples, the apparatus is in an idle state when in the first operating mode.

[0066] Sending the data packet may include sending an identifier, wherein the identifier is configured to cause the data packet to be routed to a destination before the connection is established.

[0067] The connection establishment may include a radio resource control connection establishment procedure.

[0068] According to one aspect, a method is provided, comprising: sending information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode based on the at least one condition; and sending information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0069] The at least one condition may include at least one of: a threshold data packet size; a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and a threshold power headroom.

[0070] The first early data transmission type may include: receiving a random access request from a user equipment, the random access request including a random access preamble; and sending a random access response to the user equipment in response to the random access request.

[0071] The first early data transmission type may further include: receiving the data packet by using message 3.

[0072] The first early data transmission type may further include receiving a data packet and an identifier using Message 3, wherein the apparatus is further configured to route the data packet to a destination based on the identifier.

[0073] The second early data transmission type may include: receiving a random access request from a user equipment, the random access request including a random access preamble; and sending a first random access response to the user equipment, the first random access response including information indicating a physical downlink control channel for the user equipment to monitor the user equipment to receive a second random access response from a second access node.

[0074] The information indicative of network resources may include information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

[0075] The method may include: sending, to the second access node, information for configuring the second access node to send a random access response to the user equipment.

[0076] According to some examples, the user equipment is in an idle state when in the first operating mode.

[0077] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which program instructions are stored, which are used to perform: determining at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, using a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the device and one of a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the device to send a data packet to a first access node.

[0078] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided on which program instructions are stored, and the program instructions are used to execute: sending information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets based on the at least one condition using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode; and sending information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0079] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided on which program instructions are stored, which are used to perform: determining at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, sending data packets to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the device and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the device.

[0080] According to one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided on which program instructions are stored, and the program instructions are used to execute: sending information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets based on the at least one condition using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode; and sending information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0081] According to one aspect, a computer program comprising computer executable code is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause an apparatus to at least: determine at least one condition; and based on the at least one condition, send a data packet to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the apparatus and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the apparatus.

[0082] According to one aspect, a computer program comprising computer executable code is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, is configured to cause an apparatus to at least: send information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode based on the at least one condition; and send information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0083] According to one aspect, a non-volatile tangible storage medium is provided on which program instructions for executing at least one of the above methods are stored.

[0084] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a determination circuit for determining at least one condition; and a sending circuit for sending data packets to a first access node based on the at least one condition using a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the device and one of a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the device.

[0085] According to one aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a sending circuit for sending information indicating at least one condition to a user equipment, the at least one condition being configured to cause the user equipment to send data packets using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode based on the at least one condition; and a sending circuit for sending information indicating network resources to the user equipment, the network resources being used for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operating mode.

[0086] In the above, many different aspects have been described. It should be understood that further aspects can be provided by combining any two or more of the above aspects.

[0087] Various other aspects are also described in the following detailed description and appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0088] Some example embodiments will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the following examples and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0089] Figure 1 illustrating a new radio (5G) carrier according to some example embodiments;

[0090] Figure 2 shows an example signaling exchange for early data transmission;

[0091] Figure 3 shows a representation of a network according to some example embodiments;

[0092] Figure 4a and Figure 4b illustrating methods according to some example embodiments;

[0093] Figures 5 to 8 showing various signaling exchange representations according to some example embodiments;

[0094] Fig. 9 showing a representation of a control device according to some example embodiments;

[0095] Fig.10 showing representations of apparatus according to some example embodiments;

[0096] Fig.11 A representation of a non-volatile storage medium is shown according to some example embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Before describing various example embodiments, the following list of abbreviations is provided for reference:

[0098]

[0099]

[0100] Some example embodiments may relate to NR-based Internet of Things (NR-based IoT or NR-IoT), which is hereinafter referred to as "NR-Light". NR-Light may provide further use cases that New Radio Enhanced Mobile Broadband (NR eMBB), Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communications (URLLC), or Enhanced Machine Type Communications (eMTC) / Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) may not be able to provide.

[0101] NR-Light may support one or more of the following: higher data rates and reliability and lower latency than eMTC and NB-IoT, lower cost / complexity and longer battery life than NR eMBB, and wider coverage than eMBB.

[0102] More specifically, in some example embodiments, NR-Light may address one or more of the following goals and use cases:

[0103] Moderate data rates up to 100 Mbps to support applications such as, but not limited to, real-time video feeds, visual production control, and process automation;

[0104] Moderate latency of approximately 10-30ms to support applications such as, but not limited to, remote drone operations, cooperative agricultural mechanization, time-critical sensing and feedback, and remote vehicle operations;

[0105] Low-complexity devices with module costs comparable to LTE;

[0106] 10-15dB coverage improvement compared to eMBB

[0107] Low power consumption, with battery life 2-4 times longer than eMBB; and

[0108] 30cm-1m positioning accuracy to support but not limited to indoor asset tracking, coordinated vehicle control, and remote monitoring applications.

[0109] UEs supporting eMTC and NB-IoT are currently deployed in LTE spectrum. As TE spectrum is reused for NR, it is expected that legacy devices on the carriers where eMTC and NB-IoT were initially deployed can continue to be supported. To enable this operation, eMTC and / or NB-IoT can be deployed within the NR carrier, such as Figure 1 as shown in .

[0110] Compared to NR-Light, eMTC and NB-IoT may have some expected features, such as very low power consumption and enhanced coverage. In order to take advantage of these features, UEs capable of operating in both modes may be introduced. In some example embodiments, the UE may switch between a narrowband eMTC / NB-IoT carrier or a wideband NR carrier, depending on which technology feature is more important at a given time.

[0111] In Rel-15 of eMTC / NB-IoT, the early data transmission (EDT) feature was introduced. EDT allows data to be sent using a random access procedure. As a result, the UE can quickly send or receive data without connecting to the system and then going back to sleep. However, EDT is limited in how much data can be transmitted. For example, in eMTC / NB-IoT, a maximum of 1000 / 680 bits can be sent using uplink EDT.

[0112] exist Figure 2 A representation of an example method for EDT is shown in FIG. EDT may enable a UE to send a small amount of data in Msg3. In some example embodiments, if the UE has larger data packets, it must use other communication procedures that may have higher overhead and latency than EDT, such as an initial access request, establishing an RRC connection, and subsequent data transmission.

[0113] The eNB may broadcast the maximum transport block size TBS allowed for EDT in a system information block (SIB) (e.g., SIB1-BR / SIB1-NB). When the size of the UE data does not exceed the maximum TBS, the UE may initiate EDT by sending 200 a random access preamble to the eNB using resources reserved for EDT. In response, the eNB may send 202 a random access response indicating the resources allocated for Msg3 transmission. The UE may then send 204 data in Msg3 using an autonomously selected TBS (not exceeding the broadcasted TBS).

[0114] In some example implementations, the data sent at step 204 may include an identifier of the user equipment. The identifier may be configured to cause the network to route the data to a destination before the connection is established. For example, the user equipment may initially perform a connection establishment in order to inform the network of information about the user equipment for EDT data routing, wherein the information may include an identifier of the user equipment. Thereafter, after the network has been configured with at least the identifier of the user equipment, the user equipment may send a data packet together with the identifier, which allows the network to route the data packet to a suitable destination based on the identifier. The routing may be performed without the user equipment performing a full RRC connection establishment. The destination may include, for example, a network node, another device, etc.

[0115] Although Figure 2 The communication process shown in has been standardized for eMTC / NB-IoT, but a similar process has not yet been developed for NR / NR-Light.

[0116] As previously discussed, in order to support IoT and Industry 4.0 deployments, in some cases, UEs supporting NR-Light can have dual-mode capabilities: a first operating mode for NR / NR-Light and a second operating mode for eMTC / NB-IoT. In addition, in some cases, the carrier can also use only one physical base station (i.e., one node acts as both eNB and gNB, requiring the eNB and gNB to be co-located) to deploy using NR with eMTC / NB-IoT in-band and be connected to the 5G core network. Figure 3 As shown in FIG, the eNB and gNB 300 are co-located and communicate with NB-IoT UE 302a, NR UE 302b, and dual-mode NR / NB-IoT UE 302c. The eNB / gNB 300 is also connected to the 5G core network 304.

[0117] Additionally or alternatively, the NR carrier may be deployed in one gNB, while the eMTC / NB-IoT carrier is deployed from another non-co-located eNB.

[0118] For a dual-mode-enabled UE 302c, it may be beneficial to keep the UE in eMTC / NB-IoT idle mode because this mode has very low power consumption. For example, for eMTC / NB-IoT, the battery life may reach 10-15 years for high usage, and more than 35 years for low usage. With mobile originated (MO) data arrival, the UE may use the existing eMTC / NB-IoT EDT process for small data packets. Small data packets may be defined as data packets whose size is below a threshold size. For example, the threshold size may be 1000 bits for eMTC and 680 bits for NB-IoT.

[0119] For larger data packets, it may be beneficial to switch to NR / NR-Light and use the larger available bandwidth to perform NR-EDT compared to LTE-EDT. Otherwise, the UE may have to transition from idle mode to connected mode which will consume a lot of overhead and power consumption. Figure 6 A representation of a method for NR-EDT according to some example embodiments is shown.

[0120] At step 600, the UE may send a random access preamble to the gNB. The random access preamble may include information indicating that the UE has data packets to send to the gNB using early data transmission.

[0121] In step 602, the gNB may send a random access response to the UE. The random access response may include information indicating resources for the UE to perform data transmission of data packets to the gNB.

[0122] In step 604, the UE may send a data packet to the gNB. The data packet may be sent as Msg3.

[0123] Therefore, a method is needed to allow fast switching between eMTC / NB-IoT mode and NR-EDT at the UE.

[0124] As used hereinafter, the eMTC / NB-IoT operation mode is referred to as “LTE mode”, and the NR / NR-Light operation mode is referred to as “NR mode”.

[0125] refer to Figure 4a , which illustrates methods according to some example embodiments.

[0126] At step 400, the method may include determining at least one condition.

[0127] At step 402, the method may include sending data packets to the first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the apparatus and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the apparatus based on the at least one condition.

[0128] refer to Figure 4b , which illustrates methods according to some example embodiments.

[0129] In step 404, the method may include: sending information indicating at least one condition to the device, the at least one condition being configured to cause the device to send data packets using one of a first early data transmission type in the first operating mode and a second early data transmission type in the second operating mode based on the at least one condition.

[0130] At step 406, the method may include sending information indicating network resources to the user equipment for the user equipment to perform data packet transmission to the second access node using one of the first early data transmission type in the first operation mode and the second early data transmission type in the second operation mode.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the first early data transmission type may include an LTE early data transmission type (hereinafter referred to as LTE-EDT), and the first operation mode may include an LTE operation mode. The second early data transmission type may include an NR early data transmission type (hereinafter referred to as NR-EDT), and the second operation mode may include an NR operation mode.

[0132] Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the first early data transmission type may include an NR early data transmission type, and the first operation mode may include an NR operation mode. The second early data transmission type may include an LTE early data transmission type, and the second operation mode may include an LTE operation mode.

[0133] In some example embodiments, the UE may autonomously switch from a first operation mode, such as an LTE operation mode, to a second operation mode, such as an NR operation mode, for data packet transmission when at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition may include a data packet size being greater than a threshold data packet size. The threshold size may be any suitable size, such as, but not limited to, a size defined by the LTE-based EDT maximum packet size previously described.

[0134] In some example embodiments, conditions such as a threshold packet size may be configured at the UE based on signaling received from the eNB and / or gNB. That is, in some example embodiments, the eNB and / or gNB may send information including an indication to the UE to cause the UE to switch between NR mode and LTE mode based on data packet size.

[0135] As an example, the UE may receive information from the eNB and / or gNB indicating that if a data packet has a first size greater than a threshold size, the UE is configured to switch from LTE mode to NR mode for data packet transmission, and if the data packet subsequently has a second size less than the threshold size, the UE is configured to switch back to LTE mode for data packet transmission.

[0136] refer to Figure 5 , which shows a representation of a method according to some example embodiments.

[0137] At step 500, the eNB sends information including an indication of a threshold data packet size for LTE-EDT.

[0138] At step 502, the UE determines whether the size of the data packet to be transmitted is greater than or less than the threshold data packet size.

[0139] In step 504, in response to determining that the size of the data packet to be sent is greater than the threshold, the UE switches the operation mode to the NR / NR-Light mode and performs transmission of the data packet to the gNB.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the UE may send UE capability information for fast switching between NR mode and LTE mode to the network. In turn, the network may send information including an indication enabling switching between NR mode and LTE based on the received UE capability information.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured with NR parameters required to operate in NR mode. The NR parameters may include, for example, SIB1, SSB / PRACH, reserved preambles, NR cells / frequencies / regions (e.g., RNA or registration areas) to which the UE is allowed to switch to perform UL transmissions, and CORESET areas associated with EDT PRACH resources. The NR parameters may be sent to the UE via the eNB (i.e., when the UE is in LTE mode) and / or via the gNB (i.e., when the UE is in NR mode).

[0142] In some example embodiments, the eNB may send information indicating at least two PRACH resource sets to the UE. The information indicating at least two PRACH resource sets may include one or more of a PRACH preamble, timing information, and frequency information for PRACH signaling.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the UE may use a first PRACH resource set for LTE-EDT (e.g., via Figure 2 ), and a second PRACH resource set may be used to request NR-EDT (e.g., by Figure 6 For example, if the UE initially operates in LTE mode, the UE may send a PRACH preamble on the second PRACH resource to request NR-EDT.

[0144] In some example embodiments, any suitable low overhead data transmission procedure may be used during random access in place of EDT. For example, when the UE is in NR mode instead of NR-EDT, a two-step RACH procedure may be used. The eNB may provide information to the UE for implementing the low overhead data transmission procedure.

[0145] When a PRACH preamble is received on the first and / or second PRACH resources, the eNB may send a radio access response (RAR) based on the PRACH resource on which the preamble is received. The RAR may include one or more of a timing advance and a resource allocation for NR-EDT transmission. In other words, the eNB may send information to the UE indicating network resources for data packet transmission to the gNB.

[0146] When the eNB receives a PRACH preamble on the second PRACH resource (i.e., the UE sends a PRACH preamble to the eNB to request NR-EDT), the eNB may provide the UE with information for establishing RACH communication with the gNB for NR-EDT. The information for establishing NR-EDT may include one or more NR bandwidth parts (NR BWPs), each NR BWP including an indication of the time / frequency that the UE should monitor for further information. In some example embodiments, the NR common search space within the NR BWP may indicate the resources (time / frequency) that the UE should monitor for downlink control channel signaling.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the UE may directly access NR uplink resources for NR-EDT based on information received from the eNB in ​​the RAR. In some example embodiments, when the eNB and gNB are co-located, the timing information of the gNB may be synchronized with the eNB. Thus, some example embodiments may not require further network synchronization.

[0148] refer to Figure 7 , which shows a representation of a method according to some example embodiments, wherein the UE sends a PRACH preamble on a second PRACH resource to request NR-EDT.

[0149] At step 700, the eNB sends information indicating one or more PRACH resources for NR-EDT access to the UE.

[0150] In step 702, the UE determines to send a data packet through NR-EDT.

[0151] In step 704, the UE sends a random access preamble to the gNB on one or more PRACH resources indicated by the eNB.

[0152] In step 706, in response to the preamble received in step 704, the gNB sends a random access response to the UE.

[0153] In step 708, the UE sends a data packet to the gNB.

[0154] In some embodiments, if no NR resources are available for NR-EDT access, the eNB may send a RAR including an indication instructing the UE to fall back to the RRC connection establishment procedure.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the RAR received at the UE from the eNB may include information indicating an NR control region. The NR control region may be considered to include information indicating that the UE listens to a PDCCH transmission from the gNB to receive timing information and / or frequency information of the RAR from the gNB. Thus, in some example embodiments, a UE initially in LTE mode may be enabled to switch to NR mode to receive the RAR from the gNB without the UE having to resend a random access request to the gNB while in NR mode.

[0156] refer to Figure 8 , which shows an example method for a UE to receive a RAR from a gNB without having to send a random access preamble to the gNB.

[0157] At step 800, the UE sends a random access preamble to the eNB.

[0158] In step 802, the eNB sends a random access response to the UE. The random access response sent by the eNB includes information indicating PDCCH resources for the UE to use to listen to transmissions from the gNB.

[0159] In step 803, the eNB sends information to the gNB indicating that the gNB is to send a random access response to the UE (e.g., via an X2 interface). Step 803 may be performed before, after, or substantially simultaneously with step 802.

[0160] In step 804, the UE listens to the PDCCH transmission from the gNB.

[0161] In step 806, the gNB sends a random access response using the PDCCH resources indicated by the information included in the random access response sent by the eNB to the UE in step 802.

[0162] In step 808, based on the random access response received from the gNB in ​​step 806, the UE sends data to the gNB.

[0163] In some example embodiments, the information indicating the NR control region may further include one or more conditions defining when the UE should perform NR-EDT. The one or more conditions may include one or more of a data packet size, a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality (RSRP / RSRQ), and a power headroom.

[0164] The conditions may further define thresholds relative to each condition - for example, the conditions may define a data packet size threshold, an RSRP / RSRQ threshold, and a power headroom threshold. The thresholds may be relative to the eNB and / or gNB. That is, for example, the RSRP / RSRQ threshold may be a threshold relative to the eNB or gNB.

[0165] The UE may determine one or more parameters associated with corresponding parameter thresholds (e.g., the UE may compare the data packet size with the data packet size threshold) to determine whether the condition has been met, thereby determining whether to switch to NR-EDT, or whether to remain in LTE mode.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the information indicating the NR control space may further include an assignment of a transmission type (e.g., LTE mode or NR mode). The assigned transmission type may be based on one or more of a type of data being transmitted, a priority of the data being transmitted, and a quality of service (QoS) or a QoS class identifier (QCI). That is, for example, a first transmission type may be assigned for transmission in LTE mode, and a second transmission type may be assigned for transmission in NR mode.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the UE may select a synchronization signal block (SSB). The selected SSB may be selected based on any suitable parameter, such as, but not limited to, the highest received signal power. The UE may then send a random access request including a reserved preamble on the PRACH configuration associated with the selected SSB. The reserved preamble may indicate to the gNB that the UE is requesting NR mode EDT transmission in the random access request.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the network may require the UE to synchronize with the gNB before NR-EDT access. This may be, for example, the case where the eNB and gNB are not co-located and the timing sequence used for the eNB cannot be used for the gNB.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the UE may communicate directly with the gNB in ​​order to establish NR-EDT.

[0170] For example, the UE may send a random access request to the gNB to request NR-EDT. The gNB may determine whether the UE is allowed to perform NR-EDT (e.g., based on system load, radio link conditions, or traffic priority). When the gNB determines that the UE is allowed to perform NR-EDT, the gNB may send a random access response to the UE to indicate that the UE may perform NR-EDT. The random access response sent by the gNB to the UE may include a modulation and coding selection (MCS) and / or a transport block size (TBS).

[0171] After receiving a random access response from the gNB indicating that the UE may perform NR-EDT, the UE may perform NR-EDT. In some example embodiments, after performing NR-EDT, the UE may switch back to LTE mode (e.g., return to or resume an idle or connected mode or state on an LTE carrier). By returning to LTE mode after NR transmission, some example embodiments may reduce power consumption, thereby extending the battery life of the UE.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the eNB may exchange information with the gNB. For example, configurations (such as, but not limited to, PRACH configurations) and parameters (such as, but not limited to, RSRP / RSRQ thresholds) may be exchanged between the eNB and the gNB via an Xn interface. For example, the gNB may provide the eNB with NR carrier configurations, NR-Light EDT parameters, etc.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the eNB and / or gNB may update the corresponding eNB and / or gNB switching configuration based on the exchanged information.

[0174] The above embodiments have been described with reference to the UE switching from LTE mode to NR-EDT. However, in some example embodiments, the UE may switch from LTE mode to NR connected mode.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured via signaling while in NR connected mode. The signaling may be sent from the gNB to the UE. The signaling may include information for configuring the UE to switch to NR connected mode for transmission of a data packet (having a size greater than a threshold size). After sending the data packet via NR connected mode, the UE may switch back to LTE mode.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the switch to NR connected mode may be configured via NR resources or NR-EDT. In some example embodiments, the switch may be configured via control information sent by the eNB.

[0177] In some example embodiments where switching is based on signal conditions such as, but not limited to, RSRP / RSRQ measurements, hysteresis may be applied to prevent the UE from switching between operating modes too frequently. That is, for example, if a first RSRP measurement is below a threshold, indicating that the UE should operate in NR connected mode, the UE may not switch back to LTE mode unless a second RSRP measurement exceeds the threshold by a fixed amount.

[0178] Therefore, some embodiments may provide a method that allows a UE to remain in LTE mode, consuming very little power, while being able to quickly switch to NR mode for EDT or NR connected mode when the UE is required to send a large amount of data. This can reduce latency and power consumption of devices supporting NR mode.

[0179] Furthermore, in some example embodiments, the UE may be able to switch from LTE mode to NR mode almost instantaneously since both operating modes use the same carrier, thereby enabling the UE to maintain synchronization with both LTE and NR using LTE mode signaling.

[0180] Although the foregoing example embodiments have been described with reference to switching from an LTE mode of operation to an NR mode of operation to perform early data transmission, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, a switch may be made from an NR mode of operation to an LTE mode of operation to perform early data transmission.

[0181] Fig. 9 An example of a control device 900 for controlling the functions of an eNB or gNB as previously described is shown. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 911a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 911b, at least one processor 912, 913, and an input / output interface 914. At least one processor 912, 913 may be coupled to the RAM 911a and the ROM 911b. At least one processor 912, 913 may be configured to execute a suitable software code 915. The software code 915 may, for example, allow one or more steps to be performed to perform one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 915 may be stored in the ROM 911b. The control device 900 may be interconnected with another control device 900 that controls another function of the NR network. In some embodiments, each function of the NR network includes a control device 900. In an alternative embodiment, two or more functions of the NR network may share a control device.

[0182] Fig.10An example of a user device or terminal 1000 such as the user device previously described is shown. The terminal 1000 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS) or a mobile device such as a mobile phone or so-called "smart phone", a computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet computer equipped with wireless communication capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) type communication device, or any combination of these or similar devices. The terminal 1000 may, for example, provide data communications for bearer communications. The communications may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text messaging, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0183] The terminal 1000 may receive signals via an appropriate means for receiving radio signals over the air or radio interface 1007, and may send signals via an appropriate means for sending radio signals. Fig.10 In the embodiment of the present invention, the transceiver arrangement is schematically designated by block 1006. The transceiver arrangement 1006 may be provided, for example, by a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0184] The terminal 1000 may be equipped with at least one processor 1001, at least one memory ROM 1002a, at least one RAM 1002b and other possible components 1003 for the software and hardware assisted task execution it is designed to perform, including controlling access systems and other communication devices and communicating with them. At least one processor 1001 is coupled to RAM 1011a and ROM 1011b. At least one processor 1001 may be configured to execute suitable software code 1008. Software code 1008 may, for example, allow execution of one or more aspects of the present invention. Software code 1008 may be stored in ROM 1011b.

[0185] The processor, storage device and other related control means may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference numeral 1004. The device may optionally have a user interface, such as a keyboard 1005, a touch-sensitive screen or keyboard, a combination thereof, etc. Optionally, one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided depending on the type of device.

[0186] Fig.11Schematic representations of non-volatile storage media 1100a (e.g., a computer compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 1100b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 1102 that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more steps of the previously described method.

[0187] It should be noted that embodiments of the present invention may be implemented as circuits, implemented in software, hardware, application logic, or a combination of software, hardware, and application logic. In example embodiments, the application logic, software, or instruction set is maintained on any of a variety of conventional computer-readable media. In the context of this document, a "computer-readable medium" may be any medium or component that contains, stores, communicates, propagates, or transmits instructions for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer or smart phone or user device).

[0188] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" refers to all of the following: (a) hardware circuit implementations only (such as implementations of analog and / or digital circuits only); (b) combinations of circuits and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of processors; or (ii) portions of processors / software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions; and (c) circuits, such as a microprocessor or a portion of a microprocessor, that require software or firmware to operate, even if the software or firmware is not physically present. This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claims). As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" also covers an implementation of only a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuitry" also covers (for example and if applicable to a particular claim element) a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other network device.

[0189] The described features, advantages and characteristics of the present invention may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other cases, additional features and advantages that may not be present in all embodiments of the present invention may be recognized in certain embodiments. Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present invention as discussed above may be practiced with steps in different orders and / or with hardware units of configurations different from the disclosed configurations. Therefore, although the present invention has been described based on these preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations and alternative structures will be apparent while remaining within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform: Identify at least one condition; as well as sending a data packet to a first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first operating mode of the apparatus and a second early data transmission type in a second operating mode of the apparatus based on the at least one condition; wherein the first operation mode comprises one of a long term evolution mode and a new radio mode, and the second operation mode comprises the other of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode; The at least one condition is determined based on at least one of the following: comparing the data packet size to a threshold data packet size; comparing a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality with a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and The power headroom is compared to a threshold power headroom.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The apparatus is further configured to perform: receiving the at least one condition from at least one of the first access node or the second access node.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The apparatus is further configured to perform: receiving, from the second access node, information indicating network resources for data packet transmission to the first access node using the second operation mode.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The first access node includes a gNB, and the second access node includes an eNB.

5. The device according to claim 3, wherein: The information indicative of the network resources comprises information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

6. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The second early data transmission type includes: Sending a random access request to the second access node, where the random access request includes a random access preamble; receiving a random access response from the second access node, wherein the random access response received from the second access node includes information indicating network resources for the apparatus to monitor communications from the first access node; receiving a random access response from the first access node based on the information indicating the network resources included in the random access response received from the second access node; and The data packet is sent to the first access node using early data transmission in the second mode of operation.

7. A method comprising: Identify at least one condition; as well as sending a data packet to the first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first mode of operation and a second early data transmission type in a second mode of operation of the apparatus based on the at least one condition; wherein the first operation mode comprises one of a long term evolution mode and a new radio mode, and the second operation mode comprises the other of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode; The at least one condition is determined based on at least one of the following: comparing the data packet size to a threshold data packet size; comparing a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality with a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and The power headroom is compared to a threshold power headroom.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: The at least one condition is received from at least one of the first access node or the second access node.

9. The method according to claim 8, further comprising: Information indicative of network resources for transmission of data packets to the first access node using the second mode of operation is received from the second access node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The first access node includes a gNB, and the second access node includes an eNB.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein: The information indicative of the network resources comprises information indicative of one or more of a timing advance or a resource allocation.

12. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The second early data transmission type includes: Sending a random access request to the second access node, where the random access request includes a random access preamble; receiving a random access response from the second access node, wherein the random access response received from the second access node includes information indicating network resources for the apparatus to monitor communications from the first access node; receiving a random access response from the first access node based on the information indicating the network resources included in the random access response received from the second access node; and The data packet is sent to the first access node using early data transmission in the second mode of operation.

13. A computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for executing: determining at least one condition; and sending a data packet to the first access node using one of a first early data transmission type in a first mode of operation and a second early data transmission type in a second mode of operation of the apparatus based on the at least one condition; in, The first operation mode comprises one of a long term evolution mode and a new radio mode, and the second operation mode comprises the other of the long term evolution mode and the new radio mode; The at least one condition is determined based on at least one of the following: comparing the data packet size to a threshold data packet size; comparing a reference signal received power / reference signal received quality with a threshold reference signal received power / reference signal received quality; and The power headroom is compared to a threshold power headroom.

14. The computer-readable medium of claim 13, wherein: The computer readable medium is further configured to perform: receiving the at least one condition from at least one of the first access node or the second access node.

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