Reference signal design and configuration

Abstract

A method, a system, and an apparatus related to digital wireless communications, and more specifically, to techniques for controlling activation of a BWP after transitioning between a dormant behavior and a non-dormant behavior. In one example aspect, a method for wireless communication includes transitioning, by a terminal, a serving node from a dormant behavior to a non-dormant behavior. The method further includes activating, by the terminal, a set of resource blocks in response to transitioning the serving node from the dormant behavior to the non-dormant behavior. In another example aspect, a method for wireless communication includes detecting, by a terminal, that a dormancy timer has expired. The method further includes transitioning, by the terminal, a serving node from a non-dormant behavior to a dormant behavior in response to detecting that the dormancy timer has expired.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent document typically relates to wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] Mobile communication technology is driving the world toward an increasingly connected and networked society. The rapid development and technological advancements in mobile communications have created greater demands for capacity and connectivity. Other factors, such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency, are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios. Various technologies, including new ways to provide higher quality of service, are under discussion. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This document discloses methods, systems, and devices related to digital wireless communication, and more specifically, techniques for controlling the activation of a BWP after a transition between sleep and non-sleep behavior.

[0004] In one exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes a terminal switching a serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior. The method further includes activating a resource block set by the terminal in response to switching the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior.

[0005] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes a terminal detecting that a sleep timer configured for a set of serving cells has expired. The method further includes, in response to detecting that the sleep timer has expired, the terminal switching the set of serving cells from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0006] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes a terminal detecting that a sleep timer has expired. The method further includes, in response to detecting that the sleep timer has expired, the terminal switching the serving cell from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0007] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes: receiving an uplink activity configuration message from a network cell by a terminal, the uplink activity configuration message indicating uplink activities that can be performed by a serving cell in dormant behavior. The method further includes: performing any uplink activity identified by the serving cell in the uplink activity configuration message by the terminal in dormant behavior.

[0008] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes: configuring a set of resource blocks for activation by a network cell in response to a terminal switching a serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior. The method further includes: transmitting a resource configuration message from the network cell to the terminal, the resource configuration message indicating a set of resource blocks to be activated by the terminal device in response to the terminal switching the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior.

[0009] In another exemplary aspect, a method for wireless communication includes configuring a sleep timer for a set of serving cells by a network cell. The method further includes sending a first message from the network cell to a terminal, the first message indicating the configured sleep timer for the set of cells.

[0010] In another exemplary aspect, a wireless communication device including a processor is disclosed. The processor is configured to implement the methods described herein.

[0011] In yet another exemplary aspect, the various techniques described herein can be implemented as processor-executable code and stored on a computer-readable program medium.

[0012] Some embodiments may preferably implement the following solutions, written in a clause format.

[0013] 1. A solution for wireless communication, comprising: a terminal switching a serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior; and, in response to switching the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior, the terminal activating a resource block set.

[0014] 2. The solution as described in Clause 1, wherein the resource block set is configured for the default bandwidth portion (BWP) of the terminal.

[0015] 3. The solution as described in Clause 2, wherein when the default BWP is not configured, the resource block set includes the initial BWP.

[0016] 4. The solution as described in Clause 1, wherein the resource block set includes the first active BWP.

[0017] 5. The solution according to Clause 1, wherein the serving cell is switched in response to receiving a resource configuration message from the network cell, the resource configuration message including a radio resource control (RRC) message.

[0018] 6. The solution according to Clause 1, wherein the serving cell is switched in response to receiving a resource configuration message from the network cell, the resource configuration message including a media access control (MAC) message.

[0019] 7. The solution described in Clause 1, wherein the serving cell is switched in response to receiving a resource configuration message from the network cell, the resource configuration message including downlink control information (DCI).

[0020] 8. The solution according to any one of Clauses 5 to 7, wherein the resource configuration message indicates a set of serving cells.

[0021] 9. A solution for wireless communication, comprising: a terminal detecting that a sleep timer configured for a set of serving cells has expired; and in response to detecting that the sleep timer has expired, the terminal switching the set of serving cells from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0022] 10. The solution according to any one of Clauses 5 to 7, wherein the resource configuration message indicates the primary serving cell included in the cell group.

[0023] 11. The solution described in Clause 10 further includes: in response to the expiration of the sleep timer, the terminal switches the primary serving cell and the cells included in the cell group from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0024] 12. A solution for wireless communication, comprising: a terminal detecting that a sleep timer has expired; and in response to detecting that the sleep timer has expired, the terminal switching the serving cell from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0025] 13. The solution described in Clause 12 further includes: the terminal initiating a hibernation timer after the resource block set is switched to the specified BWP.

[0026] 14. The solution described in Clause 12 further includes: restarting the hibernation timer by the terminal after data transmission is performed on the designated BWP.

[0027] 15. The solution according to any one of Clauses 13 and 14 further includes: in response to switching the resource block set to another BWP that does not include the specified BWP, the terminal stops the sleep timer.

[0028] 16. The solution as described in Clause 12, wherein switching from non-dormant behavior to dormant behavior includes switching the resource block set to a dormant BWP.

[0029] 17. A solution pursuant to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein the designated BWP is any one of the following: a default BWP, an initial BWP, and a BWP configured by the network cell.

[0030] 18. A solution for wireless communication, comprising: receiving an uplink activity configuration message from a network cell by a terminal, the uplink activity configuration message indicating uplink activities that can be performed by a serving cell in a dormant state; and performing any uplink activity identified by the serving cell in the uplink activity configuration message by the terminal in a dormant state.

[0031] 19. The solution as described in Clause 18, wherein the uplink activity configuration message includes a bitmap, wherein one bit represents the respective configured uplink activities that can be performed by the serving cell in dormant behavior.

[0032] 20. A solution for wireless communication, comprising: in response to a terminal switching a serving cell from a dormant state to a non-dormant state, configuring a set of resource blocks for the terminal to activate; and transmitting a resource configuration message from the network cell to the terminal, the resource configuration message indicating the set of resource blocks to be activated by the terminal device in response to the terminal switching the serving cell from a dormant state to a non-dormant state.

[0033] 21. The solution described in Clause 20, wherein the resource block set is the default bandwidth portion (BWP) configured by the network cell.

[0034] 22. The solution as described in Clause 21, wherein when the default BWP is not configured by the network cell, the resource block set includes the initial BWP.

[0035] 23. The solution as described in Clause 20, wherein the resource block set includes the first active BWP.

[0036] 24. The solution as described in Clause 20, wherein the resource configuration message includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message.

[0037] 25. The solution described in Clause 20, wherein the resource configuration message includes a Media Access Control (MAC) message.

[0038] 26. The solution described in Clause 20, wherein the resource configuration message includes downlink control information (DCI).

[0039] 27. The solution according to any one of Clauses 24 to 26, wherein the resource configuration message indicates a set of serving cells.

[0040] 28. A solution for wireless communication, comprising: configuring a sleep timer for a set of serving cells by a network cell; and sending a first message from the network cell to a terminal, the first message indicating the configured sleep timer for the set of cells.

[0041] 29. The solution described in Clause 28, wherein the terminal is configured to switch the group of serving cells from non-dormant behavior to dormant behavior in response to the expiration of a dormant timer.

[0042] 30. The solution according to any one of Clauses 24 to 26, wherein the resource configuration message indicates the primary serving cell included in the cell group.

[0043] 31. The solution described in Clause 30, wherein the terminal is configured to switch from non-dormant behavior to dormant behavior of the primary serving cell and cells included in the cell group in response to the expiration of a dormant timer.

[0044] 32. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising a processor configured to execute any one of solutions 1 to 31.

[0045] 33. A non-transient computer-readable medium having code stored thereon that, when executed by a processor, causes the processor to implement the solution of any one of solutions 1 to 31.

[0046] Details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the appendices, drawings, and the following description. Other features will become apparent from the description, drawings, and terms. Attached Figure Description

[0047] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a sample method for switching a BWP to a dormant BWP.

[0048] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an example method for switching a BWP to a specific BWP.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an example method for switching a serving cell to dormant behavior in response to the expiration of an inactivity timer.

[0050] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an example method for switching a serving cell to sleep behavior based on the expiration of a sleep timer.

[0051] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of an example method for converting all serving cells to sleep behavior based on the expiration of a sleep timer.

[0052] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an example method for performing uplink activities on a serving cell that is in a dormant state.

[0053] Figure 7 This is an example method for controlling the activation of BWP after switching from dormant behavior to non-dormant behavior.

[0054] Figure 8 An example of a wireless communication system is shown, in which one or more embodiments of the technology according to the present invention can be applied.

[0055] Figure 9 It is a block diagram representation of a part of a hardware platform. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The section headings used in this document are for ease of understanding only and do not limit the scope of the embodiments to the sections describing the headings. Furthermore, although embodiments are described with reference to 5G examples, the disclosed techniques can be applied to wireless systems that use protocols other than 5G or 3GPP protocols.

[0057] The development of next-generation wireless communication – 5G New Radio (NR) – is part of the ongoing evolution of mobile broadband to meet increasing network demands. NR will provide greater throughput to allow more users to connect simultaneously. Other aspects such as energy consumption, equipment cost, spectrum efficiency, and latency are also important for meeting the needs of various communication scenarios.

[0058] Overview

[0059] In 3GPP NR, a sleep action for the serving cell has been introduced to conserve user equipment (UE) power. Specifically, when the serving cell transitions to sleep behavior, the UE may not need to monitor the channels on the serving cell (e.g., the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)). The UE can also maintain Channel Behavior Information (CSI) measurements of the serving cell to maintain Automatic Gain Control (AGC) and time / frequency synchronization, minimizing the latency of transitioning the serving cell from sleep to active (or non-sleep) behavior.

[0060] In many cases, activating the serving cell's sleep behavior is achieved by the Configuration Bandwidth Part (BWP) without PDCCH configuration. This BWP can be referred to as the serving cell's sleep BWP. When the serving cell's BWP is a sleep BWP, the serving cell can be in sleep mode. Otherwise, the sleep cell can be in active mode. The base station (BS) can switch the serving cell to sleep mode via L1 signaling (i.e., DCI).

[0061] In many cases, the BS can transition multiple serving cells from dormant to active behavior by transmitting a DCI. The DCI may include a bitmap, where each bit represents a serving cell or group of serving cells. Upon receiving the DCI, the UE can transition the corresponding serving cell from dormant to active behavior by performing a BWP handover. Detailed UE behavior related to uplink activity on the serving cell in dormant behavior, where the BWP is activated when transitioning the serving cell from dormant to active behavior, and how autonomous transitions between dormant and active behavior are achieved, may be ambiguous.

[0062] System Overview

[0063] This invention relates to UE behavior that switches between sleeping and non-sleeping behaviors. Specifically, this invention may involve controlling the activation of the BWP after switching from sleeping to non-sleeping behavior.

[0064] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example method 100 for performing a BWP handover to a dormant BWP. The method may include a base station sending an instruction to a terminal to switch the serving cell to dormant behavior (box 102). The method may also include performing a BWP handover to a dormant BWP (box 104).

[0065] The UE can activate the BWP after transitioning from sleep behavior. The BWP can include any of the following: the default BWP, the initial BWP if the default BWP is not configured, the first active BWP, the BWP configured by the BS via RRC / MAC / DCI, and the BWP ID indicated by the BS in the DCI used to transition multiple serving cells from sleep behavior to non-sleep behavior.

[0066] The UE can automatically switch to sleep mode. A sleep BWP timer can be defined for automatic sleep mode switching. The sleep BWP timer can be started when the BWP is switched to a specific BWP. The sleep BWP timer can be started or restarted when data scheduling or data transmission can be performed on the specific BWP. The sleep BWP timer can be stopped when the BWP is switched to a BWP other than the specific BWP. Upon expiration, the UE can switch the serving cell to sleep mode (e.g., switch the BWP to a sleep BWP). A specific BWP can include any of the following: the default BWP, the initial BWP if the default BWP is not configured, and the BWP configured by the BS.

[0067] A cell group sleep timer can be configured by the BS for a group of serving cells. The base station can also configure a cell group sleep timer for a group of serving cells.

[0068] In the first scenario, a cell group sleep timer can be associated with all serving cells in the group. The cell group sleep timer can be started / restarted / stopped based on BWP handover or data scheduling on all cells in the serving cells of the group. When the cell group sleep timer expires, the cells in the cell group can enter sleep mode.

[0069] In the second scenario, a cell group hibernation timer can be associated with the primary serving cell in a group of serving cells. The timer can be started / restarted / stopped based on BWP handover or data scheduling on the primary serving cell. When the cell group hibernation timer expires, all cells in the cell group can enter hibernation mode.

[0070] The BWP inactivity timer can be reused. After the BWP inactivity timer expires, the UE can switch the corresponding serving cell to sleep mode. The BS can indicate whether to switch to sleep mode or default BWP after the BWP inactivity timer expires. Alternatively, if a sleep BWP is configured, the UE can switch the serving cell to sleep mode after the timer expires.

[0071] The BS can determine whether uplink activity is required or permitted on a serving cell that is in dormant behavior. Bits can indicate the respective configured uplink activities (e.g., Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), SRS). One bit can represent each uplink activity.

[0072] Example 1

[0073] Example 1 may involve identifying a BWP to be activated when the serving cell transitions from dormant to non-dormant (or active) behavior.

[0074] When switching the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior, the UE can perform a BWP switch to the default BWP. The UE can perform a BWP switch to the first active downlink BWP. The UE can perform a BWP switch to both the first active downlink BWP and the first active uplink BWP.

[0075] The UE can perform a BWP handover to a BWP configured by the BS. A BWP can be configured to be activated when the serving cell transitions from dormant to non-dormant behavior. A BWP can include either a downlink BWP or an uplink BWP. The BS can configure both downlink and uplink BWPs, and the UE can perform a BWP handover to the configured downlink and uplink BWPs for downlink and uplink transmissions.

[0076] The BS can provide a BWP identifier (ID) in the DCI, which can be used to switch multiple serving cells or groups of serving cells from dormant to non-dormant behavior. The UE can perform a BWP handover, such as using the BWP ID identified by the BWP ID, which is used for the serving cell.

[0077] The default BWP can be identified by the default BWP ID. Similarly, the first active downlink BWP can be identified by the first active downlink BWP ID, and the first active uplink BWP can be identified by the first uplink BWP ID, which is configured by the BS for the serving cell.

[0078] Therefore, the BS can determine when the BWP should be activated when the serving cell transitions from dormant to non-dormant behavior. The BS can then schedule data transmission for the determined BWP.

[0079] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an example method 200 for performing a BWP handover to a specific BWP. The method may include sending an instruction to the terminal to switch the serving cell from dormant behavior to non-dormant behavior (box 202). The method may also include performing a BWP handover to a specific BWP (box 204).

[0080] Example 2

[0081] Example 2 may involve autonomously switching from non-dormant behavior to dormant behavior.

[0082] In many cases, the BS can configure a BWP inactivity timer for the serving cell. The BWP inactivity timer can be started or restarted when the active BWP is switched to a BWP that is not the default BWP in the configured case or a BWP that is not the initial BWP in the case of not configuring a default BWP. The BWP inactivity timer can also be started or restarted when data scheduling or data transmission is performed on the currently active BWP. After the BWP inactivity timer expires, the UE can perform a BWP switchover to the default BWP in the configured case or the initial BWP in the case of not configuring a default BWP.

[0083] The first scenario may involve redefining the BWP inactivity timer. The UE can transition the serving cell to sleep mode when the BWP inactivity timer expires. In some embodiments, the BS can indicate whether sleep mode has been transitioned after the BWP inactivity timer expires via any of the following radio resource control (RRC) messages, media access control (MAC) control element (CE) messages, and DCI messages sent to the UE. The indication from the BS can be associated with the serving cell, a specific cell group, or all serving cells configured for the UE. The UE can apply the indication to a specific serving cell, a serving cell in a specific cell group, or any serving cell configured for the UE.

[0084] In some embodiments, as long as the dormant BWP is configured for the serving cell, the UE can switch to dormant behavior after the BWP inactivity timer expires (i.e., without explicit instruction). Therefore, the BS can redefine UE behavior after both the BWP inactivity timer and additional timers expire to control the autonomous transition to dormant behavior. By switching to dormant behavior after an inactive period, the UE can achieve greater energy savings.

[0085] Figure 3This is a block diagram of an example method 300 for transitioning a serving cell to sleep behavior in response to the expiration of an inactivity timer. The method may include configuring the UE after the BWP inactivity timer expires (block 302). The method may include the BWP inactivity timer expiring (block 304). The method may also include transitioning the serving cell to sleep behavior in response to the expiration of the inactivity timer (block 306).

[0086] The second scenario may involve a sleep timer for the serving cell. The BS can configure a sleep timer configuration for the UE. The sleep timer configuration can be specified for a specific serving cell, a specific cell group, a subset of serving cells in a cell group, or serving cells in a specific frequency range (such as FR1 and FR2), or all serving cells that can be converted to a serving behavior.

[0087] The UE can apply the configuration to the relevant serving cell. For example, for serving cell 1, the BS can configure sleep timer configuration A. In this example, the UE can apply sleep timer configuration A to serving cell 1. For serving cell 2, the BS can configure sleep timer configuration B. In this example, the UE can apply sleep timer configuration B to all serving cells within cell group 2.

[0088] For a serving cell configured via a sleep timer, the sleep timer can be started after the BWP is switched to the specific BWP. In some embodiments, the sleep timer can be started or restarted after data scheduling or data transmission is performed on the specific BWP. The sleep timer can be stopped after the BWP is switched to a BWP that is not the specific BWP. The sleep timer can be stopped after the BWP switches to a sleep BWP based on a signal received from the BS. The sleep BWP timer length can be configured by the BS via any of the following: RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI. In some embodiments, the specific BWP can be the default BWP when it is configured for the serving cell. In other embodiments, the specific BWP can be the initial BWP when the default BWP is not configured for the serving cell. The specific BWP can be configured by the BS via RRC message or MAC CE or DCI.

[0089] In this scenario, the UE can switch the serving cell to sleep mode after a period of inactivity for data scheduling or data transmission of a specific BWP. If the specific BWP is the default BWP in the configured state or the initial BWP in the unconfigured state, then after the inactivity period, the BWP can switch to the default BWP to save UE power. After another inactivity period, the UE can switch the active BWP to a sleep BWP for further UE power saving. When a specific BWP is explicitly configured by the BS via signaling, the BS can control when to start the sleep timer for the BWP. For example, the BS can configure a BWP with high bandwidth as a specific BWP. Therefore, the BWP with high bandwidth can switch to sleep mode for this serving cell after an inactivity period.

[0090] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an example method 400 for transitioning a serving cell to dormant behavior based on a dormant timer expiration. The method may include configuring a dormant timer associated with the serving cell (box 402). The method may also include starting the dormant timer after a BWP is switched to a specific BWP (box 404). The method may also include restarting the dormant timer after data scheduling or data transfer to the specific BWP (box 406). The method may also include transitioning the serving cell to dormant behavior based on the dormant timer expiration (box 408).

[0091] In the third scenario, the sleep timer can be configured for a group of serving cells. The BS can configure the sleep timer configuration to the UE for a group of serving cells. This group of serving cells can be a secondary cell group (SCG), a primary cell group (MCG), a subset of an SCG, a subset of an MCG, a subset of all serving cells configured for the UE, or serving cells belonging to a frequency range (e.g., FR1 or FR2).

[0092] For a group of serving cells configured using a sleep timer, a single sleep timer can be associated with that group of serving cells. The sleep timer can be started or restarted when data scheduling or transmission is performed on any serving cell in that group. The sleep timer can be started when the active BWP of any serving cell belonging to that group is a specific BWP for that serving cell. The sleep timer can be started when the active BWP of all serving cells belonging to that group is a specific BWP for that serving cell. A specific BWP can be the default BWP if configured for a serving cell, or the initial BWP if the default BWP is not configured for a serving cell. A specific BWP can be configured by the BS via RRC messages, MACCE, or DCI. A specific BWP can be any BWP other than the sleep BWP of the serving cell.

[0093] After the sleep timer expires, if a serving cell in the group is not in a sleep or deactivated state, the UE can switch that serving cell to sleep mode. In some embodiments, if each serving cell in the group is not in a sleep or deactivated state, the UE can switch each serving cell to sleep mode.

[0094] The sleep timer can be stopped when all serving cells in the group of serving cells transition to sleep behavior or deactivation. The transition to sleep behavior can be executed based on signals transmitted from the BS, or it can be executed due to the expiration of the sleep timer associated with each serving cell, such as in case 2 described above.

[0095] In some embodiments, a single sleep timer may be associated with a specific serving cell belonging to the group of serving cells. In this embodiment, the specific serving cell may be the primary serving cell in the group of serving cells.

[0096] After the sleep timer expires, if a serving cell in the group is neither in a sleep nor in a deactivated state, the UE can switch that serving cell to sleep mode. In some embodiments, if each serving cell in the group is neither in a sleep nor in a deactivated state, the UE can switch each serving cell to sleep mode.

[0097] The sleep timer can be stopped when all serving cells in the serving cell group transition to sleep or deactivation. The sleep timer can be started after a BWP switches to a specific BWP of the primary serving cell. The sleep timer can be started or restarted after data scheduling or data transmission is performed on the specific BWP of the primary serving cell. In some embodiments, the specific BWP may be the default BWP if configured for a serving cell, or the initial BWP if the default BWP is not configured for a serving cell. The specific BWP can be configured by the BS via an RRC message. The specific BWP can be any BWP other than the sleep BWP of the serving cell. The serving cell group can be an SCG configured for the UE. The primary serving cell may include the PSCell of the SCG. When the sleep timer expires, if the service is neither in a sleep nor deactivation state, the UE can transition all serving cells of the SCG to sleep.

[0098] Figure 5This is a block diagram of an example method 500 for converting all serving cells to dormant behavior based on the expiration of a dormant timer. The method may include configuring a dormant timer for a group of cells (box 502). The dormant timer may be associated with the primary cell or all cells of the cell group. The method may include starting the dormant timer after a BWP is switched to a specific BWP on the associated serving cell (box 504). The method may include restarting the dormant timer during data scheduling or data transfer to the specific BWP on the associated serving cell (box 506). The method may include converting all serving cells to dormant behavior based on the expiration of the dormant timer (box 508).

[0099] Example 3

[0100] Example 3 typically involves uplink behavior configuration. The BS can configure whether to perform certain uplink activities on the serving cell that is in dormant mode. Uplink activities may include any of the following: PUCCH transmission, SRS transmission, configuration grant transmission, PRACH transmission, etc.

[0101] The BS can provide indications to the UE via RRC messages, MAC CE, or DCI. The BS can indicate whether to perform uplink activities for the serving cell in dormant behavior through any of the following: bits in the RRC message, MAC CE, or DCI indicating that all configured uplink activities need to be performed, or one bit corresponding to one uplink activity to indicate that the corresponding uplink activity needs to be performed (e.g., one bit for PUCCH transmission and one bit for SRS transmission).

[0102] Instructions from the BS to the UE can be per serving cell, per cell group, or per UE. When the instruction is per serving cell, it can be associated with a specific serving cell. The UE can apply the instruction to the specific serving cell when that serving cell is in a dormant state. If the instruction is per cell group, it can be associated with a specific cell group. The UE can apply the instruction to each serving cell when every serving cell in that cell group is in a dormant state. If the instruction is per UE, the UE can apply the instruction to each serving cell when every serving cell configured for the UE is in a dormant state.

[0103] When uplink activities are configured to be performed on a serving cell that is in a dormant state, the UE can perform these activities on the active uplink BWP while the serving cell is in a dormant state.

[0104] Therefore, the BS can configure with greater flexibility which uplink activities will be performed on the serving cell in dormant mode. In many cases, all uplink activities of a serving cell in dormant mode may not be allowed, and a serving cell configured with a PUCCH (or a PUCCH serving cell) cannot switch to dormant mode. In this embodiment of the invention, the PUCCH serving cell can switch to dormant mode. Therefore, the UE can achieve greater power saving.

[0105] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an example method 600 for performing uplink activities on a serving cell that is in dormant behavior. The method may include configuring which uplink activities can be performed on a serving cell that is in dormant behavior (block 602). The method may also include performing uplink activities on a serving cell that is in dormant behavior (block 604).

[0106] Figure 7 This is an example method 700 for controlling the activation of a BWP after transitioning from dormant to non-dormant behavior. The method may include transitioning the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior (box 702). The method may also include activating a resource block set in response to transitioning the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior (box 704).

[0107] In some embodiments, the resource block set is the default bandwidth portion (BWP) configured for the terminal. In some embodiments, when the default BWP is not configured, the resource block set includes an initial BWP. In some embodiments, the resource block set includes a first active BWP.

[0108] In some embodiments, the serving cell is switched in response to receiving a resource configuration message from a network cell, the resource configuration message including a radio resource control (RRC) message.

[0109] In some embodiments, the serving cell is switched in response to receiving a resource configuration message from a network cell, the resource configuration message including a media access control (MAC) message. In some embodiments, the serving cell is switched in response to receiving a resource configuration message from a network cell, the resource configuration message including downlink control information (DCI).

[0110] In some embodiments, the resource configuration message indicates a set of serving cells.

[0111] In another embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes a terminal detecting that a sleep timer configured for a set of serving cells has expired. The method further includes, in response to detecting that the sleep timer has expired, the terminal switching the set of serving cells from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0112] In some embodiments, the resource configuration message indicates the primary serving cell included in the cell group.

[0113] In some embodiments, the method includes: in response to the expiration of a sleep timer, the terminal switches the primary serving cell and the cells included in the cell group from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior.

[0114] In another embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes a terminal detecting that a sleep timer has expired. The method further includes, in response to detecting that the sleep timer has expired, the terminal switching the serving cell from non-sleep mode to sleep mode.

[0115] In some embodiments, the method includes: after the resource block set is switched to a specified BWP, the terminal starts a sleep timer.

[0116] In some embodiments, the method includes: after data transmission is performed on a specified BWP, the terminal restarts the sleep timer.

[0117] In some embodiments, the method includes: stopping a sleep timer by the terminal in response to switching a resource block set to another BWP that does not include the specified BWP. In some embodiments, switching from non-sleep behavior to sleep behavior includes switching the resource block set to a sleep BWP.

[0118] In some embodiments, the designated BWP is any of the following: a default BWP, an initial BWP, and a BWP configured by a network cell. In another embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: receiving an uplink activity configuration message from a network cell by a terminal, the uplink activity configuration message indicating uplink activities that can be performed by a serving cell in dormant behavior. The method further includes: performing any uplink activity identified by the serving cell in dormant behavior in the uplink activity configuration message by the terminal.

[0119] In some embodiments, the uplink activity configuration message includes a bitmap, where one bit represents the respective configured uplink activities that can be performed by the serving cell in dormant behavior.

[0120] In another embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes: configuring a set of resource blocks for activation by a network cell in response to a terminal switching a serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior. The method further includes: transmitting a resource configuration message from the network cell to the terminal, the resource configuration message indicating a set of resource blocks to be activated by the terminal device in response to the terminal switching the serving cell from dormant to non-dormant behavior.

[0121] In some embodiments, the resource block set is the default bandwidth portion (BWP) configured by the network cell.

[0122] In some embodiments, when the default BWP is not configured by the network cell, the resource block set includes the initial BWP.

[0123] In some embodiments, the resource block set includes a first active BWP.

[0124] In some embodiments, the resource configuration message includes a radio resource control (RRC) message.

[0125] In some embodiments, resource configuration messages include media access control (MAC) messages.

[0126] In some embodiments, the resource configuration message includes downlink control information (DCI).

[0127] In some embodiments, the resource configuration message indicates a set of serving cells.

[0128] In another embodiment, a method for wireless communication includes configuring a sleep timer for a set of serving cells by a network cell. The method further includes sending a first message from the network cell to a terminal, the first message indicating the configured sleep timer for the set of cells.

[0129] In some embodiments, the terminal is configured to switch the group of serving cells from non-dormant to dormant behavior in response to the expiration of a dormant timer.

[0130] In some embodiments, the resource configuration message indicates the primary serving cell included in the cell group. In some embodiments, the terminal is configured to switch the primary serving cell and the cells included in the cell group from non-dormant behavior to dormant behavior in response to the expiration of a sleep timer. Wireless communication system

[0131] Figure 8 An example of a wireless communication system is illustrated, in which techniques according to one or more embodiments of the present invention can be applied. The wireless communication system 800 can include one or more base stations (BS) 805a, 805b, one or more wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, 810d, and a core network 885. Base stations 805a and 805b can provide wireless services to wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d in one or more wireless areas. In some implementations, base stations 805a and 805b include directional antennas to generate two or more directional beams, thereby providing wireless coverage in different areas.

[0132] The core network 885 is capable of communicating with one or more base stations 805a and 805b. The core network 885 provides connectivity with other wireless and wired communication systems. The core network may include one or more service subscription databases to store information related to subscribed wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d. A first base station 805a is capable of providing wireless services based on a first radio access technology, while a second base station 805b is capable of providing wireless services based on a second radio access technology. Base stations 805a and 805b may be co-located or installed separately in a domain depending on the deployment scenario. Wireless devices 810a, 810b, 810c, and 810d are capable of supporting multiple different radio access technologies. In some embodiments, base stations 805a and 805b may be configured to implement some of the technologies described in this document. Wireless devices 810a to 810d may be configured to implement some of the technologies described in this document.

[0133] In some implementations, wireless communication systems can include multiple networks using different wireless technologies. Dual-mode or multi-mode wireless devices include two or more wireless technologies that can be used to connect to different wireless networks.

[0134] Figure 9 This is a block diagram representation of a portion of the hardware platform. The communication nodes described in this application may include, for example, those related to... Figure 9 The hardware platform described herein. Hardware platform 905, such as a network device, base station, or wireless device (or UE), may include processor electronics 910, such as a microprocessor implementing one or more of the technologies presented in this document. Hardware platform 905 may include transceiver electronics 915 that transmits and / or receives wired or wireless signals via one or more communication interfaces, such as antenna 920 or a wired interface. Hardware platform 905 may implement other communication interfaces using defined protocols for transmitting and receiving data. Hardware platform 905 may include one or more memories (not explicitly shown) configured to store information (such as data and / or instructions). In some implementations, processor electronics 910 may include at least a portion of transceiver electronics 915. In some embodiments, hardware platform 905 is used to implement at least some of the disclosed technologies, modules or functions, and network nodes.

[0135] In summary, it will be understood that specific embodiments of the technology disclosed herein have been described for illustrative purposes, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Therefore, the technology disclosed herein is not limited except by the appended claims.

[0136] The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments, the modules and functional operations described in this document, can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems or in computer software, firmware, or hardware, including the structures disclosed in this document and their structural equivalents, or combinations thereof. The disclosed embodiments and other embodiments can be implemented as one or more computer program products, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium for use by a data processing apparatus to perform or control the operation of the data processing apparatus. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, a component affecting machine-readable propagation signals, or a combination thereof. The term "data processing apparatus" includes all means, devices, and machines for processing data, including, by example, a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, the apparatus can include code that creates an implementation environment for the computer program in question, such as code constituting processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination thereof. Propagation signals are artificially generated signals, such as machine-generated electrical signals, optical signals, or electromagnetic signals, which are generated to encode information for transmission to a suitable receiver device.

[0137] A computer program (also known as a program, software, software application, script, or code) can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for a computing environment. A computer program does not necessarily correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored as part of a file that holds other programs or data (e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document), as a single file dedicated to the program in question, or as multiple coordinated files (e.g., a file storing portions of one or more modules, subroutines, or code). A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one or more computers located at a single site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0138] The processes and logic flows described in this document can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be executed by dedicated logic circuit systems, and the devices can be implemented as dedicated logic circuit systems, such as FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits).

[0139] By way of example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose microprocessors and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors in any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic components of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, by way of example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory can be supplemented by or incorporated into special-purpose logic circuitry systems.

[0140] Although this patent document contains numerous details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope or claimable content of any invention, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of a particular invention. Some features described in this patent document in the context of individual embodiments can also be implemented in combinations of individual embodiments. Conversely, various features described in the context of individual embodiments can also be implemented individually in multiple embodiments or in any suitable sub-combinations. Furthermore, although features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even thus initially claimed, one or more features from a claimed combination can be removed from the combination in some cases, and the claimed combination can lead to sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0141] Similarly, when operations are depicted in a specific order in the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific or sequential order shown, or to perform all illustrated operations to achieve the desired result. Furthermore, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described in this patent document should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments.

[0142] Only a few implementations and examples are described, and other implementations, improvements and variations are possible based on what is described and illustrated in this patent document.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, by a terminal from a network cell, an uplink activity configuration message, the uplink activity configuration message including an indication, the indication indicating uplink activities that can be performed by a serving cell in a dormancy behavior, the indication being per serving cell, per cell group, or per the terminal, the indication indicating, by a bit, the uplink activities that can be performed by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior; and performing, by the terminal, any uplink activities identified in the uplink activity configuration message by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink activities include physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions, sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions, configured grant transmissions, or physical random access channel (PRACH) transmissions.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the uplink activity configuration message is a radio resource control (RRC) message, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) message, or downlink control information (DCI).

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates that all uplink activities are to be performed by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication indicates one bit, the one bit indicating one corresponding uplink activity of the uplink activities that can be performed by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior.

6. A method for wireless communication, comprising: sending, by a base station to a terminal, an uplink activity configuration message, the uplink activity configuration message including an indication, the indication indicating uplink activities that can be performed by a serving cell in a dormancy behavior, the indication being per serving cell, per cell group, or per the terminal, the indication indicating, by a bit, the uplink activities that can be performed by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior, wherein the uplink activity configuration message causes the terminal to perform uplink activities identified in the uplink activity configuration message by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the uplink activities include physical uplink control channel (PUCCH) transmissions, sounding reference signal (SRS) transmissions, configured grant transmissions, or physical random access channel (PRACH) transmissions.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the uplink activity configuration message is a radio resource control (RRC) message, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) message, or downlink control information (DCI).

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication indicates that all uplink activities are to be performed by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior.

10. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication indicates one bit, the one bit indicating one corresponding uplink activity of the uplink activities that can be performed by the serving cell in the dormancy behavior.

11. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising at least one processor configured to perform the method of any of methods 1-10.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having code stored thereon, the code, when executed by at least one processor, causing the at least one processor to implement the method of any of methods 1-10.

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