Aligning DRX Cycles Using System-Level Configuration

Abstract

In a particular implementation, a method of wireless communication includes: sending, from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, a radio resource control (RRC) request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The method further includes: receiving, at the first UE from the second UE, an RRC establishment message including a second DRX preference at the second UE. The method further includes: sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment complete message including an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the following applications: U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 147,223, filed on January 12, 2021, titled "ALIGNING DRX CYCLES USING SYSTEM LEVEL CONFIGURATION"; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 961,628, filed on January 15, 2020, titled "ALIGNING DRX CYCLES USING SYSTEM LEVEL CONFIGURATION", the entire contents of both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Broadly speaking, aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communication systems, and more particularly, to wireless communication systems that implement discontinuous reception. Certain aspects of the techniques discussed below can implement and prescribe the alignment of discontinuous reception cycles to reduce power consumption at a user equipment (UE) and manage congestion in a wireless network. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication networks are widely deployed to provide various communication services such as voice, video, packet data, messaging, broadcasting, and so on. These wireless networks can be multi - access networks capable of supporting multiple users by sharing available network resources. Such networks (which are typically multi - access networks) support communication for multiple users by sharing available network resources.

[0005] A wireless communication network can include multiple base stations or Node Bs capable of supporting communication for multiple user equipments (UEs). The UEs can communicate with the base stations via a downlink and an uplink. The downlink (or forward link) refers to the communication link from the base station to the UE, and the uplink (or reverse link) refers to the communication link from the UE to the base station.

[0006] The base station can send data and control information to the UE on the downlink, and / or receive data and control information from the UE on the uplink. On the downlink, transmissions from the base station may encounter interference due to transmissions from neighboring base stations or transmissions from other radio frequency (RF) transmitters. On the uplink, transmissions from the UE may encounter interference from uplink transmissions of other UEs communicating with neighboring base stations or other radio RF transmitters. Such interference can degrade the performance on both the downlink and the uplink.

[0007] As the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase, and as more UEs access long-range wireless communication networks and more short-range wireless is deployed in a community, the likelihood of interfering with and congesting the network increases. Research and development continue to advance wireless technologies to not only meet the growing demand for mobile broadband access, but also enhance and improve the user experience of mobile communications. SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0008] Some aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below to provide a basic understanding of the technologies discussed. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of all the expected features of the present disclosure, and is neither intended to identify key or important elements of all aspects of the present disclosure, nor to describe the scope of any or all aspects of the present disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of the present disclosure in a generalized form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0009] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: sending, from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, a radio resource control (RRC) request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The method further includes: receiving, at the first UE from the second UE, an RRC establishment message including a second DRX preference at the second UE. The method further includes: sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment complete message including an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle.

[0010] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: initiate transmission of an RRC request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at a first UE from the first UE to a second UE. The at least one processor is further configured to: receive, at the first UE from the second UE, an RRC establishment message including a second DRX preference at the second UE. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate transmission of an RRC establishment complete message including an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle from the first UE to the second UE.

[0011] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: means for sending, from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, an RRC request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The device further includes: means for receiving, at the first UE from the second UE, an RRC establishment message including a second DRX preference at the second UE. The device further includes: means for sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment complete message including an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle.

[0012] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: initiating a transmission of a radio resource control (RRC) request from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the RRC request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The operations further include: receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including a second DRX preference at the second UE. The operations further include: initiating a transmission of an RRC establishment complete message from the first UE to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle.

[0013] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: sending a radio resource control (RRC) request from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the RRC request including an indication of an intention to perform discontinuous reception (DRX) at the first UE. The method further includes: receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including an indication of acceptance of DRX. The method further includes: sending an RRC establishment complete message from the first UE to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX.

[0014] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: initiate a transmission of a radio resource control (RRC) request from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the RRC request including an indication of an intention to perform discontinuous reception (DRX) at the first UE. The at least one processor is further configured to: receive, at the first UE, an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including an indication of acceptance of DRX. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate a transmission of an RRC establishment complete message from the first UE to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX.

[0015] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: means for sending a radio resource control (RRC) request from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the RRC request including an indication of an intention to perform discontinuous reception (DRX) at the first UE. The device further includes: means for receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including an indication of acceptance of DRX. The device further includes: means for sending an RRC establishment complete message from the first UE to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX.

[0016] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: initiating transmission of a radio resource control (RRC) request from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the RRC request including an indication of an intention to perform discontinuous reception (DRX) at the first UE. The operations further include: receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including an indication of acceptance of DRX. The operations further include: initiating transmission of an RRC establishment complete message from the first UE to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX.

[0017] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: receiving, at a second user equipment (UE), a first radio resource control (RRC) request from a first UE, the first RRC request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The method includes: receiving, at the second UE, a second RRC request from a third UE, the second RRC request including a second DRX preference at the third UE. The method further includes: sending, from the second UE to the first UE, a first RRC establishment message including a third DRX preference at the second UE. The third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the second DRX preference. The method further includes: sending, from the second UE to the third UE, a second RRC establishment message including the third DRX preference.

[0018] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: receive, at a second user equipment (UE), a first radio resource control (RRC) request from a first UE, the first RRC request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The at least one processor is configured to: receive, at the second UE, a second RRC request from a third UE, the second RRC request including a second DRX preference at the third UE. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate transmission of a first RRC establishment message including a third DRX preference at the second UE from the second UE to the first UE. The third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the second DRX preference. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate transmission of a second RRC establishment message including the third DRX preference from the second UE to the third UE.

[0019] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: a unit for receiving, at a second user equipment (UE), from a first UE, a first radio resource control (RRC) request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The device includes: a unit for receiving, at the second UE, from a third UE, a second RRC request including a second DRX preference at the third UE. The device further includes: a unit for transmitting, from the second UE to the first UE, a first RRC establishment message including a third DRX preference at the second UE. The third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the second DRX preference. The device further includes: a unit for transmitting, from the second UE to the third UE, a second RRC establishment message including the third DRX preference.

[0020] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: receiving, at a second user equipment (UE), from a first UE, a first radio resource control (RRC) request including a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first UE. The operations include: receiving, at the second UE, from a third UE, a second RRC request including a second DRX preference at the third UE. The operations further include: initiating a transmission of a first RRC establishment message including a third DRX preference at the second UE from the second UE to the first UE. The third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the second DRX preference. The operations further include: initiating a transmission of a second RRC establishment message including the third DRX preference from the second UE to the third UE.

[0021] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: associating, at a first user equipment (UE), with a first UE group. The first UE group corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The method further includes: associating, at the first UE, with a second UE group. The second UE group corresponds to a second DRX cycle. The method further includes: performing one or more communications at the first UE according to a third DRX cycle. The third DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle.

[0022] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: associate with a first group of user equipment (UEs) at a first UE. The first group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: associate with a second group of UEs at the first UE. The second group of UEs corresponds to a second DRX cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate execution of one or more communications at the first UE according to a third DRX cycle. The third DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle.

[0023] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: a unit for associating with a first group of user equipment (UEs) at a first UE. The first group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The device further includes: a unit for associating with a second group of UEs at the first UE. The second group of UEs corresponds to a second DRX cycle. The device further includes: a unit for executing one or more communications at the first UE according to a third DRX cycle. The third DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle.

[0024] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: associating with a first group of user equipment (UEs) at a first UE. The first group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The operations further include: associating with a second group of UEs at the first UE. The second group of UEs corresponds to a second DRX cycle. The operations further include: initiating execution of one or more communications at the first UE according to a third DRX cycle. The third DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle.

[0025] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: associating with a group of UEs at a first user equipment (UE). The group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The method further includes: associating with a subgroup of the group of UEs at the first UE. The subgroup corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle. The method further includes: sending a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle from the first UE to each UE in the subgroup.

[0026] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: associate with a UE group at a first user equipment (UE). The UE group corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: associate with a subgroup of the UE group at the first UE. The subgroup corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate transmission of a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle from the first UE to each UE in the subgroup.

[0027] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: a unit for associating with a UE group at a first user equipment (UE). The UE group corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The device further includes: a unit for associating with a subgroup of the UE group at the first UE. The subgroup corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle. The device further includes: a unit for sending a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle from the first UE to each UE in the subgroup.

[0028] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: associating with a UE group at a first user equipment (UE). The UE group corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The operations further include: associating with a subgroup of the UE group at the first UE. The subgroup corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle. The operations further include: initiating transmission of a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle from the first UE to each UE in the subgroup.

[0029] In further aspects of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: associating with a first UE group at a first user equipment (UE) of a wireless network. The first UE group corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The method further includes: associating with a second UE group at the first UE. The second UE group corresponds to a second DRX cycle. A broadcast message within the wireless network corresponds to a third DRX cycle. The method further includes: performing one or more communications at the first UE according to a fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle.

[0030] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: associate with a first group of user equipment (UEs) at a first UE of a wireless network. The first group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: associate with a second group of UEs at the first UE. The second group of UEs corresponds to a second DRX cycle. A broadcast message within the wireless network corresponds to a third DRX cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate the execution of one or more communications at the first UE according to a fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle.

[0031] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: a unit for associating with a first group of user equipment (UEs) at a first UE of a wireless network. The first group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The device further includes: a unit for associating with a second group of UEs at the first UE. The second group of UEs corresponds to a second DRX cycle. A broadcast message within the wireless network corresponds to a third DRX cycle. The device further includes: a unit for executing one or more communications at the first UE according to a fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle.

[0032] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: associating with a first group of user equipment (UEs) at a first UE of a wireless network. The first group of UEs corresponds to a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle. The operations further include: associating with a second group of UEs at the first UE. The second group of UEs corresponds to a second DRX cycle. A broadcast message within the wireless network corresponds to a third DRX cycle. The operations further include: initiating the execution of one or more communications at the first UE according to a fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle.

[0033] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a method of wireless communication includes: associating with a base station at a first user equipment (UE). The base station assigns a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to the first UE. The method includes: receiving, at the first UE, a radio resource control (RRC) request from a second UE that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE. The method further includes: sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment message that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. The method further includes: receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment complete message from the second UE that includes an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle. The acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle.

[0034] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes at least one processor and a memory coupled to the at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to: associate with a base station at a first user equipment (UE). The base station assigns a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to the first UE. The at least one processor is configured to: receive, at the first UE, a radio resource control (RRC) request from a second UE that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE. The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate transmission of an RRC establishment message from the first UE to the second UE that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. The at least one processor is further configured to: receive, at the first UE, an RRC establishment complete message from the second UE that includes an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle. The acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle.

[0035] In an additional aspect of the present disclosure, a device configured for wireless communication is disclosed. The device includes: a unit for associating with a base station at a first user equipment (UE). The base station assigns a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to the first UE. The device includes: a unit for receiving, at the first UE, a radio resource control (RRC) request from a second UE that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE. The device further includes: a unit for sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment message that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. The device further includes: a unit for receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment complete message from the second UE that includes an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle. The acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle.

[0036] In additional aspects of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations include: associating with a base station at a first user equipment (UE). The base station assigns a first discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to the first UE. The operations include: receiving, at the first UE, a radio resource control (RRC) request from a second UE that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE. The operations further include: initiating transmission of an RRC establishment message from the first UE to the second UE that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. The operations further include: receiving, at the first UE, an RRC establishment complete message from the second UE that includes an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle. The acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle.

[0037] After reviewing the following description of specific exemplary aspects in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other aspects, features, and aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art. While the features are discussed with respect to certain aspects and drawings below, some aspects may include one or more of the advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more aspects may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used in accordance with these various aspects. In a similar manner, while the exemplary aspects may be discussed below as device, system, or method aspects, the exemplary aspects may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure can be obtained by reference to the following drawings. In the drawings, like components or features may have the same reference numerals. Additionally, each of the same type of components may be distinguished by following the reference numeral with a dashed line and a second numeral used to distinguish similar components. If only the first reference numeral is used in the specification, the description may apply to any one of the similar components having the same first reference numeral, regardless of the second reference numeral.

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 2 is a block diagram conceptually showing a design of a base station and a UE configured in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align discontinuous reception (DRX) cycles between two user equipments (UEs).

[0042] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles between two UEs.

[0043] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles between three UEs.

[0044] Figure 6 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles for UEs in multiple groups.

[0045] Figure 7 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles between a group of UEs and a subgroup of UEs.

[0046] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles between UEs in a wireless network.

[0047] Figure 9 is a block diagram showing details of a wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles between a base station and a UE.

[0048] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing an example block of a method for determining DRX cycles between two UEs according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing an example block of a method for determining DRX cycles between two UEs based on system-wide parameters according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0050] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing an example block of a method for aligning DRX cycles between multiple UEs according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing an example block of a method for determining DRX cycles based on UE groups according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0052] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing an example block of a method for aligning the DRX cycle of a subgroup of UEs with the DRX cycle of a group of UEs according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0053] Figure 15 is a block diagram showing an example block of a method for determining DRX cycles in a wireless network according to some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0054] Figure 16FIG. 0 is a block diagram illustrating example blocks of a method for determining a DRX cycle between a base station and a UE in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure.

[0055] Figure 17 FIG. 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating a design of a UE in accordance with some aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Rather, the detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the subject matter of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in every instance and in some instances, for clarity of presentation, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form.

[0057] The present disclosure generally relates to providing or participating in communication between two or more wireless devices in one or more wireless communication systems (also referred to as wireless communication networks). In various aspects, the techniques and apparatus may be used in wireless communication networks such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) networks, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) networks, Orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA) networks, Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA) networks, Long Term Evolution (LTE) networks, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) networks, Fifth Generation (5G) or New Radio (NR) networks (sometimes referred to as “5G NR” networks / systems / devices) and other communication networks. As used herein, the terms “network” and “system” may be used interchangeably.

[0058] For example, a CDMA network may implement radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA), cdma2000, etc. UTRA includes Wideband CDMA (WCDMA) and Low Chip Rate (LCR). Cdma2000 covers the IS-2000, IS-95 and IS-856 standards.

[0059] A TDMA network can implement radio technologies such as, for example, GSM. 3GPP has defined standards for the GSM EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution) Radio Access Network (RAN) (also known as GERAN). GERAN is the radio component of GSM / EDGE, and the network that connects base stations (e.g., Ater and Abis interfaces) and base station controllers (A interface, etc.). The radio access network represents a component of the GSM network through which telephone calls and packet data are routed between the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and the Internet and the user's handheld device (also known as the user terminal or user equipment (UE)). The network of a mobile phone operator can include one or more GERANs, and in the case of a UMTS / GSM network, one or more GERANs can be coupled to the Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN). The operator network can also include one or more LTE networks and / or one or more other networks, or a combination thereof. Various different network types can use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and Radio Access Networks (RANs).

[0060] An OFDMA network can implement radio technologies such as evolved UTRA (E-UTRA), IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, IEEE 802.20, Flash-OFDM, etc. UTRA, E-UTRA, and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) are part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). In particular, Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a version of UMTS that employs E-UTRA. UTRA, E-UTRA, GSM, UMTS, and LTE are described in documents provided by an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project" (3GPP), and CDMA2000 is described in documents from an organization called the "3rd Generation Partnership Project 2" (3GPP2). These various radio technologies and standards are known or are under development. For example, the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) is a collaboration between telecommunication union groups aimed at defining globally applicable third-generation (3G) mobile phone specifications. 3GPP Long-Term Evolution (LTE) is a 3GPP project aimed at improving the mobile phone standards of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). 3GPP can define specifications for next-generation mobile networks, mobile systems, and mobile devices. This disclosure relates to the evolution of wireless technologies from LTE, 4G, 5G, NR, and beyond, where access to the wireless spectrum is shared between networks using a new and different set of radio access technologies or radio air interfaces.

[0061] 5G networks consider various deployments, various spectrums, and various services and devices that can be implemented using a unified OFDM-based air interface. To achieve these goals, in addition to developing new radio technologies for 5G NR networks, further enhancements to LTE and LTE-A are also considered. 5G NR will be able to scale to: (1) provide coverage for massive Internet of Things (IoT) with ultra-high density (e.g., ~1M nodes / km 2 ), ultra-low complexity (e.g., ~10s of bits / second), ultra-low energy (e.g., battery life of about 10 years or more), and deep coverage with the ability to reach challenging locations; (2) include mission-critical control with strong security for protecting sensitive personal, financial, or confidential information, ultra-high reliability (e.g., ~99.9999% reliability), ultra-low latency (e.g., ~1ms), and users with a wide range of mobility or lack of mobility; and (3) have enhanced mobile broadband, which includes extremely high capacity (e.g., ~10 Tbps / km 2 ), extreme data rates (e.g., multi-Gbps rates, user experience rates above 100 Mbps), and improved discovery and optimized depth perception.

[0062] 5G NR devices, networks, and systems can be implemented to use an optimized OFDM-based waveform. These features can include: scalable numerology and transmission time interval (TTI); a general flexible architecture for efficiently multiplexing services and features using dynamic, low-latency time-division duplex (TDD) / frequency-division duplex (FDD) design schemes; and improved radio technologies such as massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO), robust millimeter-wave (mmWave) transmission, advanced channel coding, and device-centric mobility. The scalability of numerology in 5G NR, along with the scaling of subcarrier spacing, can efficiently address the operation of diverse services across different spectrums and different deployments. For example, in various outdoor and macro-coverage deployments with FDD / TDD implementations below 3 GHz, such as on bandwidths of 1, 5, 10, 20 MHz, etc., the subcarrier spacing can occur at 15 kHz. For other various outdoor and small-cell coverage deployments with TDD above 3 GHz, the subcarrier spacing can occur at 30 kHz on 80 / 100 MHz bandwidths. For other various indoor broadband implementations using TDD in the unlicensed portion of the 5 GHz band, the subcarrier spacing can occur at 60 kHz on 160 MHz bandwidths. Finally, for various deployments using mmWave components for transmission with TDD at 28 GHz, the subcarrier spacing can occur at 120 kHz on 500 MHz bandwidths.

[0063] The scalable numerology of 5G NR enables scalable TTIs for various latency and Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. For example, shorter TTIs can be used for low latency and high reliability, while longer TTIs can be used for higher spectral efficiency. The efficient multiplexing of long and short TTIs allows transmissions to start at symbol boundaries. 5G NR also considers a self - contained integrated sub - frame design where the uplink / downlink scheduling information, data, and acknowledgments are present in the same sub - frame. The self - contained integrated sub - frame supports communication in unlicensed or contention - based shared spectrum, and adaptive uplink / downlink, which can be flexibly configured on a per - cell basis to dynamically switch between uplink and downlink to meet current traffic demands.

[0064] For clarity, certain aspects of the apparatus and techniques are described below with reference to an exemplary LTE implementation or an LTE - centric approach, and LTE terminology may be used as illustrative examples in parts of the following description; however, the description is not intended to be limited to LTE applications. In fact, the present disclosure relates to shared access to the wireless spectrum between networks using different radio access technologies or radio air interfaces, such as those of 5G NR.

[0065] Furthermore, it should be understood that in operation, a wireless communication network adapted according to the concepts herein can operate using any combination of licensed or unlicensed spectrum depending on load and availability. Thus, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can be applied to other communication systems and applications in addition to the specific examples provided.

[0066] While aspects and implementations are described in this application by way of illustration of some examples, those skilled in the art will appreciate that additional implementations and use cases can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, packaging arrangements. For example, the implementation and / or use can be realized via integrated chip implementations and / or other non-module component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial devices, retail / purchase devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). Although some examples may or may not be specifically targeted at a use case or application, a wide variety of applicability of the described innovations may arise. The scope of implementations can range from chip-level or modular components to non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems that incorporate one or more of the described aspects. In some practical settings, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described implementations. It is expected that the innovations described herein can be practiced in a wide variety of implementations having different sizes, shapes, and configurations, including large / small devices, chip-level components, multi-component systems (e.g., RF chains, communication interfaces, processors), distributed arrangements, end-user devices, etc.

[0067] Figure 1 FIG. 100 shows a wireless network that communicates according to some aspects. The wireless network 100 may include, for example, a 5G wireless network. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, Figure 1 components that appear in may have relevant counterparts in other network arrangements, which include, for example, cellular network arrangements and non-cellular network arrangements (e.g., device-to-device or peer-to-peer or ad-hoc network arrangements, etc.).

[0068] Figure 1 The wireless network 100 shown in FIG. 100 includes a plurality of base stations 105 and other network entities. A base station can be a station that communicates with a UE and can also be referred to as an evolved Node B (eNB), a next-generation eNB (gNB), an access point, etc. Each base station 105 can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area. In 3GPP, depending on the context in which the term "cell" is used, the term "cell" can refer to the specific geographical coverage area of the base station and / or the base station subsystem that serves that coverage area.

[0069] In the implementation of the wireless network 100 herein, the base station 105 may be associated with the same operator or different operators (e.g., the wireless network 100 may include multiple operator wireless networks), and may use one or more frequency bands of the same frequency as the adjacent cells (e.g., one or more frequency bands in licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or a combination thereof) to provide wireless communication. In some examples, a separate base station 105 or UE 115 may be operated by more than one network operation entity. In other examples, each base station 105 and UE 115 may be operated by a single network operation entity.

[0070] The base station may provide communication coverage for macro cells or small cells (such as pico cells or femto cells) and / or other types of cells. A macro cell typically covers a relatively large geographical area (e.g., with a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs having a service subscription with the network provider. A small cell such as a pico cell typically covers a relatively small geographical area and allows unrestricted access by UEs having a service subscription with the network provider. A small cell such as a femto cell typically covers a relatively small geographical area (e.g., a residence), and in addition to unrestricted access, may also provide restricted access to UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG), UEs for users in a home, etc.). The base station for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro base station. The base station for a small cell may be referred to as a small cell base station, pico base station, femto base station, or home base station. In Figure 1 the example shown, base stations 105d and 105e are conventional macro base stations, while base stations 105a - 105c are macro base stations implementing one of 3 - dimensional (3D) MIMO, full - dimensional (FD) MIMO, or massive MIMO. Base stations 105a - 105c utilize their higher - dimensional MIMO capabilities to increase coverage and capacity by using 3D beamforming in elevation and azimuth beamforming. Base station 105f is a small cell base station, which may be a home node or a portable access point. A base station may support one or more (e.g., two, three, four, etc.) cells.

[0071] The wireless network 100 may support synchronous or asynchronous operation. For synchronous operation, the base stations may have similar frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations may be approximately aligned in time. For asynchronous operation, the base stations may have different frame timings, and transmissions from different base stations may not be aligned in time. In some scenarios, the network may be enabled or configured to handle dynamic switching between synchronous and asynchronous operations.

[0072] UE 115s are dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE can be stationary or mobile. It should be understood that although mobile devices are commonly referred to as user equipment (UE) in the standards and specifications promulgated by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such devices can also be referred to by those skilled in the art as mobile stations (MS), user stations, mobile units, user units, radio units, remote units, mobile devices, wireless devices, wireless communication devices, remote devices, mobile user stations, access terminals (AT), mobile terminals, wireless terminals, remote terminals, handheld devices, terminals, user agents, mobile clients, clients, or some other suitable term. In this document, a "mobile" device or UE does not necessarily need to have the ability to move and can be stationary. Some non-limiting examples of mobile devices, such as implementations that may include one or more of the UEs 115 in UE 115, include mobile stations, cellular (cell) phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, wireless local loop (WLL) stations, laptop computers, personal computers (PCs), notebooks, netbooks, smartbooks, tablet devices, and personal digital assistants (PDAs). Mobile devices can also be "Internet of Things" (IoT) or "Internet of Everything" (IoE) devices, such as cars or other transportation vehicles, satellite radio units, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, logistics controllers, drones, multi-rotor helicopters, quad-rotor helicopters, smart energy or security devices, solar panels or solar arrays, municipal lighting, water, or other infrastructure; industrial automation and enterprise equipment; consumer and wearable devices, such as glasses, wearable cameras, smartwatches, health or fitness trackers, mammalian implantable devices, gesture tracking devices, medical devices, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, etc.; and digital home or smart home devices, such as home audio, video, and multimedia devices, appliances, sensors, vending machines, smart lighting, home security systems, smart meters, etc. In one aspect, a UE can be a device that includes a Universal Integrated Circuit Card (UICC). In another aspect, a UE can be a device that does not include a UICC. In some aspects, a UE that does not include a UICC can also be referred to as an IoE device. UEs 115a - 115d are examples of mobile smartphone-type devices that access the wireless network 100. A UE can also be a machine specifically configured for connected communication, including Machine-Type Communication (MTC), Enhanced MTC (eMTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), etc. Figure 1 The UEs 115e - 115k shown in are examples of various machines configured for communication that access the wireless network 100.

[0073] A mobile device such as UE 115 can communicate with any type of base station, whether it is a macro base station, a pico base station, a femto base station, a repeater, etc. In Figure 1 it, lightning (e.g., a communication link) indicates a wireless transmission between the UE and the serving base station (which is the base station designated to serve the UE on the downlink and / or uplink), or a desired transmission between base stations and a backhaul transmission between base stations. Backhaul communication between the base stations of the wireless network 100 can occur using wired and / or wireless communication links.

[0074] When operating in the wireless network 100, the base stations 105a - 105c use 3D beamforming and collaborative spatial techniques such as coordinated multipoint (CoMP) or multi - connection to serve UE 115 - a and UE 115 - b. The macro base station 105d performs backhaul communication with the base stations 105a - 105c and the small cell base station 105f. The macro base station 105d also transmits multicast services subscribed to and received by UE 115c and 115d. Such multicast services can include mobile TV or streaming video, or can include other services for providing community information, such as weather emergencies or alerts, such as Amber alerts or Gray alerts.

[0075] The wireless network 100 of the embodiment utilizes ultra - reliable and redundant links for mission - critical devices such as UE 115e, which is a drone, to support mission - critical communication. The redundant communication links with UE 115e include communication links from the macro base stations 105d and 105e, and the small cell base station 105f. Other machine - type devices such as UE 115f (a thermometer), UE 115g (a smart meter), and UE 115h (a wearable device) can communicate directly with base stations (such as the small cell base station 105f and the macro base station 105e) through the wireless network 100, or communicate with base stations in a multi - hop configuration by relaying their information to another user device that relays it to the network. For example, UE 115f transmits temperature measurement information to the smart meter UE115g, and the temperature measurement information is then reported to the network through the small cell base station 105f. In a vehicle - to - vehicle (V2V) mesh network between UEs 115i - 115k communicating with the macro base station 105e, the wireless network 100 can also provide additional network efficiency through dynamic, low - latency TDD / FDD communication.

[0076] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the design of the base station 105 and the UE 115, where the base station 105 and the UE 115 can be Figure 1 any base station among the base stations in Figure 1a UE within the UE in []. For a restricted association scenario (as mentioned above), the base station 105 can be Figure 1 the small cell base station 105f in [], and the UE 115 can be the UE 115c or UE 115D operating in the service area of the base station 105f. To access the small cell base station 105f, the UE 115c or 115D will be included in the list of accessible UEs of the small cell base station 105f. The base station 105 can also be some other type of base station. As Figure 2 shown in [], the base station 105 can be equipped with antennas 234a to 234t, and the UE 115 can be equipped with antennas 252a to 252r for facilitating wireless communication.

[0077] At the base station 105, the transmit processor 220 can receive data from the data source 212 and control information from the controller / processor 240. The control information can be used in the physical broadcast channel (PBCH), physical control format indicator channel (PCFICH), physical hybrid ARQ (automatic repeat request) indicator channel (PHICH), physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), enhanced physical downlink control channel (EPDCCH), MTC physical downlink control channel (MPDCCH), etc. The data can be used for PDSCH, etc. The transmit processor 220 can process the data and control information respectively (e.g., encoding and symbol mapping) to obtain data symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 can also generate reference symbols for, e.g., the primary synchronization signal (PSS) and the secondary synchronization signal (SSS) and cell-specific reference signals. The transmit (TX) multiple input multiple output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on the data symbols, control symbols, and / or reference symbols (if applicable), and provide output symbol streams to the modulators (MOD) 232a to 232t. Each modulator 232 can process the corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 can additionally or alternatively process (e.g., convert to an analog signal, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The downlink signals from the modulators 232a to 232t can be transmitted via the antennas 234a to 234t respectively.

[0078] At the UE 115, antennas 252a through 252r may receive downlink signals from the base station 105 and provide the received signals to demodulators (DEMOD) 254a through 254r, respectively. Each demodulator 254 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, down-convert, and digitize) the respective received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 may also further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. The MIMO detector 256 may obtain the received symbols from demodulators 254a through 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide the detected symbols. The receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate, de-interleave, and decode) the detected symbols, provide the decoded data for the UE 115 to the data sink 260, and provide the decoded control information to the controller / processor 280.

[0079] On the uplink, at the UE 115, the transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from the data source 262 (e.g., for the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)) and control information from the controller / processor 280 (e.g., for the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH)). The transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded (if applicable) by the TX MIMO processor 266, further processed (e.g., for SC-FDM, etc.) by modulators 254a through 254r, and sent to the base station 105. At the base station 105, the uplink signals from the UE 115 may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the demodulator 232, detected (if applicable) by the MIMO detector 236, and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain the decoded data and control information transmitted by the UE 115. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to the data sink 239 and provide the decoded control information to the controller / processor 240.

[0080] The controller / processors 240 and 280 may direct operations at the base station 105 and the UE 115, respectively. The controller / processor 240 and / or other processors and modules at the base station 105 and / or the controller / processor 280 and / or other processors and modules at the UE 115 may perform or direct the execution of various processes for the techniques described herein, such as performing Figures 10 - 16The processes shown in [description] or other processes for the techniques described herein or direct the execution of these processes. The memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for the base station 105 and the UE 115, respectively. The scheduler 244 may schedule data transmissions for the UE on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0081] Wireless communication systems operated by different network operating entities (e.g., network operators) may share spectrum. In some instances, a network operating entity may be configured to use the entire designated shared spectrum for at least a period of time before another network operating entity uses the entire designated shared spectrum during a different time period. Thus, to allow a network operating entity to use the entire designated shared spectrum and to mitigate interference communication between different network operating entities, certain resources (e.g., time) may be partitioned and allocated to different network operating entities for certain types of communication.

[0082] For example, a network operating entity may be allocated specific time resources that are reserved for the network operating entity to use the entire shared spectrum for exclusive communication. Other time resources may also be allocated to a network operating entity, where the entity is given priority over other network operating entities to use the shared spectrum for communication. If the prioritized network operating entity does not utilize these time resources that are preferentially used by the network operating entity, the resources may be used by other network operating entities on an opportunistic basis. Additional time resources may be allocated on an opportunistic basis for use by any network operator.

[0083] The access to the shared spectrum and the arbitration of time resources between different network operating entities may be centrally controlled by a separate entity, determined autonomously through a predefined arbitration scheme, or determined dynamically based on interactions between the wireless nodes of the network operator.

[0084] In some cases, UE 115 and base station 105 may operate in a shared radio frequency spectrum band that includes licensed or unlicensed (e.g., contention-based) spectrum. In the unlicensed frequency portion of the shared radio spectrum band, UE 115 or base station 105 may typically perform a medium sensing procedure to compete for access to the spectrum. For example, UE 115 or base station 105 may perform a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure (such as clear channel assessment (CCA)) before communication to determine whether the shared channel is available. CCA may include an energy detection procedure to determine whether there is any other active transmission. For example, a device may infer that a change in the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) of a power meter indicates that the channel is occupied. In particular, signal power concentrated in a certain bandwidth and exceeding a predetermined noise floor may indicate another wireless transmitter. CCA may also include detection of a specific sequence indicating channel usage. For example, another device may send a specific preamble before sending a data sequence. In some cases, the LBT procedure may include: a wireless node adjusting its own backoff window based on the amount of energy detected on the channel and / or acknowledgment / negative acknowledgment (ACK / NACK) feedback for its own transmitted packets (as a proxy for collisions).

[0085] Wireless devices (such as UEs and base stations) may use a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle to avoid monitoring (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving) a wireless channel during certain time periods and instead enter a low-power operating mode to save power. For example, during a DRX cycle (e.g., a specific time period), a UE may operate in an active operating mode and monitor the wireless channel during the DRX on period, and during the remaining time of the DRX cycle, the UE may transition to a low-power operating mode (and avoid monitoring the wireless channel) to save power. A UE may have multiple radio access technologies (RATs), each with its own DRX cycle. For example, a first RAT of a UE may have a first DRX cycle, and a second RAT of the UE may have a second DRX cycle. Additionally, different transmission modes (e.g., unicast, multicast / multicast, and / or broadcast) of the same RAT may have their own independent DRX cycles. If a UE has a sufficient number of different DRX cycles, the UE may be almost always in an active operating mode (and monitoring one or more wireless channels), thereby reducing the power savings provided by the DRX cycle. However, if all UEs coordinate their DRX cycles to align, then all UEs may communicate on the wireless channel simultaneously, resulting in congestion on the wireless channel and reduced throughput.

[0086] The present disclosure provides systems, devices, and methods for aligning some DRX cycles (to improve power savings efficiency) while distributing channel load to prevent congestion. In particular, the present disclosure provides techniques for aligning some DRX cycles on sidelinks (e.g., a connection between two UEs without a base station) as well as between a UE and a base station. Sidelinks can include mobile phone-to-mobile phone connections, vehicle-to-vehicle connections, or other UE-to-UE connections. The techniques of the present disclosure enable UEs to align DRX cycles through the exchange of radio resource control (RRC) messages (such as RRC connection messages and RRC reconfiguration messages) in some cases, while enabling UEs to avoid aligning DRX cycles in other cases (e.g., reducing congestion on the radio channel). The techniques provided herein are applicable to UE-to-UE connections (e.g., sidelink connections) and UE-to-base station connections (e.g., Uu connections), or combinations thereof. Aligning DRX cycles in some cases can achieve improved power savings at the UE, while avoiding aligning DRX cycles in other cases can achieve reduced congestion on the radio channel and thus improved throughput at the UE.

[0087] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 300 configured to align DRX cycles between two UEs. In some examples, wireless communication system 300 may implement aspects of wireless network 100. Wireless communication system 300 includes a first UE 310 and a second UE 320. The first UE 310 and / or the second UE 320 may include or correspond to UE 115. Although two UEs are shown, in other implementations, wireless communication system 300 may include more than two UEs, one or more base stations, or both.

[0088] The first UE 310 may include various components (e.g., structured, hardware components) for performing one or more functions described herein. For example, these components may include a processor 312, a memory 314, a transmitter 316, and a receiver 318. The processor 312 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 314 to perform the operations described herein. In some implementations, the processor 312 includes or corresponds to the controller / processor 280, and the memory 314 includes or corresponds to the memory 282.

[0089] The transmitter 316 is configured to send data to one or more other devices, and the receiver 318 is configured to receive data from one or more other devices. For example, via a network (such as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof), the transmitter 316 can send data while the receiver 318 can receive data. For example, the first UE 310 can be configured to send or receive data via a direct device-to-device connection, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a cable transmission system, a cellular communication network, any combination of the foregoing, or any other communication network now known or later developed that permits two or more electronic devices to communicate. In some implementations, the transmitter 316 and the receiver 318 can be replaced with a transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 316, the receiver 318, or both can include or correspond to one or more components of the UE 115 described with reference to Figure 2 one or more components of the UE 115 described with reference to

[0090] The second UE 320 can include various components (e.g., structured, hardware components) for performing one or more functions described herein. For example, these components can include a processor 322, a memory 324, a transmitter 326, and a receiver 328. The processor 322 can be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 324 to perform the operations described herein. In some implementations, the processor 322 includes or corresponds to the controller / processor 280, and the memory 324 includes or corresponds to the memory 282.

[0091] The transmitter 326 is configured to send data to one or more other devices, and the receiver 328 is configured to receive data from one or more other devices. For example, via a network (such as a wired network, a wireless network, or a combination thereof), the transmitter 326 can send data while the receiver 328 can receive data. For example, the second UE 320 can be configured to send or receive data via a direct device-to-device connection, a LAN, a WAN, a modem-to-modem connection, the Internet, an intranet, an extranet, a cable transmission system, a cellular communication network, any combination of the foregoing, or any other communication network now known or later developed that permits two or more electronic devices to communicate. In some implementations, the transmitter 326 and the receiver 328 can be replaced with a transceiver. Additionally or alternatively, the transmitter 326, the receiver 328, or both can include or correspond to one or more components of the UE 115 described with reference to Figure 2 one or more components of the UE 115 described with reference to

[0092] In certain implementations, the wireless communication system 300 includes a 5G network. For example, the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 may include 5G UEs (e.g., UEs configured to operate according to a 5G network).

[0093] During operation of the wireless communication system 300, the first UE 310 may initiate a unicast association process (e.g., a connection process or a reconfiguration process) with the second UE 320. The unicast association process may be performed by exchanging one or more RRC messages between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320. During the exchange of the RRC messages, the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 may indicate preferred DRX cycle information. For example, the first UE 310 may send an RRC request 330 to the second UE 320. The RRC request 330 may include an RRC connection request, an RRC reconfiguration request, or any other type of RRC request for associating, re-associating, or reconfiguring the association between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320.

[0094] The RRC request 330 includes a first DRX preference 332 at the first UE 310. The first DRX preference 332 may indicate a preferred alignment of the DRX cycle. For example, the first DRX preference 332 may indicate one or more preferred times of the DRX on-period during the DRX cycle at the first UE 310. The first DRX preference 332 may be indicated relative to a reference time negotiated by the UEs or set through system-level configuration. In some implementations, the preferred DRX on-period may be the DRX on-period of another DRX cycle at the first UE 310, as further described herein.

[0095] The second UE 320 receives the RRC request 330 from the first UE 310 and identifies the first DRX preference 332. The second UE 320 also sends an RRC setup message 334 to the first UE 310 based on the RRC request 330. The RRC setup message 334 includes parameters for establishing a unicast connection between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320. The RRC setup message 334 also includes a second DRX preference 336 at the second UE 320. The second DRX preference 336 may indicate a preferred alignment of the DRX cycle. For example, the second DRX preference 336 may indicate one or more preferred times of the DRX on-period during the DRX cycle at the second UE 320. The second DRX preference 336 may be indicated relative to a reference time negotiated by the UEs or set through system-level configuration. In some implementations, the preferred DRX on-period may be the DRX on-period of another DRX cycle at the second UE 320.

[0096] The first UE 310 receives an RRC establishment message 334 that includes a second DRX preference 336, and generates an RRC establishment complete message 338 that includes an indication of an acknowledgement 340 (e.g., an acknowledged DRX cycle). For example, the first UE 310 may receive the RRC establishment message 334 and determine the acknowledgement 340 (e.g., the acknowledged DRX cycle) based on the first DRX preference 332 and the second DRX preference 336. For illustration purposes, the acknowledged DRX cycle includes at least a portion of the overlap between the first DRX preference 332 and the second DRX preference 336. For example, the DRX on-duration of the acknowledged DRX cycle may overlap with a portion or all of the DRX on-duration of the first DRX preference 332 and with a portion or all of the DRX on-duration of the second DRX preference 336. Thus, a consensus is reached between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 regarding when the DRX on-duration occurs during the DRX cycle (e.g., such that the DRX cycles between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 are aligned). The first UE 310 sends the RRC establishment complete message 338 to the second UE 320, and the second UE 320 processes the RRC establishment complete message 338 to determine the acknowledged DRX cycle (e.g., corresponding to the acknowledgement 340) such that the DRX cycles between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 are aligned.

[0097] After sending the RRC establishment complete message 338, the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 may perform one or more communications according to the acknowledged DRX cycle (corresponding to the acknowledgement 340). For example, the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 may operate in an active operating mode during the DRX on-duration to monitor the radio channel, and the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 may operate in a low-power operating mode during the remaining time of the DRX cycle to reduce power consumption at the first UE 310 and the second UE 320.

[0098] In some implementations, sending (and receiving) the RRC request 330, receiving (and sending) the RRC establishment message 334, and sending (and receiving) the RRC establishment complete message 338 are performed during a unicast messaging procedure between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320. For example, the RRC messages may be exchanged via unicast messages on the sidelink (e.g., directly between the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 without using the base station). Additionally or alternatively, the RRC request 330, the RRC establishment message 334, and the RRC establishment complete message 338 may be exchanged during a connection procedure, a reconfiguration procedure, or another type of RRC procedure. For example, the RRC request 330 may include an RRC connection request, the RRC establishment message 334 may include an RRC connection establishment message, and the RRC establishment complete message 338 may include an RRC connection establishment complete message. In other implementations, the RRC request 330 includes an RRC reconfiguration request, the RRC establishment message 334 includes an RRC reconfiguration establishment message, and the RRC establishment complete message 338 includes an RRC reconfiguration establishment complete message.

[0099] In some implementations, determining the alignment of the DRX cycles is performed at the second UE 320. For example, based on receiving the RRC request 330, the second UE 320 may select a second DRX preference 336 that at least partially matches the first DRX preference 332 (e.g., having a DRX on period that at least partially overlaps the DRX on period of the first DRX preference 332). In such an implementation, the second DRX preference 336 indicates the DRX cycle to be used by the first UE 310 and the second UE 320 (e.g., the first UE 310 does not have to determine whether there is an overlap between the first DRX preference 332 and the second DRX preference 336).

[0100] If there is no overlap between the DRX cycles of the UEs, the DRX operation may not be performed. For example, the first UE 310 may send a second RRC request (not shown for convenience) to a third UE. The second RRC request may include a third DRX preference at the first UE 310. The first UE 310 may receive a second RRC establishment message from the third UE. If there is no overlap between the third DRX preference and a fourth DRX preference at the third UE, the second RRC establishment message includes an indication of rejection of the establishment (e.g., rejection of DRX establishment). Based on the indication of rejection of the establishment, the first UE 310 terminates the unicast messaging procedure between the first UE 310 and the third UE.

[0101] Therefore, Figure 3Describe the process of aligning DRX cycles between two UEs connected via a sidelink. Aligning DRX cycles can reduce power consumption at the UE compared to having the UEs each use two different DRX cycles, because the UE monitors the channel only during one DRX on-period (e.g., in the active operating mode).

[0102] Figure 4 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 400 configured to align DRX cycles between two UEs. The wireless communication system 400 includes a first UE 402, a second UE 404, a third UE 420, and a fourth UE 422. The first UE 402, the second UE 404, the third UE 420, and the fourth UE 422 may include components (not shown for convenience) similar to those described in Figure 3 such as a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver. Although four UEs are shown, in other implementations, the wireless communication system 400 may include fewer than four or more than four UEs, one or more base stations, or both.

[0103] During operation of the wireless communication system 400, the first UE 402 may initiate a unicast association process (e.g., a connection process or a reconfiguration process) with the second UE 404. The unicast association process may include exchanging RRC messages between the first UE 402 and the second UE 404. Additionally, one or more parameters for DRX may be defined through a system-wide configuration. For example, a common reference for the start of the DRX cycle may be defined (e.g., in terms of system frame number, subframe / slot number, etc.). As another example, the time period T for performing the DRX cycle may be defined. As another example, the DRX on-period t for the UE may be defined. on As another example, the number of intervals N included in the time period T may be defined. N may be determined according to T = N * t on These parameters may be used to determine the DRX cycle at the UE, as further described herein.

[0104] The unicast association process may include: the first UE 402 sending an RRC request 406 to the second UE 404. The RRC request 406 includes a DRX indicator 408 (e.g., an indication of the intention to perform DRX at the first UE 402). The DRX indicator 408 may be a field in the RRC request 406, such as one or more bits having a specific value indicating that the first UE 402 requests DRX. The second UE 404 receives the RRC request 406 and determines whether the second UE 404 can support DRX.

[0105] After processing the RRC request 406, the second UE 404 sends an RRC establishment message 410 to the first UE 402. If the second UE 404 can support DRX, the RRC establishment message 410 includes an acceptance 412 (e.g., an indication of acceptance of DRX). The acceptance 412 can include a field in the RRC establishment message 410, such as one or more bits having a specific value indicating that the second UE 404 accepts DRX. The RRC establishment message 410 can also include parameters for establishing a unicast connection. If the second UE 404 cannot support DRX, the RRC establishment message 410 includes a rejection of DRX instead of the acceptance 412.

[0106] The first UE 402 receives the RRC establishment message 410 and processes the RRC establishment message 410 to determine the parameters and whether to accept DRX. After processing the RRC establishment message 410, the first UE 402 sends an RRC establishment complete message 414 to the second UE 404. The RRC establishment complete message 414 indicates that the RRC establishment is complete. Additionally, the RRC establishment complete message 414 can include an acknowledgement 416 (e.g., an acknowledgement of the intention of the first UE 402 to perform DRX). In this way, the exchange of the RRC messages 406, 410, and 414 enables the establishment of a unicast connection and the execution of DRX. If the RRC establishment message 410 includes a rejection of DRX (instead of the acceptance 412), the RRC establishment complete message 414 does not include the acknowledgement 416, and the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 do not perform DRX.

[0107] After transmitting the RRC connection setup complete message 414, the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 may perform one or more communications according to a DRX cycle determined based on system-wide parameters. For example, the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 may operate in an active operating mode during the DRX on period to monitor the radio channel, and the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 may operate in a low-power operating mode during the remaining time of the DRX cycle to reduce the power consumption at the first UE 402 and the second UE 404. The DRX cycle may be determined based on a specific identifier and the number of intervals (e.g., N) included in the DRX cycle (e.g., T). For example, the DRX cycle may be determined based on the following formula: the specific identifier modulo N. In some implementations, the specific identifier includes the identifier of the first UE 402 (e.g., the source ID). For example, the source ID may be a layer 1 identifier, a layer 2 identifier, or another identifier of the first UE 402. In other implementations, the specific identifier includes the identifier of the second UE 404 (e.g., the destination ID). For example, the destination ID may be a layer 1 identifier, a layer 2 identifier, or another identifier of the second UE 404. The destination ID may be the ID to which the UE addresses the RRC request 406 and the RRC connection setup complete message 414. In other implementations, the specific identifier includes an identifier based on the connection identifier between the first UE 402 and the second UE 404. As a non-limiting example, the specific identifier used (e.g., the source ID, the destination ID, or the connection identifier) may be specified by a radio standard such as the 3GPP standard.

[0108] In some implementations, transmitting (and receiving) the RRC request 406, receiving (and transmitting) the RRC connection setup message 410, and transmitting (and receiving) the RRC connection setup complete message 414 are performed during a unicast messaging process between the first UE 402 and the second UE 404. For example, the RRC messages may be exchanged via unicast messages on a sidelink (e.g., directly between the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 without using a base station). Additionally or alternatively, the RRC request 406, the RRC connection setup message 410, and the RRC connection setup complete message 414 may be exchanged during a connection procedure, a reconfiguration procedure, or another type of RRC procedure. For example, the RRC request 406 may include an RRC connection request, the RRC connection setup message 410 may include an RRC connection setup message, and the RRC connection setup complete message 414 may include an RRC connection setup complete message. In other implementations, the RRC request 406 includes an RRC reconfiguration request, the RRC connection setup message 410 includes an RRC reconfiguration setup message, and the RRC connection setup complete message 414 includes an RRC reconfiguration setup complete message.

[0109] Figure 4 also includes a graph 418 of DRX cycles used by the first UE 402 and the second UE 404. In the Figure 4 illustrated implementation, the specific identifier modulo N equals 0, such that the t for the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 on starts at a reference time period (e.g., time = zero). The specific identifier may include the identifier of the first UE 402, the identifier of the second UE 404, or a connection identifier between the first UE 402 and the second UE 404. The first UE 402 and the second UE 404 operate in an active operating mode during t on to monitor the radio channel and / or perform communication. After t on comes the remainder of the DRX cycle T, during which the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 may operate in a low-power operating mode (e.g., not monitoring the radio channel).

[0110] In addition to the unicast association process performed by the first UE 402 and the second UE 404, the third UE 420 performs a unicast association process with the fourth UE 422. The unicast association process may include: the third UE 420 sending an RRC request 424 to the fourth UE 422. The RRC request 424 includes a DRX indicator 426 (e.g., an indication of the intention to perform DRX at the third UE 420). The DRX indicator 426 may include a field in the RRC request 424, such as one or more bits having a specific value indicating that the third UE 420 requests DRX. The fourth UE 422 receives the RRC request 424 and determines whether the fourth UE 422 can support DRX.

[0111] After processing the RRC request 424, the fourth UE 422 sends an RRC setup message 428 to the third UE 420. If the fourth UE 422 can support DRX, the RRC setup message 428 includes an acceptance 430 (e.g., an indication of accepting DRX). The acceptance 430 may be a field in the RRC setup message 428, such as one or more bits having a specific value indicating that the fourth UE 422 accepts DRX. The RRC setup message 428 may also include parameters for establishing a unicast connection.

[0112] The third UE 420 receives the RRC establishment message 428 and processes the RRC establishment message 428 to determine parameters and whether to accept DRX. After processing the RRC establishment message 428, the third UE 420 sends an RRC establishment complete message 432 to the fourth UE 422. The RRC establishment complete message 432 indicates that the RRC establishment is complete. Additionally, the RRC establishment complete message 432 may include an acknowledgement 434 (e.g., an acknowledgement of the intention of the third UE 420 to perform DRX). In this way, the exchange of the RRC messages 424, 428, and 432 enables the establishment of a unicast connection and the execution of DRX. The RRC messages 424, 428, and 432 may be RRC connection messages, RRC reconfiguration messages, or any other type of RRC message used in a unicast association (or re-association) procedure.

[0113] After sending the RRC establishment complete message 432, the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 may perform one or more communications according to a DRX cycle determined based on system-wide parameters. For example, the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 may operate in an active operation mode during the DRX on period to monitor the radio channel, and the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 may operate in a low-power operation mode during the remaining time of the DRX cycle to reduce the power consumption at the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422. The DRX cycle may be determined based on a specific identifier and the number of intervals (e.g., N) included in the DRX cycle (e.g., T). For example, the DRX cycle may be determined based on the following formula: the specific identifier modulo N. In some implementations, the specific identifier includes the identifier of the third UE 420 (e.g., the source ID). For example, the source ID may be a layer 1 identifier, a layer 2 identifier, or another identifier of the third UE 420. In other implementations, the specific identifier includes the identifier of the fourth UE 422 (e.g., the destination ID). For example, the destination ID may be a layer 1 identifier, a layer 2 identifier, or another identifier of the fourth UE 422. The destination ID may be the ID to which the UE addresses the RRC request 424 and the RRC establishment complete message 432. In other implementations, the specific identifier includes an identifier based on a connection identifier between the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422. As a non-limiting example, the specific identifier used (e.g., the source ID, the destination ID, or the connection identifier) may be specified by a wireless standard such as the 3GPP standard.

[0114] Figure 4 Also included is a graph 436 of the DRX cycle used by the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422. In Figure 4In the implementation shown, the modulo of a specific identifier with respect to N is equal to a positive value, such that t for the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 on starts with an offset after a reference time period. The specific identifier may include the identifier of the third UE 420, the identifier of the fourth UE 422, or a connection identifier between the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422. The third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 operate in an active operating mode during t on to monitor a radio channel and / or perform communication. Before and after t on is the remainder of the DRX cycle T, during which the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 may operate in a low-power operating mode (e.g., not monitoring the radio channel).

[0115] Thus, Figure 4 it is described that UEs use system-wide parameters to align DRX cycles. For example, the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 may align DRX cycles, and the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422 may align DRX cycles. Aligning DRX cycles reduces power consumption at the UEs. Additionally, since the DRX on-time period is determined based on different identifiers, the DRX on-time period for the first UE 402 and the second UE 404 is different from the DRX on-time period for the third UE 420 and the fourth UE 422. Having different DRX on-time periods for different UEs distributes the communication load across different time slots, thereby reducing congestion on the radio channel.

[0116] Figure 5 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 500 configured to align DRX cycles among three UEs. The wireless communication system 500 includes a first UE 502, a second UE 504, and a third UE 506. The first UE 502, the second UE 504, and the third UE 506 may include components not shown for convenience similar to those described in Figure 3 , such as a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver. Although three UEs are shown, in other implementations, the wireless communication system 500 may include fewer than three or more than three UEs, one or more base stations, or both.

[0117] During operation of the wireless communication system 500, the first UE 502 may complete an association process (or re-association or re-configuration process) with the second UE 504. For example, the first UE 502 may exchange RRC messages 510 with the second UE 504. The RRC messages 510 may include an RRC request, an RRC establishment message, and an RRC establishment complete message, as referenced in Figure 3 and 4As described. Additionally, the RRC message 510 may include DRX information that enables the first UE 502 and the second UE 504 to perform DRX according to the first DRX cycle. In some implementations, the DRX information is indicated as described in reference Figure 3 As described. In other implementations, the DRX information is indicated as described in reference Figure 4 As described. Additionally, the third UE 506 may complete an association process (or re - association or re - configuration process) with the second UE 504. For example, the third UE 506 may exchange RRC messages 512 with the second UE 504. The RRC message 512 may include an RRC request, an RRC establishment message, and an RRC establishment complete message, as described in reference Figure 3 And Figure 4 As described. Additionally, the RRC message 512 may include DRX information that enables the third UE 506 and the second UE 504 to perform DRX according to the third DRX cycle. In some implementations, the DRX information is indicated as described in reference Figure 3 As described. In other implementations, the DRX information is indicated as described in reference Figure 4 As described.

[0118] The second UE 504 may align the first DRX cycle with the second DRX cycle to increase the amount of time the second UE 504 operates in the low-power operation mode, thereby reducing the power consumption at the second UE 504. For illustration purposes, the second UE 504 may receive a first RRC request from the first UE 502 that includes the first DRX preference (or an indication of the intention to perform DRX) at the first UE 502. The second UE 504 may also receive a second RRC request from the third UE 506 that includes the second DRX preference (or an indication of the intention to perform DRX) at the third UE 506. The second UE 504 may determine a third DRX preference that matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the second DRX preference. For example, the DRX on-duration of the third DRX preference may match at least a portion of the DRX on-duration of the first DRX preference and / or the second DRX preference. In some implementations, the third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference. In other implementations, the third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the second DRX preference. The second UE 504 may send a first RRC setup message to the first UE 502 that includes the third DRX preference (or acceptance of DRX) at the second UE 504. Additionally, the second UE 504 may send a second RRC setup message to the third UE 506 that includes the third DRX preference (or acceptance of DRX). In this way, the second UE 504 may align the DRX cycles between the first UE 502 and the second UE 504 and between the second UE 504 and the third UE 506.

[0119] For further illustration purposes, Figure 5 including graph 520 and graph 522, graph 520 shows the first DRX cycle between the first UE 502 and the second UE 504 before alignment, and graph 522 shows the second DRX cycle between the second UE 504 and the third UE 506 before alignment. As Figure 5 can be seen, the DRX on-duration does not overlap between the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle. Figure 5 Also shown are graph 524 and graph 526, graph 524 shows the first DRX cycle between the first UE 502 and the second UE 504 after alignment, and graph 526 shows the second DRX cycle between the second UE 504 and the third UE 506 after alignment. As Figure 5As can be seen, after alignment, the DRX on-periods in the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle are the same. Therefore, the second UE 504 operates in the active operating mode (e.g., monitors the radio channel) only during one DRX on-period instead of two DRX on-periods, which reduces the power consumption at the second UE 504. In Figure 5 the implementation shown, the second DRX cycle is aligned with the first DRX cycle. In other implementations, the first DRX cycle may be aligned with the second DRX cycle (e.g., the aligned DRX on-period may match the original DRX on-period of the second DRX cycle).

[0120] After sending the first RRC establishment message (included in RRC message 510) and the second RRC establishment message (included in RRC message 512), the second UE 504 may receive RRC establishment complete messages from the first UE 502 and the third UE 506. The RRC establishment complete message includes an indication of the confirmed DRX cycle (or confirmation regarding acceptance of DRX). After receiving the RRC establishment complete messages (included in RRC message 510 and RRC message 512), one or more communications are performed between the first UE 502 and the second UE 504 and between the second UE 504 and the third UE 506 according to the confirmed DRX cycle (or according to the DRX cycle determined based on system-wide parameters). RRC message 510 and RRC message 512 may include RRC connection messages, RRC reconfiguration messages, or other types of RRC messages.

[0121] Although Figure 5 the implementation showing the alignment of the DRX cycles of the second UE 504 is shown, in an alternative implementation, a normal UE follows the DRX cycle of each of its links, while other UEs follow only their corresponding DRX cycles. For example, if the first UE 502 corresponds to the first DRX cycle and the third UE 506 corresponds to the second DRX cycle, the second UE 504 operates according to both the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle (e.g., the second UE 504 has two DRX on-periods, one corresponding to the first DRX cycle and one corresponding to the second DRX cycle).

[0122] For further illustration, the second UE 504 may receive a third RRC request from the fourth UE that includes a fourth DRX preference at the fourth UE. The second UE 504 may also receive a fourth RRC request from the fifth UE that includes a fifth DRX preference at the fifth UE. The second UE 504 may send a third RRC establishment message to the fourth UE that includes a sixth DRX preference at the second UE. The sixth DRX preference matches at least a portion of the fourth DRX preference. The second UE 504 may also send a fourth RRC establishment message to the fifth UE that includes a seventh DRX preference at the second UE. The seventh DRX preference matches at least a portion of the fifth DRX preference. The second UE 504 may receive a first RRC establishment complete message from the fourth UE that includes an indication of a first confirmed DRX cycle. One or more communications according to the first confirmed DRX cycle may be performed between the second UE 504 and the fourth UE. Additionally, the second UE 504 may receive a second RRC establishment complete message from the fifth UE that includes an indication of a second confirmed DRX cycle. One or more communications according to the second confirmed DRX cycle may be performed between the second UE 504 and the fifth UE. The second confirmed DRX cycle may be different from the first confirmed DRX cycle such that the second UE 504 corresponds to two DRX on periods.

[0123] In some implementations, the second UE 504 may choose whether to align the DRX cycle or not. The determination may be based on the power or remaining battery level at the second UE 504 or the capabilities of the second UE 504. For example, if the remaining power level (e.g., battery level) of the second UE fails to meet a threshold, the second UE may choose to align the DRX cycle (e.g., for determining the third DRX preference) in order to conserve the remaining power level. Or, if the remaining power level meets the threshold, or if the second UE 504 is connected to a fixed power source, the second UE 504 may choose not to align the DRX cycle (e.g., determining the sixth DRX preference and the seventh DRX preference) to reduce congestion on the wireless channel and improve throughput. Thus, Figure 5 it is described that the UE aligns the DRX cycle in some cases to reduce power consumption and does not align the DRX cycle in other cases to reduce congestion on the wireless channel.

[0124] Figure 6FIG. 600 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system configured to align DRX cycles for UEs in multiple groups. The wireless communication system 600 includes a first UE 602 (“UE1”), a second UE 604 (“UE2”), a third UE 606 (“UE3”), a fourth UE 608 (“UE4”), a fifth UE 610 (“UE5”), a sixth UE 612 (“UE6”), a seventh UE 614 (“UE7”), an eighth UE 616 (“UE8”), and a ninth UE 618 (“UE9”). The UEs 602 - 618 may include components, not shown for convenience, similar to those described in Figure 3 such as a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver. Although nine UEs are shown, in other implementations, the wireless communication system 600 may include fewer than nine or more than nine UEs, one or more base stations, or both.

[0125] During operation of the wireless communication system 600, the first UE 601, the second UE 604, the third UE 606, the seventh UE 614, and the eighth UE 616 form a first UE group 620 (“Group A1”). Additionally, the fourth UE 608, the fifth UE 610, the sixth UE 612, the seventh UE 614, and the eighth UE 616 form a second UE group 622 (“Group A2”). Each of the groups 620 - 622 corresponds to a different DRX cycle. For example, the first group 620 corresponds to a first DRX cycle, as shown by the graph 630, and the second group 622 corresponds to a second DRX cycle, as shown by the graph 632. The first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle are determined based on the group identifier and the number of intervals (e.g., N) in the DRX cycle (e.g., T). For example, the DRX cycle can be determined based on the following formula: Group ID i modulo N, where Group ID i is the group identifier of group i. For further illustration, the first DRX cycle can be determined based on the first group identifier of the first group 620, and the second DRX cycle can be determined based on the second group identifier of the second group 622.

[0126] A UE that is a member of a single group operates according to the DRX cycle of that group. A UE that is a member of multiple groups operates according to the DRX cycle of each group. For example, as shown by graph 634, the first UE 602, the second UE 604, and the third UE 606 operate according to the first DRX cycle of the first group 620. As shown by graph 636, the fourth UE 608, the fifth UE 610, and the sixth UE 612 operate according to the second DRX cycle of the second group 622. As shown by graph 638, the seventh UE 614 and the eighth UE 616 operate according to a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle.

[0127] For illustration purposes, the seventh UE 614 can be associated with the first group 620. The first group 620 corresponds to the first DRX cycle. The seventh UE 614 can also be associated with the second group 622. The second group 622 corresponds to the second DRX cycle. The seventh UE 614 can perform one or more communications according to a third DRX cycle. The third DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle. For example, the seventh UE 614 can perform one or more operations according to the third DRX cycle shown by graph 636, which is a combination of the first DRX cycle shown by graph 630 and the second DRX cycle shown by graph 632. For further illustration purposes, the first DRX cycle includes a first DRX on-time period, the second DRX cycle includes a second DRX on-time period different from the first DRX on-time period, and the third DRX cycle includes the first DRX on-time period and the second DRX on-time period. In some implementations, the first DRX cycle is based on the first group identifier of the first group 620 and the number of intervals (e.g., N) in the first DRX cycle. In some such implementations, the first DRX cycle is determined based on a formula that includes: the first group identifier modulo the number of intervals in the first DRX cycle (e.g., Group ID1 modulo N). Additionally, the second DRX cycle can be based on the second group identifier of the second group 622 and the number of intervals in the second DRX cycle. In some such implementations, the second DRX cycle is determined based on a formula that includes: the second group identifier modulo the number of intervals in the second DRX cycle (e.g., Group ID2 modulo N).

[0128] In some implementations, UEs in a group can be associated with UEs not in the group, and the UEs in the group can align the DRX cycles among the UEs with the DRX cycle of the group to improve power consumption at the UEs within the group. For example, the ninth UE 618 can be associated with the seventh UE 614, and the seventh UE 614 can align the DRX cycle of the ninth UE 618 with the DRX cycle of the first group 620 or the second group 622. The alignment of the DRX cycles can occur via the exchange of RRC messages, as described in reference Figure 3 or as described in reference Figure 4 . For illustration, the seventh UE 614 can receive, via unicast transmission, an RRC request from the ninth UE 618 that includes a first DRX preference at the ninth UE 618. The seventh UE 614 can send an RRC setup message to the ninth UE 618 that includes a second DRX preference at the seventh UE 614. The second DRX preference corresponds to at least a portion of a third DRX cycle (e.g., a combination of a first DRX cycle and a second DRX cycle). The seventh UE 614 can receive an RRC setup complete message from the ninth UE 618 that includes an indication of the confirmed DRX cycle. The confirmed DRX cycle overlaps with at least a portion of the third DRX cycle. One or more communications can be performed between the seventh UE 614 and the ninth UE 618 based on the confirmed DRX cycle.

[0129] Thus, Figure 6 describe how UEs that are group members perform DRX. For example, if a UE is a member of a single group, the UE operates according to the DRX cycle of the group. If a UE is a member of multiple groups, the UE operates according to a combination of the DRX cycles of the multiple groups. Although this increases power consumption at the UE, it reduces congestion in the wireless channel by spreading communications over different time slots.

[0130] Figure 7 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 700 that is configured to align DRX cycles between a UE group and a UE subgroup. The wireless communication system 700 includes a first UE 702 (“UE1”), a second UE 704 (“UE2”), a third UE 706 (“UE3”), a fourth UE 708 (“UE4”), a fifth UE 710 (“UE5”), and a sixth UE 712 (“UE6”). The UEs 702 - 712 can include components (not shown for convenience) similar to those described in Figure 3 , such as a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver. Although six UEs are shown, in other implementations, the wireless communication system 700 can include fewer than six or more than six UEs, one or more base stations, or both.

[0131] During operation of a wireless communication system 700, a first UE 702, a second UE 704, a third UE 706, a fourth UE 708, a fifth UE 710, and a sixth UE 712 form a UE group 720 ("group A1"). Additionally, the first UE 702, the second UE 704, and the third UE 706 form a subgroup 722 ("subgroup A2"). The subgroup 722 is called a subgroup because each UE in the subgroup 722 is also a member of the group 720. The group 720 corresponds to a first DRX cycle, and the subgroup 722 corresponds to a second DRX cycle that may be different from the first DRX cycle. For example, the subgroup 722 corresponds to the second DRX cycle shown by a graph 730, and the group 720 corresponds to the first DRX cycle shown by a graph 732. As Figure 7 shown, when the first DRX cycle is different from the second DRX cycle, the UEs 702 - 706 monitor a wireless channel during two DRX on periods (e.g., operate in an active operation mode), which increases power consumption at the UEs 702 - 706. To reduce the power consumption at the UEs 702 - 706, the UE operating as a cluster head of the subgroup 722 can provide multiple unicast messages or multicast messages to other members of the subgroup to align the second DRX cycle of the subgroup 722 with the first DRX cycle of the group 720. For example, after alignment, the second DRX cycle and the first DRX cycle are the same, as shown by a graph 736 and a graph 734 respectively. The cluster head is able to align the DRX cycles because the cluster head knows each DRX cycle (e.g., can determine each DRX cycle based on GroupID i modulo N). Aligning the DRX cycles enables the UEs 702 - 706 to monitor the wireless channel during only a single DRX on period, which reduces the power consumption at the UEs of the subgroup 722.

[0132] For illustrative purposes, the first UE 702 may be associated with group 720. Group 720 corresponds to a first DRX cycle (e.g., as shown by graph 732). The first UE 702 may also be associated with subgroup 722 (e.g., a subgroup of the UE group). Subgroup 722 corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle (e.g., as shown by graph 730). The first UE 702 sends a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle to each UE in subgroup 722. For example, the first UE 702 may operate as a cluster head of subgroup 722 and send a message indicating alignment of the second DRX cycle with the first DRX cycle. In some implementations, the message is a multicast message (e.g., a message for each member of subgroup 722). In other implementations, sending the message includes: sending the message as a unicast message to each UE in subgroup 722. The first DRX cycle is based on the group identifier of group 720 and the number of intervals in the first DRX cycle (e.g., the first DRX cycle is determined based on GroupID1 modulo N). The second DRX cycle is based on the group identifier of subgroup 722 and the number of intervals in the second DRX cycle (e.g., the second DRX cycle is determined based on GroupID2 modulo N). After alignment, both group 720 and subgroup 722 correspond to the first DRX cycle.

[0133] Accordingly, Figure 7 A UE subgroup that describes aligning a DRX cycle with the DRX cycle of a UE group (UEs in the subgroup are members of the UE group) is described. Aligning the subgroup DRX cycle and the group DRX cycle reduces the number of DRX-on time periods corresponding to the UEs in the subgroup, which reduces power consumption at the UEs in the subgroup.

[0134] Figure 8 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 800 configured to align DRX cycles among UEs in a wireless network. Wireless communication system 800 includes a first UE 802 (“UE1”), a second UE 804 (“UE2”), a third UE 806 (“UE3”), a fourth UE 808 (“UE4”), a fifth UE 810 (“UE5”), a sixth UE 812 (“UE6”), a seventh UE 814 (“UE7”), an eighth UE 816 (“UE8”), a ninth UE 818 (“UE9”), and a tenth UE 819 (“UE10”). UEs 802 - 819 may include components not shown for convenience similar to the components described in Figure 3 for the sake of convenience, such as a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver. Although ten UEs are shown, in other implementations, wireless communication system 800 may include fewer than ten or more than ten UEs, one or more base stations, or both.

[0135] During the operation of the wireless communication system 800, the first UE 802, the second UE 804, the third UE 806, the seventh UE 814, and the eighth UE 816 form a first UE group 820 ("Group A1"). Additionally, the fourth UE 808, the fifth UE 810, the sixth UE 812, the seventh UE 814, and the eighth UE 816 form a second UE group 822 ("Group A2"). The first group 820 corresponds to a first DRX cycle (e.g., scheduled to communicate during the first DRX cycle), and the second group 822 corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle (e.g., scheduled to communicate during the second DRX cycle). For example, as described in reference Figure 6 The DRX cycle for a group can be determined based on taking the modulo of the GroupID with respect to N. Additionally, UEs 802 - 819 are members of the wireless network 824. The system configuration for the wireless network 824 can define a third DRX cycle for broadcast messages within the wireless network 824. i

[0136] Due to the definition of the third DRX cycle for broadcast messages, each UE in the wireless network 824 corresponds to at least one DRX cycle. For example, UEs that are only in the first group 820 (e.g., UEs 802 - 806) correspond to a combination of the first DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX cycle for the first group 820) and the third DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX cycle for broadcast messages). UEs that are only in the second group 822 (e.g., UEs 808 - 812) correspond to a combination of the second DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX cycle for the second group 822) and the third DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX cycle for broadcast messages). UEs that are in both the first group 820 and the second group 822 (e.g., the seventh UE 814 and the eighth UE 816) correspond to a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle. UEs that are not part of any group (such as the ninth UE 818 (before connecting to the seventh UE 814) and the tenth UE 819) correspond to the third DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX cycle for broadcast messages). Although one or more group DRX cycles can be aligned with the third DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX cycle for broadcast messages), doing so will increase congestion on the wireless channel, so these DRX cycles are not aligned. As described in reference Figure 3 or Figure 4 The DRX cycle of the ninth UE 818 can be aligned with the DRX cycle of the seventh UE 814 to reduce the power consumption at the seventh UE 814.

[0137] For illustrative purposes, the seventh UE 814 of the wireless network 824 can be associated with the first group 820. The first group 820 corresponds to the first DRX cycle. The seventh UE 814 can also be associated with the second group 822. The second group 822 corresponds to the second DRX cycle. The broadcast message within the wireless network 824 corresponds to the third DRX cycle. The seventh UE 814 can perform one or more communications (with other UEs) according to the fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle. The first DRX cycle includes a first DRX on-time period, the second DRX cycle includes a second DRX on-time period, the third DRX cycle includes a third DRX on-time period, and the fourth DRX cycle includes the first DRX on-time period, the second DRX on-time period, and the third DRX on-time period. The first DRX cycle can be determined based on the first set of identifiers of the first group 820 and the number of intervals in the first DRX cycle (e.g., GroupID1 modulo N). The second DRX cycle can be determined based on the second set of identifiers of the second group 822 and the number of intervals in the second DRX cycle (e.g., GroupID2 modulo N).

[0138] In some implementations, the seventh UE 814 can receive an RRC request including the first DRX preference at the ninth UE 818 via a unicast transmission from the ninth UE 818. The seventh UE 814 can send an RRC establishment message including the second DRX preference at the seventh UE 814 to the ninth UE 818. The second DRX preference corresponds to at least a part of the fourth DRX cycle (e.g., a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle). The seventh UE 814 can also receive an RRC establishment complete message including an indication of the confirmed DRX cycle from the ninth UE 818. The confirmed DRX cycle overlaps with at least a part of the fourth DRX cycle. One or more communications can be performed between the seventh UE 814 and the ninth UE 818 according to the confirmed DRX cycle. In this way, the DRX cycle between the seventh UE 814 and the ninth UE 818 can be aligned with the DRX cycle of the seventh UE 814, which reduces the power consumption at the seventh UE 814 (compared to adding another DRX on-time period to the DRX cycle of the seventh UE 814). Additionally, since the ninth UE 818 is just one UE, rather than a group of UEs, aligning the DRX cycles does not significantly increase the congestion on the wireless channel.

[0139] Therefore, Figure 8Describe how a UE adjusts its DRX cycle when a wireless network defines a DRX cycle for broadcast messages. For example, a member group can combine its DRX cycle with the broadcast message DRX cycle instead of aligning the group DRX cycle with the broadcast message DRX cycle. In this way, congestion on the wireless channel is not increased.

[0140] Figure 9 is a block diagram of an example wireless communication system 900 configured to align DRX cycles between a base station and a UE. The wireless communication system 900 includes a first UE 902, a base station 904, and a second UE 906. The first UE 902, the base station 904, and the second UE 906 may include components, not shown for convenience, similar to those described in Figure 3 such as a processor, a memory, a transmitter, and a receiver. Although two UEs and one base station are shown, in other implementations, the wireless communication system 900 may include more than two UEs, more than one base station, or both.

[0141] During operation of the wireless communication system 900, the first UE 902 may associate with the base station 904. During the association process, or after the association process, the first UE 902 may exchange RRC messages 910 with the base station 904. The RRC messages 910 may include an RRC connection message, an RRC reconfiguration message, or other types of RRC messages. Additionally, the second UE 906 may associate with the first UE 902 (e.g., via a sidelink). During or after the association process, the first UE 902 and the second UE 906 may exchange RRC messages 912. The RRC messages 912 may include an RRC connection message, an RRC reconfiguration message, or other types of RRC messages.

[0142] In some implementations, the base station 904 may allocate a first DRX cycle for the first UE 902, and during the association with the second UE 906, the first UE 902 may align the second DRX cycle of the second UE 906 with the first DRX cycle of the first UE 902. For example, the alignment of the DRX cycles may occur via the exchange of RRC messages 912, as described in reference to Figure 3 or reference to Figure 4 described. Aligning the DRX cycles reduces power consumption at the first UE 902.

[0143] In some other implementations, the first UE 902 may align the first DRX cycle of the first UE 902 with the second DRX cycle of the second UE 906. For example, after receiving an indication of the second DRX cycle (e.g., DRX preference included in the RRC message 912), the first UE 902 may request the base station 904 to allocate the second DRX cycle to the first UE 902. For example, the first UE 902 may include the DRX preference in the RRC message 910 to the base station 904. Aligning the DRX cycles reduces the power consumption at the first UE 902.

[0144] In some other implementations, the first UE 902 may operate according to two DRX cycles. For example, the first UE 902 may perform one or more communications with the base station 904 according to the first DRX cycle established by the base station 904, and the first UE 902 may perform one or more communications with the second UE 906 according to the second DRX cycle requested by the second UE 906. Although it may increase the power consumption at the first UE 902 (compared with aligning the DRX cycles), it reduces the congestion on the wireless channel. In some implementations, the first UE 902 may select how to handle the DRX cycles based on the remaining power level, capabilities, power supply, or other parameters, as described in Figure 5 what is described.

[0145] For illustration purposes, in some implementations, the first UE 902 may be associated with a base station 904. The base station 904 allocates a first DRX cycle to the first UE 902. The first UE 902 may receive an RRC request (included in the RRC message 912) from the second UE 906 that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE 906. The first UE 902 may send an RRC establishment message (included in the RRC message 912) to the second UE 906 that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE 902. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX on-duration). The first UE 902 may also receive an RRC establishment complete message (included in the RRC message 912) from the second UE 906 that includes an indication of a confirmed DRX cycle. The confirmed DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. After receiving the RRC establishment complete message, one or more communications may be performed between the first UE 902 and the second UE 906 according to the confirmed DRX cycle. Thus, the first UE 902 may align the second DRX cycle with the first DRX cycle allocated by the base station 904. The RRC request may include an RRC connection request or an RRC reconfiguration request, the RRC establishment message may include an RRC connection establishment message or an RRC reconfiguration establishment message, and the RRC establishment complete message may include an RRC connection establishment complete message or an RRC reconfiguration establishment complete message.

[0146] In some other implementations, the first UE 902 may receive a second RRC request from a third UE that includes a third DRX preference that does not match any portion of the first DRX cycle. The first UE 902 may send a first RRC message (included in the RRC message 910) to the base station 904 that includes the third DRX preference. The first UE 902 may also receive a second RRC message (included in the RRC message 910) from the base station 904 that allocates a second DRX cycle to the first UE 902 that conforms to the third DRX preference. Thus, the first UE 902 may request the base station 904 to align the first DRX cycle with the third DRX cycle requested by the third base station.

[0147] In some other implementations, the first UE 902 may receive a third RRC request (included in the RRC message 912) from the fourth UE, including a fourth DRX preference that does not match any part of the first DRX cycle. The first UE 902 may determine a second DRX cycle based on a combination of the first DRX cycle and the fourth DRX preference. For example, the second DRX cycle may include a combination of the first DRX cycle and the fourth DRX preference (e.g., a combination of DRX on-times from the first DRX cycle and the fourth DRX preference). One or more communications may be performed between the first UE 902 and the fourth UE according to the second DRX cycle. Thus, the first UE 902 may monitor the radio channel according to multiple DRX cycles (e.g., using a combination of multiple DRX cycles). Although this increases the power consumption at the first UE 902, it reduces the congestion on the radio channel.

[0148] Thus, Figure 9 Describes various implementations for determining DRX cycles at a UE associated with a base station and a second UE. For example, the UE may align the DRX cycle of the second UE with the DRX cycle assigned to the first UE by the base station, which reduces the power consumption at the UE. As another example, the UE may request the base station to align the DRX cycle assigned by the base station with the DRX cycle requested by the second UE, which reduces the power consumption at the UE. As another example, the UE may monitor the radio channel during multiple DRX cycles (e.g., the DRX cycle assigned by the base station and the DRX cycle requested by the second UE), which reduces the congestion on the radio channel.

[0149] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. Example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 the UE 115. Figure 17 is a block diagram showing the UE 115 configured according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The UE 115 includes the structure, hardware, and components shown for the UE 115 in Figure 2 For example, the UE 115 includes a controller / processor 280 that operates to execute logic or computer instructions stored in a memory 282 and to control the components of the UE 115 that provide the features and functions of the UE 115. Under the control of the controller / processor 280, the UE 115 transmits and receives signals via radio units 1701a-r and antennas 252a-r. As Figure 2As shown for UE 115, radio units 1701a-r include various components and hardware, including modulators / demodulators 254a-r, MIMO detectors 256, receive processors 258, transmit processors 264, and TX MIMO processors 266.

[0150] At block 1000, the UE sends an RRC request including a first DRX preference at the UE to a second UE. The UE 115 can execute RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function for sending an RRC request including the first DRX preference at the UE 115.

[0151] At block 1001, the UE receives an RRC setup message including a second DRX preference at the second UE from the second UE. The UE 115 can execute RRC reception logic 1703 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC reception logic 1703 provides the function for receiving an RRC setup message including the second DRX preference at the second UE.

[0152] At block 1002, the UE sends an RRC setup complete message including an indication of the confirmed DRX cycle to the second UE. The UE 115 can execute RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function for sending an RRC setup complete message including an indication of the confirmed DRX cycle to the second UE. In some implementations, the UE 115 can execute DRX cycle determination logic 1704 under the control of the controller / processor 280. In some such implementations, the execution environment of the DRX cycle determination logic 1704 provides the function for determining a DRX cycle (e.g., the confirmed DRX cycle) based on the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

[0153] Figure 11 is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. Example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 the UE 115.

[0154] At block 1100, the UE sends an RRC request to a second UE, the RRC request including an indication of the intention to perform DRX at the UE. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function of sending an RRC request to the second UE, the RRC request including an indication of the intention to perform DRX at the UE.

[0155] At block 1101, the UE receives an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including an indication of acceptance of DRX. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the RRC reception logic 1703 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the RRC reception logic 1703 provides the function of receiving an RRC establishment message from the second UE, the RRC establishment message including an indication of acceptance of DRX.

[0156] At block 1102, the UE sends an RRC establishment complete message to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function of sending an RRC establishment complete message to the second UE, the RRC establishment complete message including a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX. In some implementations, the UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the DRX cycle determination logic 1704 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the DRX cycle determination logic 1704 provides the function of determining the DRX cycle operating at the UE after the second UE accepts the execution of DRX.

[0157] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. Example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 as shown.

[0158] At block 1200, a second UE (e.g., the UE) receives a first RRC request from the first UE, the first RRC request including a first DRX preference at the first UE. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the RRC reception logic 1703 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the RRC reception logic 1703 provides the function of receiving from the first UE a first RRC request including a first DRX preference at the first UE.

[0159] At block 1201, a second UE (e.g., the UE) receives a second RRC request from a third UE that includes a second DRX preference at the third UE. The UE 115 may execute RRC reception logic 1703 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC reception logic 1703 provides the function of receiving, from the third UE, a second RRC request that includes a second DRX preference at the third UE.

[0160] At block 1202, the second UE (e.g., the UE) sends a first RRC establishment message to the first UE that includes a third DRX preference at the second UE. The third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the third DRX preference. The UE 115 may execute RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function of sending, to the first UE, a first RRC establishment message that includes a third DRX preference at the UE 115. The third DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX preference or the third DRX preference (e.g., the DRX on-time of the third DRX preference matches the DRX on-time of the first DRX preference or a portion thereof, or matches the DRX on-time of the second DRX preference or a portion thereof).

[0161] At block 1203, the second UE (e.g., the UE) sends a second RRC establishment message to the third UE that includes the third DRX preference. The UE 115 may execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function of sending, to the third UE, a second RRC establishment message that includes the third DRX preference.

[0162] Figure 13 is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. Example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 as shown.

[0163] At block 1300, the UE associates with a first UE group. The first UE group corresponds to a first DRX cycle. The UE 115 may execute group association logic 1705 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the group association logic 1705 provides the function of associating with a first UE group corresponding to a first DRX cycle.

[0164] At block 1301, the UE associates with a second UE group. The second UE group corresponds to a second DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute the group association logic 1705 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the group association logic 1705 provides a function for associating with the second UE group corresponding to the second DRX cycle.

[0165] At block 1302, the UE performs one or more communications according to a third DRX cycle. The third DRX cycle includes a combination of a first DRX cycle and a second DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute the communication logic 1706 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the communication logic 1706 provides a function for performing one or more communications according to the third DRX cycle (e.g., which includes a first DRX on-period of the first DRX cycle and a second DRX on-period of the second DRX cycle) that includes a combination of the first DRX cycle and the second DRX cycle.

[0166] Figure 14 is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. Example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 as shown in.

[0167] At block 1400, the UE associates with a UE group. The UE group corresponds to a first DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute the group association logic 1705 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the group association logic 1705 provides a function for associating with the UE group corresponding to the first DRX cycle.

[0168] At block 1401, the UE associates with a subgroup of the UE group. The subgroup corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute the group association logic 1705 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the group association logic 1705 provides a function for associating with the subgroup of the group UE. The subgroup corresponds to a second DRX cycle different from the first DRX cycle.

[0169] At block 1402, the UE sends a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle to each UE in the subgroup. The UE 115 can execute the RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides a function for sending a message indicating a transition to the first DRX cycle to each UE in the subgroup.

[0170] Figure 15is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 below.

[0171] At block 1500, the UE associates with a first UE group. The first UE group corresponds to a first DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the group association logic 1705 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the group association logic 1705 provides a function for associating with the first UE group corresponding to the first DRX cycle.

[0172] At block 1501, the UE associates with a second UE group. The second UE group corresponds to a second DRX cycle. Broadcast messages within the wireless network (including the UE) correspond to a third DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the group association logic 1705 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the group association logic 1705 provides a function for associating with the second UE group corresponding to the second DRX cycle. Broadcast messages of the wireless network (including the UE 115) correspond to the third DRX cycle.

[0173] At block 1502, the UE performs one or more communications according to a fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the communication logic 1706 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the communication logic 1706 provides a function for the UE 115 to perform one or more communications according to the fourth DRX cycle. The fourth DRX cycle includes a combination of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle (e.g., a combination of the DRX on periods of the first DRX cycle, the second DRX cycle, and the third DRX cycle).

[0174] Figure 16 is a block diagram showing example blocks that are executed to implement one aspect of the present disclosure. The example blocks will also be described with respect to the UE 115 as shown in Figure 17 below.

[0175] At block 1600, the UE associates with a base station. The base station assigns a first DRX cycle to the UE. The UE 115 can execute, under the control of the controller / processor 280, the base station association logic 1707 stored in the memory 282. The execution environment of the base station association logic 1707 provides a function for associating with the base station. The base station assigns a first DRX cycle to the UE 115.

[0176] At block 1601, the UE receives an RRC request from a second UE that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE. The UE 115 can execute RRC reception logic 1703 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC reception logic 1703 provides the function of receiving an RRC request from a second UE that includes a first DRX preference at the second UE.

[0177] At block 1602, the UE sends an RRC establishment message to the second UE that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute RRC transmission logic 1702 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC transmission logic 1702 provides the function of sending an RRC establishment message to the second UE that includes a second DRX preference at the first UE. The second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX on-duration of the second DRX preference matches at least a portion of the DRX on-duration of the first DRX cycle).

[0178] At block 1603, the UE receives an RRC establishment complete message from the second UE that includes an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle. The acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle. The UE 115 can execute RRC reception logic 1703 stored in the memory 282 under the control of the controller / processor 280. The execution environment of the RRC reception logic 1703 provides the function of receiving an RRC establishment complete message from the second UE that includes an indication of an acknowledged DRX cycle. The acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the first DRX cycle (e.g., the DRX on-duration of the acknowledged DRX cycle matches at least a portion of the DRX on-duration of the first DRX cycle).

[0179] In some aspects, techniques for implementing DRX cycle alignment may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in combination with one or more other processes or devices described elsewhere herein. In a first aspect, techniques for implementing DRX alignment may include: sending, from a first UE to a second UE, an RRC request that includes a first DRX preference at the first UE. The techniques of the first aspect may further include: receiving, at the first UE from the second UE, an RRC establishment message that includes a second DRX preference at the second UE. The techniques of the first aspect may further include: sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment complete message that includes an indication of an agreed DRX cycle. In some examples, the techniques of the first aspect may be implemented in a method or process. In some other examples, the techniques of the first aspect may be implemented in a wireless communication device (such as a UE or a component of a UE). In some examples, the wireless communication device may include at least one processing unit or system (which may include an application processor, a modem, or other components) and at least one memory device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to perform the operations described herein with respect to the wireless communication device. In some examples, the memory device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, and the program code, when executed by the processing unit, is configured to cause the wireless communication device to perform the operations described herein.

[0180] In a second aspect, either alone or in combination with the first aspect, the techniques include: performing one or more communications between the first UE and the second UE in accordance with the agreed DRX cycle.

[0181] In a third aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to second aspects, the RRC request includes an RRC connection request or an RRC reconfiguration request.

[0182] In a fourth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, the techniques include: determining the agreed DRX cycle based on the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

[0183] In a fifth aspect, in combination with the fourth aspect, the agreed DRX cycle includes at least a portion of an overlap between the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

[0184] In a sixth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, sending the RRC request, receiving the RRC establishment message, and sending the RRC establishment complete message are performed during a unicast messaging procedure between the first UE and the second UE.

[0185] In a seventh aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, the technique includes: sending, from a first UE to a third UE, a second RRC request including a third DRX preference at the first UE; receiving, at the first UE from the third UE, a second RRC establishment message including an indication of rejection of establishment; and terminating a unicast messaging process between the first UE and the third UE.

[0186] In an eighth aspect, a technique for achieving DRX alignment may include: sending, from a first UE to a second UE, an RRC request that includes an indication of an intention to perform DRX at the first UE. The technique of the eighth aspect may further include: receiving, at the first UE from the second UE, an RRC establishment message that includes an indication of acceptance of DRX. The technique of the eighth aspect may further include: sending, from the first UE to the second UE, an RRC establishment complete message that includes a confirmation of the intention to perform DRX. In some examples, the technique of the eighth aspect may be implemented in a method or process. In some other examples, the technique of the eighth aspect may be implemented in a wireless communication device (such as a UE or a component of a UE). In some examples, the wireless communication device may include at least one processing unit or system (which may include an application processor, a modem, or other components) and at least one memory device coupled to the processing unit. The processing unit may be configured to perform the operations described herein with respect to the wireless communication device. In some examples, the memory device includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program code stored thereon, and the program code, when executed by the processing unit, is configured to cause the wireless communication device to perform the operations described herein.

[0187] In a ninth aspect, either alone or in combination with the eighth aspect, the RRC request includes an RRC connection request or an RRC reconfiguration request.

[0188] In a tenth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the seventh to ninth aspects, the technique includes: at a first UE, performing DRX according to a DRX cycle determined based on a specific identifier and the number of intervals in the DRX cycle.

[0189] In an eleventh aspect, in combination with the tenth aspect, the number of intervals in the DRX cycle is preconfigured at the system level, and the DRX cycle is determined based on a formula including: the specific identifier modulo the number of intervals in the DRX cycle.

[0190] In a twelfth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the tenth to eleventh aspects, the specific identifier includes an identifier of the first UE.

[0191] In a thirteenth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the tenth to eleventh aspects, the specific identifier includes the identifier of the second UE.

[0192] In a fourteenth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the tenth to eleventh aspects, the specific identifier is based on the connection identifier between the first UE and the second UE.

[0193] In a fifteenth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the tenth to eleventh aspects, the specific identifier is specified by a wireless standard.

[0194] In a sixteenth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the tenth to fifteenth aspects, the technique includes: performing one or more communications between the first UE and the second UE according to the DRX cycle.

[0195] Those skilled in the art should understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and methods. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips mentioned throughout the above description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0196] The functional blocks and modules described herein (e.g., Figure 2 the functional blocks and modules therein) can include a processor, an electronic device, a hardware device, an electronic component, a logic circuit, a memory, software code, firmware code, etc., or any combination thereof. In addition, the features related to 1-17 discussed herein can be implemented via dedicated processor circuitry, via executable instructions, and / or their combination.

[0197] Those skilled in the art should also understand that various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein (e.g., Figures 1 - 16The logical blocks in [ ] can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in a flexible manner for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should also readily recognize that the order or combination of the components, methods, or interactions described herein are merely examples, and the components, methods, or interactions of various aspects of the present disclosure can be combined or performed in ways different from those shown and described herein.

[0198] A general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein can be used to implement or perform the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure herein. The general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such architecture.

[0199] The steps of the methods or algorithms described in connection with the disclosure herein can be embodied in hardware, software modules executed by a processor, or a combination of both. The software modules can be located in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can also be part of the processor. The processor and the storage medium can be located in an ASIC. The ASIC can be located in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium can also exist as discrete components in a user terminal.

[0200] In one or more exemplary designs, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, the functionality may be stored on or transmitted via a computer-readable medium as one or more instructions or code. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. A computer-readable storage medium may be any available medium that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer, or a general purpose or special purpose processor. Additionally, a connection may be appropriately termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL), then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or DSL is included in the definition of medium. As used herein, disk and disc include compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0201] As used herein (including in the claims), when used in a list of two or more items, the term “and / or” means that any one of the listed items can be used individually, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composite is described as including components A, B, and / or C, the composite can include: only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C. Additionally, as used herein (including in the claims), as used in a list of items ended with “at least one of”, “or” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, the list “at least one of A, B, or C” means: A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C), or any one of any combination thereof.

[0202] The foregoing description of the disclosure enables those skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: Transmit first information indicating a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first user equipment (UE) to a second UE; Receive, at the first UE, second information indicating a second DRX preference at the second UE from the second UE; And Transmit an indicator of a confirmed DRX cycle from the first UE to the second UE, where the confirmed DRX cycle includes at least a portion of an overlap between the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Perform one or more communications between the first UE and the second UE according to the confirmed DRX cycle.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first information includes a radio resource control (RRC) connection request or an RRC reconfiguration request.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Determine the confirmed DRX cycle based on the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Transmitting the first information, receiving the second information, and transmitting the indicator are performed during a unicast messaging procedure between the first UE and the second UE.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Transmit third information indicating a third DRX preference at the first UE from the first UE to a third UE; Receive, at the first UE, fourth information indicating a rejection of establishment from the third UE; And Terminate the unicast messaging procedure between the first UE and the third UE.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Transmitting the first information includes transmitting a first radio resource control (RRC) message including the first information; Receiving the second information includes receiving a second RRC message including the second information; and Transmitting the indicator includes transmitting a third RRC message including the indicator.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The first RRC message includes an RRC request; The second RRC message includes an RRC establishment message; and The third RRC message includes an RRC establishment complete message.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The first RRC message, the second RRC message, and the third RRC message are transmitted via sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The first DRX preference is based on a reference time negotiated between the first UE and the second UE; and The second DRX preference is based on the reference time.

11. An apparatus configured for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising: At least one processor; And A memory coupled to the at least one processor, Wherein the at least one processor is configured to: Initiate transmission of first information indicating a first discontinuous reception (DRX) preference at the first user equipment (UE) from the first UE to a second UE; Receive, at the first UE, second information indicating a second DRX preference at the second UE from the second UE; and Initiate transmission of an indicator of a confirmed DRX cycle from the first UE to the second UE, where the confirmed DRX cycle includes at least a portion of an overlap between the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein,The at least one processor is further configured to: Initiate performance of one or more communications between the first UE and the second UE according to the confirmed DRX cycle.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The first information includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection request or an RRC reconfiguration request.

14. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: determine the confirmed DRX cycle based on the first DRX preference and the second DRX preference.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The transmitting of the first information, the receiving of the second information, and the transmitting of the indicator are performed during a unicast messaging procedure between the first UE and the second UE.

16. The device according to claim 11, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate the transmission of third information from the first UE to a third UE indicating a third DRX preference at the first UE; receive, at the first UE, fourth information indicating a rejection of establishment from the third UE; and based on the reception of the fourth information, terminate the unicast messaging procedure between the first UE and the third UE.

17. A method for wireless communication, the method comprising: Transmit first information from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the first information indicating an intention to perform discontinuous reception (DRX) at the first UE; Receive, at the first UE, second information from the second UE, the second information indicating acceptance of the DRX; Transmit an indicator from the first UE to the second UE indicating confirmation of the intention to perform DRX; and at the first UE, perform DRX according to the DRX cycle determined based on a specific identifier and the number of intervals in the DRX cycle, the specific identifier being associated with sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The first information includes a Radio Resource Control (RRC) request.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The DRX cycle determined based on the specific identifier and the number of intervals in the DRX cycle includes the DRX cycle determined by taking the modulo of the number of intervals in the DRX cycle based on the specific identifier.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The number of intervals in the DRX cycle is pre-configured at the system level, and wherein the DRX cycle is determined based on a formula including: The specific identifier takes the modulo of the number of intervals in the DRX cycle.

21. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The specific identifier includes an identifier of the first UE or the second UE.

22. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The specific identifier includes a connection identifier between the first UE and the second UE.

23. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The specific identifier is based on the connection identifier between the first UE and the second UE.

24. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The specific identifier is specified by a wireless standard.

25. The method according to claim 17, further comprising: Perform one or more communications between the first UE and the second UE according to the DRX cycle.

26. A device configured for wireless communication, the device comprising: At least one processor; and a memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: initiate the transmission of first information from a first user equipment (UE) to a second UE, the first information regarding an intention to perform discontinuous reception (DRX) at the first UE; receive, at the first UE, second information from the second UE, the second information indicating acceptance of the DRX; Initiate the transmission of third information from the first UE to the second UE, where the third information indicates confirmation of the intention to perform DRX; and At the first UE, perform DRX according to the DRX cycle determined based on a specific identifier and the number of intervals in the DRX cycle, where the specific identifier is associated with sidelink communication between the first UE and the second UE.

27. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The number of intervals in the DRX cycle is preconfigured at the system level, and where the DRX cycle is determined based on a formula including the following: The specific identifier modulo the number of intervals in the DRX cycle.

28. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The specific identifier includes the identifier of the first UE or the identifier of the second UE.

29. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The specific identifier is based on the connection identifier between the first UE and the second UE, or is specified by a wireless standard.

30. The device according to claim 26, wherein, The at least one processor is further configured to: initiate the execution of one or more communications between the first UE and the second UE according to the DRX cycle.

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