Method and user equipment for cell (re)selection

Abstract

The application provides a method and a user equipment (UE) for cell (re)selection, the method comprising: receiving an intra-frequency reselection indicator in a master information block (MIB) from a cell on a specific frequency; determining whether the cell belongs to a network registered by the UE; determining other cells on the specific frequency as forbidden cells which do not allow the UE to select in intra-frequency cell reselection, in the case that the cell belongs to the network and intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed to be performed, the intra-frequency reselection indicator being set to a first value indicating intra-frequency cell reselection; and performing intra-frequency cell reselection on the other cells on the specific frequency, in the case that the cell does not belong to the network or the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed to be performed.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of and priority to provisional U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 007,271, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Cell (Re)selection in Non-Public Network,” filed April 8, 2020 (hereinafter “‘271 Provisional Application”). The contents of the ‘271 Provisional Application are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and in particular, to a method and a user equipment (UE) for performing cell (re)selection in a next generation wireless communication network. BACKGROUND

[0004] With the tremendous growth in the number of connected devices and rapid increase in user / network traffic, various efforts have been made to improve different aspects of wireless communications for next generation wireless communication systems, such as fifth-generation (5G) New Radio (NR), by improving data rates, latency, reliability, and mobility.

[0005] 5G NR systems are designed to provide flexibility and configurability to optimize network services and types to accommodate various use cases, such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC).

[0006] However, as the demand for radio access continues to increase, there is a need for further improvements in wireless communications for next generation wireless communication systems. SUMMARY

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a method and a UE for cell (re)selection.

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a method performed by a UE for cell reselection is provided. The method includes receiving an intra-frequency reselection indicator in a Master Information Block (MIB) from a cell on a specific frequency; determining whether the cell belongs to a network to which the UE is registered; in a case that the cell belongs to the network and the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed to be performed, determining other cells on the specific frequency as barred cells which do not allow the UE to select in the intra-frequency cell reselection; and in a case that the cell does not belong to the network or the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that the intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed to be performed, performing the intra-frequency cell reselection on the other cells on the specific frequency.

[0009] According to another aspect of the disclosure, a UE for cell reselection is provided. The UE includes a transceiver, a processor coupled to the transceiver, and a memory coupled to the processor. The transceiver is configured to receive an intra-frequency reselection indicator in a Master Information Block (MIB) from a cell on a specific frequency. The memory stores at least one computer executable program which, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to determine whether the cell belongs to a network to which the UE is registered; in a case that the cell belongs to the network and the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed to be performed, determine other cells on the specific frequency as barred cells which do not allow the UE to select in the intra-frequency cell reselection; and in a case that the cell does not belong to the network or the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that the intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed to be performed, perform the intra-frequency cell reselection on the other cells on the specific frequency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] Aspects of the disclosure can be best understood with reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Various features are not drawn to scale. For clarity, not all features can be drawn to scale.

[0011] Figure 1A A state, state transition, and procedure for a UE according to embodiments of the disclosure are shown.

[0012] Figure 1A A state, state transition, and procedure for a UE according to embodiments of the disclosure are shown.

[0013] Figure 2 A flowchart for a method performed by a UE for cell (re)selection according to embodiments of the disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A flow diagram for a method for intra-frequency cell reselection is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] Figure 4 A flow diagram for a method for a UE to enter an arbitrary cell selection state is shown in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing cells on the same frequency and different frequencies.

[0017] Figure 6 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing cells on the same frequency and different frequencies. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following includes specific information that is of interest to a person of ordinary skill in the art of the embodiments of the present disclosure. The drawings and associated descriptions are solely for purposes of exemplification, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other variations and embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the drawings and associated descriptions.

[0019] Unless otherwise indicated, like or corresponding elements shown in the figures can be indicated by like or corresponding reference characters. Furthermore, the figures and illustrations in the present disclosure generally are not drawn to scale, and are not intended to correspond to actual relative sizes.

[0020] For purposes of consistency and ease of understanding, identical or similar features shown in the drawings are identified by identical or similar reference characters, though some examples are not shown. Features in different embodiments can be different, however, in other respects, and thus should not be narrowly limited to what is shown in the drawings.

[0021] The phrases “in one embodiment” or “in some embodiments” can refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The term “includes” means “includes, but is not limited to,” and specifically indicates open-ended includes or relationships or membership in a disclosed combination, group, series, or the like. The expressions “at least one of A, B, and C” or “at least one of the following: A, B, and C” mean “only A, or only B, or only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.”

[0022] The terms "system" and "network" are used interchangeably herein. The term "and / or" is used only to describe the relationship between related objects and indicates that three relationships may exist. For example, A and / or B may indicate that A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, or B exists alone. "A and / or B and / or C" may indicate that at least one of A, B, and C exists. The character " / " generally indicates that related objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0023] For purposes of explanation rather than limitation, specific details (such as functional entities, technologies, protocols, standards, etc.) are stated to provide an understanding of the technologies described. In other examples, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, technologies, systems, architectures, etc., are omitted to avoid unnecessary detail from obscuring the description.

[0024] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that any one or more network functions or algorithms described in this disclosure can be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of both. The disclosed functions may correspond to modules, which can be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

[0025] Software implementations may include computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium such as memory or other types of storage devices. One or more microprocessors or general-purpose computers with communication processing capabilities may be programmed with corresponding computer-executable instructions and perform one or more described network functions or algorithms.

[0026] Microprocessors or general-purpose computers may include application-specific integrated circuitry (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, and / or utilize one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). Although some embodiments of this disclosure are oriented toward software installed and executed on computer hardware, alternative exemplary embodiments implemented as firmware or hardware or a combination of hardware and software are fully within the scope of this disclosure. Computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), cassette tape, magnetic tape, disk storage devices, or any other equivalent medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions.

[0027] Radio communication network architectures (such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) systems, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) systems, LTE-Pro (Advanced LTE Pro) systems, or 5G NR Radio Access Networks (RANs) typically include at least one base station (BS), at least one user equipment (UE), and one or more optional network elements providing connectivity within the network. UEs can communicate with networks (such as Core Network (CN), Evolved Packet Core (EPC) networks, Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), Next-Generation Core (NGC), 5G Core (5GC), or the Internet) through the RAN established by one or more BSs.

[0028] The UE may include, but is not limited to, a mobile station, a mobile terminal or device, or a user communication radio terminal. The UE may be a portable wireless device, including but not limited to mobile phones, tablets, wearable devices, sensors, vehicles, or personal digital assistants (PDAs) with wireless communication capabilities. The UE may be configured to receive signals via an air interface and transmit signals to one or more cells in a radio access network.

[0029] The BS can be configured to provide communication services based on at least one of the following Radio Access Technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, commonly referred to as 2G), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS, commonly referred to as 3G) based on Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), LTE, LTE-A, LTE-evolved LTE (eLTE) connected to 5GC, NR (commonly referred to as 5G), and / or LTE-APro. However, the scope of this disclosure should not be limited to the protocols mentioned above.

[0030] A BS may include, but is not limited to, Node B (NB) in UMTS, Evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE or LTE-A, Radio Network Controller (RNC) in UMTS, Base Station Controller (BSC) in GSM / GERAN, Next Generation Node B (ng-eNB) in an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) BS connected to a 5GC, Next Generation Node B (gNB) in 5G-RAN (or 5G Access Network (5G-AN)), or any other device capable of controlling radio communications and managing radio resources within the cell. A BS can serve one or more UEs via a radio interface.

[0031] A BS can provide radio coverage to a specific geographic area using multiple cells included in the RAN. The BS can support cell operation. Each cell can operate to provide service to at least one UE within its radio coverage area.

[0032] Each cell (usually referred to as the serving cell) can provide services to one or more UEs within its radio coverage area, such that each cell schedules downlink (DL) and optional uplink (UL) resources to at least one UE within its radio coverage area for DL ​​and optional UL packet transmissions. A BS can communicate with one or more UEs in a radio communication system through multiple cells.

[0033] A cell can be allocated sidelink (SL) resources to support Proximity Service (ProSe), LTE SL service, and / or LTE / NR Vehicle to Everything (V2X) service. Each cell can have coverage areas that overlap with other cells.

[0034] In the context of Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC), the primary cells of a Master Cell Group (MCG) or Secondary Cell Group (SCG) can be referred to as Special Cells (SpCells). A Primary Cell (PCell) can refer to the SpCell of an MCG. A Primary SCG Cell (PSCell) can refer to the SpCell of an SCG. An MCG can refer to a group of serving cells associated with a Master Node (MN), including SpCells and one or more optional Secondary Cells (SCells). An SCG can refer to a group of serving cells associated with a Secondary Node (SN), including SpCells and one or more optional SCells.

[0035] As discussed above, NR's frame structure supports flexible configuration to adapt to various next-generation (e.g., 5G) communication requirements, such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), while meeting high reliability, high data rates, and low latency requirements. The Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology agreed upon in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) can be used as a benchmark for NR waveforms. Scalable OFDM parameter sets, such as adaptive subcarrier spacing, channel bandwidth, and cyclic prefix (CP), can also be used.

[0036] For NR, two coding schemes are considered: specifically, Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes and polar codes. The coding scheme can be configured based on channel conditions and / or the service application.

[0037] At a minimum, DL transmission data, protection period, and UL transmission data should be contained within a single NR frame's transmission time interval (TTI). The components of the DL transmission data, protection period, and UL transmission data should be configured based on, for example, NR network dynamics. SL resources may also be provided in NR frames to support ProSe or V2X services.

[0038] Multiple Public Land Mobile Networks (PLMNs) can operate in unlicensed spectrum. Multiple PLMNs can share the same unlicensed carriers. PLMNs can be public or private. Public PLMNs can be provided (but are not limited to) by operators or virtual operators providing radio services to public users. Public PLMNs can own licensed spectrum and support radio access technologies on the licensed spectrum. Private PLMNs can be provided (but are not limited to) by micro-operators providing radio services to their private users (e.g., employees or machines), and / or deployed in factories or enterprises. Public PLMNs can support more deployment scenarios (e.g., carrier aggregation between licensed NR (PCell) and unlicensed NR (NR-U) (SCell), dual connectivity between licensed LTE (PCell) and NR-U (PSCell), standalone NR-U, NR cells with DL in unlicensed bands and UL in licensed bands, dual connectivity between licensed NR (PCell) and NR-U (PSCell). Private PLMNs primarily support (but are not limited to) stand-alone unlicensed radio access technologies (e.g., stand-alone NR-U).

[0039] In this disclosure, connected mode can refer to the Radio Resource Control (RRC)_CONNECTED state (or simply "RRC_CONNECTED"). Idle mode can refer to the "RRC_IDLE state" (or simply "RRC_IDLE"). Inactive mode can refer to the "RRC_INACTIVE state" (or simply "RRC_INACTIVE"). A UE operating in RRC_IDLE can refer to an RRC_IDLE UE. A UE operating in RRC_INACTIVE can refer to an RRC_INACTIVE UE. A UE operating in RRC_CONNECTED can refer to an RRC_CONNECTED UE.

[0040] To meet the requirements of low latency and high reliability for vertical industry chains, and to support 5G Local Area Network (LAN) type services and private wireless networks (e.g., private networks), it is necessary to improve the cell (re)selection mechanism for next-generation cellular networks.

[0041] Private networks (e.g., Non-Public Networks, NPNs) can support both vertical and LAN services. Private networks can be categorized into Stand-alone Non-Public Networks (SNPNs) and Public Network Integrated Non-Public Networks (PNI-NPNs). Operators can focus on PNI-NPN solutions for a wider range of use cases, such as small office / home office (SOHO) deployments and residential / private network coverage deployments.

[0042] 5G systems will be enhanced to support NPN. Two types of network identifiers will be introduced for NPN: Network Identifier / Identity (NID) and Closed Access Group (CAG) ID. 5G RAN can also implement NPN by enhancing functions such as NPN identification, discovery, selection / reselection, access control, and mobility restriction.

[0043] When considering NPN scenarios, various UE types and cell types can be introduced. For example, a UE can be "a UE in SNPN access mode" or "a UE in non-SNPN access mode (i.e., the UE is not operating in SNPN access mode)". A cell can be one of the following: "SNPN cell", "CAG cell", "PLMN cell", "a cell that at least supports SNPN deployment" (e.g., the cell broadcast identifies the SNPN ID supported by the cell, where the SNPN ID can include the PLMN ID and / or NID), "a cell that at least supports PNI-NPN deployment" (e.g., the cell broadcast identifies the PNI-NPN ID supported by the cell, where the PNI-NPN ID can include the PLMN ID and / or CAG ID), "a cell that at least supports PLMN deployment" (e.g., the cell broadcast identifies the PLMN ID supported by the cell), "a cell that at least supports SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment", "a cell that at least supports SNPN and PLMN deployment", "a cell that at least supports PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment", "a cell that supports SNPN, PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment", etc. However, especially in the sub-states of RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE (e.g., normal camping state, arbitrary cell selection state, camping in any cell state), the UE behavior for different UE types for different cell types is still unclear.

[0044] This disclosure provides UE behaviors for different UE types under different cell types, especially in the sub-states of RRC_IDLE / RRC_INNACTIVE (e.g., normal camping state, arbitrary cell selection state, and camping in any cell state). Furthermore, it provides, particularly for the RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE scenario, a cell reselection evaluation process, the definition of acceptable cells, the selection of cells transitioning to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE states, and cells with cell reservation, access restrictions, or unsuitability for normal camping. Additionally, it discloses UEs transitioning from SNPN access mode to non-SNPN access mode. The processing of intra-frequency reselection indicators is also disclosed.

[0045] SNPN arbitrary cell selection status

[0046] Figure 1A and 1B Embodiments of this disclosure illustrate states, state transitions, and procedures for a UE. For example... Figure 1AAs shown, whenever the UE performs a new PLMN selection or a new SNPN selection, it can lead to exiting to Node 1. When the UE selects an SNPN (e.g., in SNPN access mode) or a PLMN (e.g., in non-SNPN access mode), if the UE does not have stored cell information for the selected SNPN or PLMN respectively, the UE can perform initial cell selection 102. When the UE selects an SNPN (e.g., in SNPN access mode) or a PLMN (e.g., in non-SNPN access mode), if the UE has stored cell information for the selected SNPN or PLMN respectively, the UE can perform stored information cell selection 104. If the UE does not find any suitable cell during stored information cell selection 104, the UE can return to perform initial cell selection 102. If the UE finds at least one suitable cell during initial cell selection 102 or stored information cell selection 104, the UE can enter normal camping state 106. If the UE does not find any suitable cell during the initial cell selection 102 period, the UE may enter the arbitrary cell selection state 114.

[0047] On the other hand, if the UE operating in connected mode 110 returns to idle mode or inactive mode, the UE can perform cell selection 112 when leaving connected mode 110. If the UE finds at least one suitable cell in cell selection 112, the UE can enter normal camping state 106. If the UE does not find any suitable cell in cell selection 112, the UE can perform stored information cell selection 104.

[0048] When the UE is in normal camping state 106, the UE can trigger a cell re-evaluation process 108 to search for a suitable cell. If the UE finds at least one suitable cell during the cell re-evaluation process 108, the UE can enter (or remain in) normal camping state 106. If the UE does not find at least any suitable cell during the cell re-evaluation process 108, the UE can enter arbitrary cell selection state 114. When the UE is in normal camping state 106 and the UE's Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer indicates that registration on the selected PLMN / SNPN is rejected, the UE can enter arbitrary cell selection state 114.

[0049] Reference Figure 1B This illustrates the state transitions and procedures after the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state 114. For example... Figure 1BAs shown, when no Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) is inserted into the UE and there is no subscription to the SNPN, the UE can enter the arbitrary cell selection state 114. If the UE finds at least one suitable cell in the arbitrary cell selection state 114, the UE can leave the arbitrary cell selection state 114 and enter Node 2 (which is in Figure 1A (Connecting to normal camping state 106). If the UE does not find any suitable cell in arbitrary cell selection state 114, but finds at least one acceptable cell (and / or moves to idle mode), the UE can enter arbitrary cell camping state 116. When the UE is in arbitrary cell camping state 116, the UE can trigger cell reselection evaluation process 118. If the UE finds at least one acceptable cell during cell reselection evaluation process 118, the UE can enter (or remain in) arbitrary cell camping state 116. If the UE does not find any acceptable cell during cell reselection evaluation process 118, the UE can return to arbitrary cell selection state 114. If the UE finds at least one suitable cell in arbitrary cell camping state 116, the UE can enter Node 2 to return to... Figure 1A The normal residence status is 106.

[0050] If a UE operating in connected mode 120 (which only provides service for emergency calls) returns to idle mode, the UE can perform cell selection 122 when leaving connected mode 120. If the UE finds at least one acceptable cell during cell selection 122, the UE can enter state 116 of camping on any cell. If the UE does not find any acceptable cell in cell selection 122, the UE can enter state 114 of selecting any cell.

[0051] For a UE operating in SNPN access mode, a cell can be considered a suitable cell if at least one of the following conditions (1) to (4) is met:

[0052] (1) The cell is the SNPN selected by the UE or part of the SNPN registered by the UE.

[0053] (2) The criteria for selecting a community are met.

[0054] (3) The cell is not blocked based on the latest information provided by the NAS layer.

[0055] (4) Based on the latest information provided by the NAS layer, the cell is part of at least one Tracking Area (TA) and the Tracking Area is not part of the “No Tracking Areas” list of the UE’s selected SNPN or registered SNPN.

[0056] For condition (1), the cell may broadcast at least one SNPN identifier via System Information Block (SIB) Type 1 (SIB1). After receiving the SNPN identifier, the UE may determine whether each SNPN identifier matches the identifier of the UE's selected SNPN or the UE's registered SNPN.

[0057] Regarding condition (2), cell selection criterion S is satisfied when both the cell selection receive (RX) level value (dB) and the cell selection quality value (dB) are greater than zero. The UE can derive the cell selection RX level value based on measured cell RX level values ​​(e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP)), the minimum required RX level in the cell (dBm), the offset (dBm) of the minimum required RX level emitted by the signal in the cell, and SNPN-specific parameters. The minimum required RX level in the cell (dBm) can be affected by SNPN deployment / operation or SNPN-specific parameters. The offset (dBm) of the minimum required RX level transmitted by the signal in the cell can be affected by SNPN deployment / operation or specific SNPN parameters (e.g., periodic SNPN search, periodic SNPN search when the UE is in SNPN access mode, periodic SNPN search when the UE is in non-SNPN access mode (e.g., when the UE is normally camped on or accessing a PLMN). If the UE is operating in SNPN access mode, the cell selection RX level value (or parameter or formula) can be adjusted compared to when the UE is operating in non-SNPN access mode (e.g., the UE can perform normal PLMN selection in non-SNPN access mode or in PNI-NPN). (E.g., the serving / camped cell can indicate the adjusted value to the UE via broadcast information or dedicated signaling, and the UE can adjust it itself (e.g., based on pre-configured values)). The UE can deduce the cell selection quality value based on measured cell quality values ​​(e.g., Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) values), the minimum required quality level (dB) in the cell, the offset (dB) of the minimum required quality level emitted by the signal in the cell, and SNPN-specific parameters. The minimum required quality level (dB) in the cell can be affected by SNPN deployment / operation or SNPN-specific parameters. The offset (dB) of the minimum required quality level emitted by the signal in the cell can be affected by SNPN deployment / operation or SNPN-specific parameters (e.g., periodic SNPN search, periodic SNPN search when the UE is in SNPN access mode, and periodic SNPN search when the UE is in non-SNPN access mode (e.g., when the UE is normally camped on or accessing the PLMN).Compared to the case where the UE is operating in non-SNPN access mode (e.g., the UE can perform normal PLMN selection in non-SNPN access mode or operate in PNI-NPN), if the UE is operating in SNPN access mode, the cell selection quality value (or parameter or formula) can be adjusted (e.g., the serving / camping cell can indicate the adjusted value to the UE through broadcast information or through dedicated signaling, and the UE can adjust it itself (e.g., based on pre-configured values)).

[0058] Cell reselection assessment process (rating mechanism for RAN sharing cases)

[0059] (For example, in SNPN access mode) The UE can perform a rating of all cells that satisfy cell selection criterion S. The rating of all cells can correspond to criterion R. The cell rating can take into account NPN-related factors (e.g., Q). SNPN The NPN correlation factor can be the (RSRP) offset used in NPN scenarios (e.g., SNPN or PNI-NPN).

[0060] R s =Q meas，s +Q hyst -Qoffset temp

[0061] R n =Q meas，n -Qoffset-Qoffset temp +Q SNPN

[0062] in:

[0063]

[0064] During the community re-selection assessment process (e.g.: Figure 1A and 1BDuring the cell reselection evaluation process (108 or 118) shown in the diagram (e.g., in SNPN access mode), the UE may attempt to find a suitable cell to camp on. If no suitable cell is found, the cell reselection evaluation process can also be used to search for an acceptable cell. For example, among all candidate cells (e.g., cells that meet cell selection criterion S), the UE can rate each candidate cell based on (1) whether the candidate cell supports NPN and / or NPN only; (2) whether the candidate cell supports PLMN and / or PLMN only; (3) whether the candidate cell supports SNPN and / or SNPN only; (4) whether the candidate cell supports RAN sharing; (5) the number of SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers broadcast through the candidate cell; (6) the number of SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers, wherein each of the SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers can be broadcast through the candidate cell and matches the SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers supported / selected / registered by the UE; and / or (7) the received signal strength (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ / Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI)).

[0065] During the cell reselection evaluation process, the UE can perform operations that satisfy cell selection criterion S and also meet a specific threshold R (e.g., R). n Greater than or equal to R th , where R th This is the rating of all candidate cells (based on the R threshold). R can be pre-configured to the UE. th The UE can receive R from the serving / camping cell via broadcast messages (e.g., SIB1 and / or other System Information Blocks (SIBs)). th The UE can receive R from the serving / camping cell via dedicated signaling. thAmong all candidate cells (e.g., cells that meet cell selection criteria S and also meet a specific R threshold), the UE may rate all candidate cells based on (1) whether the cell supports NPN and / or NPN only; (2) whether the cell supports PLMN and / or PLMN only; (3) whether the cell supports SNPN and / or SNPN only; (4) whether the cell supports RAN sharing; (5) the number of SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers broadcast by the cell; (6) the number of SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers, wherein each of the SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers can be broadcast by the cell and matches the SNPN identifiers, PNI-NPN identifiers and / or PLMN identifiers supported / selected / registered by the UE; and / or (7) the received signal strength (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ / RSSI).

[0066] During the community re-selection assessment process (e.g.: Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the cell reselection evaluation process 108 or 118 shown, (e.g., in SNPN access mode) the UE can determine whether it can select a cell as a candidate cell for cell (re)selection and / or rate one or more cells (e.g., candidate cells) to find a suitable cell / acceptable cell.

[0067] For example: (e.g., in SNPN access mode) The UE can rate candidate cells that broadcast at least one SNPN identifier. The UE can rate candidate cells that broadcast only an SNPN identifier (e.g., the candidate cell to be rated does not broadcast a PLMN identifier, the candidate cell to be rated does not broadcast any PLMN identifier with an associated network identifier and / or CAG identifier, or the candidate cell to be rated does not broadcast a CAG identifier). The UE may not consider cells that only broadcast PLMN identifiers without an associated network identifier and without an associated CAG identifier as candidate cells for rating and / or for cell reselection. The UE may not consider cells that broadcast PLMN identifiers with an associated CAG identifier as candidate cells for rating and / or for cell reselection. The UE may consider cells that only broadcast PLMN identifiers without an associated network identifier and / or CAG identifier as candidate cells, but the UE may not rate such cells used for cell reselection. The UE may consider the number of SNPN identifiers, PLMN identifiers, and PNI-NPN identifiers broadcast through candidate cells as a factor in rating candidate cells. The UE can rate the cell broadcasting the most SNPN identifiers as having the highest level among all candidate cells, and the cell broadcasting the fewest SNPN identifiers as having the lowest level among all candidate cells. Cells broadcasting the same number of SNPN identifiers can have the same level among all candidate cells. The UE can rate cells broadcasting the same number of SNPN identifiers based on received signal strength (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ / RSSI). The UE can rate a cell with stronger received signal strength as having a higher level than other cells with weaker received signal strength, where both cells broadcast the same number of SNPN identifiers.

[0068] If the UE supports operation in at least one SNPN indicated by at least one SNPN identifier (e.g., the UE is pre-configured with a series of (equivalent) SNPN identifiers identifying a range of SNPNs that the UE can support), the UE can consider the number of matching SNPN identifiers broadcast through the candidate cells and also supported by the UE itself as a factor in rating the candidate cells. The UE can rate the cell with the most matching SNPN identifiers as having the highest level among all candidate cells. The UE can rate the cell with the fewest matching SNPN identifiers as having the lowest level among all candidate cells. The UE can rate cells with the same number of matching SNPN identifiers as having the same level among all candidate cells. The UE can rate cells with the same number of matching SNPN identifiers based on received signal strength (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ / RSSI). The UE can rate a cell with stronger received signal strength higher than other cells with weaker received signal strength, where the two cells can have the same number of matching SNPN identifiers.

[0069] During the cell reselection evaluation process, the UE can select a candidate cell with the highest priority and check whether this cell meets the appropriate cell requirements. If the candidate cell with the highest priority meets the appropriate cell requirements, the UE can determine this cell as the appropriate cell. If the candidate cell with the highest priority does not meet the appropriate cell requirements, the UE can select a candidate cell with the second highest priority and check whether this cell (with the second highest priority) meets the appropriate cell requirements. If the candidate cell with the second highest priority meets the appropriate cell requirements, the UE can determine this cell as the appropriate cell. If the candidate cell with the second highest priority does not meet the appropriate cell requirements, the UE can continue to check whether a candidate cell with the next highest priority (e.g., a third highest priority, if it exists) is a suitable cell according to the appropriate cell requirements.

[0070] If the UE cannot find any candidate cell broadcasting at least one SNPN identifier, or if the UE cannot find any suitable cell during the cell reselection evaluation process 108, the UE may enter an arbitrary cell selection state (e.g.: Figure 1A and 1B The arbitrary cell selection state shown is 114).

[0071] UE behavior in arbitrary cell selection state

[0072] Arbitrary cell selection state (e.g.: Figure 1A and 1BThe arbitrary cell selection state 114 shown can be applied to UEs operating in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE (e.g., in SNPN access mode). In an arbitrary cell selection state, the UE can attempt to find a suitable cell to camp on (e.g., by performing a cell (re)selection procedure). If the UE does not find any suitable cells after scanning a specific RAT and frequency band supported by the UE, the UE can attempt to find any receivable cell on which to camp by trying to access the RAT supported by the UE and first searching for high-quality cells. The measured RSRP value of the high-quality cell (e.g., the RSRP of the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) or the RSRP of the Channel Status Information-Reference Signal (CSI-RS)) can be greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold / value (e.g., "-110dBm").

[0073] The RATs and frequency bands that support PLMN deployment may include (a) RATs and frequency bands that support PLMN deployment only, (b) RATs and frequency bands that support both PLMN and PNI-NPN deployments, (c) RATs and frequency bands that support both PLMN and SNPN deployments, and / or (d) RATs and frequency bands that support PLMN, PNI-NPN, and SNPN deployments (e.g., when considering network sharing and / or RAN sharing between PLMN, PNI-NPN, and / or SNPN).

[0074] RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE UEs that fail to camp on any cell can remain in any cell selection state (e.g. Figure 1B Any cell selection state 114)

[0075] UE behavior in SNPN access mode - UE behavior in arbitrary cell selection state

[0076] A UE in SNPN access mode can refer to a UE operating in an SNPN scenario. For example, a UE in SNPN access mode can be an advanced UE with SNPN support (e.g., a Rel-16 (or higher) NR UE with SNPN support but no PLMN support, a Rel-16 (or higher) NR UE with both SNPN and PLMN support, a Rel-16 (or higher) NR UE with SNPN support but no PNI-NPN support, a Rel-16 (or higher) NR UE with both SNPN and PNI-NPN support, or a Rel-16 (or higher) NR UE with SNPN, PNI-NPN, and PLMN support). A UE can be pre-configured in either SNPN or non-SNPN access mode. The UE can be configured to be in SNPN access mode or non-SNPN access mode via the cell to the UE's NAS layer, for example: through the UE's own NAS layer, or through the core network (e.g., Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)).

[0077] If, after performing a full scan of all RATs and all frequency bands for SNPN deployment (e.g., based on stored cell information) (e.g., the UE has scanned RATs and frequency bands supporting SNPN deployment, or has scanned NR (not LTE, UMTS, and / or GSM) and all frequency bands supporting SNPN deployment), the UE in SNPN access mode fails to find a suitable cell, the UE may attempt to find any cell (in cell types (1) to (7) below), and / or attempt to find all RATs supported by the UE for SNPN deployment (e.g., NR instead of LTE, GSM, and / or UMTS), and / or first search for high-quality cells (e.g., cells with measured RSRP values ​​(e.g., RSRP of SSB or RSRP of CSI-RS) greater than or equal to -110 dBm). The UE may search for at least one high-quality cell. Any cell may be found from cell types (1) to (7) below:

[0078] (1) Supports (only) SNPNs (e.g., UE's selected SNPN, UE's registered SNPN, any SNPN);

[0079] (2) CAG-only cells (e.g., CAG-only cells may only support PNI-NPN, and the PLMNID associated with the CAGID broadcast through the CAG-only cell may be the default PLMNID);

[0080] (3) PLMN-only cells (e.g., PLMN-only cells may not support SNPN and PNI-NPN, the PLMN operating a PLMN-only cell can be the default PLMN, and the PLMN ID broadcast through a PLMN-only cell can be the default PLMN ID).

[0081] (4) Acceptable cells that support SNPN (e.g., the SNPN selected by the UE, the SNPN registered by the UE, any SNPN) and PNI-NPN (e.g., the PLMN ID associated with the CAG ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID);

[0082] (5) Supports SNPN (e.g., the SNPN selected by the UE, the SNPN registered by the UE, any SNPN) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN of an operating acceptable cell can be the default PLMN, and the PLMNID broadcast through the acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID).

[0083] (6) Acceptable cells that support PNI-NPN (e.g., the PLMN ID associated with the CAG ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN operating an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN, and the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID);

[0084] (7) An acceptable cell residing thereon that supports SNPN (e.g., the selected SNPN, the registered SNPN, any SNPN), PNI-NPN (e.g., the PLMN ID associated with the CAG ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN operating an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN, and the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID).

[0085] The UE can determine which cell to camp on based on the priority order of cell types. For example, the first group containing types (1), (4), (5), and / or (7) has a higher priority than the second group containing types (2), (3), and / or (6). If at least two cells with high quality are found, the UE can camp on the cell belonging to the higher priority group. If the UE finds two cells with at least high quality and belonging to the same priority group, the UE can randomly camp on one of the two cells. If the UE finds two cells with at least high quality and belonging to the same priority group, the UE can camp on the cell with the highest quality.

[0086] As previously described, a PLMN that meets certain conditions can be considered the default PLMN. The default PLMN can be a PLMN previously selected / registered by the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode). The UE (e.g., in non-SNPN access mode) can store a stored / registered PLMN ID associated with its selected / registered PLMN. When the UE transitions from non-SNPN access mode to SNPN access mode, the UE may not clear / release the stored selected / registered PLMN ID associated with the selected / registered PLMN. The default PLMN can be a pre-configured PLMN (e.g., pre-configured via the core network or via a USIM). The default PLMN can be associated with a default PLMN ID, which can be a virtual PLMN ID and / or a fixed PLMN ID. The fixed PLMN ID can be globally unique or locally unique (e.g., unique for SNPN).

[0087] If a UE in SNPN access mode does not find any nearby SNPN cells (e.g., if the UE in SNPN access mode does not find any SNPN cells before the SNPN search timer expires), the UE's RRC layer in SNPN access mode can indicate status information to the UE's NAS layer (e.g., no SNPN cells were found). Upon receiving the status information, the UE's NAS layer can change the SNPN access mode to a non-SNPN access mode (e.g., if the UE supports normal PLMN and / or PNI-NPN). Upon receiving the status information, the UE's NAS layer can (re)start the suspension_NAS timer. The UE's NAS layer can instruct the UE's RRC layer to perform power saving for a period of time (e.g., by entering sleep mode). The UE can remain in any cell selection state and perform power saving. When the UE performs power saving or when the UE enters sleep mode, the UE can suspend the cell reselection evaluation process (e.g., cell reselection evaluation process 108 or 118). When the suspension_NAS timer expires, the UE's NAS layer can instruct the UE's RRC layer to perform the cell reselection evaluation process.

[0088] When receiving instructions from the UE's NAS layer (e.g., for power saving and / or suspending the cell reselection evaluation process), the UE's Access Layer (AS) (e.g., RRC layer) can (re)start the suspension_AS timer. When the suspension_AS timer expires, the UE's AS layer (e.g., RRC layer) can perform the cell reselection evaluation process. The UE can pre-configure the SNPN search timer via the network (e.g., via dedicated signaling or system information) or via USIM. The UE can receive the SNPN search timer from the network during RRC state transitions. For example, when the UE transitions from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_INACTIVE, it can receive the SNPN search timer in an RRC release message containing the suspension configuration. When the RRC_INACTIVE UE transitions to RRC_IDLE, it can receive the SNPN search timer in an RRC release message without the suspension configuration. When the RRC_CONNECTED UE transitions to RRC_IDLE, it can receive the SNPN search timer via an RRC release message without the suspension configuration. If a new SNPN search timer is configured for the UE during an RRC state transition, the UE can replace the pre-configured SNPN search timer with the newly configured one. When the UE receives an SNPN search timer from the network, the UE can replace the stored SNPN search timer with the newly configured one.

[0089] When the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state (e.g., arbitrary cell selection state 114), the UE may (re)start the SNPN search timer. When the UE performs a cell reselection evaluation procedure (e.g., cell reselection evaluation procedure 108 or 118) and / or searches for suitable cells supporting (only / at least) SNPN and / or acceptable cells supporting (only / at least) SNPN, the UE may start the SNPN search timer. When the UE camps and / or finds a suitable cell supporting (only / at least) SNPN and / or an acceptable cell supporting (only / at least) SNPN, the UE may stop the SNPN search timer.

[0090] The suspension_NAS timer can be pre-configured for the UE via the network or via USIM (e.g., in the UE's NAS layer). The UE can receive the suspension_NAS timer configuration contained in an RRC message from the network (e.g., from the serving cell, core network, or AMF). The UE can receive RRC messages from the network, where the RRC message includes NAS information containing the suspension_NAS timer configuration. The UE can receive RRC messages from the network during RRC state transitions (e.g., via an RRC release message without a suspension configuration for transitioning from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_IDLE, via an RRC release message without a suspension configuration for transitioning from RRC_INACTIVE to RRC_IDLE, via an RRC release message with a suspension configuration for transitioning from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_INACTIVE) or while running in RRC_CONNECTED (e.g., via an RRC reconfiguration message). When receiving an RRC message that includes NAS information containing the configuration of a suspension_NAS timer, the UE's RRC layer can forward the NAS information to the UE's NAS layer. If the UE is configured with a suspension_NAS timer during an RRC state transition or when running in RRC_CONNECTED, the UE can replace the pre-configured suspension_NAS timer with the newly configured one. When the UE receives the newly configured suspension_NAS timer, the UE can replace the stored suspension_NAS timer with the newly configured one.

[0091] The suspension_AS timer can be pre-configured for the UE via the network (e.g., via dedicated signaling, via system information) or via USIM. The UE can receive the suspension_AS timer from the network during the RRC state transition from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_INACTIVE (e.g., via an RRC release message containing a suspension configuration), during the RRC state transition from RRC_INACTIVE to RRC_IDLE (e.g., via an RRC release message without a suspension configuration), or during the RRC state transition from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_IDLE (e.g., via an RRC release message without a suspension configuration). If a new suspension_AS timer is configured for the UE during an RRC state transition, the UE can replace the pre-configured suspension_AS timer with the newly configured one. When the UE receives the newly configured suspension_AS timer, the UE can replace the stored suspension_AS timer with the newly configured one.

[0092] When a UE transitions from a first RRC state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE) to a second RRC state (e.g., RRC_IDLE), the UE can release (or reset) the SNPN search timer and / or suspension_NAS timer that the UE could maintain or run while in the first RRC state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE). After transitioning to the second RRC state (e.g., RRC_IDLE), the UE in the second RRC state can (re)start the SNPN search timer and / or suspension_NAS timer based on the corresponding value. The UE can receive the corresponding value from the serving / camped cell via broadcast information and / or via dedicated signaling, and / or pre-configure the corresponding value via the network / USIM. However, when the UE transitions from the first RRC state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE) to the second RRC state (e.g., RRC_IDLE), the UE may not release (or reset) the SNPN search timer and / or suspension_NAS timer that the UE could maintain or run while in the first RRC state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE). The UE in the second RRC state (e.g., RRC_IDLE) can continue running the SNPN search timer and / or suspension_NAS timer based on the corresponding values ​​from when the UE was in the first RRC state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE).

[0093] If a UE in SNPN access mode enters any cell selection state (e.g., any cell selection state 114), the UE's RRC layer can notify the UE's NAS layer. If the UE also supports PNI-NPN and / or PLMN deployment, the UE's NAS layer can change the SNPN access mode to a non-SNPN access mode. When the UE's RRC layer notifies the UE's NAS layer of status information, if the UE also supports PNI-NPN and / or PLMN deployment, the UE's NAS layer can change the SNPN access mode to a non-SNPN access mode.

[0094] If the UE switches to a non-SNPN access mode, the UE can perform PLMN selection (e.g., based on stored information). If the UE switches to a non-SNPN access mode, the UE can leave any cell selection state. If the UE switches to a non-SNPN access mode, the UE can store information used to operate in SNPN access mode. If the UE switches to a non-SNPN access mode, the UE can remove information used to operate in SNPN access mode.

[0095] UE behavior in non-SNPN access mode - UE behavior in arbitrary cell selection state

[0096] A UE in non-SNPN access mode with the selected / registered CAG ID can refer to a UE operating in a PNI-NPN scenario. A UE in non-SNPN access mode without the selected / registered CAG ID can refer to a UE operating in a PLMN scenario rather than a PNI-NPN scenario. A UE in non-SNPN access mode can be (1) an older version UE without NPN support (e.g., version 15 (Rel-15) NR UE, LTE UE), (2) an advanced UE with NPN support (e.g., Rel-16 (or higher) or NR UE with both NPN and PLMN support), or (3) an advanced UE without NPN support (e.g., Rel-16 (or higher) or NR UE with only PLMN support and no NPN support).

[0097] If, after performing a full scan of all RATs and all frequency bands for non-SNPN deployments (e.g., at least PLMN deployments or at least PNI-NPN deployments) based on stored cell information, the UE in non-SNPN access mode fails to find a suitable cell, the UE may attempt to find any cell (among the following cell types (8) to (14)) and / or attempt to find all RATs supported by the UE for PLMN deployments and / or PNI-NPN deployments (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, and / or UMTS that do not support PNI-NPN, NR that supports PNI-NPN), and / or first search for high-quality cells (e.g., cells with measured RSRP values ​​(e.g., RSRP of SSB, RSRP of CSI-RS) greater than or equal to -110 dBm). Any cell can be found in the following cell types (8) to (14):

[0098] (8) Cells that SNPN is acceptable to (e.g., the SNPN selected when the UE is in SNPN access mode, the SNPN registered when the UE is in SNPN access mode, any SNPN or the default SNPN);

[0099] (9) CAG-only cells (e.g., CAG-only cells may only support PNI-NPN, the PLMN ID associated with the CAG ID broadcast through the CAG-only cell may be the default PLMN ID, the CAG ID broadcast through the CAG-only cell may be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, the PLMN ID broadcast through the CAG-only cell may be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the registered / selected PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, the CAG ID broadcast through the CAG-only cell may be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID, and the PLMN ID broadcast through the CAG-only cell may be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID). ID);

[0100] (10) Only PLMN-acceptable cells (e.g., the cell may not support SNPN and PNI-NPN, the PLMN operating the cell may be the default PLMN, the PLMN ID broadcast through the cell may be the default PLMN ID, the PLMN ID broadcast through the cell may be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, and the PLMN ID broadcast through the cell may be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered PLMN ID).

[0101] (11) Supports SNPN (e.g., the selected SNPN when the UE is in SNPN access mode, the registered SNPN when the UE is in SNPN access mode, any SNPN, or the default SNPN) and PNI-NPN (e.g., the PLMN ID associated with the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID, the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the selected / registered PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID, and the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID). Acceptable cells (not the PLMN ID registered / selected by the UE);

[0102] (12) Supports SNPN (e.g., the SNPN selected when the UE is in SNPN access mode, the SNPN registered when the UE is in SNPN access mode, any SNPN or the default SNPN) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN of an operating acceptable cell can be the default PLMN, the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMNID, the acceptable cell may not support SNPN and PNI-NPN, the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, and the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered PLMN ID).

[0103] (13) Supports PNI-NPN (e.g., the PLMN ID associated with a CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID; the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's selected / registered CAG ID; the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID; the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID; the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN for an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN; the PLMN broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN for an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN; the PLMN for an acceptable cell can be any PLMN for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID) and PLMN (e.g., the PLMN for an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN; the PLMN for an acceptable cell can be any PLMN for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID). The ID can be the default PLMN ID. Acceptable cells may not support SNPN and PNI-NPN. The PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID, not the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID. Alternatively, the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID, not the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered PLMN ID.

[0104] (14) Supports SNPN (e.g., the SNPN selected when the UE is in SNPN access mode, the SNPN registered when the UE is in SNPN access mode, any SNPN, or the default SNPN), PNI-NPN (e.g., the PLMN ID associated with the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID; the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's selected / registered CAG ID; the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID instead of the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID; the CAG ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID; the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any CAG ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID; the PLMN ID broadcast via an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID). The ID can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode that does not have a selected / registered CAG ID, rather than the UE's registered / selected PLMN ID) and the PLMN (e.g., the PLMN of an operating acceptable cell can be the default PLMN, the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be the default PLMN ID, the acceptable cell may not support SNPN and PNI-NPN, the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode that has a selected / registered CAG ID, rather than the PLMN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered CAG ID, the PLMN ID broadcast through an acceptable cell can be any PLMN ID for a UE in a non-SNPN access mode that does not have a selected / registered CAG ID, rather than the PLMN ID associated with the selected / registered PLMN ID) to camp on.

[0105] For a UE with a registered / selected CAG ID (e.g., a UE supporting PNI-NPN only, or a UE supporting at least PNI-NPN), the UE can attempt all RATs deployed for PNI-NPN only, but not for PLMN deployment. The UE can search for at least one high-quality cell.

[0106] The UE can determine which cell to camp on by prioritizing these cell types (e.g., one or more of types (8) to (14)). For a UE in a non-SNPN access mode with a selected / registered CAG ID, the priority of the first group, including at least one of types (9), (11), (13), and (14), may be higher than the priority of the second group, including at least one of types (8), (10), and (12). For a UE in a non-SNPN access mode without a selected / registered CAG ID, the priority of the third group, including at least one of types (10), (12), (13), and (14), may be higher than the priority of the fourth group, including at least one of types (8), (9), and (11). If the UE finds at least two cells with high quality, the UE may camp on the cell belonging to the group with the higher priority. If the UE finds at least two cells with high quality and belonging to the same priority group, the UE may randomly camp on one of the cells. If the UE finds at least two cells with high quality that belong to the same priority group, the UE can camp on the cell with the highest quality.

[0107] The default SNPN can be a previously selected / registered SNPN of the UE (e.g., when the UE is in non-SNPN access mode). The UE (e.g., when the UE is in SNPN access mode) can store the selected / registered SNPN ID associated with the UE's selected / registered SNPN ID. When a UE changes from SNPN access mode to non-SNPN access mode, the UE may not clear / release the stored selected / registered SNPN ID associated with it. The default SNPN can be a pre-configured SNPN (e.g., pre-configured via the core network or via the USIM). The default SNPN can be associated with a default SNPN ID, which can be a virtual SNPN ID and / or a fixed SNPN ID. This fixed SNPN ID can be globally unique or locally unique (e.g., unique to the PLMN).

[0108] If a UE in non-SNPN access mode performs CAG cell (re)selection and / or if the UE operates in a PNI-NPN scenario, the UE can store the registered / selected CAGID associated with the registered / selected CAG cell. The UE can send the registered / selected CAGID to the network (e.g., serving cell, camped cell, BS, core network entity (e.g., AMF)) via RRC signaling and / or NAS signaling during RRC procedures (e.g., RRC signaling in the RRC establishment request message during the RRC connection establishment procedure, NAS signaling encapsulated in the RRC establishment request message during the RRC connection establishment procedure, NAS signaling encapsulated in the RRC recovery request message during the RRC connection recovery procedure, and / or RRC signaling in the RRC recovery request message during the RRC connection recovery procedure). The UE can camp on the cell broadcasting the UE's registered / selected CAGID. The UE can regard the CAGID registered / selected by the broadcast UE as a candidate cell during the cell (re)selection period.

[0109] After manual CAG selection via the UE's NAS layer, the UE's AS layer can select cells that support manually selected CAG IDs to perform the registered procedures triggered by the UE's NAS layer. The selected CAG ID can include manually selected CAG IDs and non-manually selected CAG IDs. Non-manually selected CAG IDs can refer to CAG IDs not determined / derived based on manual CAG selection. Non-manually selected CAG IDs can also refer to CAG IDs determined / derived based on autonomous CAG selection. For example, during the cell reselection evaluation process, manually selected CAG IDs can be processed with higher priority than non-manually selected CAG IDs.

[0110] SNPN / CAG / PLMN cell determination

[0111] If the UE receives the broadcast PLMN ID and / or CAG ID from a cell (e.g., in SIB1, in the cell access-related information element (IE), or in the NPN identifier information list IE), the UE can determine that this cell supports at least one PNI-NPN. The PLMN ID can be a default PLMN ID associated with the default PLMN.

[0112] If the UE receives a broadcast SNPN ID (e.g., PLMN ID and / or network ID) from a cell (e.g., in SIB1, in the cell access-related information IE, or in the NPN identification code information list IE), the UE can determine that this cell supports at least one SNPN. The SNPN ID can be a registered SNPN ID associated with a registered SNPN. The SNPN ID can also be a selected SNPN ID associated with a selected SNPN.

[0113] If the UE receives a broadcast PLMN ID from a cell (e.g., in SIB1, in the IE of cell access information, or in the PLMN identifier information list IE), the UE can determine that this cell supports at least one PLMN. The PLMN ID can be a default PLMN ID associated with a default PLMN.

[0114] Acceptable cells in NPN

[0115] Acceptable cells can be cells on which a UE (e.g., an older UE without NPN support, an advanced UE with NPN support, or an advanced UE without NPN support) can camp to receive limited services (making emergency calls and / or receiving Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) and / or Commercial Mobile Alert Service (CMAS) notifications) (e.g., SNPN-only cells, PLMN-only cells, PNI-NPN-only cells, cells supporting SNPN and PLMN deployments, cells supporting SNPN and PNI-NPN deployments, cells supporting PNI-NPN and PLMN deployments, and cells supporting SNPN, PNI-NPN, and PLMN deployments). Acceptable cells can meet the following set of requirements to initiate emergency calls and / or receive ETWS and / or CMAS notifications in the NR network:

[0116] The community is not prohibited from doing so; and

[0117] The community meets the criteria for community selection.

[0118] For a specific deployment (e.g., SNPN), an acceptable cell can be a specific cell (e.g., an SNPN-only cell) where UEs in SNPN access mode (e.g., legacy UEs, advanced UEs without NPN support, advanced UEs with NPN support, UEs with a selected / registered SNPN ID, UEs with a selected / registered PLMN ID) can reside to obtain limited services, such as initiating emergency calls only, receiving ETWS notifications only, and / or receiving CMAS notifications only. Limited services may include initiating emergency calls and receiving ETWS / CMAS notifications.

[0119] For a specific deployment (e.g., SNPN), an acceptable cell can be a specific cell (e.g., an SNPN-only cell) on which a UE (e.g., an older UE, an advanced UE without NPN support, an advanced UE with NPN support but operating in normal PLMN mode, a UE with a selected / registered SNPN ID, or a UE with a selected / registered PLMN ID) can reside to receive ETWS / CMAS notifications only but not perform emergency services (e.g., initiate emergency calls).

[0120] The state of residing in any cell in SNPN

[0121] Once the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode) finds / camps in an acceptable cell, the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode) can switch to RRC IDLE (if the UE is already in RRC INACTIVE) and enter the state of camping in any cell (e.g.: Figure 1B (In the context of the arbitrary cell state 116) Once the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode) finds / camps in an acceptable cell, the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode) can remain in RRC_INACTIVE (if the UE is already in RRC_INACTIVE) and enter the arbitrary cell state. Once the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode) finds / camps in an acceptable cell, the UE (e.g., a UE in SNPN access mode) can remain in the RRC_IDLE state (if the UE is already in RRC_IDLE) and enter the arbitrary cell state.

[0122] While residing in any cell state (e.g.: Figure 1B During the period of camping in any cell state 116, the UE may trigger or execute the cell reselection evaluation process (e.g.: Figure 1B The cell reselection evaluation process 118). If no acceptable cell is found during the cell reselection evaluation process, the UE can enter an arbitrary cell selection state (e.g.:Figure 1B (In the arbitrary cell selection state 114) If an acceptable cell is found during the cell reselection evaluation process, the UE can enter the arbitrary cell camping state (e.g.: Figure 1B (116) If a suitable cell is found, the UE can enter the normal camping state (e.g., UE camping in any cell). Figure 1A (Normal resident state 106). When a UE in SNPN access mode is changed to non-SNPN access mode, if the UE is already in RRC_INACTIVE (or if the UE is already in RRC_IDLE, remain in RRC_IDLE), the UE can switch to RRC_IDLE and perform PLMN selection.

[0123] If the UE is assigned a selected PLMN during a change from SNPN access mode to non-SNPN access mode, the UE does not need to perform PLMN selection. The UE can directly perform cell (re)selection based on the selected PLMN. Therefore, if the UE is assigned a selected PLMN during a mode change (from SNPN access mode to non-SNPN access mode) while camped in any cell state, the UE can directly enter / maintain RRC_IDLE and perform cell (re)selection (e.g.: Figure 1A (Initial cell selection 102 or stored information cell selection 104).

[0124] Selection of cells transitioning to RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state

[0125] When the UE transitions from the cell-conscious state to RRC_CONNECTED and then back to RRC_IDLE, the UE can attempt to camp on an acceptable cell based on the redirected carrier information (e.g., RedirectedCarrierInfo IE) (if included in the RRC release message). If the UE cannot find an acceptable cell, it can be allowed to camp on any acceptable cell of any indicated RAT. If the RRC release message does not contain the redirected carrier information, the UE can attempt to select an acceptable cell on the NR frequency. If no acceptable cell is found based on the above, the UE can continue in the arbitrary cell selection state (e.g., ...). Figure 1B In any cell selection state 114, search for acceptable cells for any PLMN.

[0126] For a UE in SNPN access mode, when a UE in SNPN access mode changes from its camped cell state (e.g.: Figure 1BWhen the UE in SNPN access mode transitions from any cell state (116) to RRC_CONNECTED and then back to RRC_IDLE, it can attempt to camp on an acceptable cell based on the redirected carrier information (if the redirected carrier information is included in the RRC release message received by the UE in SNPN access mode from the network (e.g., the serving cell). The redirected carrier information can be NR carrier information or E-UTRA carrier information, as revealed by the selection data structure defined in Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1).

[0127] If the redirected carrier information includes NR carrier information, the UE in SNPN access mode can attempt to camp on an acceptable cell or suitable cell that supports (only / at least) SNPN on the NR carrier. The found / camped acceptable cell and / or suitable cell can connect to the 5GC network.

[0128] If the redirected carrier information includes E-UTRA carrier information, the UE in SNPN access mode may attempt to camp on an acceptable cell and / or suitable cell that supports (only / at least) SNPN on the E-UTRA carrier. The found / camped acceptable cell and / or suitable cell may be connected to the 5GC network. If cnType IE does not exist, the UE may implicitly attempt to camp on an acceptable cell and / or suitable cell that supports (only / at least) SNPN and is connected to the 5GC network.

[0129] If no acceptable cell is found, the UE in SNPN access mode can continue searching for acceptable cells of any SNPN in any cell selection state. If no acceptable cell is found, the UE in SNPN access mode can continuously search for acceptable cells of any PLMN in any cell selection state, with or without an SNPN access mode change. Note: If no acceptable cell is found, an SNPN access mode change can be triggered, and the UE in SNPN access mode can switch to non-SNPN access mode. For a UE in non-SNPN access mode, if no acceptable cell is found, an SNPN access mode change can be triggered, and the UE in non-SNPN access mode can switch to SNPN access mode. An exemplary data structure for the redirected carrier information (RedirectedCarrierInfo IE) is shown in Table 1.

[0130] Table 1

[0131]

[0132] Cells with cell reservation restrictions, access restrictions, or unsuitable for normal residency

[0133] If the highest-priority cell or the best cell selected according to the absolute priority reselection rules is due to being part of the "5GS Roaming Disabled TA List," or belonging to a PLMN not indicated as equivalent to the registered PLMN, or an SNPN not indicated as equivalent to the registered / selected SNPN, or a CAG not indicated as equivalent to the (manually) selected CAG(ID), then the UE (e.g., in SNPN access mode or in non-SNPN access mode) may not consider that cell or other cells on the same frequency (e.g., cells within the frequency) as candidates for reselection for a maximum of 300 seconds. If the UE (e.g., in SNPN access mode or in non-SNPN access mode) enters an arbitrary cell selection state, any restrictions (e.g., restrictions prohibiting the selection of (in-frequency) cells as candidates for reselection for a maximum of 300 seconds) may be removed.

[0134] When a UE operates on unlicensed spectrum, if the highest-priority cell or best cell according to the absolute priority reselection rules is a cell within or between unsuitable frequencies due to being part of the "5GS Roaming Disabled TA List," belonging to a PLMN not indicated as equivalent to the registered PLMN, belonging to an SNPN not indicated as equivalent to the registered / selected SNPN, or belonging to a CAG not indicated as equivalent to the (manually) selected CAG(ID), then the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) may not consider that cell as a candidate for reselection for a maximum of 300 seconds. However, the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) may still consider other cells on the same frequency (e.g., cells within the frequency) as candidates for reselection. Any restrictions may be removed if the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) enters an arbitrary cell selection state.

[0135] When a UE operates on licensed spectrum, if the highest-priority cell or best cell according to the absolute priority reselection rules is a cell within or between unsuitable frequencies due to being part of the "5GS Roaming Disabled TA List," belonging to a PLMN not indicated as equivalent to the registered PLMN, belonging to an SNPN not indicated as equivalent to the registered / selected SNPN, or belonging to a CAG not indicated as equivalent to the (manually) selected CAG(ID), then the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) may not consider that cell and other cells on the same frequency (e.g., cells within the same frequency) as candidates for reselection for a maximum of 300 seconds. If the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) enters an arbitrary cell selection state, any restrictions may be removed.

[0136] When a UE operates on licensed spectrum, if the highest-priority cell or best cell according to the absolute priority reselection rules is a cell within or between unsuitable frequencies due to being part of the "5GS Roaming Disabled TA List," belonging to a PLMN not indicated as equivalent to the registered PLMN, belonging to an SNPN not indicated as equivalent to the registered / selected SNPN, or belonging to a CAG not indicated as equivalent to the (manually) selected CAG(ID), then the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) may not consider that cell as a reselection candidate for a maximum of 300 seconds. However, the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) may still consider other cells on the same frequency (e.g., cells within the frequency) as candidates for reselection. If the UE (e.g., UE in SNPN access mode, UE in non-SNPN access mode) enters an arbitrary cell selection state, any restrictions may be removed.

[0137] Intra-frequency reselection indicator processing

[0138] When the highest-priority cell is blocked or perceived as stationary by the UE, an intra-frequency reselection indicator can be used to control cell selection / reselection within a frequency. The intra-frequency reselection indicator can be set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed, or a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed. The intra-frequency reselection indicator can be an intraFreqReselection IE in the format ENUMERATED{allowed, notAllowed}, where "ENUMERATED" is of type ASN.1, listing a finite set of values. In this case, the enumerated value "notAllowed" can refer to the first value, and the enumerated value "allowed" can refer to the second value.

[0139] UE in SNPN access mode

[0140] A UE in SNPN access mode may not ignore the intraFreqReselection IE broadcast by the SNPN cell in the system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, or in the SNPN-specific system information block) on the licensed spectrum. If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, the UE in SNPN access mode may treat the SNPN cell as a prohibited cell. Additionally, if the intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed, the UE in SNPN access mode may treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as not allowed. If intraFreqReselection IE is not set to notAllowed (e.g., if intraFreqReselection IE is set to Allowed), a UE in SNPN access mode may reselect a cell to another cell on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed.

[0141] A UE in SNPN access mode can ignore the intraFreqReselection IE broadcast by the SNPN cell in the system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the SNPN-specific system information block) on unlicensed spectrum. If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, the UE in SNPN access mode can treat the SNPN cell as a prohibited cell. Additionally, if the intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, the UE in SNPN access mode can treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed. For example, if an SNPN cell is blocked because the registered / selected SNPN does not match one of the SNPN IDs in the system information (e.g., SIB1, SNPN-specific system information block), and / or if SIB1 is not decoded by a UE in SNPN access mode, then the intraFreqReselection IE can be interpreted as allowed by a UE in SNPN access mode. Alternatively, if the intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in SNPN access mode can reselect the cell to another cell on the same frequency (e.g., another SNPN-only cell, another CAG-only cell, another PLMN-only cell, another cell supporting at least SNPN deployment, another cell supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, another cell supporting at least PLMN deployment, another cell supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, another cell supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or another cell supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as notAllowed. For example, if an SNPN cell is blocked because the registered / selected SNPN does not match one of the SNPN IDs in the system information (e.g., SIB1, SNPN-specific system information block), and / or if SIB1 is not decoded by a UE in SNPN access mode, then intraFreqReselection IE can be interpreted as notAllowed by a UE in SNPN access mode.

[0142] A UE in SNPN access mode may not ignore the intraFreqReselection IE broadcast by the SNPN cell in the system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, or in the SNPN-specific system information block) on unlicensed spectrum. If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, the UE in SNPN access mode may treat the SNPN cell as a prohibited cell. Alternatively, if the intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed, the UE in SNPN access mode may treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed. If intraFreqReselection IE is not set to notAllowed (e.g., if intraFreqReselection IE is set to Allowed), a UE in SNPN access mode may reselect a cell to another cell on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed.

[0143] A UE in SNPN access mode may not ignore intraFreqReselection IEs broadcast by non-SNPN cells on the licensed spectrum in system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the SNPN-specific system information block). If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, a UE in SNPN access mode may treat non-SNPN cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed, a UE in SNPN access mode may treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as not allowed. If intraFreqReselection IE is not set to notAllowed (e.g., if intraFreqReselection IE is set to Allowed), then a UE in SNPN access mode may reselect a cell to another cell on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed.

[0144] A UE in SNPN access mode can ignore the intraFreqReselection IE broadcast through non-SNPN cells (e.g., CAG-only cells, PLMN cells, cells supporting PNI-NPN and PLMN deployments) within the system information (e.g., in the MIB, SIB1, or SNPN-specific system information blocks) in the licensed spectrum (or unlicensed spectrum). If cellBarred is set to barred in the obtained MIB, a UE in SNPN access mode can treat non-SNPN cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if the intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in SNPN access mode can treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed. For example, if an SNPN cell is prohibited due to a situation where a UE in SNPN access mode has not decoded SIB1, then the intraFreqReselection IE can be interpreted as Allowed by a UE in SNPN access mode. Alternatively, if the intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in SNPN access mode can treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as notAllowed. For example, if an SNPN cell is blocked because a UE in SNPN access mode has not decoded SIB1, the intraFreqReselection IE can be interpreted as notAllowed by a UE in SNPN access mode.

[0145] A UE in SNPN access mode may not ignore intraFreqReselection IEs broadcast on the licensed spectrum in system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the SNPN-specific system information block) through non-SNPN cells (e.g., CAG-only cells, PLMN cells, cells supporting PNI-NPN and PLMN deployments). If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, a UE in SNPN access mode can treat non-SNPN cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed, a UE in SNPN access mode may not be allowed to reselect cells to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment). If intraFreqReselection IE is set to Allowed, a UE in SNPN access mode may allow cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment).

[0146] UE in non-SNPN access mode

[0147] UEs not in SNPN access mode (i.e., UEs in non-SNPN access mode) may not ignore intraFreqReselection IEs broadcast on the licensed spectrum in system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the PNI-NPN specific system information block) via CAG cells (e.g., CAG-only cells, cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, cells supporting SNPN, PNI-NPN, and PLMN deployment). If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, UEs not in SNPN access mode can treat CAG cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed, UEs not in SNPN access mode may not be allowed to reselect cells to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment). If intraFreqReselection IE is not set to notAllowed (e.g., if intraFreqReselection IE is set to Allowed), then UEs not in SNPN access mode can reselect cells to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed.

[0148] A UE in non-SNPN access mode can ignore intraFreqReselection IEs broadcast in system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the PNI-NPN specific system information block) on unlicensed spectrum via CAG cells (e.g., CAG-only cells, cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, cells supporting SNPN, PNI-NPN, and PLMN deployment). If cellBarred is set to barred in the obtained MIB, a UE in non-SNPN access mode can treat CAG cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in non-SNPN access mode can allow cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment). For example, if a cell is blocked because the registered / selected CAG (or all CAGIDs in the list of permitted CAGIDs) does not match one of the CAG IDs in the system information (e.g., SIB1 or PNI-NPN specific system information block), and / or if SIB1 is not decoded by a UE in non-SNPN access mode, then intraFreqReselection IE can be interpreted as allowed by a UE in non-SNPN access mode. Alternatively, if intraFreqReselection IE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in non-SNPN access mode may treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as notAllowed.For example, if a cell is blocked because the registered / selected CAG (or all CAG IDs in the list of permitted CAG IDs) does not match one of the CAG IDs in the system information (e.g., SIB1 or PNI-NPN specific system information block), and / or if SIB1 is not decoded by a UE in non-SNPN access mode, then intraFreqReselection IE can be interpreted as notAllowed by being in non-SNPN access mode.

[0149] A UE in non-SNPN access mode may not ignore intraFreqReselection IEs broadcast on the licensed spectrum in system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the PNI-NPN specific system information block) via non-CAG cells (e.g., SNPN-only cells, PLMN-only cells, cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment). If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, a UE in non-SNPN access mode may treat non-CAG cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if intraFreqReselectionIE is set to notAllowed, UEs in non-SNPN access mode may not be allowed to reselect cells to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment). If intraFreqReselection IE is not set to notAllowed (e.g., if intraFreqReselection IE is set to Allowed), then a UE in non-SNPN access mode may reselect a cell to another cell on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed.

[0150] A UE in non-SNPN access mode can ignore intraFreqReselection IEs broadcast on unlicensed spectrum in system information (e.g., in the MIB, in SIB1, in the PNI-NPN specific system information block) via non-CAG cells (e.g., SNPN-only cells, PLMN-only cells, cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment). If cellBarred in the obtained MIB is set to barred, a UE in non-SNPN access mode can treat non-CAG cells as prohibited cells. Additionally, if intraFreqReselectionIE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in non-SNPN access mode can treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as allowed. For example, if a cell is prohibited because SIB1 is not decoded by a UE in non-SNPN access mode, intraFreqReselectionIE can be interpreted as allowed by a UE in non-SNPN access mode. Alternatively, if intraFreqReselectionIE is set to notAllowed or Allowed, a UE in non-SNPN access mode can treat cell reselection to other cells on the same frequency (e.g., other SNPN-only cells, other CAG-only cells, other PLMN-only cells, other cells supporting at least SNPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least PLMN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PNI-NPN deployment, other cells supporting at least SNPN and PLMN deployment, and / or other cells supporting at least PNI-NPN and PLMN deployment) as notAllowed. For example, if a cell is blocked because SIB1 is not decoded by a UE in non-SNPN access mode, intraFreqReselectionIE can be interpreted as notAllowed by a UE in non-SNPN access mode.

[0151] Figure 2A flowchart of a method 200 performed by a UE for cell (re)selection is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Although actions 202, 204, 206, and 208 are... Figure 2 In the code, actions are shown as separate actions represented as independent blocks, but these separately shown actions should not be interpreted as necessarily depending on the order. Figure 2 The order of actions performed is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of the disclosed blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method or alternative methods. Furthermore, each of actions 202, 204, 206, and 208 can be performed independently of the other actions and can be omitted in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0152] In action 202, the UE can receive an intra-frequency reselection indicator from the MIB of a cell on a specific frequency. The intra-frequency reselection indicator can be the previously described intraFreqReselection IE, or any other parameter / field indicating whether intra-frequency cell reselection is permitted. For example, the intra-frequency reselection indicator can be set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not permitted, or to a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is permitted. If the intra-frequency reselection indicator (or intraFreqReselection IE) is a 1-bit indicator, the first and second values ​​can be binary values ​​of the 1-bit indicator (e.g., "0" and "1"). A cell (on which the intra-frequency reselection indicator is received) can belong to multiple networks. A cell can be operated through multiple networks (e.g., RAN sharing, network sharing). Multiple networks can involve NPN deployments. For example, the multiple networks (to which the cell belongs) can include PLMN and SNPN. A cell can broadcast the identifier of the network operating the cell.

[0153] In action 204, the UE can determine whether the cell belongs to the network of the UE that the UE has registered with (referred to in this disclosure as the UE's "registered network"). The network (i.e., the UE's registered network) can be either a PLMN or an SNPN.

[0154] In action 206, if the cell belongs to a network (i.e., the network the UE is registered with) and the intra-frequency cell reselection indicator is set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed (e.g., "notAllowed" if the intra-frequency cell reselection indicator is intraFreqReselection IE), the UE can identify other cells on a specific frequency as prohibited cells that the UE is not allowed to select during intra-frequency cell reselection. Other cells disclosed in action 206 and cells disclosed in action 202 can be considered intra-frequency cells because these cells can operate on the same frequency (the specific frequency).

[0155] In action 208, if the cell does not belong to the network (i.e., the network registered by the UE) or the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed (e.g., "Allowed" if the intra-frequency reselection indicator is intraFreqReselection IE), the UE can perform intra-frequency cell reselection on other cells on a specific frequency.

[0156] According to method 200, the UE may follow the intra-frequency reselection indicator only if it originates from (or is associated with) a network registered to the UE. If the intra-frequency reselection indicator does not originate from (or is associated with) a network registered to the UE, the UE may ignore the intra-frequency reselection indicator regardless of whether it is set to a first value or a second value. For example, if the intra-frequency reselection indicator does not originate from (or is associated with) a network registered to the UE, intra-frequency cell reselection may still be performed even if it is set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed.

[0157] Because the UE can follow or ignore the intra-frequency reselection indicator based on whether it originates from a registered network, unnecessary cell reselection restrictions / rules (e.g., restrictions from unregistered networks) can be avoided, thus improving the efficiency of cell reselection. This improved efficiency also saves power for both the network and the UE, especially the UE's power. Furthermore, through the previously described mechanism, even if a cell belongs to multiple networks / operators simultaneously, each network can correctly indicate to its registered UEs whether intra-frequency reselection is permitted by transmitting the intra-frequency reselection indicator without transmitting additional signaling. Therefore, signaling overhead is reduced. This reduction in signaling overhead further saves power for both the network and the UE, especially the UE's power.

[0158] Figure 3 A flowchart of a method 300 for intra-frequency cell reselection is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Intra-frequency cell reselection can correspond to... Figure 2 Action 208 of method 200 shown in the figure. When the UE is in SNPN access mode and operating in the licensed frequency band, in-frequency cell reselection can be performed.

[0159] In action 302, during intra-frequency cell reselection, the UE can determine the cell from a specific frequency based on the priority of other cells (e.g., ...). Figure 2In action 202, the UE identifies the highest-ranking cell among other cells on a specific frequency. In action 304, during intra-frequency cell reselection, the UE can determine whether the highest-ranking cell belongs to the same SNPN as the UE's registered / selected SNPN (e.g., the UE is in SNPN access mode). In action 306, during intra-frequency cell reselection, if the highest-ranking cell does not belong to an SNPN, the UE can deem other cells as prohibited cells for a predetermined time period. The predetermined time period can be 300 seconds. Identifying the highest-ranking cell and checking its attributes during intra-frequency cell reselection can improve latency and save UE power during the cell reselection period.

[0160] In intra-frequency cell reselection, a UE may consider one (or more) of other cells as a suitable cell under the following conditions: (1) one (or more) of the other cells belongs to the SNPN; (2) the signal quality of one (or more) of the other cells meets the cell selection criteria; (3) one (or more) of the other cells is not prohibited from being selected as a suitable cell; and (4) one (or more) of the other cells does not belong to the prohibited tracking area (TA) of the SNPN. Determining the suitable cell for the SNPN can improve the efficiency of cell reselection and facilitate network access.

[0161] As previously described, if the UE enters an arbitrary cell selection state, any restriction can be removed (e.g., the restriction that prohibits (within a frequency) cells from being selected as candidates for reselection for a maximum of 300 seconds). Figure 4 The corresponding process is shown in the diagram.

[0162] Figure 4 A flowchart of a method 400 for a UE to enter an arbitrary cell selection state is shown according to an embodiment of this disclosure. Figure 4 As shown, in action 402, if no suitable cell for intra-frequency cell reselection is found, the UE can enter an arbitrary cell selection state (e.g.: Figure 1A and 1B (Any cell selection status in the data).

[0163] In action 404, if other cells are identified as prohibited cells before the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state, the UE can select a specific frequency (e.g., in...) when entering the arbitrary cell selection state. Figure 2 Other cells on the specific frequency described in action 202 are determined to be non-prohibited cells. Non-prohibited cells can refer to cells that the UE is allowed to select during cell reselection within the frequency range.

[0164] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing cells at the same frequency and different frequencies. For example...Figure 5 As shown, cells 502, 504, 506, and 508 are on the same frequency f1. In other words, cells 502, 504, 506, and 508 are intra-frequency cells relative to each other. Cell 510 is on a different frequency f2 than cells 502, 504, 506, and 508. Therefore, for each of cells 502, 504, 506, and 508, cell 510 is an inter-frequency cell.

[0165] Once intra-frequency cell (re)selection is performed on frequency f1, the UE can attempt to select a suitable cell to camp on from intra-frequency cells 502, 504, 506, and 508 on frequency f1. For example, if the UE receives an intra-frequency reselection indicator from cell 502, and cell 502 does not belong to the network the UE is registered with, and / or the intra-frequency reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed (e.g., "Allowed" if the intra-frequency reselection indicator is intraFreqReselection IE), then the UE can perform intra-frequency cell (re)selection to search for a suitable cell from other cells on the same frequency f1 as cell 502 (e.g., cells 504, 506, and 508). The UE can determine the priority of cells 504, 506, and 508 on frequency f1 (e.g., based on their respective signal quality and / or other previously assigned criteria). If the cell priority order (from highest to lowest) is cell 504, then cell 506, and then cell 508, the UE can first determine whether the highest-priority cell (i.e., cell 504) belongs to the same SNPN as the UE's registered or selected SNPN (if the UE is in SNPN access mode). If cell 504 does not belong to any SNPN (which is the same as the UE's registered or selected SNPN), the UE can directly treat all cells 504, 506, and 508 on frequency f1 as prohibited cells for a predetermined time period (e.g., 300 seconds). Conversely, a cell can be determined as a suitable cell to camp on if one of cells 504, 506, and 508 meets the following four conditions: (1) the cell belongs to an SNPN (which is the same as the SNPN registered or selected by the UE), (2) the cell's signal quality meets the cell selection criteria, (3) the cell is not prohibited from being selected as a suitable cell, and (4) the cell does not belong to an SNPN (which is the same as the SNPN registered or selected by the UE) that is prohibited from being selected.

[0166] The following may be used to further disclose terms, examples, embodiments, implementation methods, actions, and / or behaviors:

[0167] Network, RAN, cell, hosted cell, serving cell, BS, gNB, eNB, and ng-eNB are used interchangeably. Some of these terms can refer to the same network entity.

[0168] The mechanism described in this disclosure can be applied to any RAT. The RAT can be (but is not limited to) NR, NR-U, E-UTRA connected to 5GC, LTE connected to 5GC, E-UTRA connected to EPC, and LTE connected to EPC. The proposed mechanism can be used for UEs in public or private networks (e.g., NPN, SNPN, and PNI-NPN).

[0169] The UE behaviors described in this disclosure can be used on licensed frequencies and / or unlicensed frequencies.

[0170] System information (SI) can refer to MIB, SIB1, and other SIs. The minimum SI can include MIB and SIB1. Other SIs can refer to SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and other SIBs (e.g., SNPN-specific SIBs, PNI-NPN-specific SIBs).

[0171] Specialized signaling can refer to (but is not limited to) RRC messages. Examples include: RRC (connection) establishment request message, RRC (connection) establishment message, RRC (connection) establishment complete message, RRC (connection) reset message, RRC connection reset message including mobility control message, RRC connection reset message without internal mobility control message, RRC reset message including synchronization configuration, RRC (connection) reset complete message, RRC (connection) recovery request message, RRC (connection) recovery message, RRC (connection) recovery complete message, RRC (connection) reconstruction request message, RRC (connection) reconstruction message, RRC (connection) reconstruction complete message, RRC (connection) rejection message, RRC (connection) release message, RRC release message without internal synchronization configuration, RRC release message including pause configuration, RRC reset message without pause configuration, RRC system information request message, UE assistance information message, UE capability query message, and UE capability information message.

[0172] RRC_CONNECTED UE, RRC_INACTIVE UE, and RRC_IDLE UE can apply the UE behaviors described in this disclosure.

[0173] Generally, the disclosed mechanisms can be applied to PCell and UE. The mechanisms described in this disclosure can be applied to PSCell and UE.

[0174] List of allowed CAGs: A list of CAG identifiers for each PLMN that the UE is allowed to access.

[0175] CAG cell: A cell that broadcasts at least one CAG identifier.

[0176] Non-CAG cells: Cells that do not broadcast arbitrary CAG identifiers.

[0177] CAG ID: Identifies the CAG within the PLMN.

[0178] NID: Combined with PLMN ID to identify SNPN.

[0179] NPN: A network deployed for non-public purposes.

[0180] Registered SNPN: This is the SNPN for which a registration result has occurred at a specific location.

[0181] Selected SNPN: This is the SNPN that has been manually or automatically selected through the NAS layer (e.g., the NAS layer of the UE, the NAS layer of the CN).

[0182] SNPN Access Mode: The operating mode in which the UE selects only SNPN.

[0183] SNPN ID: The identifier of SNPN, which includes PLMN ID and NID.

[0184] PNI-NPN ID: The PNI-NPN identifier, which includes the PLMN ID and CAG ID.

[0185] A UE in non-SNPN access mode is equivalent to a UE not in SNPN access mode. A UE in non-SNPN access mode is equivalent to a UE not operating in SNPN access mode. A UE in SNPN access mode is equivalent to a UE operating in SNPN access mode.

[0186] Figure 6 This is a block diagram illustrating a node 600 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, node 600 may include a transceiver 620, a processor 628, a memory 634, one or more presentation units 638, and at least one antenna 636. Node 600 may also include a radio frequency (RF) spectrum module, a BS communication module, a network communication module and a system communication management module, input / output (I / O) ports, I / O components, and a power supply. Figure 6 (Not explicitly shown in the text).

[0187] Each of these components can communicate with each other directly or indirectly via one or more buses 640. Node 600 can be a UE or BS, which performs actions as shown in Figure 1 to...Figure 5 The various functions described herein.

[0188] Transceiver 620 includes a transmitter 622 (e.g., transmitting circuitry) and a receiver 624 (e.g., receiving circuitry) and can be configured to transmit and / or receive time and / or frequency resource allocation information. Transceiver 620 can be configured to transmit in different types of subframes and time slots, including (but not limited to) available, unavailable, and flexibly usable subframe and time slot formats. Transceiver 620 can be configured to receive data and control channels.

[0189] Node 600 may include a variety of computer-readable media. The computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by Node 600, and includes volatile (and / or non-volatile) media and removable (and / or non-removable) media.

[0190] Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media may include both volatile (and / or non-volatile) and removable (and / or non-removable) media implemented according to any method or technology for storing information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or data.

[0191] Computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory (or other storage technologies), CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disk (DVD) (or other optical disc storage), cassette tape, magnetic tape, disk storage (or other magnetic storage devices), etc. Computer storage media may not include transmitted data signals. Communication media typically embody computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and include any information transmission medium.

[0192] The term "modulated data signal" can refer to a signal whose characteristics are set or altered in a certain way to encode information in the signal. Communication media can include wired media (such as wired networks or direct wired connections) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media). Any combination of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0193] Memory 634 may include computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or non-volatile memory. Memory 634 may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. Exemplary memory may include solid-state memory, hard disk drive, optical disk drive, etc. Figure 6 As shown, memory 634 may store computer-readable and / or computer-executable programs 632 (e.g., software code) that are configured to cause processor 628 to perform the various functions described herein, for example, referring to Figures 1 to 12. Figure 5 Alternatively, program 632 may not be executed directly by processor 628, but may be configured to cause node 600 (e.g., when compiled and executed) to perform the various functions described herein.

[0194] Processor 628 (e.g., having processing circuitry) may include intelligent hardware devices such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, ASIC, etc. Processor 628 may include memory. Processor 628 can process data 630 and program 632 received from memory 634, as well as information received and transmitted via transceiver 620, baseband communication module, and / or network communication module. Processor 628 can also process information that is sent to transceiver 620 for transmission via antenna 636 to a network communication module for transmission to the CN.

[0195] One or more presentation components 638 can present data indications to a person or other device. Examples of presentation components 638 may include display devices, speakers, printing components, vibrating components, etc.

[0196] As will be apparent from this disclosure, various techniques can be used to implement the concepts described herein without departing from the scope of these concepts. Furthermore, while these concepts have been described with specific reference to certain implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope of these concepts. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered illustrative rather than restrictive in all respects. It should also be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. However, many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for cell reselection performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Receive the intra-frequency reselection indicator from the main information block (MIB) of the cell on a specific frequency; Determine whether the cell belongs to the network registered by the UE; If the cell belongs to the network and the intra-frequency cell reselection indicator is set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed, other cells on the specific frequency are identified as prohibited cells that prevent the UE from selecting in intra-frequency cell reselection; and If the cell does not belong to the network or the intra-frequency cell reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed, intra-frequency cell reselection is performed on the other cells on the specific frequency. The in-frequency cell reselection includes: Based on the priority order of the other cells, the highest-level cell is determined from the other cells on the specific frequency; Determine whether the highest-level cell belongs to the same SNPN as the standalone non-public network SNPN registered or selected by the UE; If the highest-level cell does not belong to the SNPN, the other cells are designated as prohibited cells for a predetermined time period, thus preventing the UE from performing intra-frequency cell reselection for the other cells during the predetermined time period; and If one of the other cells belongs to the SNPN, and the signal quality of the one of the other cells meets the cell selection criteria, and the one of the other cells is not prohibited from being selected as a suitable cell, and the one of the other cells does not belong to the prohibited tracking area (TA) of the SNPN, then the one of the other cells is determined as the suitable cell.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The network is one of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the SNPN.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cell belongs to multiple networks, including the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the SNPN.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The intra-frequency cell reselection is performed when the UE is set to SNPN access mode and operates in the licensed spectrum.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: If no suitable cell for cell reselection within the stated frequency is found, the system enters an arbitrary cell selection state; and If other cells were identified as prohibited cells before the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state, then the other cells will be identified as non-prohibited cells when the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined time period is 300 seconds.

7. A user equipment (UE) for cell reselection, the UE comprising: A transceiver configured to receive an intra-frequency reselection indicator from a cell in a Master Information Block (MIB) at a specific frequency. A processor, which is coupled to the transceiver; as well as A memory coupled to the processor, wherein the memory stores at least one computer-executable program, which, when executed via the memory, causes the UE to: Determine whether the cell belongs to the network registered by the UE; If the cell belongs to the network and the intra-frequency cell reselection indicator is set to a first value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is not allowed, other cells on the specific frequency are identified as prohibited cells that prevent the UE from selecting in intra-frequency cell reselection; and If the cell does not belong to the network or the intra-frequency cell reselection indicator is set to a second value indicating that intra-frequency cell reselection is allowed, intra-frequency cell reselection is performed on the other cells on the specific frequency. The in-frequency cell reselection includes: Based on the priority order of the other cells, the highest-level cell is determined from the other cells on the specific frequency; Determine whether the highest-level cell belongs to the same SNPN as the standalone non-public network SNPN registered or selected by the UE; If the highest-level cell does not belong to the SNPN, the other cells are designated as prohibited cells for a predetermined time period, thus preventing the UE from performing intra-frequency cell reselection for the other cells during the predetermined time period; and If one of the other cells belongs to the SNPN, and the signal quality of the one of the other cells meets the cell selection criteria, and the one of the other cells is not prohibited from being selected as a suitable cell, and the one of the other cells does not belong to the prohibited tracking area (TA) of the SNPN, then the one of the other cells is determined as the suitable cell.

8. The UE according to claim 7, characterized in that, The network is one of the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the SNPN.

9. The UE according to claim 7, characterized in that, The cell belongs to multiple networks, including the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) and the SNPN.

10. The UE according to claim 7, characterized in that, The intra-frequency cell reselection is performed when the UE is set to SNPN access mode and operates in the licensed spectrum.

11. The UE according to claim 7, characterized in that, When the at least one computer-executable program is executed by the processor, the computer-executable program also causes the UE to: If no suitable cell for cell reselection within the frequency is found, the system enters the arbitrary cell selection state. and If other cells were identified as prohibited cells before the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state, then the other cells will be identified as non-prohibited cells when the UE enters the arbitrary cell selection state.

12. The UE according to claim 7, characterized in that, The predetermined time period is 300 seconds.

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