Adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration. In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) may send UE assistance information to a base station (BS) operating as a primary cell in a multi-cell connection configuration. The UE assistance information may indicate a process that the BS will use to add a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration, may indicate a time gap for adding a secondary cell after releasing another secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration, and other multi-cell connection configuration information. The BS may receive the UE assistance information and may add a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration based at least in part on the indicated process and time gap.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 016,687, filed on April 28, 2020, entitled “ADDING AND RELEASING A SECONDARY CELL IN A MULTI-CELL CONNECTIVITY CONFIGURATION”; and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 214,405, filed on March 26, 2021, entitled “ADDING AND RELEASING A SECONDARY CELL IN A MULTI-CELL CONNECTIVITY CONFIGURATION”, and the above applications are hereby expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003]

[0011] Generally speaking, aspects of the present disclosure relate to wireless communications and to techniques for adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connectivity configuration. Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephony, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and long term evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard released by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0005] A wireless communication network may include multiple base stations (BSs) that can support communications for multiple user equipments (UEs). The UE may communicate with the BS via a downlink (DL) and an uplink (UL). A "downlink" (or "forward link") refers to a communication link from a BS to a UE, and an "uplink" (or "reverse link") refers to a communication link from a UE to a BS. As will be described in more detail herein, a BS may be referred to as a Node B, an LTE evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB, an access point (AP), a radio head, a transmit receive point (TRP), a new radio (NR) BS, a 5G Node B, etc.

[0006] The above multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different UEs to communicate at city, country, region, and even global levels. NR (which may also be referred to as 5G) is a collection of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard released by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR is designed to better support mobile broadband Internet access by improving spectrum efficiency, reducing costs, improving services, utilizing new spectrum, and using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) with cyclic prefix (CP) on DL, using CP-OFDM or SC-FDM (e.g., also referred to as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) (or a combination thereof) on UL to better integrate with other open standards, and support beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation. Summary of the invention

[0007] The systems, methods and devices of the disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0008] One innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus of a user equipment (UE). The method may include sending an indication to a primary cell associated with the UE for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration having the primary cell. The method may include receiving one or more communications from the primary cell for adding the secondary cell.

[0009] In some aspects, receiving the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes receiving a first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell. In some aspects, receiving the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes receiving a second communication for adding the secondary cell after receiving the first communication. In some aspects, receiving the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes receiving a single communication for releasing the measurement gap associated with the primary cell and adding the secondary cell. In some aspects, sending the indication includes sending the indication in at least one of a measurement report or a secondary cell group release completion communication, the measurement report including both a normal measurement report and an early measurement report. In some aspects, sending the indication includes sending the indication in at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) setup request communication or an RRC setup completion communication. In some aspects, sending the indication includes sending the indication in at least one of an RRC recovery request communication or an RRC recovery completion. In some aspects, obtaining the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes obtaining the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell based at least in part on the indication.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus of a UE. The method may include: after releasing a first secondary cell from a multi-cell connection configuration, sending an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell to a primary cell associated with the UE. The method may include: after the time gap, receiving an indication from the primary cell for adding the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell.

[0011] In some aspects, sending the indication of the time gap includes sending the indication in a communication associated with the first secondary cell being added to the multi-cell connectivity configuration.

[0012] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus of a base station (BS). The method may include obtaining an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration. The BS may be a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration. The method may include outputting one or more communications for adding the secondary cell.

[0013] In some aspects, outputting the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes: outputting a first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell. In some aspects, outputting the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes: after outputting the first communication, outputting a second communication for adding the secondary cell. In some aspects, outputting the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes: outputting a single communication for releasing the measurement gap associated with the primary cell and adding the secondary cell. In some aspects, obtaining the indication includes: obtaining the indication in at least one of a measurement report or a secondary cell group release complete communication. In some aspects, obtaining the indication includes: obtaining the indication in at least one of an RRC setup request communication or an RRC setup complete communication. In some aspects, obtaining the indication includes: obtaining the indication in at least one of an RRC recovery request communication or an RRC recovery complete communication. In some aspects, outputting the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell includes: outputting the one or more communications for adding the secondary cell based at least in part on the indication.

[0014] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure can be implemented in a method of wireless communication performed by an apparatus of a BS. The method may include, after releasing a first secondary cell from a multi-cell connection configuration, obtaining an indication of a time gap for configuring secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which the BS is a primary cell. The method may include, after the time gap, outputting an indication for adding the second secondary cell.

[0015] In some aspects, obtaining the indication of the time gap includes obtaining the indication in a communication associated with release of the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connectivity configuration.

[0016] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a UE for wireless communication. The UE may include a first interface configured to output an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration with a primary cell for transmission to the primary cell. The UE may include the first interface or the second interface configured to obtain one or more communications for adding the secondary cell from the primary cell. In some aspects, the UE may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0017] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store one or more instructions for wireless communication. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: output an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration with a primary cell for transmission to the primary cell. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: obtain one or more communications for adding the secondary cell from the primary cell. In some aspects, the one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the one or more processors to perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the various aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0018] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include: a unit for obtaining an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration with a primary cell for transmission to the primary cell. The apparatus may include: a unit for obtaining one or more communications for adding the secondary cell from the primary cell. In some aspects, the apparatus may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0019] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a UE for wireless communication. The UE may include a first interface configured to, after releasing a first secondary cell from a multi-cell connection configuration, output an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with a primary cell for transmission to the primary cell. The UE may include the first interface or the second interface configured to output an indication from the primary cell after the time gap for adding the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell. In some aspects, the UE may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0020] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store one or more instructions for wireless communication. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of a UE, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration, output an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell for transmission to the primary cell. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: after the time gap, obtain an indication from the primary cell for adding the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell. In some aspects, the one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the UE, may cause the one or more processors to perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the various aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0021] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include: a unit for outputting an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell for transmission to the primary cell after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration. The apparatus may include: a unit for obtaining an indication from the primary cell after the time gap for adding the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell. In some aspects, the apparatus may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0022] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a BS for wireless communication. The BS may include a first interface configured to obtain an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration. The BS may be a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration. The BS may include a first interface or a second interface configured to output one or more communications for adding the secondary cell. In some aspects, the BS may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0023] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store one or more instructions for wireless communication. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the BS, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: obtain an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration. The BS may be a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the BS, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: output one or more communications for adding the secondary cell. In some aspects, the one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the BS, may cause the one or more processors to perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the various aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0024] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include: a unit for obtaining an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration associated with a UE. The apparatus may be a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration. The apparatus may include: a unit for outputting one or more communications for adding the secondary cell. In some aspects, the apparatus may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0025] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a BS for wireless communication. The BS may include a first interface configured to obtain an indication of a time gap for configuring secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which the BS is a primary cell after releasing a first secondary cell from a multi-cell connection configuration. The BS may include the first interface or the second interface configured to output an indication for configuring secondary cell measurements and the measurement gaps and adding the second secondary cell after the time gap. In some aspects, the BS may perform or implement any one or more aspects in conjunction with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0026] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The non-transitory computer-readable medium may store one or more instructions for wireless communication. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of a BS, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: after releasing the first secondary cell from a multi-cell connection configuration, obtain an indication of a time gap for configuring secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which the BS is a primary cell. The one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the BS, may cause the one or more processors to perform the following operations: after the time gap, output an indication for configuring secondary cell measurements and time measurement gaps and adding the second secondary cell. In some aspects, the one or more instructions, when executed by one or more processors of the BS, may cause the one or more processors to perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the various aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0027] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented in an apparatus for wireless communication. The apparatus may include: a unit for obtaining an indication of a time gap for configuring secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which the apparatus is a primary cell after releasing a first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration. The apparatus may include: a unit for outputting an indication of configuring secondary cell measurements and the measurement gaps and adding the second secondary cell after the time gap. In some aspects, the apparatus may perform or implement any one or more aspects in combination with the above method or the aspects described elsewhere herein.

[0028] In summary, aspects include a method, apparatus, system, computer program product, non-transitory computer readable medium, user equipment, base station, wireless communication device, or processing system as fully described herein with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying drawings.

[0029] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, drawings, and claims. It should be noted that the relative sizes of the following drawings may not be drawn to scale. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of communication between a base station (BS) and a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network.

[0032] Figure 3 and 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a UE.

[0033] Figure 5 and 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, by a BS.

[0034] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example call flow between a UE and a BS.

[0035] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] For the purpose of describing the innovative aspects of the present disclosure, the following description is directed to certain implementations. However, it will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the teachings herein may be applied in a variety of different ways. Some of the examples in the present disclosure are based on wireless and wired local area network (LAN) communications in accordance with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 wireless standard, the IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standard, and the IEEE 1901 Power Line Communication (PLC) standard. However, the described implementations may be implemented in any device, system, or network capable of sending and receiving radio frequency signals in accordance with any wireless communication standard including any of the following: IEEE 802.11 standard, Standard, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), GSM / General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE), Terrestrial Trunked Radio (TETRA), Wideband-CDMA (W-CDMA), Evolution-Data Optimized (EV-DO), 1xEV-DO, EV-DO Rev A, EV-DO Rev B, High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA), High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access (HSUPA), Evolved High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA+), Long Term Evolution (LTE), AMPS, or other known signals for communicating within a wireless, cellular or Internet of Things (IoT) network, such as a system utilizing 3G, 4G or 5G, or another implementation or technology thereof.

[0037] The wireless network can be configured to support various types of radio access technologies (RATs), such as LTE RAT, 5G New Radio (5G NR) RAT, and other types of RATs. In some cases, the wireless network can be configured to support multi-cell connections of user equipment (UE). In these cases, if the UE is capable, the UE can communicate with two or more cells of the wireless network at the same time. Multi-cell connections can facilitate the use of various types of multi-RAT deployment configurations in wireless networks. For example, multi-cell connections can allow non-independent (NSA) deployments, in which an LTE cell can be configured as a primary cell (or primary cell, PCell) of the UE, and a 5G NR cell can be configured as a secondary cell (SCell) of the UE. The LTE cell and the 5G NR cell can be supported by an LTE core network (e.g., an evolved packet core (EPC)). Therefore, non-independent deployment allows the UE to utilize the high throughput and low latency of the 5G NR cell while processing the control plane communication between the UE and the LTE core network via the LTE cell.

[0038] The primary cell may perform various procedures to add and release secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration associated with the UE. For example, the primary cell may configure a communication gap during which the UE will temporarily stop communicating with the primary cell to perform secondary cell measurements on one or more candidate secondary cells. The UE may send a measurement report to the primary cell, which may identify the secondary cells to be added to the multi-cell connection configuration.

[0039] Once the secondary cell to be added is identified, the primary cell may instruct the UE to release the secondary cell measurement and communication gap, and the secondary cell may be added. In the first process, the primary cell may send a request to the secondary cell to be added to the multi-cell connection configuration, and may send an instruction to the UE to release the secondary cell measurement and communication gap and add the secondary cell after receiving an acceptance from the secondary cell. In the second process, the primary cell may send an instruction to the UE to release the secondary cell measurement and communication gap, may send a request to the secondary cell to be added to the multi-cell connection configuration after sending the instruction to the UE, and may send another instruction to the UE to add the secondary cell after receiving an acceptance from the secondary cell.

[0040] In addition, if a secondary cell is released from a multi-cell connection configuration, the primary cell may quickly (or sometimes immediately) identify and add another secondary cell, or may delay adding another secondary cell. However, some procedures for adding and releasing secondary cells may be more suitable for some UEs than other UEs, may be more suitable for specific communication scenarios, or a combination thereof.

[0041] Some aspects described herein provide techniques and apparatus for adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration. In some aspects, a UE may send UE assistance information to a base station (BS) operating as a primary cell in a multi-cell connection configuration. The UE assistance information may indicate a process that the BS will use to add a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration, may indicate a time gap for adding a secondary cell after releasing another secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration, and other multi-cell connection configuration information.

[0042] Specific implementations of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some aspects, a BS operating as a primary cell in a multi-cell connection configuration with a UE may receive UE assistance information from the UE, and may identify a process for adding a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration, optimizing the process for a specific implementation of the UE, for battery consumption of the UE, or for a business quality of service parameter of the UE, and other examples. This may increase the throughput of the UE, may reduce the communication latency of the UE, or may increase the battery life of the UE, and other examples. In addition, the BS may receive UE assistance information from the UE, and may add the secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration after a time gap indicated by the UE assistance information. This may allow the BS to more efficiently manage the addition of new secondary cells.

[0043] Figure 1 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a wireless network 100. The wireless network 100 may be an LTE network or some other wireless network, such as a 5G or NR network. The wireless network 100 may include a plurality of BSs 110 (shown as BS 110a, BS 110b, BS 110c, and BS 110d) and other network entities. A BS is an entity that communicates with a user equipment (UE) and may also be referred to as a base station, NR BS, Node B, gNB, 5G Node B (NB), access point, transmit receive point (TRP), etc. Each BS may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" may refer to a coverage area of ​​a BS, a BS subsystem serving the coverage area, or a combination thereof, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0044] A BS may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, another type of cell, or a combination thereof. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., several kilometers in radius) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscription. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscription. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a residence) and may allow restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A BS for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico BS. A BS for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto BS or a home BS. In Figure 1 In the example shown in , BS 110a may be a macro BS for macro cell 102a, BS 110b may be a pico BS for pico cell 102b, and BS 110c may be a femto BS for femto cell 102c. A BS may support one or more (e.g., three) cells. The terms "eNB", "base station", "NR BS", "gNB", "TRP", "AP", "Node B", "5G NB", and "cell" may be used interchangeably herein.

[0045] In some examples, the cells may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​the cells may move depending on the location of the mobile BS. In some examples, the BSs may be interconnected with each other and with one or more other BSs or network nodes (not shown) in the wireless network 100 through various types of backhaul interfaces, such as direct physical connections using any appropriate transport network, virtual networks, or combinations thereof.

[0046] The wireless network 100 may also include a relay station. A relay station is an entity that can receive data transmissions from an upstream station (e.g., a BS or a UE) and send data transmissions to a downstream station (e.g., a UE or a BS). A relay station may also be a UE that is capable of relaying transmissions for other UEs. Figure 1 In the example shown in , a relay BS 110d may communicate with a macro BS 110a and a UE 120d to facilitate communication between the BS 110a and the UE 120d. A relay BS may also be referred to as a relay station, a relay base station, a relay, or the like.

[0047] The wireless network 100 may be a heterogeneous network including different types of BSs (e.g., macro BSs, pico BSs, femto BSs, relay BSs, etc.). These different types of BSs may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and different effects on interference in the wireless network 100. For example, a macro BS may have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 to 40 watts), while a pico BS, a femto BS, and a relay BS may have a lower transmit power level (e.g., 0.1 to 2 watts).

[0048] The network controller 130 may be coupled to a set of BSs and may provide coordination and control for these BSs. The network controller 130 may communicate with the BSs via a backhaul. The BSs may also communicate directly or indirectly with each other via a wireless or wired backhaul.

[0049] UE 120 (e.g., 120a, 120b, 120c) can be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE can be stationary or mobile. UE can also be referred to as an access terminal, terminal, mobile station, subscriber unit, station, etc. UE can be a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet device, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device or apparatus, a biometric sensor / device, a wearable device (smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., smart ring, smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio unit), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, an industrial manufacturing device, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.

[0050] Some UEs may be considered as machine type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC and eMTC UEs include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, location tags, etc., which may communicate with a base station, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. A wireless node may provide a connection to or to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) via, for example, a wired or wireless communication link. Some UEs may be considered as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) devices. Some UEs may be considered as user premises equipment (CPE). UE 120 may be included inside a housing that houses components of UE 120 (such as a processor component, a memory component, a similar component, or a combination thereof).

[0051] Generally, any number of wireless networks can be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network can support a specific RAT and can operate on one or more frequencies. RAT can also be referred to as radio technology, air interface, etc. Frequency can also be referred to as carrier, frequency channel, etc. Each frequency can support a single RAT in a given geographic area to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be deployed.

[0052] In some examples, access to the air interface may be scheduled, wherein a scheduling entity (e.g., a base station) allocates resources for communication between some or all devices and apparatuses within a service area or cell of the scheduling entity. Within the present disclosure, as further discussed below, a scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, assigning, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more dependent entities. That is, for scheduled communications, the dependent entities utilize resources allocated by the scheduling entity.

[0053] The base station is not the only entity that can be used as a scheduling entity. That is, in some examples, the UE can be used as a scheduling entity, which schedules resources for one or more subordinate entities (e.g., one or more other UEs). In this example, the UE is acting as a scheduling entity, and other UEs use the resources scheduled by the UE for wireless communication. The UE can be used as a scheduling entity in a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, in a mesh network, or in another type of network. In the mesh network example, in addition to communicating with the scheduling entity, the UEs can also optionally communicate directly with each other.

[0054] Thus, in a wireless communication network having scheduled access to time-frequency resources and having a cellular configuration, a P2P configuration, and a mesh configuration, a scheduling entity and one or more slave entities may communicate using the scheduled resources.

[0055] In some aspects, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using base station 110 as an intermediary to communicate with each other). For example, UE 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocol (which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocol, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocol, or similar protocol), mesh network or similar network, or a combination thereof. In this case, UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by base station 110.

[0056] The devices of the wireless network 100 can communicate using an electromagnetic spectrum, which can be subdivided into various categories, frequency bands, channels, etc. based on frequency or wavelength. For example, the devices of the wireless network 100 can communicate using an operating frequency band having a first frequency range (FR1) (which can span from 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz), and can communicate using an operating frequency band having a second frequency range (FR2) (which can span from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz). The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are sometimes referred to as mid-band frequencies. Although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6 GHz, FR1 is often referred to as a "below 6 GHz" band. Similarly, FR2 is often referred to as a "millimeter wave" band, although it is different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30 GHz-300 GHz) identified as a "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Therefore, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that, if used herein, the term "below 6 GHz" or the like can broadly represent a frequency less than 6 GHz, a frequency within FR1, or a mid-band frequency (such as greater than 7.125 GHz). Similarly, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that the term "millimeter wave" and the like, if used herein, can broadly refer to frequencies within the EHF band, frequencies within FR2, or mid-band frequencies (such as less than 24.25 GHz). It is contemplated that the frequencies included in FR1 and FR2 can be modified, and the techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0057] Figure 2 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example 200 of a base station 110 communicating with a UE 120. In some aspects, the base station 110 and the UE 120 may be Figure 1 One of the base stations and one of the UEs in the wireless network 100. The base station 110 may be equipped with T antennas 234a through 234t, and the UE 120 may be equipped with R antennas 252a through 252r, where in general, T≥1 and R≥1.

[0058] At the base station 110, the transmit processor 220 may receive data for one or more UEs from the data source 212, select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for each UE based at least in part on a channel quality indicator (CQI) received from the UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for the UE based at least in part on the MCS selected for each UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. The transmit processor 220 may also process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI), etc.) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, upper layer signaling, etc.), and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS) or demodulation reference signals (DMRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signals (PSS) or secondary synchronization signals (SSS)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., precoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide T output symbol streams to T modulators (MOD) 232a to 232t. Each modulator 232 may process a corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. T downlink signals from modulators 232a to 232t may be transmitted via T antennas 234a to 234t, respectively. According to various aspects described in more detail below, position coding may be used to generate synchronization signals to transmit additional information.

[0059] At UE 120, antennas 252a to 252r can receive downlink signals from base station 110 or other base stations, and can provide received signals to demodulators (DEMOD) 254a to 254r, respectively. Each demodulator 254 can adjust (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) the received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 can further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain received symbols. MIMO detector 256 can obtain received symbols from all R demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide detected symbols. Receive processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for UE 120 to data sink 260, and provide decoded control information and system information to a controller or processor (controller / processor 280). The term "controller / processor" can refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. The channel processor may determine a reference signal received power (RSRP) parameter, a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) parameter, a reference signal received quality (RSRQ) parameter, a channel quality indicator (CQI) parameter, etc. In some aspects, one or more components of UE 120 may be included in a housing.

[0060] Antennas, such as antennas 234a to 234t or antennas 252a to 252r, may include or may be included in one or more antenna panels, antenna groups, sets of antenna elements, or antenna arrays, among other examples. An antenna panel, antenna group, set of antenna elements, or antenna array may include one or more antenna elements. An antenna panel, antenna group, set of antenna elements, or antenna array may include a coplanar set of antenna elements or a non-coplanar set of antenna elements. An antenna panel, antenna group, set of antenna elements, or antenna array may include antenna elements within a single housing or antenna elements within multiple housings. An antenna panel, antenna group, set of antenna elements, or antenna array may include antenna elements coupled to one or more transmit or receive components, such as Figure 2 One or more antenna elements of one or more components).

[0061] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 and control information from a controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI, etc.). The transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be precoded by a TX MIMO processor 266 (if applicable), further processed by modulators 254a through 254r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station 110. In some aspects, the modulator and demodulator of the UE 120 (such as the MOD / DEMOD 254) may be included in the modem of the UE 120.

[0062] At the base station 110, uplink signals from the UE 120 and other UEs may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the demodulator 232, detected by the MIMO detector 236 (if applicable), and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information sent by the UE 120. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to the data sink 239 and the decoded control information to the controller or processor 240 (i.e., controller / processor). In some aspects, the modulator and demodulator (such as MOD / DEMOD 232) of the base station 110 may be included in the modem of the base station 110. The base station 110 may include a communication unit 244 and communicate with the network controller 130 via the communication unit 244. The network controller 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller or processor (i.e., controller / processor) 290, and a memory 292.

[0063] In some implementations, the controller / processor 280 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or series of machines or components that receives input and processes the input to produce a set of outputs that may be passed to other systems or components, such as the UE 120. For example, a processing system of the UE 120 may refer to a system that includes various other components or subcomponents of the UE 120.

[0064] The processing system of UE 120 can interface with other components of UE 120, and can process information (such as input or signal) received from other components, output information to other components, and so on. For example, a chip or modem of UE 120 may include a processing system, a first interface for receiving or obtaining information, and a second interface for outputting, sending or providing information. In some cases, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a receiver, so that UE 120 can receive information or signal input, and can pass information to the processing system. In some cases, the second interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, so that UE 120 can send information output from the chip or modem. It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the second interface may also obtain or receive information or signal input, and the first interface may also output, send or provide information.

[0065] In some implementations, controller / processor 240 may be a component of a processing system. A processing system may generally refer to a system or series of machines or components that receives inputs and processes the inputs to produce a set of outputs that may be passed to other systems or components, such as BS 110. For example, a processing system of BS 110 may refer to a system that includes various other components or subcomponents of BS 110.

[0066] The processing system of BS 110 can interface with other components of BS 110, and can process information (such as input or signal) received from other components, output information to other components, and so on. For example, a chip or modem of BS 110 may include a processing system, a first interface for receiving or obtaining information, and a second interface for outputting, sending or providing information. In some cases, the first interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a receiver, so that BS 110 can receive information or signal input, and can pass information to the processing system. In some cases, the second interface may refer to an interface between the processing system of the chip or modem and a transmitter, so that BS 110 can send information output from the chip or modem. It will be readily appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the second interface may also obtain or receive information or signal input, and the first interface may also output, send or provide information.

[0067] The controller / processor 240 of the base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120 or Figure 2 Any other component of the may perform one or more techniques associated with adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, or Figure 2 Any other component (or combination of components) may perform or direct, for example Figure 3 The process 300 Figure 4 The process of 400 Figure 5 The process of 500 Figure 6 The operations of process 600 or other processes as described herein. Memories 242 and 282 may store data and program codes for base station 110 and UE 120, respectively. Scheduler 246 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink, uplink, or a combination thereof.

[0068] The stored program code, when executed by the controller / processor 280 or other processors and modules at the UE 120, may cause the UE 120 to perform operations related to Figure 3 The process 300 Figure 4 The stored program code, when executed by the controller / processor 240 or other processors and modules at the base station 110, may cause the base station 110 to perform operations related to Figure 5 The process of 500 Figure 6 The operations described by process 600 or other processes as described herein. The scheduler 246 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink, uplink, or a combination thereof.

[0069] In some aspects, the UE 120 may include: a unit for outputting an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration with a primary cell for transmission to the primary cell; a unit for receiving one or more communications for adding the secondary cell from the primary cell, etc., or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the UE 120 may include: a unit for outputting an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration for transmission to the primary cell; a unit for receiving an indication from the primary cell after the time gap for adding the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell, etc., or a combination thereof. In some aspects, such a unit may include a unit for combining Figure 2 One or more components of UE 120 are described.

[0070] In some aspects, BS 110 may include: means for obtaining an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration, wherein BS 110 is a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration; means for outputting one or more communications for adding the secondary cell, etc., or a combination thereof. In some aspects, BS 110 may include: means for obtaining an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which BS 110 is the primary cell after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration; means for outputting an indication for adding the second secondary cell after the time gap, etc., or a combination thereof. In some aspects, such means may include combining Figure 2 One or more components of base station 110 are described.

[0071] Although Figure 2 The blocks in the 200 and 210 are shown as distinct components, but the functions described above with respect to these blocks may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combined component or in various combinations of components. For example, the functions described with respect to the transmit processor 264, the receive processor 258, the TX MIMO processor 266, or another processor may be performed by or under the control of the controller / processor 280.

[0072] Figure 3 3 is a diagram illustrating an example process 300, for example, performed by a UE, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The example process 300 illustrates a UE (eg, UE 120) performing operations associated with adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration.

[0073] like Figure 3 As shown in , in some aspects, the process 300 may include: sending an indication to a primary cell associated with the UE for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell (block 310). For example, the UE (such as by using the receiving processor 258, the transmitting processor 264, the controller / processor 280, the memory 282, or a combination thereof) may send an indication to a primary cell associated with the UE for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell.

[0074] like Figure 3 As shown in , in some aspects, process 300 may include: receiving one or more communications from the primary cell for adding a secondary cell (block 320). For example, the UE (such as by using the receive processor 258, the transmit processor 264, the controller / processor 280, the memory 282, or a combination thereof) may receive one or more communications from the primary cell for adding a secondary cell.

[0075] Process 300 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0076] In a first aspect, receiving one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: receiving a first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with a primary cell. In a second aspect, alone or in combination with the first aspect, receiving one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: receiving a second communication for adding a secondary cell after receiving the first communication. In a third aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first or second aspects, receiving one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: receiving a single communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with a primary cell and adding a secondary cell.

[0077] In the fourth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, sending an indication includes: sending an indication in at least one of a measurement report or a secondary cell group release completion communication, the measurement report including both a normal measurement report and an early measurement report. In the fifth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, sending an indication includes: sending an indication in at least one of a radio resource control (RRC) establishment request communication or an RRC establishment completion communication. In the sixth aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, sending an indication includes: sending an indication in at least one of an RRC recovery request communication or an RRC recovery completion. In the seventh aspect, alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, obtaining one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: obtaining one or more communications for adding a secondary cell based at least in part on the indication.

[0078] Although Figure 3 Example blocks of process 300 are shown, but in some aspects, process 300 may include Figure 3 The blocks depicted in the process 300 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 300. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks in the blocks of process 300 may be executed in parallel.

[0079] Figure 4 4 is a diagram illustrating an example process 400, for example, performed by a UE, according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The example process 400 illustrates a UE (eg, UE 120) performing operations associated with adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration.

[0080] like Figure 4As shown in , in some aspects, the process 400 may include: after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration, sending an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell to the primary cell (block 410). For example, the UE (such as by using the receiving processor 258, the transmitting processor 264, the controller / processor 280, the memory 282, or a combination thereof) may send an indication of a time gap for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell to the primary cell associated with the UE after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration.

[0081] like Figure 4 As shown in , in some aspects, the process 400 may include: receiving an indication from the primary cell after the time gap to add the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell (block 420). For example, the UE (such as by using the receiving processor 258, the transmitting processor 264, the controller / processor 280, the memory 282, or a combination thereof) may receive an indication from the primary cell after the time gap to add the second secondary cell after the release of the first secondary cell.

[0082] Process 400 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0083] In some aspects, sending the indication of the time gap includes sending the indication in a communication associated with the first secondary cell being added to the multi-cell connectivity configuration.

[0084] Although Figure 4 Example blocks of process 400 are shown, but in some aspects, process 400 may include Figure 4 The blocks depicted in the process 400 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 400. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks in the blocks of process 400 may be executed in parallel.

[0085] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating an example process 500, performed, for example, by a BS, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Example process 500 illustrates a BS (eg, BS 110) performing operations associated with adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connectivity configuration.

[0086] like Figure 5As shown in , in some aspects, process 500 may include: obtaining an indication for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration, wherein the BS is a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration (block 510). For example, the BS (such as by using the transmit processor 220, the receive processor 238, the controller / processor 240, the memory 242, or a combination thereof) may obtain an indication for adding a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration. In some aspects, the BS is a primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown in , in some aspects, process 500 may include: outputting one or more communications for adding a secondary cell (block 520). For example, the BS (such as by using the transmit processor 220, the receive processor 238, the controller / processor 240, the memory 242, or a combination thereof) may output one or more communications for adding a secondary cell.

[0088] Process 500 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0089] In a first aspect, outputting one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: outputting a first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with a primary cell. In a second aspect, either alone or in combination with the first aspect, outputting one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: after outputting the first communication, outputting a second communication for adding a secondary cell. In a third aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first or second aspects, outputting one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: outputting a single communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with a primary cell and adding a secondary cell.

[0090] In the fourth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to third aspects, obtaining the indication includes: obtaining the indication in at least one of a measurement report or a secondary cell group release completion communication. In the fifth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fourth aspects, obtaining the indication includes: obtaining the indication in at least one of an RRC establishment request communication or an RRC establishment completion communication. In the sixth aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to fifth aspects, obtaining the indication includes: obtaining the indication in at least one of an RRC recovery request communication or an RRC recovery completion. In the seventh aspect, either alone or in combination with one or more of the first to sixth aspects, outputting one or more communications for adding a secondary cell includes: outputting one or more communications based at least in part on the indication.

[0091] Although Figure 5Example blocks of process 500 are shown, but in some aspects, process 500 may include Figure 5 The blocks depicted in the process 500 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 500. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks in the blocks of process 500 may be executed in parallel.

[0092] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating an example process 600, performed, for example, by a BS, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Example process 600 illustrates a BS (eg, BS 110) performing operations associated with adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connectivity configuration.

[0093] like Figure 6 As shown in , in some aspects, the process 600 may include: after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration, obtaining an indication of a time gap for configuring secondary cell measurements and measurement time gaps and for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which the BS is a primary cell (block 610). For example, the BS (such as by using the transmit processor 220, the receive processor 238, the controller / processor 240, the memory 242, or a combination thereof) may obtain an indication of a time gap for configuring secondary cell measurements and measurement time gaps and for adding a second secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration in which the BS is a primary cell after releasing the first secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration.

[0094] like Figure 6 As shown in , in some aspects, the process 600 may include: after the time gap, outputting an indication for configuring the secondary cell measurement and the measurement gap and adding the second secondary cell (block 620). For example, the BS (such as by using the transmit processor 220, the receive processor 238, the controller / processor 240, the memory 242, or a combination thereof) may output an indication for configuring the secondary cell measurement and the measurement gap and adding the second secondary cell after the time gap.

[0095] Process 600 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0096] In some aspects, obtaining an indication of the time gap includes obtaining an indication in a communication associated with a first secondary cell being released from the multi-cell connectivity configuration.

[0097] Although Figure 6 Example blocks of process 600 are shown, but in some aspects process 600 may include Figure 6The blocks depicted in the process 600 may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or blocks arranged in a different manner than those depicted in the process 600. Additionally or alternatively, two or more blocks in the blocks of process 600 may be executed in parallel.

[0098] Figure 7 7 is a schematic diagram showing an example call flow 700 between a UE 120 and a BS 110. The example call flow 700 may include one or more examples of adding and releasing secondary cells in a multi-cell connection configuration, in which the UE 120 is communicatively connected to a primary cell (or primary node) and one or more secondary cells (or secondary nodes). In the multi-cell connection configuration, the BS 110 may operate as a primary cell or primary node, and the secondary cells may be implemented by other BSs 110. The UE 120 may send UE assistance information to the BS 110 to indicate a process that the BS 110 is to use to add a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration, may indicate a time gap for adding a secondary cell after releasing another secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration, and other multi-cell connection configuration information. The BS 110 identifies a process for adding a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration, and optimizes the process for a specific implementation of the UE 120, for battery consumption of the UE 120, or for a traffic quality of service parameter of the UE 120, and other examples. This may increase the throughput of UE 120, may reduce the communication latency of UE 120, or may increase the battery life of UE 120, among other examples. In addition, BS 110 may add a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration after a time gap indicated by the UE assistance information, which may allow BS 110 to more efficiently manage the addition of new secondary cells.

[0099] As indicated by reference numeral 702, BS 110 may send an indication of an NR measurement configuration and an indication of a measurement gap for performing measurements of one or more candidate secondary cells to UE 120. Figure 2 As described in , BS 110 may include a processing system and one or more interfaces. Therefore, a first interface of BS 110 (such as an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem of BS 110 and a receiver of BS 110) may obtain a signal or information associated with an indication of an NR measurement configuration and an indication of a measurement gap. As described above in Figure 2 As described in , UE 120 may include a processing system and one or more interfaces. Therefore, a first interface of UE 120 (such as an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem of UE 120 and a receiver of UE 120) may obtain a signal or information associated with an indication of an NR measurement configuration and an indication of a measurement gap.

[0100] As indicated by reference numeral 704, UE 120 may send an NR measurement report indicating one or more secondary cell measurements to BS 110. The NR measurement report may include UE assistance information. A second interface of UE 120 (such as an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem of UE 120 and a transmitter of UE 120) may output a signal or information for transmitting the NR measurement report. Additionally or alternatively, UE 120 may send (and BS 110 may receive) the UE assistance information in another type of communication (such as a measurement report, an RRC establishment request communication, an RRC establishment completion communication, an RRC recovery request communication, an RRC recovery completion or a secondary cell group release completion communication, and other examples). A second interface of BS 110 (such as an interface between a processing system of a chip or modem of BS 110 and a receiver of BS 110) may obtain a signal or information associated with the NR measurement report.

[0101] In some aspects, the UE assistance information identifies a process for adding a secondary cell for a multi-cell connection configuration. The process may be a one-step process, in which the BS 110 instructs the UE 120 to release the secondary cell measurement and the measurement gap and instructs the UE 120 to add the secondary cell in a single communication. Additionally or alternatively, the process may be a two-step process, in which the BS 110 instructs the UE 120 to release the secondary cell measurement and the measurement gap by sending a first communication to the UE 120, and instructs the UE 120 to add the secondary cell by sending a second communication to the UE 120.

[0102] As indicated by reference numeral 706, BS 110 may send an indication to UE 120 for releasing secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and adding secondary cells for multi-cell connection configuration. In some aspects, BS 110 may use a procedure indicated in the UE assistance information, such as a one-step procedure or a two-step procedure. A first interface of BS 110 may output a signal or information for transmitting an indication for releasing secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and adding secondary cells for multi-cell connection configuration. A first interface of UE 120 may obtain a signal or information associated with an indication for releasing secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps and adding secondary cells for multi-cell connection configuration.

[0103] As indicated by reference numeral 708, UE 120 may send a communication indicating that the addition of a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration has been completed to BS 110. The communication may include or involve a secondary cell group (SCG) addition completion communication. UE 120 may include UE assistance information in the communication. UE assistance information may identify a time gap for adding another secondary cell after releasing a secondary cell from a multi-cell connection configuration. A second interface of UE 120 may output a signal or information for transmitting a communication indicating that the addition of a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration has been completed. A second interface of BS 110 may obtain a signal or information associated with a communication indicating that the addition of a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration has been completed.

[0104] As indicated by reference numeral 710, when an Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) NR Dual Connectivity (ENDC) call is ongoing, the BS 110 may release the secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration. The processing system, the first interface, the second interface, or a combination thereof of the BS 110 may release the secondary cell from the multi-cell connection configuration.

[0105] As indicated by reference numeral 712, UE 120 may send a communication to BS 110 indicating that release of the secondary cell has been completed. The communication may include SCG release completion communication. The communication may include UE assistance information identifying a process of adding another secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration. A second interface of UE 120 may output a signal or information for transmitting a communication indicating that release of the secondary cell has been completed. A second interface of BS 110 may obtain a signal or information associated with a communication indicating that release of the secondary cell has been completed.

[0106] As indicated by reference numeral 714, BS 110 may initiate SCG addition to add another secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration. BS 110 may add another secondary cell based on UE assistance information indicating a process for adding another secondary cell. As indicated by reference numeral 716, BS 110 may perform SCG addition to add another secondary cell after a time gap indicated in the UE assistance information (e.g., a time gap after the release of the secondary cell has been completed). A processing system, a first interface, a second interface, or a combination thereof of BS 110 may initiate SCG addition to add another secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration.

[0107] As indicated by reference numeral 718, BS 110 may send an RRC reconfiguration communication to UE 120 indicating an NR measurement and LTE measurement gap configuration for measuring one or more candidate secondary cells. A first interface of BS 110 may output a signal or information for transmitting the RRC reconfiguration communication. A first interface of UE 120 may obtain a signal or information associated with the RRC reconfiguration communication.

[0108] As indicated by reference numeral 720, UE 120 may send an NR measurement report identifying one or more secondary cell measurements to BS 110. The NR measurement report may include UE assistance information. In some aspects, the UE assistance information identifies a process for adding a secondary cell to a multi-cell connection configuration. A second interface of UE 120 may output a signal or information for transmitting the NR measurement report. A second interface of BS 110 may obtain a signal or information associated with the NR measurement report.

[0109] As indicated by reference numeral 722, BS 110 may send an RRC reconfiguration communication to UE 120 to add a secondary cell to the multi-cell connection configuration and release secondary cell measurements and measurement gaps. A first interface of BS 110 may output a signal or information for transmitting the RRC reconfiguration communication. A first interface of UE 120 may obtain a signal or information associated with the RRC reconfiguration communication.

[0110] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the various aspects.

[0111] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be broadly interpreted as hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. As used herein, a processor is implemented using hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. As used herein, the phrase "based on" is intended to be broadly interpreted to mean "based at least in part on."

[0112] Some aspects are described in conjunction with a threshold. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, and the like.

[0113] As used herein, a phrase referring to "at least one of" a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of a, b, or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc, and abc.

[0114] The various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic processes described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. The interchangeability of hardware and software has been generally described around functionality and shown in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0115] The hardware and data processing apparatus for implementing the various illustrative logics, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the various aspects disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, for example, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors and a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some aspects, specific processes and methods may be performed by circuits specific to a given function.

[0116] In one or more aspects, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuitry, computer software, firmware (including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents), or any combination thereof. Aspects of the subject matter described in this specification may also be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions, encoded on computer storage media to be executed by or to control the operation of data processing apparatus.

[0117] If implemented with software, the function can be stored on a computer-readable medium or transmitted through it as one or more instructions or codes. The process of the method or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented in a processor executable software module that can reside on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, and the communication media include any medium that can be implemented to transfer a computer program from one place to another. The storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such a computer-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage device, or any other medium that can be used to store the desired program code and can be accessed by a computer in the form of an instruction or data structure. In addition, any connection can be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. As used herein, disks and optical disks include compact disks (CDs), laser optical disks, optical disks, digital versatile disks (DVDs), floppy disks and blue-ray disks, wherein disks usually copy data magnetically, while optical disks use lasers to optically copy data. The above combination should also be included in the scope of computer-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and instructions on a machine-readable medium or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0118] Various modifications to the aspects described in the present disclosure may be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but rather to be consistent with the broadest scope consistent with the present disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features.

[0119] In addition, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the terms "upper" and "lower" are sometimes used for ease of describing the drawings and indicate relative positions corresponding to the orientation of the drawings on a correctly oriented page, and may not reflect the correct orientation of any device as implemented.

[0120] Certain features described in this specification in the context of separate aspects may also be implemented in combination in a single aspect. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single aspect may also be implemented in multiple aspects individually or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, while features may be described above as functioning in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, in some cases one or more features from a claimed combination may be removed from the combination, and a claimed combination may involve a sub-combination or a variation of a sub-combination.

[0121] Similarly, although the operations are depicted in a specific order in the figure, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all the operations shown to achieve the desired result. Further, the accompanying drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flow chart. However, other operations not depicted can be incorporated into the example process schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, at the same time, or between any operations in the illustrated operation. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. In addition, the separation of the various system components in the aspects described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all aspects, but it should be understood that the described program components and systems can usually be integrated together in a single software product, or be packaged as multiple software products. In addition, other aspects are within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions recorded in the claims can be performed in different orders, and the desired results are still achieved.

Claims

1. A method of wireless communication performed at an apparatus of a user equipment (UE), comprising: sending, to a primary cell associated with the UE, an indication of a process for the primary cell to follow release of secondary cell measurement from a multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell; receiving one or more communications from the primary cell, the one or more communications including a communication for releasing the secondary cell measurement, the one or more communications being associated with adding a secondary cell; as well as UE assistance information is sent to the primary cell, where the UE assistance information identifies a time gap for adding another secondary cell after the secondary cell is released from the multi-cell connection configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Receiving the one or more communications comprises: A first communication is received for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Receiving the one or more communications further comprises: A second communication for adding the secondary cell is received after receiving the first communication.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Receiving the one or more communications comprises: A single communication is received for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell and adding the secondary cell.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Sending the instruction includes: The indication is sent in at least one of the following: Measurement reports, including both normal measurement reports and early measurement reports, or The secondary cell group is released to complete the communication.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Sending the instruction includes: The indication is sent in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) establishes a request communication, or RRC establishes and completes the communication.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Sending the instruction includes: The indication is sent in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) resumes request communication, or RRC recovery completed.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more communications are responsive to sending the indication.

9. A method of wireless communication performed at a base station (BS) device, comprising: obtaining an indication of a procedure for a primary cell to follow release of secondary cell measurements from a multi-cell connection configuration, wherein the BS is the primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration; outputting one or more communications for transmission, the one or more communications including a communication for releasing the secondary cell measurement, the one or more communications being associated with adding a secondary cell; and UE assistance information is obtained, where the UE assistance information identifies a time gap for adding another secondary cell after the secondary cell is released from the multi-cell connection configuration.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Outputting the one or more communications includes: A first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell is output for transmission.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Outputting the one or more communications further comprises: After outputting the first communication, a second communication for adding the secondary cell is output for transmission.

12. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Outputting the one or more communications includes: The output is used to release the measurement gap associated with the primary cell and add a single communication of the secondary cell for transmission.

13. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Obtaining the instructions includes: The indication is obtained in at least one of the following: Measurement report, or The secondary cell group is released to complete the communication.

14. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Obtaining the instructions includes: The indication is obtained in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) establishes a request communication, or RRC establishes and completes the communication.

15. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Obtaining the instructions includes: The indication is obtained in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) resumes request communication, or RRC recovery completed.

16. The method according to claim 9, wherein: Outputting the one or more communications includes: The one or more communications are output in response to the indication.

17. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), comprising: a first interface configured to output an indication of a process for a primary cell to follow release of secondary cell measurements from a multi-cell connection configuration with the primary cell; as well as The first interface or the second interface is configured to obtain one or more communications from the primary cell, the one or more communications including a communication for releasing the secondary cell measurement, the one or more communications being associated with adding a secondary cell, The first interface is further configured to output UE assistance information, where the UE assistance information identifies a time gap for adding another secondary cell after the secondary cell is released from the multi-cell connection configuration.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein: To obtain the one or more communications, the first interface or the second interface is configured to: Obtaining a first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell; as well as A second communication for adding the secondary cell is obtained after obtaining the first communication.

19. The device according to claim 17, wherein: To obtain the one or more communications, the first interface or the second interface is configured to: A single communication is obtained for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell and adding the secondary cell.

20. The device according to claim 17, wherein: In order to output the indication, the first interface is configured to: Outputting the indication for transmission in at least one of the following: Measurement reports, including both normal measurement reports and early measurement reports, or The secondary cell group is released to complete the communication.

21. The device according to claim 17, wherein: In order to output the indication, the first interface is configured to: Outputting the indication for transmission in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) establishes a request communication, or RRC establishes and completes the communication.

22. The device according to claim 17, wherein: In order to output the indication, the first interface is configured to: Outputting the indication for transmission in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) resumes request communication, or RRC recovery completed.

23. The device according to claim 17, wherein: The one or more communications are responsive to sending the indication.

24. An apparatus of a base station (BS) for wireless communication, comprising: a first interface configured to obtain an indication of a procedure for a primary cell to follow a secondary cell measurement release from a multi-cell connection configuration, wherein the BS is the primary cell in the multi-cell connection configuration; and The first interface or the second interface is configured to output one or more communications, the one or more communications including a communication for releasing the secondary cell measurement, the one or more communications being associated with adding a secondary cell, The first interface is further configured to obtain UE assistance information, where the UE assistance information identifies a time gap for adding another secondary cell after the secondary cell is released from the multi-cell connection configuration.

25. The device according to claim 24, wherein: To output the one or more communications, the first interface or the second interface is configured to: outputting a first communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell; and After outputting the first communication, second communication for adding the secondary cell is outputted.

26. The device according to claim 24, wherein: To output the one or more communications, the first interface or the second interface is configured to: A single communication for releasing a measurement gap associated with the primary cell and adding the secondary cell is output.

27. The device according to claim 24, wherein: In order to obtain the indication, the first interface is configured to: The indication is obtained in at least one of the following: Measurement report, or The secondary cell group is released to complete the communication.

28. The device according to claim 24, wherein: In order to obtain the indication, the first interface is configured to: The indication is obtained in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) establishes a request communication, or RRC establishes and completes the communication.

29. The device according to claim 24, wherein: In order to obtain the indication, the first interface is configured to: The indication is obtained in at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) resumes request communication, or RRC recovery completed.

30. The device according to claim 24, wherein: To output the one or more communications, the first interface or the second interface is configured to: The one or more communications are output in response to the indication.

Images