Improved secondary cell activation mechanism in new radio unlicensed spectrum

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to improved secondary cell activation mechanisms in new radio unlicensed spectrum. An apparatus can receive, from a base station (BS), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a secondary cell (SCell) to be activated in an unlicensed band. The apparatus can start, in response to receiving the MAC CE, a timer with an ending value, and can further adjust a radio frequency (RF) chain from a first state to a second state corresponding to the SCell to be activated. The apparatus can determine one or more failed synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) corresponding to the SCell based on measurements of one or more SSBs transmitted from the BS indicating one or more listen-before-talk (LBT) failures corresponding to the SCell. Accordingly, in response to an expiration of the timer, the apparatus can readjust the RF chain from the second state to the first state, and receive one or more additional SSBs in the first state.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication, and more particularly, to apparatuses, systems, and methods for improved secondary cell (SCell) activation mechanisms in unlicensed spectrum. BACKGROUND

[0002] The use of wireless communication systems is rapidly increasing. In recent years, wireless devices such as smart phones and tablet computers have become increasingly sophisticated. In addition to supporting telephone calls, many mobile devices now also provide access to the Internet, email, text messaging, and navigation using the global positioning system (GPS), and are capable of operating complex and sophisticated applications that utilize these functionalities. In addition, there are numerous different wireless communication technologies and wireless communication standards. Some examples of wireless communication standards include GSM, UMTS (e.g., associated with the WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., lxRTT, lxEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), IEEE 802.11 (WLAN or Wi-Fi), BLUETOOTH ™ , etc.

[0003] The introduction of an ever-increasing number of features and functionality in wireless communication devices also creates an ongoing need for improvements in wireless communication, as well as improvements in wireless communication devices. To increase coverage and better serve the growing demand and range of expected uses of wireless communication, more wireless communication technologies are being developed in addition to the aforementioned communication standards.

[0004] The next telecommunication standard proposed beyond the current International Mobile Telecommunication-Advanced (IMT-Advanced) standard is referred to as the 5th Generation Mobile Networks or 5th Generation Wireless Systems, or simply 5G (also referred to as 5G New Radio, or 5G-NR, also simply NR). In comparison to the current LTE standard, 5G-NR proposes higher capacity for higher density of mobile broadband users, while supporting device-to-device, ultra-reliable, and massive machine communications, as well as lower latency and lower battery consumption. In addition, the 5G-NR standard can allow less restrictive UE scheduling in comparison to the current LTE standard. Thus, efforts are being made to take advantage of the higher throughput possible at higher frequencies in the ongoing development of 5G-NR.

[0005] In addition, wireless communication technology has evolved from voice-only communications to also include transmission of data, such as Internet and multimedia content. As a result, interference, collisions, and contention between transmissions of one or more radio access technologies (RATs) becomes more and more likely (e.g., in unlicensed spectrum). For example, collisions can occur between transmissions (e.g., between 5G / cellular transmissions and / or wireless local area network (WLAN) transmissions). Interference, collisions, and contention can degrade the wireless ecosystem and result in negative impacts to users, e.g., of one or more RATs. Thus, there is a need for improvements in this area of development and design. SUMMARY

[0006] Embodiments relate to wireless communication, and more particularly, to apparatus, systems, and methods for improved secondary cell (SCell) activation mechanisms for unlicensed spectrum.

[0007] In some embodiments, an apparatus can include a memory and at least one processor in communication with the memory, the at least one processor configured to receive, from a base station (BS), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a secondary cell (SCell) to be activated in an unlicensed band. In response to receiving the MAC CE, the apparatus can be further configured to start a timer with an end value. Accordingly, the apparatus can adjust a radio frequency (RF) chain from a first state to a second state corresponding to the SCell to be activated. The apparatus can determine one or more failed synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) corresponding to the SCell based on measurements of one or more SSBs transmitted from the BS indicating one or more listen-before-talk (LBT) failures corresponding to the SCell. Accordingly, in response to an expiration of the timer, the apparatus can re-adjust the RF chain from the second state to the first state and receive one or more additional SSBs in the first state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the end value can be predefined, designated by the network, or determined by the apparatus. Further, the end value determined by the apparatus can be based on at least one of an RF retuning time of the apparatus, a power consumption of the RF chain, a number of component carriers (CCs) activated and associated bandwidths, and / or an automatic gain control (AGC) performance in the unlicensed band. Accordingly, in accordance with some embodiments, the at least one processor can be configured to generate an instruction to inform the base station of the determined end value, and the end value can be lower than a predefined upper limit.

[0009] The techniques described herein can be implemented in and / or used with a number of different types of devices, including but not limited to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned aerial controllers (UACs), base stations, access points, cellular phones, tablet computers, wearable computing devices, portable media players, automobiles and / or motor vehicles, and various other computing devices.

[0010] This Summary is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the subject matter described in this document. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the subject matter as described herein. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following DETAILED DESCRIPTION and the accompanying figures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] A better understanding of the present subject matter can be obtained when the following detailed description of various embodiments is considered in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1A An exemplary wireless communication system in accordance with some embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 1B An example of a base station (BS) and access point in communication with a user equipment (UE) device is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0014] Figure 2 An exemplary simplified block diagram of a WLAN access point (AP) is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 3A An example block diagram of a BS is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 3B An example block diagram of a server is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0017] Figure 4 An example block diagram of a UE is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0018] Figure 5 An example block diagram of cellular communication circuitry is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] Figure 6A An example of connections between an EPC network, an LTE base station (eNB), and a 5G NR base station (gNB) is shown.

[0020] Figure 6B An example of protocol stacks for eNBs and gNBs is shown.

[0021] Figure 7A An example of a 5G network architecture is shown that incorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments.

[0022] Figure 7B An example of a 5G network architecture is shown that incorporates both dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) and non-3GPP access to the 5G CN, according to some embodiments.

[0023] Figure 8 An example of a baseband processor architecture for a UE is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0024] Figure 9 An example of an LBT procedure involving SSB burst transmission and experiencing LBT failure due to unavailable SSB is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0025] Figure 10 A block diagram of an example method to improve SCell activation in unlicensed spectrum by utilizing a timer-based mechanism is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0026] Figure 11 An example of timer-based RF tuning between a primary component carrier (PCC) and an unlicensed band secondary component carrier (SCC) is shown, according to some embodiments.

[0027] While the features described herein can be susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the subject matter defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Acronyms

[0029] Various acronyms are used throughout the present disclosure. Definitions of the most prominent acronyms that can appear throughout the present disclosure are as follows:

[0030] • 3GPP: Third Generation Partnership Project

[0031] • TS: Technical Specification

[0032] • RAN: Radio Access Network

[0033] • RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0034] • UE: User Equipment

[0035] • RF: Radio Frequency

[0036] • BS: Base Station

[0037] • DL: Downlink

[0038] • UL: Uplink

[0039] • LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0040] • NR: New Radio

[0041] • 5GS: 5G System

[0042] • 5GMM: 5GS Mobility Management

[0043] • 5GC: 5G Core Network

[0044] • IE: Information Element

[0045] • ITS: Intelligent Transport Systems

[0046] • LBT: Listen Before Talk

[0047] • SSB: Synchronization Signal Block

[0048] • RRM: Radio Resource Management

[0049] • RLM: Radio Link Management

[0050] • BM: Broadcast Multicast

[0051] • COT: Channel Occupancy Time

[0052] • QCL: Quasi Co-Location

[0053] • SMTC: SSB-based RRM Measurement Timing Configuration

[0054] • PCC: Primary Component Carrier

[0055] • SCC: Secondary Component Carrier

[0056] • BC: Band Combination

[0057] • CC: Component Carrier

[0058] • SCell: Secondary Cell

[0059] • CA: Carrier Aggregation

[0060] • LO: Local Oscillator

[0061] • AGC: Automatic Gain Control

[0062] • RSSI: Received Signal Strength Indicator

[0063] Terminology

[0064] The following is a glossary of terms used in the disclosure:

[0065] Memory Medium - any one or all of volatile and non-volatile memory devices, or any combination thereof. The term "memory medium" is intended to include a single medium or multiple media that can store data, which are available for program instructions to be executed by one or more processing units. The memory medium can also include other types of storage medium, for example, a computer-readable storage medium. The term "computer-readable storage medium" is used herein to generally refer to media such as removable storage units, solid-state memories, solid state storage media, optical media, hard disk drives, floppy disks, magnetic tape, memory cards, memory sticks, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM, etc. The memory medium can also include a single medium or multiple media that can store data, which is available for program instructions to be executed by one or more processing units. The memory medium can also include a single medium or multiple media that can store data, which is available for program instructions to be executed by one or more processing units. The memory medium can be local to, or remote from, a first computer system, or a second different computer system, or a different combination thereof. In the latter case, a memory medium can store the program instructions to be executed by a first computer system via a communication network, or a different computer system, or a different combination thereof.

[0066] Carrier Medium - a memory medium as described above, and a physical transmission medium such as a bus, network, and / or other physical transmission medium that can carry signals such as electrical, electromagnetic, or digital signals.

[0067] Programmable Hardware Element - includes various hardware devices comprising multiple programmable function blocks connected via a programmable interconnect. Examples

[0068] Computer System (or Computer) - various types of computing or processing systems, including a personal computer system, mainframe computer system, workstation, network appliance, internet appliance, personal digital assistant (PDA), television system, grid computing system, or other device or combinations of devices. In general, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combination of devices) having at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium.

[0069] User Equipment (UE) (or "UE device") - any of various types of computer system devices that are mobile or portable and that perform wireless communications. Examples of UE devices include mobile telephones or smart phones (e.g., iPhone ™ , Android ™ -based phones), portable gaming devices (e.g., Nintendo DS ™ , PlayStation Portable ™ , Gameboy Advance ™ , iPhone ™ ), laptop computers, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smartglasses), PDAs, portable Internet devices, music players, data storage devices, other handheld devices, automobiles and / or motor vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones), UAV controllers (UACs), etc. In general, the term "UE" or "UE device" can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic, computing, and / or telecommunications device (or combination of devices) capable of sending and / or receiving wireless communications.

[0070] Base Station - the term "base station" has the full breadth of its ordinary meaning and at least includes a wireless communication station installed at a fixed location and used to communicate as part of a wireless telephone system or radio system.

[0071] Processing Element (or Processor) - refers to various elements or combinations of elements that are capable of performing a function of a device such as a user equipment or a cellular network device. Processing elements can include, for example: processor(s) and associated memory, portions or circuits of

[0072] Channel - a medium used to convey information from a transmitter (sender) to a receiver (recipient). It is important to note that the characteristics of the term "channel" can vary depending on the different wireless protocols, and thus the term "channel" as used by the present application can be considered to be used in a manner consistent with the standards of the type of device to which the term usage is referenced. In some standards, the channel width can be variable (e.g., depending on device capabilities, band conditions, etc.). For example, LTE can support scalable channel bandwidth of 1.4MHz to 20MHz. In contrast, a WLAN channel can be 22MHz wide, while a Bluetooth channel can be 1Mhz wide. Other protocols and standards can include different definitions of a channel. Also, some standards can define and use multiple types of channels, e.g., different channels for uplink or downlink and / or different channels for different uses such as data, control information, etc.

[0073] Band - the term "band" has the full range of its ordinary meaning, and includes at least a segment of spectrum (e.g., radio frequency spectrum) in which channels are used or set aside for the same purpose.

[0074] Wi-Fi - the term "Wi-Fi" has the full range of its ordinary meaning, and includes at least a wireless communication network or RAT that is serviced by wireless LAN (WLAN) access points and provides connectivity to the Internet through those access points. Most modern Wi-Fi networks (or WLAN networks) are based on the IEEE 802.11 standards and marketed under the name "Wi-Fi." Wi-Fi (WLAN) networks are different from cellular networks.

[0075] Automatic - refers to an action or operation performed by a computer system (e.g., software executed by a computer system) or device (e.g., circuit, programmable hardware element, ASIC, etc.) without user input specifically specifying or explicitly performing the action or operation. Thus, the term "automatic" is contrasted with a user manually performing or specifying an operation, where the user provides input to directly perform the operation. An automatic process can be initiated by user-provided input, but subsequent actions performed "automatically" are not specified by the user, i.e., are not performed "manually," where the user specifies each action to be performed. For example, a user filling out an electronic form by selecting each field and providing input specifying information (e.g., by typing in the information, selecting a checkbox, radio selection, etc.) is manually filling out the form, even though a computer system must update the form in response to the user actions. The form can be automatically filled out by the computer system, where the computer system (e.g., software executing on the computer system) analyzes the fields of the form and fills out the form without any user input specifying the answers to the fields. As indicated above, a user can invoke the automatic filling out of the form, but does not participate in the actual filling out of the form (e.g., the user does not manually specify the answers to the fields, they are done automatically). The specification provides various examples of operations performed automatically in response to actions taken by a user.

[0076] Approximately - refers to a value that is close to or precise. For example, approximately can refer to a value that is within 1% to 10% of a precise (or desired) value. However, it should be noted that the actual threshold (or tolerance) can depend on the application. For example, in some embodiments, "approximately" can mean within 0.1% of some specified or desired value, while in various other embodiments, the threshold can be, e.g., 2%, 3%, 5%, etc., depending on the desires or requirements of a particular application.

[0077] Concurrent - refers to the performance or implementation in parallel, where tasks, processes or programs are performed in an at least partially overlapping manner. For example, concurrency can be achieved using "strong" or strict parallelism, where tasks are performed in parallel (at least in part) on respective computing elements; or using "weak parallelism," where tasks are performed in an interleaved manner (e.g., through time-multiplexing of execution threads).

[0078] Various components can be described as being "configured to" perform one or more tasks. In such contexts, "configured to" is a broad recitation generally meant to encompass a wide variety of structural arrangements and functions. As such, a component can be configured to perform a task even when the component is not currently on or performing that task (e.g., a group of electrical conductors can be configured to electrically connect a module to another module, even when the two modules are not connected). In some contexts, "configured to" can be a broad recitation meant to encompass a wide variety of structural arrangements and functions. As such, a component can be configured to perform a task even when the component is not currently on or performing that task. Generally, the circuitry forming the structure corresponding to "configured to" can include hardware circuitry.

[0079] For ease of description, various components can be described as performing one or more tasks. Such descriptions should be interpreted as including the phrase "configured to." A component configured to perform one or more tasks is expressly intended to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) interpretation.

[0080] Figure 1A and 1B : Communication system

[0081] Figure 1A A simplified exemplary wireless communication system according to some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 1A The system of FIG. 1 is merely one example of a possible system, and features of the present disclosure can be implemented in any of various systems, as desired.

[0082] As shown, the exemplary wireless communication system includes a base station 102A that communicates over a transmission medium with one or more user devices 106A, 106B through 106N, etc. Each user device can be referred to herein as a "user equipment" (UE). Thus, the user devices 106 are referred to as UEs or UE devices.

[0083] The base station (BS) 102A can be a base transceiver station (BTS) or cell site ("cellular base station"), and can include hardware capable of facilitating wireless communication with the UEs 106A through 106N.

[0084] The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station can be referred to as a "cell." Base station 102A and UEs 106 can be configured to communicate

[0085] As illustrated, base station 102A can also be equipped to communicate with a network 100 (e.g., with a core network of a cellular service provider, a telecommunication network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN), and / or the Internet, among various possibilities). Hence, base station 102A can facilitate communications between user devices and / or between user devices and the network 100. In particular, cellular base station 102A can provide UEs 106 with various

[0086] Base station 102A and other similar base stations (such as base stations 102B... N) operating according to the same or a different cellular communication standard can thus be provided as a network of cells that together provide continuous or nearly continuous overlap service to UEs 106A-N and similar devices via one or more cellular communication standards over a geographic area.

[0087] Hence, while base station 102A can serve as a "serving cell" for UEs 106A-N as illustrated in FIG. 1, each UE 106 can also be capable of receiving signals from (and possibly be within communication range of) one or more other cells (that can be provided by base stations 102B-N and / or any other base station), which can be referred to as "neighboring cells." Such cells can also be capable of facilitating communication between user devices and / or between user devices and the network 100. Such cells can include "macro" cells, "micro" cells, "pico" cells, and / or any of various other sizes of cells providing service areas of various granularity. For example, base stations 102A-B illustrated in FIG. 1 can be macro cells, while base station 102N can be a micro cell. Other configurations are also possible.

[0088] In some embodiments, the base station 102A can be a next generation base station, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station or “gNB.” In some embodiments, a gNB can connect to a traditional evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or to a new radio communications core (NRC) network. Further, a gNB cell can include one or more transmission and reception points (TRPs). Further, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR can connect to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

[0089] Note that the UE 106 is capable of communicating using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, in addition to at least one cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, e.g., WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., lxRTT, lxEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc.), the UE 106 can be configured to communicate using wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi) and / or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.). If desired, the UE 106 can also or alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more global navigation satellite systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H or DVB-H), and / or any other wireless communication protocol. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0090] Figure 1B A user equipment 106 (e.g., one of devices 106A-106N) is shown in communication with a base station 102 and an access point 112 in accordance with some embodiments. The UE 106 can be a device with cellular

[0091] The UE 106 can include a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory. The UE 106 can perform any of the method embodiments described herein by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively, or in addition, the UE 106 can include programmable hardware elements, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) configured to perform any of the method embodiments described herein, or any portion of any of the method embodiments described herein.

[0092] UE 106 may include one or more antennas for communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In some embodiments, UE 106 may be configured to communicate using, for example, CDMA2000 (1xRTT / 1xEV-DO / HRPD / eHRPD), LTE / Advanced LTE, or 5G NR and / or GSM, LTE, Advanced LTE, or 5G NR using a single shared radio component. The shared radio may be coupled to a single antenna or to multiple antennas (e.g., for MIMO) for performing wireless communication. Typically, the radio component may include any combination of baseband processor, analog radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.) or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation and other digital processing). Similarly, the radio component may use the aforementioned hardware to implement one or more receive chains and transmit chains. For example, UE 106 may share one or more portions of the receive chain and / or transmit chain among various wireless communication technologies such as those discussed above.

[0093] In some implementations, UE 106 may include separate transmit and / or receive chains (e.g., including separate antennas and other radio components) for each wireless communication protocol configured to communicate therewith. As another possibility, UE 106 may include one or more radio components shared among multiple wireless communication protocols, as well as one or more radio components uniquely used by a single wireless communication protocol. For example, UE 106 may include shared radio components for communication using either LTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1xRTT, or LTE or GSM), and separate radio components for communication using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurations are also possible.

[0094] Figure 2 Access point diagram

[0095] Figure 2 An exemplary block diagram of access point (AP) 112 is shown. Note that... Figure 2 The block diagram of the AP is only one example of a possible system. As shown, AP 112 may include a processor 204 capable of executing program instructions for AP 112. Processor 204 may also be (directly or indirectly) coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 240 or other circuitry or device, which may be configured to receive addresses from processor 204 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 260 and read-only memory (ROM) 250).

[0096] The AP 112 can include at least one network port 270. The network port 270 can be configured to couple to a wired network and provide access to the Internet for a plurality of devices, such as UE 106. For example, the network port 270 (or an additional network port) can be configured to couple to a local network, such as a home network or an enterprise network. For example, the port 270 can be an Ethernet port. The local network can provide connectivity to additional networks, such as the Internet.

[0097] The AP 112 can include at least one antenna 234, which can be configured to function as a wireless transceiver and can be further configured to communicate with UEs 106 via wireless communication circuitry 230. The antenna 234 is in communication with the wireless communication circuitry 230 via a communication chain 232. The communication chain 232 can include one or more receive chains, one or more transmit chains, or both. The wireless communication circuitry 230 can be configured to communicate via Wi-Fi or WLAN (e.g., 802.11). For example, in the case of a small cell where the AP is co-located with a base station, or in other cases where it can be desirable for the AP 112 to communicate via a variety of different wireless communication technologies, the wireless communication circuitry 230 can also or alternatively be configured to communicate via a variety of other wireless communication technologies including, but not limited to, 5G NR, Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Wideband Code-Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), CDMA2000, etc.

[0098] In some embodiments, the AP 112 can be configured to perform the methods for overhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control as described further herein, as described further below.

[0099] Figure 3A Block diagram of a base station

[0100] Figure 3A An example block diagram of a base station 102 in accordance with some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 3A The base station of FIG. 3 is merely one example of a possible base station. As shown, the base station 102 can include a processor 304, which can execute program instructions. The processor 304 can also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 340, which can be configured to translate virtual addresses into real addresses. The MMU 340 can also be configured to perform memory protection, and address translation look-aside or translation cache functions.

[0101] The base station 102 can include at least one network port 370. The network port 370 can be configured to couple to a telephone network and provide a plurality of devices, such as UE devices 106, access to the telephone network, as described above in FIG. 1 and Figure 2as described in the middle.

[0102] The network port 270 (or an additional network port) can also or alternatively be configured to be coupled to a cellular network, e.g., a core network of a cellular service provider. The core network can provide mobility-related services and / or other services to a plurality of devices, such as the UE devices 106. In some cases, the network port 370 can be coupled to a telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network can provide a telephone network (e.g., between other UE devices served by the cellular service provider).

[0103] In some embodiments, the base station 102 can be a next generation base station, e.g., a 5G New Radio (5G NR) base station, or “gNB.” In such embodiments, the base station 102 can connect to a traditional evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or to an NR core (NRC) network. Further, the base station 102 can be considered a 5G NR cell and can include one or more transition and reception points (TRPs). Moreover, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR can connect to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

[0104] The base station 102 can include at least one antenna 334, and possibly a plurality of antennas. The at least one antenna 334 can be configured to operate as a wireless transceiver and can be further configured to communicate with UE devices 106 via the radio 330. The antenna 334 is in communication with the radio 330 through a communication link 332. The communication link 332 can be a receive chain, a transmit chain, or both. The radio 330 can be configured to communicate via a variety of wireless communication standards including, but not limited to, 5G NR, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0105] The base station 102 can be configured to communicate wirelessly using multiple wireless communication standards. In some cases, the base station 102 can include multiple radios that can enable the base station 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, as one possibility, the base station 102 can include an LTE radio for performing communications according to LTE and a 5G NR radio for performing communications according to 5G NR. In this case, the base station 102 can be capable of operating as both an LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. As another possibility, the base station 102 can include a multi-mode radio capable of performing communications according to any of a plurality of wireless communication technologies, e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.

[0106] As further described herein, base station 102 may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting embodiments of the features described herein. The processor 304 of base station 102 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the methods described herein, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Alternatively, processor 304 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. Optionally (or additionally), the processor 304 of BS 102, together with one or more other components 330, 332, 334, 340, 350, 360, 370, may be configured to implement or support some or all of the features described herein.

[0107] Furthermore, as described herein, processor 304 may include one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements may be included in processor 304. Therefore, processor 304 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processor 304. In addition, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor 304.

[0108] Furthermore, as described herein, radio component 330 may include one or more processing elements. In other words, radio component 330 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, radio component 330 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of radio component 330. Additionally, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of radio component 330.

[0109] Figure 3B Server block diagram

[0110] Figure 3B An example block diagram of server 104 according to some implementation schemes is shown. Note that... Figure 3B The server described is merely one example of a possible server. As shown, server 104 may include processor 344 capable of executing program instructions for server 104. Processor 344 may also be coupled to memory management unit (MMU) 374, which may be configured to receive addresses from processor 344 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 364 and read-only memory (ROM) 354) or to other circuitry or devices.

[0111] Server 104 can be configured to provide network access functionality to multiple devices, such as base station 102, UE device 106, and / or UTM 108, for example, as further described herein.

[0112] In some embodiments, the server 104 can be part of a radio access network, such as a 5G New Radio (5G NR) access network. In some embodiments, the server 104 can be connected to a traditional evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or to an NR core (NRC) network.

[0113] As further described later herein, the server 104 can include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting implementation of the features described herein. The processor 344 of the server 104 can be configured, e.g., by executing program instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium), to implement or support implementation of part or all of the methods described herein. Alternatively, the processor 344 can be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (field-programmable gate array), or as an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit), or combinations thereof. Alternatively (or additionally), in conjunction with one or more of the other components 354, 364, and / or 374, the processor 344 of the server 104 can be configured to implement or support implementation of part or all of the features described herein.

[0114] Further, as described herein, the processor 344 can be composed of one or more processing elements. In other words, the one or more processing elements can be included in the processor 344. Thus, the processor 344 can include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of the processor 344. Further, each integrated circuit can include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) that is configured to perform the functions of the processor 344.

[0115] Figure 4 Block diagram of a UE

[0116] Figure 4 An exemplary simplified block diagram of the communication device 106 in accordance with some embodiments is shown. Note that Figure 4The block diagram of the communication device is merely one example of a possible communication device. The communication device 106 can be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), a UAV controller (UAC), and / or combinations of devices, among other devices, in accordance with embodiments. As shown, the communication device 106 can include a set of components 400 configured to perform core functions. The set of components can be implemented as, for example, a system on a chip (SOC), which can include portions for various purposes. Alternatively, the set of components 400 can be implemented to be separate or integrated components for the various purposes. The set of components 400 can be coupled (e.g., in communication) with each other directly or indirectly, and / or to other parts of the communication device 106.

[0117] For example, the communication device 106 can include various types of memory, such as including NAND flash 410, an input / output interface such as a connector I / F 420 (e.g., for connecting to a computer system; a dock; a charging station; an input device, such as a microphone, camera, keyboard; an output device, such as a speaker; and the like), a display 460 that can be integrated with, or external to, the communication device 106, and cellular communication circuitry 430, such as for 5G NR, LTE, GSM, and the like, and short-to-medium range wireless communication circuitry 429 (e.g., Bluetooth ™ and WLAN circuitry). In some embodiments, the communication device 106 can include wired communication circuitry (not shown), such as a network interface card, for example, for Ethernet.

[0118] The cellular communication circuitry 430 can be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to one or more antennas, such as the antennas 435 and 436 shown. The short-to-medium range wireless communication circuitry 429 can also be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to one or more antennas, such as the antennas 437 and 438 shown. Alternatively, the short-to-medium range wireless communication circuitry 429 can be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to the antennas 435 and 436 in addition to, or instead of, being coupled to the antennas 437 and 438. The short-to-medium range wireless communication circuitry 429 and / or the cellular communication circuitry 430 can include multiple receive chains and / or multiple transmit chains for receiving and / or transmitting multiple spatial streams, such as in a multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) configuration.

[0119] In some embodiments, cellular communication circuitry 430 can include a dedicated receive chain (including and / or coupled to (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) a dedicated processor and / or radio) for multiple RATs, as further described below (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G-NR). Further, in some embodiments, cellular communication circuitry 430 can include a single transmit chain that can be switched between radio components dedicated to a particular RAT. For example, a first radio component can be dedicated to a first RAT, such as LTE, and can communicate with a dedicated receive chain as well as a transmit chain shared with additional radio components, such as a second radio component that can be dedicated to a second RAT (e.g., 5G NR) and can communicate with a dedicated receive chain as well as the shared transmit chain.

[0120] Communication device 106 can also include and / or be configured for use with one or more user interface elements. User interface elements can include any of a variety of elements such as a display 460 (which can be a touch screen display), a keyboard (which can be a discrete keyboard or can be implemented as part of a touch screen display), a mouse, a microphone, and / or a speaker, one or more cameras, one or more buttons, and / or any of a variety of other elements capable of providing information to a user and / or receiving or interpreting user input.

[0121] The communication devices 106 can also include one or more smart cards 445 having SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality, such as one or more UICC cards (Universal Integrated Circuit Card) 445. Note that the term “SIM” or “SIM entity” is intended to include any of various types of SIM implementations or SIM functionality, such as one or more UICC cards 445, one or more eUICCs, one or more eSIMs, removable or embedded, etc. In some embodiments, the UE 106 can include at least two SIMs. Each SIM can execute one or more SIM applications and / or otherwise implement SIM functionality. Thus, each SIM can be a single smart card that can be embedded, e.g., soldered onto a circuit board in the UE 106, or each SIM can be implemented as a removable smart card. Thus, a SIM can be one or more removable smart cards, such as UICC cards sometimes referred to as “SIM cards,” and / or a SIM can be one or more embedded cards, such as embedded UICCs (eUICCs) sometimes referred to as “eSIMs” or “eSIM cards.” In some embodiments, such as when a SIM includes an eUICC, one or more of the SIMs can implement embedded SIM (eSIM) functionality; in such embodiments, a single one of the SIMs can execute multiple SIM applications. Each SIM can include components such as a processor and / or memory; instructions for performing SIM / eSIM functionality can be stored in the memory and executed by the processor. In some embodiments, the UE 106 can include a combination of removable smart cards and fixed / non-removable smart cards, such as one or more eUICC cards implementing eSIM functionality, as needed. For example, the UE 106 can include two embedded SIMs, two removable SIMs, or a combination of one embedded SIM and one removable SIM. Various other SIM configurations are also contemplated.

[0122] As described above, in some embodiments, the UE 106 can include two or more SIMs. Including two or more SIMs in the UE 106 can allow the UE 106 to support two different phone numbers, and can allow the UE 106 to communicate on two or more corresponding respective networks. For example, a first SIM can support a first RAT, such as LTE, while a second SIM supports a second RAT, such as 5G NR. Of course, other implementations and RATs are possible. In some embodiments, when the UE 106 includes two SIMs, the UE 106 can support dual card dual active (DSDA) functionality. DSDA functionality can allow the UE 106 to simultaneously connect to two networks (and use two different RATs), or to simultaneously maintain two connections supported by two different SIMs using the same or different RATs on the same or different networks. DSDA functionality can also allow the UE 106 to simultaneously receive a voice call or data traffic on either phone number. In certain embodiments, the voice call can be a packet-switched communication. In other words, the voice call can be received using Voice over LTE (VoLTE) technology and / or Voice over NR (VoNR) technology. In some embodiments, the UE 106 can support dual card dual standby (DSDS) functionality. DSDS functionality can allow either of the two SIMs in the UE 106 to standby for a voice call and / or data connection. In DSDS, when a call / data is established on one SIM, the other SIM is no longer active. In some embodiments, the DSDx functionality (DSDA or DSDS functionality) can be implemented using a single SIM (e.g., eUICC) that executes multiple SIM applications for different carriers and / or RATs.

[0123] As shown, the SOC 400 can include a processor 402 that can execute program instructions for the communication device 106 and a display circuit 404 that can perform graphics processing and provide a display signal to the display 460. The processor 402 can also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440 that can be configured to receive addresses from the processor 402 and translate those addresses to locations in memory (e.g., a memory 406, a read only memory (ROM) 450, a NAND flash 410) and / or to other circuitry or devices, such as the display circuit 404, the short-to-medium range wireless communication circuit 429, the cellular communication circuit 430, the connector I / F 420, and / or the display 460. The MMU 440 can be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or set up. In some embodiments, the MMU 440 can be included as a portion of the processor 402.

[0124] As described above, the communication device 106 can be configured to communicate using wireless and / or wired communication circuitry. The communication device 106 can be configured to perform methods for beam failure recovery based on a unified TCI framework (e.g., in 5G NR systems and beyond), as described further herein.

[0125] As described herein, the communication device 106 can include hardware and software components for implementing the above-described features of the communication device 106 to transmit scheduling profiles for power saving to a network. For example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium), the processor 402 of the communication device 106 can be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein. Alternatively (or in addition), the processor 402 can be configured as programmable hardware elements, such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) in conjunction with one or more of the other components 400, 404, 406, 410, 420, 429, 430, 440, 445, 450, 460, the processor 402 of the communication device 106 can be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein.

[0126] Further, as described herein, the processor 402 can include one or more processing elements. Thus, the processor 402 can include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of the processor 402. In addition, each integrated circuit can include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) that is configured to perform the functions of the processor 402.

[0127] Further, as described herein, the cellular communication circuitry 430 and the short- to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 429 can each include one or more processing elements. In other words, one or more processing elements can be included in the cellular communication circuitry 430 and, similarly, one or more processing elements can be included in the short- to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 429. Thus, the cellular communication circuitry 430 can include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuitry 430. In addition, each integrated circuit can include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) that is configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuitry 430. Similarly, the short- to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 429 can include one or more ICs that are configured to perform the functions of the short- to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 429. In addition, each integrated circuit can include circuitry (e.g., first circuitry, second circuitry, etc.) that is configured to perform the functions of the short- to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 429.

[0128] Figure 5 Block diagram of cellular communication circuitry

[0129] Figure 5 An example simplified block diagram of a cellular communication circuit is shown in accordance with some embodiments. Note that Figure 5 The block diagram of the cellular communication circuit is merely one example of one possible cellular communication circuit. The cellular communication circuit 500, which can be the cellular communication circuit 430, can be included in a communication device, such as the communication device 106 described above, in accordance with embodiments. As described above, the communication device 106 can be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet, and / or a combination of devices, among other devices.

[0130] The cellular communication circuit 500 can be coupled (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as the antennas 435a-435b and 436 shown in Figure 4 In some embodiments, the cellular communication circuit 500 can include dedicated receive chains for multiple RATs (including and / or coupled to (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) dedicated processors and / or radio components) (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G-NR). For example, as shown in Figure 5 The cellular communication circuit 500 can include a modem 510 and a modem 520. The modem 510 can be configured for communication in accordance with a first RAT, such as LTE or LTE-A, for example, and the modem 520 can be configured for communication in accordance with a second RAT, such as 5G NR, for example.

[0131] As shown, the modem 510 can include one or more processors 512 and a memory 516 in communication with the processors 512. The modem 510 can be in communication with a radio frequency (RF) front end 530. The RF front end 530 can include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, the RF front end 530 can include receive circuitry (RX) 532 and transmit circuitry (TX) 534. In some embodiments, the receive circuitry 532 can be in communication with a downlink (DL) front end 550, which can include circuitry for receiving radio signals via the antenna 335a.

[0132] Similarly, the modem 520 can include one or more processors 522 and a memory 526 in communication with the processors 522. The modem 520 can be in communication with an RF front end 540. The RF front end 540 can include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, the RF front end 540 can include receive circuitry 542 and transmit circuitry 544. In some embodiments, the receive circuitry 542 can be in communication with a DL front end 560, which can include circuitry for receiving radio signals via the antenna 335b.

[0133] In some embodiments, switch 570 can couple transmit circuitry 534 to uplink (UL) front end 572. In addition, switch 570 can couple transmit circuitry 544 to UL front end 572. UL front end 572 can include circuitry for transmitting radio signals via antenna 336. Thus, when cellular communication circuitry 500 receives an instruction to transmit according to a first RAT (e.g., supported via modem 510), switch 570 can be switched to a first state that allows modem 510 to transmit signals according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain including transmit circuitry 534 and UL front end 572). Similarly, when cellular communication circuitry 500 receives an instruction to transmit according to a second RAT (e.g., supported via modem 520), switch 570 can be switched to a second state that allows modem 520 to transmit signals according to the second RAT (e.g., via a transmit chain including transmit circuitry 544 and UL front end 572).

[0134] In some embodiments, cellular communication circuitry 500 can be configured to perform methods of beam failure recovery based on a unified TCI framework (e.g., in 5G NR systems and beyond), as further described herein.

[0135] As described herein, modem 510 can include hardware and software components for implementing the features described above or for time-division multiplexing UL data for NSA NR operation and various other techniques described herein. For example, processor 512 can be configured to implement part or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored in a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or in addition), processor 512 can be configured as a programmable hardware element(s) such as an FPGA (field programmable gate array), or as an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). Alternatively (or in addition) processor 512 can be configured, together with one or more of other components 530, 532, 534, 550, 570, 572, 335, and 336, to implement some or all of the features described herein.

[0136] In addition, as described herein, processor 512 can include one or more processing elements. Thus, processor 512 can include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) that are configured to perform the functions of processor 512. In addition, each integrated circuit can include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor 512.

[0137] As described herein, modem 520 may include hardware and software components designed to implement the aforementioned features for transmitting power-saving scheduling profiles to the network, as well as various other technologies described herein. For example, processor 522 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Alternatively (or otherwise), processor 522 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or additionally), processor 522 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by combining one or more of other components 540, 542, 544, 550, 570, 572, 335, and 336.

[0138] Furthermore, as described herein, processor 522 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, processor 522 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processor 522. Additionally, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor 522.

[0139] Figure 6A and 6B 5G NR architecture with LTE

[0140] In some specific implementations, fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication will initially be deployed concurrently with current wireless communication standards, such as LTE. For example, dual connectivity between LTE and the new 5G radio (5G NR or NR) has been designated as part of the initial deployment of NR. Therefore, as... Figures 6A to 6B As shown, the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network 600 can continue to communicate with the current LTE base station (e.g., eNB 602). Furthermore, eNB 602 can communicate with the 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB 604) and can transfer data between the core network 600 and gNB 604. Therefore, the EPC network 600 can be used (or reused), and gNB 604 can serve as additional capacity for user equipment, for example, to provide increased downlink throughput for the UE. In other words, LTE can be used for control plane signaling, and NR can be used for user plane signaling. Therefore, LTE can be used to establish connections to the network, and NR can be used for data services.

[0141] Figure 6BThe proposed protocol stacks for eNB 602 and gNB 604 are shown. As shown, eNB 602 can include a medium access control (MAC) layer 632 that interfaces with radio link control (RLC) layers 622a-622b. RLC layer 622a can also interface with a packet data convergence protocol (PDCP) layer 612a, and RLC layer 622b can interface with PDCP layer 612b. Similar to dual connectivity specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12, PDCP layer 612a can interface with EPC network 600 via master cell group (MCG) bearers, and PDCP layer 612b can interface with EPC network 600 via split bearers.

[0142] In addition, as shown, gNB 604 can include a MAC layer 634 that interfaces with RLC layers 624a-624b. RLC layer 624a can interface with PDCP layer 612b of eNB 602 via an X2 interface for information exchange and / or coordination (e.g., scheduling UEs) between eNB 602 and gNB 604. Further, RLC layer 624b can interface with PDCP layer 614. Similar to dual connectivity specified in LTE-Advanced Release 12, PDCP layer 614 can interface with EPC network 600 via secondary cell group (SCG) bearers. Thus, eNB 602 can be considered a master node (MeNB), and gNB 604 can be considered a secondary node (SgNB). In some cases, a UE can be required to maintain connectivity with both the MeNB and the SgNB. In such scenarios, the MeNB can be used to maintain a radio resource control (RRC) connection with the EPC, and the SgNB can be used for capacity (e.g., additional downlink and / or uplink throughput).

[0143] Figure 7A 、 Figure 7B and Figure 8 : 5G core network architecture - interworking with Wi-Fi

[0144] In some embodiments, a 5G core network (CN) can be accessed via (or over) a cellular connection / interface (e.g., via 3GPP communication architecture / protocol) and a non-cellular connection / interface (e.g., a non-3GPP access architecture / protocol such as a Wi-Fi connection). Figure 7AAn example of a 5G network architecture is shown that incorporates both 3GPP (e.g., cellular) and non-3GPP (e.g., non-cellular) access to the 5G CN, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, a user equipment device (e.g., UE 106) can access the 5G CN through both a radio access network (RAN, e.g., gNB or base station 604) and an access point such as AP 112. The AP 112 can include a connection to the Internet 700 and a connection to a non-3GPP interworking function (N3IWF) 702 network entity. The N3IWF can include a connection to a core access and mobility management function (AMF) 704 of the 5G CN. The AMF 704 can include an instance of a 5G mobility management (5G MM) function associated with the UE 106. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB 604) can also have a connection with the AMF 704. Thus, the 5G CN can support unified authentication on both connections and allow for simultaneous registration of UE 106 access via gNB 604 and AP 112. As shown, the AMF 704 can include one or more functional entities associated with the 5G CN (e.g., a network slice selection function (NSSF) 720, a short message service function (SMSF) 722, an application function (AF) 724, a unified data management (UDM) 726, a policy control function (PCF) 728, and / or an authentication server function (AUSF) 730). Note that these functional entities can also be supported by session management functions (SMFs) 706a and 706b of the 5G CN. The AMF 706 can be connected to (or in communication with) the SMF 706a. In some embodiments, such functional entities can reside on, and / or be executed by, and / or supported by one or more servers 104 located within the RAN and / or core network. Further, the gNB 604 can be in communication with (or connected to) a user plane function (UPF) 708a, which can also be in communication with the SMF 706a. Similarly, the N3IWF 702 can be in communication with a UPF 708b, which can also be in communication with the SMF 706b. Both UPFs can be in communication with data networks (e.g., DN 710a and 710b) and / or the Internet 700 and IMS core network 710.

[0145] Figure 7BAn example of a 5G network architecture is shown that incorporates dual 3GPP (e.g., LTE and 5G NR) access and non-3GPP access to a 5G CN, in accordance with some embodiments. As shown, a user equipment device (e.g., UE 106) can access the 5G CN through both a radio access network (RAN, e.g., gNB or base station 604 or eNB or base station 602) and an access point such as AP 112. The AP 112 can include a connection to the Internet 700 and a connection to a N3IWF 702 network entity. The N3IWF can include a connection to an AMF 704 of the 5G CN. The AMF 704 can include an instance of 5G MM functionality associated with the UE 106. In addition, the RAN (e.g., gNB 604) can also have a connection to the AMF 704. Thus, the 5G CN can support unified authentication on both connections and allow simultaneous registration of the UE 106 access via the gNB 604 and the AP 112. In addition, the 5G CN can support dual registration of a UE on both a legacy network (e.g., LTE via base station 602) and a 5G network (e.g., via base station 604). As shown, the base station 602 can have a connection to a mobility management entity (MME) 742 and a serving gateway (SGW) 744. The MME 742 can have a connection to both the SGW 744 and the AMF 704. In addition, the SGW 744 can have a connection to both an SMF 706a and a UPF 708a. As shown, the AMF 704 can include one or more functional entities associated with the 5G CN (e.g., NSSF 720, SMSF 722, AF 724, UDM 726, PCF 728, and / or AUSF 730). Note that the UDM 726 can also include home subscriber server (HSS) functionality and the PCF can also include policy and charging rules function (PCRF). Also note that these functional entities can also be supported by the SMF 706a and SMF 706b of the 5G CN. The AMF 706 can be connected to (or in communication with) the SMF 706a. In some embodiments, such functional entities can reside on, and / or be executed by, and / or supported by one or more servers 104 located within the RAN and / or core network. Further, the gNB 604 can be in communication with (or connected to) the UPF 708a, which can also be in communication with the SMF 706a. Similarly, the N3IWF 702 can be in communication with the UPF 708b, which can also be in communication with the SMF 706b. Both UPFs can be in communication with data networks (e.g., DN 710a and 710b) and / or the Internet 700 and IMS core network 710.

[0146] Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above-described network entities can be configured to perform methods implementing mechanisms for measurement cycle extension procedures, e.g., as further described herein.

[0147] Figure 8 An example of a baseband processor architecture for a UE (e.g., UE 106) is shown in accordance with some embodiments. As described above, Figure 8 The baseband processor architecture 800 described in FIG. 8 can be implemented on one or more radio components (e.g., radio components 329 and / or 330 described above) or modems (e.g., modems 510 and / or 520) as described above. As shown, the non-access stratum 810 can include a 5G NAS 820 and a legacy NAS 850. The legacy NAS 850 can include a communication connection with a legacy access stratum (AS) 870. The 5G NAS 820 can include a communication connection with a 5G AS 840 and a non-3GPP AS 830 as well as a Wi-Fi AS 832. The 5G NAS 820 can include functional entities associated with two access strata. Thus, the 5G NAS 820 can include multiple 5G MM entities 826 and 828 and 5G session management (SM) entities 822 and 824. The legacy NAS 850 can include functional entities such as a short message service (SMS) entity 852, an evolved packet system (EPS) session management (ESM) entity 854, a session management (SM) entity 856, an EPS mobility management (EMM) entity 858, and a mobility management (MM) / GPRS mobility management (GMM) entity 860. Further, the legacy AS 870 can include functional entities such as an LTE AS 872, a UMTS AS 874, and / or a GSM / GPRS 876.

[0148] Thus, the baseband processor architecture 800 allows for a common 5G-NAS for both 5G cellular and non-cellular (e.g., non-3GPP access). Note that as shown, the 5G MM can maintain separate connection management and registration management state machines for each connection. Additionally, a device (e.g., UE 106) can register to a single PLMN (e.g., 5G CN) using both 5G cellular access as well as non-cellular access. Further, a device can be in a connected state in one access and an idle state in the other access, or vice versa. Finally, there can be common 5G-MM procedures (e.g., registration, de-registration, identification, authentication, etc.) for both accesses.

[0149] Note that in various embodiments, one or more of the above-described functional entities of the 5G NAS and / or 5G AS can be configured to perform methods for overhead reduction for multi-carrier beam selection and power control, e.g., as further described herein.

[0150] Listen Before Talk

[0151] In some existing implementations, a Listen Before Talk (LBT) mechanism can be used to access a shared medium (e.g., an unlicensed band such as commonly used for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other medium-short range communications, e.g., non-3GPP access) to avoid collisions or conflicts (e.g., transmissions from two or more wireless devices attempting to access the shared medium) and to improve medium utilization efficiency. However, LBT mechanisms are not collision-free. In other words, LBT mechanisms do not guarantee collision-free transmissions.

[0152] For example, in the case of unicast transmissions, a transmitter can easily detect transmission collisions based on receiver acknowledgement / negative acknowledgement (ACK / NACK) feedback. However, in the case of multicast (or groupcast) transmissions, a transmitter can not easily detect collisions based on ACK / NACK from receivers, at least in part due to the heavy traffic associated with ACK / NACK from multiple receivers, and the inability of the transmitter to distinguish (or isolate) transmission collisions from channel quality issues based on received ACK / NACK. In other words, since receivers in multicast transmissions can have different locations with different channel qualities, the transmitter cannot determine the cause of NACKs (e.g., transmission collision vs. poor channel quality). Moreover, in the case of broadcast transmissions, feedback from receivers is not feasible, and thus, the transmitter is unaware of collisions. Additionally, in some implementations, a transmitter can reserve a periodic time slot for communication within a reservation period. In such implementations, if a collision occurs, the collision can persist for at least a portion of the reservation period (and, in the worst case, the duration of the reservation period) if the transmitter does not detect (or is unable to detect) the collision.

[0153] In current implementations of 3GPP 5G NR, studies to extend current NR operation to 71 GHz involve UE measurements that involve physical layer procedures. For example, some studies have targeted timing enhancements associated with beam-based operations to new subcarrier spacings (e.g., 480 kHz and / or 960 kHz) in shared spectrum operations. Additionally, other studies have targeted channel access mechanisms using beam-based operations that comply with regulatory requirements associated with unlicensed spectrum between 52.6 GHz and 71 GHz. Also, some studies have attempted to specify listen-before-talk (LBT) and non-LBT procedures (where no additional sensing mechanisms are specified) for omni-directional LBT, directional LBT, energy detection threshold enhancements, and receiver assistance in channel access. Further, some core specifications for new bands for the 52.6 GHz - 71 GHz frequency range are discussed in addition to defining uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) operations within the band and excluding Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) spectrum within the frequency range. Additionally, gNB (e.g., base station), UE radio frequency (RF), radio resource management (RRM), radio link monitoring (RLM), and broadcast multicast (BM) core requirements for bands (and band combinations) within the 52.6 GHz - 71 GHz frequency range are studied.

[0154] Also, when a UE performs cell-specific measurements during LBT procedures in an NR environment, the UE can be susceptible to or experience LBT failures. These LBT failures can involve the UE performing beam measurements in the higher, unlicensed spectrum of the 52.6 GHz - 71 GHz frequency range.

[0155] Figure 9 - SSB burst transmission in LBT

[0156] With respect to SSB transmission in LBT, potential issues can arise when a UE performs measurements in a beam sweeping procedure. For example, LBT failures can occur when the UE performs measurements of an SSB burst corresponding to a channel that has already been occupied. In other words, a competing Wi-Fi device can have connected and is using the channel associated with the SSB burst.

[0157] For example, as Figure 9As shown, the UE can receive a SSB burst (e.g., SSB burst #1), which includes multiple SSBs, such as SSB #i, SSB #i+Q, and SSB #i+2Q, where i is the actual SSB index and Q is the SSB quasi-co-located (QCL) distance in the SSB burst for the same actual SSB index. In other words, i, i+Q, and i+2Q can correspond to QCL SSB locations. Thus, the SSB burst can have an associated periodicity (e.g., based on SSB-based RRM measurement timing configuration (SMTC) or discovery burst transmission window (DBTW) periodicity) 908 between bursts.

[0158] In the case where SSB #i is not available due to LBT failure in SSB burst #1 (902), the UE can be configured to extend the measurement period or window in order to continue LBT measurements, which is a convention for LBT beam management procedures. As such, the UE can receive SSB burst #2 (904) (or even SSB burst #3 (906)) in the measurement period extension. However, the UE can also need to determine which receive beam to utilize in the measurement period extension, and the receive beam can include a new SSB burst #2. Additionally and / or alternatively, the UE can need to determine how many SSB bursts are needed for the measurement period extension corresponding to the UE’s receive beam sweeping pattern.

[0159] Improved secondary cell (SCell) activation mechanism in new radio unlicensed spectrum

[0160] The embodiments described herein provide mechanisms for improving SCell activation in unlicensed spectrum by utilizing a timer-based mechanism. For example, when a SCell is in an unlicensed band, a UE, such as the UE 106, can experience LBT failure in the SCell, and the network (e.g., a base station of the network) can fail to transmit SSBs for the UE to perform measurements on. Thus, when the UE has received a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) command indicating that a SCell is to be activated in a secondary component carrier (SCC) in an unlicensed band, the UE can adjust a radio frequency (RF) chain state (e.g., from a first state, such as state #1, to a second state, such as state #2), for example, to accommodate the SCell to be activated, and also attempt to receive SSBs on the SCell. However, the UE can still encounter LBT failure in the newly activated SCell, which can also result in or indicate a failed SSB transmission. So, even after encountering LBT failure, the UE can choose to remain in RF chain state #2, instead of reverting from RF chain state #2 to RF chain state #1. However, in doing so, the UE’s automatic gain control (AGC) can fail to continue to work normally or effectively due to interference on the SCell. Thus, the performance of the already activated cell can also be negatively impacted. Furthermore, as the RF bandwidth of unlicensed spectrum increases, this can not only result in a significant change in AGC level compared to licensed bands, but also result in the UE consuming more power.

[0161] Additionally, as outlined by the aforementioned method, the UE can choose to retune the RF chain back to state 1. In doing so, the UE can be able to resolve the changed AGC level described above, and reduce power consumption in the smaller RF bandwidth. However, in order to support the activated SCC in the unlicensed band, the UE will need to again attempt to retune the RF chain at some point in the future.

[0162] Furthermore, with each subsequent tuning or retuning of the RF chain (possibly in response to experiencing LBT failure and failed SSB transmission), this can result in interruptions in the primary cell (PCell), primary secondary cell group (SCG) cell (PSCell), and other activated SCells, thereby impairing throughput performance. This can be a more serious issue for component carriers with large channel bandwidths, such as N77, N78, N79 in frequency range (FR) 1, current bands in FR 2, and possibly higher bands that are not currently included in FR 2. Thus, improvements in this area are desired.

[0163] Figure 10 - Method for improving SCell activation in unlicensed spectrum by utilizing a timer-based mechanism

[0164] Figure 10A block diagram illustrating an example of a method for improving SCell activation in unlicensed spectrum by utilizing a timer-based mechanism, in accordance with some embodiments, is shown.

[0165] Figure 10 The methods illustrated in the middle can be used in combination with any of the systems or devices illustrated in the above figures, as well as other devices. In various embodiments, some of the illustrated method elements can be performed concurrently, in different order than illustrated, or can be omitted. Additional method elements can also be performed as desired. As illustrated, the method can operate as follows.

[0166] At 1002, the UE can receive a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) from a network (e.g., a base station). The MAC CE can indicate to the UE that an SCell in an unlicensed band is to be activated. In some aspects, the MAC CE can also specify a range of values, including an ending value for a timer of the UE. For example, the base station can specify (in a received MAC CE activation command) an ending value for the UE to use with respect to re-tuning RF chains to support SCell activation. As discussed below with respect to Figure 11 As discussed, in some embodiments, upon expiration of the timer, the UE can recover from one RF chain state to another. In other words, once the timer has reached the ending value, the UE can recover from the second state to the first state. Thus, according to some embodiments, in the case where the UE can be configured to select its own value or a range of values for the timer, the MAC CE command can also include an upper limit or cap on the ending value.

[0167] At 1004, in response to receiving the MAC CE, the UE can start or initiate a timer with a predefined, network-specified, or UE-selected value. For example, in some embodiments, the value can be predefined internally at the UE, specified by the network through the received MAC CE command, or selected by the UE based on certain operating conditions or parameters. The timer can start after receiving the MAC CE and end upon expiration of the timer (e.g., reaching an upper limit or ending value of the range of values) or upon success or failure of the SCell activation procedure.

[0168] At 1006, the UE can adjust a radio frequency (RF) chain from a first state to a second state, where the second state corresponds to the SCell during the activation procedure. For example, to support activation of an SCell in an SCC (e.g., in an unlicensed band), the UE can need to adjust or re-tune the RF chain to accommodate different parameters associated with the SCell in the SCC. Further, adjusting from the first state (e.g., State #1) to the second state (e.g., State #2) can include re-tuning a local oscillator of the UE and / or adjusting an RF bandwidth.

[0169] At 1008, the UE can determine whether a synchronization signal block (SSB) in the activated SCell has been transmitted due to a listen-before-talk (LBT) failure corresponding to the SCell activation (e.g., determine a failed SSB transmission). For example, the UE can perform measurements of SSBs on synchronization signal block (SSB)-based RRM measurement timing configuration (SMTC) occasions of the activated SCell. However, because SSBs are expected to be transmitted from the base station, the UE can determine whether the SSB transmission failed due to a listen-before-talk (LBT) failure corresponding to the SCell to be activated. Thus, the UE can need to perform at least one successful reception and decoding of one or more SSBs before proceeding with the subsequent actions required for a successful SCell activation. In other words, due to the fact that the SCell is in an unlicensed band, coupled with the LBT failure that can occur in the SCell, the base station can not be able to transmit SSBs for the UE to measure. Thus, to compensate for the case of failed transmissions in the SCell, the UE can utilize a timer and an associated end value to trigger a response under certain conditions.

[0170] At 1010, in response to the expiration of the timer, the UE can readjust the RF chain from the second state (e.g., State #2) to the first state (e.g., State #1). For example, if the timer reaches a pre-defined, network-specified, or UE-selected upper limit of a timer value range, the UE can restore the RF chain from State #2 to State #1. In doing so, the UE can mitigate, correct, or reduce the AGC interference issues and higher power consumption associated with the increased bandwidth of State #2. Thus, in restoring from State #2 to State #1, the UE can need to retune the local oscillator and RF bandwidth back to the appropriate parameters associated with State #1.

[0171] Finally, at 1012, the UE can receive one or more additional SSB bursts, as well as possibly other data and control transmissions, in the RF chain State #1. As previously mentioned, the smaller bandwidth of State #1 can enable the UE to reduce power consumption and address AGC interference issues (possibly encountered in unlicensed spectrum). Additionally, if the UE receives an additional MAC CE command from the base station indicating SCell activation, the UE can also attempt to restart the SCell activation procedure. In this case, the UE can perform 1002-1012 one or more times until another successful or failed SCell activation.

[0172] Figure 11 Timer-based RF tuning between PCC and unlicensed band SCC

[0173] Figure 11 Timer-based RF tuning between PCC and unlicensed band SCC is shown in accordance with some embodiments.

[0174] In an intra- and inter-band carrier aggregation scenario involving unlicensed bands, when a SCell located in a licensed band is activated, the UE and the network can have many behaviors in response. For example, upon receiving a MAC-CE command from the network (e.g., via a base station or gNB) indicating that a SCell is to be activated in a SCC, the UE can retune or adjust the RF chain from state 1 (corresponding to the PCC and already activated SCC #1) to state 2. This RF chain adjustment can include retuning the UE’s local oscillator (LO), adjusting the radio frequency (RF) bandwidth (BW), and other parameters. In doing so, the state 2 RF chain of the UE can allow for support of the activation of the SCell (SCC #2). Thus, the UE can use the available SSB-based measurement timing configuration (SMTC) event to measure the SSB transmitted on the SCell and, thus, based on the received signal strength indicator (RSSI) measurements regarding the SSB, adjust the automatic gain control (AGC) to the appropriate operating conditions or values.

[0175] As Figure 11 illustrated, the UE can initially utilize an inter-band band combination (BC) including the PCC and SCC #1. Thus, while SCC #1 can be intra-band to SCC #2, the PCC can be considered inter-band to SCC #2 because SCC #2 is being activated in this example.

[0176] As briefly described above, in response to having received the MAC-CE command from the network, the UE can start a timer, using the timer as an indicator of when to adjust the RF chain state.

[0177] Thus, the UE can adjust the RF chain from a first state (state #1, as Figure 11 illustrated) to a second state (state #2, as Figure 11 illustrated) in order to accommodate the activated SCell.

[0178] In some embodiments, when the UE has received the SCell activation command from the network, the UE can start a timer with a range of values. Further, the UE can be configured such that if the timer reaches an end of time value assigned, the UE can revert back to the previous RF state. In other words, when the UE retunes the RF chain from state #1 to state #2, the UE can start the timer, and before the timer expires, the UE will remain in state #2. Alternatively, once the timer expires, the UE can be configured to retune the RF chain back to state #1. For example, according to some embodiments, the timer can be set to infinity or some very large value, which can allow the UE to remain in state #2 indefinitely and never retune back to the RF chain until the SCell activation succeeds or fails. In other words, because the timer never reaches the end of time value assigned (e.g., infinity), the UE can never revert from state #2 to state #1 until the SCell activation succeeds or fails. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the timer can be set to a finite amount of time, where once the end value is reached, the UE can revert to state #1. Also, according to some embodiments, the timer can be associated with a number of SMTC occasions that are unavailable due to LBT failures. In other words, the UE and timer can be configured such that once the UE reaches or experiences a predefined upper limit of LBT failures or failed transmissions in the SCC, the UE can be configured to retune the RF chain from state #2 to state #1.

[0179] Thus, the UE can have multiple options as to how to configure the timer value. For example, in some embodiments, the value of the timer can be predefined for the UE. In other words, the value of the timer can be predefined in the hardware and / or software of the UE and can be the timer value that the UE always uses. Thus, the UE can not be able to select the end value of the timer and can not be able to be externally configured with the timer by the network.

[0180] Further, in some embodiments, the network can configure or assign the value of the timer for the UE. For example, when sending the command to activate the SCell, the network (e.g., base station) can configure the value of the timer through a MAC CE. In other words, in addition to sending the SCell activation command by using a MAC CE, the network is also able to start the timer of the UE.

[0181] Further, in some embodiments, the UE can be configured to pick or select an appropriate timer value (e.g., end value) when starting the timer. In other words, the UE can be more aware of the operating conditions than the network and thus can select the timer value based on the operating conditions. For example, the UE can select the timer value based on its own implementation, such as the number of required interruptions, power consumption, number of activated component carriers (CCs), or the sensitivity of automatic gain control (AGC) to interference in the unlicensed band, among other parameters.

[0182] Thus, when the UE has selected a timer value based on one or more of the aforementioned parameters, the UE can be required to inform the network of the selected value. In doing so, the network can perform better coordinated communication with the UE that has a better understanding of the timer-based behavior of the UE. In some embodiments, the timer value selected by the UE can be lower than an upper limit or threshold value predefined or signaled by the network. In other words, the network or the UE can be configured to set an upper limit for the timer value such that the UE does not exceed the threshold value when selecting the timer value.

[0183] It is well understood that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are generally recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or governmental requirements for maintaining the privacy of users. In particular, personally identifiable information data should be managed and handled in a way to minimize plant or unauthorized access or use of the data and to be informed of the nature, use and options for shielding personally identifiable information data.

[0184] Embodiments of the present disclosure can be realized in any of various forms. For example, some embodiments can be realized as a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable memory medium, or a computer system. Other embodiments can be realized using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Other embodiments can be realized using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs.

[0185] In some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium can be configured such that it stores program instructions and / or data, where the program instructions, if executed by a computer system, cause the computer system to perform a method, for example any of the method embodiments described herein, or any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or any combination of such subsets.

[0186] In some embodiments, a device (e.g., UE 106) can be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, where the memory medium stores program instructions, where the processor is configured to read and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, where the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method embodiments described herein (or any combination of the method embodiments described herein, or any subset of any of the method embodiments described herein, or any combination of such subsets). The device can be realized in any of various forms.

[0187] Any of the methods for operating a user equipment (UE) described herein can be the basis for a corresponding method for operating a base station by interpreting each message / signal X received by the UE in the downlink as a message / signal X transmitted by the base station and each message / signal Y transmitted by the UE in the uplink as a message / signal Y received by the base station.

[0188] While the above implementations have been described in considerable detail, numerous variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the above disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the following claims be construed to include all such variations and modifications as falling within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication, comprising: receiving, from a base station (BS), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a secondary cell (SCell) to be activated in an unlicensed band; in response to receiving the MAC CE, starting a timer with an ending value; adjusting a radio frequency (RF) chain from a first state to a second state, wherein the second state corresponds to the SCell; while in the second state, determining a failure or success of a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure at the BS based on whether one or more synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) are received, wherein receiving the one or more SSBs indicates a successful LBT procedure corresponding to the SCell, wherein not receiving the one or more SSBs indicates a failed LBT procedure corresponding to the SCell; in response to an expiration of the timer and based at least in part on determining the failure or success of the LBT procedure at the BS, readjusting the RF chain from the second state to the first state; and receiving one or more additional SSBs in the first state.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the ending value is predefined.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the ending value is specified by the BS.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the ending value is determined by a user equipment (UE).

5. The method of claim 4, to determine the ending value, the UE is further configured to determine the ending value based at least in part on at least one of: wherein an RF retuning time; a power consumption associated with the RF chain; at least one of a number of activated component carriers (CCs) and their associated bandwidths; and an automatic gain control (AGC) performance in the unlicensed band.

6. The method of claim 4, further comprising generating an instruction to inform the base station of the determined ending value.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the ending value corresponds to a number of unavailable SSB-based radio resource management (RRM) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) occasions due to one or more LBT failures.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the ending value is a very large value or an infinite value.

9. An apparatus for wireless communication, comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio, wherein the at least one radio is configured to perform cellular communication utilizing at least one radio access technology (RAT); one or more processors coupled to the at least one radio, wherein the one or more processors and the at least one radio are configured to perform voice and / or data communication; one or more processors configured to cause a user equipment (UE) to: receive, from a base station (BS), a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) indicating a secondary cell (SCell) to be activated in an unlicensed band; ​ start a timer with an end value in response to receiving the MAC CE; adjust a radio frequency (RF) chain from a first state to a second state, wherein the second state corresponds to the SCell; determine a failure or success of a listen-before-talk (LBT) procedure at the BS while in the second state based on whether one or more synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) are received, wherein receiving the one or more SSBs indicates a successful LBT procedure corresponding to the SCell, wherein not receiving the one or more SSBs indicates a failed LBT procedure corresponding to the SCell; re-adjust the RF chain from the second state to the first state in response to an expiration of the timer and based at least in part on determining the failure or success of the LBT procedure at the BS; and receive one or more additional SSBs in the first state.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the end value is predefined.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the end value is specified by the BS.

12. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the end value is determined by the UE.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein to determine the end value, the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to determine the end value based at least in part on at least one of: an RF retuning time; a power consumption associated with the RF chain; at least one of a number of activated component carriers (CCs) and an associated bandwidth thereof; and an automatic gain control (AGC) performance in the unlicensed band performance in the unlicensed band.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to generate an instruction to inform the base station of the determined end value.

15. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the end value corresponds to a number of unavailable SSB-based radio resource management (RRM) measurement timing configuration (SMTC) occasions due to one or more LBT failures.

16. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the end value is a very large value or an infinite value.

17. The apparatus of claim 9, further comprising: at least one antenna; and at least one radio operably coupled to the one or more processors.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the at least one radio is configured to perform cellular communication using at least one radio access technology (RAT), wherein the one or more processors are coupled to the at least one radio, wherein the one or more processors and the at least one radio are configured to perform at least one of voice or data communications.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions executable by at least one processor to cause a user equipment (UE) to perform the method of any of claims 1-8.

20. A computer program product comprising program instructions executable by at least one processor to cause a user equipment (UE) to perform the method of any of claims 1-8.

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