UE enhancements should be prioritized for 5G NR cell selection.

Abstract

Aspects of the disclosure relate to mechanisms for enhancing UE cell selection to prioritize cells supporting 5G New Radio (NR) in standalone (SA) and non-standalone (NSA) modes. In some examples, a UE can identify a plurality of cells within an area that includes a location of the UE (1102). Each cell supports at least one radio access technology (RAT) and at least one frequency. The UE can determine an order of selection of the plurality of cells (1104) to prioritize cells supporting a latest RAT (e.g., 5G NR) based on the supported RATs and frequency bands, and select a serving cell based on the order of selection (1106).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority and benefit to Indian Patent Application No. 202041017612, filed with the Indian Patent Office on 24 April 2020 and assigned to the assignee of this application, which is hereby expressly incorporated in its entirety by reference, as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. Technical Field

[0003] The techniques discussed below generally relate to wireless communication networks, and more specifically, to cell selection within wireless communication networks. Background Technology

[0004] When starting up or recovering from a non-service scenario, a User Equipment (UE) can attempt to identify and pre-claim cells. Within a specific geographic area, there may be many available cells from which a UE can select. Depending on network deployment, available cells in an area can support different Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and different frequency bands. For example, a cell can support 3GPP Generation 4 RATs such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), 3GPP Generation 5 RATs such as New Radio (NR), or future RATs. Furthermore, a cell with NR capability can support one or more operating frequency ranges. For example, in 5G NR, two initial operating frequency ranges have been identified as frequency range names FR1 and FR2.

[0005] Initially, 5G NR is deployed in non-standalone (NSA) mode with Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC). In EN-DC, a UE can connect to both LTE and NR simultaneously, or connect to LTE for the control plane and NR for the user plane. The LTE RAT is used as an anchor carrier to allow the addition of FR1 / FR2. For example, a UE can perform initial registration to an LTE base station supporting 5G NSA mode (e.g., an evolved Node B (eNB)) and then add one or more 5G NR cells (e.g., one or more 5G base stations, referred to herein as g Node B (gNB)). Here, the 5G NR radio access network (e.g., the 5G NR cell) is connected to the 4G evolved packet core (EPC) core network. Subsequent deployments of 5G NR will be rolled out in standalone (SA) mode, where the 5G NR radio access network is connected to the 5G core network. In SA mode, the 5G NR cell can support FR1 or FR2, and in some examples, dual connectivity (NR DC) of FR1 and FR2 can be supported. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following presents an overview of one or more aspects of this disclosure in order to provide a basic understanding of these aspects. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of all anticipated features of this disclosure, and is neither intended to identify key or essential elements of all aspects of this disclosure, nor to depict the scope of any or all aspects of this disclosure. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of one or more aspects of this disclosure in one form as a prelude to the more detailed description that follows.

[0007] In one example, a wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network is disclosed. The wireless communication device includes a transceiver, a memory, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory. The processor and memory can be configured to identify multiple cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device. Each of the multiple cells can support at least one of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of multiple frequency bands. The processor and memory can also be configured to determine a selection order of the multiple cells based on the at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the multiple cells, wherein the selection order prioritizes the latest generation RAT among the multiple RATs, and a serving cell is selected from the multiple cells based on the selection order for communication with the transceiver.

[0008] Another example provides a method for wireless communication in a wireless communication network. The method includes identifying multiple cells within an area including the location of a wireless communication device. Each of the multiple cells may support at least one of a plurality of Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of a plurality of frequency bands. The method also includes determining a selection order of the multiple cells based on the at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the multiple cells, wherein the selection order prioritizes the latest generation RAT among the multiple RATs, and selecting a serving cell from the multiple cells for communication with the transceiver based on the selection order.

[0009] Another example provides a wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network. The wireless communication device includes components for identifying multiple cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device. Each of the multiple cells may support at least one of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of multiple frequency bands. The wireless communication device also includes components for determining a selection order of the multiple cells based on the at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the multiple cells, wherein the selection order prioritizes the latest generation RAT among the multiple RATs, and components for selecting a serving cell from the multiple cells for communication with via a transceiver based on the selection order.

[0010] These and other aspects will become more fully understood after reading the following “Detailed Description”. Other aspects, features, and examples will become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following description of specific exemplary examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Although features may be discussed with respect to certain examples and figures below, all examples may include one or more advantageous features discussed herein. In other words, while one or more examples may be discussed as having certain advantageous features, one or more of such features may also be used according to the various examples discussed herein. Similarly, although exemplary examples may be discussed below as examples of devices, systems, or methods, such exemplary examples may be implemented in various devices, systems, and methods. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system based on some aspects.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a 5G wireless communication system (5GS) based on some aspects.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a conceptual diagram based on some aspects of a radio access network.

[0014] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the organization of radio resources in an air interface utilizing orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) based on certain aspects.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of an EN-DC system based on some aspects.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a multi-RAT deployment environment based on several aspects.

[0017] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a frequency database used for cell selection based on several indications.

[0018] Figure 7B This is a diagram illustrating an example of a fingerprint database used to store recent anchor cell information, based on several aspects.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for performing priority cell acquisition based on several aspects.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process for performing priority cell reselection based on some aspects.

[0021] Figure 10This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a UE using a processing system based on some aspects.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for selecting priority cells based on several aspects. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The specific embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are intended as a description of various configurations and are not intended to represent the only configuration in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. Specific details are included in the specific embodiments for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring these concepts.

[0024] The electromagnetic spectrum is typically subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency / wavelength. In 5G NR, two initial operating bands have been identified as frequency range names FR1 (410MHz-7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz-52.6GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, FR1 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the "sub-6GHz" band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes arise regarding FR2; although different from the extremely high frequency (EHF) band (30GHz-300GHz) defined as a "millimeter wave" band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), FR2 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the "millimeter wave" band in documents and articles.

[0025] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as intermediate frequency (IF) bands. Recent 5G NR studies have designated the operating bands of these IF bands as the frequency range name FR3 (7.125GHz-24.25GHz). Bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 and / or FR2 characteristics, and thus can effectively extend the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to IF band frequencies. Furthermore, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation above 52.6GHz. For example, three higher operating frequency bands have been designated as the frequency range names FR4-a or FR4-1 (52.6GHz-71GHz), FR4 (52.6GHz-114.25GHz), and FR5 (114.25GHz-300GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0026] In light of the foregoing, unless otherwise explicitly stated, it should be understood that the terms "below 6 GHz," if used herein, can broadly refer to frequencies that are less than 6 GHz, within FR1, or may include intermediate frequency band frequencies. Furthermore, unless otherwise explicitly stated, it should be understood that the terms "millimeter wave," if used herein, can broadly refer to frequencies that may include intermediate frequency band frequencies, within FR2, FR4, FR4-a, or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or within the EHF band.

[0027] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to enhancing UE cell selection to prioritize cells supporting 5G NR in standalone (SA) or non-standalone (NSA) mode. In some examples, the UE can identify multiple cells within an area including the UE's location. Each cell supports at least one radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., LTE or 5G NR) and at least one frequency band (e.g., FR1, FR2, or LTE) for at least one frequency range. The UE can determine a selection order of the multiple cells based on the supported RATs and frequency bands to prioritize cells supporting 5G NR. The UE can then select a serving cell based on the selection order of the multiple cells and corresponding cell measurements (e.g., signal strength). In some examples, the selection order is determined based on a priority order of cell types. For example, the priority order of cell types could be as follows: NR DC cells (e.g., cells supporting dual connectivity with FR1 and FR2), FR1-only or FR2-only cells operating in licensed spectrum, FR1-only or FR2-only cells operating in unlicensed spectrum, LTE anchor cells supporting EN-DC with FR2, LTE anchor cells supporting EC-DC with FR1, and legacy LTE cells.

[0028] In some examples, the UE can further maintain a frequency database comprising a list of frequency bands associated with each cell type in priority order, and can further update the list to maintain the priority order within the list. The UE can further maintain a fingerprint database for storing anchor cell information, indicating previously identified anchor cells (e.g., 5G NR or LTE anchor cells) and neighboring FR1 / FR2 cells for each 5G NR or LTE anchor cell. The UE can further update the fingerprint database based on system information provided by the network (e.g., neighboring cell information) to include additional neighboring cells of the identified anchor cells. The UE can further periodically perform frequency searches for additional anchor cells and update the fingerprint database accordingly. Furthermore, when an additional anchor cell with a higher priority than the serving cell is discovered, the UE can perform idle measurements for cell reselection. For example, when the serving cell is an FR1-only cell, the UE can configure idle cell measurements on FR1-supporting NR anchor cells (e.g., NR DC cells). As another example, when the serving cell is a legacy LTE cell, the UE can configure idle measurements on LTE anchor cells.

[0029] Although aspects and examples are described herein by way of illustration of a few examples, those skilled in the art will understand that additional implementations and use cases may arise in many different arrangements and scenarios. The innovations described herein can be implemented across many different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and package arrangements. For example, aspects and / or uses may arise via integrated chip examples and other non-modular component-based devices (e.g., end-user devices, vehicles, communication devices, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / procurement devices, medical devices, AI-enabled devices, etc.). While some examples may or may not be specific to a particular use case or application, a wide variety of applicability to the described innovations can emerge. The range of implementations can extend from chip-level or modular components to a range of non-modular, non-chip-level implementations, and further to aggregated, distributed, or OEM devices or systems incorporating one or more aspects of the described innovations. In some practical settings, devices incorporating the described aspects and features may also necessarily include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described examples. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals necessarily involve many components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.). The aim is to enable the innovations described herein to be implemented in a wide variety of devices, chip-level components, systems, distributed arrangements, end-user equipment, etc., of different sizes, shapes, and constructions.

[0030] The various concepts presented throughout this disclosure can be implemented across a wide range of telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards. Reference is now made to... Figure 1 As a non-limiting illustrative example, reference is made to wireless communication system 100 to illustrate various aspects of this disclosure. Wireless communication system 100 includes three interaction domains: a core network 102, a radio access network (RAN) 104, and a user equipment (UE) 106. With wireless communication system 100, UE 106 can be enabled to perform data communication with an external data network 110 such as (but not limited to) the Internet.

[0031] RAN 104 can implement any suitable wireless communication technology or technique to provide radio access to UE 106. As an example, RAN 104 can operate according to the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) New Radio (NR) specification, commonly referred to as 5G. As another example, RAN 104 can operate under a hybrid of 5G NR and the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (eUTRAN) standard, commonly referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE). 3GPP refers to this hybrid RAN as Next Generation RAN, or NG-RAN. Of course, many other examples can be utilized within the scope of this disclosure.

[0032] As shown in the figure, RAN 104 includes multiple base stations 108. Broadly speaking, a base station is a network element in a radio access network responsible for radio transmission and reception to or from a UE in one or more cells. In different technologies, standards, or contexts, a base station may be referred to by those skilled in the art as a base transceiver unit (BTS), radio base station, radio transceiver, transceiver function, basic service set (BSS), extended service set (ESS), access point (AP), Node B (NB), eNode B (eNB), gNode B (gNB), transmit and receive point (TRP), or some other suitable terminology. In some examples, a base station may include two or more TRPs that may be co-located or non-co-located. Each TRP may communicate on the same or different carrier frequencies within the same or different frequency bands. In an example where RAN 104 operates according to both LTE and 5G NR standards, one base station may be an LTE base station, while the other may be a 5G NR base station.

[0033] RAN 104 is further described as supporting wireless communication for multiple mobile devices. In the 3GPP standard, a mobile device may be referred to as a User Equipment (UE), but those skilled in the art may also refer to it as a Mobile Station (MS), Subscriber Station, Mobile Unit, Subscriber Unit, Radio Unit, Remote Unit, Mobile Device, Radio Equipment, Wireless Communication Equipment, Remote Equipment, Mobile Subscriber Station, Access Terminal (AT), Mobile Terminal, Radio Terminal, Remote Terminal, Handheld Device, Terminal, User Agent, Mobile Client, Client, or some other suitable term. A UE may be a device (e.g., a mobile device) that provides users with access to network services.

[0034] In this disclosure, a "mobile" device does not necessarily need to be mobile and can be stationary. The term mobile device or mobile equipment refers to a wide variety of devices and technologies. A UE may include many hardware structural components whose size, shape, and arrangement are designed to facilitate communication; such components may include antennas, antenna arrays, RF chains, amplifiers, one or more processors, etc., electrically coupled to each other. For example, some non-limiting examples of mobile devices include mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) phones, laptop computers, personal computers (PCs), notebook computers, netbooks, smartbooks, tablet computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), and a wide range of embedded systems, such as those corresponding to the "Internet of Things" (IoT).

[0035] Mobile devices can also be automobiles or other vehicles, remote sensors or actuators, robots or robotic equipment, satellite radios, Global Positioning System (GPS) devices, object tracking devices, drones, multi-rotor aircraft, quadcopters, remote control devices, consumer and / or wearable devices such as glasses, wearable cameras, virtual reality devices, smartwatches, health or fitness trackers, digital audio players (e.g., MP3 players), cameras, game consoles, etc. Mobile devices can also be digital home or smart home devices such as home audio, video, and / or multimedia equipment, appliances, vending machines, smart lighting, home security systems, smart meters, etc. Mobile devices can also be smart energy devices, security devices, solar panels or solar arrays, municipal infrastructure equipment controlling electricity (e.g., smart grids), lighting, water, etc., industrial automation and enterprise equipment, logistics controllers and / or agricultural equipment, etc. Furthermore, mobile devices can provide connected medical or telemedicine support, such as healthcare at a distance. Telemedicine devices may include telemedicine monitoring devices and telemedicine management devices. For example, their communication may be given priority processing or priority access over other types of information in terms of priority access for transmitting critical service data and / or QoS related to the transmission of critical service data.

[0036] Wireless communication between RAN 104 and UE 106 can be described as utilizing an air interface. Transmissions over the air interface from a base station (e.g., base station 108) to one or more UEs (e.g., similar to UE 106) can be referred to as downlink (DL) transmissions. According to certain aspects of this disclosure, the term downlink can refer to point-to-multipoint transmissions originating at a base station (e.g., base station 108). Another way to describe this scheme is to use the term broadcast channel multiplexing. Transmissions from a UE (e.g., UE 106) to a base station (e.g., base station 108) can be referred to as uplink (UL) transmissions. According to further aspects of this disclosure, the term uplink can refer to point-to-point transmissions originating from a UE (e.g., UE 106).

[0037] In some examples, access to the air interface can be scheduled, where a scheduling entity (e.g., base station 108) allocates resources for communication between some or all devices and equipment within its service area or cell. In this disclosure, as further discussed below, the scheduling entity may be responsible for scheduling, allocating, reconfiguring, and releasing resources for one or more scheduled entities (e.g., UE 106). That is, for scheduled communication, multiple UEs 106 of the scheduled entities may utilize resources allocated by the scheduling entity 108.

[0038] Base station 108 is not the only entity that can act as a scheduling entity. That is, in some examples, a UE can act as a scheduling entity to schedule resources for one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more other UEs). For example, a UE can communicate directly with other UEs in a peer-to-peer or device-to-device manner and / or in a relay configuration.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, scheduling entity 108 can broadcast downlink service 112 to one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more UEs 106). Broadly speaking, scheduling entity 108 is a node or device responsible for scheduling services in the wireless communication network (including downlink service 112 and, in some examples, uplink service 116 from one or more scheduled entities (e.g., one or more UEs 106) to scheduling entity 108). On the other hand, a scheduled entity (e.g., UE 106) is a node or device that receives downlink control information 114 (including, but not limited to, scheduling information (e.g., authorization), synchronization or timing information, or other control information from another entity in the wireless communication network, such as scheduling entity 108).

[0040] Furthermore, uplink and / or downlink control information and / or service information can be transmitted on waveforms that can be time-divided into frames, subframes, time slots, and / or symbols. As used herein, a symbol can refer to a time unit in an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) waveform that carries one resource element (RE) per subcarrier. A time slot can carry 7 or 14 OFDM symbols. A subframe can refer to a duration of 1 ms. Multiple subframes or time slots can be combined to form a single frame or radio frame. Within this disclosure, a frame can refer to a predetermined duration (e.g., 10 ms) for wireless transmission, with each frame consisting of, for example, 10 subframes, each 1 ms long. Of course, these definitions are not mandatory, and any suitable scheme for organizing waveforms can be utilized, and various time divisions of the waveform can have any suitable duration.

[0041] Typically, base station 108 may include a backhaul interface for communicating with the backhaul portion 120 of wireless communication system 100. Backhaul portion 120 provides a link between base station 108 and core network 102. Furthermore, in some examples, the backhaul network can provide interconnection between the individual base stations 108. Various types of backhaul interfaces can be employed, such as direct physical connections using any suitable transport network, virtual networks, etc.

[0042] Core network 102 may be part of wireless communication system 100 and may be independent of the radio access technology used in RAN 104. In some examples, core network 102 may be configured according to 5G standards (e.g., 5GC). In other examples, core network 102 may be configured according to 4G Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or any other suitable standard or configuration.

[0043] Now for reference Figure 2 Block diagrams illustrating various components of a 5G wireless communication system (5GS) 200 are provided by way of example rather than limitation. In some examples, the 5GS 200 may be as described above and Figure 1 The same wireless communication system 100 shown in the figure. 5GS 200 includes user equipment (UE) 202, next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN) 204 and core network 206. With the wireless communication system 200, UE 202 can be enabled to communicate data with external data networks 214 such as (but not limited to) the Internet, Ethernet or local area network.

[0044] Core network 206 can be a 5G core network and may include, for example, Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 208, Session Management Functions (SMF) 210, and User Plane Functions (UPF) 212. AMF 208 and SMF 210 employ control plane (e.g., Non-Access Stratum (NAS)) signaling to perform various functions related to mobility management and session management of UE 202. For example, AMF 208 provides connectivity, mobility management, and authentication for UE 202, while SMF 210 provides session management for UE 202 (e.g., handling signaling related to Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions between UE 202 and external DN 214). UPF 212 provides user plane connectivity for routing 5G (NR) packets to / from UE 202 via NG-RAN 204.

[0045] Core network 206 may also include other functions such as Policy Control Function (PCF) 216, Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 218, Unified Data Management (UDM) 220, Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 222, and other functions (not shown for simplicity). PCF 216 provides policy information (e.g., rules) for control plane functions such as network slicing, roaming, and mobility management. Furthermore, PCF 216 supports 5G Quality of Service (QoS) policies, network slicing policies, and other types of policies. AUSF 218 performs authentication for UE 202. UDM 220 facilitates the generation of authentication and key negotiation (AKA) credentials, performs user identification, and manages subscription information and UE context. In some examples, AMF 208 includes a Co-located Security Anchor (SEAF) function that allows UE 202 to be re-authenticated when the UE moves between different NG-RANs 204 without having to perform the full authentication process with AUSF 218. NSSF 222 redirects traffic to network slices. For example, network slices can be defined for different categories of subscribers or use cases such as smart homes, the Internet of Things (IoT), connected cars, smart grids, etc. Each use case can receive a unique set of optimized resources and network topology (e.g., network slices) to meet the connectivity, speed, power, and capacity requirements of the use case.

[0046] To establish a connection to the 5G core network 206 via NG-RAN 204, UE 202 can send registration requests and PDU session establishment requests to the 5G core network 206 via NG-RAN 204. AMF 208 and SMF 210 can process the registration requests and PDU session establishment requests, and establish a PDU session between UE 202 and external DN 214 via UPF 212. A PDU session may include one or more sessions (e.g., a data session or a data stream) and may be served by multiple UPF 212s (only one is shown for convenience). Examples of data streams include, but are not limited to, IP streams, Ethernet streams, and unstructured data streams.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 3 As a non-limiting illustrative example, a schematic diagram of a radio access network (RAN) 300 according to some aspects of this disclosure is provided. In some examples, the RAN 300 may be consistent with the one described above and Figure 1 The RAN104 shown and / or described above and in Figure 2 It is the same as the NG-RAN 204 shown in the figure.

[0048] The geographic area covered by RAN 300 can be divided into many cellular areas (cells) that can be uniquely identified by user equipment (UE) based on an identifier broadcast across the geographic area from an access point or base station. Figure 3 Cells 302, 304, 306, and 308 are shown. Each cell may include one or more sectors (not shown). A sector is a sub-area of ​​a cell. All sectors within a cell are served by the same base station. Radio links within a sector can be identified by a single logical identifier belonging to that sector. In a cell divided into sectors, multiple sectors within the cell can be formed by antenna groups, where each antenna is responsible for communicating with UEs in a portion of the cell.

[0049] Various base stations can be used for deployment. For example, in Figure 3In the illustration, two base stations 310 and 312 are shown in cells 302 and 304. A third base station 314 is shown as a remote radio head (RRH) 316 controlling cell 306. That is, the base station can have an integrated antenna or can be connected to an antenna or RRH via a feeder cable. In the illustrated example, cells 302, 304, and 306 can be referred to as macro cells because base stations 310, 312, and 314 support cells with large sizes. Furthermore, a base station 318 is shown in cell 308, which can overlap with one or more macro cells. In this example, cell 308 can be referred to as a small cell (e.g., microcell, picocell, femtocell, home base station, home Node B, home eNode B, etc.) because base station 318 supports cells with relatively small sizes. Cell sizes can be determined based on system design and component constraints.

[0050] It should be understood that RAN 300 can include any number of radio base stations and cells. Furthermore, relay nodes can be deployed to extend the size or coverage area of ​​a given cell. Base stations 310, 312, 314, and 318 provide radio access points to the core network for any number of mobile devices. In some examples, base stations 310, 312, 314, and / or 318 can be used in conjunction with those described above and... Figure 1 The scheduling entity 108 shown is the same as or similar to that shown.

[0051] Figure 3 This also includes unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) 320, which can be drones or quadcopters. UAVs 320 can be configured to function as base stations, or more specifically, as mobile base stations. That is, in some examples, the cell may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographical area of ​​the cell can move depending on the location of the mobile base station (such as the UAV 320).

[0052] Within RAN 300, a cell may include UEs capable of communicating with one or more sectors of each cell. Furthermore, each base station 310, 312, 314, 318, and 320 can be configured to provide access to the core network for all UEs within each cell (see [link to core network]). Figure 1 and / or Figure 2 Access points. For example, UEs 322 and 324 can communicate with base station 310; UEs 326 and 328 can communicate with base station 312; UEs 330 and 332 can communicate with base station 314 via RRH 316; UE 334 can communicate with base station 318; and UE 336 can communicate with mobile base station 320. In some examples, UEs 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 330, and / or 332 can communicate with the access points described above and... Figure 1The UE / scheduled entity 106 shown in the figure and / or the one described above and in Figure 2 The same as UE 202 shown in the figure.

[0053] In some examples, the UAV 320 (e.g., a quadcopter) can be a mobile network node and can be configured to function as a UE. For example, the UAV 320 can operate within cell 302 by communicating with base station 310.

[0054] In another aspect of RAN 300, sidelink signaling can be used between UEs without relying on scheduling or control information from the base station. For example, sidelink communication can be utilized in device-to-device (D2D) networks, peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) networks, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) networks, and / or other suitable sidelink networks. For instance, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs 338, 330, and 332) can communicate with each other using sidelink signal 337 without relaying the communication through the base station. In some examples, UEs 338, 330, and 332 can each act as a scheduling entity or transmitting sidelink device and / or a scheduled entity or receiving sidelink device to schedule resources and communicate sidelink signal 337 between them, without relying on scheduling or control information from the base station. In other examples, two or more UEs (e.g., UEs 326 and 328) within the coverage area of ​​a base station (e.g., base station 312) may also communicate on a direct link (side link) to transmit side link signals 327 without needing to relay the communication through base station 312. In this example, base station 312 may allocate resources to UEs 326 and 328 for side link communication.

[0055] To achieve a low block error rate (BLER) while still maintaining a very high data rate over an air interface, channel decoding can be used. That is, wireless communication can typically utilize appropriate error-correcting block codes. In a typical block code, the information message or sequence is divided into code blocks (CBs), and the encoder (e.g., CODEC) at the transmitting device then mathematically adds redundancy to the information message. Utilizing this redundancy in the encoded information message improves message reliability, thereby correcting any bit errors that may occur due to noise.

[0056] Data decoding can be implemented in several ways. In early 5G NR specifications, user data was decoded using quasi-cyclic low-density parity-check (LDPC) with two different basemaps: one basemap for large code blocks and / or high code rates, and the other for other cases. Based on nested sequences, control information and the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) are decoded using polarization decoding. For these channels, pruning, shortening, and repetition are used for rate matching.

[0057] Various aspects of this disclosure can be implemented using any suitable channel code. Various implementations of the base station and UE may include appropriate hardware and capabilities (e.g., encoders, decoders, and / or CODECs) to utilize one or more of these channel codes for wireless communication.

[0058] In RAN 300, the ability of a UE to communicate while mobile, independent of its location, is referred to as mobility. The various physical channels between the UE and RAN 300 typically include... Figure 2 The AMF208 shown is established, maintained, and released under control. In some scenarios, the AMF may include a Security Context Management (SCMF) function and a Security Anchor Function (SEAF) function for performing authentication. The SCMF can manage the security context of both control plane and user plane functions, either fully or partially.

[0059] In various aspects of this disclosure, RAN 300 can utilize DL-based mobility or UL-based mobility to achieve mobility and handover (i.e., transferring the UE's connection from one radio channel to another). In a network configured for DL-based mobility, during a call with a scheduling entity, or at any other time, the UE can monitor various parameters of the signal from its serving cell and various parameters of neighboring cells. Depending on the quality of these parameters, the UE can maintain communication with one or more neighboring cells. During this period, if the UE moves from one cell to another, or if the signal quality from a neighboring cell exceeds the signal quality from the serving cell for a given amount of time, the UE can perform a handover or handover from the serving cell to a neighboring (target) cell. For example, UE 324 can move from a geographic area corresponding to its serving cell 302 to a geographic area corresponding to a neighboring cell 306. When the signal strength or quality from neighboring cell 306 exceeds the signal strength or quality from its serving cell 302 for a given amount of time, UE 324 can send a report message indicating this situation to its serving base station 310. In response, UE 324 can receive a handover command and the UE can undergo a handover to cell 306.

[0060] In a network configured for UL-based mobility, the UL reference signal from each UE can be used by the network to select a serving cell for each UE. In some examples, base stations 310, 312, and 314 / 316 can broadcast a uniform synchronization signal (e.g., a uniform primary synchronization signal (PSS), a uniform secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and a uniform physical broadcast channel (PBCH)). UEs 322, 324, 326, 328, 330, and 332 can receive the uniform synchronization signal, derive the carrier frequency and time slot timing from the synchronization signal, and transmit uplink pilot or reference signals in response to the derived timing. The uplink pilot signal transmitted by a UE (e.g., UE 324) can be simultaneously received by two or more cells (e.g., base stations 310 and 314 / 316) within the radio access network 300. Each cell can measure the strength of the pilot signal, and the radio access network (e.g., one or more of base stations 310 and 314 / 316 and / or a central node within the core network) can determine the serving cell for UE 324. As UE 324 moves through RAN 300, RAN 300 can continue to monitor the uplink pilot signal transmitted by UE 324. When the signal strength or quality of the pilot signal measured by a neighboring cell exceeds the signal strength or quality measured by the serving cell, network 300 can switch UE 324 from the serving cell to a neighboring cell, with or without notification to UE 324.

[0061] Although the synchronization signals transmitted by base stations 310, 312, and 314 / 316 can be uniform, the synchronization signals do not need to identify a specific cell. Instead, they can identify a zone of multiple cells operating at the same frequency and / or with the same timing. The use of zones in 5G networks or other next-generation communication networks enables uplink-based mobility frameworks and improves the efficiency of both the UE and the network because the number of mobility messages that need to be exchanged between the UE and the network can be reduced.

[0062] In various implementations, the air interface in the radio access network 300 can utilize licensed spectrum, unlicensed spectrum, or shared spectrum. Licensed spectrum typically provides exclusive use of a portion of the spectrum through a license purchased by the mobile network operator from a government regulatory agency. Unlicensed spectrum provides shared use of a portion of the spectrum without requiring a government-granted license. While some technical rules are usually still required to access unlicensed spectrum, access is generally available to any operator or device. Shared spectrum can fall somewhere between licensed and unlicensed spectrum, where technical rules or restrictions may be required to access the spectrum, but the spectrum can still be shared by multiple operators and / or multiple RATs. For example, a licensee of a portion of licensed spectrum can provide License Shared Access (LSA) to share the spectrum with other parties, for example, those with appropriate and defined licensing conditions for obtaining access.

[0063] Devices communicating in the radio access network 300 can utilize one or more multiplexing techniques and multiple access algorithms to achieve simultaneous communication between various devices. For example, the 5G NR specification provides multiple access for UL transmissions from UEs 322 and 324 to base station 310, and utilizes Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with a Cyclic Prefix (CP) to provide multiplexing for DL ​​transmissions from base station 310 to one or more UEs 322 and 324. Furthermore, for UL transmissions, the 5G NR specification provides support for Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM) with CP (also known as Single-Carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA)). However, within the scope of this disclosure, multiplexing and multiple access are not limited to the above schemes and can be provided using Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Sparse Code Multiple Access (SCMA), Resource Extended Multiple Access (RSMA), or other suitable multiple access schemes. In addition, multiplexing of DL transmission from base station 310 to UEs 322 and 324 can be provided using time division multiplexing (TDM), code division multiplexing (CDM), frequency division multiplexing (FDM), orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), sparse code multiplexing (SCM) or other suitable multiplexing schemes.

[0064] Devices in the radio access network 300 can also utilize one or more duplex algorithms. Duplex refers to a point-to-point communication link where both endpoints can communicate with each other in both directions. Full-duplex means that both endpoints can communicate with each other simultaneously. Half-duplex means that only one endpoint can send information to the other endpoint at a time. Half-duplex simulation is often implemented for wireless links utilizing Time Division Duplex (TDD). In TDD, time division multiplexing is used to separate transmissions in different directions on a given channel. That is, in some cases, a channel is dedicated to transmission in one direction, while at other times, the channel is dedicated to transmission in the other direction, where the direction can change very rapidly, for example, several times per time slot. In wireless links, full-duplex channels typically rely on physical isolation between the transmitter and receiver, as well as appropriate interference cancellation techniques. Full-duplex simulation is often implemented for wireless links using Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) or Space Division Duplex (SDD). In FDD, transmissions in different directions can operate on different carrier frequencies (e.g., within paired spectrum). In SDD, spatial division multiplexing (SDM) is used to separate transmissions in different directions on a given channel from each other. In other examples, full-duplex communication can be implemented in unpaired spectrum (e.g., within a single carrier bandwidth), where transmissions in different directions occur within different subbands of the carrier bandwidth. This type of full-duplex communication may be referred to herein as Subband Full-Duplex (SBFD), also known as flexible duplex.

[0065] The air interface can also use one or more frequency ranges, including FR1, FR2, or legacy LTE frequency ranges. For example, the LTE frequency range may include the E-UTRA band between 350 MHz and 3.8 GHz. In some examples, each cell may support a single frequency range (e.g., FR1, FR2, or legacy LTE) and may further support one or more bands (e.g., carrier frequencies) within a specific frequency range. Furthermore, one or more cells may operate as anchor cells to enable dual connectivity with neighboring cells supporting different frequency ranges. In some examples, one or more cells may be NR Dual Connectivity (NR DC) cells supporting dual connectivity between FR1 and FR2 (e.g., FR1+FR2 DC). For example, an NR DC anchor cell may be configured to communicate with the UE in the cell on FR1 and may further support dual connectivity for the UE to enable simultaneous communication with the NRDC anchor cell on FR1 and with one or more neighboring NR cells on FR2. In other examples, one or more cells may be a combination of the following... Figure 5 A more detailed description of the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) that supports dual connectivity between the LTE band and either FR1 or FR2. For example, an LTE anchor cell can be configured to communicate with the UE in the cell on the LTE band, and can further support dual connectivity for the UE to enable simultaneous communication with the LTE anchor cell on the LTE band and with one or more adjacent NR cells on either FR1 or FR2.

[0066] To enable the UE to gain initial access to the cell, RAN 300 can provide system information (SI) characterizing the cell. This system information can be provided using Minimal System Information (MSI) and other System Information (OSI). The MSI can be periodically broadcast on the cell to provide the most basic information needed for initial cell access and to acquire any OSI that can be periodically broadcast or sent on demand. In some examples, the MSI can be provided on two different downlink channels. For example, the Physical Broadcast Control Channel (PBCH) can carry the Master Information Block (MIB), and the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) can carry System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1). In this art, SIB1 can be referred to as Residual Minimal System Information (RMSI). The OSI can include any SI that is not broadcast in the MSI. In some examples, the PDSCH can carry multiple SIBs, not limited to SIB1 discussed above. Here, the OSI can be provided in these SIBs, such as SIB2 and above.

[0067] Reference Figure 4The OFDM waveforms illustrated herein are used to describe various aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that various aspects of this disclosure can be applied to SC-FDMA waveforms in essentially the same manner as described below. That is, while some examples of this disclosure may focus on OFDM links for clarity, it should be understood that the same principles can also be applied to SC-FDMA waveforms.

[0068] Now for reference Figure 4 An extended view of exemplary subframe 402 is shown, illustrating the OFDM resource grid. However, as those skilled in the art will readily understand, the PHY transport structure for any particular application can differ from the example described herein, depending on any number of factors. Here, time is in the horizontal direction, in OFDM symbols; and frequency is in the vertical direction, in subcarriers of the carrier.

[0069] Resource grid 404 can be used to schematically represent time-frequency resources for a given antenna port. That is, in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) implementation with multiple available antenna ports, the corresponding multiple resource grids 404 can be used for communication. Resource grid 404 is divided into multiple resource elements (REs) 406. An RE, i.e., 1 subcarrier × 1 symbol, is the smallest discrete part of the time-frequency grid and contains a single complex value representing data from a physical channel or signal. Depending on the modulation used in a particular implementation, each RE can represent one or more information bits. In some examples, a block of REs can be referred to as a physical resource block (PRB) or more simply as a resource block (RB) 408, which contains any suitable number of consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain. In one example, an RB can include 12 subcarriers, independent of the number of parameter sets used. In some examples, depending on the parameter set, an RB can include any suitable number of consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. Within this disclosure, it is assumed that a single RB, such as RB 408, corresponds exactly to a single communication direction (either transmission or reception by a given device).

[0070] A set of contiguous or non-contiguous resource blocks may be referred to herein as a Resource Block Group (RBG), Subband, or Bandwidth Part (BWP). A set of subbands or BWPs may span the entire bandwidth. Scheduling a scheduled entity (e.g., a UE) for downlink, uplink, or sidelink transmission typically involves scheduling one or more resource elements 406 within one or more subbands or bandwidth parts (BWPs). Therefore, a UE typically utilizes only a subset of resource grids 404. In some examples, an RB may be the smallest resource unit that can be allocated to a UE. Therefore, the more RBs scheduled for a UE, the higher the modulation scheme selected for the air interface, and the higher the UE's data rate. RBs may be scheduled by a scheduling entity such as a base station (e.g., gNB, eNB, etc.) or may be self-scheduled by the UE implementing D2D sidelink communication.

[0071] In this illustration, RB 408 is shown occupying less than the entire bandwidth of subframe 402, with some subcarriers shown above and below RB 408. In a given implementation, subframe 402 can have any number of RBs corresponding to one or more RBs 408. Furthermore, in this illustration, RB 408 is shown occupying less than the entire duration of subframe 402, although this is merely one possible example.

[0072] Each 1ms subframe 402 can consist of one or more adjacent time slots. Figure 4 In the example shown, as an illustrative example, a subframe 402 includes four time slots 410. In some examples, time slots can be defined based on a specified number of OFDM symbols with a given cyclic prefix (CP) length. For example, a time slot may include 7 or 14 OFDM symbols with a nominal CP. Additional examples may include mini-time slots with shorter durations (e.g., one to three OFDM symbols), sometimes referred to as shortened transmission time intervals (TTIs). In some cases, these mini-time slots or shortened transmission time intervals (TTIs) may be transmitted using resources scheduled for ongoing time slot transmissions for the same or different UEs. Any number of resource blocks can be utilized within a subframe or time slot.

[0073] An extended view of one of time slots 410 shows that time slot 410 includes a control area 412 and a data area 414. Generally, control area 412 may carry control channels, and data area 414 may carry data channels. Of course, a time slot may contain all DLs, all ULs, or at least one DL portion and at least one UL portion. Figure 4 The structure shown is merely exemplary in nature, and different time slot structures can be utilized, and may include one or more of each of the control area and data area.

[0074] Despite Figure 4Although not shown, the various REs 406 within RB 408 can be scheduled to carry one or more physical channels, including control channels, shared channels, data channels, etc. Other REs 406 within RB 408 can also carry pilot or reference signals. These pilot or reference signals can be provided to the receiving equipment to perform channel estimation for the corresponding channel, which can enable coherent demodulation / detection of the control and / or data channels within RB 408.

[0075] In some examples, time slot 410 can be used for broadcast, multicast, unicast, or unicast communication. For example, broadcast, multicast, or unicast communication can refer to point-to-multipoint transmission from one device (e.g., a base station, UE, or other similar device) to other devices. Here, broadcast communication is delivered to all devices, while multicast or unicast communication is delivered to multiple intended receiver devices. Unicast communication can refer to point-to-point transmission from one device to a single other device.

[0076] In an example of cellular communication over a cellular carrier via the Uu interface, for DL ​​transmission, a scheduling entity (e.g., a base station) may allocate (e.g., within control area 412) one or more REs 406 to one or more scheduled entities (e.g., UEs) to carry DL control information, including one or more DL control channels such as the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). The PDCCH carries downlink control information (DCI), including but not limited to power control commands (e.g., one or more open-loop power control parameters and / or one or more closed-loop power control parameters), scheduling information, grants, and / or RE allocations for DL ​​and UL transmissions. The PDCCH may also carry HARQ feedback transmissions, such as acknowledgment (ACK) or negative acknowledgment (NACK). HARQ is a technique well known to those skilled in the art, where the integrity of packet transmissions can be checked for accuracy at the receiving side using, for example, any suitable integrity checking mechanism (such as checksums or cyclic redundancy check (CRC)). If the integrity of the transmission is acknowledged, an ACK can be sent, and if not, a NACK can be sent. In response to a NACK, the transmitting device can send a HARQ retransmission, which can enable chase-and-merge, incremental redundancy, etc.

[0077] The base station may further allocate (e.g., in control area 412 or data area 414) one or more REs 406 to carry other DL signals, such as demodulation reference signals (DMRS); phase tracking reference signals (PT-RS); channel state information (CSI) reference signals (CSI-RS); and synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). SSBs can be broadcast at fixed intervals based on periodicity (e.g., 4, 10, 20, 40, 80, or 140 ms). SSBs include the primary synchronization signal (PSS), secondary synchronization signal (SSS), and physical broadcast control channel (PBCH). The UE can utilize the PSS and SSS to achieve radio frame, subframe, time slot, and symbol synchronization in the time domain, identify the center of the channel (system) bandwidth in the frequency domain, and identify the cell's physical cell identifier (PCI).

[0078] The PBCH in the SSB may also include a Master Information Block (MIB), which includes various system information and parameters for decoding the System Information Block (SIB). The SIB may be, for example, System Information Type 1 (SIB1) that may include various additional system information. Together, the MIB and SIB1 provide minimum system information (SI) for initial access. Examples of system information transmitted in the MIB may include, but are not limited to, subcarrier spacing (e.g., default downlink parameter set), system frame number, configuration of the PDCCH control resource set (CORESET) (e.g., PDCCH CORESET0), cell prohibition indicator, cell reselection indicator, raster offset, and the search space of SIB1. Examples of residual minimum system information (RMSI) transmitted in SIB1 may include, but are not limited to, random access search space, paging search space, downlink configuration information, and uplink configuration information. The base station may also transmit other system information (OSI).

[0079] In UL transmissions, the scheduled entity (e.g., the UE) may use one or more RE 406s to carry UL control information (UCI) to the scheduling entity, including one or more UL control channels such as the Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH). UCIs may include various packet types and categories, including pilots, reference signals, and information configured to enable or aid in decoding uplink data transmissions. Examples of uplink reference signals may include Sounding Reference Signals (SRS) and Uplink DMRS. In some examples, the UCI may include a scheduling request (SR), i.e., a request for the scheduling entity to schedule uplink transmissions. Here, in response to an SR transmitted on the UCI, the scheduling entity may send downlink control information (DCI) that can schedule resources for uplink packet transmissions. UCIs may also include HARQ feedback, Channel State Feedback (CSF) such as CSI reports, or any other suitable UCI.

[0080] In addition to control information, one or more REs 406 (e.g., within data area 414) can be allocated for data services. Such data services can be carried on one or more service channels, such as the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) for DL ​​transmissions, or the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) for UL transmissions. In some examples, one or more REs 406 within data area 414 can be configured to carry other signals, such as one or more SIBs and DMRS.

[0081] In an example of sidelink communication on a sidelink carrier via the Proximity Service (ProSe) PC4 interface, the control area 412 of time slot 410 may include a Physical Sidelink Control Channel (PSCCH), which includes sidelink control information (SCI) transmitted by the initiating (transmitting) sidelink device (e.g., a Tx V2X device or other Tx UE) to a group of one or more other receiving sidelink devices (e.g., Rx V2X devices or other Rx UEs). The data area 414 of time slot 410 may include a Physical Sidelink Shared Channel (PSSCH), which includes sidelink data traffic transmitted by the initiating (transmitting) sidelink device within resources reserved on the sidelink carrier by the transmitting sidelink device via the SCI. Other information may be further transmitted on various REs 406 within time slot 410. For example, HARQ feedback information may be transmitted from the receiving sidelink device to the transmitting sidelink device in the Physical Sidelink Feedback Channel (PSFCH) within time slot 410. In addition, one or more reference signals, such as side link SSB, side link CSI-RS, side link SRS and / or side link positioning reference signal (PRS), can be transmitted in time slot 410.

[0082] These physical channels are typically multiplexed and mapped to transport channels for processing at the Medium Access Control (MAC) layer. The transport channels carry blocks of information called transport blocks (TBs). The transport block size (TBS), which corresponds to the number of information bits, can be a controlled parameter based on the modulation and decoding scheme (MCS) and the number of redundancies (RBs) in a given transmission.

[0083] Figure 4 The channels or carriers shown are not necessarily all channels or carriers that can be used between devices, and those skilled in the art will recognize that other channels or carriers, such as other service, control, and feedback channels, may be used in addition to those shown.

[0084] Now for reference Figure 5 Block diagrams illustrating various components of the EN-DC system 500 are provided by way of example rather than limitation. In some examples, the EN-DC system 500 may be as described above and... Figure 1The same wireless communication system 100 is shown in the figure. The EN-DC system 500 includes a user equipment (UE) 502, an NG-RAN 506 (e.g., a gNB), an LTE RAN (E-UTRAN) 504 (e.g., an eNB), and a core network 508. With the wireless communication system 500, the UE 502 can be enabled to communicate data with an external data network 516 such as (but not limited to) the Internet, Ethernet, or a local area network.

[0085] The core network 508 may be an evolved packet core (EPC) and may include, for example, a mobility management entity (MME) 510, a serving gateway (SGW) 512, and a packet data network gateway (PGW) 514. The MME 510 is the control node that handles signaling between the UE 502 and the EPC 508. Typically, the MME 510 provides bearer and connection management for the UE 502 according to mechanisms defined for the EPC 508. For example, when the UE 502 connects to the E-UTRAN 504, the MME 510 can manage security by authenticating the UE using information provided by a home subscriber server (HSS, not shown) and updating the UE location information in the HSS. The MME 510 may further maintain the Tracking Area Identifier (TAI) of the current tracking area (e.g., neighboring cell / eNB group) in which the UE 502 resides to enable paging for the UE 502 when the UE is in idle mode. In addition, the MME 510 can manage the connection via the packet data connection (PDN) between the UE 502 and the PGW 514, and determine a set of quality of service (QoS) parameters and provide them to the E-UTRAN 504.

[0086] To establish a connection to EPC 508 via E-UTRAN 504, UE 502 can send a registration request and a PDN session establishment request to EPC 508 via E-UTRAN 504. MME 510 can process the registration request and PDN session establishment request, and establish a PDN session between UE 502 and external DN 516 via SGW 512 and PGW 514.

[0087] To enable dual connectivity, the 4G LTE infrastructure (e.g., E-UTRAN eNB 504 and EPC 508) supports connectivity to the NG-RAN 506 (e.g., 5G NR gNB). Here, the NG-RAN gNB 506 is connected to the EPC 508 at the data plane level via the SGW 512. The NG-RAN gNB 506 is not connected to the MME 510 and therefore does not have a control plane connection to the EPC 508. The NG-RAN gNB 506 connects to the E-UTRAN eNB 504 to activate and deactivate the 5G bearer. Therefore, the NG-RAN eNB acts as the anchor node or primary node, and the NG-RAN gNB acts as the secondary node. Here, the E-UTRAN eNB 504 can be configured to communicate with the UE 502 using LTE bands, while the NG-RAN gNB 506 can be configured to communicate with the UE 502 using NR bands (e.g., FR1 or FR2).

[0088] In the example, after UE 502 pre-claims E-UTRAN eNB 504, the UE can signal to EPC 508 (e.g., MME 510) that UE 502 can connect to both E-UTRAN 504 and NG-RAN 506 simultaneously. MME 510 confirms that UE 502 is authorized for dual connectivity and notifies E-UTRAN eNB 504 to allow UE 502 to connect to NG-RAN 506. E-UTRAN eNB 504 can then communicate with NG-RAN gNB 506 to activate the bearer on NG-RAN gNB 506. UE 502 can then receive a Radio Resource Control (RRC) reconfiguration message that allocates a 5G bearer to UE 502. UE 502 can then use a random access procedure to access NG-RAN gNB 506 to establish simultaneous dual connectivity to both E-UTRAN eNB 504 and NG-RAN gNB 506. A similar process can be used to add additional secondary nodes (e.g., other gNBs).

[0089] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a multi-RAT deployment environment 600 based on several aspects. Figure 6In the multi-RAT deployment environment 600 shown, UE 602 can communicate with base station 604 using one or more of multiple RATs. For example, base station 604 may include multiple co-located TRPs, each TRP serving a corresponding cell 606, 608, and 610. Each cell 606, 608, and 610 can communicate using a corresponding RAT and a corresponding frequency range. In some examples, the RAT may include LTE and NR. For example, the first cell 606 may be an LTE cell operating in the LTE frequency range to provide wide-area coverage to UE 602. Furthermore, the second cell 608 may be an NR cell operating in a frequency range below 6 GHz (e.g., FR1), and the third cell 610 may be an NR cell operating in a millimeter-wave frequency range (e.g., FR2 or higher).

[0090] In some examples, as described above, UE 602 can communicate with base station 604 on two or more of cells 606, 608, and 610 in a Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) mode such as EN-DC. EN-DC can be used in a non-standalone (NSA) mode of 5G NR, where UE 602 is connected to both LTE and NR simultaneously, or connected to LTE for the control plane and to NR for the user plane. In EN-DC, an LTE cell (e.g., cell 606) can be referred to as an anchor cell, which provides Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity to UE 602. Anchor cell 606 can activate or add one or more additional NR cells (e.g., cells 608 and / or 610) to provide 5G service to UE 602. In the example, UE 602 can simultaneously communicate with LTE anchor cell 606 on the LTE band and with one or more neighboring NR cells (e.g., cells 608 and / or 610) on FR1 and / or FR2.

[0091] In other examples, UE 602 can communicate with base station 604 in NR Standalone (SA) mode without using LTE as the anchor cell. For example, UE 602 can communicate with base station 604 in NR DC mode. As mentioned above, NR DC mode supports dual connectivity between FR1 and FR2 (e.g., FR1+FR2DC). For example, UE 602 can be configured to communicate simultaneously with NR anchor cell 608 on FR1 and with one or more neighboring NR cells (e.g., cell 610) on FR2. In other examples, UE 602 can be configured to communicate on a single NR cell (e.g., cell 608 or 610) using either FR1 or FR2.

[0092] In some examples, base station 604 may optionally include an NSA-eNB serving LTE NSA anchor cell 606 and a co-located legacy eNB serving legacy LTE cell 612 (indicated by the dashed line). Here, legacy LTE cell 612 may not support NR NSA mode. In this example, NSA anchor cell 606 can coexist with the adjacent legacy LTE cell 612 so that a legacy UE 602 that does not support 5G NR can select legacy LTE cell 612. In some cases, due to the stronger energy (stronger signal strength) on legacy LTE cell 612, a 5G NR-enabled UE 602 can select legacy LTE cell 612 instead of NSA LTE anchor cell 606. However, if the 5G NR UE 602 initially selects legacy LTE cell 612 due to the stronger signal strength of LTE cell 612, UE 602 may not be able to utilize 5G service. Furthermore, when UE 602 pre-occupies the traditional LTE cell 612, even if strong 5G NR neighboring cells exist, UE 602 may not detect the 5G NR cell (e.g., cells 606, 610, or 612), thus depriving UE 602 of its enhanced 5G NR experience in terms of throughput, latency, and scalability. This may be due to the misalignment between the SSB offset and periodicity provided by the SSB-based Radio Resource Management (RRM) Timing Configuration (SMTC) window received from base station 604 via SIB24 and the eNB-gNB gap periodicity, causing UE 602 to fail to detect the immature network of the NR SSB / cell.

[0093] Furthermore, not all legacy eNBs can be configured with an NSA anchor eNB (e.g., as indicated by base station 604 via SIB5). Therefore, UE 602 may be unable to reselect to a cell with 5G NR capability (e.g., NSA anchor LTE cell 606). Similar issues may arise in NR DC mode. For example, FR1 cell 608 may not have a neighboring FR2 cell 610 (e.g., base station / gNB 604 may not have co-located FR1 / FR2 cells), thus UE 602 may not be able to operate in NR DC mode.

[0094] Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure provide enhancements to UE cell selection that prioritizes 5G NR-supporting cells in standalone (SA) mode (e.g., cells 608 and 610) or non-standalone (NSA) mode (e.g., cell 606). In some examples, UE 602 may determine the selection order of cells 606, 608, 610, and 612 to prioritize 5G NR-supporting cells based on supported RATs and frequency ranges (e.g., LTE frequency ranges, FR1, FR2, etc.), and select a serving cell based on the cell selection order and corresponding signal strength. For example, UE 602 may select a serving cell with a signal strength greater than a threshold based on the selection order. In some examples, the selection order is determined based on the priority order of cell types. For example, the priority order of cell types can be as follows: NR DC cells (e.g., cells supporting dual connectivity of FR1 and FR2), FR1-only or FR2-only cells operating in licensed spectrum, FR1-only or FR2-only cells operating in unlicensed spectrum, LTE anchor cells supporting EN-DC with FR2, LTE anchor cells supporting EC-DC with FR1, and legacy LTE cells. Therefore, in Figure 6 In the example shown, the selection order can be as follows: (1) Cell 608; (2) Cell 610; (3) Cell 606; (4) Cell 612.

[0095] In some examples, UE 602 may maintain a frequency database comprising a list of frequency bands for each cell type in priority order, and may further update this list to maintain the priority order when a new frequency band is discovered. UE 602 may further maintain a fingerprint database for storing anchor cell information indicating the most recently identified anchor cell (e.g., an FR1 anchor cell or an LTE anchor cell) and the neighboring FR1 / FR2 cells of each FR1 anchor cell or LTE anchor cell. For example, after pre-occupying an anchor cell (e.g., LTE anchor cell 606 for EN-DC or NR anchor cell 608 for NR DC), UE 602 may update the fingerprint database based on neighboring cell information (e.g., SIB2) provided by the anchor cell. For example, the fingerprint database may indicate neighboring cells 608 and 610 of LTE anchor cell 606, and may further indicate neighboring cell 610 of NR anchor cell 608.

[0096] UE 602 may further perform frequency searches for additional anchor cells and update the fingerprint database accordingly. For example, after pre-occupying a non-anchor cell (e.g., FR1 / FR2 cell only or legacy LTE cell), UE 602 may initiate a frequency search for additional anchor cells that UE 602 can reselect. UE 602 may further perform the frequency search after pre-occupying an FR1 anchor cell (e.g., cell 608) or an LTE anchor cell (e.g., cell 606). The UE may utilize the frequency database and / or fingerprint database, along with system information (e.g., SIB2 and / or SIB5), to detect more additional anchor cells. UE 602 may then update the fingerprint database when at least one additional anchor cell is detected. In some examples, UE 602 may perform frequency searches periodically over time.

[0097] Furthermore, when an anchor cell with a higher priority than the serving cell is detected (e.g., based on frequency search), UE 602 can perform idle cell measurements for cell reselection. For example, when the serving cell 608 is an FR1-only cell, UE 602 can configure idle cell measurements on another nearby FR1-supporting NR anchor cell (not shown). As another example, when the serving cell is a legacy LTE cell 612, UE 602 can configure idle measurements on an LTE anchor cell (e.g., cell 606).

[0098] Figure 7A This is a diagram illustrating an example of a frequency database 700 used for cell selection priority ordering based on some indications. The frequency database 700 includes a list of frequency bands 702 associated with multiple cells. For example, each entry in the list of frequency bands 702 may include an absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN) indicating the frequency band and a channel number of the carrier frequency associated with that frequency band. The frequency database 700 may, for example, be pre-configured offline on the UE by the UE's original equipment manufacturer (OEM) according to the operator's network deployment. The UE can also be configured to dynamically update the frequency database 700 with additional frequency bands 702 based on system information received by the UE from the RAN.

[0099] In some examples, the UE can maintain a list of frequency bands 702 in ascending or descending order of priority sequence 704. In some examples, the priority sequence can be pre-configured offline. In other examples, the UE can receive the priority sequence from a wireless communication network (e.g., RAN) via at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling. The UE can use the priority sequence 704 for cell acquisition or cell reselection in idle mode (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle mode) or for cell handover in connected mode (e.g., RRC connected mode). In the example shown in Figure 7, the list of frequency bands 702 is arranged in priority order according to cell type. For example, the priority sequence 704 may include a selection order of frequency bands associated with various cell types, where each cell type may be defined by a corresponding radio access technology (RAT) and frequency range (e.g., an operating band within a specific frequency range, such as FR1, FR2, LTE, etc.) and whether dual connectivity is supported.

[0100] The first cell type 706 may include those frequency bands 702 associated with cells supporting dual connectivity across two or more frequency ranges associated with the latest generation RAT. Here, the latest generation RAT may include 5G NR. However, this disclosure is not limited to 5G NR and may be applicable to future generation RATs. For example, the first cell type 706 may include an FR1 anchor cell supporting NR DC between an FR1 anchor cell and one or more adjacent FR2 cells. The second cell type 708 may include those frequency bands 702 associated with cells supporting frequency ranges of the latest generation RAT in licensed spectrum. For example, the second cell type 708 may include 5G NR cells operating on FR1 or FR2 bands that do not support NR DC in licensed spectrum. In some examples, within the second cell type 708, FR1 cells operating on bands in licensed spectrum may take precedence over FR2 cells operating on bands in licensed spectrum (or vice versa). The third cell type 710 may include those frequency bands 702 associated with cells supporting frequency ranges of the latest generation RAT in unlicensed spectrum. For example, third cell type 710 may include 5G NR cells operating on FR1 or FR2 bands in unlicensed spectrum that do not support NR DC. In some examples, within third cell type 710, FR1 cells operating on bands in unlicensed spectrum may take precedence over FR2 cells operating on bands in unlicensed spectrum (or vice versa). First cell type 706, second cell type 708, and third cell type 710 collectively include band 702 of 5G NR cells operating in stand-alone (SA) mode.

[0101] Each of the fourth cell type 712 and the fifth cell type 714 can be associated with a non-standalone (NSA) 5G mode. Therefore, both the fourth cell type 712 and the fifth cell type 714 can include those frequency bands 702 associated with cells supporting both legacy RATs and dual connectivity between legacy RATs and the latest generation RATs. Here, the legacy RAT can include LTE, while the latest generation RAT can include 5G NR. However, this disclosure is not limited to the NSA mode between LTE and 5G NR and can be applied to other RAT combinations. For example, the fourth cell type 712 can include an LTE anchor cell supporting EN DC between an LTE anchor cell and one or more adjacent FR2 cells. Furthermore, the fifth cell type 714 can include an LTE anchor cell supporting EN DC between an LTE anchor cell and one or more adjacent FR1 cells. The sixth cell type 716 can include those frequency bands associated with cells that only support legacy RATs (e.g., cells that do not support DCs with the latest generation RATs).

[0102] exist Figure 7A In the example shown, the priority order 704 includes a first cell type 706, followed by a second cell type 708, then a third cell type 710, a fourth cell type 712, a fifth cell type 714, and a sixth cell type 716. Therefore, the priority order 704 prioritizes SA 5G NR cells over NSA 5G NR cells and legacy LTE cells. Furthermore, the priority order 704 prioritizes cells supporting NR DC over those not supporting NR DC, and cells operating in licensed spectrum over those operating in unlicensed spectrum. However, other priority orders 704 are possible in other configurations of the frequency database 700.

[0103] Figure 7BThis is a diagram illustrating an example of a fingerprint database 720 for storing anchor cell information 722, according to some aspects. The fingerprint database 720 can be generated online by the UE and stored therein. For example, the UE can populate the fingerprint database 720 with anchor cell information 722 associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell (e.g., an anchor cell within a geographic area of ​​the UE's previously identified location). The UE can further update the fingerprint database 720 to remove anchor cells outside the UE's area. In some examples, the anchor cell information 722 can be obtained by the UE based on a frequency database 700 and system information (e.g., SIB2 or SIB5) broadcast by the serving anchor cell or other nearby cells. For example, the system information may include neighboring cell information provided by the serving cell in SIB2 (e.g., FR1 or FR2 neighboring cells) or other system information in SIB5 indicating frequency-related information in the network (e.g., for inter-frequency cell reselection). The UE can utilize the fingerprint database 720 and the frequency database 700 during cell selection (e.g., during cell acquisition or cell reselection in idle mode or during handover in connected mode).

[0104] Anchor cell information 722 may include, for example, a list 724 of one or more FR1 anchor cells and a list 726 of one or more LTE anchor cells. In examples where other types of anchor cells are configured (e.g., for future generation RATs), anchor cell information 722 may include a corresponding list of anchor cells for each anchor cell type. Each anchor cell included in one of the anchor cell lists 724 or 726 includes one or more corresponding neighboring cells that the UE can connect to in the dual connectivity mode of the anchor cell. For example, for each FR1 anchor cell 724, fingerprint database 720 may include a list of one or more neighboring FR2 cells 728. Furthermore, for each LTE anchor cell 726, fingerprint database 720 may include a list 730 of one or more FR1 neighboring cells and a list 732 of one or more FR2 neighboring cells. In examples where neither FR1 nor FR2 cells are available for LTE anchor cells, fingerprint database 720 may exclude both the FR1 and FR2 cells associated with the LTE anchor cell. Instead, fingerprint database 720 may include only the FR1 cells associated with the LTE anchor cell or only FR2 cells (depending on availability).

[0105] In some examples, for each anchor cell 724 and 726 and each corresponding neighboring cell 728, 730 and 732, the anchor cell information 722 may include the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN), frequency band (e.g., ARFCN), Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Global Cell ID, cell reselection priority and / or other suitable information associated with the cell (e.g., the anchor cell or neighboring cell).

[0106] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for performing priority cell acquisition according to some aspects. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in specific implementations within the scope of this disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be necessary for all example implementations. In some examples, process 800 may be... Figure 10 The process 800 is performed by the wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., UE). In some examples, the process 800 may be performed by any suitable means or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0107] At box 802, the UE can perform a frequency scan to identify multiple cells within an area including the UE's location (e.g., the geographic area where the UE is located). The UE can perform the frequency scan during initial cell acquisition or when exiting a non-service state (e.g., upon powering on or re-entering a network coverage area). During the frequency scan, the UE can obtain the corresponding cell measurements for each cell (e.g., signal strength measurements, such as signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR)).

[0108] At box 804, the UE can then utilize Figure 7A The frequency database 700 shown determines the selection order of multiple cells prioritizing the latest generation RAT (e.g., 5G NR cells) and additionally prioritizing cells supporting dual connectivity within the RAT. For example, the UE can determine the operating frequency band of each identified cell (e.g., a band within the frequency range associated with the RAT (ARFCN)). The UE can then compare the operating frequency band of each identified cell with a priority order 704 in the frequency database 700 and sort the identified cells according to the selection order 704. The UE can then pre-allocate a serving cell among the multiple cells based on the selection order. In some examples, the UE can further based on... Figure 7B The anchor cell information 722 in the fingerprint database 720 shown is used to select the serving cell.

[0109] For example, at block 806, the UE can determine whether multiple identified cells include one or more FR1 cells (e.g., cells operating on a frequency band within FR1). If the UE determines the presence of one or more FR1 cells, the UE can further consider cell measurements for each FR1 cell to determine whether the one or more FR1 cells meet a minimum threshold. For example, the UE can compare the measured signal strength of each FR1 cell to a signal strength threshold. If the UE determines that there are one or more FR1 cells with corresponding signal strengths greater than the signal strength threshold (Y branch of block 806), then at block 808, the UE can determine whether the one or more FR1 cells have adjacent FR2 cells and support dual connectivity (e.g., NR DC) for both FR1 and FR2 cells. For example, the UE can access fingerprint database 720 to determine whether the one or more FR1 cells are FR1 anchor cells listed in the fingerprint database that have one or more adjacent FR2 cells, thereby providing the UE with the option to communicate with the network using NR DC.

[0110] If one or more FR1 cells are FR1 anchor cells supporting NR DC with one or more adjacent FR2 cells (Y branch of box 808), then at box 810, the UE can select the FR1 anchor cell to pre-claim. In some examples, the UE can select the FR1 anchor cell with the highest signal strength for pre-claiming. If there are no FR1 cells that are FR1 anchor cells with adjacent FR2 cells or no FR1 anchor cells that meet the minimum signal strength threshold (N branch of box 808), then at box 812, the UE can determine whether there are one or more FR1 cells operating in a frequency band within the licensed spectrum (e.g., licensed FR1 cells). If there are one or more licensed FR1 cells (Y branch of box 812), then at box 814, the UE can select the licensed FR1 cell to pre-claim. In some examples, the UE can select the licensed FR1 anchor cell with the highest signal strength for pre-claiming.

[0111] If no licensed FR1 cell exists (N branch of box 812), then at box 816, the UE can determine whether the multiple identified cells include one or more FR2 cells (e.g., cells operating in a frequency band within FR2). If one or more FR2 cells exist (Y branch of box 816), then at box 818, the UE can determine whether one or more FR2 cells operating in a frequency band within the licensed spectrum exist (e.g., licensed FR2 cells). If one or more licensed FR2 cells exist (Y branch of box 818), then at box 814, the UE can select a licensed FR1 cell to pre-claim. In some examples, the UE can select the licensed FR1 anchor cell with the highest signal strength to pre-claim. If no licensed FR1 or FR2 cell exists (N branch of box 818), then at box 820, the UE can select an unlicensed FR1 or FR2 cell to pre-claim. In some examples, if both unlicensed FR1 and FR2 cells exist simultaneously, the UE can select one of the unlicensed FR1 cells to pre-claim. In some examples, the UE can select an unlicensed FR1 or FR2 anchor cell with the highest signal strength for pre-occupancy.

[0112] If no FR2 cell exists (N branch of box 816), then at box 822, the UE can determine whether the multiple identified cells include one or more LTE anchor cells (e.g., cells operating on a frequency band within the LTE frequency range and supporting dual connectivity with FR1 or FR2). For example, the UE can access fingerprint database 720 to determine whether one or more of the multiple cells are LTE anchor cells listed in the fingerprint database that have one or more adjacent FR1 and / or FR2 cells, thereby providing the UE with the option to communicate with the network using EN-DC.

[0113] If one or more cells are LTE anchor cells supporting dual connectivity (EN-DC) with one or more adjacent FR1 and / or FR2 cells (Y branch of box 822), then at box 824, the UE can determine whether any of the one or more LTE anchor cells has at least one adjacent FR2 cell for EN-DC. If one or more LTE anchor cells have adjacent FR2 cells for EN-DC (Y branch of box 824), then at box 826, the UE can select the LTE anchor cell to pre-allocate for EN-DC with at least one adjacent FR2 cell. In some examples, the UE can select the LTE anchor cell with the highest signal strength (with an adjacent FR2 cell) to pre-allocate. If no LTE anchor cell supports EN-DC with an adjacent FR2 cell (N branch of box 824), then at box 828, the UE can select the LTE anchor cell to pre-allocate for EN-DC with at least one adjacent FR1 cell. In some examples, the UE can select the LTE anchor cell with the highest signal strength (with an adjacent FR1 cell) to pre-allocate. If no LTE anchor cell exists (N branch of box 822), then at box 830, the UE can select and pre-allocate a legacy LTE cell. In some examples, the selected legacy LTE cell may have the highest signal strength.

[0114] In examples where the selected serving cell is an anchor cell (e.g., the FR1 anchor cell at box 810 or the LTE anchor cell at box 826 or box 828), the UE can further receive neighbor cell information from the serving cell (e.g., via SIB2) and update the fingerprint database 720 based on the neighbor cell information. For example, the neighbor cell information may include at least one additional neighbor cell supporting dual connectivity with the serving cell. In some examples, after the UE pre-occupies the FR1 anchor cell, the UE can receive neighbor cell information from the FR1 anchor cell to determine whether the FR1 anchor cell includes one or more neighboring FR2 cells and update the fingerprint database accordingly. Furthermore, after the UE pre-occupies the LTE anchor cell, the UE can check SIB2 to determine whether the upper-layer indication -r15 (e.g., indicating FR1 / FR2 neighboring cells) is set to TRUE. If so, the UE can update the fingerprint database accordingly. Additionally, if the upper-layer indication -r15 is set to TRUE, the FR1 / FR2 measurement objects can be configured by the network and can be added to the NR secondary cell group (SCG) via an RRC reconfiguration message sent through the network (e.g., a base station or NSA-eNB).

[0115] Figure 9This is a flowchart illustrating another exemplary process for performing priority cell reselection according to some aspects. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in specific implementations within the scope of this disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be necessary for all example implementations. In some examples, process 900 may be... Figure 10 The process 900 is performed by the wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., UE). In some examples, the process 900 may be performed by any suitable means or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0116] At box 902, the UE can pre-allocate a non-anchor cell. For example, the UE can pre-allocate an FR1 cell only (e.g., an FR1 cell without FR2DC capability) or a traditional LTE cell (e.g., an LTE cell without EN-DC capability).

[0117] At box 904, the UE can then use Figure 7A The frequency database 700 shown is Figure 7B The fingerprint database 720 shown is used to perform frequency searches. In some examples, the UE can perform frequency searches periodically over time. For example, the UE can be configured to perform a frequency search every "X" milliseconds to attempt to detect / identify additional LTE / FR1 anchor cells. In some examples, the UE can perform frequency searches regardless of the serving cell's cell type. For example, the UE can periodically perform frequency searches after pre-occupying an FR1 / LTE anchor cell to detect additional anchor cells and continuously update the fingerprint database.

[0118] The UE can further utilize frequency information received from the network to perform frequency searches. For example, the UE can receive neighbor cell information from the serving cell (non-anchor cell) indicating possible FR1 / FR2 bands configured in neighboring cells. The UE can further perform scans on known NR DC anchor bands (e.g., SA FR1 / FR2 bands) that network operators typically use for NR DC deployments. NR DC bands can be pre-configured on the UE or received from the network. The UE can further perform scans on known LTE anchor bands (e.g., NSA LTE bands) that are typically used for NSA (LTE) anchor deployments. For example, LTE anchor cells may typically be deployed in LTE band 3 or band 39, so the UE can consider any cell operating in band 3 or band 39 indicated in SIB5 as a possible NSA (LTE) anchor cell.

[0119] At box 906, the UE can determine whether it has identified at least one additional anchor cell (FR1 or LTE) from the frequency search. For example, if the UE has identified a possible LTE anchor cell, it can read SIB2 from the possible LTE anchor cell and check the upper layer indication -r15. If the upper layer indication -r15 is set to TRUE, the UE can treat the possible LTE anchor cell as an LTE anchor cell.

[0120] If the UE identifies at least one additional anchor cell (Y branch of block 906), then at block 908, the UE can update the fingerprint database to include at least one additional anchor cell. Furthermore, at block 910, the UE can configure idle cell measurements of at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection. For example, based on the corresponding cell measurements (e.g., signal strength) of at least one additional anchor cell, the UE can reselect from FR1-only or LTE-only cells to an FR1 anchor cell (supporting NR DC) or an LTE anchor cell (supporting EN-DC) with a higher reselection priority (e.g., based on priority order in the frequency database).

[0121] Figure 10 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware implementation of a wireless communication device 1000 employing a processing system 1014. For example, the wireless communication device 1000 may correspond to the above reference. Figure 1-3 , Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 Any of the UE or other wireless communication devices shown and described.

[0122] The wireless communication device 1000 may be implemented using a processing system 1014 including one or more processors 1004. Examples of processors 1004 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuitry, and other suitable hardware configured to perform various functions described throughout this disclosure. In various examples, the wireless communication device 1000 may be configured to perform any one or more of the functions described herein. That is, the processor 1004 used in the wireless communication device 1000 may be used to implement any one or more of the following processes and procedures.

[0123] In some cases, processor 1004 may be implemented via a baseband or modem chip, while in other implementations, processor 1004 may include many devices that are distinct from and different from the baseband or modem chip (e.g., in scenarios where they can work together to implement the examples discussed herein). Furthermore, as mentioned above, various hardware arrangements and components other than the baseband modem processor can be used in the implementation, including RF chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, interleavers, adders / summers, etc.

[0124] In this example, the processing system 1014 can be implemented using a bus architecture typically represented by bus 1002. Depending on the specific application and overall design constraints of the processing system 1014, bus 1002 may include any number of interconnect buses and bridges. Bus 1002 links together various circuits including one or more processors (typically represented by processor 1004), memory 1005, and computer-readable media (typically represented by computer-readable media 1006). Bus 1002 may also link various other circuits such as timing sources, peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further.

[0125] Bus interface 1008 provides an interface between bus 1002, transceiver 1010, and at least one antenna array 1020. Transceiver 1010 (and antenna array 1020) provide components for communicating with various other devices over a transmission medium (e.g., an air interface). Depending on the nature of the device, a user interface 1012 (e.g., keypad, display, touchscreen, speaker, microphone, control knob, etc.) may also be provided. Of course, such a user interface 1012 is optional and may be omitted in some examples.

[0126] Processor 1004 is responsible for managing bus 1002 and general processing, including the execution of software stored on computer-readable medium 1006. When executed by processor 1004, this software causes processing system 1014 to perform various functions described below for any particular device. Computer-readable medium 1006 and memory 1005 can also be used to store data manipulated by processor 1004 during software execution. For example, memory 1005 may store a first database 1016 and a second database 1018 that can be used by processor 1004 in cell selection. For example, first database 1016 may include a frequency database, while second database 1018 may include a fingerprint database, such as... Figure 7A and Figure 7B As shown.

[0127] One or more processors 1004 in the processing system can execute software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise, software should be interpreted broadly as instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, execution threads, procedures, functions, etc.

[0128] Computer-readable medium 1006 may be a non-transitory computer-readable medium. By way of example, non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disks, floppy disks, magnetic stripes), optical disks (e.g., compact discs (CDs) or digital multifunction discs (DVDs)), smart cards, flash memory devices (e.g., cards, sticks, or key drives), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM), registers, removable disks, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. Computer-readable medium 1006 may reside in processing system 1014, be external to processing system 1014, or be distributed across multiple entities including processing system 1014. Computer-readable medium 1006 may be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product may include a computer-readable medium in packaging material. In some examples, computer-readable medium 1006 may be part of memory 1005. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the functions described herein, given the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system as a whole.

[0129] In some aspects of this disclosure, processor 1004 may include circuitry configured for various functions. For example, processor 1004 may include communication and processing circuitry 1042 configured to communicate with one or more base stations (e.g., gNB or eNB) and / or TRPs via transceiver 1010 and antenna array 1020. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to communicate with one or more base stations on a Uu link to transmit downlink and / or uplink signals. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to generate and transmit uplink user data traffic and uplink control channels within one or more subframes, time slots, and / or hour slots to the base stations. Furthermore, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to receive downlink user data traffic and downlink control channels from the base stations within one or more subframes, time slots, and / or hour slots. Communication and processing circuitry 1042 may include one or more hardware components providing a physical structure for performing processes related to wireless communication (e.g., signal reception and / or signal transmission) and signal processing (e.g., processing received signals and / or processing signals for transmission). For example, the communication and processing circuitry 1042 may include one or more transmit / receive chains.

[0130] In some implementations of communication involving the reception of information, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may obtain information from components of UE 1000 (e.g., transceiver 1010 that receives information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for the applicable communication medium), process (e.g., decode) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may output information to another component of processor 1004, memory 1005, or bus interface 1008. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may receive one or more of signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may receive information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may include the functionality of components for receiving. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may include the functionality of components for processing, including components for demodulation, components for decoding, etc.

[0131] In some implementations where communication involves sending (e.g., transmitting) information, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may (e.g., from another component of processor 1004, memory 1005, or bus interface 1008) obtain information, process (e.g., modulate, encode, etc.) the information, and output the processed information. For example, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may output information to transceiver 1010 (e.g., by transmitting information via radio frequency signaling or some other type of signaling suitable for applicable communication media). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may transmit signals, messages, other information, or any combination thereof. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may transmit information via one or more channels. In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may include the functionality of components for transmission (e.g., components for transmission). In some examples, communication and processing circuitry 1042 may include the functionality of components for generation, including components for modulation, components for encoding, etc.

[0132] In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to receive a priority order of multiple cell types from a wireless communication network via at least one of dedicated signaling (e.g., UE-specific) or broadcast signaling. For example, the priority order may include the following selection order: a first cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity of a first frequency range (e.g., FR1) and a second frequency range (e.g., FR2), wherein the first and second frequency ranges are associated with the latest generation radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G NR); a second cell type among multiple cell types supporting either the first or second frequency range in licensed spectrum; a third cell type among multiple cell types supporting either the first or second frequency range in unlicensed spectrum; a fourth cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity of a legacy RAT (e.g., LTE) and a second frequency range and a third frequency range associated with the legacy RAT (e.g., LTE frequency range); a fifth cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity of a legacy RAT and both the first and third frequency ranges; and a sixth cell type among multiple cell types supporting both a legacy RAT and the third frequency range. In some examples, the first frequency range (e.g., FR1) includes a frequency range lower than the second frequency range (e.g., FR2). For example, the first frequency band could be FR1, the second frequency band could be FR2, and the third frequency band could be an LTE frequency band. In some examples, the first cell type, the fourth cell type, and the fifth cell type could each include an anchor cell that supports dual connectivity with neighboring cells.

[0133] In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to receive neighbor cell information from the serving cell. The neighbor cell information may indicate at least one additional neighbor cell supporting dual connectivity with the serving cell. In some examples, the communication and processing circuitry 1042 may be configured to receive system information including an indication of at least one additional anchor cell. For example, the system information may include SIB2 or SIB5. The communication and processing circuitry 1042 may also be configured to execute communication and processing instructions (software) 1052 stored on the computer-readable medium 1006 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0134] Processor 1004 may also include cell selection circuitry 1044, configured to select a serving cell for wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., during a cell acquisition process, a cell reselection process, or a handover). Cell selection circuitry 1044 may be configured to identify multiple cells within an area including the location of wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., the geographic area where the wireless communication device is located). In some examples, cell selection circuitry 1044 may be configured to operate in conjunction with communication and processing circuitry 1042 to perform a frequency scan to identify multiple cells. For example, cell selection circuitry 1044 may perform a frequency scan during initial cell acquisition or upon exiting a non-service state (e.g., upon power-on or re-entering a network coverage area). During a frequency scan, cell selection circuitry 1044 may also be configured to acquire corresponding cell measurements (e.g., signal strength measurements, such as SINR) for each cell.

[0135] Cell selection circuit 1044 can also be configured to determine the cell selection order based on the RAT and frequency band supported by each cell. The selection order may prioritize cells associated with the latest generation RAT (e.g., 5G or later). Cell selection circuit 1044 can also be configured to select and pre-allocate serving cells based on the selection order. In examples, cell selection circuit 1044 may determine the selection order based on a priority order of multiple cell types of multiple cells and corresponding cell measurements (e.g., signal strength measurements) for each of the multiple cells. In some examples, the priority order may be received from the network by communication and processing circuitry 1042 via transceiver 1010. In other examples, the priority order may be pre-configured on wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., deployed by an OEM according to the operator's network). In some examples, the priority order may depend on the cell type supported among the multiple cell types supported by the wireless communication device.

[0136] In some examples, cell selection circuit 1044 may use one or more of a first database 1016 and a second database 1018, which may be stored in memory 1005, to select a serving cell. The first database 1016 may be a frequency database comprising a list of frequency bands (e.g., ARFCNs) associated with each of a plurality of cell types in priority order. In some examples, cell selection circuit 1044 may use the first database to determine the selection order of the plurality of cells. The second database 1018 may be a fingerprint database comprising anchor cell information associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell configured for dual connectivity with one or more corresponding neighboring cells. The at least one previously identified anchor cell may include at least one of a first cell type, a fourth cell type, or a fifth cell type. Here, the previously identified anchor cell is a cell within a geographic area of ​​the UE's location. The anchor cell information may include at least one previously identified anchor cell and at least one of the following: Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier (ID), Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN), Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Global Cell ID, or cell reselection priority, associated with each of the at least one previously identified anchor cell and one or more corresponding neighboring cells.

[0137] In some examples, cell selection circuit 1044 can access second database 1018 to identify the anchor cell with the highest priority among multiple cells in first database 1016 based on the selection order of multiple cells. Here, at least one previously identified anchor cell in second database 1018 includes the anchor cell. Cell selection circuit 1044 can then pre-allocate the anchor cell. In some examples, cell selection circuit 1044 can pre-allocate the anchor cell in response to second database 1018 indicating that the anchor cell supports dual connectivity with at least one of its neighboring cells. For example, neighboring cells can operate in a second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in a first frequency range, or in one of the first or second frequency ranges in response to the anchor cell operating in a third frequency range. In an example where the anchor cell supports FR1, cell selection circuit 1044 can access second database 1018 to identify neighboring cells supporting FR2. In an example where the anchor cell supports an LTE band, cell selection circuit 1044 can access second database 1018 to identify neighboring cells supporting FR1 or FR2.

[0138] In some examples, cell selection circuit 1044 can pre-occupy non-anchor cells. In this example, cell selection circuit 1044 can further identify at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection. Cell selection circuit 1044 can also be configured to execute cell selection instructions (software) 1054 stored on computer-readable medium 1006 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0139] The processor 1004 may further include cell management circuitry 1046 for populating and updating the first database 1016 and the second database 1018. In some examples, cell management circuitry 1046 may be configured to receive updates to the first database 1016 from a network (e.g., via communication and processing circuitry 1042) and update the first database 1016 based on a priority order, such that the priority order is maintained in the first database 1016. In some examples, cell management circuitry 1046 may be configured to update the second database 1018 based on neighboring cell information and / or system information received from the serving cell.

[0140] Cell management circuit 1046 may also be configured to operate in conjunction with communication and processing circuit 1042 to perform frequency searches based at least on a first database 1016 and a second database 1018 to identify at least one additional anchor cell and update the second database 1018 to include at least one additional anchor cell. In some examples, cell management circuit 1046 may also be configured to identify at least one anchor cell during the frequency search using system information and / or known anchor bands. For example, system information (e.g., SIB5 and / or SIB2) may indicate at least one additional anchor cell. In some examples, cell management circuit 1046 may be configured to perform frequency searches periodically over time. Here, periodicity may be set by the network or configured by the wireless communication device 1000 to adapt to power and processing constraints.

[0141] Cell management circuit 1046 can also be configured to configure idle cell measurements (e.g., signal strength measurements) by communication and processing circuitry 1042 of at least one additional anchor cell discovered by cell selection circuit 1044 during frequency search for cell reselection, in response to a corresponding cell type of at least one additional anchor cell having a higher priority than the serving cell based on a priority order. Cell management circuit 1046 can also be configured to execute cell management instructions (software) 1056 stored on computer-readable medium 1006 to implement one or more of the functions described herein.

[0142] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary process for priority cell selection according to some aspects. As described below, some or all of the illustrated features may be omitted in specific implementations within the scope of this disclosure, and some illustrated features may not be necessary for all example implementations. In some examples, process 1100 may be... Figure 10 The process 1100 is performed by the wireless communication device 1000 (e.g., UE). In some examples, the process 1100 may be performed by any suitable means or component for performing the functions or algorithms described below.

[0143] At box 1102, the wireless communication device can identify multiple cells within an area including the location of the UE. Each of the multiple cells can support at least one of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of multiple frequency bands. For example, the above combined... Figure 10 The cell selection circuit 1044 shown and described, together with the communication and processing circuit 1042, can provide a component for identifying multiple cells.

[0144] At box 1104, the wireless communication device can determine the selection order of multiple cells based on at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the multiple cells. Here, the selection order prioritizes the latest generation RAT among the multiple RATs. In some examples, the wireless communication device can determine the selection order based on the priority order of multiple cell types of the multiple cells and the corresponding cell measurement of each of the multiple cells. In some examples, the priority order can be received from the wireless communication network via at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0145] For example, the priority order may include the following selection order: a first cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity in a first frequency range and a second frequency range, wherein the first and second frequency ranges are associated with the latest generation RAT; a second cell type among multiple cell types supporting either the first or second frequency range in licensed spectrum; a third cell type among multiple cell types supporting either the first or second frequency range in unlicensed spectrum; a fourth cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity in a legacy RAT and a second frequency range and a third frequency range associated with the legacy RAT; a fifth cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity in a legacy RAT and both the first and third frequency ranges; and a sixth cell type among multiple cell types supporting both a legacy RAT and the third frequency range. In some examples, the first frequency range includes a frequency range lower than the second frequency range. In some examples, the first, fourth, and fifth cell types each include an anchor cell supporting dual connectivity with neighboring cells.

[0146] In some examples, the wireless communication device may maintain a first database comprising a list of multiple frequency bands associated with each of a plurality of cell types in priority order. The wireless communication device may also use the first database to determine the selection order of the plurality of cells. In some examples, the wireless communication device may also maintain a second database in memory comprising anchor cell information associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell configured for dual connectivity with one or more corresponding neighboring cells. Here, at least one previously identified anchor cell may be at least one of a first cell type, a fourth cell type, or a fifth cell type. The wireless communication device may also use the second database to determine the selection order of the plurality of cells. In some examples, the anchor cell information includes at least one recently serving anchor cell and at least one of the following: Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Identifier (ID), Absolute Radio Channel Number, Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Global Cell ID, or Cell Reselection Priority for one or more corresponding neighboring cells associated with each of the at least one recently serving anchor cell. For example, the above combined with... Figure 10 The cell selection circuit 1044 shown and described can provide components for determining the selection order of multiple cells.

[0147] At box 1106, the wireless communication device can select a serving cell from a plurality of cells for communication based on a selection order. In some examples, the wireless communication device can identify the anchor cell with the highest priority in the first database among a plurality of cells in the second database, based on a priority order. The wireless communication device can then pre-allocate the anchor cell. In some examples, the wireless communication device can pre-allocate the anchor cell in response to an indication from the second database that the anchor cell supports dual connectivity with at least one of its neighboring cells. Here, the neighboring cells operate in a second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in a first frequency range, or in one of the first or second frequency ranges in response to the anchor cell operating in a third frequency range. For example, in combination with the above... Figure 10 The cell selection circuit 1044 shown and described, together with the communication and processing circuit 1042, can provide components for selecting serving cells.

[0148] At box 1108, the wireless communication device may optionally perform a frequency search after selecting a serving cell. In some examples, the wireless communication device may perform a frequency search based at least on a first database and a second database to identify at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection. In some examples, the wireless communication device may further receive system information including an indication of at least one additional anchor cell and update the second database to include at least one additional anchor cell. In some examples, the wireless communication device may configure a free cell measurement of at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection in response to the corresponding cell type of at least one additional anchor cell having a higher priority than the serving cell based on a priority order. In some examples, the wireless communication device may also perform a frequency search periodically over time. For example, in combination with the above... Figure 10 The unit management circuit 1046 shown and described, together with the communication and processing circuit 1042, can provide components for performing frequency search.

[0149] In one configuration, a wireless communication device (e.g., a UE) includes components for identifying a plurality of cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device. Each of the plurality of cells may support at least one of a plurality of Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of a plurality of frequency bands. The wireless communication device also includes components for determining a selection order of the plurality of cells based on the at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the plurality of cells, wherein the selection order prioritizes the latest generation RAT among the plurality of RATs, and components for selecting a serving cell from the plurality of cells with which it communicates via a transceiver based on the selection order.

[0150] In one aspect, the aforementioned components for identifying multiple cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device, the components for determining the selection order of the multiple cells, and the components for selecting a serving cell from the multiple cells for communication based on the selection order can be... Figure 10 The processor 1004 shown is configured to perform the functions described above. Alternatively, the aforementioned components may be circuitry or any device configured to perform the functions described above.

[0151] Figure 8 , Figure 9 and Figure 11 The process shown may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects that are described below and / or related to one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

[0152] Aspect 1: A method for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising: at a wireless communication device: identifying a plurality of cells in an area including the location of the wireless communication device, each of the plurality of cells supporting at least one radio access technology (RAT) among a plurality of RATs and at least one frequency band among a plurality of frequency bands; determining a selection order of the plurality of cells based on the at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the plurality of cells, wherein the selection order preferentially considers the latest generation RAT among the plurality of RATs; and selecting a serving cell from the plurality of cells for communicating with it based on the selection order.

[0153] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, determining the selection order further includes: determining the selection order based on the priority order of multiple cell types of multiple cells and the corresponding cell measurement of each of the multiple cells.

[0154] Aspect 3: The method according to aspect 2 further includes: receiving a priority order from a wireless communication network via at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0155] Aspect 4: The method according to aspect 2 or 3, wherein the priority order includes the following selection order: a first cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity of a first frequency range and a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range and the second frequency range are associated with the latest generation RAT; a second cell type among multiple cell types supporting either the first frequency range or the second frequency range in licensed spectrum; a third cell type among multiple cell types supporting either the first frequency range or the second frequency range in unlicensed spectrum; a fourth cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity of a legacy RAT and a second frequency range and a third frequency range associated with the legacy RAT; a fifth cell type among multiple cell types supporting dual connectivity of a legacy RAT and a first frequency range and a third frequency range; and a sixth cell type among multiple cell types supporting a legacy RAT and a third frequency range.

[0156] Aspect 5: According to the method of aspect 4, the first frequency range includes a frequency range lower than the second frequency range.

[0157] Aspect 6: According to the method described in aspect 4 or 5, wherein the first cell type, the fourth cell type and the fifth cell type each include an anchor cell that supports dual connectivity with neighboring cells.

[0158] Aspect 7: The method according to any one of aspects 4 to 6 further includes: maintaining a first database comprising a list of multiple frequency bands associated with each of the multiple cell types in order of priority; and using the first database to determine a selection order of the multiple cells.

[0159] Aspect 8: The method according to aspect 8 further includes: maintaining a second database including anchor cell information associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell configured for dual connectivity with one or more corresponding neighboring cells, wherein the at least one previously identified anchor cell includes at least one of a first cell type, a fourth cell type, or a fifth cell type; and using the second database to determine a selection order of the plurality of cells.

[0160] Aspect 9: According to the method of aspect 8, wherein the anchor cell information includes at least one of the following: a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) identifier (ID), an absolute radio frequency channel number, a Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), a Global Cell ID, or a cell reselection priority for at least one previously identified anchor cell and one or more corresponding neighboring cells associated with each of the at least one previously identified anchor cell.

[0161] Aspect 10: The method according to aspect 8 or 9, wherein selecting the serving cell further includes: identifying, based on a priority order, an anchor cell of the highest priority among a plurality of cells included in the first database, wherein at least one previously identified anchor cell includes the anchor cell; and pre-occupying the anchor cell.

[0162] Aspect 11: According to the method of aspect 10, wherein the pre-occupied anchor cell further comprises: pre-occupying the anchor cell in response to a second database instructing the anchor cell to support dual connectivity with at least one of its neighboring cells; wherein at least one neighboring cell operates in a second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in a first frequency range, or operates in one of the first or second frequency ranges in response to the anchor cell operating in a third frequency range.

[0163] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of aspects 8 to 11 further includes: identifying at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection.

[0164] Aspect 13: The method according to aspect 12 further includes: receiving system information including an indication of at least one additional anchor cell; and updating a second database to include at least one additional anchor cell.

[0165] Aspect 14: The method according to aspect 12 or 13 further includes: performing a frequency search based at least on a first database and a second database to identify at least one additional anchor cell.

[0166] Aspect 15: The method of claim 14 further comprises: configuring an idle cell measurement of at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection in response to a corresponding cell type of at least one additional anchor cell having a higher priority than the serving cell based on a priority order.

[0167] Aspect 16: The method according to aspect 14 or 15, wherein performing the frequency search further includes performing the frequency search periodically over time.

[0168] Aspect 17: A wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising a transceiver, a memory, and a processor coupled to the transceiver and the memory, the processor and the memory being configured to perform the method of any one of Aspects 1 to 16.

[0169] Aspect 18: A wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising at least one component for performing the method of any one of Aspects 1 to 16.

[0170] Aspect 19: A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored therein, the instructions being configured to cause one or more processors of a wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network to perform the method described in any one of Aspects 1 to 16.

[0171] Several aspects of wireless communication networks have been presented with reference to exemplary implementations. As will be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the various aspects described herein can be extended to other telecommunications systems, network architectures, and communication standards.

[0172] By way of example, various aspects can be implemented in other systems defined by 3GPP, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE), Evolved Packet System (EPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), and / or Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). These aspects can also be extended to systems defined by 3GPP2 (3GPP2), such as CDMA2000 and / or Evolved Data Optimization (EV-DO). Other examples can be implemented in systems employing IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, Ultra Wideband (UWB), Bluetooth, and / or other suitable systems. The actual telecommunications standards, network architecture, and / or communication standards employed will depend on the specific application and the overall design constraints imposed on the system.

[0173] In this disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used to mean “as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation or aspect described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other aspects of this disclosure. Similarly, the term “aspect” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed. The term “coupled” as used herein refers to a direct or indirect coupling between two objects. For example, if object A is in physical contact with object B, and object B is in contact with object C, then objects A and C can still be considered coupled to each other—even if they are not in direct physical contact. For example, even if the first object is never in direct physical contact with the second object, the first object can be coupled to the second object. The terms “circuit” and “loop” are used broadly and are intended to include hardware implementations of electrical devices and conductors of the type of electronic circuits, capable of performing the functions described in this disclosure when connected and configured, and not limited to, such implementations, as well as software implementations of information and instructions capable of performing the functions described in this disclosure when executed by a processor.

[0174] exist Figures 1-11 One or more of the components, steps, features, and / or functions shown herein may be rearranged and / or combined into a single component, step, feature, or function, or embodied in several components, steps, or functions. Additional stages, components, steps, and / or functions may also be added without departing from the novel features disclosed herein. Figures 1-3 , Figure 5 , Figure 5 and / Figure 10 The apparatus, devices, and / or components shown herein can be configured to perform one or more of the methods, features, or steps described herein. The novel algorithms described herein can also be efficiently implemented in software and / or embedded in hardware.

[0175] It should be understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed method is an illustration of an exemplary process. Based on design preferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the method can be rearranged. The appended method claims present the stages of each step in a sample order and are not intended to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented unless specifically stated therein.

[0176] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be applied to other aspects. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but will be given the full scope consistent with the language of the claims, wherein, unless specifically stated otherwise, a stage referred to in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”, but rather “one or more”. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the term “some” means one or more. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” referring to a list of items means any combination of these items, including individual members. As an example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover: a; b; c; a and b; a and c; b and c; and a, b, and c. All structural and functional equivalents of the stages of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known to or will be known hereafter by a person skilled in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be offered to the public, whether or not such disclosure is expressly recited in the claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as One or more processors are coupled to the memory, wherein the one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: Identify multiple cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device, each of the multiple cells supporting at least one of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of multiple frequency bands; The selection order of the plurality of cells is determined based on the at least one RAT and the at least one frequency band supported by each of the plurality of cells, wherein the selection order gives preference to the latest generation RAT among the plurality of RATs; Based on the selection order, a serving cell is selected from the plurality of cells for communication with it via the transceiver; Maintain a first database comprising a list of the multiple frequency bands associated with each of the multiple cell types in order of priority; Maintaining a second database including anchor cell information associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell configured for dual connectivity with one or more corresponding neighboring cells; and The selection order of the plurality of cells is determined using the first database and the second database.

2. The wireless communication device according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: The selection order is determined based on the priority order of the multiple cell types of the multiple cells and the corresponding cell measurement of each of the multiple cells.

3. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: The priority order is received from the wireless communication network via at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

4. The wireless communication device according to claim 2, wherein, The priority order includes the following selection order: A first cell type among the plurality of cell types that supports dual connectivity for a first frequency range and a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range and the second frequency range are associated with the latest generation RAT; The second cell type among the plurality of cell types supports the first frequency range or the second frequency range of the licensed spectrum; A third cell type that supports the first or second frequency range in the unlicensed spectrum among the plurality of cell types; A fourth cell type that supports dual connectivity of the legacy RAT in the plurality of RATs, as well as the second frequency range and the third frequency range associated with the legacy RAT; A fifth cell type among the plurality of cell types that supports the traditional RAT and dual connectivity in the first frequency range and the third frequency range; and The sixth cell type among the plurality of cell types supports the traditional RAT and the third frequency range.

5. The wireless communication device according to claim 4, wherein, The first frequency range includes a frequency range that is lower than the second frequency range.

6. The wireless communication device according to claim 4, wherein, The first cell type, the fourth cell type, and the fifth cell type each include an anchor cell that supports dual connectivity with neighboring cells.

7. The wireless communication device according to claim 4, wherein, The at least one previously identified anchor cell includes at least one of the first cell type, the fourth cell type, or the fifth cell type.

8. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The anchor cell information includes at least one of the following: the Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) Identifier ID, Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number, Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Global Cell ID, or Cell Reselection Priority of the at least one previously identified anchor cell and one or more corresponding neighboring cells associated with each of the at least one previously identified anchor cell.

9. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: Based on the selection order of the plurality of cells, an anchor cell with the highest priority in the first database is identified from among the plurality of cells in the second database, wherein the at least one previously identified anchor cell includes the anchor cell; and Pre-occupy the anchor cell.

10. The wireless communication device according to claim 9, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: In response to the second database instructing the anchor cell to support dual connectivity with at least one of its neighboring cells to pre-occupy the anchor cell; The at least one neighboring cell operates in the second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in the first frequency range, or operates in one of the first frequency range or the second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in the third frequency range.

11. The wireless communication device according to claim 7, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: Identify at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection.

12. The wireless communication device according to claim 11, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: Receive system information including an indication of the at least one additional anchor cell; and Update the second database to include the at least one additional anchor cell.

13. The wireless communication device according to claim 12, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: Frequency search is performed based at least on the first database and the second database to identify the at least one additional anchor cell.

14. The wireless communication device according to claim 13, wherein, The one or more processors are configured to cause the wireless communication device to: In response to the corresponding cell type of the at least one additional anchor cell that has a higher priority than the serving cell based on the priority order, the idle cell measurement of the at least one additional anchor cell is configured for cell reselection.

15. A method for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising, at a wireless communication device: Identify multiple cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device, each of the multiple cells supporting at least one of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of multiple frequency bands; The selection order of the plurality of cells is determined based on the at least one RAT and the at least one frequency band supported by each of the plurality of cells, wherein the selection order gives preference to the latest generation RAT among the plurality of RATs; Based on the selection order, a serving cell is selected from the plurality of cells for communication; Maintain a first database comprising a list of the multiple frequency bands associated with each of the multiple cell types in order of priority; Maintaining a second database including anchor cell information associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell configured for dual connectivity with one or more corresponding neighboring cells; and The selection order of the plurality of cells is determined using the first database and the second database.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Determining the selection order also includes: The selection order is determined based on the priority order of the multiple cell types of the multiple cells and the corresponding cell measurement of each of the multiple cells.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising: The priority order is received from the wireless communication network via at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The priority order includes the following selection order: A first cell type among the plurality of cell types that supports dual connectivity for a first frequency range and a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range and the second frequency range are associated with the latest generation RAT; The second cell type among the plurality of cell types supports the first frequency range or the second frequency range of the licensed spectrum; A third cell type that supports the first or second frequency range in the unlicensed spectrum among the plurality of cell types; A fourth cell type that supports dual connectivity of the legacy RAT in the plurality of RATs, as well as the second frequency range and the third frequency range associated with the legacy RAT; A fifth cell type among the plurality of cell types that supports the traditional RAT and dual connectivity in the first frequency range and the third frequency range; and The sixth cell type among the plurality of cell types supports the traditional RAT and the third frequency range.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The at least one previously identified anchor cell includes at least one of the first cell type, the fourth cell type, or the fifth cell type.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, Selecting the serving cell also includes: Based on the priority order, identify the anchor cell from among the plurality of cells in the second database, including the highest priority anchor cell in the first database, wherein the at least one previously identified anchor cell includes the anchor cell; and Pre-occupy the anchor cell.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The pre-occupancy of the anchor cell also includes: In response to the second database instructing the anchor cell to support dual connectivity with at least one of its neighboring cells to pre-occupy the anchor cell; The at least one neighboring cell operates in the second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in the first frequency range, or operates in one of the first frequency range or the second frequency range in response to the anchor cell operating in the third frequency range.

22. The method of claim 19, further comprising: Identify at least one additional anchor cell for cell reselection.

23. The method of claim 22, further comprising: Receive system information including an indication of the at least one additional anchor cell; as well as Update the second database to include the at least one additional anchor cell.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: Frequency search is performed based at least on the first database and the second database to identify the at least one additional anchor cell.

25. The method of claim 24, further comprising: In response to the corresponding cell type of the at least one additional anchor cell that has a higher priority than the serving cell based on the priority order, the idle cell measurement of the at least one additional anchor cell is configured for cell reselection.

26. The method according to claim 24, wherein, Performing the frequency search also includes: The frequency search is performed periodically over time.

27. A wireless communication device configured for wireless communication in a wireless communication network, comprising: Components for identifying multiple cells within an area including the location of the wireless communication device, each of the multiple cells supporting at least one of multiple Radio Access Technologies (RATs) and at least one of multiple frequency bands; A component for determining a selection order of the plurality of cells based on at least one RAT and at least one frequency band supported by each of the plurality of cells, wherein the selection order preferentially considers the latest generation RAT among the plurality of RATs; Components for selecting a serving cell from the plurality of cells for communication based on the selection order; A component for maintaining a first database comprising a list of the plurality of frequency bands associated with each of the plurality of cell types in order of priority; Components for maintaining a second database including anchor cell information associated with at least one previously identified anchor cell configured for dual connectivity with one or more corresponding neighboring cells; and A component for determining the selection order of the plurality of cells using the first database and the second database.

28. The wireless communication device according to claim 27, wherein, The component for determining the selection order further includes: Components for determining the selection order based on the priority order of the plurality of cells of the plurality of cells and corresponding cell measurements of each of the plurality of cells, wherein the priority order includes the following selection order: A first cell type among the plurality of cell types that supports dual connectivity for a first frequency range and a second frequency range, wherein the first frequency range and the second frequency range are associated with the latest generation RAT; The second cell type among the plurality of cell types supports the first frequency range or the second frequency range of the licensed spectrum; A third cell type that supports the first or second frequency range in the unlicensed spectrum among the plurality of cell types; A fourth cell type that supports dual connectivity of the legacy RAT in the plurality of RATs, as well as the second frequency range and the third frequency range associated with the legacy RAT; A fifth cell type among the plurality of cell types that supports the traditional RAT and dual connectivity in the first frequency range and the third frequency range; and The sixth cell type among the plurality of cell types supports the traditional RAT and the third frequency range.

29. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, wherein the instructions are executable by one or more processors of a wireless communication device to cause the one or more processors to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 26.

30. A computer program product comprising computer-readable instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 15 to 26.

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