Allocating configured grant resources across multiple base stations

Abstract

A system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium for allocating configuration license resources across multiple base stations is disclosed. A wireless communication device can obtain multiple configuration licenses (CGs) from a first wireless communication node. Each of the multiple CG configurations can be used for data transmission in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state in the corresponding cell. The wireless communication device in the RRC inactive state can use a first CG configuration among the multiple CG configurations to transmit data according to the identifier of the cell in which the wireless communication device resides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless communications, including but not limited to systems and methods for allocating configuration grant (CG) resources across multiple base stations. Background Technology

[0002] The standards organization 3GPP is currently specifying a new air interface called 5G New Radio (5GNR) and a next-generation packet core network (NG-CN or NGC). 5G NR will have three main components: the 5G Access Network (5G-AN), the 5G Core Network (NGC), and the User Equipment (UE). To facilitate the enabling of different data services and needs, the elements of the 5GC (also known as network functions) have been simplified, allowing them to be adapted as needed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are intended to address problems related to one or more difficulties existing in the prior art, and to provide additional features that will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products are disclosed herein according to various embodiments. However, it should be understood that these embodiments are presented by way of example and not as limiting, and that various modifications can be made to the disclosed embodiments by those skilled in the art who have read this disclosure, while remaining within the scope of this disclosure.

[0004] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A wireless communication device may obtain a plurality of authorized (CG) configurations from a first wireless communication node. Each of the plurality of CG configurations can be used for data transmission in a radio resource control (RRC) inactive state in the corresponding cell. The wireless communication device in the RRC inactive state may use a first CG configuration of the plurality of CG configurations to transmit data according to the identifier of the cell in which the wireless communication device resides.

[0005] In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device may obtain multiple CG configurations via broadcast from a first wireless communication node.

[0006] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may select a first CG configuration from a plurality of CG configurations based on a randomly selected index pre-assigned by the first wireless communication node when the wireless communication device is in an RRC active state, or the identifier of the wireless communication device.

[0007] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device in an RRC-connected state can receive indices of multiple CG configurations from a first wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can send an acknowledgment to the first wireless communication node in response to the index. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can obtain multiple CG configurations via RRC signaling from the wireless communication node.

[0008] In some embodiments, a first wireless communication node may receive at least one CG configuration from a second wireless communication node, each CG configuration being configured for each cell of the second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may receive the at least one CG configuration from the second wireless communication node via an Xn interface.

[0009] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device may receive a first CG configuration from a first wireless communication node, which is configured for a first cell in a second wireless communication node. The first CG configuration may include an identifier for the first cell.

[0010] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may receive from the first wireless communication node at least one of the following: an index of at least one CG configuration for data transmission for each cell, or an index of at least one CG configuration for data transmission configured for the wireless communication device when in an RRC inactive state.

[0011] In some embodiments, when a wireless communication device is in an RRC inactive state, it can use CG to select a cell with a higher priority than other cells in the cell list for camping.

[0012] At least one aspect relates to a system, method, apparatus, or computer-readable medium. A first wireless communication node may provide a wireless communication device with a plurality of authorized (CG) configurations, each of which is used for data transmission in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state in a corresponding cell. The wireless communication device in the RRC inactive state may use a first CG configuration from the plurality of CG configurations to transmit data according to the identifier of the cell in which the wireless communication device resides.

[0013] In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, the first wireless communication node may provide multiple CG configurations via broadcast from the first wireless communication device.

[0014] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may select a first CG configuration from multiple CG configurations based on a randomly selected index pre-assigned by the first wireless communication node when the wireless communication device is in an RRC active state, or the identifier of the wireless communication device.

[0015] In some embodiments, a first wireless communication node may send an index of multiple CG configurations to a wireless communication device in an RRC connection state. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may receive an acknowledgment from the wireless communication device in response to the index. In some embodiments, the first communication node may provide multiple CG configurations to the wireless communication device via RRC signaling.

[0016] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may receive at least one CG configuration from the second wireless communication node, each CG configuration being configured for each cell of the second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may receive at least one CG configuration from the second wireless communication node via an Xn interface.

[0017] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may send to the wireless communication device at least one of the following: an index for at least one CG configuration for data transmission for each cell, or an index for at least one CG configuration for data transmission configured for the wireless communication device when in an RRC inactive state.

[0018] In some embodiments, a wireless communication device may use a CG to select a cell with a higher priority than other cells in the cell list for camping when it is in an RRC inactive state. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described in detail below with reference to the figures or accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only and depict only exemplary embodiments of the solution to facilitate the reader's understanding. Therefore, the drawings should not be considered as limitations on the breadth, scope, or applicability of the solution. It should be noted that these drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale for clarity and ease of explanation.

[0020] Figure 1 An example cellular communication network in which the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 Block diagrams of example base stations and user equipment terminals according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A sequence diagram of a system for allocating configuration authorization (CG) resources across multiple base stations, according to an illustrative embodiment, is shown;

[0023] Figure 4 A sequence diagram of the process for configuring a wireless communication device in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state using Configuration Grant (CG) according to an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 A sequence diagram of the process of a system for configuring a wireless communication device to transition from a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state to an RRC inactive state using configuration authorization (CG) according to an illustrative embodiment is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 A sequence diagram of a system for triggering a recovery process for a wireless communication device in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, according to an illustrative embodiment, is shown; and

[0026] Figure 7 A functional band diagram illustrates an example method for allocating configuration authorized resources across multiple base stations according to an illustrative embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Various exemplary embodiments of this solution are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to create and use this solution. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various changes or modifications can be made to the examples described herein without departing from the scope of this solution after reading this disclosure. Therefore, this solution is not limited to the exemplary embodiments and applications described and illustrated herein. Furthermore, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methods disclosed herein is merely an example method. Based on design preferences, the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the disclosed methods or processes can be rearranged while remaining within the scope of this solution. Therefore, those skilled in the art should understand that the methods and techniques disclosed herein present various steps or behaviors in an exemplary order, and this solution is not limited to the presented specific order or hierarchy, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0028] The following acronyms are used throughout this disclosure:

[0029]

[0030]

[0031] 1. Mobile Communication Technology and Environment

[0032] Figure 1An example wireless communication network and / or system 100, in which the techniques disclosed herein can be implemented according to embodiments of this disclosure, is illustrated. In the following discussion, wireless communication network 100 can be any wireless network such as a cellular network or a narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) network, and is referred to herein as "network 100". Such an example network 100 includes base stations 102 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 102"; also referred to as wireless communication nodes) and user equipment terminals 104 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 104"; also referred to as wireless communication devices) that can communicate with each other via communication links 110 (e.g., wireless communication channels), and clusters of cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 covering a geographic area 101. Figure 1 In this context, BS 102 and UE 104 are included within the corresponding geographical boundaries of cell 126. Each of the other cells 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140 may include at least one base station operating within its allocated bandwidth to provide adequate radio coverage to its intended users.

[0033] For example, BS 102 can operate within its allocated channel transmission bandwidth to provide sufficient coverage to UE 104. BS 102 and UE 104 can communicate via downlink radio frame 118 and uplink radio frame 124, respectively. Each radio frame 118 / 124 can be further divided into subframes 120 / 127, which may include data symbols 122 / 128. In this disclosure, BS 102 and UE 104 are described herein as non-limiting examples of "communication nodes" that can generally practice the methods disclosed herein. According to various embodiments of this solution, such communication nodes can be capable of wireless and / or wired communication.

[0034] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example wireless communication system 200 for transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals (e.g., OFDM / OFDMA signals) according to some embodiments of this solution is shown. System 200 may include components and elements configured to support known or conventional operating characteristics that do not need to be described in detail herein. In one illustrative embodiment, system 200 can be used in applications such as... Figure 1 In a wireless communication environment such as 100, data symbols are transmitted (e.g., sent and received), as described above.

[0035] System 200 generally includes a base station 202 (hereinafter referred to as "BS 202") and a user equipment terminal 204 (hereinafter referred to as "UE 204"). BS 202 includes a BS (base station) transceiver module 210, a BS antenna 212, a BS processor module 214, a BS memory module 216, and a network communication module 218, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other as needed via a data communication bus 220. UE 204 includes a UE (user equipment) transceiver module 230, a UE antenna 232, a UE memory module 234, and a UE processor module 236, each module being coupled and interconnected with each other as needed via a data communication bus 240. BS 202 communicates with UE 204 via a communication channel 250, which can be any wireless channel or other medium suitable for data transmission as described herein.

[0036] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, system 200 may also include, in addition to Figure 2 Any number of modules other than those shown. Those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative blocks, modules, circuits, and processing logic described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in hardware, computer-readable software, firmware, or any practical combination thereof. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability and compatibility of hardware, firmware, and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps are generally described in terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, or software can depend on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art, upon which the concepts described herein are skilled, can implement this functionality in a suitable manner for each specific application; however, such implementation decisions should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0037] According to some embodiments, UE transceiver 230, which may be referred to herein as "uplink" transceiver 230, includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 232. A duplex switch (not shown) may alternatively couple the uplink transmitter or receiver to the uplink antenna in a time-duplex manner. Similarly, according to some embodiments, BS transceiver 210, which may be referred to herein as "downlink" transceiver 210, includes a radio frequency (RF) transmitter and an RF receiver, each of which includes circuitry coupled to antenna 212. A downlink duplex switch may alternatively couple the downlink transmitter or receiver to downlink antenna 212 in a time-duplex manner. The operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time, such that while the downlink transmitter is coupled to the downlink antenna 212, the uplink receiver circuitry is coupled to the uplink antenna 232 for receiving transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250. Conversely, the operation of the two transceiver modules 210 and 230 can be coordinated in time, such that while the uplink transmitter is coupled to the uplink antenna 232, the downlink receiver is coupled to the downlink antenna 212 for receiving transmissions via the wireless transmission link 250. In some embodiments, there is tight time synchronization with a minimum guard time between changes in the duplex direction.

[0038] UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to communicate via wireless data communication link 250 and cooperate with RF antenna arrangements 212 / 232 appropriately configured to support specific wireless communication protocols and modulation schemes. In some illustrative embodiments, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 are configured to support industry standards such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) and emerging 5G standards. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is not necessarily limited to specific standards and associated protocols in application. Instead, UE transceiver 230 and base transceiver 210 may be configured to support alternative or additional wireless data communication protocols, including future standards or variations thereof.

[0039] According to various embodiments, BS 202 may be, for example, an evolved Node B (eNB), a serving eNB, a target eNB, a femtocell, or a picocell. According to some embodiments, UE 204 may be embodied in various types of user equipment such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablets, laptops, wearable computing devices, and so on. Processor modules 214 and 236 may be implemented or realized using a general-purpose processor, content-addressable memory, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field-programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. In this way, the processor may be implemented as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a state machine, or the like. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a digital signal processor and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a digital signal processor core, or any other such configuration.

[0040] Furthermore, the steps of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware, firmware, software modules executed by processor modules 214 and 236 respectively, or in any practical combination thereof. Memory modules 216 and 234 can be implemented as RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In this regard, memory modules 216 and 234 can be coupled to processor modules 210 and 230 respectively, such that processor modules 210 and 230 can read information from and write information to memory modules 216 and 234 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 can also be integrated into their respective processor modules 210 and 230. In some embodiments, memory modules 216 and 234 may each include a cache memory for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during the execution of instructions executed by processor modules 210 and 230 respectively. Memory modules 216 and 234 may each include non-volatile memory for storing instructions that will be executed by processor modules 210 and 230, respectively.

[0041] Network communication module 218 typically refers to the hardware, software, firmware, processing logic, and / or other components of base station 202 that enable bidirectional communication between base station transceiver 210 and other network components and communication nodes configured to communicate with base station 202. For example, network communication module 218 may be configured to support Internet or WiMAX traffic. In a non-limiting typical deployment, network communication module 218 provides an 802.3 Ethernet interface, enabling base station transceiver 210 to communicate with traditional Ethernet-based computer networks. In this way, network communication module 218 may include a physical interface for connecting to a computer network (e.g., a mobile switching center (MSC)). The terms “configured for…”, “configured as…”, and their variations, as used herein with respect to a specified operation or function, refer to devices, components, circuits, structures, machines, signals, etc., that are physically constructed, programmed, formatted, and / or arranged to perform the specified operation or function.

[0042] The Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model (referred to herein as the "OSI model") is a conceptual and logical layout that defines network communication used by systems (e.g., wireless communication devices, wireless communication nodes) that are open to interconnecting and communicating with other systems. The model is decomposed into seven sub-components or layers, each representing a conceptual set of services provided to the layers above and below it. The OSI model also defines logical networks and efficiently describes the delivery of computer data packets using different layer protocols. The OSI model may also be referred to as the seven-layer OSI model or the seven-layer model. In some embodiments, the first layer may be the physical layer. In some embodiments, the second layer may be the Media Access Control (MAC) layer. In some embodiments, the third layer may be the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer. In some embodiments, the fourth layer may be the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer. In some embodiments, the fifth layer may be the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. In some embodiments, the sixth layer may be either the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer or the Internet Protocol (IP) layer, and the seventh layer is another layer.

[0043] 2. Systems and methods for allocating configuration authorization (CG) resources across multiple base stations

[0044] As defined in 3GPP NR REL-15, a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state (e.g., RRC_INACTIVE) can provide a power-active state with low control plane latency. For a UE in an RRC inactive state (e.g., UE 104), the last serving gNB (e.g., BS 102) can preserve the UE's context and associated Next Generation (NG) connection to the core network. In this way, all Resource Bearers (RBs) can be quickly restored after a short random access and RRC recovery process on the RAN side. For a UE in an RRC inactive state, the gNB with context and associated NG connection to the core network can be referred to as the anchor gNB. In an architecture with separate Centralized Unit (CU) and Distributed Unit (DU), for a UE in an RRC inactive state, the gNB-CU with context and associated NG connection to the core network can be referred to as the anchor gNB-CU. Furthermore, for a UE in an RRC inactive state, the gNB-DU with context and associated F1 connection to the gNB-CU can be referred to as the anchor gNB-DU.

[0045] For UEs in an RRC inactive state, stateless data transmission may not be supported (e.g., under 3GPP NR REL-15). That is, the UE can first enter the RRC connected state (e.g., RRC_CONNECTED) and then initiate data transmission. For this, the RRC recovery procedure, which has considerable signaling overhead, can be performed first, even when the UE has only a small amount of data to send. Therefore, for UEs in an RRC inactive state, stateless data transmission may result in high signaling overhead and large data transmission delays.

[0046] To address these and other issues, small-scale data transmission for UEs in RRC inactive states can be utilized (e.g., as defined in 3GPP Rel-17). A UE in an RRC inactive state can transmit one or more small data packets during a random access procedure. Furthermore, a UE in an RRC inactive state can transmit one or more small data packets based on a configured grant (CG). The CG can be configured before the UE enters the RRC inactive state. In this approach, the small data packets can be transmitted via the air interface to an access point, which can be a gNB or gNB-DU in a 5G network.

[0047] Of particular note is the scenario concerning small-data transmission based on CG, where a UE in an RRC-inactive state communicates with the access point using CG resources. Due to the RRC inactivity, when a UE moves from one gNB cell to another in the RNA, CG resources from cells in different gNBs can be pre-allocated to the UE. Otherwise, the UE can resort to a fallback to a small-data solution based on random access (RA) and transmit a small amount of data during the random access procedure. However, this CG configuration method can be used for UEs in an RRC-connected state within the serving cell and may not support CG resource allocation across multiple gNBs for inactive UEs. To overcome this problem, inter-gNB CG configuration for UEs in an RRC-inactive state can be performed as detailed below.

[0048] A. Dedicated CG configuration for multiple cells

[0049] In some embodiments, to obtain CG configuration information, gNBs can communicate with each other via the Xn interface to exchange CG configuration information. Furthermore, a CG configuration request can be sent from one anchor gNB to another peer gNB via the Xn interface. This request may include at least one of the following: QoS requirements or required resource block size in the CG configuration, etc. When the peer gNB receives the CG configuration request, the peer gNB can allocate a CG and send a corresponding CG configuration response to the anchor gNB via the Xn interface. The CG configuration response may include at least one of the following: CG configuration, the Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) of the UE in the peer gNB, and other PHY and MAC layer configurations (e.g., SRS configuration, PUCCH configuration, Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS) configuration), etc. The CG configuration may be contained within an RRC message container in the CG configuration response.

[0050] After a gNB obtains the CG configuration from another (peer) gNB, the receiving gNB can send the CG configuration to the UE via RRC signaling before the UE enters the RRC inactive state. Since the CG configuration sent to the UE may belong to different cells or different gNBs, the cell ID can be used in the CG configuration to indicate which cell the CG belongs to. Furthermore, the associated C-RNTI for the UE can be assigned by the gNB. The gNB can configure the inter-gNB CG configuration. The inter-gNB CG configuration can include at least one of the following: one or more lists of CG configurations, the associated cell ID (e.g., NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI), Cell Identifier, or Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)), the UE's C-RNTI assigned by the peer gNB, and other PHY and MAC layer configurations (e.g., SRS configuration, PUCCH configuration, and CSI-RS configuration). Each of the inter-gNB CG configurations can be configured by the peer gNB in ​​one of its cells.

[0051] A new CG configuration list can be sent to the UE to differentiate the CG configurations allocated to each cell for small-scale data transmissions in the RRC inactive state. The CG configuration list for the RRC inactive state may differ from the CG list for the RRC connected state. Furthermore, a new CG configuration index can be defined to differentiate the CG configurations allocated to each UE for small-scale data transmissions in the RRC inactive state. In this way, a UE can have multiple CG configurations for different cells.

[0052] After a UE enters the RRC inactive state, it can perform a small amount of data transmission using a dedicated CG configuration. Furthermore, a UE in the RRC inactive state can select a cell with a CG configuration from a pool of available cells to camp on; this cell with the CG configuration has higher priority than cells without a CG configuration.

[0053] Now for reference Figure 3 The diagram depicts a sequence of procedures 300 for allocating configuration authorization (CG) resources across multiple base stations for system 100 (e.g., as depicted) or 200. As shown, gNB A 102A can detect a request for inter-gNB CG configuration for UE 104 (305). Once detected, gNB A 102A sends a CG configuration request (310) to the peer gNB (gNB B 102B). This gNB A 102A can be a gNB serving UE 104 or an anchor gNB that will transition from RRC connected mode to RRC inactive state. The request for inter-gNB CG configuration can be sent via the Xn interface. The request for inter-gNB CG configuration may include one or more of the following: Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for the CG configuration and the required resource block size, etc.

[0054] Upon receiving a CG configuration request, gNB B 102B can allocate a CG and send a corresponding CG configuration response (315) to anchor gNB 102A via the Xn interface. This CG configuration response may include one or more of the following: one or more lists of CG configurations, associated cell IDs (e.g., NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI), Cell Identifier, or Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)), the C-RNTI of UE 104 allocated by peer gNB 102B, and other PHY and MAC layer configurations (e.g., SRS configuration, PUCCH configuration, and CSI-RS configuration), etc. Each of the CG configurations can be configured by peer gNB 102B in one of its cells. In some embodiments, the CG configuration may be included in an RRC message container within the CG configuration response. gNB A 102A may send the CG configuration from peer gNB B 102B to UE 104 via RRC signaling (320).

[0055] Now for reference Figure 4 The diagram depicts a sequence of procedures 400 for system 100 (e.g., as depicted) or 200 to configure a wireless communication device in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state using a Configuration Grant (CG). Information exchange during the inter-gNB CG configuration process can occur when UE 104 is in an RRC connected state. This inter-gNB CG configuration can be used when UE 104 enters an RRC inactive state and moves within the coverage area of ​​the corresponding gNB. For example, UE 104 can enter the cell of gNB B 102B and can use the inter-gNB CG configuration initially configured by gNB B 102B.

[0056] As shown in the figure, gNB A 102A can obtain the inter-gNB CG configuration (405) from one or more other gNBs (e.g., gNB B 102B). gNB 102A can send the inter-gNB CG configuration to UE 104 (410). The inter-gNB CG configuration can be sent via RRC signaling. The inter-gNB CG configuration may include one or more of the following: one or more lists of CG configurations, associated cell IDs (e.g., NR Cell Global Identifier (NCGI), Cell Identifier, or Physical Cell Identifier (PCI)), the UE's C-RNTI assigned by the peer gNB, and other PHY and MAC layer configurations (e.g., SRS configuration, PUCCH configuration, and CSI-RS configuration). Each of the gNB CG configurations can be configured by the peer gNB in ​​one of its cells. In addition, one or more separate lists of CG configurations for small-scale data transmission in the RRC inactive state can be sent to the UE. The CG configurations for small-scale data transmission in the RRC inactive state may differ from the CG list used in the RRC connected state.

[0057] In addition, a new CG configuration index can be defined to distinguish the CG configuration allocated to each cell for a small amount of data transmission in the RRC inactive state. This index can be called ConfiguredGrantConfigInactiveIndex.

[0058] Upon receiving the configuration, UE 104 can apply it and send the inter-gNB CG configuration confirmation back to gNBA 102A (415). After UE 104 enters the RRC inactive state, UE 104 can use the received CG configuration for a small amount of data transmission. UE 104 can select the CG configuration based on the cell ID of the cell to which the UE will camp. Furthermore, when multiple cells are available for camping, UE 104 in the RRC inactive state can select a cell with a CG configuration, which has a higher priority than cells without a CG configuration.

[0059] B. Universal CG configuration for each independent cell

[0060] In some embodiments, a CG index may be assigned to UE 104 by the gNB before UE 104 enters the RRC inactive state. The gNB may broadcast a list of general CG configurations for UEs in the RRC inactive state. Each of these configurations may contain a CG index. After UE 104 enters the RRC inactive state, UE 104 may receive the gNB broadcast and obtain the general CG configuration. When a small amount of data arrives, UE 104 may select a general CG for the transmission of that small amount of data. One of the general CGs may be selected by using a pseudo-random number generator (e.g., randomly), based on a CG index pre-assigned by the gNB, or based on the UE 104's ID (e.g., the inactive RNTI (I-RNTI)), etc. UE 104 in the RRC inactive state may use the selected general CG configuration to send a small amount of data.

[0061] Now for reference Figure 5 The diagram depicts a sequence of steps 500 for system 100 (e.g., as depicted) or 200 to configure a wireless communication device to transition from a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state to an RRC inactive state using a Configuration Grant (CG). UE 104 may enter the RRC connected state (505). gNB A 102A may notify UE 104 of a CG index during the RRC inactive state for a small amount of future data transmission (510). Furthermore, UE 104 may send an acknowledgment of receipt of the CG index (515).

[0062] UE 104 may subsequently enter an RRC inactive state (520). While in an RRC inactive state, UE 104 may receive information via broadcast from gNB 102A in the camped cell (e.g., in a System Information Block (SIB)) (520). This information may include a general CG configuration allocated for a small amount of data transmission for all UEs in the cell that are in an RRC inactive state. UE 104 may read the general CG configuration.

[0063] When receiving a small amount of data, UE 104 in an RRC inactive state can select a general CG for small data transmission (530). One of the general CGs can be selected using one or more of the following methods: randomly (e.g., using a pseudo-random number generator), based on a CG index pre-assigned by gNB 102A, or based on the ID for when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, etc. The ID for the UE can include, for example, an I-RNTI. The UE can use the I-RNTI modulo a value to identify a specific general CG. UE 104 in an RRC inactive state can use the selected general CG configuration to send a small amount of data.

[0064] C. Triggering of the recovery process

[0065] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram depicts a sequence of procedures 600 for triggering a recovery process for a wireless communication device in an RRC inactive state. In some embodiments, when a small amount of data arrives at UE 104 in an RRC inactive state, UE 104 may trigger a recovery process if a valid Radio Link Control (RLC) entity for the Primary Cell Group (MCP) bearer cannot be found. As shown, UE 104 may enter an RRC inactive state (605). When a small amount of data arrives at UE 104, UE 104 may attempt to identify a valid RLC entity for the MCG bearer. UE 104 may fail to find any valid RLC entity for the MCG bearer (610). In response to this determination, UE 104 in an RRC inactive state may trigger a conventional recovery process and enter an RRC connected state (615).

[0066] D. Allocating and configuring authorized resources across multiple base stations

[0067] Figure 7 A functional diagram of a method 700 for allocating configuration authorized resources across multiple base stations is shown. Method 700 can be combined with the present document. Figure 1-6 The components are described in detail to perform or implement the operation. In short, the first wireless communication node can send a configuration request (705). The second wireless communication node can receive the configuration request (710). The second wireless communication node can send a configuration response (715). The first wireless communication node can receive the configuration response (720). The wireless communication device can enter a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connected state (725). The first wireless communication node can send a set of configurations (730). The wireless communication device can receive this set of configurations (735). The first wireless communication node can send a configuration index (740). The wireless communication device can receive the configuration index (745). The wireless communication device can enter an RRC inactive state (750). The wireless communication device can select the configuration for transmission (755). The wireless communication device can transmit data (760).

[0068] More specifically, a first wireless communication node (e.g., gNB A 102A) may provide, transmit, or otherwise send a request for Configuration Grant (CG) configuration to a second wireless communication node (e.g., gNB 102B) (705). In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may generate a request for CG configuration. This request may identify or specify one or more parameters for the CG for data transmission by one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., UE 104), each of which is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state. These parameters may include, for example, Quality of Service (QoS) requirements for CG configuration or the required size of resource blocks. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may send the request via an air interface (e.g., the Xn interface).

[0069] The second wireless communication node may retrieve, identify, or otherwise receive a request for CG configuration from the first wireless communication node (710). In some embodiments, the second wireless communication node may receive the request via an air interface. Upon receiving the request, the second wireless communication node may allocate, identify, or otherwise determine a set of CG configurations to be sent to the first wireless communication node. Each CG configuration may define, identify, or otherwise specify one or more resources for data transmission by one or more wireless communication devices (e.g., UE 104), each of which is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state in a corresponding cell (e.g., cells 126, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, and 140). In some embodiments, each CG configuration may be configured for each cell of the first or second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, each CG configuration may be configured for each UE communicating with the first wireless communication node.

[0070] The second wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send a CG configuration response (715) to the first wireless communication node. During allocation, the second wireless communication node may generate a CG configuration response. The CG configuration response may identify or include a set of CG configurations. This set of CG configurations may include parameters for each wireless communication device or each cell. Furthermore, the CG configuration response may identify or include, for example, Cell Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI), Physical (PHY) layer configuration, and Medium Access Control (MAC) layer configuration (e.g., Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) configuration, PUCCH configuration, and CSI-RS configuration) for each wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the second wireless communication node may send the CG configuration response (including the set of CG configurations) to the first wireless communication node via an air interface (e.g., the Xn interface).

[0071] The first wireless communication node may retrieve, identify, or otherwise receive a CG configuration response (720) from the second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may receive each CG configuration configured for each cell of the first or second wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may receive the CG configuration response (including the set of CG configurations) via an air interface (e.g., an Xn interface). Upon receipt, the first wireless communication node may parse the CG configuration response to identify the set of CG configurations.

[0072] The wireless communication device can enter a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection state (725). In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can be in an RRC connection state (e.g., "RRC_CONNECTED") as the CG configuration is sent from the second wireless communication node to the first wireless communication node. In the RRC connection state, the wireless communication device can communicate with the first wireless communication node via the RRC connection. The wireless communication device can send a wide range of data to the first wireless communication node via the RRC connection. In some embodiments, the wireless...

[0073] The first wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send the set of CG configurations to the wireless communication device (730). Upon receiving a CG configuration response, the first wireless communication node may forward or provide the set of CG configurations from the response to the wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may provide the set of CG configurations to the wireless communication device via RRC signaling. The wireless communication device to which the set of CG configurations is provided may be in an RRC connected state. The set of CG configurations may be provided to the wireless communication device before transitioning from the RRC connected state.

[0074] The wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive the set of CG configurations (735) from the first wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may obtain the set of CG configurations via RRC signaling from the first wireless communication node. The set of CG configurations received from the first wireless communication node may be configured for individual wireless communication devices or for individual cells. In some embodiments, the set of CG configurations may be configured for cells of the second wireless communication node. The CG configurations may identify or include an identifier (e.g., PCI, NCGI, or other cell identifier) ​​for the cell of the second wireless communication device.

[0075] A first wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send one or more CG configuration indices (740) to a wireless communication device. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication node may allocate, identify, or otherwise assign CG configuration indices to various wireless communication devices or cells. Each CG configuration index may reference or correspond to a CG configuration for a particular wireless communication device or cell. After allocation, the first wireless communication node may send the set of CG configuration indices to the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device to which the set of CG configuration indices is provided may be in an RRC connected state. The set of CG configuration indices may be provided to the wireless communication device before transitioning from the RRC connected state.

[0076] The wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive one or more CG configuration indices (745) from the first wireless communication node. The set of CG configuration indices received from the first wireless communication node may be configured for individual wireless communication devices or for individual cells. In some embodiments, at least one CG index may be used for CG configuration for per-cell data transmission. In some embodiments, at least one CG index may be used for CG configuration of wireless communication configured for data transmission.

[0077] The wireless communication device may switch to or otherwise enter an RRC inactive state (750). When in an RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device may at least temporarily suspend its communication session with the gNB. The data transmitted by the wireless communication device may correspond to small amounts of data (e.g., small data packets or payloads, such as those below a defined data size). For example, the data size may be less than 100 bytes. The data transmitted by the wireless communication device may also be sporadic. For example, the wireless communication device may transmit data once every minute or more. In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device may receive one or more pieces of information for data transmission from a first wireless communication node.

[0078] In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, a first wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send a set of CG configurations to itself via broadcast. In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, a wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive the set of CG configurations via a broadcast from the first wireless communication node. The set of CG configurations broadcast by the first wireless communication node may be a set of common CG configurations for one or more wireless communication devices in a cell of a second wireless communication node.

[0079] In some embodiments, a first wireless communication node may provide, transmit, or otherwise send at least one CG configuration index to a wireless communication node in an RRC inactive state. In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, a wireless communication device may obtain, identify, or otherwise receive the set of CG configuration indices from the first wireless communication node. Each CG configuration index may correspond to or reference a CG configuration in the set. The CG configuration may be common to one or more wireless communication devices in the cell. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device may return, transmit, or otherwise send an acknowledgment in response to the receipt of the CG configuration index. This acknowledgment may be sent to the first wireless communication node and may be a response to the receipt of the CG index. Furthermore, the first wireless communication node may retrieve, identify, or receive a reception acknowledgment from the wireless communication device.

[0080] The wireless communication device can identify or select a CG configuration (755) for transmission. Selecting a CG configuration from a set of CG configurations can respond to a transition from an RRC connected state to an RRC inactive state. In some embodiments, when in an RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device can select the CG configuration from a set of CG configurations for data transmission based on random selection (e.g., using pseudo-random number generation). In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can select the CG configuration from a set of CG configurations for data transmission based on a CG configuration index assigned by a first wireless communication node. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can select the CG configuration from a set of CG configurations for data transmission based on an identifier for the wireless communication device (e.g., I-RNTI).

[0081] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can select a cell based on a selected CG configuration. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can use the CG configuration to identify or select a cell with a higher priority than other cells in the cell list for camping. Other cells may be missing or not correspond to the selected CG configuration. The cell list may include those used for the second wireless communication node. After selecting a CG configuration, the wireless communication device can identify the cell list associated with that CG configuration. Using this selection, the wireless communication device can initiate camping on the cell.

[0082] The wireless communication device can transmit data (760). Using a CG configuration selected from a set of CG configurations, the wireless communication device can transmit data according to the identifier of the cell to which the wireless communication is based. The cell identifier can correspond to or refer to a cell identified according to the selected CG configuration. The wireless communication device can remain in an RRC inactive state while transmitting data (e.g., a small amount of data) with the cell. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device can initiate or execute a recovery procedure to re-enter the RRC active state based on whether a valid RLC entity for the MCG bearer is found. When not found, the wireless communication device can execute the recovery procedure.

[0083] Although various embodiments of the present solution have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not by way of limitation. Similarly, various figures may depict example architectures or configurations, provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand the example features and functionality of the present solution. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the present solution is not limited to the example architectures or configurations shown, but can be implemented using various alternative architectures and configurations. Furthermore, as those skilled in the art should understand, one or more features of one embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another embodiment described herein. Therefore, the breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the illustrative embodiments described above.

[0084] It should also be understood that any reference to elements in this document using names such as "first," "second," etc., does not generally limit the number or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used herein as a convenient means of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of elements. Therefore, reference to the first and second elements does not imply that only two elements are used, or that the first element must precede the second element in some way.

[0085] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and processes. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, and symbols, which may be referenced in the above description, can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or magnetic particles, light fields or optical particles, or any combination thereof.

[0086] Those skilled in the art will also understand that any of the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, processors, devices, circuits, methods, and functions described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented by electronic hardware (e.g., digital implementation, analog implementation, or a combination thereof), firmware, various forms of program or design code in conjunction with instructions (which may be referred to herein as "software" or "software module" for convenience), or any combination of these technologies. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware, firmware, and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been generally described above in terms of their functionality. Whether this functionality is implemented as hardware, firmware, software, or a combination of these technologies depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functionality in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions do not lead to a departure from the scope of this disclosure.

[0087] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, devices, components, and circuits described herein may be implemented within or executed by an integrated circuit (IC), including general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, or any combination thereof. Logic blocks, modules, and circuits may also include antennas and / or transceivers for communicating with various components within a network or device. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in alternative embodiments, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices for performing the functions described herein, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a combination of multiple microprocessors, a combination of one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other suitable configuration.

[0088] If implemented as software, the functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Therefore, the steps of the methods or algorithms disclosed herein can be implemented as software stored on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include both computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium that enables the transfer of computer programs or code from one place to another. Storage media can be any available medium accessible to a computer. By way of example and non-limiting intent, such computer-readable media can include: RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and is accessible to a computer.

[0089] In this application, as used herein, the term "module" refers to software, firmware, hardware, and any combination of such elements for performing the associated functions described herein. Furthermore, for the purposes of discussion, various modules are described as discrete modules; however, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, two or more modules may be combined to form a single module that performs the associated functions according to embodiments of the present solution.

[0090] Additionally, in embodiments of this solution, memory or other storage devices and communication components may be employed. It should be understood that, for clarity, the above description has referred to embodiments of this solution with reference to different functional units and processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable functional distribution among different functional units, processing logic elements, or domains can be used without departing from this solution. For example, functionality described as being performed by a separate processing logic element or controller may be performed by the same processing logic element or controller. Therefore, references to specific functional units are merely references to suitable means for providing said functionality, and not indications of a strict logical or physical structure or organization.

[0091] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the novel features and principles disclosed herein, as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A wireless communication method, comprising: A plurality of Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) configurations are obtained by a wireless communication device from a first wireless communication node. Each of the plurality of SRS configurations is associated with a cell identifier ID of a corresponding second wireless communication node and a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) assigned by the corresponding second wireless communication node. The plurality of SRS configurations can be received by the first wireless communication node from the corresponding second wireless communication node and used for data transmission in the radio resource control (RRC) inactive state in the corresponding cell of the corresponding second wireless communication node. In response to entering the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device uses a first SRS configuration among the plurality of SRS configurations to select a cell with a higher priority than other cells in the cell list for camping; and In response to entering the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device uses the first SRS configuration among the plurality of SRS configurations to transmit data according to the identifier of the cell in which the wireless communication device is camped.

2. The method according to claim 1, comprising: When in the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device obtains the plurality of SRS configurations via a broadcast from the first wireless communication node.

3. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The wireless communication device selects the first SRS configuration from the plurality of SRS configurations based on the following: Random selection When the wireless communication device is in RRC active state, the index pre-allocated by the first wireless communication node, or The identifier of the wireless communication device.

4. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The wireless communication device, which is in the RRC inactive state, receives the index of the plurality of SRS configurations from the first wireless communication node; as well as The wireless communication device sends an acknowledgment in response to the index to the first wireless communication node.

5. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The multiple SRS configurations are obtained by the wireless communication device via RRC signaling from the first wireless communication node.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The first wireless communication node receives each of the plurality of SRS configurations from the corresponding second wireless communication node via the Xn interface.

7. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The wireless communication device receives from the first wireless communication node a first SRS configuration configured for the first cell of the corresponding second wireless communication node, the first SRS configuration including the identifier of the first cell.

8. The method according to claim 1, comprising: The wireless communication device receives at least one of the following from the first wireless communication node: an index of at least one SRS configuration for data transmission in each cell, and at least one SRS configuration for data transmission configured for the wireless communication device when it is in the RRC inactive state.

9. A wireless communication method, comprising: A first wireless communication node provides a plurality of probe reference signal (SRS) configurations to a wireless communication device. Each of the plurality of SRS configurations is associated with a cell identifier ID of a corresponding second wireless communication node and a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) assigned by the corresponding second wireless communication node. The plurality of SRS configurations can be received by the first wireless communication node from the corresponding second wireless communication node and used for data transmission in the radio resource control (RRC) inactive state in the corresponding cell of the corresponding second wireless communication node. In response to entering the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device uses a first SRS configuration among the plurality of SRS configurations to select a cell with a higher priority than other cells in the cell list for camping; and In response to entering the RRC inactive state, the wireless communication device uses the first SRS configuration among the plurality of SRS configurations to transmit data according to the identifier of the cell in which the wireless communication device is camped.

10. The method of claim 9, comprising: When in the RRC inactive state, the plurality of SRS configurations are provided by the first wireless communication node via broadcast from the first wireless communication node.

11. The method of claim 9, comprising: The wireless communication device selects the first SRS configuration from the plurality of SRS configurations based on the following: Random selection When the wireless communication device is in RRC active state, the index pre-allocated by the first wireless communication node, or The identifier of the wireless communication device.

12. The method of claim 9, comprising: The first wireless communication node sends the index of the plurality of SRS configurations to the wireless communication device that is in the RRC inactive state; as well as The first wireless communication node receives an acknowledgment in response to the index from the wireless communication device.

13. The method of claim 9, comprising: The first wireless communication node provides the plurality of SRS configurations to the wireless communication device via RRC signaling.

14. The method of claim 9, comprising: The first wireless communication node receives each of the plurality of SRS configurations from the corresponding second wireless communication node via the Xn interface.

15. The method of claim 9, comprising: The first wireless communication node sends a first SRS configuration, configured for the first cell of the corresponding second wireless communication node, to the wireless communication device. The first SRS configuration includes the identifier of the first cell.

16. The method of claim 9, comprising: The first wireless communication node sends at least one of the following to the wireless communication device: an index for at least one SRS configuration for data transmission for each cell, and an index for at least one SRS configuration for data transmission configured for the wireless communication device when it is in the RRC inactive state.

17. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

18. A wireless communication device, comprising: A memory and at least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to read instructions from the memory to perform the method according to any one of claims 1-16.

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