Cell reselection related information associated with network slices or closed access groups for wireless networks

Abstract

A method can include receiving, by a user equipment from a network node of a wireless network, cell reselection related information, the cell reselection related information being associated with at least one of a network slice or a closed access group used by the user equipment; and performing, by the user equipment, cell reselection based at least in part on the cell reselection related information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This description relates to wireless communication. Background Technology

[0002] A communication system can be a facility that enables communication between two or more nodes or devices (such as fixed or mobile communication devices). Signals can be transmitted over wired or wireless carriers.

[0003] An example of a cellular communication system is the architecture being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Recent developments in this area are often referred to as Long Term Evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology. E-UTRA (Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access) is the air interface for the 3GPP LTE upgrade path for mobile networks. In LTE, base stations or access points (APs), referred to as enhanced node APs (eNBs), provide radio access within a coverage area or cell. In LTE, mobile devices or mobile stations are referred to as user equipment (UEs). LTE has incorporated many improvements and developments. Various aspects of LTE are also continuously being improved.

[0004] The development of 5G New Radio (NR) is part of an ongoing evolution of mobile broadband to meet the requirements of 5G, similar to the early evolution of 3G and 4G wireless networks. Beyond mobile broadband, 5G also targets emerging use cases. One goal of 5G is to deliver significant improvements in wireless performance, which can include new levels of data rates, latency, reliability, and security. 5G NR can also scale efficiently to connect massive Internet of Things (IoT) networks and can deliver new mission-critical services. For example, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) devices may require high reliability and extremely low latency. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to an example embodiment, a method may include: receiving cell reselection-related information associated with at least one of a network slice or closed access group used by the user equipment from a network node of a wireless network; and performing cell reselection by the user equipment based at least in part on the cell reselection-related information.

[0006] According to another example embodiment, a method may include: sending cell reselection-related information associated with at least one of a network slice or closed access group by a network node in a wireless network.

[0007] Other example embodiments are provided or described for each example method, including: components for performing any example method; a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform any example method; and an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, the at least one memory and the computer program code being configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform any example method.

[0008] Details of one or more examples of the embodiments are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features will be apparent from the specification, the drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a wireless network according to an example embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a user equipment (e.g., UE) according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 3 It is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a network node (e.g., gNB, or BS, gNB-DU, or other network node).

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating a cell reselection performed by a user equipment or UE based on example cell reselection information according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a cell reselection performed by a user equipment or UE based on example cell reselection information according to another example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a cell reselection performed by a user equipment or UE based on example cell reselection information according to yet another example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a wireless station or wireless node (e.g., AP, BS, gNB, RAN node, relay node, UE or user equipment, or other node) according to an example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a wireless network 130 according to an example embodiment. Figure 1In the wireless network 130, user equipment 131, 132, 133, and 135 (also referred to as mobile stations (MS) or user equipment (UE)) can connect to (and communicate with) a base station (BS) 134, which can also be referred to as an access point (AP), an enhanced node B (eNB), a BS, a next-generation node B (gNB), a next-generation enhanced node B (ng-eNB), or a network node. The terms user device and user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. The BS may also include or be referred to as a RAN (radio access network) node, and may include a portion of the BS or a portion of the RAN node, such as (e.g., a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in the case of a split BS). At least some of the functions of the BS (e.g., access point (AP), base station (BS) or (e) node B (eNB), BS, RAN node) can also be performed by any node, server, or host that can be operatively coupled to a transceiver (such as a remote radio head end). BS (or AP) 134 provides wireless coverage within cell 136, which includes user equipment (or UEs) 131, 132, 133, and 135. Although only four UEs are shown connected to or attached to BS 134, any number of UEs can be provided. BS 134 is also connected to core network 150 via S1 or NG interface 151. This is just a simplified example of a wireless network, and other wireless networks can be used.

[0017] A base station (e.g., such as BS134) is an example of a radio access network (RAN) node within a wireless network. For example, a BS (or RAN node) can be or may include (or may alternatively be referred to as) an access point (AP), a gNB, an eNB, or a portion thereof (such as a centralized unit (CU) and / or a distributed unit (DU) in the case of a split BS or a split gNB), or other network node.

[0018] According to illustrative examples, a BS node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) or radio access network (RAN) can be part of a mobile telecommunications system. The RAN (Radio Access Network) can include one or more BS or RAN nodes that implement radio access technologies, for example, to allow one or more UEs to access the network or core network. Thus, for example, the RAN (RAN node, such as BS or gNB) can reside between one or more user equipment or UEs and the core network. According to example embodiments, each RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) or BS can provide one or more wireless communication services for one or more UEs or user equipments, for example, to allow the UE to wirelessly access the network via the RAN node. Each RAN node or BS can perform or provide wireless communication services, such as allowing the UE or user equipment to establish a wireless connection to the RAN node, and to send data to one or more UEs and / or receive data from one or more UEs. For example, after establishing a connection to the UE, the RAN node (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) can forward data received from the network or core network to the UE, and / or forward data received from the UE to the network or core network. RAN nodes (e.g., BS, eNB, gNB, CU / DU, etc.) can perform a variety of other radio functions or services, such as broadcasting control information (e.g., system information) to UEs, paging UEs when data is to be delivered to them, assisting UEs in handover between cells, scheduling resources for uplink data transmission from (multiple) UEs and downlink data transmission to (multiple) UEs, and sending control information for configuring one or more UEs. These are some examples of one or more functions that a RAN node or BS can perform. A base station can also be a DU (Distributed Unit) portion of an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node (also known as a relay node). The DU facilitates access link connections for (multiple) IAB nodes.

[0019] User equipment (user terminal, user equipment (UE), mobile terminal, handheld wireless device, etc.) can refer to portable computing devices, including wireless mobile communication devices that operate with or without a subscriber identification module (SIM), such as, but not limited to, devices of the following types: mobile station (MS), mobile phone, cell phone, smartphone, personal digital assistant (PDA), handset, device using a wireless modem (alarm or measuring device, etc.), laptop and / or touchscreen computer, tablet computer, tablet phone, game console, laptop computer, vehicle, sensor and multimedia device, or any other wireless device. It should be understood that user equipment can also be (or may include) a virtually exclusive uplink-only device, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that loads image or video clips onto the network. User equipment can also be the MT (Mobile Terminal) portion of an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node (also known as a relay node). The MT facilitates the backhaul connection of the IAB node.

[0020] In LTE (as an illustrative example), the core network 150 may be referred to as the Evolved Packet Core (EPC). The EPC may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME), which can handle or assist user equipment in mobility / handover between: a Base Station (BS), one or more gateways that can forward data and control signals between the BS and a packet data network or the Internet, and other control functions or blocks. Other types of wireless networks (such as 5G, which may be referred to as New Radio (NR)) may also include a core network.

[0021] Furthermore, as illustrative examples, the various example embodiments or technologies described herein can be applied to various types of user equipment or data service types, or to user equipment that can run multiple applications of different data service types. New radio (5G) development can support many different applications or many different data service types, such as: machine-type communication (MTC), enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC), Internet of Things (IoT) and / or narrowband IoT user equipment, enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), and ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC). Many of these new 5G (NR) related applications may require higher performance than previous wireless networks.

[0022] The Internet of Things (IoT) can refer to a growing group of objects that possess internet or network connectivity, enabling them to send and receive information from other network devices. For example, many sensor-type applications or devices can monitor physical conditions or states and (e.g., when an event occurs) send reports to servers or other network devices. Machine-type communication (MTC, or machine-to-machine communication) can be characterized, for example, the fully automated generation, exchange, processing, and actuation of data between intelligent machines, with or without human intervention. Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) can support higher data rates than currently available in LTE.

[0023] Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication (URLLC) is a new type of data service or new use case that can be supported for new radio (5G) systems. This enables emerging new applications and services, such as industrial automation, autonomous driving, vehicle safety, and e-health services. As an illustrative example, 3GPP aims to provide connectivity with 10... -5 The block error rate (BLER) corresponds to the reliability and U-plane (user / data plane) latency of up to 1 ms. Therefore, for example, URLLC user equipment / UEs may require significantly lower block error rates and lower latency (with or without the requirement for simultaneous high reliability) than other types of user equipment / UEs. Thus, for example, URLLC UEs (or URLLC applications on UEs) may require much shorter latency compared to eMBB UEs (or eMBB applications running on UEs).

[0024] Various example embodiments can be applied to a wide variety of wireless technologies or wireless networks, such as LTE, LTE-A, 5G (New Radio NR), cmWave, and / or mmWave band networks, IoT, MTC, eMTC, eMBB, URLLC, etc., or any other wireless network or wireless technology. These example networks, technologies, or data service types are provided as illustrative examples only.

[0025] A UE (User Equipment) can be configured to communicate with nodes or network nodes using one or more different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). A Radio Access Technology (RAT) can be defined by a unique protocol set (or protocol entity) that defines the operation of the UE or network node for that RAT. Different RATs can have different protocol entities. Therefore, different RATs can include, for example, LTE, 5G, IEEE 802.11 / WiFi, etc.

[0026] In a cell-related (or gNB or DU) connection state (e.g., RRC connection), the UE is connected to the BS / gNB, and the UE can receive and transmit data (e.g., based on receiving uplink grants). Furthermore, in the connection state or mode, UE mobility can be controlled by the gNB or the network.

[0027] To conserve power, the UE can transition from a connected state (e.g., RRC_Connected) to an unconnected state, such as an idle state (e.g., RRC_Idle) or an inactive state (e.g., RRC_Inactive). For example, in the idle or inactive state, the UE can sleep most of the time (low-power state). In the idle or inactive state, the UE does not have a connection established with any cell, and mobility (e.g., determining which cell the UE will camp on, or which cell to select as the serving cell for the UE) is controlled by the UE. When in the idle or inactive state, the UE can camp on the serving cell (the cell the UE is camping on), where the UE can sleep most of the time and then periodically wake up (e.g., change from a low-power state to a full-power state) to perform one or more tasks or procedures, such as receiving system information from the cell (serving cell) the UE is camping on, detecting paging messages from the serving cell (the paging messages detected by the UE can indicate that the network has data for downlink transmission to the UE), and other operations. Therefore, camping on a cell may include, for example, the UE waking up at a specific time or at a predefined time interval (in an idle or inactive state), receiving system information (e.g., system information blocks or SIBs) from the serving cell, receiving paging messages from the serving cell (the cell where the UE is camping), and / or measuring (multiple) signal parameters of the signal from the serving cell.

[0028] Initially, the UE can select a cell to camp on (e.g., a cell in a PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network)). After camping on a cell, as mentioned, at various times after waking from a low-power state, the UE monitors (receives) system information from the serving cell, detects paging messages from the serving cell, and can perform cell reselection. Cell reselection may include, for example, the UE measuring the signals of (multiple) neighboring cells based on measurement rules, and can select (reselect) a cell to camp on (e.g., a better or stronger) based on cell reselection criteria and the measured signals. Cell reselection criteria may indicate the criteria used to select / reselect a cell as a serving cell (or to select the cell the UE will camp on). For example, cell reselection criteria may require (for the neighboring cell to be reselected as a serving cell (or selected to be camped on)) that (multiple) measured signal parameters (e.g., such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) and / or Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ)) of the neighboring cells are better than or greater than (multiple) thresholds, or better than thresholds + (multiple) offsets, or other cell reselection criteria. In some cases, if the measurement signals from the serving cell (e.g., RSRP and / or RSRQ) are good enough (e.g., the RSRP and / or RSRQ of the signal from the serving cell are greater than a threshold), the UE may not need to measure signals from neighboring cells, for example, to conserve battery power. The UE can perform cell selection and / or cell reselection using cell reselection-related information (e.g., one or more cell reselection-related parameters), which may be received by the UE, for example, via system information (SIB) broadcast from the serving cell, or from one or more messages sent from the serving cell to the UE (e.g., an RRC connection release message).

[0029] Therefore, for example, cell reselection may include (e.g., in an idle or inactive state) a process that a UE can use to select / reselect a cell to be camped on (to select a cell to serve as the serving cell when the UE is in an inactive or idle state). Cell reselection may include, for example, measuring (multiple) signal parameters of the serving cell(s) and / or measuring (multiple) signal parameters of one or more neighboring cells(s) (cell measurements), evaluating cell reselection criteria based on the measured signals and cell reselection-related information (or cell reselection-related parameters), and then determining whether the cell reselection criteria have been met for a cell, and then camping on that cell if the cell reselection criteria are met, and / or other functions that may be used to select or reselect a cell. Signal (or cell) measurements may include measuring signal parameters (e.g., Reference Received Power RSRP and / or Reference Received Quality RSRQ) from its serving cell and / or from neighboring cells.

[0030] Example cell reselection criteria may require one or both of the following conditions to be met:

[0031] Squal > 0 and / Srxlev > 0, where:

[0032] Squal = Qqualmeas - Qqualmin > 0 (Equation 1);

[0033] Srxlev=Qrxlevmeas-Qrxlevmin+QrxlevminOffset-Pcompensation>0

[0034] (Equation 2);

[0035] in:

[0036] Qqualmeas is the measured signal quality (e.g., RSRQ) of neighboring cells;

[0037] Qrxlevmeas is the measured signal level or signal strength (e.g., RSRP) of a neighboring cell;

[0038] Qqualmin is the minimum signal quality (which can be offset by one or more offsets);

[0039] Qrxlevmin is the minimum signal level, minimum signal power, or signal strength (which can be offset by one or more offsets). One or more offsets (e.g., QrxlevminOffset, Pcompensation, or other offsets) can be added or included to adjust the cell reselection criteria indicated by Equations 1 and 2 for Squal and Srxlev. This is merely an illustrative example of a cell reselection criterion, and multiple other cell reselection criteria can be used. If the cell reselection criteria (e.g., Squal > 0 and / Srxlev > 0 in this example) are met for example, a neighboring cell, an inactive or idle UE can (or will) reselect that neighboring cell to camp on.

[0040] In addition, network slicing and / or closed access groups (CAGs) can be used by the wireless network to provide a subset (or selected set) of UEs or subscribers with access to a specific set of resources or services within the wireless network.

[0041] Network slicing is the separation of multiple virtual networks operating on the same physical hardware (or physical network) for different applications, services, or purposes. In other words, network slices can be or can include a network architecture that enables or provides the multiplexing of virtualized and independent logical networks on the same physical network infrastructure. Each network slice can be an isolated end-to-end network, customized to meet the different or unique needs of a specific application. Therefore, network slices can be or can include virtual networks operating on a shared physical network to provide specific services or performance for a group of UEs or for (multiple) applications. Network slices can be or can be allocated a portion of network resources, which can include a portion of Radio Access Network (RAN) (e.g., gNB) resources and a portion of Core Network (CN) resources. Through network slicing, subscribers / UEs or applications running on UEs can belong to different groups, where each group or tenant type has different requirements (e.g., different maximum latency, minimum data rate, different types of security features, etc., ..., or other different service or performance requirements). Furthermore, services (data packets or data) used for different network slices can be processed by different Protocol Data Unit (PDU) sessions. Different network slices can be associated with different UE applications, and / or different network slices can provide different resources or services designed to meet the requirements of different applications (e.g., browser applications, email applications, autonomous vehicle applications, robotics applications, utility meter reporting applications, etc.). In some cases, applications can be classified into specific application types, such as URLLC, eMBB, IoT, or other types of applications, where network slices can be provided for each of these different application types. Different applications can have a wide variety of requirements for radio resources or services. For example, browser applications or email applications may have very lenient latency requirements, while robotics applications may require the ability to send small data packets frequently with very low latency.

[0042] Each network slice can be identified using a slice identifier, such as S-NSSAI (Single-Network Slice Selection Auxiliary Information). S-NSSAI can be used to uniquely identify a network slice. S-NSSAI can include two components: SST (Slice / Service Type) identifying the network slice type, and an optional SD (Slice Distinguisor) distinguishing different network slices of the same type. When a network or gNB can provide many (e.g., dozens or hundreds) different network slices, a UE can use up to N (e.g., 8) different network slices at a time. This allows different applications running on the UE to use (or send and / or receive data) via different network slices. Different network slices can have different or differentiated network resources, network performance, and / or services provided to meet the requirements or needs of that application or type of application. For example, different SST values ​​(indicating different network slices) can be used or provided for different applications:

[0043] SST=1 is used for network slices suitable for processing eMBB (mobile broadband) applications;

[0044] SST=2 is used for network slicing suitable for ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) applications; and

[0045] SST=3 is used for network slices suitable for handling Internet of Things (IoT) or massive IoT (MIot). Each of these network slices can provide specific features or services that are designed to meet the specific needs of these different types of applications.

[0046] For example, network slice 1 could be provided for internet browsers and email applications (or applications with lower performance requirements); network slice 2 could be provided for autonomous vehicle applications; network slice 3 could be provided for utility meter reporting applications, and so on. A network slice can be provided for a single cell or across multiple cells. Therefore, in some cases, a UE can use a slice on a first cell, and then when the UE performs cell reselection or switches to a second cell, if that second cell provides the network slice, the UE can continue to use the same network slice.

[0047] For example, a UE can send a request to a cell or gNB to request the use of one or more network slices (the network slices requested by the UE). The UE may or may not know which network slices the cell or gNB supports. The network can respond with information indicating the network slices(s) the UE is permitted to use, taking into account the network slices supported by the cell or gNB and the user's subscription.

[0048] In some cases, a closed access group (CAG) can be used to restrict access to a subset of UEs, or a specific group of UEs or users, to cells(s). For example, a non-public network can be a wireless network deployed for non-public use (e.g., wireless networks for private use, for private groups such as companies or within corporate campuses, for robotic factories, for government entities, or for other non-public uses). Furthermore, a public network integrated non-public network (PNI-NPN) can be a wireless network deployed or provided for non-public use, relying on one or more network functions provided by a public terrestrial mobile network. For example, in some cases, access to some wireless networks (such as NPNs or PNI-NPNs) can be restricted to a closed access group (CAG). A CAG can identify a group of UEs or subscribers permitted access to one or more CAG cells. A CAG can be identified by a CAG identifier, which can be broadcast by the gNB or cell in system information (e.g., SIB1). Therefore, a gNB or cell can broadcast CAG identifiers for one or more CAGs to indicate (e.g., to a CAG-capable UE) which CAGs the gNB or cell supports or provides (or to indicate that the cell is a CAG cell for (multiple) specific CAGs). A CAG-capable UE can be configured (e.g., via a message or information sent by the gNB) with a list of one or more CAGs that the UE is allowed to access. For example, the UE can receive: 1) a list of allowed CAGs, which includes CAG identifiers for CAGs that the UE is allowed to access; and possibly, 2) a CAG-only indication: whether the UE is allowed to access radio (e.g., 5G / New Radio NR) services only via a list of allowed CAGs (or other lists of CAGs) for the UE, the allowed CAG list indicating one or more CAGs that the UE is allowed to access. When a UE receives or is configured with a CAG-only indication, such a UE can access radio services only via cells that support or are part of a closed access group of the indicated CAG identifiers.

[0049] In some cases, the UE may be using network slicing and / or CAG (accessing radio services via network slicing and / or CAG). For example, the UE may use both network slicing and CAG (e.g., the UE may have an application that uses network slicing to obtain specific radio network performance, while accessing services via a cell that provides or supports CAG that the UE is configured to use). Alternatively, in some cases, the UE may be using only one of these, such as network slicing or, for example, CAG. However, as mentioned, not all cells support or provide the CAG and / or network slicing that the UE is using (or is permitted to use). Furthermore, as mentioned, to conserve battery power, the UE may transition to an idle or inactive state, in which the UE may camp on a cell. When camped on a cell, the UE can wake up from a low-power state at various times and perform cell reselection. This can include the UE measuring signal parameters (cell measurements) of one or more neighboring cells, evaluating cell reselection criteria for neighboring cells based on the measured signals and cell reselection-related information, determining whether the cell reselection criteria have been met for the cell, and then camping on the cell if the cell reselection criteria are met.

[0050] It may be advantageous for the UE to camp on a cell that supports the network slice and / or CAG it is using. However, not all cells can support the network slice(s) and / or CAG(s) the UE is using. Consequently, if the UE needs or prefers to camp on a cell that supports the network slice or CAG it is using, but the UE spends time measuring multiple signal parameters from a cell that does not support the network slice or CAG it is using, unnecessary battery consumption may occur. Furthermore, in cases where the UE measures signal parameters from a cell that does not support the network slice and / or CAG it is using, the evaluation of the cell reselection criteria may lead to a cell reselection for a cell that does not support the network slice or CAG it is using. Therefore, to reduce battery consumption during idle or inactive modes, and / or to increase the likelihood that the UE will perform cell reselection on cells supporting the network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using, it may be desirable for the UE to perform signal measurements from (e.g., only from) cells supporting the network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using, or to at least prioritize signal measurements from cells supporting the network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using. It may also be desirable for the UE to adjust one or more parameters of the cell reselection criteria (e.g., based on information from the network or serving cell) for cells supporting the network slices or CAGs that the UE is using, for example, to make it more likely that the UE will perform cell reselection on cells supporting the network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using (or to prefer cells supporting the network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using).

[0051] Therefore, according to the example embodiment, the serving cell or network node (e.g., gNB) can send (e.g., broadcast or send one or more dedicated messages) cell reselection-related information, which may include: for example, information identifying one or more network slices and / or Cell Access Groups (CAGs) supported by each of one or more other (e.g., neighboring or non-serving) cells; information that the UE can use to adjust cell reselection criteria (e.g., offsets, such as network slice-specific offsets or CAG-specific offsets, or other cell reselection-related parameters); or other cell reselection-related information. The cell reselection-related information may be associated with one or more network slices and / or CAGs (e.g., may be indicated for one or more network slices and / or CAGs), and / or may be specified for each of one or more other cells.

[0052] For example, a UE (e.g., an idle or inactive UE) can receive cell reselection-related information from the serving cell. The UE can perform cell reselection (at least in part) based on this information, which may be associated with a network slice or CAG used by the UE. For example, the UE can measure multiple signal parameters from one or more cells supporting the network slice and / or CAG used by the UE. Alternatively, the UE can adjust cell reselection criteria or perform other actions based on the cell reselection-related information.

[0053] For example, cell reselection-related information sent or broadcast by the cell and received by the UE may include cell reselection-related parameters (such as network slice-specific offsets or CAG-specific offsets) associated with network slices or CAGs, and may be used by the UE to adjust cell reselection criteria for the cell, thereby making it more likely, for example, that the UE will perform cell reselection on cells that support network slices or CAGs used by the UE.

[0054] Furthermore, cell reselection-related information can, for example, enable the UE to perform signal measurements from cells or network nodes that support one or more network slices or CAGs used by the UE, or to prioritize performing signal measurements from cells or network nodes that support one or more network slices or CAGs used by the UE. For example, a network node (e.g., a gNB) or cell can send (e.g., broadcast signals or system information (such as SIBs) or send dedicated messages to the UE) cell reselection-related information, such as information identifying one or more network slices and / or CAGs supported by other (e.g., neighboring or non-serving) cells or network nodes / gNBs. For example, gNB1 providing cell 1 can broadcast or send cell reselection-related information that can indicate the supported slices or CAGs of other (e.g., neighboring) cells, such as information indicating that network slice 1, network slice 2, and CAG 1 are supported by cell 2 and gNB2, and information indicating that network slice 2, network slice 3, network slice 4, and CAG 2 are supported or provided by cell 3 or gNB3, and so on. Therefore, for each of one or more other (e.g., neighboring) cells, the cell or gNB can send or broadcast (e.g., via SIB or other transmissions) a network slice ID (e.g., S-NSSAI or other slice identifier) ​​identifying one or more network slices supported by the neighboring cell, or a CAG ID identifying one or more CAGs supported by the other / neighboring cell. In this way, the serving cell can broadcast or send information to the idle or inactive UE identifying the network slices and / or CAGs supported by one or more other (e.g., neighboring) cells and / or other (or neighboring) gNBs. Therefore, based on this information, the idle or inactive UE can determine which cells or gNBs support which network slices and / or CAGs. The UE knows which network slices and / or CAGs it is currently using among one or more network slices and / or CAGs. Therefore, based on the example cell reselection information (network slice and / or CAG information) sent by the serving cell, the UE can determine which neighboring or non-serving cells or network nodes (e.g., gNB) support one or more network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using (e.g., the network slice being used by the UE, and / or the CAG that the UE is accessing or is permitted to access). The UE can then adjust which cells it can measure based on this cell reselection information. For example, the UE can then measure signal parameters from cells that support the network slice(s) and / or CAG(s) it is using, or it can prioritize the measurement of signal parameters from cells that support the network slice(s) and / or CAG(s) it is using.

[0055] Therefore, in some cases, as an illustrative example, the transmitted cell reselection-related information can be used by the network or network node (e.g., gNB) to influence, affect, or regulate the likelihood that the UE might perform cell reselection on cells that can support network slices or CAGs used by the UE. Thus, for example, the use (transmission and / or reception) of cell reselection-related information (which may be used or associated with one or more network slices or CAGs) can allow the UE (or more likely, the UE may) to perform cell reselection on cells that support (multiple) network slices and / or (multiple) CAGs used by the UE, and then reside thereon. As mentioned, example cell reselection-related information may include information indicating the network slices and / or CAGs supported by each of one or more cells, which can be used by the UE to select one or more cells to be measured, for example, to allow the UE to measure cells that support network slices and / or CAGs used by the UE, and / or to prioritize the measurement of cells that support network slices and / or CAGs used by the UE. In addition, cell reselection-related information may include, for example, one or more network slice or CAG-specific cell reselection-related parameters (e.g., (multiple) network slice-specific offsets), which can be used by the UE to adjust the cell reselection criteria for cells that support the associated network slice or CAG.

[0056] Therefore, for example, to conserve battery power, the UE may measure (or may prioritize) signal parameters of signals received from cells or network nodes supporting the network slice and / or CAG used by the UE, and may not perform and / or may delay, postpone, or not prioritize the measurement of (or may prioritize) signal parameters of signals from cells that have not indicated or announced that they support the network slice and / or CAG used by the UE. Thus, for example, to conserve battery power, the UE may selectively measure (or may prioritize) signal parameters of signals received from cells or network nodes supporting one or more network slices or CAGs used by the UE.

[0057] Figure 2This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a user equipment (e.g., a UE) according to an example embodiment. Operation 210 may include: the user equipment (e.g., a UE, such as an inactive or idle UE) receiving cell reselection-related information from a network node of a wireless network, the cell reselection-related information being associated with at least one of a network slice or closed access group (CAG) used by the user equipment. As an illustrative example, the UE may be using network slice 1 (e.g., the UE may have an application running on the UE that can send and / or receive data via network slice 1). As an example of receiving cell reselection-related information (e.g., cell reselection-related parameters), the UE may receive network_slice1_offset via broadcast system information (e.g., SIB) or via a dedicated control message received from a cell or network node / gNB. For example, network_slice1_offset may indicate an offset that should be added to or used to adjust the cell reselection criteria for any neighboring cells providing network slice 1. See Equation 2A below for example cell reselection criteria. Furthermore, as another example of a UE / User Equipment receiving cell reselection-related information, the UE may receive information for each of one or more other cells (e.g., neighboring or non-serving cells) that identifies one or more network slices and / or CAGs supported by the other / neighboring cells. This type of cell reselection-related information allows the UE to selectively measure signal parameters from which cells, for example, to measure cells supporting the network slices and / or CAGs used by the UE, and / or to prioritize measurements thereon. This increases the possibility that the UE can perform cell reselection for cells supporting the network slices or CAGs used by the UE. The information indicates one or more network slices and / or CAGs supported by the cell. Therefore, based on this broadcast information, the UE may be able to measure the signals of cells supporting (or providing) the network slices and / or CAGs that the UE is using. These are just a few examples, and other cell reselection-related information can be used.

[0058] Figure 2Operation 220 may include: performing cell reselection by a user equipment (or UE) based at least in part on cell reselection-related information (e.g., cell reselection-related parameters). Cell reselection may include, for example, one or more of the following: measuring (multiple) signal parameters of the serving cell and / or measuring (multiple) signal parameters of one or more other or neighboring cells (cell measurement); adjusting or determining cell reselection criteria; evaluating cell reselection criteria based on the measured signals and cell reselection-related information (e.g., which may include one or more cell reselection-related parameters, or other cell reselection-related information); and then determining whether the cell reselection criteria have been met for the cell; and then, if the cell reselection criteria are met, remaining on the cell. A simple example of a cell reselection criterion may be, for example, requiring (e.g.)

[0059] Srxlev>0, where:

[0060] Srxlev=Qrxlevmeas-Qrxlevmin+network_slice1_offset>0

[0061] (Equation 2A)

[0062] in:

[0063] Qrxlevmeas is the measured signal level or signal strength of a neighboring cell (e.g., the measured RSRP of a neighboring cell); network_slice1_offset can be cell reselection related information associated with network slice 1 (which can be received from a cell or network node / gNB via a broadcast SIB or dedicated message); and Qrxlevmin is the minimum signal level or minimum signal power or signal strength (e.g., which can be offset or adjusted via the use of the offset in Equation 2A). For example, network_slice1_offset can be an example of cell reselection related information broadcast by a cell or network node (e.g., gNB) to indicate an offset that should (or can) be added to or used to adjust the cell reselection criteria for any neighboring cell providing network slice 1. In this way, the UE can receive network_slice1_offset via broadcast system information or dedicated control messages to determine that the cell reselection related information pertains to or is used for (e.g., associated with) the network slice (e.g., network slice 1) used by the UE. The UE can measure signals from neighboring cells supporting network slice 1 (also referred to as network_slice1).

[0064] Regarding operation 220, for example, the UE can adjust the cell reselection criteria according to Equation 2A based on the received cell reselection-related information (network_slice1_offset). For example, using the received network_slice1_offset to adjust the cell reselection criteria in Equation 2A can favor (or make more likely) cell reselection by the UE for neighboring cells that provide or support network slice 1. The UE can evaluate the adjusted cell reselection criteria based on (multiple) measured signal parameters of the neighboring cells and the received cell reselection-related information, such as Equation 2A in this example (which can be adjusted based on the received network_slice1_offset). Therefore, the reception and use of cell reselection-related information (e.g., network_slice1_offset) associated with a network slice or CAG that may be used by the UE can make it more likely (in this illustrative example) that the UE can or will perform cell reselection for neighboring cells of the network slice (e.g., network slice 1 in this example) or CAG that supports the UE.

[0065] Alternatively, for example, operation 220 may include: the UE measuring signal parameters of one or more other / neighboring cells based on cell reselection related information (e.g., information identifying a slice or CAG supported by one or more other cells). Thus, for example, in 220, the UE may perform or may prioritize measurements of signals only from those cells that support the network slice and / or CAG used by the UE.

[0066] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The method of receiving may include: receiving cell reselection related information from a network node via broadcast signaling or dedicated signaling sent to the user equipment.

[0067] In addition, as mentioned, regarding Figure 2 The method, operation 210 may include: the UE receiving information from a network node for one or more neighboring or non-serving cells, the information identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups supported by other (e.g., neighboring or non-serving) cells.

[0068] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The method may include at least one of the following items (as some illustrative examples of cell reselection information):

[0069] Information that identifies one or more network slices or closed access groups (CAGs) supported by each of one or more other cells;

[0070] An indication of at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE / user equipment, or frequency or frequency band.

[0071] An indication that the frequency or frequency band does not support at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE;

[0072] An indication that one or more cells or network nodes support network slicing or are part of a closed access group used by the UE;

[0073] The Radio Access Technology (RAT) supports an indication of at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE;

[0074] As part of the cell reselection criteria, this parameter, for the purpose of cell reselection, prefers or prioritizes cells that support at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE, compared to cells that do not support the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE.

[0075] The offset to be used by the UE as part of the cell reselection criteria, which is associated with at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE;

[0076] Network slice-specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset is part of the cell reselection criteria;

[0077] Closed access group specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset, which is part of the cell reselection criteria; or

[0078] Slice-specific measurement rules or CAG-specific measurement rules, specific to at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE, provide rules or instructions for performing signal measurements as part of cell reselection.

[0079] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The method of receiving cell reselection related information may include, for example, receiving an offset (e.g., see the example of network_slice1_offset described above), which is associated with at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment; wherein performing cell reselection may include: adjusting and / or evaluating cell reselection criteria by the UE / user equipment based at least on the offset associated with at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE.

[0080] In addition, regarding Figure 2The method for performing cell reselection may include (for example, one or more of the following): the UE (or user equipment) measuring signal parameters of a signal received from another (e.g., a neighboring or non-serving) cell; the UE adjusting and / or evaluating cell reselection criteria based at least on the measured signal parameters and cell reselection-related information associated with at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the UE; the UE determining that the cell reselection criteria are met for a cell; and the UE selecting a cell for which the cell reselection criteria are met to camp.

[0081] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The method, wherein cell reselection related information may include multiple cell reselection related information, the multiple cell reselection related information including: 1) an indication of at least one of the network slices or closed access groups (CAGs) used by the UE / User Equipment via a frequency band, and 2) an offset associated with at least one of the network slices or CAGs used by the UE and to be used to evaluate cell reselection criteria; wherein performing cell reselection may include: measuring signal parameters of a signal received from a cell via a frequency band supporting at least one of the network slices or CAGs used by the UE; and evaluating cell reselection criteria for the cell by the UE based at least on the measured signal parameters and offset of the cell.

[0082] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The method of receiving cell reselection related information may include: receiving an indication that a frequency band supports at least one of a network slice or a closed access group used by the UE (or user equipment); and wherein performing cell reselection includes: the UE measuring signal parameters of a signal received via a frequency band indicated to support at least one of a network slice or a closed access group used by the UE.

[0083] In addition, regarding Figure 2 The method of performing cell reselection may further include: evaluating cell reselection criteria by the user equipment based on measured signal parameters of signals received via the frequency band (e.g., see UE evaluation of cell reselection criteria based on measured signal parameters of received network_slice1_offset and neighboring cells, Equation 2A).

[0084] Figure 3This is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a network node (e.g., a gNB, or BS, gNB-DU, or other network node). Operation 310 includes: a network node in a wireless network transmitting cell reselection-related information associated with at least one of a network slice or closed access group. For example, the cell reselection-related information may be transmitted by the network node via broadcast signaling or transmitted dedicated signaling (e.g., which may be sent to one or more UEs / user equipment). The transmission of cell reselection-related information by the network node (e.g., a gNB or cell) may include, for example, the transmission of cell reselection-related parameters (e.g., such as network_slice1_offset), which may allow the UE to receive such parameters and adjust the cell reselection criteria based on the received cell reselection-related information (e.g., based on network_slice1_offset, as an example), for example, according to the cell reselection criteria of Equation 2A. The UE can then evaluate such adjusted or updated cell reselection criteria, and if the cell reselection criteria are met or compliant, perform cell reselection for neighboring cells (e.g., cells that support or provide network slices or CAGs used by the UE).

[0085] about Figure 3 Operation 310, the transmission or transmission of cell reselection related information may include, for example, information identifying one or more network slices and / or CAGs supported by other / neighboring cells for each of one or more other cells. This type of cell reselection related information can allow the UE to be selective about which cells the UE will measure signal parameters from, for example, to allow the UE to measure cells that support a specific network slice and / or CAG used by the UE, and / or to give priority to their measurement.

[0086] about Figure 3 Operation 310 may include sending, for example, information from a network node (e.g., a gNB or a cell) to at least a UE / user equipment, the information identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups (CAGs) supported by neighboring (or other) cells.

[0087] Figure 3 The method may also include: receiving from the UE / user equipment by the network node a request for the UE to use a network slice or closed access group of one or more cells of the wireless network.

[0088] about Figure 3 The method may include at least one of the following (as an illustrative example of cell reselection information): information identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups supported by each of one or more other (or neighboring) cells;

[0089] An indication that the frequency or frequency band supports at least one of network slicing or closed access groups;

[0090] An indication that the frequency or band does not support at least one of the following: network slicing or closed access group;

[0091] An indication that one or more cells or network nodes support network slicing or are part of a closed access group;

[0092] Radio Access Technology (RAT) supports indications of at least one of network slicing or closed access groups;

[0093] As part of the cell reselection criteria, this parameter, for cell reselection, prefers or prioritizes cells that support at least one of the network slice or closed access group compared to cells that do not support the network slice or closed access group used by the UE / user equipment.

[0094] An offset to be used by the UE / User Equipment as part of the cell reselection criteria, which is associated with at least one of the network slice or closed access group;

[0095] Network slice-specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset is part of the cell reselection criteria;

[0096] Closed access group specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset, which is part of the cell reselection criteria; or

[0097] Network slice-specific measurement rules or CAG-specific measurement rules, specific to at least one of a network slice or closed access group, provide rules or instructions for performing signal measurements as part of cell reselection.

[0098] about Figure 3 The method of transmission may include: a network node transmitting an offset associated with at least one of a network slice or a closed access group for adjustment of cell reselection criteria for cells supporting a network slice or a closed access group. Alternatively, transmission may include: transmitting an indication that a frequency band supports at least one of a network slice or a closed access group.

[0099] Therefore, depending on (multiple) network slices and / or (multiple) CAGs, different cell reselection parameters can be applied to idle or inactive UEs. A UE's use of a CAG can be determined, for example, based on whether the UE accesses (or has access to, or is permitted to access) a CAG cell as a member of the CAG, or whether the UE's use of a CAG can be based on whether the UE accesses (or has access to, or is permitted to access) a CAG cell as a member of the CAG. As an example, broadcasting cell reselection information might indicate (or identify within the broadcast information) offset 1 for network slice 1, offset 2 for network slice 2, offset 3 for CAG1, and so on.

[0100] Therefore, for example, adjusted cell reselection information (which may be cell reselection information provided for UEs that typically use network slices or CAGs, such as cell reselection parameters(s), or cell reselection information per slice or per CAG) or cell reselection information per slice or per CAG can be sent via a dedicated message to the UE, or can be broadcast via system information (e.g., via a system information block), such as via one or more of the following:

[0101] CAG and network slicing are different technologies that provide different network resources to different groups. Various SIBs or System Information Blocks can provide the UE with cell reselection-related information, such as:

[0102] SIB2 contains cell reselection information common to intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT cell reselection.

[0103] SIB3 contains neighboring cell information only for in-frequency cell reselection (where in-frequency may represent or may include the same frequency or the same frequency band that the UE is currently monitoring on the cell where the UE is currently camped).

[0104] SIB4 contains information relevant only for inter-frequency (frequency bands different from the frequency band currently being monitored by the UE) cell reselection, such as information about other NR / 5G frequencies and inter-frequency adjacent cells relevant to cell reselection;

[0105] SIB5 contains information relevant only for inter-RAT (other radio access technologies) cell reselection, such as information about the E-UTRA frequency and E-UTRA neighboring cells relevant to cell reselection.

[0106] For example, signaling or other control information used to provide cell reselection-related information can be provided or sent to the UE to override one or more cell reselection-related information or parameters, disable them, or adjust them using coefficients notified by signaling. Additional signaling can be performed in a dedicated manner, in each of the SIBs mentioned above, or in different SIBs (new or existing SIBs).

[0107] Network signals (in the current SIB or a new SIB) may include cell reselection-related information or parameters transmitted as one or more of the following slice (re)selection information: information indicating that certain RATs (Radio Access Technologies), or certain frequencies (or bands), or certain cells support (multiple) specific network slices or (multiple) CAGs, such as, for example:

[0108] 1) The UE may be notified, for example, via configuration or via message or broadcast signaling, that RAT2 has cells that support network slices Y and Z used by the UE. Therefore, the UE may perform measurements of signals from RAT2 (cells), or may prioritize measurements of signals from cells in RAT2 compared to measurements of other RAT signals that do not support network slices or CAGs used by the UE (e.g., cells from RAT3).

[0109] 2) Frequency (or band) X supports slices Y and Z. If the UE is using slice Y, the UE can measure signals from neighboring cells on frequencies that support the slice or CAG used by the UE (or can prioritize, e.g., perform its measurements first). Alternatively, in some cases, the UE can only measure cells on these frequencies that support its slice / CAG (the slice / CAG used by the UE). This measurement method can save battery power for the UE by measuring signals from cells only on the frequencies of the currently serving cell (intra-frequency measurement), for example, because cell signals can be measured on the same frequency without switching to other frequencies / bands to perform signal measurements. Alternatively, if the signal parameters of the currently serving cell are insufficient (e.g., below a threshold), the UE can prioritize (e.g., perform) intra-frequency measurements from neighboring cells, as mentioned, this can save UE battery power. If the current cell is poor, the UE can first measure signals from cells on frequency X, as this is the best (or most efficient) use of battery power / time for cell measurements. The BS / gNB can broadcast different information, and the UE can use different priorities based on which frequencies its slice is supported. For example, cell measurements on frequency X (which has a network slice or CAG that supports it) can be given priority. In addition to this method of giving priority to certain frequencies or cells (for measurements) that provide support for a particular network slice or CAG, the network (BS or gNB) can also broadcast or indicate one or more regulated cell reselection parameters, such as offset (see below).

[0110] 3) Cell 1 supports network slices 2, 3, and 4. The UE may be using one or more network slices from network slices 2, 3, and / or 4. Therefore, the UE may perform, or may prioritize, measurements on cells (such as cell 1) that support one or more, or even all, of the network slices (or CAGs) used by the UE. This approach (the prioritization of such measurements, or signal measurements from cells supporting the UE's slices or CAGs) makes it more likely that the UE will perform cell reselection on cells supporting one or more (or even all) of the network slices or CAGs used by the UE (if one of the measured cells meets the cell reselection criteria).

[0111] Furthermore, cell reselection-related information (e.g., such as (multiple) cell reselection-related parameters) can be received by the UE for one or more network slices or CAGs, and can be used by the UE to manipulate and adjust cell (re)selection criteria (e.g., see, for example, Equation 2A) so that RAT / frequency / cells supporting certain slices / NPNs “look better” or more attractive than RAT / frequency / cells that do not support certain slices (the UE can adjust its own cell reselection criteria, e.g., new offsets, to adjust cell measurements to favor / prioritize the measurements and cell reselection of cells in NW slices that support it).

[0112] Alternatively, the UE only measures the RAT / frequency / cell that supports certain slices.

[0113] 4) A network slice-specific offset or CAG-specific offset (e.g., RSRP or RSRQ offset) used by the UE to perform cell reselection, which may be used by the UE to adjust the cell reselection criteria of Equations 1 and / or 2. For example, the UE may receive (e.g., via broadcast signals from a cell or gNB or SIB) network_slice1_offset to adjust the cell reselection criteria of Equation 2A, which may favor (or make more likely) cell reselection by the UE for that neighboring cell that provides or supports network slice 1. The UE may evaluate the adjusted cell reselection criteria based on (multiple) measured signal parameters of the neighboring cell(s) and received cell reselection-related information (e.g., (multiple) cell reselection-related parameters), such as Equation 2A in this example (which may be adjusted based on the received network_slice1_offset). Thus, the RSRP offset and / or RSRQ offset may be indicated for one or more network slices and / or CAGs (in cell reselection-related information broadcast by one or more gNBs). Therefore, the UE can then use or apply cell reselection-related information (e.g., cell reselection-related parameters), such as slices or CAGs used by the UE, to adjust the cell reselection criteria for cells that provide or support indicative slices or CAGs.

[0114] 5) In addition, different cell reselection related information can be indicated for intra-frequency measurements (measurements of signals from a cell on the same frequency or band as the current serving cell used to transmit system information or SIB), inter-frequency measurements (measurements of signals from a cell on a different frequency or band than the frequency / band used by the current serving cell to transmit system information or SIB or cell reselection related information (such as cell reselection related parameters), intra-RAT measurements (measurements of cells within the same RAT as the current serving cell), and inter-RAT measurements (measurements of cells in a RAT different from the current serving cell's RAT).

[0115] 6) Slice-specific or CAG-specific cell reselection priority information, which indicates the priority of cell reselection for a specific slice or CAG. For example, this information may indicate that slices 3 and 4 are indicated as high priority. Therefore, in response to this priority information, the UE may measure signals from cells in one or more of these high-priority slices (e.g., slices 3, slice 4), and / or the UE may, as a priority (e.g., perform first), measure and attempt to perform cell reselection on cells in one or more of these indicated priority slices; and / or measuring and / or performing (attempting to perform) cell reselection on cells that do not support the indicated high-priority slice or CAG will be performed as a lower priority (e.g., performed later, or only performed if no cells support the high-priority slice or CAG, or performed after cell reselection on cells supporting the high-priority slice or CAG is performed first).

[0116] 7) Typically, slice-specific and / or CAG-specific offsets, thresholds, or other cell reselection-related information can be indicated or identified via SIB or system information. Cell reselection-related information for slices or CAGs can be used by the UE to adjust existing cell reselection criteria for cells that support the indicated slice or CAG (e.g., see Equation 2A), or can be used to indicate or specify new cell reselection criteria for cells that support slices or CAGs.

[0117] For example, the UE may use these new slice (or CAG) specific (re)selection information (e.g., offset, or other slice or CAG specific cell reselection information, or cell reselection parameters) to be used for a specific network slice (e.g., for a specific network slice that the UE can use or will request); otherwise, the UE may use regular or default cell reselection information and / or regular or default cell reselection criteria (e.g., which are not specific to the UE using the slice or CAG, or which may not be slice-specific and / or CAG-specific).

[0118] Therefore, by using one or more of the various techniques described herein, the signal measurement load for inactive or idle UEs can be reduced, for example, for idle or inactive UEs that may be using one or more network slices or using (e.g., accessing) one or more CAG / CAG cells. Thus, the UE can receive information (e.g., broadcast information) indicating that the cells(s) support or provide the network slice or UE that the UE may be using or accessing. (Typically, the UE may also receive information indicating that the cell, frequency band, and / or RAT supports a specific network slice or CAG.) The UE can then measure signals only from cells indicated to support a specific network slice(s) or a specific CAG, or can prioritize measurements of those cells. Thus, the UE can avoid, for example, measuring signals from cells that do not support or provide the network slice or CAG used or accessed by the UE, and the UE wishes to continue using or accessing such a slice(s) or CAG(s) after cell reselection. Furthermore, the UE can receive network slice-specific cell reselection information (e.g., offset or other parameters), which can be used to adjust cell reselection criteria for cells that support or provide a specific slice or CAG (e.g., the slice or CAG used or accessed by the UE). In this way, the UE's measurement and / or cell reselection behavior can be influenced or adjusted to allow saving UE battery power and / or allow cell reselection for cells that allow the use of the slice and / or access to the CAG at the cell location after cell reselection.

[0119] exist Figures 4-6 The example uses network slicing, but CAG can be used instead, or CAG can be used in addition to network slicing.

[0120] Figure 4This diagram illustrates a cell reselection performed by a user equipment or UE based on example cell reselection information according to an example embodiment. In this example, gNB1 provides cell 1 (e.g., the serving cell for UE 132), gNB2 provides cell 2, and gNB3 provides cell 3. Cell 2 and cell 3 are neighboring / non-serving cells (other cells). UE 132 may be camped on cell 1 provided by gNB1 (an example of a network node). In 1), the UE is configured to use network slice 1, for example, by sending a request to use slice 1, and / or by receiving a response (or confirmation message) and / or receiving a configuration message configuring UE 132 to use network slice 1. In 2), the UE is camped on cell 1 provided by gNB1 (therefore, the UE is camped on gNB1 / cell 1). Therefore, gNB1 and cell 1 are the current serving cells for UE 132, and UE 132 may be in an idle or inactive state. In 3) and 4), UE 132 may receive (e.g., via SIB broadcast or via (multiple) dedicated messages) cell reselection related information. In 3), the UE may receive (as some example cell reselection related information) slice information indicating that gNB2 and cell 2 support network slice 2, and gNB3 and cell 3 support network slice 1. This information may be received from the currently serving cell (gNB1 / cell 1). In 4), the UE receives (as some example cell reselection related information) received power (e.g., RSRP) offset and / or received quality (e.g., RSRQ) offset for each network slice in network slice 1 and network slice 2. These network slices may be used by the UE to adjust cell reselection criteria (e.g., see Equation 2A as an example of adjusting cell reselection criteria based on received offsets for or associated with a network slice). In the offsets (or cell reselection related information) sent for different network slices (e.g., for slice 1, slice 2, slice 3, ...), UE 132 can detect the RSRP / RSRQ offset for network slice 1, for example, because the UE is using network slice 1 and because the UE may be interested in continuing to use network slice 1 after any cell reselection, and the offset for network slice 1 can be used for cell reselection for a cell that supports, for example, network slice 1. In 5), the UE performs a cell reselection evaluation (or cell selection criterion evaluation (e.g., see Equation 2A, as an illustrative example) for network slice 1 (e.g., using signal measurements from cell 3 that supports slice 1) because UE 132 is configured to use network slice 1. Furthermore, the RSRP / RSRQ offset (for network slice 2) is not used by UE 132 to evaluate cell reselection criteria for gNB2 / cell 2 because the UE is not configured to use network slice 2. Figure 4 Steps 1) and 2) for Figures 5-6 They can be the same.

[0121] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a cell reselection performed by a user equipment (UE) or UE based on example cell reselection information according to another example embodiment. In this example, gNB1 provides cell 1, and gNB2 provides cell 2. In 1), the UE is configured to use network slice 1. In 2), the UE is camped on gNB1 / cell 1 (gNB1 and cell 1 are the current serving cells for UE 132, which may be in an idle or inactive state). In 3) and 4), the UE receives cell reselection information. In 3), the UE receives slice information, including information indicating that gNB2 / cell 2 supports network slice 2. In 4), UE 132 receives (multiple) cell slice-specific measurement rules that indicate that if the current serving cell used by UE 132 (e.g., cell 1 in this case) supports the network slice used by UE 132 (network slice 1 in this example), then UE 132 is configured not to perform (or should omit) the measurement of signal parameters of signals from neighboring cells if the measured received power and / or received quality (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ) of the current serving cell is higher than a threshold. In 5), the UE evaluates the measurement rules (the UE determines that RSRP and / or RSRQ are higher than the threshold and therefore sufficient) and determines that the neighboring cell measurement can (or should or will) be omitted or skipped by the UE during this time period because the RSRP / RSRQ of the current serving cell measured by UE 132 is sufficient or higher than (multiple) thresholds, and the current serving cell (gNB1 / cell 1) supports network slice 1 used by UE 132. Therefore, in this way, according to the specific measurement rules of the received cell slice, if the current serving cell has a sufficient value (above the threshold) and the current serving cell supports the network slice used by UE 132, the UE can omit neighbor cell measurements.

[0122] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating a cell reselection performed by a user equipment or UE based on example cell reselection information according to yet another example embodiment. Figure 6 Operations 1) and 2) with Figures 4-5The same applies to UE 132. UE 132 uses network slice 1. In 3) and 4), UE 132 receives cell reselection related information. In 3), the UE receives slice information for a frequency band, such as indicating which network slice each of one or more frequency bands supports, such as indicating that frequency band 1 supports network slice 1, frequency band 2 supports network slice 2, and frequency band 3 supports network slice 1. In 4), UE 132 receives offsets (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ offsets) for network slice 1 and network slice 2. In 5), the UE performs an evaluation of the cell reselection criteria (e.g., see Equations 1, 2, 2A as examples of cell reselection criteria), and uses the RSRP / RSRQ offset for network slice 1 for signals measured via frequency band 1 and via frequency band 3. Therefore, the cell reselection criteria are adjusted by the UE for cell signals measured on frequency band 1 and / or on frequency band 3, based on the received offset for network slice 1 (because the UE is using network slice 1). The offset used for network slice 2 (e.g., RSRP / RSRQ offset) was not used for cell reselection (or adjustment of cell reselection criteria) because the UE was not using network slice 2.

[0123] Example 1. A method comprising: receiving cell reselection-related information from a network node of a wireless network by a user equipment, the cell reselection-related information being associated with at least one of a network slice or a closed access group used by the user equipment; and performing cell reselection by the user equipment at least in part based on the cell reselection-related information.

[0124] Example 2. The method according to Example 1, wherein receiving includes: the user equipment receiving cell reselection related information associated with each of a plurality of network slices or closed access groups from the network node; the method further includes: selecting cell reselection related information associated with the network slice or closed access group used by the user equipment from the received cell reselection related information; and wherein performing includes: performing cell reselection at least in part based on the selected cell reselection related information associated with the network slice or closed access group used by the user equipment.

[0125] Example 3. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 2, wherein receiving cell reselection related information includes: the user equipment receiving the cell reselection related information from the network node via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling sent to the user equipment.

[0126] Example 4. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein receiving cell reselection related information includes: the user equipment receiving information from the network node of the cell identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups supported by (a plurality of) other cells; and wherein performing cell reselection includes: the user equipment measuring signal parameters of the signal of the cell supporting the network slice or closed access group used by the user equipment based on the received information.

[0127] Example 5. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the user equipment is a user equipment in an inactive or idle state.

[0128] Example 6. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 5, wherein the cell reselection related information includes at least one of the following: information identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups supported by each of one or more other cells; an indication that a frequency or frequency band supports at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment; an indication that a frequency or frequency band does not support at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment; an indication that one or more cells or network nodes support the network slice or a portion of the closed access group used by the user equipment; an indication that a radio access technology (RAT) supports at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment; and, as part of the cell reselection criteria, a parameter for cell reselection, compared to cells that do not support the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment. Parameter preferences or priorities support cells in at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment; offsets to be used by the user equipment as part of the cell reselection criteria, the offsets being associated with at least one of the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment; network slice-specific reference received power (RSRP) offsets or reference received quality (RSRQ) offsets as part of the cell reselection criteria; closed access group-specific reference received power (RSRP) offsets or reference received quality (RSRQ) offsets as part of the cell reselection criteria; or slice-specific measurement rules or CAG-specific measurement rules specific to the network slices or closed access groups used by the user equipment, the slice-specific measurement rules or CAG-specific measurement rules providing rules or instructions for performing signal measurements as part of cell reselection.

[0129] Example 7. A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 6: wherein receiving cell reselection related information includes receiving an offset associated with at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment; wherein performing cell reselection includes: the user equipment evaluating cell reselection criteria based at least on the offset associated with at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment.

[0130] Example 8. The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein performing cell reselection comprises: measuring signal parameters of a signal received from a non-serving cell by the user equipment; evaluating cell reselection criteria by the user equipment based at least on the measured signal parameters and cell reselection-related information associated with at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment; determining by the user equipment that the cell reselection criteria are met for the non-serving cell; and selecting the non-serving cell for which the cell reselection criteria are met for camping by the user equipment.

[0131] Example 9. A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 8: wherein the cell reselection related information includes a plurality of cell reselection related information, including: 1) an indication that a frequency band supports at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment, and 2) an offset associated with the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment and to be used for evaluating cell reselection criteria; wherein performing cell reselection includes: the user equipment measuring signal parameters of a signal received from a cell via the frequency band supporting at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment; and the user equipment evaluating cell reselection criteria for the cell based at least on the measured signal parameters of the cell and the offset.

[0132] Example 10. A method according to any one of Examples 1 to 9: wherein receiving cell reselection related information includes: an indication that the received frequency band supports at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment; and wherein performing cell reselection includes: the user equipment measuring signal parameters of a signal received via the frequency band indicated to support at least one of the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment.

[0133] Example 11. The method according to Example 10, wherein performing cell reselection further comprises: evaluating cell reselection criteria by the user equipment based on signal parameters of the measured signal received via the frequency band.

[0134] Example 12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0135] Example 13. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0136] Example 14. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; said at least one memory and said computer program code being configured together with said at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 11.

[0137] Example 15. A method comprising: sending cell reselection related information associated with at least one of a network slice or closed access group by a network node in a wireless network.

[0138] Example 16. The method according to Example 15, wherein the sending includes:

[0139] The network node sends the cell reselection information via broadcast signaling or dedicated signaling sent to the user equipment.

[0140] Example 17. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 16, wherein the transmission includes: the network node in the wireless network transmitting cell reselection related information associated with at least one of a network slice or closed access group used by a user equipment, wherein the cell reselection related information is used by one or more user equipment to use or adjust cell reselection criteria.

[0141] Example 18. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 17, wherein sending cell reselection related information includes: broadcasting system information by the network node, the system information including cell reselection related information associated with at least one of the network slice or the closed access group, wherein the cell reselection related information is used for the use or adjustment of cell reselection criteria.

[0142] Example 19. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 18, wherein sending cell reselection related information includes: the network node sending information identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups supported by (a plurality of) other cells to the user equipment.

[0143] Example 20. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 19, comprising:

[0144] The network node receives from the user equipment a request for the user equipment to use one or more cells of the wireless network, or the closed access group.

[0145] Example 21. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 20, wherein the user equipment is a user equipment in an inactive or idle state.

[0146] Example 22. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 21, wherein the cell reselection related information includes at least one of the following: information identifying one or more network slices or closed access groups supported by each of one or more other cells; an indication that a frequency or band supports at least one of the network slices or the closed access group; an indication that a frequency or band does not support at least one of the network slices or the closed access group; an indication that one or more cells or network nodes support the network slice or part of the closed access group; an indication that a radio access technology (RAT) supports at least one of the network slices or the closed access group; and a parameter, as part of the cell reselection criteria, for cell reselection, that prefers or prioritizes cells supporting the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment compared to cells that do not support the network slice or the closed access group used by the user equipment. The network slice or at least one of the closed access groups (or making cell reselection more likely); an offset to be used by the user equipment as part of the cell reselection criteria, the offset being associated with the network slice or the at least one of the closed access groups; a network slice-specific reference received power (RSRP) offset or reference received quality (RSRQ) offset as part of the cell reselection criteria; a closed access group-specific reference received power (RSRP) offset or reference received quality (RSRQ) offset as part of the cell reselection criteria; or a network slice-specific measurement rule or CAG-specific measurement rule specific to the network slice or the at least one of the closed access groups, the network slice-specific measurement rule or CAG-specific measurement rule providing rules or instructions for performing signal measurements as part of cell reselection.

[0147] Example 23. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 22, wherein sending cell reselection related information includes: the network node sending an offset associated with at least one of the network slice or the closed access group to support the adjustment of cell reselection criteria for cells of the network slice or the closed access group.

[0148] Example 24. The method according to any one of Examples 15 to 23, wherein the transmit cell reselection related information includes: an indication that the transmit frequency band supports at least one of the network slice or the closed access group.

[0149] Example 25. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium including instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform the method according to any one of Examples 15 to 24.

[0150] Example 26. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method according to any one of Examples 15 to 24.

[0151] Example 27. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code; said at least one memory and said computer program code being configured together with said at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform at least one method according to any one of Examples 15 to 24.

[0152] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., AP, BS, gNB, eNB, relay node or other network node, or user equipment / UE, or other node) 1100 according to an example embodiment. For example, wireless station 1100 may include one or more (e.g., such as...) Figure 7 The two RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 1102A and 1102B shown include a transmitter for transmitting signals and a receiver for receiving signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 1104 for executing instructions or software and controlling the transmission and reception of signals, and a memory 1106 for storing data and / or instructions.

[0153] Processor 1104 may also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets, or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and perform other tasks or functions described herein. For example, processor 1104, which may be a baseband processor, may generate messages, packets, frames, or other signals for transmission via wireless transceiver 1102 (1102A or 1102B). Processor 1104 may control the transmission of signals or messages through the wireless network and may control the reception of signals or messages via the wireless network (e.g., after being down-converted by wireless transceiver 1102). Processor 1104 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or on other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. For example, processor 1104 may be (or may include) hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor executing software or firmware, and / or any combination of these. For example, using other terms, processor 1104 and transceiver 1102 may be considered together as a wireless transmitter / receiver system.

[0154] In addition, refer to Figure 7 The controller (or processor) 1108 can execute software and instructions, and can provide overall control for station 1100, and can provide... Figure 7 Other systems, not shown, provide control, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., a display, a keypad), and / or can execute software that can perform one or more applications available on the wireless station 1100, such as an email program, an audio / video application, a word processor, a VoIP application, or other applications or software.

[0155] In addition, a storage medium may be provided that includes stored instructions, which, when executed by a controller or processor, may cause processor 1104 or other controllers or processors to perform one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0156] According to another example embodiment, the RF or (multiple) wireless transceivers 1102A / 1102B can receive signals or data and / or transmit or emit signals or data. The processor 1104 (and possibly the transceivers 1102A / 1102B) can control the RF or wireless transceivers 1102A or 1102B to receive, transmit, broadcast, or emit signals or data.

[0157] However, the example embodiments are not limited to the system given as an example, and those skilled in the art can apply this solution to other communication systems. Another example of a suitable communication system is a 5G system. It is assumed that the network architecture in 5G will be very similar to advanced LTE. 5G may use multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, more base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites operating in cooperation with small cells, and may also employ various radio technologies to achieve better coverage and higher data rates.

[0158] It should be understood that future networks will likely utilize Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a network architecture concept that proposes virtualizing network node functions as "building blocks" or entities that can be operationally connected or linked together to provide services. Virtualized network functions (VNFs) can include one or more virtual machines running computer program code using standard or general-purpose servers instead of custom hardware. Cloud computing or data storage may also be used. In radio communications, this may mean that node operations can be performed, at least partially, in servers, hosts, or nodes operatively coupled to a remote radio head. Node operations may also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. It should also be understood that the workload distribution between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even not exist, in LTE.

[0159] Example embodiments of the various technologies described herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, or in computer hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. Example embodiments can be implemented as computer program products, i.e., computer programs tangibly embodied in an information carrier, such as in a machine-readable storage device or in a propagating signal, for execution by a data processing device or control of the operation of a data processing device, such as a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple computers. Embodiments can also be provided on a computer-readable medium or a computer-readable storage medium, which may be a non-transitory medium. Embodiments of the various technologies can also include embodiments provided via transient signals or media, and / or program and / or software embodiments downloadable via the Internet or (multiple) other networks (wired and / or wireless networks). Furthermore, embodiments can be provided via machine-type communication (MTC) or via the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0160] Computer programs can be in the form of source code, object code, or some intermediate form, and can be stored on some kind of carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which can be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. Such carriers include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. Depending on the required processing power, computer programs can be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among multiple computers.

[0161] Furthermore, example embodiments of the various technologies described herein can utilize cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems that enable computing elements controlling physical entities to collaborate). CPS can be implemented and utilize a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in physical objects in different locations. Mobile cyber-physical systems (where the physical systems under discussion have inherent mobility) are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals. The proliferation of smartphones has increased interest in the field of mobile cyber-physical systems. Therefore, various embodiments of the technologies described herein can be provided through one or more of these technologies.

[0162] Computer programs, such as the aforementioned computer programs, can be written in any programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and can be deployed in any form, including as a standalone program, or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit or part thereof suitable for a computing environment. Computer programs can be deployed to execute on a single computer, on multiple computers at a single site, or on multiple computers distributed across multiple sites and interconnected via a communication network.

[0163] The method steps can be executed by one or more programmable processors that execute a computer program or portions thereof to perform a function by manipulating input data and generating output. The method steps can also be executed by a dedicated logic circuit system, and the apparatus can be implemented as a dedicated logic circuit system, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit).

[0164] For example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any type of digital computer, chip, or chipset, and any one or more processors. Typically, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. Computer elements may include at least one processor for executing instructions, and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer may also include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magneto-optical, magneto-optical, or optical disc) for storing data, or both. Information carriers suitable for embodying computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks. Processors and memory may be complemented by or integrated into a dedicated logic circuit system.

[0165] To provide interaction with the user, embodiments can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a cathode ray tube (CRT) or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor) for displaying information to the user, and a user interface through which the user can provide input to the computer (such as a keyboard and pointing devices, such as a mouse or trackball). Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input.

[0166] The example embodiments can be implemented in a computing system including: a backend component, such as a data server; or a middleware component, such as an application server; or a frontend component, such as a client computer having a graphical user interface or web browser through which a user can interact with the embodiments; or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components can be interconnected via digital data communication of any form or media, such as a communication network. Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs), such as the Internet.

[0167] While certain features of the described embodiments have been illustrated herein, many modifications, substitutions, alterations, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations falling within the true spirit of the various embodiments.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: The user equipment receives cell reselection-related information from a network node of the wireless network via broadcast signaling, and the cell reselection-related information is associated with each of the multiple network slices used by the user equipment. The cell reselection-related information is used by one or more user equipments as cell reselection criteria to enable at least one user equipment to perform cell reselection to a cell that supports the network slice used by the at least one user equipment; Based on the received cell reselection information, the user equipment measures the signal parameters of the signal used in the cell, and the cell supports each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment; as well as Based on the measurement, the user equipment performs cell reselection at least in part based on the cell reselection related information, which is associated with each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment. The user equipment identifies one or more network slices of the plurality of network slices that are supported by at least one other cell; as well as Based on the identifier, select the cell reselection related information associated with the network slice used by the user equipment from the received cell reselection related information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the user equipment is a user equipment in an inactive or idle state.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cell reselection related information includes at least one of the following: Information identifying one or more network slices supported by each of one or more other cells; The frequency or frequency band supports an indication of each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment; Indication that the frequency or frequency band does not support the at least one network slice used by the user equipment; An indication that one or more cells or network nodes support the network slice used by the user equipment; Radio Access Technology (RAT) supports the indication of the at least one network slice used by the user equipment; As part of the cell reselection criteria, for cell reselection, the parameter prefers or prioritizes cells that support at least one network slice used by the user equipment, compared to cells that do not support the network slice used by the user equipment. The offset to be used by the user equipment as part of the cell reselection criteria, the offset being associated with the at least one network slice used by the user equipment; Network slice-specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset is part of the cell reselection criteria; Closed access group specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset as part of the cell reselection criteria; or Slice-specific measurement rules or CAG-specific measurement rules specific to the at least one network slice used by the user equipment, the slice-specific measurement rules or the CAG-specific measurement rules providing rules or instructions for performing signal measurements as part of cell reselection.

4. The method according to claim 1: The cell reselection information mentioned above includes: Receive the offset associated with the at least one network slice used by the user equipment; The cell reselection process includes: The cell reselection criteria are evaluated by the user equipment, based at least on the offset associated with at least one of the network slices used by the user equipment.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein performing cell reselection comprises: The signal parameters of the signal received from the non-serving cell are measured by the user equipment. The user equipment evaluates cell reselection criteria based at least on the measured signal parameters and cell reselection-related information associated with the at least one network slice used by the user equipment. as well as The user equipment determines that the cell reselection criteria are met for the non-serving cell; The user equipment selects the non-serving cell for which the cell reselection criteria are met to camp.

6. The method according to claim 1: The cell reselection information mentioned above includes multiple cell reselection related information items, which include: The frequency band supports an indication of at least one of the network slices used by the user equipment, and Associated with at least one of the network slices used by the user equipment and to be used to evaluate the offset of the cell reselection criteria; The cell reselection process includes: The user equipment measures the signal parameters of signals received from the cell via the frequency band of the at least one network slice used by the user equipment. as well as The user equipment evaluates cell reselection criteria for the cell based at least on the measured signal parameters of the cell and the offset.

7. The method according to claim 1: The cell reselection information mentioned above includes: The received frequency band supports an indication of at least one network slice used by the user equipment; and The cell reselection process includes: The user equipment measures signal parameters of signals received via the frequency band of the at least one network slice indicated for use by the user equipment.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein performing cell reselection further comprises: The user equipment evaluates cell reselection criteria based on measured signal parameters of the signals received via the frequency band.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform the method of claim 1.

10. A device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the device to perform at least the following: User equipment receives cell reselection-related information from network nodes of the wireless network via broadcast signaling. This cell reselection-related information is associated with each of multiple network slices. The cell reselection-related information is used for the purposes of cell reselection criteria to enable the device to perform cell reselection to a cell that supports the network slice associated with the device; Based on the received cell reselection information, the signal parameters for the cell signal are measured, wherein the cell supports the plurality of network slices associated with the device; Cell reselection is performed based on the measurements, at least in part, on the cell reselection-related information, which is associated with each of the plurality of network slices. Identifying one or more network slices supported by at least one other cell among the plurality of network slices; Based on the identifier, select cell reselection related information associated with the network slice used by the device from the received cell reselection related information.

11. A method for communication, comprising: Cell reselection-related information is sent by network nodes in a wireless network via broadcast signaling, and the cell reselection-related information is associated with each of multiple network slices. The cell reselection related information is used for the purposes of cell reselection criteria to enable at least one user equipment to perform cell reselection to a cell that supports the network slice used by the at least one user equipment; Based on the received cell reselection information, the signal parameters for the cell are measured using the user equipment, and the cell supports each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment. as well as Based on the measurement, the user equipment performs cell reselection at least in part based on the cell reselection related information, which is associated with each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment. One or more of the multiple network slices used are identified by the user equipment as being supported by at least one other cell; as well as Based on the identifier, the user equipment is configured to select cell reselection related information associated with the network slice used by the user equipment from the received cell reselection related information.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the sending comprises: The network node sends the cell reselection information via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling sent to the user equipment.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the sending comprises: The network node in the wireless network sends cell reselection-related information associated with each network slice in at least one network slice used by the user equipment, wherein the cell reselection-related information is used by one or more user equipment to use or adjust cell reselection criteria.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein transmitting cell reselection related information includes: The network node broadcasts system information, which includes cell reselection-related information associated with the at least one network slice, wherein the cell reselection-related information is used for the use of cell reselection criteria.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein transmitting cell reselection related information includes: The network node sends at least one or more network slices, identifying those supported by at least one other cell, to the user equipment.

16. The method of claim 11, comprising: The network node receives from the user equipment a request from the user equipment to use one or more cells of the wireless network.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the user equipment is a user equipment in an inactive or idle state.

18. The method of claim 11, wherein the cell reselection related information includes at least one of the following: Information identifying one or more network slices supported by each of one or more other cells; An indication that the frequency or frequency band supports the at least one network slice; Indication that the frequency or frequency band does not support at least one network slice; An indication that one or more cells or network nodes support the network slice; Radio Access Technology (RAT) supports the indication of at least one network slice; As part of the cell reselection criteria, for cell reselection, the parameter prefers or prioritizes cells that support at least one network slice compared to cells that do not support the network slice used by the user equipment. The offset to be used by the user equipment as part of the cell reselection criteria, the offset being associated with the at least one network slice; Network slice-specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset is part of the cell reselection criteria; Closed access group specific reference signal received power (RSRP) offset or reference signal received quality (RSRQ) offset as part of the cell reselection criteria; or A network slice-specific measurement rule specific to the at least one network slice, the network slice-specific measurement rule rule providing rules or instructions for performing signal measurements as part of cell reselection.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein transmitting cell reselection related information includes: The network node sends an offset associated with the at least one network slice for adjustment of cell reselection criteria for cells supporting the network slice.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein transmitting cell reselection related information includes: Indication that the transmission frequency band supports the at least one network slice.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions stored thereon, the instructions being configured, when executed by at least one processor, to cause a computing system to perform the method according to any one of claims 11 to 20.

22. An apparatus for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the device to perform at least the following: Cell reselection information is transmitted via broadcast signaling, and this cell reselection information is associated with each of multiple network slices. The cell reselection related information is used for the purposes of cell reselection criteria to enable at least one user equipment to perform cell reselection to a cell that supports the network slice used by the at least one user equipment; Based on the received cell reselection information, the signal parameters for the cell are measured using the user equipment, and the cell supports each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment. Based on the measurement, the user equipment performs cell reselection at least in part based on the cell reselection related information, which is associated with each of the plurality of network slices used by the user equipment. One or more of the network slices used are identified by the user equipment as being supported by at least one other cell; as well as Based on the identifier, the user equipment is configured to select cell reselection related information associated with the network slice used by the user equipment from the received cell reselection related information.

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