Method and apparatus for power saving in wireless communication system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to power saving in wireless communications. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a method performed by a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) serving a wireless device in dual connectivity (DC) with a master node (MN) in a wireless communication system includes transmitting, to a distributed unit (DU) of the SN, a first message including an instruction to deactivate one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) related to the SN, wherein the one or more cells include a primary secondary cell (PSCell); receiving, from the DU, a second message including information notifying of successful deactivation of the one or more cells; determining a list of cells to activate in the SCG based on at least one of a number of packets received by the CU or a measurement report received from the wireless device, wherein the list of cells includes the PSCell; transmitting, to the DU, a third message including information notifying of the list of cells to activate in the SCG; and receiving, from the DU, a fourth message including information notifying of successful activation of the list of cells.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power saving in wireless communications. Background Technology

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a technology that enables high-speed packet communication. Many proposals have been put forward for LTE objectives, including those aimed at reducing user and vendor costs, improving quality of service, and expanding and improving coverage and system capacity. As upper-layer requirements, 3GPP LTE needs to reduce cost per bit, increase service availability, allow flexible use of frequency bands, have a simple architecture, open interfaces, and appropriate power consumption for terminals.

[0003] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP have begun developing requirements and specifications for New Radio (NR) systems. 3GPP must identify and develop the technical components needed for the successful standardization of the new RAT (Radio Access Technology) to meet both urgent market demands and the longer-term requirements outlined in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020 process. Furthermore, NR should be able to utilize any spectrum band, at least up to 100 GHz, that can be used for wireless communication even in the more distant future.

[0004] The goal of NR is a single technology framework that addresses all use cases, requirements, and deployment scenarios, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and more. NR should be inherently backward compatible.

[0005] Dual connectivity (DC) and carrier aggregation (CA) are employed to increase data rates in wireless communication. In DC and / or CA, service can be provided to the UE via multiple cells, including at least one special cell (SpCell) and at least one secondary cell (SCell). However, since the UE must monitor multiple cells in DC and / or CA even when there isn't much data to send and receive, power consumption in the UE can be a concern. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Technical issues

[0007] One aspect of this disclosure is to provide methods and apparatus for power saving in wireless communication systems.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure is to provide methods and apparatus for activating or deactivating one or more cells in a wireless communication system.

[0009] Technical solution

[0010] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method performed by a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) serving a wireless device in a wireless communication system together with a primary node (MN) in dual connectivity (DC) includes: sending a first message to a distributed unit (DU) of the SN, the first message including an instruction to deactivate one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN, wherein the one or more cells include primary and secondary cells (PSCells); receiving a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying the successful deactivation of one or more cells; determining a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from the wireless device, wherein the list of cells includes PSCells; sending a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying the list of cells to be activated in the SCG; and receiving a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying the successful activation of the list of cells.

[0011] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) serving a wireless device in a wireless communication system in dual connectivity (DC) together with a primary node (MN) includes: a transceiver; a memory; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, and configured to: control the transceiver to send a first message to a distributed unit (DU) of the SN, the first message including an instruction to deactivate one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN, the one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); control the transceiver to receive a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying of successful deactivation of one or more cells; determine a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from the wireless device, wherein the list of cells includes PSCells; control the transceiver to send a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying of the list of cells to be activated in the SCG; and control the transceiver to receive a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying of successful activation of the cell list.

[0012] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores a plurality of instructions thereon. When executed by a processor of a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) serving a radio device in dual connectivity (DC) and with a primary node (MN), the plurality of instructions cause the CU to: send a first message to a distributed unit (DU) of the SN, the first message including instructions to deactivate one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN, one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); receive a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying of successful deactivation of one or more cells; determine a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from the radio device, wherein the list of cells includes PSCells; send a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying of the list of cells to be activated in the SCG; and receive a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying of successful activation of the list of cells.

[0013] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a processor in a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) serving a wireless device in a wireless communication system in dual connectivity (DC) together with a primary node (MN) executes instructions implemented by software code stored in the memory of the CU. These instructions, when executed by the processor, perform operations including: sending a first message to a distributed unit (DU) of the SN, the first message including instructions to deactivate one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN, one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); receiving a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying of successful deactivation of one or more cells; determining a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from the wireless device, wherein the list of cells includes PSCells; sending a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying of the list of cells to be activated in the SCG; and receiving a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying of successful activation of the cell list.

[0014] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a method performed by a wireless device in a wireless communication system, served by a primary node (MN) and a secondary node (SN) in dual connectivity (DC), includes: entering a secondary cell group (SCG) deactivation state for an SCG associated with the SN; communicating with the MN while in the SCG deactivation state, simultaneously skipping physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for one or more deactivated cells in the SCG, one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); switching from the SCG deactivation state to an SCG activation state for the SCG; and communicating with the MN and SN while performing PDCCH monitoring on a list of activated cells in the SCG, wherein the list of cells may include PSCells, and wherein the list of cells is determined based on at least one of the following: the number of packets to be sent to or transmitted by the wireless device; or measurement reports transmitted by the wireless device.

[0015] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a wireless device in a wireless communication system, served by a primary node (MN) and a secondary node (SN) in dual connectivity (DC), includes: a transceiver; a memory; and at least one processor operatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, and configured to: enter a secondary cell group (SCG) deactivation state for an SCG associated with the SN; in the SCG deactivation state, control the transceiver to communicate with the MN while skipping physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring for one or more deactivated cells in the SCG, one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); switch from the SCG deactivation state to the SCG activation state for the SCG; control the transceiver to communicate with the MN and the SN while performing PDCCH monitoring on a list of activated cells in the SCG, wherein the list of cells may include PSCells, and wherein the list of cells is determined based on at least one of: the number of packets to be sent to or transmitted by the wireless device; or measurement reports transmitted by the wireless device.

[0016] Beneficial effects

[0017] This disclosure can have various beneficial effects.

[0018] For example, since the UE's power consumption can be reduced if there are no data packets to send during the deactivation state, and the UE and network can quickly enter connected mode to receive services when the packets arrive again, the UE's service experience in the DC can be enhanced.

[0019] The beneficial effects obtainable through specific embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, various technical effects may exist that can be understood and / or derived by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 An example of a communication system that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 2 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 3 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 4 An example of a UE that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 5 An example of a system architecture for a communication system to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0025] Figure 6 An example of the overall architecture of NG-RAN to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0026] Figure 7 An example of a dual-connectivity (DC) architecture to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0027] Figure 8 An example of possible RRC states in a wireless communication system to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0028] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A first example of an MR-DC with 5GC associated with RRC_INACTIVE, to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied, is shown.

[0029] Figure 10A and Figure 10B A second example of an MR-DC with 5GC associated with RRC_INACTIVE, to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied, is shown.

[0030] Figure 11 An example of a method for SCG deactivation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 12An example of a method for performing communication in an SCG deactivated state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 13 An example of an SCG activation / deactivation process for a dual-connectivity UE according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following technologies, devices, and systems can be applied to a variety of wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Enhanced Data Rate Evolution of GSM (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA). UTRA is part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is part of the Evolved UMTS (E-UMTS) using E-UTRA. 3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in DL and SC-FDMA in UL. The evolution of 3GPP LTE includes LTE-A (Advanced), LTE-A Pro, and / or 5G NR (New Radio).

[0034] For ease of description, the implementation of this disclosure is primarily described with respect to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems. However, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, although the following detailed description is based on a mobile communication system corresponding to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system, the aspects of this disclosure that are not limited to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems are applicable to other mobile communication systems.

[0035] For terms and techniques used in this disclosure that are not specifically described in this disclosure, please refer to wireless communication standards documents published prior to this disclosure.

[0036] In this disclosure, "A or B" may mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". In other words, in this disclosure, "A or B" can be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, in this disclosure, "A, B or C" may mean "A only", "B only", "C only", or "any combination of A, B and C".

[0037] In this disclosure, a forward slash ( / ) or a comma (,) can mean "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Therefore, "A / B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C".

[0038] In this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". Furthermore, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" in this disclosure can be interpreted as the same as "at least one of A and B".

[0039] Additionally, in this disclosure, "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean "A only", "B only", "C only" or "any combination of A, B, and C". Furthermore, "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B, and C".

[0040] Additionally, the brackets used in this disclosure may mean "for example". Specifically, when shown as "Control Information (PDCCH)", "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information". In other words, "Control Information" in this disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH", and "PDDCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information". Furthermore, even when shown as "Control Information (i.e., PDCCH)", "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information".

[0041] The technical features described individually in a single figure in this disclosure can be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0042] Although not limited thereto, the various descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein can be applied to various fields requiring wireless communication and / or connectivity between devices (e.g., 5G).

[0043] In the following description, this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the following drawings and / or description may refer to the same and / or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks and / or functional blocks.

[0044] Figure 1 An example of a communication system that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0045] exist Figure 1 The 5G use cases shown are merely exemplary, and the technical features of this disclosure can be applied to scenarios not described herein. Figure 1 Other 5G use cases are shown in the diagram.

[0046] The three main demand categories for 5G include: (1) enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), (2) massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and (3) ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC).

[0047] Some use cases may require multiple categories for optimization, while others can focus on just one key performance indicator (KPI). 5G supports a wide variety of such use cases using flexible and reliable methods.

[0048] eMBB goes far beyond basic mobile internet access and covers a wealth of two-way work, media, and entertainment applications in the cloud and augmented reality. Data is one of the core driving forces of 5G, and for the first time in the 5G era, dedicated voice services may not be provided. In 5G, voice is expected to be simply processed as an application using the data connection provided by the communication system. The main reason for the increased service capacity is the increase in content size and the increase in the number of applications requiring high data transmission rates. As more and more devices connect to the internet, streaming services (audio and video), conversational video, and mobile internet access will be used more widely. These many applications require always-on connectivity to push real-time information and alerts to users. Cloud storage and applications are rapidly increasing in mobile communication platforms and can be applied to both work and entertainment. Cloud storage is a special use case for accelerating the growth of uplink data transmission rates. 5G is also used for remote work in the cloud. When using haptic interfaces, 5G requires much lower end-to-end latency to maintain a good user experience. Entertainment, such as cloud gaming and video streaming, is another core element increasing the demand for mobile broadband capabilities. Entertainment is essential for smartphones and tablets anywhere, including in highly mobile environments such as trains, vehicles, and airplanes. Other use cases include augmented reality for entertainment and information retrieval. In this case, augmented reality requires very low latency and instantaneous data capacity.

[0049] Additionally, one of the most anticipated 5G use cases involves the ability to seamlessly connect embedded sensors across all sectors, namely, mMTC (modular machine-type communications). The number of potential Internet of Things (IoT) devices is expected to reach 204 billion by 2020. Industrial IoT is one of the key categories performing key roles in enabling smart cities, asset tracking, smart utilities, agriculture, and security infrastructure through 5G.

[0050] URLLC encompasses new services that will transform industry (such as autonomous vehicles) through remote control of the main infrastructure and ultra-reliable / available low-latency links. Levels of reliability and latency are essential for controlling smart grids, automating industry, enabling robotics, and controlling and adapting drones.

[0051] 5G is the means to deliver streams assessed at hundreds of megabits per second to gigabits per second and can complement fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and wired broadband (or DOCSIS). Such speeds are needed to deliver TV at 4K or higher resolutions (6K, 8K, and more), as well as virtual reality and augmented reality. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications include almost immersive motion games. Specific applications may require special network configurations. For example, for VR games, game companies need to integrate their core servers into the network operator's edge network servers to minimize latency.

[0052] The automotive industry, along with numerous use cases for mobile communications in vehicles, is expected to be a significant new driving force in 5G. For example, passenger entertainment requires high concurrent capacity and highly mobile broadband. This is because future users continue to expect high-quality connectivity regardless of their location and speed. Another use case in the automotive sector is AR dashboards. AR dashboards allow drivers to identify objects in the dark in addition to those seen through the front window, displaying distances and movement of objects by overlaying information spoken to the driver. In the future, wireless modules will enable communication between vehicles, information exchange between vehicles and supporting infrastructure, and information exchange between vehicles and other connected devices (e.g., pedestrian-accompanied devices). Safety systems will guide alternative routes, allowing drivers to drive more safely and thus reducing the risk of accidents. The next stage will be remotely controlled or self-driving vehicles. This requires very high reliability and very fast communication between different self-driving vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. In the future, self-driving vehicles will perform all driving activities, and drivers will only focus on abnormal traffic that vehicles cannot recognize. The technological requirements for self-driving vehicles necessitate ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability, increasing traffic safety to levels that cannot be achieved by humans.

[0053] Smart cities and smart homes / buildings, touted as part of a smart society, will be embedded in high-density wireless sensor networks. These distributed networks of smart sensors will identify conditions for cost- and energy-efficient maintenance in cities or homes. Similar configurations can be implemented for specific homes. All temperature sensors, window and heating controllers, burglar alarms, and home appliances will be wirelessly connected. Many of these sensors are typically low in terms of data transmission rates, power consumption, and cost. However, certain types of devices may require real-time HD video for monitoring.

[0054] The consumption and distribution of energy, including heat and gases, at a higher level necessitates automated control of distribution sensor networks. Smart grids collect information and use digital information and communication technologies to connect sensors to each other, thereby enabling actions based on the collected information. Because this information can include the behavior of supply companies and consumers, smart grids can improve the distribution of fuels such as electricity through methods that are efficient, reliable, economically feasible, production sustainable, and automated. Smart grids can also be considered as another type of sensor network with low latency.

[0055] Mission-critical applications (such as e-health) are one of the use cases for 5G. The health component includes many applications that can benefit from mobile communications. Communication systems can support telemedicine, enabling the delivery of clinical care in remote locations. Telemedicine can help reduce barriers of distance and improve access to healthcare services that are not readily available in remote rural areas. Telemedicine is also used to administer vital treatments and save lives in emergency situations. Mobile communication-based wireless sensor networks can provide remote monitoring and sensing of parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.

[0056] Wireless and mobile communications are becoming increasingly important in industrial applications. Cabling is costly in terms of installation and maintenance. Therefore, the possibility of replacing cables with reconfigurable wireless links presents an attractive opportunity in many industrial sectors. However, to achieve this replacement, wireless connections need to have similar latency, reliability, and capacity to cables, and simplified wireless connection management is required. When connecting to 5G, low latency and a very low error probability become new requirements.

[0057] Logistics and freight tracking are important use cases for mobile communications, allowing inventory and packages to be tracked anywhere using location-based information systems. Logistics and freight tracking use cases typically require low data rates but demand location information with wide coverage and reliability.

[0058] Reference Figure 1 The communication system 1 includes wireless devices 100a to 100f, a base station (BS) 200, and a network 300. Although Figure 1 An example of a 5G network as a network of communication system 1 is illustrated, but the implementation of this disclosure is not limited to 5G systems and can be applied to future communication systems other than 5G systems.

[0059] BS 200 and network 300 can be implemented as wireless devices, and a particular wireless device can operate as a BS / network node relative to other wireless devices.

[0060] Wireless devices 100a to 100f represent devices that use radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G New RAT (NR) or LTE) to perform communication, and may be referred to as communication / wireless / 5G devices. Wireless devices 100a to 100f may include, but are not limited to, robots 100a, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2, extended reality (XR) devices 100c, handheld devices 100d, home appliances 100e, IoT devices 100f, and artificial intelligence (AI) devices / servers 400. For example, vehicles may include vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles capable of performing communication between vehicles. Vehicles may include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones). XR devices may include AR / VR / mixed reality (MR) devices and may be implemented in the form of head-mounted displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs) installed in vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliance devices, digital signage, vehicles, robots, etc. Handheld devices may include smartphones, smart tablets, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches or smart glasses), and computers (e.g., laptops). Home appliances may include TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. IoT devices may include sensors and smart meters.

[0061] In this disclosure, wireless devices 100a to 100f may be referred to as user equipment (UE). For example, a UE may include a cellular phone, smartphone, laptop computer, digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation system, tablet PC, ultrabook, vehicle, vehicle with autonomous driving capability, connected car, UAV, AI module, robot, AR device, VR device, MR device, hologram device, public safety device, MTC device, IoT device, medical device, Fintech device (or financial device), security device, weather / environment device, device related to 5G services, or device related to the fourth industrial evolution.

[0062] UAVs can be, for example, aircraft that are driven by wireless control signals without any human passengers.

[0063] VR devices may include, for example, means for realizing objects or backgrounds in a virtual world. AR devices may include, for example, means for connecting objects or backgrounds in a virtual world to objects or backgrounds in the real world. MR devices may include, for example, means for incorporating objects or backgrounds in a virtual world into objects or backgrounds in the real world. Holographic devices may include, for example, means for realizing 360-degree stereoscopic images by recording and reproducing stereoscopic information, which utilizes the interference phenomenon of light generated when two lasers, known as holographic imaging, meet.

[0064] Public safety devices may include, for example, image relay devices or image devices that can be worn on a user's body.

[0065] MTC devices and IoT devices can be, for example, devices that do not require direct human intervention or manipulation. For example, MTC devices and IoT devices can include smart meters, vending machines, thermometers, smart light bulbs, door locks, or various sensors.

[0066] Medical devices can be, for example, devices used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, curing, or preventing disease. For example, a medical device can be a device used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, or correcting an injury or lesion. For example, a medical device can be a device used for the purpose of examining, replacing, or modifying a structure or function. For example, a medical device can be a device used for regulating pregnancy. For example, medical devices can include devices for treatment, devices for operation, devices for (in vitro) diagnosis, hearing aids, or devices for surgery.

[0067] Safety devices can be, for example, devices installed to prevent potential hazards and maintain safety. Safety devices can be, for instance, cameras, closed-circuit television (CCTV), recorders, or black boxes.

[0068] Fintech devices can be, for example, devices capable of providing financial services such as mobile payments. For instance, a fintech device can include a payment device or a point-of-sale (POS) system.

[0069] Weather / environment devices may include, for example, devices for monitoring or predicting weather / environment.

[0070] Wireless devices 100a to 100f can connect to network 300 via BS 200. AI technology can be applied to wireless devices 100a to 100f, and wireless devices 100a to 100f can connect to AI server 400 via network 300. Network 300 can be configured using 3G networks, 4G (e.g., LTE) networks, 5G (e.g., NR) networks, and super 5G networks. Although wireless devices 100a to 100f can communicate with each other via BS 200 / network 300, wireless devices 100a to 100f can also perform direct communication with each other without going through BS 200 / network 300 (e.g., sidelink communication). For example, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2 can perform direct communication (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) / vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). IoT devices (e.g., sensors) can perform direct communication with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices 100a to 100f.

[0071] Wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c can be established between wireless devices 100a to 100f and / or between wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200 and / or between BS 200. In this document, wireless communication / connections can be established via various RATs (e.g., 5G NR) such as uplink / downlink communication 150a, sidelink communication (or device-to-device (D2D) communication) 150b, and inter-base station communication 150c (e.g., relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB)). Wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200 / wireless devices 100a to 100f can transmit / receive radio signals to / from each other via wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c. For example, wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c can transmit / receive signals via various physical channels. Therefore, at least a portion of various configuration information configuration processes, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel coding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, and resource mapping / demapping), and resource allocation processes for transmitting / receiving radio signals can be performed based on various proposals of this disclosure.

[0072] AI refers to the field of studying artificial intelligence or the methodologies that can create it, while machine learning refers to the field that defines the various problems solved within AI and the methodologies for solving these problems. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves the performance of a task through stable experience with that task.

[0073] A robot is a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task using its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot capable of recognizing its environment and autonomously deciding to perform actions can be called an intelligent robot. Based on their purpose or field of application, robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, domestic, and military types. Robots can perform various physical operations, such as moving robot joints using actuators or motors. Mobile robots also include wheels, brakes, propellers, etc., on their drive systems, enabling them to travel on the ground or fly in the air.

[0074] Autonomous driving refers to a technology that allows a vehicle to drive itself, while an autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that operates with minimal or no user control. For example, autonomous driving can include lane keeping while moving, automatic speed adjustment such as adaptive cruise control, automatic driving along a set route, and automatic route planning when a destination is set. Vehicles encompass vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles equipped with both internal combustion engines and electric motors, and electric vehicles equipped with electric motors, and can include trains, motorcycles, and automobiles. An autonomous vehicle can be viewed as a robot with autonomous driving capabilities.

[0075] Extended reality is collectively referred to as VR, AR, and MR. VR technology provides real-world objects and backgrounds solely through computer graphics (CG) images. AR technology provides virtual CG images on top of real-world object images. MR technology is a CG technology that combines virtual objects with and integrates them into the real world. MR technology is similar to AR technology in that it displays real and virtual objects together. However, the difference lies in that in AR technology, virtual objects serve as a complementary form to real objects, while in MR technology, virtual and real objects serve as equal entities.

[0076] NR supports multiple parameter sets (and / or multiple subcarrier spacings (SCS)) to support a variety of 5G services. For example, a 15kHz SCS can support wide-area coverage of traditional cellular bands; and a 30kHz / 60kHz SCS can support dense urban areas, lower latency, and wider carrier bandwidth. A 60kHz or higher SCS can support bandwidths greater than 24.25GHz to overcome phase noise.

[0077] NR bands can be defined as two types of frequency ranges, namely FR1 and FR2. The numerical values ​​of the frequency ranges can be varied. For example, the frequency ranges of the two types (FR1 and FR2) can be shown in Table 1 below. For ease of explanation, in the frequency ranges used in NR systems, FR1 can represent "sub-6 GHz range", FR2 can represent "above 6 GHz range" and can be referred to as millimeter wave (mmW).

[0078] [Table 1]

[0079] Frequency range specification Corresponding frequency range Subcarrier spacing FR1 450MHz-6000MHz 15, 30, 60kHz FR2 24250MHz-52600MHz 60, 120, 240kHz

[0080] As mentioned above, the frequency range of the NR system can be varied. For example, FR1 can include a frequency band from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz, as shown in Table 2 below. That is, FR1 can include a frequency band of 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.) or greater. For example, the 6 GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925 MHz, etc.) or greater frequency band included in FR1 can include unlicensed frequency bands. Unlicensed frequency bands can be used for various purposes, such as for vehicle communications (e.g., autonomous driving).

[0081] [Table 2]

[0082] Frequency range specification Corresponding frequency range Subcarrier spacing FR1 410MHz-7125MHz 15, 30, 60kHz FR2 24250MHz-52600MHz 60, 120, 240kHz

[0083] Here, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may include narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technologies for low-power communication, as well as LTE, NR, and 6G. For example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology, implemented in specifications such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, and may not be limited to the aforementioned names. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may communicate based on LTE-M technology. For example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be referred to by various names such as enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC). For example, LTE-M technology may be implemented in at least one of various specifications such as 1) LTE Cat 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-bandwidth limited (non-BL), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE machine-type communication, and / or 7) LTE M, and may not be limited to the aforementioned names. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio communication technology implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN, which take into account low-power communication, and may not be limited to the names mentioned above. For example, ZigBee technology may generate personal area networks (PANs) associated with small / low-power digital communication based on various specifications such as IEEE 802.15.4, and may be referred to by various names. Figure 2 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0084] Reference Figure 2 The first wireless device 100 and the second wireless device 200 can send / receive radio signals to / from external devices via various RATs (e.g., LTE and NR).

[0085] exist Figure 2 In this context, {the first wireless device 100 and the second wireless device 200} can correspond to the attached... Figure 1 At least one of {wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200}, {wireless devices 100a to 100f and wireless devices 100a to 100f} and / or {BS 200 and BS200}.

[0086] The first wireless device 100 may include at least one transceiver (such as transceiver 106), at least one processing chip (such as processing chip 101), and / or one or more antennas 108.

[0087] The processing chip 101 may include at least one processor (such as processor 102) and at least one memory (such as memory 104). Figure 2 The image exemplarily illustrates that memory 104 is included in processing chip 101. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory 104 may be located external to processing chip 101.

[0088] Processor 102 can control memory 104 and / or transceiver 106, and can be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts described in this disclosure. For example, processor 102 can process information in memory 104 to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a radio signal including the first information / signal via transceiver 106. Processor 102 can receive a radio signal including a second information / signal via transceiver 106, and then store the information obtained by processing the second information / signal in memory 104.

[0089] Memory 104 may be operatively connected to processor 102. Memory 104 may store various types of information and / or instructions. Memory 104 may store software code 105 that implements instructions, when executed by processor 102, to execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 105 may implement instructions, when executed by processor 102, to execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 105 may control processor 102 to execute one or more protocols. For example, software code 105 may control processor 102 to execute one or more layers of a radio interface protocol.

[0090] In this document, processor 102 and memory 104 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). Transceiver 106 may be connected to processor 102 and transmit and / or receive radio signals via one or more antennas 108. Each of transceivers 106 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceivers 106 may be used interchangeably with radio frequency (RF) units. In this disclosure, first wireless device 100 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0091] The second wireless device 200 may include at least one transceiver (such as transceiver 206), at least one processing chip (such as processing chip 201), and / or one or more antennas 208.

[0092] The processing chip 201 may include at least one processor (such as processor 202) and at least one memory (such as memory 204). Figure 2The image exemplarily illustrates that memory 204 is included in processing chip 201. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory 204 may be located external to processing chip 201.

[0093] Processor 202 can control memory 204 and / or transceiver 206, and can be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts described in this disclosure. For example, processor 202 can process information in memory 204 to generate third information / signal, and then transmit a radio signal including the third information / signal via transceiver 206. Processor 202 can receive a radio signal including a fourth information / signal via transceiver 106, and then store the information obtained by processing the fourth information / signal in memory 204.

[0094] Memory 204 may be operatively connected to processor 202. Memory 204 may store various types of information and / or instructions. Memory 204 may store software code 205 that implements the instructions, which, when executed by processor 202, execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 205 may implement instructions that, when executed by processor 202, execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 205 may control processor 202 to execute one or more protocols. For example, software code 205 may control processor 202 to execute one or more layers of a radio interface protocol.

[0095] In this document, processor 202 and memory 204 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). Transceiver 206 may be connected to processor 202 and transmit and / or receive radio signals via one or more antennas 208. Each of transceivers 206 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceivers 206 may be used interchangeably with RF units. In this disclosure, second wireless device 200 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0096] The hardware elements of wireless devices 100 and 200 will be described in more detail below. One or more protocol layers can be implemented by, but are not limited to, one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 can implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as the Physical (PHY) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP) layer). According to the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure, one or more processors 102 and 202 can generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) and / or one or more Service Data Units (SDUs). One or more processors 102 and 202 can generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information, in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure, and provide the generated signals to one or more transceivers 106 and 206. One or more processors 102 and 202 may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers 106 and 206, and acquire PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure.

[0097] One or more processors 102 and 202 may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. One or more processors 102 and 202 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. As an example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors 102 and 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be configured to include modules, processes, or functions. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operational flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be included in one or more processors 102 and 202, or stored in one or more memories 104 and 204, thereby being driven by one or more processors 102 and 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be implemented in the form of firmware or software in the form of code, commands and / or sets of commands.

[0098] One or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 and store various types of data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be configured as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be located internally and / or externally to one or more processors 102 and 202. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 via various technologies such as wired or wireless connections.

[0099] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may transmit user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 and transmit and receive radio signals. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 may perform control such that one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may transmit user data, control information, or radio signals to one or more other devices. One or more processors 102 and 202 may perform control such that one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive user data, control information, or radio signals from one or more other devices.

[0100] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to one or more antennas 108 and 208, and one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein via one or more antennas 108 and 208. In this disclosure, one or more antennas 108 and 208 may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports).

[0101] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can convert received user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., from RF band signals to baseband signals for processing. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can also convert user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., processed by one or more processors 102 and 202 from baseband signals to RF band signals. For this purpose, one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters. For example, one or more transceivers 106 and 206, under the control of one or more processors 102 and 202, can up-convert OFDM baseband signals to OFDM signals using their (analog) oscillators and / or filters, and transmit the up-converted OFDM signals at the carrier frequency. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can receive OFDM signals at a carrier frequency and, under the control of one or more processors 102 and 202, downconvert the OFDM signals to OFDM baseband signals via their (analog) oscillators and / or filters.

[0102] In the implementation of this disclosure, the UE can operate as a transmitting device in the uplink (UL) and as a receiving device in the downlink (DL). In the implementation of this disclosure, the BS can operate as a receiving device in the UL and as a transmitting device in the DL. For ease of description, it is primarily assumed below that the first wireless device 100 acts as the UE and the second wireless device 200 acts as the BS. For example, a processor 102 connected to, installed on, or started in the first wireless device 100 can be configured to perform UE actions according to the implementation of this disclosure, or to control the transceiver 106 to perform UE actions according to the implementation of this disclosure. A processor 202 connected to, installed on, or started in the second wireless device 200 can be configured to perform BS actions according to the implementation of this disclosure, or to control the transceiver 206 to perform BS actions according to the implementation of this disclosure.

[0103] In this disclosure, BS is also referred to as Node B (NB), eNodeB (eNB), or gNB.

[0104] Figure 3 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0105] Wireless devices can be implemented in various forms depending on the use case / service (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0106] Reference Figure 3 Wireless devices 100 and 200 can correspond to Figure 2 The wireless devices 100 and 200 can be configured from various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules. For example, each of the wireless devices 100 and 200 may include a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a memory unit 90, and an additional component 100. The communication unit 110 may include a communication circuit 112 and a transceiver 110. For example, the communication circuit 112 may include... Figure 2 One or more processors 102 and 202 and / or Figure 2 One or more memories 104 and 204. For example, transceiver 110 may include... Figure 2 One or more transceivers 106 and 206 and / or Figure 2One or more antennas 108 and 208. Control unit 120 is electrically connected to communication unit 110, memory unit 90, and add-on component 100, and controls the overall operation of each of wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, control unit 120 can control the electrical / mechanical operation of each of wireless devices 100 and 200 based on programs / code / commands / information stored in memory unit 90. Control unit 120 can transmit information stored in memory unit 90 to an external source (e.g., other communication device) via communication unit 110 through a wireless / wired interface, or store information received from an external source (e.g., other communication device) via wireless / wired interface in memory unit 90 via communication unit 110.

[0107] The add-on component 100 can be configured differently depending on the type of wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, the add-on component 100 may include at least one of a power supply unit / battery, an input / output (I / O) unit (e.g., an audio I / O port, a video I / O port), a drive unit, and a computing unit. Wireless devices 100 and 200 can be, but are not limited to, robots (…). Figure 1 100a), vehicles ( Figure 1 100b-1 and 100b-2), XR device ( Figure 1 100c), handheld device ( Figure 1 100d), home appliances ( Figure 1 100e), IoT devices ( Figure 1 100f), digital broadcasting terminals, holographic devices, public safety devices, MTC devices, medical devices, Fintech devices (or financial devices), security devices, climate / environment devices, AI servers / devices ( Figure 1 400), BSS ( Figure 1 This can be achieved in the form of wireless devices 100 and 200, network nodes, etc. Wireless devices 100 and 200 can be used in mobile or fixed locations depending on the usage example / service.

[0108] exist Figure 3In wireless devices 100 and 200, the various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules as a whole can be connected to each other via a wired interface, or at least a portion thereof can be wirelessly connected via communication unit 110. For example, in each of wireless devices 100 and 200, control unit 120 and communication unit 110 can be wired connected, and control unit 120 and first units (e.g., 90 and 100) can be wirelessly connected via communication unit 110. Each element, component, unit / part, and / or module within wireless devices 100 and 200 may also include one or more elements. For example, control unit 120 may be configured by a group of one or more processors. As an example, control unit 120 may be configured by a group of communication control processors, application processors (APs), electronic control units (ECUs), graphics processing units, and memory control processors. As another example, memory unit 90 may be configured with RAM, DRAM, ROM, flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or combinations thereof.

[0109] Figure 4 An example of a UE that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0110] Reference Figure 4 UE 100 can correspond to Figure 2 The first wireless device 100 and / or Figure 3 Wireless devices 100 or 200.

[0111] UE 100 includes a processor 102, a memory 104, a transceiver 106, one or more antennas 108, a power management module 110, a battery 112, a display 110, a keypad 116, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card 118, a speaker 120, and a microphone 122.

[0112] Processor 102 may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. Processor 102 may be configured to control one or more other components of UE 100 to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. A layer of the radio interface protocol may be implemented in processor 102. Processor 102 may include an ASIC, other chipsets, logic circuits, and / or data processing means. Processor 102 may be an application processor. Processor 102 may include at least one of a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modem (modulator and demodulator). Examples of processor 102 can be found in […]. SNAPDRAGON manufactured TM Series processors, EXYNOS manufacturedTM Series processors, Manufactured A-series processors, HELIO manufactured TM Series processors, Manufactured ATOM TM This series of processors or the corresponding next-generation processors.

[0113] Memory 104 is operatively coupled to processor 102 and stores various information to operate processor 102. Memory 104 may include ROM, RAM, flash memory, memory card, storage medium, and / or other storage devices. When the implementation is software-based, the techniques described herein can be implemented using modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) that perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein. Modules may be stored in memory 104 and executed by processor 102. Memory 104 may be implemented within or outside processor 102, in which case memory 104 may be communicatively coupled to processor 102 via various means known in the art.

[0114] Transceiver 106 is operatively coupled to processor 102 and transmits and / or receives radio signals. Transceiver 106 includes a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 106 may include baseband circuitry for processing radio frequency signals. Transceiver 106 controls one or more antennas 108 to transmit and / or receive radio signals.

[0115] The power management module 110 manages the power of the processor 102 and / or transceiver 106. The battery 112 supplies power to the power management module 110.

[0116] Display 110 outputs the results processed by processor 102. Keypad 116 receives input to be used by processor 102. Keypad 116 can be displayed on display 110.

[0117] The SIM 118 is an integrated circuit designed to securely store the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and its associated keys, used for identifying and authenticating subscribers on mobile devices such as mobile phones and computers. Contact information can also be stored on many SIM cards.

[0118] Speaker 120 outputs sound-related results processed by processor 102. Microphone 122 receives sound-related inputs to be used by processor 102.

[0119] Figure 5 An example system architecture for a communication system to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown. Examples of communication systems may include 5G systems and / or NR systems.

[0120] Reference Figure 5 The communication system may include various core network entities, such as Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), User Plane Function (UPF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Application Function (AF), Network Open Function (NEF), Network Function Library Function (NRF), Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Slice Specific Authentication and Authorization Function (NSSAAF), and Service Communication Agent (SCP).

[0121] AMF supports Non-Access Stratum (NAS) signaling termination, NAS encryption and integrity protection, registration management, connection management, mobility management, access authentication and authorization, and security context management. AMF can be associated with N1, N2, and Namf. N1 is the reference point between the UE and AMF. N2 is the reference point between the RAN and AMF. Namf is the service-based interface presented by the AMF.

[0122] SMF supports session management (session establishment, modification, and release), UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) functionality, termination of NAS signaling related to session management, DL data notification, and UPF traffic routing configuration for correct traffic routing. SMF can be associated with N4 and Nsmf. N4 is the reference point between SMF and UPF. Nsmf is the service-based interface presented by SMF.

[0123] A UPF can support data packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, Quality of Service (QoS) handling, act as an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session point for interconnection with a data network (DN), and can serve as an anchor point for mobility within and between Radio Access Technologies (RATs). A UPF can be associated with N3, N4, N6, and N9. N3 is the reference point between the RAN and the UPF. N6 is the reference point between the UPF and the DN. N9 is the reference point between two UPFs.

[0124] PCF can support a unified policy framework, providing policy rules for control plane (CP) functions and accessing subscription information used for policy decisions in a unified database (UDR). PCF can be associated with NPCF, which is a service-based interface presented by PCF.

[0125] AUSF can act as an authentication server. AUSF can be associated with Nausf. Nausf is a service-based interface presented by AUSF.

[0126] UDM supports authentication and Key Protocol (AKA) credential generation, user identity processing, access authorization, and subscription management. UDM can be associated with Nudm. Nudm is a service-based interface presented by UDM.

[0127] AF (Application Provider) supports application-level influence on traffic routing, access to NEF (Neural Application Framework), and interaction with the policy framework used for policy control. AF can be associated with NAF. NAF is a service-based interface exposed by AF.

[0128] NEF can support the opening of capabilities and events, the secure provision of information from external applications to the 3GPP network, and the conversion of internal / external information. NEF can be associated with Nnef. Nnef is a service-based interface presented by NEF.

[0129] NRF supports service discovery, maintains NF profiles and available NF instances. NRF can be associated with Nnrf. Nnrf is a service-based interface presented by NRF.

[0130] NSSF can support the selection of network slice instances to serve the UE, determine the allowed network slice selection assistance information (NSSAI), and determine the AMF set to be used to serve the UE. NSSF can be associated with Nnssf. Nnssf is a service-based interface presented by NSSF.

[0131] NSSAAF supports network slice-specific authentication and authorization with an AAA server (AAA-S). If AAA-S is a third party, NSSAAF can contact AAA-S via an AAA proxy (AAA-P). NSSAAF can be associated with Nnssaaf, a service-based interface presented by NSSAAF.

[0132] SCP can support indirect communication, delegated discovery, message forwarding and routing to target Network Function (NF) / NF services, message forwarding and routing to next-hop SCP, communication security (e.g., authorization for NF service consumers to access NF service provider APIs), load balancing, monitoring, overload control, and optionally interact with UDR to resolve UDM group ID / UDR group ID / AUSF group ID / PCF group ID / Charging Function (CHF) group ID / Home Subscriber Server (HSS) group ID based on UE identifiers (e.g., Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI) or International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMPI) / IP Multimedia Public Identifier (IMPU)).

[0133] Figure 6 An example of the overall architecture of NG-RAN to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0134] Reference Figure 6 A gNB may include a gNB-Central Unit (CU) (hereinafter, gNB-CU may be referred to as CU) and at least one gNB-Distributed Unit (DU) (hereinafter, gNB-DU may be referred to as DU).

[0135] The gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB or the en-gNB. The gNB-CU controls the operation of at least one gNB-DU.

[0136] A gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and physical layers of a gNB or en-gNB. The operation of a gNB-DU is partially controlled by a gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU.

[0137] gNB-CU and gNB-DU are connected via the F1 interface. The gNB-CU is terminated to the F1 interface of the gNB-DU. The gNB-DU is terminated to the F1 interface of the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU is connected to only one gNB-CU. However, a gNB-DU can be connected to multiple gNB-CUs through appropriate implementation. The F1 interface is a logical interface. For NG-RAN, the NG and Xn-C interfaces of the gNB consisting of gNB-CU and gNB-DU are terminated to the gNB-CU. For E-UTRAN-NR dual connectivity (EN-DC), the S1-U and X2-C interfaces of the gNB consisting of gNB-CU and gNB-DU are terminated to the gNB-CU. The gNB-CU and the connected gNB-DU are only visible to other gNBs and the 5GC acting as a gNB.

[0138] The F1 interface includes the following F1 control (F1-C) functions.

[0139] (1) F1 interface management function

[0140] The error indication function is used by gNB-DU or gNB-CU to indicate to gNB-CU or gNB-DU that an error has occurred.

[0141] The reset function is used to initialize peer entities after node setup and after a failure event. This procedure can be used by both gNB-DU and gNB-CU.

[0142] The F1 setup function allows the exchange of application-level data required by the gNB-DU and gNB-CU for proper interoperability on the F1 interface. The F1 setup is initiated by the gNB-DU.

[0143] The gNB-CU configuration update and gNB-DU configuration update functions allow updating the application-level configuration data required between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU to properly interoperate via the F1 interface, and can activate or deactivate the cell.

[0144] The F1 setup and gNB-DU configuration update functionality allows notification of individual network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) supported by gNB-DU.

[0145] The F1 resource coordination function is used to transmit information about frequency resource sharing between gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0146] (2) System information management function

[0147] The scheduling of system broadcast messages is performed in gNB-DU. gNB-DU is responsible for sending system messages based on available scheduling parameters.

[0148] gNB-DU is responsible for encoding the NR Master Information Block (MIB). If it is necessary to broadcast System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1) and other SI messages, then gNB-DU is responsible for encoding SIB1 and gNB-CU is responsible for encoding the other SI messages.

[0149] (3) F1 UE Context Management Function

[0150] The F1 UE context management function supports the creation and modification of the necessary overall UE context.

[0151] The establishment of the F1 UE context is initiated by the gNB-CU and accepted or rejected by the gNB-DU based on admission control criteria (e.g., resource unavailability).

[0152] Modification of the F1 UE context can be initiated by either the gNB-CU or the gNB-DU. The receiving node can accept or reject the modification. The F1 UE context management function also supports the release of contexts previously established in the gNB-DU. Context release is triggered directly by the gNB-CU or upon receiving a request from the gNB-DU. When the UE enters RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, the gNB-CU requests the gNB-DU to release the UE context.

[0153] This function can also be used to manage DRBs and SRBs, that is, to create, modify, and release DRB and SRB resources. The creation and modification of DRB resources are triggered by the gNB-CU and accepted / rejected by the gNB-DU based on the resource reservation information and QoS information to be provided to the gNB-DU. For each DRB to be set or modified, S-NSSAI can be provided by the gNB-CU to the gNB-DU during the UE context setting process and the UE context modification process.

[0154] The mapping between QoS flows and radio bearers is performed by the gNB-CU, and the granularity of bearer-related management on F1 is at the radio bearer level. For NG-RAN, the gNB-CU provides the gNB-DU with aggregated DRB QoS profiles and QoS flow profiles, and the gNB-DU accepts requests or rejects them with appropriate reason values. To support packet replication for carrier aggregation (CA) within the gNB-DU, a data radio bearer should have two GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP)-U tunnels configured between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0155] Using this function, the gNB-CU requests the gNB-DU to set or change a special cell (SpCell) for the UE, and the gNB-DU accepts the request or rejects the request with an appropriate reason value.

[0156] Using this function, the gNB-CU requests the setup of a secondary cell (SCell) on the gNB-DU side, and the gNB-DU accepts all, some, or none of the SCells and replies to the gNB-CU. The gNB-CU then requests the removal of the UE's SCell.

[0157] (4) RRC message passing function

[0158] This feature allows the transmission of RRC messages between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU. RRC messages are transmitted via F1-C. The gNB-CU is responsible for encoding the dedicated RRC messages using auxiliary information provided by the gNB-DU.

[0159] (5) Paging function

[0160] gNB-DU is responsible for sending paging information based on the provided scheduling parameters.

[0161] The gNB-CU provides paging information so that the gNB-DU can calculate the accurate paging opportunity (PO) and paging frame (PF). The gNB-CU determines the paging assignment (PA). The gNB-DU merges all paging records for a specific PO, PF, and PA, encodes the final RRC message, and broadcasts the paging message on the corresponding PO and PF in the PA.

[0162] (6) Warning message transmission function

[0163] This feature allows for coordination with the warning message transmission process via the NG interface. The gNB-CU is responsible for encoding the warning-related SI messages and sending them along with other warning-related information from the gNB-DU for broadcast via the radio interface.

[0164] Figure 7An example of a dual-connectivity (DC) architecture to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0165] Reference Figure 7 Examples include MN 711, SN 721, and UE 730 communicating with both MN 711 and SN 721. For example... Figure 7 As shown, DC refers to a scheme in which the UE (e.g., UE 730) utilizes radio resources provided by at least two RAN nodes, including an MN (e.g., MN 711) and one or more SNs (e.g., SN 721). In other words, DC refers to a scheme in which the UE connects to and communicates with both the MN and one or more SNs. Since the MN and SN can be at different sites, the backhaul between the MN and SN can be interpreted as a non-ideal backhaul (e.g., relatively large delays between nodes).

[0166] MN (e.g., MN 711) refers to the primary RAN node that provides services to the UE in the DC scenario. SN (e.g., SN 721) refers to an additional RAN node that provides services to the UE along with MN in the DC scenario. If a RAN node provides services to the UE, that RAN node can be MN. If MN exists, then SN can exist.

[0167] For example, an MN can be associated with a macrocell whose coverage area is relatively larger than that of a small cell. However, an MN is not necessarily associated with a macrocell—that is, an MN can be associated with a small cell. Throughout this disclosure, a RAN node associated with a macrocell can be referred to as a "macrocell node." An MN may include a macrocell node.

[0168] For example, a SN can be associated with a small cell (e.g., a microcell, picocell, femtocell) whose coverage area is relatively smaller than that of a macrocell. However, a SN is not necessarily associated with a small cell—that is, a SN can be associated with a macrocell. Throughout this disclosure, the RAN node associated with a small cell may be referred to as a "small cell node." A SN may include a small cell node.

[0169] An MN can be associated with a Primary Cell Group (MCG). An MCG can refer to a group of serving cells associated with an MN and may include the primary cell (PCell) and optionally one or more secondary cells (SCells). User plane data and / or control plane data can be transmitted from the core network to the MN via MCG bearers. An MCG bearer refers to a bearer whose radio protocol resides in the MN to utilize MN resources. Figure 7 As shown, the radio protocols carried by the MCG may include PDCP, RLC, MAC and / or PHY.

[0170] A Service Node (SN) can be associated with a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). An SCG can refer to a group of serving cells associated with the SN and may include primary and secondary cells (PSCells) and optionally one or more SCells. User plane data can be transmitted from the core network to the SN via SCG bearers. An SCG bearer refers to a bearer whose radio protocol resides within the SN to utilize SN resources. Figure 7 As shown, the radio protocols carried by SCG may include PDCP, RLC, MAC, and PHY.

[0171] User plane data and / or control plane data can be transmitted from the core network to the MN and fragmented / copied within the MN, with at least a portion of the fragmented / copied data being forwarded to the SN via a segmented bearer. A segmented bearer refers to a bearer whose radio protocol resides in both the MN and SN to utilize the resources of both MN and SN. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the radio protocols for segmented bearers located in MN can include PDCP, RLC, MAC, and PHY. The radio protocols for segmented bearers located in SN can include RLC, MAC, and PHY.

[0172] According to various implementations, a PDCP anchor / PDCP anchor point / PDCP anchor node refers to a RAN node that includes a PDCP entity, which segments and / or replicates data and forwards at least a portion of the segmented / replicated data to another RAN node via the X2 / Xn interface. Figure 7 In the example, the PDCP anchor node can be MN.

[0173] Depending on the implementation, the MN of the UE can be changed. This can be referred to as a switch or MN switch.

[0174] According to various implementation methods, the SN can newly provide radio resources to the UE, establish a connection with the UE, and / or communicate with the UE (i.e., a new SN for the UE can be added). This can be referred to as SN addition.

[0175] According to various implementation methods, the SN of the UE can be changed while the MN of the UE is maintained. This can be referred to as SN change.

[0176] Depending on the implementation, the DC may include E-UTRAN NR-DC (EN-DC) and / or Multiple Radio Access Technology (RAT)-DC (MR-DC). EN-DC refers to a DC in which the UE uses radio resources provided by E-UTRAN nodes and NR RAN nodes. MR-DC refers to a DC in which the UE uses radio resources provided by RAN nodes with different RATs.

[0177] The Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) is described below.

[0178] Signaling radio bearers can be defined as radio bearers (RBs) used solely for transmitting RRC and / or NAS messages. More specifically, the following SRBs can be defined:

[0179] -SRB0 can be used for RRC messages that utilize the CCCH logical channel;

[0180] -SRB1 can be used for RRC messages (which may include onboard NAS messages) and NAS messages before SRB2 is established, all of which use the DCCH logical channel;

[0181] -SRB2 can be used for NAS messages and RRC messages, including recorded measurement information, all using the DCCH logical channel. SRB2 has a lower priority than SRB1 and can be configured by the network after AS security activation; and

[0182] -SRB3 can be used for specific RRC messages when the UE is in DC (e.g., (NG)EN-DC and / or NR-DC), all of which use the DCCH logical channel.

[0183] In the downlink, NAS message delivery can be used for only one related (i.e., combined success / failure) process: bearer establishment / modification / release. In the uplink, NAS message delivery can be used only for transmitting initial NAS messages during connection setup and connection recovery.

[0184] NAS messages transmitted via SRB2 can also be included in RRC messages; however, RRC messages do not include any RRC protocol control information.

[0185] Once AS security is activated, all RRC messages on SRB1, SRB2, and SRB3 (including those containing NAS messages) can be integrity protected and encrypted via PDCP. NAS can independently apply integrity protection and encryption to NAS messages.

[0186] All MR-DC options in both SRB1 and SRB2 can support split SRBs (SRB0 and SRB3 may not support split SRBs).

[0187] For shared spectrum channel access operations, SRB0, SRB1, and SRB3 can be assigned the highest priority channel access priority (CAPC) (i.e., CAPC=1), while the CAPC of SRB2 is configurable.

[0188] Figure 8 An example of possible RRC states in a wireless communication system to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0189] Reference Figure 8 In a wireless communication system, there can be three possible RRC states (i.e., RRC_IDLE, RRC_CONNECTED, and / or RRC_IDLE).

[0190] In RRC_IDLE (or idle mode / state), an RRC context for communication between the UE and the network may not be established in the RAN, and the UE may not belong to a specific cell. Furthermore, there is no core network connection for the UE in RRC_IDLE. Since the device is in sleep mode most of the time to reduce battery consumption, no data transfer between the UE and the network may occur. A UE in RRC_IDLE can be periodically woken up to receive paging messages from the network. Mobility can be handled by the UE through cell reselection. Because uplink synchronization is not maintained, the UE may not perform uplink transmissions to move to RRC_CONNECTED, except for transmissions used for random access (e.g., random access preamble transmission).

[0191] In RRC_CONNECTED (or, Connected State / Mode), an RRC context for communication between the UE and the network can be established in the RAN. Additionally, in RRC_CONNECTED, a core network connection is established for the UE. Since the UE belongs to a specific cell, a Cell-Radio Network Temporary Identifier (C-RNTI) can be configured for signaling between the UE and the network. Data transfers between the UE and the network can occur. Mobility can be handled by the network—that is, the UE can provide measurement reports to the network, and the network can send mobility commands to the UE to execute mobility. Uplink time alignment may need to be established and maintained based on random access for data transmission.

[0192] In RRC_INACTIVE (or inactive state / mode), the RRC context used for communication between the UE and the network can be maintained in the RAN. Data transfer between the UE and the network may not occur. Since core network connectivity can also be maintained for the UE, the UE can quickly transition to a connected state for data transfer. Core network signaling may not be required during the transition. The RRC context may already be established in the network, and the idle-to-active transition can be handled in the RAN. The UE can be allowed to sleep in a manner similar to that in RRC_IDLE, and mobility can be handled through cell reselection without involving the network. RRC_INCATIVE can be interpreted as a mixture of idle and connected states.

[0193] like Figure 8As shown, a UE can transition from RRC_IDLE to RRC_CONNECTED by performing an initial attachment procedure or an RRC connection establishment procedure. A UE can transition from RRC_CONNECTED to RRC_IDLE when a disconnection, RRC connection release, and / or connection failure occurs (e.g., radio link failure (RLF)). A UE can transition from RRC_INACTIVE to RRC_INACTIVE when an RRC connection is terminated, and from RRC_INACTIVE to RRC_CONNECTED when an RRC connection is restored. A UE can transition from RRC_INACTIVE to RRC_IDLE when a connection failure such as an RLF occurs.

[0194] The event notification is described below.

[0195] For EN-DC, the activity notification function can be used to report user plane activity within SN resources. The activity notification function can also be used to report inactivity or to resume activity after inactivity has been reported. In EN-DC, activity reports can be provided solely from the SN. The MN can take further action.

[0196] The support for activity notifications in EN-DC can be used to inform the MN about user traffic activity on the resources owned by the SN. The MN can then take appropriate action upon receiving such a notification.

[0197] For example, the SN can send an activity notification message to the MN, informing it that user data on the resources it owns is inactive. Upon receiving the activity notification message, the MN can decide to preserve the SN's resources. After a period of time, the SN can send an activity notification message informing the user plane that activity has resumed.

[0198] For MR-DCs with 5GC, the activity notification function can be used to report user plane activity within SN resources or to report RAN paging failure events to the SN. The activity notification function can also be used to report inactivity or to resume activity after inactivity has been reported. In MR-DCs with 5GC, activity reports can be provided solely from the SN. The MN can take further action. RAN paging failure reports can be provided solely from the MN.

[0199] For example, the SN can send an activity notification message to inform the user that data is inactive. Upon receiving the activity notification message, the MN can decide on further actions affecting SN resources (e.g., sending the UE to RRC_INACTIVE, bearer reconfiguration). Alternatively, the MN may take no action. After a period of time, the SN can send an activity notification message to the MN to inform the MN of the resumption of user plane activity, notifying the MN that the UE, PDU session, or QoS flow is no longer inactive.

[0200] According to various embodiments of this disclosure, an activity notification message (or activity notification) can be sent from the SN to the MN. The activity notification message can indicate the activity status of SN resources (i.e., resources owned by the SN) and / or bearers terminated by the SN.

[0201] Activity status can include:

[0202] - User plane / data / traffic inactivity (i.e., inactivity status information); or

[0203] - Recovery / reactivation of user plane / data / traffic activity (i.e., activity status information).

[0204] Figure 9A and Figure 9B A first example of an MR-DC with 5GC associated with RRC_INACTIVE, to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied, is shown.

[0205] The activity notification function can be used to enable MR-DCs with 5GC to perform RRC_INACTIVE operations. After inactivity is reported from the SN and the MN resources also show inactivity, the MN node can decide to send the UE to RRC_INACTIVE. Recovery to RRC_CONNECTED can occur after the SN reports activity for the bearer terminated by the SN.

[0206] Figure 9A and Figure 9B This illustrates how the activity notification function interacts with the NG-RAN functions and SN modification process for RRC_INACTIVE to maintain the higher-level MR-DC NG-RAN resources established for UEs in RRC_INACTIVE state. This includes the NG and Xn interface control plane, user plane, and bearer context established simultaneously with the release of lower-level MCG and SCG resources. NG-RAN can remember the cell group configuration of the MCG to apply delta signaling upon recovery. After the UE has successfully transitioned back to RRC_CONNECTED, lower-level SCG resources can subsequently be established via RRC connection reconfiguration.

[0207] Reference Figure 9A In step S901, the SN may send an activity notification message to the MN indicating that user data for the bearer terminated by the SN is inactive.

[0208] In step S903, MN may decide to send the UE to RRC_INACTIVE.

[0209] In step S905, MN can send a request message to SN instructing the release of the lower-level SN modification. MN can trigger an SN modification process initiated by MN, requesting SN to release the lower level.

[0210] In step S907, the SN may send an SN Modification Request Acknowledgment (ACK) message as a response to the SN Modification Request message.

[0211] In step S909, the UE can be sent to RRC_INACTIVE.

[0212] In step S911, an inactive period can be defined.

[0213] In step S913, after the inactive period, the SN can send an activity notification to the MN regarding the recovery / reactivation of user data activity.

[0214] In step S915, the UE can return to RRC_CONNECTED.

[0215] In the example, the MN can decide whether to reactivate the bearer terminated by the SN. If (for example, due to UE mobility), the MN decides not to reactivate the bearer terminated by the SN, the MN can initiate an MN-initiated SN release procedure, and this procedure can end.

[0216] Figure 9A The steps in can continue to Figure 9B The steps in the process.

[0217] Reference Figure 9B In step S917, MN can trigger the SN modification process initiated by MN via the SN modification request message to re-establish the lower layer.

[0218] In step S919, the SN may send an SN Modification Request ACK message to the MN, carrying an SN RRC reconfiguration message. The SN may provide configuration data within the SN RRC configuration / reconfiguration message.

[0219] In steps S921 to S927, the RRC connection reconfiguration procedure begins.

[0220] In step S921, the MN can send an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE.

[0221] In step S923, the UE may send an RRC reconfiguration complete message to the MN, carrying the message that the SN RRC reconfiguration is complete.

[0222] In step S925, MN may send an SN reconfiguration complete message to SN, indicating that SN RRC reconfiguration is complete.

[0223] In step S927, the UE may perform a random access procedure toward the SN.

[0224] Figure 10A and Figure 10B A second example of an MR-DC with 5GC associated with RRC_INACTIVE, to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied, is shown.

[0225] The activity notification function can be used to enable MR-DCs with 5GC to perform RRC_INACTIVE operations. After inactivity is reported from the SN and the MN resources also show inactivity, the MN node can decide to send the UE to RRC_INACTIVE while maintaining the SCG configuration. Recovery to RRC_CONNECTED can occur after activity for the bearer terminated by the SN is reported from the SN.

[0226] Figure 10A and Figure 10B This demonstrates how the activity notification function interacts with the NG-RAN functions and SN modification process for RRC_INACTIVE to maintain the full MR-DC NG-RAN resources established for the UE in RRC_INACTIVE. When the UE successfully transitions back to RRC_CONNECTED, the lower-layer MCG and SCG configurations can be restored or reconfigured via RRC (connectivity) recovery.

[0227] Reference Figure 10A In step S1001, the SN may send an activity notification message to the MN indicating that the user data of the bearer terminated by the SN is inactive.

[0228] In step S1003, MN may decide to send the UE to RRC_INACTIVE.

[0229] In step S1005, MN can send a message to SN instructing the SN to suspend the lower-level SN modification request. MN can trigger the SN modification process initiated by MN, requesting SN to suspend the lower level.

[0230] In step S1007, the SN may send an SN Modification Request ACK message as a response to the SN Modification Request message.

[0231] In step S1009, the UE can be sent to RRC_INACTIVE.

[0232] In step S1011, an inactive period can be defined.

[0233] In step S1013, the SN may send an activity notification to the MN indicating the recovery / reactivation of user data activity.

[0234] In step S1015, after an inactive period, when an activity notification is received from the SN, the MN may decide to return the UE to RRC_CONNECTED.

[0235] In this implementation, the MN can decide whether to reactivate the bearer of the SN termination. If (e.g., due to UE mobility) the MN decides not to reactivate the bearer of the SN termination, the MN can initiate an MN-initiated SN release procedure in steps S1017 and S1019, instead of an MN-initiated SN modification procedure.

[0236] Figure 10A The steps in can continue to Figure 10B The steps in the process.

[0237] Reference Figure 10B In step S1017, the MN can send a request message to the SN instructing the restoration of the lower-level SN modification. The MN can trigger the SN modification process initiated by the MN to restore the lower-level SCG.

[0238] In step S1019, the SN may send an SN Modification Request ACK message carrying an SN RRC reconfiguration message. If an SCG configuration update is required, the SN may provide configuration data within the SN RRC configuration message.

[0239] In steps S1021 and S1023, the RRC (connectivity) recovery process can be started, where the UE is instructed to restore both the MCG and SCG. If the SCG configuration needs to be updated, the new configuration can be provided in the RRC (connectivity) recovery message.

[0240] In step S1025, the MN may notify the SN that the UE has successfully completed the reconfiguration process via an SN reconfiguration completion message (if received from the UE) that includes an SN RRC response message.

[0241] In step S1027, if instructed, the UE may perform synchronization toward the PSCell of the SN.

[0242] Furthermore, in a DC environment, it may be necessary to reduce the power consumption of the UE. DC UEs (e.g., UEs such as UE 730) can be easily heated to maintain communication services. SCG deactivation can be a good way to save power for the UE when no data packets are coming from the SN. On the other hand, if data packets arrive again, the SN should quickly connect to receive services. UE and network behaviors should be defined to implement SCG activation / deactivation. Various implementations of this disclosure can facilitate efficient activation / deactivation of the SCG (including PSCell) for the UE.

[0243] The following figures were created to illustrate specific embodiments of this disclosure. The names of particular devices or signals / messages / fields shown in the figures are provided as examples, and therefore the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures.

[0244] Figure 11 An example of a method for SCG deactivation according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 11 The steps shown can be performed by the central unit (CU) of the secondary node (SN) that serves the wireless device together with the master node (MN) in a dual-connection (DC).

[0245] Reference Figure 11 In step S1101, the CU may send a first message to the SN's distributed unit (DU), which includes instructions to deactivate one or more cells in the secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN. The one or more cells may include primary and secondary cells (PSCells).

[0246] In step S1103, the CU can receive a second message from the DU that includes information notifying one or more cells of successful deactivation.

[0247] In step S1105, the CU may determine a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from the wireless device. The list of cells may include PSCells.

[0248] In step S1107, the CU may send a third message to the DU, which includes information about the list of cells to be activated in the SCG.

[0249] In step S1109, the CU can receive a fourth message from the DU, which includes information about the successful activation of a list of notified cells.

[0250] According to various implementations, the first message may also include at least one of the following: a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration including information on increasing the off duration of DRX cycles for one or more cells; or an instruction to store the configuration of one or more cells.

[0251] According to various implementation methods, the first message may also include information notifying one or more cells to be deactivated.

[0252] According to various implementations, the first message may also include instructions for storing the configuration of the wireless device for one or more cells.

[0253] According to various implementation methods, the third message may also include instructions for activating a list of cells.

[0254] According to various implementation methods, the first message may be a User Equipment (UE) Context Modification Request message. The second message may be a UE Context Modification Response message.

[0255] According to various implementation methods, the third message may be a User Equipment (UE) context modification request message. The fourth message may be a UE context modification response message.

[0256] According to various implementations, the CU can send an activity notification message to the MN, the activity notification message including the number of packets received by the CU. The CU can receive from the MN at least one of information notifying a list of cells to be activated or an instruction to activate a list of cells.

[0257] According to various implementation methods, at least one of the information of the list of cells to be activated or the instruction of the list of activated cells can be modified via the SN to receive the request message.

[0258] Figure 12 An example of a method for performing communication in an SCG deactivated state according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 12 The steps shown can be performed by a wireless device (and / or UE) served by a primary node (MN) and a secondary node (SN) in a dual-connection (DC) configuration.

[0259] Reference Figure 12 In step S1201, the wireless device may enter a deactivation state for the secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN.

[0260] In step S1203, while the SCG is in the deactivated state, the radio device can communicate with the MN while skipping physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) monitoring of one or more deactivated cells in the SCG. The one or more cells may include primary and secondary cells (PSCells).

[0261] In step S1205, the wireless device can switch from the SCG deactivation state to the SCG activation state for the SCG.

[0262] In step S1207, while the SCG is active, the wireless device can communicate with the MN and SN simultaneously while performing PDCCH monitoring of a list of active cells in the SCG. The cell list may include PSCells. The cell list is determined based on at least one of the following: the number of packets to be sent to or transmitted by the wireless device; or measurement reports transmitted by the wireless device.

[0263] Figure 13 An example of an SCG activation / deactivation process for a dual-connectivity UE according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0264] Reference Figure 13 In step S1301, the CU of the SN can send a UE context modification request (UECONTEXT MODIFICATION REQUEST) message to the DU of the SN to deactivate the UE's SCG. After step S1301, the UE can be in the RRC_CONNECTED state or the RRC_INACTIVE state. The UE context modification request message may include at least one of the following:

[0265] - Instructions / commands to deactivate the SCG, and put the SCG (PScell) to sleep;

[0266] - Configuration for long DRX of PScells and Scells in hibernation; or

[0267] - Instructions for storing the configuration of PScells and / or dormant Scells.

[0268] In step S1303, the DU of the SN performs an action based on the information received in step S1301 (e.g., an indication / instruction for deactivating the SCG, putting the SCG (PScell) to sleep; the long DRX configuration for the sleeping PScell ​​or Scell; or an instruction to store the configuration of the PScell ​​and / or the sleeping Scell). Then, the DU of the SN may send a UE context modification response to the CU of the SN, which includes a success indication based on the specific information received in step S1301. For example, the UE context modification response may include information notifying the SCG of successful deactivation, and / or information notifying the SCG of successful deactivation based on the specific information received in step S1301.

[0269] In step S1305, after a period of time, if a packet arrives at the CU of the SN, the SCG should be activated. The CU of the SN can then send an activation notification to the MN. The activation notification may include the number of packets. The MN can determine which SCG PScell ​​and / or Scell ​​to activate based on measurements received by the MN (e.g., measurement reports) and packets received by the MN (if received by the MN).

[0270] In step S1307, the MN may send an SN modification request message to the CU of the SN. The SN modification request message may include an indication / instruction for SCG activation and / or a list of all or part of the cells (including SCG PScells and / or Scells) to be activated.

[0271] If SRB3 is configured and the SN's CU can receive measurement reports from the UE itself, steps S1305 and S1307 can be optional (i.e., can be omitted). The SN's CU can determine the list of cells (including SCG PScells and / or Scells) to be activated based on the measurement reports and the number of packets from the core network (CN).

[0272] In step S1309, the CU of the SN can send a UE context modification request message to the DU of the SN. The UE context modification request message may include a list of cells to be activated (including SCG PScells and / or Scells).

[0273] In step S1311, the SN's DU can find the UE context based on the UE F1AP ID and activate a list of cells including SCGPScell ​​and / or Scell.

[0274] In step S1313, the DU of the SN may send a UE context modification response message to the CU of the SN, and use the previously stored UE-specific configuration in the list of cells including SCG PScell ​​and / or SCell. For example, the UE context modification response message may include information notifying the successful activation of the cell list, and / or information notifying the successful activation of the cell list.

[0275] In step S1315, if it is necessary to update the SCG configuration, the SN can provide configuration data in the SN RRC (re)configuration message.

[0276] In step S1317, the MN may send an RRC recovery message and / or an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE to instruct the UE to activate the SCG. If the SCG configuration needs to be updated, the new configuration can be provided in the RRC message (e.g., the RRC recovery message and / or the RRC reconfiguration message).

[0277] In step S1319, the UE may send an RRC recovery completion message that includes an SN RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0278] In step S1321, the MN may notify the SN that the UE has successfully completed the reconfiguration process via an SN reconfiguration completion message (if received from the UE) that includes an SN RRC response message.

[0279] If SRB3 is configured and the CU of the SN can configure the RRC information itself, then steps S1315 to S1321 can be optional (i.e., can be omitted).

[0280] In the following, a device for a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) serving a wireless device together with a primary node (MN) in a wireless communication system in a dual-connection (DC) configuration will be described according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0281] For example, a CU may include at least one processor, a transceiver, and memory.

[0282] For example, at least one processor can be configured to be operatively coupled to memory and transceiver.

[0283] At least one processor can be configured to control a transceiver to send a first message to a Distributed Unit (DU) of the SN, the first message including instructions for deactivating one or more cells in a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) associated with the SN. The one or more cells may include primary and secondary cells (PSCells). At least one processor can be configured to control the transceiver to receive a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying of successful deactivation of the one or more cells. At least one processor can be configured to determine a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from a radio device. The list of cells may include PSCells. At least one processor can be configured to control the transceiver to send a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying of the list of cells to be activated in the SCG. At least one processor can be configured to control the transceiver to receive a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying of successful activation of the cell list.

[0284] According to various implementations, the first message may also include at least one of the following: a discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration including information on increasing the off duration of DRX cycles for one or more cells; or an instruction to store the configuration of one or more cells.

[0285] According to various implementation methods, the first message may also include information notifying one or more cells to be deactivated.

[0286] According to various implementations, the first message may also include instructions for storing the configuration of the wireless device for one or more cells.

[0287] According to various implementation methods, the third message may also include instructions for activating a list of cells.

[0288] According to various implementation methods, the first message may be a User Equipment (UE) Context Modification Request message. The second message may be a UE Context Modification Response message.

[0289] According to various implementation methods, the third message may be a User Equipment (UE) context modification request message. The fourth message may be a UE context modification response message.

[0290] According to various implementations, at least one processor can be configured to control a transceiver to send an activity notification message to the MN, the activity notification message including the number of packets received by the CU. At least one processor can also be configured to control the transceiver to receive information from the MN notifying a list of cells to be activated or an instruction to activate a list of cells.

[0291] According to various implementation methods, at least one of the information of the list of cells to be activated or the instruction of the list of activated cells can be modified via the SN to receive the request message.

[0292] In the following, a device for a wireless apparatus (and / or UE) in a wireless communication system served by a master node (MN) and a slave node (SN) in dual connectivity (DC) will be described according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0293] For example, a wireless device may include at least one processor, transceiver, and memory.

[0294] For example, at least one processor can be configured to be operatively coupled to memory and transceiver.

[0295] At least one processor can be configured to enter a secondary cell group (SCG) deactivation state for an SCG associated with an SN. At least one processor can be configured to control a transceiver to communicate with the MN while skipping Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring for one or more deactivated cells in the SCG. One or more cells may include primary and secondary cells (PSCells). At least one processor can be configured to switch from an SCG deactivation state to an SCG activation state for an SCG. At least one processor can be configured to control a transceiver to communicate with both the MN and SN while performing PDCCH monitoring on a list of activated cells in the SCG. The cell list may include PSCells. The cell list is determined based on at least one of the following: the number of packets to be sent to or transmitted by the radio device; or measurement reports transmitted by the radio device.

[0296] In the following, a processor for a central unit (CU) of a secondary node (SN) of a wireless device serving together with a primary node (MN) in a wireless communication system in a dual-connection (DC) configuration will be described according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0297] The CU's memory can store software code implementing instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform the following operations: sending a first message to the SN's Distributed Unit (DU), the first message including instructions for deactivating one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN, one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); receiving a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying of successful deactivation of one or more cells; determining a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from a radio device, wherein the list of cells includes PSCells; sending a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying of the list of cells to be activated in the SCG; and receiving a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying of successful activation of the list of cells.

[0298] In the following, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored a plurality of instructions stored thereon, according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, will be described, which is a central unit (CU) for serving a secondary node (SN) of a wireless device in a wireless communication system in a dual-connection (DC) configuration with a master node (MN).

[0299] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the technical features of this disclosure can be directly implemented in hardware, in software executed by a processor, or a combination of both. For example, a method executed by a wireless device in wireless communication can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, software can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other storage medium.

[0300] Some examples of storage media are coupled to a processor, allowing the processor to read information from the storage media. Alternatively, the storage media can be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage media can reside in an ASIC. In other examples, the processor and storage media can exist as discrete components.

[0301] Computer-readable media can include tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0302] For example, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, or any other media that can be used to store instructions or data structures. Non-transitory computer-readable media may also include combinations of the above.

[0303] Furthermore, the methods described herein can be implemented at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or transmits code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed, read, and / or executed by a computer.

[0304] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores a plurality of instructions thereon. The stored plurality of instructions can be executed by a processor of a CU.

[0305] The stored instructions enable the CU to: send a first message to the SN's distributed unit (DU), the first message including instructions for deactivating one or more cells in a secondary cell group (SCG) associated with the SN, one or more cells including primary and secondary cells (PSCells); receive a second message from the DU, the second message including information notifying the successful deactivation of one or more cells; determine a list of cells to be activated in the SCG based on at least one of the number of packets received by the CU or measurement reports received from a radio device, wherein the list of cells includes PSCells; send a third message to the DU, the third message including information notifying the list of cells to be activated in the SCG; and receive a fourth message from the DU, the fourth message including information notifying the successful activation of the list of cells.

[0306] All messages in this disclosure are examples of using existing processes, but are not limited to them. That is, new messages can be defined to achieve the same goal.

[0307] This disclosure can have various beneficial effects.

[0308] For example, since the UE's power consumption can be reduced if there are no data packets to send during the deactivation state, and the UE and network can quickly enter connected mode to receive services when the packets arrive again, the UE's service experience in the DC can be enhanced.

[0309] The beneficial effects obtainable through specific embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, various technical effects may exist that can be understood and / or derived from this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of this disclosure.

[0310] The claims in this disclosure can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features in the method claims of this disclosure can be combined to implement or perform in a device, and the technical features in the device claims can be combined to implement or perform in a method. Furthermore, the technical features in the method claims and device claims can be combined to implement or perform in a device. Other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method executed by a secondary node SN-central unit CU, the method comprising the following steps: A User Equipment Context Modification Request (UEContext Modification Request) message is sent to the SN-Distributed Unit (DU). The UEContext Modification Request message includes first information related to the deactivation of the secondary cell group (SCG). Wherein, the SCG includes primary and secondary cells (PSCell); and The system receives a UE context modification response message from the SN-DU, the UE context modification response message including second information regarding the state of the SCG. The state of the SCG is related to the deactivation of the SCG. Specifically, the SCG is deactivated for wireless devices that are in a connected state. The wireless device is equipped with a primary cell group (MCG) and an SCG. The MCG is associated with the master node MN. Wherein, the SCG is associated with the SN, and The SN includes the SN-CU and the SN-DU.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The UE context modification request message includes at least one of the following: Discontinuous reception DRX configuration, the DRX configuration including information on increasing the off duration of the DRX cycle for the PSCell; or Instructions for storing the configuration of the PSCell.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the following step: Send an activity notification message to the MN, the activity notification message including the number of packets received by the CU; as well as The MN receives at least one of the following: information that informs the SCG of a list of cells to be activated or an instruction to activate the SCG.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive an SN modification request message from the MN, which includes information for requesting the activation of the SCG.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The SN modification request message includes information about the list of cells to be activated in the SCG.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The wireless device communicates with at least one of the autonomous vehicles or networks other than the wireless device itself.

7. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising the following steps: Entering connected state; as well as While in the connected state, the secondary cell group (SCG) is deactivated. The SCG includes primary and secondary cells (PSCell). Specifically, the User Equipment (UE) Context Modification Request message is sent from the secondary node SN-Central Unit (CU) to the SN-Distributed Unit (DU). The UE Context Modification Request message includes first information related to the deactivation of the SCG. Specifically, a UE context modification response message is sent from the SN-DU to the SN-CU, and the UE context modification response message includes second information regarding the state of the SCG. The state of the SCG is related to the deactivation of the SCG. The wireless device is equipped with a primary cell group (MCG) and an SCG. The MCG is associated with the master node MN. Wherein, the SCG is associated with the SN, and The SN includes the SN-CU and the SN-DU.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The UE context modification request message includes at least one of the following: Discontinuous reception DRX configuration, the DRX configuration including information on increasing the off duration of the DRX cycle for the PSCell; or Instructions for storing the configuration of the PSCell.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein, An activity notification message, including the number of packets received by the CU, is sent from the CU to the MN, and Specifically, at least one of the information of the list of cells to be activated in the SCG or the instruction for activating the SCG is sent from the MN to the CU.

10. The method according to claim 7, wherein, An SN modification request message, including information for requesting the activation of the SCG, is sent from the MN to the CU.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein, The SN modification request message includes information about the list of cells to be activated in the SCG.

12. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The wireless device communicates with at least one of the autonomous vehicles or networks other than the wireless device itself.

13. A secondary node SN-central unit CU in a wireless communication system, the SN-CU serving a wireless device together with a primary node MN via a dual-connection DC, the SN-CU comprising: At least one transceiver; At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, operatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that perform operations based on execution by the at least one processor, the operations including: The SN-CU sends a User Equipment Context Modification Request message to the SN-Distributed Unit (DU). The UE Context Modification Request message includes first information related to the deactivation of the secondary cell group (SCG). Wherein, the SCG includes primary and secondary cells (PSCell); and The SN-CU receives a UE context modification response message from the SN-DU, the UE context modification response message including second information regarding the state of the SCG. The state of the SCG is related to the deactivation of the SCG. Specifically, the SCG is deactivated for wireless devices that are in a connected state. The wireless device is equipped with a primary cell group (MCG) and an SCG. The MCG is associated with the master node MN. Wherein, the SCG is associated with the SN, and The SN includes the SN-CU and the SN-DU.

14. A wireless device in a wireless communication system, the wireless device being served by a master node MN and a slave node SN via a dual-connection DC, the wireless device comprising: At least one transceiver; At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, operatively coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions that perform operations based on execution by the at least one processor, the operations including: Entering the connected state; and While in the connected state, the secondary cell group (SCG) is deactivated. The SCG includes primary and secondary cells (PSCell). Specifically, the User Equipment (UE) Context Modification Request message is sent from the secondary node SN-Central Unit (CU) to the SN-Distributed Unit (DU). The UE Context Modification Request message includes first information related to the deactivation of the SCG. Specifically, a UE context modification response message is sent from the SN-DU to the SN-CU, and the UE context modification response message includes second information regarding the state of the SCG. The state of the SCG is related to the deactivation of the SCG. The wireless device is equipped with a primary cell group (MCG) and an SCG. The MCG is associated with the master node MN. Wherein, the SCG is associated with the SN, and The SN includes the SN-CU and the SN-DU.

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