Configuration of radio access network notification area for positioning

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to techniques for wireless communications. In one aspect, a base station (BS) transmits, to a user equipment (UE) while the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) INACTIVE state, a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with paging of the UE, the first RNA comprising a first set of cells. In a further aspect, the BS transmits, to the UE while the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, a second configuration of a second RNA associated with positioning of the UE, the second RNA comprising a subset of the first set of cells.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This patent application claims priority to Greek patent application No. 20200100748, filed on December 24, 2020, entitled “CONFIGURATION OF RADIOACCESS NETWORK NOTIFICATION AREA FOR POSITIONING”, which is assigned to the assignee herein and is expressly incorporated herein in its entirety by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Various aspects of this disclosure generally relate to wireless communications. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless communication systems have undergone several generations of development, including first-generation analog radiotelephone service (1G), second-generation (2G) digital radiotelephone service (including temporary 2.5G and 2.75G networks), third-generation (3G) high-speed data, wireless services supporting the Internet, and fourth-generation (4G) services (e.g., Long Term Evolution (LTE) or WiMax). Currently, many different types of wireless communication systems are in use, including cellular and Personal Communication Services (PCS) systems. Known examples of cellular systems include cellular analog Advanced Mobile Phone Systems (AMPS) and digital cellular systems based on Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), etc.

[0005] The fifth-generation (5G) wireless standard, known as New Radio (NR), demands improvements such as higher data transmission speeds, more connections, and better coverage. According to the Next Generation Mobile Networks Alliance (NGNA), the 5G standard aims to provide tens of megabits per second (Mbps) of data to tens of thousands of users and 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) to dozens of employees in an office. To support large-scale sensor deployments, it should support hundreds of thousands of simultaneous connections. Therefore, the spectral efficiency of 5G mobile communications should be significantly improved compared to the current 4G standard. Furthermore, signaling efficiency should be improved and latency drastically reduced compared to the current standard. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following is a simplified overview relating to one or more aspects disclosed herein. Therefore, this overview should not be considered a broad overview relating to all anticipated aspects, nor should it be regarded as identifying key or essential elements relating to all anticipated aspects or depicting the scope associated with any particular aspect. Thus, the sole purpose of this overview is to present, in a simplified form, certain concepts related to one or more aspects relating to the mechanisms disclosed herein, prior to the specific embodiments given below.

[0007] In one aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: when the UE is in a Radio Resource Control Inactive (RRC INACTIVE) state, receiving a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE, the first RNA including a first cell group; and when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receiving a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0008] In one aspect, a method of wireless communication performed by a base station includes transmitting a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the user equipment (UE) when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and transmitting a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state.

[0009] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receive via the at least one transceiver a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE, the first RNA including a first cell group; and when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receive via the at least one transceiver a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0010] In one aspect, a base station includes a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: transmit, via the at least one transceiver, a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the user equipment (UE), the first RNA including a first cell group, when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state; and transmit via the at least one transceiver a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0011] In one aspect, a user equipment (UE) includes: means for receiving a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE when the UE is in a radio resource control inactive (RRC INACTIVE) state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and means for receiving a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state.

[0012] In one aspect, a base station includes: means for transmitting a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of a user equipment (UE) when the UE is in a radio resource control inactive (RRCINACTIVE) state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and means for transmitting a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state.

[0013] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and receive a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state.

[0014] In one aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: transmit a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the user equipment (UE) when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and transmit a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state.

[0015] Other objects and advantages associated with the aspects disclosed herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art based on the accompanying drawings and detailed embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are provided to help describe various aspects of this disclosure, and are provided for illustrative purposes only and not to limit them.

[0017] Figure 1 An example wireless communication system according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 2A and 2B Example wireless network architectures according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0019] Figures 3A to 3C These are simplified block diagrams of several example aspects of components that can be adopted in user equipment (UE), base stations, and network entities and configured to support communications as taught herein.

[0020] Figures 4A to 4D The illustrations are based on various aspects of this disclosure and show example frame structures and channels within those frame structures.

[0021] Figure 5 Different Radio Resource Control (RRC) states available in the New Radio (NR) according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown.

[0022] Figure 6 An RRC state transition process according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 7 A radio access network notification area (RNA) according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 8 An example process of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0025] Figure 9 An example process of wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.

[0026] Figure 10 It shows that according to Figures 8 to 9 An example of the process implemented for RNA arrangement. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Various aspects of this disclosure are set forth in the following description and accompanying drawings, which illustrate various examples provided for illustrative purposes. Alternative aspects may be devised without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Furthermore, well-known elements of this disclosure will not be described in detail or will be omitted to avoid obscuring the relevant details of this disclosure.

[0028] The terms “exemplary” and / or “example” are used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any aspect described herein as “exemplary” and / or “example” is not necessarily to be construed as superior or better than the others. Similarly, the term “aspects of this disclosure” does not require that all aspects of this disclosure include the features, advantages, or modes of operation discussed.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that any of a variety of different techniques and skills can be used to represent the information and signals described below. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the following description can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof, depending in part on the specific application, in part on the required design, and in part on the appropriate technology, etc.

[0030] Furthermore, various aspects are described in accordance with sequences of actions performed, for example, by elements of a computing device. It will be appreciated that the various actions described herein can be performed by a particular circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)), program instructions executed by one or more processors, or a combination of both. Moreover, the sequences of actions described herein can be considered fully embodied in any form of non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a corresponding set of computer instructions that, when executed, will cause or instruct the processor of the associated device to perform the functions described herein. Therefore, various aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in a variety of different forms, all of which have been contemplated within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, for each aspect described herein, the corresponding form of any such aspect can be described herein as, for example, "logic" "configured" to perform the described actions.

[0031] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the terms “User Equipment” (UE) and “Base Station” are not intended to be specific to or otherwise limited to any particular Radio Access Technology (RAT). Generally, a UE can be any wireless communication device used by a user to communicate over a wireless communication network (e.g., mobile phone, router, tablet, laptop, consumer asset tracking device, wearable device (e.g., smartwatch, glasses, augmented reality (AR) / virtual reality (VR) headset, etc.), vehicle (e.g., car, motorcycle, bicycle, etc.), Internet of Things (IoT) device, etc.). A UE can be mobile or can (e.g., at certain times) be stationary and can communicate with a Radio Access Network (RAN). As used herein, the term “UE” is interchangeably referred to as “Access Terminal” or “AT”, “Client Equipment”, “Wireless Equipment”, “Subscriber Equipment”, “Subscriber Terminal”, “Subscriber Station”, “User Terminal” or “UT”, “Mobile Equipment”, “Mobile Terminal”, “Mobile Station”, or variations thereof. Typically, a UE can communicate with a core network via the RAN, and through the core network, the UE can connect to external networks such as the Internet and other UEs. Of course, other mechanisms for the UE to connect to the core network and / or the Internet are also possible, such as through wired access networks, wireless local area network (WLAN) networks (e.g., based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard, etc.), and so on.

[0032] A base station can operate according to one of several RATs (Radio Access Points) used to communicate with a UE, depending on the network in which it is deployed, and may be alternatively referred to as an Access Point (AP), Network Node, Node B, Evolved Node B (eNB), Next Generation eNB (ng-eNB), New Radio (NR) Node B (also known as gNB or gNodeB), etc. Base stations are primarily used to support radio access by the UE, including supporting data, voice, and / or signaling connections for the supported UE. In some systems, a base station may provide purely edge node signaling, while in others it may provide additional control and / or network management functions. The communication link through which a UE signals to a base station is referred to as an uplink (UL) channel (e.g., reverse traffic channel, reverse control channel, access channel, etc.). The communication link through which a base station signals to a UE is referred to as a downlink (DL) or forward link channel (e.g., paging channel, control channel, broadcast channel, forward traffic channel, etc.). As used herein, the term Traffic Channel (TCH) can refer to an uplink / reverse or downlink / forward traffic channel.

[0033] The term "base station" can refer to a single physical transmit / receive point (TRP) or multiple physical TRPs that may or may not be co-located. For example, when the term "base station" refers to a single physical TRP, that physical TRP may be the antenna of the base station corresponding to a cell (or several cell sectors) of the base station. When the term "base station" refers to multiple co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRP may be the antenna array of the base station (e.g., as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system or where the base station employs beamforming). When the term "base station" refers to multiple non-co-located physical TRPs, the physical TRP may be a distributed antenna system (DAS) (a spatially separated network of antennas connected to a common source via a transmission medium) or a remote radio headend (RRH) (a remote base station connected to the serving base station). Alternatively, non-co-located physical TRPs may be the serving base station from which the UE receives measurement reports and a neighboring base station from which the UE is measuring its reference RF signal. Because a TRP is the point from which a base station transmits and receives radio signals, as used herein, a reference to transmissions from or receptions at a base station will be understood to refer to the specific TRP of the base station.

[0034] In some implementations that support UE positioning, the base station may not support radio access by the UE (e.g., it may not support the UE's data, voice, and / or signaling connections), but may instead transmit reference signals to the UE for measurement, and / or receive and measure signals transmitted by the UE. Such a base station may be referred to as a positioning beacon (e.g., when transmitting signals to the UE) and / or a location measurement unit (e.g., when receiving and measuring signals from the UE).

[0035] An “RF signal” comprises electromagnetic waves of a given frequency that transmit information across space between a transmitter and a receiver. As used herein, a transmitter may send a single “RF signal” or multiple “RF signals” to a receiver. However, due to the propagation characteristics of RF signals through multipath channels, a receiver may receive multiple “RF signals” corresponding to each transmitted RF signal. The same transmitted RF signal on different paths between the transmitter and receiver can be referred to as a “multipath” RF signal.

[0036] Figure 1An exemplary wireless communication system 100 is illustrated. The wireless communication system 100 (which may also be referred to as a wireless wide area network (WWAN)) may include various base stations 102 and various UEs 104. Base station 102 may include macro cell base stations (high-power cellular base stations) and / or small cell base stations (low-power cellular base stations). In one aspect, the macro cell base station may include an eNB and / or ng-eNB where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an LTE network, or a gNB where the wireless communication system 100 corresponds to an NR network, or a combination of both, and the small cell base station may include femtocells, picocells, microcells, etc.

[0037] Base station 102 can collectively form a RAN and interface with core network 170 (e.g., Evolved Packet Core (EPC) or 5G Core (5GC)) via backhaul link 122, and interface with one or more location servers 172 (which may be part of or outside of core network 170) via core network 170. Among other functions, base station 102 can perform one or more of the following related functions: transmitting user data, radio channel encryption and decryption, integrity protection, header compression, mobility control functions (e.g., handover, dual connectivity), inter-cell interference coordination, connection establishment and release, load balancing, non-access stratum (NAS) message distribution, NAS node selection, synchronization, RAN sharing, multimedia broadcast multicast service (MBMS), subscriber and device tracking, RAN information management (RIM), paging, location, and warning message delivery. Base station 102 can communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., via EPC / 5GC) via backhaul link 134, which can be wired or wireless.

[0038] Base station 102 can wirelessly communicate with UE 104. Each base station 102 can provide communication coverage for a corresponding geographic coverage area 110. In one aspect, one or more cells can be supported by base station 102 in each geographic coverage area 110. A “cell” is a logical communication entity used to communicate with a base station (e.g., on a certain frequency resource, referred to as a carrier frequency, component carrier, carrier, frequency band, or similar) and can be associated with an identifier (e.g., Physical Cell Identifier (PCI), Virtual Cell Identifier (VCI), Cell Global Identifier (CGI)) used to distinguish cells operating via the same or different carrier frequencies. In some cases, different cells can be configured according to different protocol types (e.g., Machine Type Communication (MTC), Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), or others) that can provide access for different types of UEs. Because a cell is supported by a specific base station, the term “cell” can refer to one or both of the logical communication entity and the base station supporting it, depending on the context. In some cases, the term "cell" can also refer to the geographic coverage area of ​​a base station (e.g., a sector), provided that the carrier frequency can be detected and used for communication within some part of the geographic coverage area 110.

[0039] While the geographic coverage areas 110 of adjacent macro cell base stations 102 may partially overlap (e.g., in handover areas), some geographic coverage areas 110 may substantially overlap with larger geographic coverage areas 110. For example, a small cell (SC) base station 102' may have a geographic coverage area 110' that substantially overlaps with the geographic coverage areas 110 of one or more macro cell base stations 102. A network that includes both small cell and macro cell base stations can be referred to as a heterogeneous network. A heterogeneous network may also include home eNBs (HeNBs) that can provide service to restricted groups called Closed Subscriber Groups (CSGs).

[0040] The communication link 120 between base station 102 and UE 104 may include uplink (also known as reverse link) transmission from UE 104 to base station 102 and / or downlink (also known as forward link) transmission from base station 102 to UE 104. The communication link 120 may use MIMO antenna techniques, including spatial multiplexing, beamforming, and / or transmit diversity. The communication link 120 may use one or more carrier frequencies. Carrier allocation may be asymmetric relative to the downlink and uplink (e.g., more or fewer carriers may be allocated to the downlink than to the uplink).

[0041] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a wireless local area network (WLAN) access point (AP) 150 that communicates with a WLAN station (STA) 152 via a communication link 154 in unlicensed spectrum (e.g., 5 GHz). When communicating in unlicensed spectrum, the WLAN STA 152 and / or WLAN AP 150 may perform a clear channel assessment (CCA) or listen-before-talk (LBT) process to determine channel availability before communication.

[0042] Small cell base station 102' can operate in licensed and / or unlicensed spectrum. When operating in unlicensed spectrum, small cell base station 102' can employ LTE or NR technology and use the same 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum as used by WLAN AP 150. Small cell base station 102' employing LTE / 5G in unlicensed spectrum can enhance coverage of the access network and / or increase the capacity of the access network. NR in unlicensed spectrum can be referred to as NR-U. LTE in unlicensed spectrum can be referred to as LTE-U, Licensed Assisted Access (LAA), or MulteFire.

[0043] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a millimeter-wave (mmW) base station 180, which can communicate with the UE 182 at mmW and / or near-mmW frequencies. Extremely high frequency (EHF) is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that contains radio frequency (RF). EHF ranges from 30 GHz to 300 GHz with wavelengths between 1 mm and 10 mm. Radio waves in this band are referred to as millimeter waves. Near-mmW can extend down to frequencies of 3 GHz with wavelengths of 100 mm. Ultra-high frequency (SHF) bands extend between 3 GHz and 30 GHz and are also referred to as centimeter waves. Communication using mmW / near-mmW RF bands has high path loss and relatively short range. The mmW base station 180 and the UE 182 can utilize beamforming (transmit and / or receive) on the mmW communication link 184 to compensate for the extremely high path loss and short range. Furthermore, it should be understood that in alternative configurations, one or more base stations 102 may also transmit using mmW or near-mmW and beamforming. Therefore, it should be understood that the foregoing description is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the various aspects disclosed herein.

[0044] Transmit beamforming is a technique for focusing an RF signal in a specific direction. Traditionally, when a network node (e.g., a base station) broadcasts an RF signal, it broadcasts the signal in all directions (omnidirectional). Using transmit beamforming, the network node determines the location of a given target device (e.g., a UE) (relative to the transmitting network node) and projects a stronger downlink RF signal in that specific direction, thus providing the receiving device with a faster (in terms of data rate) and stronger RF signal. To change the directivity of the RF signal during transmission, the network node can control the phase and relative amplitude of the RF signal at each of one or more transmitters broadcasting the RF signal. For example, the network node can use an array of antennas (called a "phased array" or "antenna array") that creates an RF beam that can be "steered" to point in different directions without actually moving the antennas. Specifically, RF currents from the transmitters are fed to the individual antennas with the correct phase relationship, causing radio waves from the individual antennas to superimpose to increase radiation in the desired direction while canceling out radiation in the undesirable direction.

[0045] Transmit beams can be quasi-co-locate, meaning they appear to have the same parameters to the receiver (e.g., UE), regardless of whether the transmit antennas of the network node itself are physically co-located. In NR, there are four quasi-co-locate (QCL) relationships. Specifically, a given type of QCL relationship means that certain parameters about the target reference RF signal on the target beam can be derived from information about the source reference RF signal on the source beam. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type A, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift, Doppler spread, average delay, and delay spread of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type B, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and Doppler spread of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is QCL type C, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the Doppler shift and average delay of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel. If the source reference RF signal is of type QCL D, the receiver can use the source reference RF signal to estimate the spatial reception parameters of the target reference RF signal transmitted on the same channel.

[0046] In receive beamforming, a receiver uses a receive beam to amplify an RF signal detected on a given channel. For example, a receiver may increase a gain setting and / or adjust the phase setting of an antenna array in a specific direction to amplify (e.g., increase its gain level) the RF signal received from that direction. Therefore, when we say a receiver is beamforming in a certain direction, it means that the beam gain in that direction is higher than the beam gain in other directions, or that the beam gain in that direction is the highest compared to the beam gains in all other directions available to the receiver. This results in a stronger received signal strength (e.g., reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR), etc.) of the RF signal received from that direction.

[0047] The receive beam may be spatially dependent. Spatial dependence means that parameters for the transmit beam for the second reference signal can be derived from information about the receive beam used for the first reference signal. For example, a UE can use a specific receive beam to receive one or more reference downlink reference signals (e.g., Position Reference Signal (PRS), Tracking Reference Signal (TRS), Phase Tracking Reference Signal (PTRS), Cell Specific Reference Signal (CRS), Channel State Information Reference Signal (CSI-RS), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), etc.) from a base station. The UE can then form a transmit beam based on the parameters of the receive beam to transmit one or more uplink reference signals (e.g., Uplink Position Reference Signal (UL-PRS), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), PTRS, etc.) to that base station.

[0048] Note that a "downlink" beam can be either a transmit or receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming a downlink beam to transmit a reference signal to a UE, then the downlink beam is a transmit beam. However, if a UE is forming a downlink beam, then it is a receive beam to receive the downlink reference signal. Similarly, an "uplink" beam can be either a transmit or receive beam, depending on the entity forming it. For example, if a base station is forming an uplink beam, then it is an uplink receive beam, while if a UE is forming an uplink beam, then it is an uplink transmit beam.

[0049] In 5G, the spectrum operated by radio nodes (e.g., base stations 102 / 180, UE 104 / 182) is divided into multiple frequency ranges: FR1 (from 450 to 6000 MHz), FR2 (from 24250 to 52600 MHz), FR3 (above 52600 MHz), and FR4 (between FR1 and FR2). In multi-carrier systems (such as 5G), one of the carrier frequencies is referred to as the “primary carrier” or “anchor carrier” or “primary serving cell” or “PCell,” and the remaining carrier frequencies are referred to as “secondary carriers” or “secondary serving cells” or “SCell.” In carrier aggregation, the anchor carrier is the carrier operating on the primary frequency (e.g., FR1) utilized by UE 104 / 182 and the cell in which UE 104 / 182 performs the initial Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection establishment procedure or initiates the RRC connection re-establishment procedure. The primary carrier carries all common and UE-specific control channels and can be a carrier in a licensed frequency (however, this is not always the case). A secondary carrier is a carrier operating on a second frequency (e.g., FR2). This second frequency can be configured once an RRC connection is established between UE 104 and the anchor carrier, and it can be used to provide additional radio resources. In some cases, the secondary carrier may be a carrier on an unlicensed frequency. The secondary carrier may contain only the necessary signaling information and signals; for example, UE-specific signals may not be present in the secondary carrier because the primary uplink and downlink carriers are typically UE-specific. This means that different UEs 104 / 182 within a cell may have different downlink primary carriers. The same applies to the uplink primary carrier. The network can change the primary carrier of any UE 104 / 182 at any time. For example, this is done to balance the load on different carriers. Because a “serving cell” (whether PCell or SCell) corresponds to the carrier frequency / component carrier on which a base station is communicating, the terms “cell,” “serving cell,” “component carrier,” “carrier frequency,” etc., are used interchangeably.

[0050] For example, still refer to Figure 1 One of the frequencies used by macro cell base station 102 can be an anchor carrier (or "PCell"), and other frequencies used by macro cell base station 102 and / or mmW base station 180 can be subcarriers ("SCell"). Simultaneous transmission and / or reception on multiple carriers enables UE 104 / 182 to significantly increase its data transmission and / or reception rates. For example, two aggregated 20MHz carriers in a multi-carrier system theoretically result in a data rate increase of two times (i.e., 40MHz) compared to the data rate obtained by a single 20MHz carrier.

[0051] The wireless communication system 100 may also include a UE 164, which can communicate with the macro cell base station 102 via communication link 120 and / or with the mmW base station 180 via mmW communication link 184. For example, the macro cell base station 102 may support PCells and one or more SCells for the UE 164, and the mmW base station 180 may support one or more SCells for the UE 164.

[0052] exist Figure 1 In the example, one or more Earth-orbiting Satellite Positioning System (SPS) spacecraft (SV) 112 (e.g., satellites) can be used as the UE shown (for simplicity, in Figure 1 The location information source is shown as an independent source for any of the individual UEs 104. UE 104 may include one or more dedicated SPS receivers specifically designed to receive signals in order to obtain geographic location information from SV 112. The SPS typically includes a transmitter (e.g., SV 112) system positioned such that the receiver (e.g., UE 104) can determine its location on or above the Earth based at least in part on the signals received from the transmitter. Such a transmitter typically transmits a signal of a repeating pseudo-random noise (PN) code marked with a chip-defined set number. While typically located in SV 112, the transmitter may sometimes be located at a ground control station, base station 102, and / or other UEs 104. The communication link 124 between SV 112 and UE 104 may include uplink (also referred to as reverse link) transmissions from UE 104 to SV 112 and / or downlink (also referred to as forward link) transmissions from SV 112 to UE 104.

[0053] The use of SPS signals can be enhanced by various satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), which can be associated with or otherwise enabled for use with one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems. For example, SBAS can include augmentation systems that provide integrity information, differential correction, etc., such as Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), European Geostationary Navigation Overlap Service (EGNOS), Multifunctional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS), GPS-assisted Geo-Augmented Navigation or GPS and Geo-Augmented Navigation System (GAGAN), and / or similar systems. Therefore, as used herein, SPS can include any combination of one or more global and / or regional navigation satellite systems and / or augmentation systems, and SPS signals can include SPS, SPS-like signals, and / or other signals associated with one or more such SPS.

[0054] The wireless communication system 100 may further include one or more UEs (such as UE 190) indirectly connected to one or more communication networks via one or more device-to-device (D2D) peer-to-peer (P2P) links (referred to as “side links”). Figure 1 In the example, UE 190 has a D2D P2P link 192 with one of UEs 104 connected to one of base stations 102 (e.g., through which UE 190 can indirectly obtain cellular connectivity), and a D2D P2P link 194 with a WLAN STA 152 connected to a WLAN AP 150 (through which UE 190 can indirectly obtain WLAN-based internet connectivity). In one example, D2D P2P links 192 and 194 can be supported by any well-known D2D RAT, such as LTE Direct (LTE-D) or WiFi Direct (WiFi-D). etc.

[0055] Figure 2A An example wireless network architecture 200 is illustrated. For example, the 5GC 210 (also known as the Next Generation Core (NGC)) can functionally be viewed as control plane functions 214 (e.g., UE registration, authentication, network access, gateway selection, etc.) and user plane functions 212 (e.g., UE gateway functions, access to data networks, IP routing, etc.), which work together to form the core network. A user plane interface (NG-U) 213 and a control plane interface (NG-C) 215 connect the gNB 222 to the 5GC 210, and specifically to control plane functions 214 and user plane functions 212. In an additional configuration, the ng-eNB 224 can also connect to the 5GC 210 via the NG-C 215 to control plane function 214 and the NG-U 213 to user plane function 212. Furthermore, the ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with the gNB 222 via a backhaul connection 223. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNB 222s, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNB 224 and gNB 222. The gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 can be used with UE 204 (e.g., Figure 1The UE 204 may communicate with any UE depicted in the diagram. Another optional aspect may include a location server 230, which may communicate with the 5GC 210 to provide location assistance to the UE 204. The location server 230 may be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each may correspond to a single server. The location server 230 may be configured to support one or more location services for the UE 204, which may be connected to the location server 230 via the core network, the 5GC 210, and / or via the Internet (not shown). Furthermore, the location server 230 may be integrated into a component of the core network, or alternatively, may be external to the core network.

[0056] Figure 2B Another example wireless network architecture 250 is shown. For example, 5GC 260 can be functionally viewed as a control plane function provided by Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 264 and a user plane function provided by User Plane Function (UPF) 262, which cooperate to form the core network (i.e., 5GC 260). User plane interface 263 and control plane interface 265 connect ng-eNB 224 to 5GC 260 and specifically to UPF 262 and AMF 264, respectively. In an additional configuration, gNB 222 can also connect to 5GC 260 via control plane interface 265 to AMF 264 and user plane interface 263 to UPF 262. Furthermore, ng-eNB 224 can communicate directly with gNB 222 via backhaul connection 223, with or without a direct gNB connection to 5GC 260. In some configurations, the new RAN 220 may have only one or more gNB 222s, while other configurations include one or more of both ng-eNB 224 and gNB 222. Either gNB 222 or ng-eNB 224 can be used with UE204 (e.g., Figure 1 (Any UE) communication as depicted in the diagram. The base station of the new RAN 220 communicates with AMF 264 via the N2 interface and with UPF 262 via the N3 interface.

[0057] The functions of AMF 264 include registration management, connection management, reachability management, mobility management, lawful interception, transmission of Session Management (SM) messages between UE 204 and Session Management Function (SMF) 266, transparent proxy service for routing SM messages, access authentication and access authorization, transmission of Short Message Service (SMS) messages between UE 204 and Short Message Service Function (SMSF) (not shown), and Security Anchor Function (SEAF). AMF 264 also interacts with Authentication Server Function (AUSF) (not shown) and UE 204, and receives an intermediate key established as a result of the UE 204 authentication process. In the case of UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Subscriber Identity Module (USIM)-based authentication, AMF 264 retrieves security material from AAUSF. The functions of AMF 264 also include Security Context Management (SCM). SCM receives a key from SEAF, which is used to derive access network-specific keys. The AMF 264 also includes functions for location service management for regulatory services, transmission of location service messages between UE 204 and Location Management Function (LMF) 270 (which acts as Location Server 230), transmission of location service messages between the new RAN 220 and LMF 270, Evolved Packet System (EPS) bearer identifier allocation for interoperability with EPS, and UE 204 mobility event notification. Furthermore, the AMF 264 also supports functions for non-3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project) access networks.

[0058] The functions of UPF 262 include acting as an anchor point for intra / inter-RAT mobility (where applicable), acting as an external Protocol Data Unit (PDU) session point for interconnection with a data network (not shown), providing packet routing and forwarding, packet inspection, user plane policy rule enforcement (e.g., gating, redirection, traffic redirection), lawful interception (user plane collection), traffic usage reporting, user plane Quality of Service (QoS) processing (e.g., uplink / downlink rate enforcement, reflective QoS marking in the downlink), uplink traffic verification (Service Data Flow (SDF) to QoS flow mapping), transport-level packet marking in the uplink and downlink, downlink packet buffering and downlink data notification triggering, and sending and forwarding one or more "end markers" to the source RAN node. UPF 262 can also support the transmission of location service messages over the user plane between UE 204 and a location server (such as a Secure User Plane Location (SUPL) Location Platform (SLP) 272).

[0059] The functions of SMF 266 include session management, UE Internet Protocol (IP) address allocation and management, selection and control of user plane functions, service redirection configuration at UPF 262 to route services to appropriate destinations, control of policy enforcement and QoS, and downlink data notification. The interface through which SMF 266 communicates with AMF 264 is referred to as the N11 interface.

[0060] Another optional aspect may include LMF 270, which can communicate with 5GC 260 to provide location assistance to UE 204. LMF 270 can be implemented as multiple separate servers (e.g., physically separate servers, different software modules on a single server, different software modules distributed across multiple physical servers, etc.), or alternatively, each can correspond to a single server. LMF 270 can be configured to support one or more location services for UE 204, which can connect to LMF 270 via the core network, 5GC 260, and / or via the Internet (not shown). SLP 272 can support similar functionality to LMF 270, but LMF 270 can communicate with AMF 264, the new RAN 220, and UE 204 through the control plane (e.g., using interfaces and protocols designed to deliver signaling messages rather than voice or data), while SLP 272 can communicate with UE 204 and external clients (in... Figure 2B (Not shown) communicates via the user plane (e.g., using protocols designed to transmit voice and / or data, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and / or IP).

[0061] Figure 3A , 3B Figure 3C illustrates several example components (represented by corresponding blocks) that can be incorporated into UE 302 (which may correspond to any UE described herein), base station 304 (which may correspond to any base station described herein), and network entity 306 (which may correspond to or embody any network function described herein, including location server 230 and LMF 270) to support file transfer operations as taught herein. It should be understood that these components can be implemented in different types of devices in different implementations (e.g., in an ASIC, in a system-on-a-chip (SoC), etc.). The illustrated components can also be incorporated into other devices in a communication system. For example, other devices in the system may include components similar to those described to provide similar functionality. Furthermore, a given device may contain one or more components. For example, a device may include multiple transceiver components that enable the device to operate on multiple carriers and / or communicate via different technologies.

[0062] UE 302 and base station 304 each include wireless wide area network (WWAN) transceivers 310 and 350, which provide components (e.g., components for transmitting, components for receiving, components for measurement, components for tuning, components for avoiding transmission, etc.) for communicating via one or more wireless communication networks (not shown) (such as NR networks, LTE networks, GSM networks, and / or similar). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 may be connected to one or more antennas 316 and 356, respectively, for communicating with other network nodes (such as other UEs, access points, base stations (e.g., eNB, gNB), etc.) via at least one designated RAT (e.g., NR, LTE, GSM, etc.) on a wireless communication medium of interest (e.g., a set of time / frequency resources in a specific spectrum). WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 can be configured, depending on the specified RAT, to transmit and encode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) respectively, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 318 and 358 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.) respectively. Specifically, WWAN transceivers 310 and 350 each include one or more transmitters 314 and 354 for transmitting and encoding signals 318 and 358 respectively, and one or more receivers 312 and 352 for receiving and decoding signals 318 and 358 respectively.

[0063] UE 302 and base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, wireless local area network (WLAN) transceivers 320 and 360, respectively. WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 may be connected to one or more antennas 326 and 366, respectively, and provide communication over the wireless communication medium of interest via at least one designated RAT (e.g., WiFi, LTE-D, etc.). The WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 are configured, depending on the specified RAT, to transmit and encode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, etc.) respectively, and conversely, to receive and decode signals 328 and 368 (e.g., messages, indications, information, pilots, etc.) respectively. Specifically, the WLAN transceivers 320 and 360 include one or more transmitters 324 and 364 for transmitting and encoding signals 328 and 368 respectively, and one or more receivers 322 and 362 for receiving and decoding signals 328 and 368 respectively.

[0064] Transceiver circuitry including at least one transmitter and at least one receiver may, in some implementations, comprise an integrated device (e.g., transmitter and receiver circuitry implemented as a single communication device), in some implementations, comprise separate transmitter and receiver devices, or may be implemented in other ways in other implementations. In one aspect, the transmitter may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which allows the corresponding device to perform transmit “beamforming,” as described herein. Similarly, the receiver may include or be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such as an antenna array, which allows the corresponding device to perform receive beamforming, as described herein. In one aspect, the transmitter and receiver may share the same multiple antennas (e.g., antennas 316, 326, 356, 366), such that the corresponding device can only receive or transmit at a given time, rather than simultaneously receiving and transmitting. The wireless communication equipment of UE302 and / or base station 304 (e.g., one or both of transceivers 310 and 320 and / or 350 and 360) may also include a network eavesdropping module (NLM) or similar for performing various measurements.

[0065] UE 302 and base station 304 also include, at least in some cases, satellite positioning system (SPS) receivers 330 and 370. SPS receivers 330 and 370 may be connected to one or more antennas 336 and 376, respectively, and may provide components for receiving and / or measuring SPS signals 338 and 378, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) signals, Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, Galileo signals, BeiDou signals, Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (NAVIC) signals, Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS) signals, etc. SPS receivers 330 and 370 may include any suitable hardware and / or software for receiving and processing SPS signals 338 and 378, respectively. SPS receivers 330 and 370 appropriately request information and operations from other systems and perform necessary calculations to determine the positions of UE 302 and base station 304 using measurements obtained through any suitable SPS algorithm.

[0066] Base station 304 and network entity 306 each include at least one network interface 380 and 390, which provide components for communicating with other network entities (e.g., components for transmitting, components for receiving, etc.). For example, network interfaces 380 and 390 (e.g., one or more network access ports) may be configured to communicate with one or more network entities via a wired or wireless backhaul connection. In some aspects, network interfaces 380 and 390 may be implemented as transceivers configured to support wired or wireless signal-based communication. For example, this communication may involve sending and receiving messages, parameters, and / or other types of information.

[0067] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may also include other components that can be used in conjunction with the operations disclosed herein. UE 302 includes processor circuitry implementing processing system 332 for providing, for example, functions related to wireless positioning, and for providing other processing functions. Base station 304 includes processing system 384 for providing, for example, functions related to wireless positioning disclosed herein, and for providing other processing functions. Network entity 306 includes processing system 394 for providing, for example, functions related to wireless positioning disclosed herein, and for providing other processing functions. Thus, processing systems 332, 384, and 394 may provide components for processing, such as components for determining, components for calculating, components for receiving, components for transmitting, components for indicating, etc. In one aspect, processing systems 332, 384, and 394 may include, for example, one or more processors (such as one or more general-purpose processors, multi-core processors), ASICs, digital signal processors (DSPs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices or processing circuitry, or various combinations thereof.

[0068] UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 include storage circuitry that implements memory components 340, 386, and 396 (e.g., each including a memory device) for maintaining information (e.g., information indicating reserved resources, thresholds, parameters, etc.). Therefore, memory components 340, 386, and 396 can provide components for storage, components for retrieval, components for maintenance, etc. In some cases, UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 may include RNA components 342, 388, and 398, respectively. RNA components 342, 388, and 398 may be part of or coupled to processing systems 332, 384, and 394, respectively, which, when executed, cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. In other respects, RNA components 342, 388, and 398 may be external to processing systems 332, 384, and 394 (e.g., part of a modem processing system, integrated with another processing system, etc.). Alternatively, RNA components 342, 388, and 398 may be memory modules stored in memory components 340, 386, and 396, respectively, which, when executed by processing systems 332, 384, and 394 (or a modem processing system, another processing system, etc.), cause UE 302, base station 304, and network entity 306 to perform the functions described herein. Figure 3A The possible locations of RNA component 342 are shown. It may be part of WWAN transceiver 310, memory component 340, processing system 332 or any combination thereof, or it may be a separate component. Figure 3B The possible locations of RNA component 388 are shown. It may be part of WWAN transceiver 350, memory component 386, processing system 384 or any combination thereof, or it may be a separate component. Figure 3C The possible locations of RNA component 398 are shown, which may be part of network interface 390, memory component 396, processing system 394 or any combination thereof, or may be a standalone component.

[0069] UE 302 may include one or more sensors 344 coupled to processing system 332 to provide motion and / or orientation information independent of motion data derived from signals received by WWAN transceiver 310, WLAN transceiver 320, and / or SPS receiver 330. For example, sensor 344 may include accelerometers (e.g., microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices), gyroscopes, geomagnetic sensors (e.g., compasses), altimeters (e.g., barometric altimeters), and / or any other type of motion detection sensor. Furthermore, sensor 344 may include a variety of different types of devices and combine their outputs to provide motion information. For example, sensor 344 may use a combination of multi-axis accelerometers and orientation sensors to provide the ability to calculate position in 2D and / or 3D coordinate systems.

[0070] In addition, UE 302 includes a user interface 346, which provides components for providing instructions to the user (e.g., audio and / or visual instructions) and / or for receiving user input (e.g., after the user actuates a sensing device, such as a keyboard, touchscreen, microphone, etc.). Although not shown, base station 304 and network entity 306 may also include user interfaces.

[0071] Referring more specifically to processing system 384, in the downlink, IP packets from network entity 306 can be provided to processing system 384. Processing system 384 can implement functions for the RRC layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, and Media Access Control (MAC) layer. The processing system 384 can provide RRC layer functions associated with broadcasting system information (e.g., Master Information Block (MIB), System Information Block (SIB)), RRC connection control (e.g., RRC connection paging, RRC connection establishment, RRC connection modification, and RRC connection release), measurement configuration of inter-RAT mobility and UE measurement reports; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression, security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification), and handover support functions; RLC layer functions associated with transmission of upper-layer PDUs, error correction via Automatic Repeat Request (ARQ), concatenation, segmentation and reassembly of RLC Service Data Units (SDUs), resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, scheduling information reporting, error correction, priority processing, and logical channel prioritization.

[0072] Transmitter 354 and receiver 352 can implement Layer 1 (L1) functions associated with various signal processing functions. Layer 1 (including the physical (PHY) layer) can include error detection on the transport channel, forward error correction (FEC) encoding / decoding of the transport channel, interleaving, rate matching, mapping to the physical channel, modulation / demodulation of the physical channel, and MIMO antenna processing. Transmitter 354 processes the mapping to the signal constellation based on various modulation schemes (e.g., binary phase shift keying (BPSK), quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK), M-phase shift keying (M-PSK), M-quadrature amplitude modulation (M-QAM)). The encoded and modulated symbols can then be divided into parallel streams. Each stream can then be mapped to orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) subcarriers, multiplexed with a reference signal (e.g., pilot) in the time and / or frequency domains, and then combined using inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) to produce a physical channel carrying the time-domain OFDM symbol stream. The OFDM symbol streams are spatially precoded to produce multiple spatial streams. The channel estimate from the channel estimator can be used to determine the coding and modulation scheme, as well as for spatial processing. The channel estimate can be derived from the reference signal and / or channel condition feedback transmitted by UE 302. Each spatial stream can then be provided to one or more different antennas 356. Transmitter 354 can modulate the RF carrier with the corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0073] At UE 302, receiver 312 receives signals via its corresponding antenna 316. Receiver 312 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to processing system 332. Transmitter 314 and receiver 312 implement Layer 1 functions associated with various signal processing functions. Receiver 312 can perform spatial processing on this information to recover any spatial stream destined for UE 302. If multiple spatial streams are destined for UE 302, they can be combined by receiver 312 into a single OFDM symbol stream. Receiver 312 then uses a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to convert the OFDM symbol stream from the time domain to the frequency domain. The frequency domain signal includes a separate OFDM symbol stream for each subcarrier of the OFDM signal. Symbols and reference signals on each subcarrier are recovered and demodulated by determining the most probable signal constellation points transmitted by base station 304. These soft decisions can be based on channel estimates calculated by a channel estimator. The soft decisions are then decoded and deinterleaved to recover the data and control signals originally transmitted by base station 304 on the physical channel. The data and control signals are then provided to the processing system 332 that implements the functions of layer 3 (L3) and layer 2 (L2).

[0074] In the uplink, processing system 332 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from the core network. Processing system 332 is also responsible for error detection.

[0075] Similar to the functions described in the downlink transmission description of base station 304, processing system 332 provides RRC layer functions associated with system information (e.g., MIB, SIB) acquisition, RRC connectivity, and measurement reporting; PDCP layer functions associated with header compression / decompression and security (encryption, decryption, integrity protection, integrity verification); RLC layer functions associated with transmission of upper-layer PDUs, error correction via ARQ, concatenation, segmentation, and reassembly of RLC SDUs, resegmentation of RLC data PDUs, and reordering of RLC data PDUs; and MAC layer functions associated with mapping between logical channels and transport channels, multiplexing of MAC SDUs to transport blocks (TBs), demultiplexing of MAC SDUs from TBs, scheduling information reporting, error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), priority processing, and logical channel prioritization.

[0076] The channel estimate derived from the reference signal transmitted from the base station 304 by the channel estimator or from feedback can be used by the transmitter 314 to select an appropriate coding and modulation scheme and facilitate spatial processing. The spatial stream generated by the transmitter 314 can be provided to different antennas 316. The transmitter 314 can modulate the RF carrier with the corresponding spatial stream for transmission.

[0077] Uplink transmissions are processed at base station 304 in a manner similar to that described in conjunction with the receiver function at UE 302. Receiver 352 receives signals via its corresponding antenna 356. Receiver 352 recovers the information modulated onto the RF carrier and provides this information to processing system 384.

[0078] In the uplink, processing system 384 provides demultiplexing, packet reassembly, decryption, header decompression, and control signal processing between the transport and logical channels to recover IP packets from UE 302. IP packets from processing system 384 can be provided to the core network. Processing system 384 is also responsible for error detection.

[0079] For convenience, UE 302, base station 304 and / or network entity 306 are in Figures 3A to 3C The blocks shown are configured to include various components that can be configured according to the various instances described herein. However, it should be understood that the blocks shown may have different functions in different designs.

[0080] Various components of UE 302, base station 304 and network entity 306 can communicate with each other via data buses 334, 382 and 392 respectively. Figures 3A-3C Components can be implemented in various ways. In some implementations, Figures 3A to 3CThe components can be implemented in one or more circuits, such as one or more processors and / or one or more ASICs (which may include one or more processors). Here, each circuit may use and / or combine at least one memory component to store information or executable code used by the circuit to provide the function. For example, some or all of the functions represented by blocks 310 to 346 can be implemented by the processor and memory components of UE 302 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). Similarly, some or all of the functions represented by blocks 350 to 388 can be implemented by the processor and memory components of base station 304 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). Furthermore, some or all of the functions represented by blocks 390 to 398 can be implemented by the processor and memory components of network entity 306 (e.g., by executing appropriate code and / or by appropriate configuration of the processor components). For simplicity, various operations, actions, and / or functions are described herein as being performed "by the UE," "by the base station," "by the network entity," etc. However, as will be understood, such operations, actions and / or functions may actually be performed by specific components or combinations of components of the UE 302, base station 304, network entity 306, etc., such as processing systems 332, 384, 394, transceivers 310, 320, 350 and 360, memory components 340, 386 and 396, RNA components 342, 388 and 398, etc.

[0081] NR supports many cellular network-based positioning technologies, including downlink-based, uplink-based, and downlink-and-uplink-based positioning methods. Downlink-based positioning methods include Observed Time Difference of Arrival (OTDOA) in LTE, Downlink Time Difference of Arrival (DL-TDOA) in NR, and Downlink Angle of Departure (DL-AoD) in NR. During OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning, the UE measures the difference in Time of Arrival (ToA) of reference signals (such as PRS, TRS, CSI-RS, SSB, etc.) received from paired base stations, referred to as Reference Signal Time Difference (RSTD) or Time Difference of Arrival (TDOA) measurements, and reports them to the positioning entity. More specifically, the UE receives identifiers (IDs) of a reference base station (e.g., the serving base station) and multiple non-reference base stations in auxiliary data. The UE then measures the RSTD between the reference base station and each non-reference base station. Based on the known locations of the participating base stations and the RSTD measurements, the positioning entity can estimate the UE's location. For DL-AoD positioning, the base station measures the angle of the downlink transmit beam used to communicate with the UE and other channel properties (e.g., signal strength) to estimate the UE's location.

[0082] Uplink-based positioning methods include uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA) and uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA). UL-TDOA is similar to DL-TDOA, but is based on the uplink reference signal (e.g., SRS) transmitted by the UE. For UL-AoA positioning, the base station measures the angle of the uplink received beam used to communicate with the UE and other channel properties (e.g., gain level) to estimate the UE's location.

[0083] Downlink and uplink-based positioning methods include Enhanced Cell ID (E-CID) positioning and Multiple Round-Trip Time (RTT) positioning (also known as "Multi-Cell RTT"). During RTT, the initiator (base station or UE) sends an RTT measurement signal (e.g., PRS or SRS) to the responder (UE or base station), and the responder sends an RTT response signal (e.g., SRS or PRS) back to the initiator. The RTT response signal includes the difference between the ToA of the RTT measurement signal and the transmission time of the RTT response signal, referred to as the receive-to-transmit (Rx-Tx) measurement. The initiator calculates the difference between the transmission time of the RTT measurement signal and the ToA of the RTT response signal, referred to as the "Tx-Rx" measurement. The propagation time (also known as "time of flight") between the initiator and responder can be calculated from the Tx-Rx and Rx-Tx measurements. Based on the propagation time and the known speed of light, the distance between the initiator and responder can be determined. For multi-RTT positioning, the UE performs the RTT procedure with multiple base stations to triangulate its location based on the known locations of the base stations. RTT and multiple RTT methods can be combined with other positioning technologies (such as UL-AoA and DL-AoD) to improve location accuracy.

[0084] The E-CID positioning method is based on Radio Resource Management (RRM) measurements. In E-CID, the UE reports the serving cell ID, timing advance (TA), and the identifiers, estimated timings, and signal strengths of detected neighboring base stations. The UE's location is then estimated based on this information and the known locations of the base stations.

[0085] To assist in the positioning operation, a location server (e.g., location server 230, LMF 270, SLP 272) can provide auxiliary data to the UE. For example, auxiliary data may include the identifier of the base station (or the cell / TRP of the base station) from which the reference signal is measured, reference signal configuration parameters (e.g., the number of consecutive positioning subframes, the period of the positioning subframes, the silence sequence, the frequency hopping sequence, the reference signal identifier, the reference signal bandwidth, etc.), and / or other parameters applicable to a particular positioning method. Alternatively, auxiliary data may be derived directly from the base station itself (e.g., in periodically broadcast overhead messages, etc.). In some cases, the UE may be able to detect neighboring network nodes themselves without using auxiliary data.

[0086] In the case of OTDOA or DL-TDOA positioning procedures, auxiliary data may further include the expected RSTD value and the associated uncertainty or search window around the expected RSTD. In some cases, the range of the expected RSTD value can be + / - 500 microseconds (μs). In some cases, when any resources used for positioning measurements are in FR1, the range of the uncertainty of the expected RSTD can be + / - 32 μs. In other cases, when all resources used for positioning measurements are in FR2, the range of the uncertainty of the expected RSTD can be + / - 8 μs.

[0087] Location estimation can be referred to by other names, such as location estimate, location, positioning, fixed location, fixed, or similar. Location estimation can be geodetic and include coordinates (e.g., latitude, longitude, and possible altitude) or it can be urban and include street addresses, postal addresses, or some other verbal description of the location. Location estimation can also be defined relative to some other known location or in absolute terms (e.g., using latitude, longitude, and possible altitude). Location estimation can include expected error or uncertainty (e.g., by including an area or volume within which the location is expected to be included at a specified or default confidence level).

[0088] Various frame structures can be used to support downlink and uplink transmissions between network nodes (e.g., base stations and UEs). Figure 4A Figure 400 illustrates an example of a downlink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4B Figure 430 illustrates an example of a channel within a downlink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4C Figure 450 illustrates an example of an uplink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Figure 4D Figure 480 illustrates an example of a channel within an uplink frame structure according to various aspects of this disclosure. Other wireless communication technologies may have different frame structures and / or different channels.

[0089] LTE (and in some cases NR) uses OFDM on the downlink and single-carrier frequency division multiplexing (SC-FDM) on the uplink. However, unlike LTE, NR also has the option to use OFDM on the uplink. OFDM and SC-FDM divide the system bandwidth into multiple (K) orthogonal subcarriers, which are often referred to as tones, bins, etc. Each subcarrier can be modulated with data. Typically, the modulated symbols are transmitted using OFDM in the frequency domain and SC-FDM in the time domain. The spacing between adjacent subcarriers can be fixed, and the total number of subcarriers (K) can depend on the system bandwidth. For example, the subcarrier spacing can be 15 kHz, and the minimum resource allocation (resource block) can be 12 subcarriers (or 180 kHz). Therefore, for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20 MHz, the nominal FFT size could be equal to 128, 256, 512, 1024, or 2048, respectively. System bandwidth can also be divided into subbands. For example, a subband can cover 1.08MHz (i.e., 6 resource blocks), and for system bandwidths of 1.25, 2.5, 5, 10, or 20MHz, there can be 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 subbands, respectively.

[0090] LTE supports a single set of parameters (subcarrier spacing (SCS), symbol length, etc.). In contrast, NR can support multiple parameter sets (μ), such as 15kHz (μ=0), 30kHz (μ=1), 60kHz (μ=2), 120kHz (μ=3), and 240kHz (μ=4) or larger subcarrier spacings. Within each subcarrier spacing, there are 14 symbols per time slot. For a 15kHz SCS (μ=0), there is one time slot per subframe, 10 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 1 millisecond (ms), a symbol duration of 66.7 microseconds (μs), and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size. For the 30kHz SCS (μ=1), each subframe has two time slots, and each frame has 20 time slots. The duration of each time slot is 0.5ms, the symbol duration is 33.3μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 100. For the 60kHz SCS (μ=2), each subframe has four time slots, and each frame has 40 time slots. The duration of each time slot is 0.25ms, the symbol duration is 16.7μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 200. For the 120kHz SCS (μ=3), each subframe has eight time slots, and each frame has 80 time slots. The duration of each time slot is 0.125ms, the symbol duration is 8.33μs, and the maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size is 400. For a 240kHz SCS (μ=4), there are 16 time slots per subframe, 160 time slots per frame, a time slot duration of 0.0625ms, a symbol duration of 4.17μs, and a maximum nominal system bandwidth (in MHz) of 4K FFT size.

[0091] exist Figures 4A to 4D In the example, a parameter set of 15kHz was used. Therefore, in the time domain, a 10-millisecond frame is divided into 10 subframes of equal size, each subframe being 1 millisecond, and each subframe including one time slot. Figures 4A to 4D In this context, time is represented in a horizontal direction (e.g., on the X-axis) as time increases from left to right, while frequency is represented in a vertical direction (e.g., on the Y-axis) as frequency increases (or decreases) from bottom to top.

[0092] A resource grid can be used to represent time slots, each time slot comprising one or more concurrent resource blocks (RBs) (also known as physical RBs (PRBs)) in the frequency domain. The resource grid is further divided into multiple resource elements (REs). An RE can correspond to a symbol length in the time domain and a subcarrier in the frequency domain. Figures 4A to 4DIn the parameter set, for a normal cyclic prefix, an RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and seven consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 84 REs. For an extended cyclic prefix, an RB can contain 12 consecutive subcarriers in the frequency domain and six consecutive symbols in the time domain, for a total of 72 REs. The number of bits carried by each RE depends on the modulation scheme.

[0093] Some REs carry downlink reference (pilot) signals (DL-RS). DL-RS can include PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, etc. Figure 4A An example location of the RE (labeled "R") carrying the PRS is shown.

[0094] The set of resource elements (REs) used to transmit a PRS is called a "PRS resource". The set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and 'N' (such as one or more) consecutive symbols in a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol in the time domain, a PRS resource occupies a consecutive PRB in the frequency domain.

[0095] The transmission of PRS resources within a given PRB has a specific comb size (also known as "comb density"). The comb size 'N' represents the subcarrier spacing (or frequency / tone spacing) within each symbol of the PRS resource configuration. Specifically, for a comb size 'N', the PRS is transmitted in every Nth subcarrier of a PRB symbol. For example, for comb-4, for each symbol of the PRS resource configuration, the RE corresponding to every fourth subcarrier (such as subcarriers 0, 4, 8) is used to transmit the PRS of the PRS resource. Currently, comb sizes of comb-2, comb-4, comb-6, and comb-12 are supported for DL-PRS. Figure 4A An example PRS resource configuration for Comb-6 (which spans six symbols) is shown. That is, the position of the shaded RE (labeled "R") indicates the Comb-6 PRS resource configuration.

[0096] Currently, a DL-PRS resource can span 2, 4, 6, or 12 consecutive symbols within a time slot in a fully frequency-domain interleaved mode. A DL-PRS resource can be configured in downlink or flexible (FL) symbols in any higher-layer configuration of the time slot. For all REs of a given DL-PRS resource, there may be a constant squared energy per resource element (EPRE). The following are the symbol-to-symbol frequency offsets over 2, 4, 6, and 12 symbols for comb sizes 2, 4, 6, and 12. 2-code comb-2: {0, 1}; 4-code comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1}; 6-code comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 12-code comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1, 0, 1}; 4-code comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3}; 12-code comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 6-code comb-6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; 12-code comb-6: {0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5, 0, 3, 1, 4, 2, 5}; 12-code comb-12: {0, 6, 3, 9, 1, 7, 4, 10, 2, 8, 5, 11}.

[0097] A “PRS resource set” is a group of PRS resources used to transmit PRS signals, where each PRS resource has a PRS resource ID. Furthermore, PRS resources within a PRS resource set are associated with the same TRP. A PRS resource set is identified by a PRS resource set ID and associated with a specific TRP (e.g., identified by a TRP ID). Additionally, PRS resources within a PRS resource set share the same periodicity, a common silence mode configuration, and the same repetition factor (such as “PRS-ResourceRepetitionFactor”) across time slots. Periodicity refers to the time from the first repetition of the first PRS resource in the first PRS instance to the first repetition of the same first PRS resource in the next PRS instance. The period can have a length selected from the length of time slots in the range 2^μ*{4, 5, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32, 40, 64, 80, 160, 320, 640, 1280, 2560, 5120, 10240}, where μ = 0, 1, 2, 3. The repetition coefficient can have a length selected from the slots {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 16, 32}.

[0098] A PRS resource ID in a PRS resource set is associated with a single beam (or beam ID) transmitted from a single TRP (where a TRP can transmit one or more beams). That is, each PRS resource in a PRS resource set can be transmitted on a different beam, and therefore a "PRS resource," or simply a "resource," can also be referred to as a "beam." Note that this has no effect on whether the UE knows the TRP and beam that transmitted the PRS.

[0099] A “PRS instance” or “PRS timing” is an instance of a periodic recurring time window (such as a group of one or more consecutive time slots) in which a PRS is expected to be sent. A PRS timing may also be referred to as a “PRS positioning timing,” “PRS positioning instance,” “positioning timing,” “positioning instance,” “positioning repetition,” or simply “timing,” “instance,” or “repetition.”

[0100] A “positioning frequency layer” (also simply “frequency layer”) is a collection of one or more PRS resource sets spanning one or more TRPs (which share some parameter values). Specifically, a collection of PRS resource sets has the same subcarrier spacing and cyclic prefix (CP) type (meaning all parameter sets supported for PDSCH are also supported for PRS), the same point A, the same downlink PRS bandwidth value, the same starting PRB (and center frequency), and the same comb size. The point A parameter is the parameter “ARFCN-ValueNR” (where “ARFCN” stands for “Absolute Radio Channel Number”) and is an identifier / code that specifies a pair of physical radio channels used for transmission and reception. The downlink PRS bandwidth can have a granularity of four PRBs, with a minimum of 24 PRBs and a maximum of 272 PRBs. Currently, a maximum of four frequency layers have been defined, and each TRP of each frequency layer can be configured with a maximum of two PRS resource sets.

[0101] The concept of a frequency layer is somewhat similar to that of component carriers and bandwidth portions (BWPs), but the difference is that component carriers and BWPs are used by a single base station (or macrocell base station and small cell base station) to transmit data channels, while a frequency layer is used by several (usually three or more) base stations to transmit PRS (Positioning Signals). When a UE transmits its positioning capabilities to the network (such as during an LTE Positioning Protocol (LPP) session), it can indicate the number of frequency layers it can support. For example, a UE can indicate whether it can support one or four positioning frequency layers.

[0102] Figure 4BExamples of various channels within a downlink time slot of a radio frame are shown. In NR, the channel bandwidth, or system bandwidth, is divided into multiple BWPs. A BWP is a set of consecutive PRBs, which are consecutive subsets of common RBs selected from a given set of parameters on a given carrier. Generally, a maximum of four BWPs can be specified in the downlink and uplink. That is, a UE can be configured with a maximum of four BWPs in the downlink and a maximum of four BWPs in the uplink. At any given time, only one BWP (uplink or downlink) can be active, meaning that the UE can only receive or transmit through one BWP at a time. In the downlink, the bandwidth of each BWP should be equal to or greater than the bandwidth of the SSB, but it may or may not contain the SSB.

[0103] refer to Figure 4B The Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) is used by the UE to determine subframe / symbol timing and physical layer identifiers. The UE uses the Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS) to determine the physical layer cell identifier group number and radio frame timing. Based on the physical layer identifier and physical layer cell identifier group number, the UE can determine the PCI. Based on the PCI, the UE can determine the location of the aforementioned DL-RS. The Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) carrying the MIB can logically be grouped with the PSS and SSS to form the SSB (also known as SS / PBCH). The MIB provides multiple RBs and system frame numbers (SFNs) in the downlink system bandwidth. The Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) carries user data, broadcast system information not transmitted via the PBCH (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)), and paging messages.

[0104] The Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) carries downlink control information (DCI) within one or more Control Channel Elements (CCEs). Each CCE includes one or more RE Groups (REGs) bundled together (which can span multiple symbols in the time domain). Each REG bundle includes one or more REGs, and each REG corresponds to 12 resource elements (one resource block) in the frequency domain and one OFDM symbol in the time domain. The physical resource set used to carry PDCCH / DCI is called a Control Resource Set (CORESET) in NR. In NR, a PDCCH is confined to a single CORESET and transmitted along with its own DMRS. This enables UE-specific beamforming for the PDCCH.

[0105] exist Figure 4BIn the example, each BWP has a CORESET, and the CORESET spans three symbols in the time domain (although it may only be one or two symbols). Unlike the LTE control channel, which occupies the entire system bandwidth, in NR, the PDCCH channel is located in a specific region (i.e., the CORESET) in the frequency domain. Therefore, Figure 4B The frequency components of the PDCCH shown are depicted as smaller than a single BWP in the frequency domain. Note that although the CORESET shown is continuous in the frequency domain, it does not have to be. Furthermore, the CORESET can span less than three symbols in the time domain.

[0106] The DCI within the PDCCH carries information about uplink resource allocation (persistent and non-persistent) and a description of downlink data sent to the UE, referred to as uplink and downlink grants, respectively. More specifically, the DCI indicates resources scheduled for downlink data channels (e.g., PDSCH) and uplink data channels (e.g., PUSCH). Multiple (e.g., up to eight) DCIs can be configured in the PDCCH, and these DCIs can have one of several formats. For example, there are different DCI formats for uplink scheduling, for downlink scheduling, for uplink transmit power control (TPC), etc. A PDCCH can be transmitted by 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 CCEs to accommodate different DCI payload sizes or coding rates.

[0107] like Figure 4C As shown, some REs (labeled "R") carry DMRS for channel estimation at the receiver (e.g., a base station, another UE, etc.). The UE may additionally transmit SRS in, for example, the last symbol of a time slot. The SRS may have a comb structure, and the UE may transmit the SRS on one of the combs. Figure 4C In the example shown, the SRS is a comb-2 on a single symbol. The SRS can be used by the base station to obtain Channel State Information (CSI) for each UE. The CSI describes how the RF signal propagates from the UE to the base station and represents the combined effects of scattering, attenuation, and power attenuation with distance. This system uses the SRS for resource scheduling, link adaptation, massive MIMO, beam management, and more.

[0108] Currently, an SRS resource can span 1, 2, 4, 8, or 12 consecutive symbols within a time slot with a comb size of comb-2, comb-4, or comb-8. The following are the symbol-to-symbol frequency offsets for the currently supported SRS comb modes. 1-code comb-2: {0}; 2-code comb-2: {0, 1}; 4-code comb-2: {0, 1, 0, 1}; 4-code comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3}; 8-code comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 12-code comb-4: {0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3, 0, 2, 1, 3}; 4-code comb-8: {0, 4, 2, 6}; 8-code comb-8: {0, 4, 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 7}; and 12-code comb-8: {0, 4, 2, 6, 1, 5, 3, 7, 0, 4, 2, 6}.

[0109] The set of resource elements used for SRS transmission is called an "SRS resource" and is identified by the parameter "SRS-ResourceId". The set of resource elements can span multiple PRBs in the frequency domain and N (e.g., one or more) consecutive symbols within a time slot in the time domain. In a given OFDM symbol, an SRS resource occupies a consecutive PRB. An "SRS resource set" is the set of SRS resources used for SRS signal transmission and is identified by the SRS resource set ID ("SRS-ResourceSetId").

[0110] Generally, the UE transmits SRS to enable the receiving base station (serving base station or nearby base station) to measure the channel quality between the UE and the base station. However, SRS can also be used as an uplink positioning reference signal in the uplink positioning process, such as UL-TDOA, multi-RTT, DL-AoA, etc.

[0111] For SRS used for positioning (also known as "UL-PRS"), several enhancements superior to the previous definition of SRS have been proposed, such as new interleaving patterns within SRS resources (except for single symbol / comb-2), new comb types for SRS, new sequences for SRS, a larger set of SRS resources per component carrier, and a larger number of SRS resources per component carrier. Furthermore, the parameters "SpatialRelationInfo" and "PathLossReference" are configured based on the downlink reference signal or SSB from the neighboring TRP. Further, an SRS resource can be transmitted outside the active BWP, and an SRS resource can span multiple component carriers. Additionally, SRS can be configured in RRC connected state and transmitted only within the active BWP. Furthermore, there may be no frequency hopping, no repetition factor, a single antenna port, and new lengths for SRS (e.g., 8 and 12 symbols). Open-loop power control may also be used instead of closed-loop power control, and comb-8 may be used (i.e., one SRS is transmitted every eighth subcarrier in the same symbol). Finally, the UE can transmit via the same transmit beam from multiple SRS resources used for UL-AoA. All of these are features added to the current SRS framework, which are configured via RRC higher-level signaling (and potentially triggered or activated via MAC control elements (CE) or DCI).

[0112] Figure 4D Examples of various channels within uplink slots of a frame according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown. The Random Access Channel (RACH), also known as the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH), is configured based on PRACH and can reside in one or more slots within a frame. A PRACH can comprise six consecutive RB pairs within a slot. The PRACH allows the UE to perform initial system access and achieve uplink synchronization. The Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) can be located at the edge of the uplink system bandwidth. The PUCCH carries uplink control information (UCI), such as scheduling requests, CSI reports, channel quality indicators (CQI), precoding matrix indicators (PMI), rank indicators (RI), and HARQ ACK / NACK feedback. The Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) carries data and can also be used to carry Buffer Status Reports (BSR), Power Headroom Reports (PHR), and / or UCI.

[0113] Note that the terms "location reference signal" and "PRS" generally refer to specific reference signals used for positioning in NR and LTE systems. However, as used herein, the terms "location reference signal" and "PRS" can also refer to any type of reference signal that can be used for positioning, such as, but not limited to, PRS, TRS, PTRS, CRS, CSI-RS, DMRS, PSS, SSS, SSB, SRS, UL-PRS, etc., as defined in LTE and NR. Furthermore, the terms "location reference signal" and "PRS" can refer to downlink or uplink positioning reference signals unless the context otherwise requires. If further distinction is needed regarding the type of PRS, downlink positioning reference signals may be referred to as "DL-PRS," while uplink positioning reference signals (e.g., SRS, PTRS used for positioning) may be referred to as "UL-PRS." Additionally, for signals that can be transmitted in both uplink and downlink (e.g., DMRS, PTRS), "UL" or "DL" may be added before the signal to distinguish the direction. For example, "UL-DMRS" can be distinguished from "DL-DMRS."

[0114] Following the random access procedure, the UE is in the RRC Connected state. The RRC protocol is used on the air interface between the UE and the base station. The main functions of the RRC protocol include connection establishment and release, broadcasting system information, radio bearer establishment, reconfiguration and release, RRC connection mobility procedures, paging notification and release, and outer loop power control. In LTE, the UE can be in one of two RRC states (CONNECTED or IDLE), but in NR, the UE may be in one of three RRC states (CONNECTED, IDLE, or INACTIV). Different RRC states have different radio resources associated with them, which the UE can use when in a given state. Note that the different RRC states are usually written in uppercase, as mentioned above; however, this is not mandatory, and these states can also be written in lowercase.

[0115] Figure 5Figure 500 illustrates the different RRC states (also known as RRC modes) available in the NR according to various aspects of this disclosure. When the UE powers on, it is initially in the RRC DISCONNECTED / IDLE state 510. After a random access procedure, it moves to the RRC CONNECTED state 520. If the UE is not activated for a short period, it can suspend its session by moving to the RRC INACTIVE state 530. The UE can resume its session by performing a random access procedure to transition back to the RRC CONNECTED state 520. Therefore, regardless of whether the UE is in the RRC IDLE state 510 or the RRC INACTIVE state 530, the UE needs to perform a random access procedure to transition to the RRC CONNECTED state 520.

[0116] Operations performed in RRC IDLE state 510 include Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) selection, broadcasting of system information, cell reselection mobility, paging for mobile termination data (initiated and managed by the 5GC), and discontinuous reception (DRX) for core network paging (configured by the Non-Access Stratum (NAS)). Operations performed in RRC CONNECTED state 520 include 5GC (e.g., 5GC 260) and new RAN (e.g., new RAN 220) connection establishment (both control plane and user plane), UE context storage at the new RAN and UE, new RAN knowledge of the UE's cell, transmission of unicast data to / from the UE, and network-controlled mobility. Operations performed in RRC INACTIVE state 530 include broadcasting system information, cell reselection for mobility, paging (initiated by the new RAN), RAN notification area (RNA) management (by the new RAN), DRX for RAN paging (configured by the new RAN), 5GC for the UE and new RAN connection establishment (both control plane and user plane), storage of UE context in the new RAN and in the UE, and new RAN knowledge of the RNA to which the UE belongs.

[0117] Figure 6An RRC state transition procedure 600 according to one aspect of this disclosure is illustrated. At 602, UE 302 is configured to be in an RRC CONNECTED state with BS 304. At 604, BS 304 sends an RRC Release with a SuspendConfig field, which moves the UE to an RRC INACTIVE state at 606. The RRC Release also includes an RNA indication that identifies a set of cells for paging-related communications that UE 302 will monitor while in the RRC INACTIVE state. In some designs, SuspendConfig may include a ran-NotificationAreaInfo field indicating the cells associated with the corresponding RNA (e.g., via a cellList field identifying a list of cells configured as RNA, via ran-AreaConfigList listing RAN area codes or RAN codes as RNA, via a set of PLMNs associated with the RNA, etc.).

[0118] At 608, UE 302 sends an RRC Resume message to BS 304, and the BS moves UE 302 to the RRC Connected state at 610. At 612, BS 304 sends an RRC Release with a pause configuration, which moves the UE to the RRC Inactive state at 614. The RRC Release also includes an RNA indication (same or different from 604) that identifies the set of cells for paging-related communications that UE 302 will monitor while in the RRC Inactive state. At 616, UE 302 sends an RRC Resume message to BS 304, and the BS moves UE 302 to the RRC Connected state at 618. At 620, BS 304 sends an RRC Release, which moves the UE to the RRC IDLE state at 622.

[0119] Figure 7 RNA 700 according to one aspect of this disclosure is shown. Figure 7 In this context, RNA 700 comprises cells 1 to 10. Assume UE 702 is in an RRC INACTIVE state, with RNA 700 serving as its configured RNA. When in the RRC INACTIVE state, UE 702 moves from position A to position B, both of which are within RNA 700.

[0120] To page UE 702 while it is in RRC INACTIVE state, the core network knows the UE's location at the RNA level. In some designs, each of cells 1 through 10 can page UE 702 simultaneously across RNA 700. While this approach may result in low-latency paging of UE 702, it requires significant resources to page a single UE and can impact system throughput, interference, etc. In other designs, only a few or even one of cells 1 through 10 can page UE 702 at a given time, while other cells in RNA 700 only page UE 702 if earlier paging attempts fail (e.g., cell 1 pages UE 702, then cell 2 pages UE 702, etc., until UE 702 responds or all cells attempt to page). This approach consumes fewer resources on average than RNA-wide paging but may also be associated with more paging latency.

[0121] Because the RNA configuration is tailored or optimized relative to paging-related communications, this RNA configuration may be suboptimal for other functions, such as location. For example, RNA 700 includes more cells than typically involved in a DL-PRS-based or UL-SRS-based location process. Therefore, in addition to the RNA described above for paging-related communications, aspects of this disclosure also relate to the configuration of RNA for location. In some designs, the RNA for location can be configured to include a subset (e.g., less than all) of cells that are part of the associated RNA for paging-related communications. Such aspects can provide various technical advantages, such as facilitating the location of UEs with lower interference levels in an RRC INACTIVE state (e.g., compared to simply borrowing a relatively large list of cells from the RNA for paging-related communications).

[0122] Figure 8 An exemplary process 800 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. In one aspect, process 800 may be performed by UE 302.

[0123] At 810, UE 302 (e.g., receiver 312 or 322, etc.) receives a first configuration of a first radio access RNA associated with a paging request for the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state. In one aspect, the first RNA includes a first cell group, such as... Figure 7 The shown are neighborhoods 1 to 10.

[0124] At 820, UE 302 (e.g., receiver 312 or 322, etc.) receives a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the UE's location when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state. In one aspect, the second RNA includes a first subset of a first cell group. In some designs, the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for location, each of which includes a different subset of the first cell group. For example, each RNA for location may include a different combination of cells from a larger group of associated cell RNAs for paging-related communications.

[0125] Figure 9 An exemplary process 900 for wireless communication according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. In one aspect, process 900 may be performed by BS 304.

[0126] At 910, BS 304 (e.g., transmitter 354 or 364, etc.) transmits a first configuration of the first RNA associated with paging for the UE when the UE is in RRC INACTIVE state. In one aspect, the first RNA includes a first cell group, such as... Figure 7 Cells 1 to 10 are shown. In some designs, the first configuration can be received at BS 304 from network entity 306, which can be configured as an AMF.

[0127] At 920, BS 304 (e.g., transmitter 354 or 364, etc.) transmits a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the UE's location when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state. In one aspect, the second RNA includes a first subset of a first cell group. In some designs, the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for location, each of which includes a different subset of the first cell group. For example, each RNA for location may include a different combination of cells from a larger cell group of associated RNAs for paging-related communications. In some designs, the second configuration may be received at BS 304 from network entity 306, which may be configured as an LMF. In other designs, the LMF may be integrated as part of BS 304 itself.

[0128] refer to Figures 8 to 9 In some designs, the second RNA is associated with the UE’s location based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or the second RNA is associated with the UE’s location based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof (e.g., for RTT).

[0129] refer to Figures 8 to 9 In some designs as described above, the second RNA may be one of a plurality of RNAs used for positioning, each of which includes a different subset of the first cell group. In this case, UE 302 may receive a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's positioning while the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, wherein the third RNA includes a second subset of the first cell group, which is different from the first subset of the first cell group. In some designs, the third configuration may be received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA. In some designs, the second RNA may also optionally include at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0130] Figure 10 It shows that, respectively, according to Figures 8 to 9 The process of 800 to 900 examples realizes 1000 RNA arrangements. Figure 10 In this context, RNA arrangement 1000 includes RNA 1002, which comprises cells 1 to 10 and is configured for paging-related communication, similar to... Figure 7 RNA 700. RNA sequence 1000 also includes RNAs 1004, 1006, and 1008, which comprise subsets of the regions of RNA 1002 used for UE localization. Specifically, RNA 1004 comprises regions 3 to 5, RNA 1006 comprises regions 1 to 2 and 9 to 10, and RNA 1008 comprises regions 1 and 6 to 8. Figure 10 In the example, RNA 1004 also includes a subcell 11, which is outside of RNA 1002 (e.g., a portion of the neighboring RNA associated with paging).

[0131] refer to Figures 8 to 9 In some designs, the second configuration can be indicated to the UE 302 by the BS 304 via a Suspend Configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group. For example, SuspendConfig can be modified to include a field Pos-ran-NotificationAreaInfo (RAN-NotificationAreaInfo optional, M required), which can be used to transmit the second configuration to the UE 302.

[0132] refer to Figures 8 to 9In some designs, the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group. For example, it could indicate an integer N corresponding to N cells from the first cell group. In this case, the cells used for the second configuration can be derived via a combination of the integer value N and a predefined cell order. For example, SuspendConfig can be modified to include a field denoted as pos-ran-group-count, which specifies the integer value N. In an example where the paging RNA includes cells 1 through 10, represented as {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}, assume pos-ran-group-count is 4. In one example, the predefined order could correspond to a cell order such that the RNA used for positioning would include the first 4 cells, i.e., {1, 2, 3, 4}. Of course, other predefined cell orders can be used in other aspects. Furthermore, in some designs, the cell order can be network-configured rather than predefined. For example, SuspendConfig could include pos-ran-group-count and an indication of the cell order by which pos-ran-group-count is processed to derive the cells for the positioning RNA.

[0133] refer to Figures 8 to 9 In some designs, the second configuration can be indicated via a System Information Block (SIB). For example, when in RRC INACTIVE state, the UE periodically monitors the SIB. In this case, a new SIB for positioning can be provided to offer information related to the second configuration of the RNA used for positioning. In some designs, the new SIB can be used to switch a specific UE from one RNA used for positioning to another. In some designs, the UE can specifically track the new SIB when the positioning session is active (and otherwise ignore the new SIB). In this case, the UE can still follow the RNA provided in SuspendConfig for paging-related communications.

[0134] refer to Figures 8 to 9 In some designs, whenever the UE moves through a cell coverage area that is not associated with its current RNA for positioning, the UE connects to the network and notifies the gNB / LMF of the movement. The UE can receive updated RNAs for positioning with different subsets of the paging RNA cells.

[0135] refer to Figures 8 to 9In some designs, the RNA used for location can even be used for paging. In some designs, this aspect can be transparent to the UE. In other words, the UE can still be configured to monitor all cells in the RNA used for paging-related communications, even if the network can make the decision to page the UE in fewer than all of those cells. In some designs, opportunistic paging performed in this way can reduce paging overhead and latency, although at the cost of a higher update frequency at the gNB.

[0136] In the specific implementation described above, it can be seen that different features are combined together in the examples. This manner of disclosure should not be construed as an intention that the example clauses have more features than those explicitly mentioned in each clause. Rather, aspects of this disclosure may include fewer features than all the features of a single example clause disclosed. Therefore, the following clauses should be considered as encompassed in the specification, where each clause can stand alone as a separate example. Although each dependent clause may refer to a specific combination with one of the other clauses in these clauses, the aspect of the dependent clause is not limited to that specific combination. It should be understood that other example clauses may also include combinations of aspects of a dependent clause with the subject matter of any other dependent or independent clause, or any feature combined with other dependent and independent clauses. The aspects disclosed herein expressly include these combinations unless expressly stated or readily inferred that a particular combination is not intended (e.g., contradictory aspects, such as defining an element as both an insulator and a conductor). Furthermore, it is intended that aspects of a clause may also be included in any other independent clause, even if that clause is not directly subordinate to that independent clause.

[0137] The following numbered clauses describe implementation examples:

[0138] Clause 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: - when the UE is in a Radio Resource Control Inactive (RRC INACTIVE) state, receiving a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE, the first RNA including a first cell group; and when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receiving a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0139] Clause 2. The method of Clause 1, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first microgroup.

[0140] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 2, wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE used for location, or a combination thereof.

[0141] Clause 4. The method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 3, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs used for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

[0142] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 4 further includes: when the UE is in RRC INACTIVE state, receiving a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's location, the third RNA comprising a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from the first subset of the first cell group.

[0143] Clause 6. The method according to Clause 5, wherein a third configuration is received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0144] Clause 7. The method according to any one of Clauses 2 to 6, wherein the second configuration is received via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is received via a system information block (SIB).

[0145] Clause 8. The method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 7, wherein the second RNA further includes at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0146] Clause 9. A method of wireless communication performed by a base station, comprising: when a UE is in a Radio Resource Control Inactive (RRC INACTIVE) state, transmitting a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE, the first RNA including a first cell group; and when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, transmitting a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0147] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 9, wherein a first configuration is received from the Mobility Management Function (AMF), and wherein a second configuration is received from the Location Management Function (LMF).

[0148] Clause 11. The method according to any one of Clauses 9 to 10, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first microgroup.

[0149] Clause 12. The method of Clause 11, wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE used for location, or a combination thereof.

[0150] Clause 13. The method according to any one of Clauses 11 to 12, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

[0151] Clause 14. The method according to Clause 13 further includes: when the UE is in RRC INACTIVE state, sending a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's location, the third RNA comprising a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from the first subset of the first cell group.

[0152] Clause 15. The method according to Clause 14, wherein a third configuration is sent in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0153] Clause 16. The method according to any one of Clauses 11 to 15, wherein the second configuration is sent via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is sent via a system information block (SIB).

[0154] Clause 17. The method according to any one of Clauses 11 to 16, wherein the second RNA further includes at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0155] Clause 18. A user equipment (UE) comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receive via the at least one transceiver a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE, the first RNA including a first cell group; and when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receive via the at least one transceiver a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0156] Clause 19. The UE pursuant to Clause 18, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

[0157] Clause 20. A UE pursuant to Clause 19, wherein the second RNA is associated with the UE's location based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the UE's location based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof.

[0158] Clause 21. The UE pursuant to any of Clauses 19 to 20, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs used for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

[0159] Clause 22. The UE according to Clause 21, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: when the UE is in the RRCINACTIVE state, receive via at least one transceiver a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the location of the UE, the third RNA comprising a second subset of a first cell group, the second subset being different from a first subset of the first cell group.

[0160] Clause 23. The UE pursuant to Clause 22, wherein a third configuration is received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0161] Clause 24. A UE pursuant to any one of Clauses 19 to 23, wherein the second configuration is received via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is received via a system information block (SIB).

[0162] Clause 25. The UE according to any one of Clauses 18 to 24, wherein the second RNA further includes at least one cell associated with the neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0163] Clause 26. A base station comprising: a memory; at least one transceiver; and at least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: transmit, via the at least one transceiver, a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the user equipment (UE), the first RNA including a first cell group, when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state; and transmit via the at least one transceiver a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE.

[0164] Clause 27. A base station pursuant to Clause 26, wherein a first configuration is received from a mobility management function (AMF), and wherein a second configuration is received from a location management function (LMF).

[0165] Clause 28. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 26 to 27, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

[0166] Clause 29. A base station pursuant to Clause 28, wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of a UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of a first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of a UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof.

[0167] Clause 30. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 28 to 29, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs used for positioning, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first cell group.

[0168] Clause 31. A base station according to Clause 30, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: when the UE is in an RRCINACTIVE state, transmit via at least one transceiver a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the location of the UE, the third RNA comprising a second subset of a first cell group, the second subset being different from a first subset of the first cell group.

[0169] Clause 32. A base station pursuant to Clause 31, wherein a third configuration is sent in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0170] Clause 33. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 28 to 32, wherein the second configuration is transmitted via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is transmitted via a system information block (SIB).

[0171] Clause 34. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 28 to 33, wherein the second RNA further includes at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0172] Clause 35. A user equipment (UE) comprising: means for receiving a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE when the UE is in a radio resource control inactive (RRCINACTIVE) state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and means for receiving a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state.

[0173] Clause 36. The UE pursuant to Clause 35, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

[0174] Clause 37. A UE pursuant to Clause 36, wherein the second RNA is associated with the UE's location based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the UE's location based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof.

[0175] Clause 38. The UE pursuant to any of Clauses 36 to 37, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs used for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

[0176] Clause 39. The UE pursuant to Clause 38 further includes: a component for receiving a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, the third RNA comprising a second subset of a first cell group, the second subset being different from a first subset of the first cell group.

[0177] Clause 40. The UE pursuant to Clause 39, wherein a third configuration is received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0178] Clause 41. A UE pursuant to any one of Clauses 36 to 40, wherein the second configuration is received via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is received via a system information block (SIB).

[0179] Clause 42. The UE according to any one of Clauses 35 to 41, wherein the second RNA further includes at least one cell associated with the neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0180] Clause 43. A base station comprising: means for transmitting a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of a user equipment (UE) when the UE is in a radio resource control inactive (RRC INACTIVE) state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and means for transmitting a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state.

[0181] Clause 44. A base station pursuant to Clause 43, wherein a first configuration is received from a mobility management function (AMF), and wherein a second configuration is received from a location management function (LMF).

[0182] Clause 45. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 43 to 44, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

[0183] Clause 46. A base station pursuant to Clause 45, wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of a UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of a first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of a UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof.

[0184] Clause 47. A base station pursuant to any of Clauses 45 to 46, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs used for positioning, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first cell group.

[0185] Clause 48. The base station pursuant to Clause 47 further includes: a component for transmitting a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, the third RNA comprising a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from a first subset of the first cell group.

[0186] Clause 49. A base station pursuant to Clause 48, wherein a third configuration is sent in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0187] Clause 50. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 45 to 49, wherein the second configuration is transmitted via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is transmitted via a system information block (SIB).

[0188] Clause 51. A base station pursuant to any one of Clauses 45 to 50, wherein the second RNA further includes at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0189] Clause 52. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE), cause the UE to: receive a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and receive a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state.

[0190] Clause 53. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 52, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first microgroup.

[0191] Clause 54. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 53, wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof.

[0192] Clause 55. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any of Clauses 53 to 54, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

[0193] Clause 56. The non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 55 also includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the UE, cause the UE to: when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, receive a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's location, the third RNA comprising a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from the first subset of the first cell group.

[0194] Clause 57. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 56, wherein a third configuration is received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0195] Clause 58. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any of Clauses 53 to 57, wherein a second configuration is received via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is received via a system information block (SIB).

[0196] Clause 59. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any one of Clauses 52 to 58, wherein the second RNA further comprises at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0197] Clause 60. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a base station, cause the base station to: transmit a first configuration of a first radio access network notification area (RNA) associated with a paging of the user equipment (UE) when the UE is in an RRC inactive state, the first RNA including a first cell group; and transmit a second configuration of a second RNA associated with the location of the UE when the UE is in an RRC inactive state.

[0198] Clause 61. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 60, wherein a first configuration is received from a mobility management function (AMF), and wherein a second configuration is received from a location management function (LMF).

[0199] Clause 62. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any one of Clauses 60 to 61, wherein the second RNA comprises a first subset of the first microgroup.

[0200] Clause 63. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 62, wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for location, or a combination thereof.

[0201] Clause 64. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any of Clauses 62 to 63, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

[0202] Clause 65. The non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 64 also includes computer-executable instructions that, when executed by the base station, cause the base station to: when the UE is in an RRC INACTIVE state, transmit a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's location, the third RNA comprising a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from the first subset of the first cell group.

[0203] Clause 66. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to Clause 65, wherein a third configuration is sent in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

[0204] Clause 67. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any one of Clauses 62 to 66, wherein the second configuration is transmitted via a pause configuration field value associated with a first subset of the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or wherein the second configuration is transmitted via a system information block (SIB).

[0205] Clause 68. A non-transitory computer-readable medium pursuant to any one of Clauses 62 to 67, wherein the second RNA further comprises at least one cell associated with a neighboring RNA associated with paging.

[0206] Those skilled in the art will understand that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of different technologies and techniques. For example, data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and chips that may be referenced throughout the foregoing specification can be represented by voltage, current, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, light fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

[0207] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various illustrative logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithmic steps described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability between hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally according to their functionality. Whether these functions are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole. Those skilled in the art can implement the described functions in various ways for each specific application, but such implementation decisions should not be construed as departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0208] The various illustrative logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or executed using general-purpose processors, DSPs, ASICs, FPGAs, or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but alternatively, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

[0209] The methods, sequences, and / or algorithms described in conjunction with the aspects disclosed herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of both. The software module may reside in random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), registers, hard disks, removable disks, CD-ROMs, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Example storage media are coupled to a processor such that the processor can read information from and write information to the storage medium. Alternatively, the storage medium may be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal (e.g., a UE). Alternatively, the processor and storage medium may reside as discrete components in the user terminal.

[0210] In one or more example aspects, the described functionality may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functionality may be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted over a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media include computer storage media and communication media, with communication media including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media may be any available medium that a computer can access. By way of example and not limitation, such computer-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disc storage, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, any connection may be appropriately referred to as a computer-readable medium. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are all included in the definition of medium. The disks and optical discs used in this article include compact optical discs (CDs), laser discs, optical discs, digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), floppy disks, and Blu-ray discs. Disks typically reproduce data magnetically, while optical discs reproduce data optically using lasers. Combinations of these should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0211] While the foregoing disclosure illustrates illustrative aspects of this disclosure, it should be noted that various changes and modifications may be made herein without departing from the scope of this disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The functions, steps, and / or actions of the method claims according to the aspects of this disclosure described herein need not be performed in any particular order. Furthermore, although elements of this disclosure may be described or claimed in the singular, the plural form may be considered unless a limitation on the singular is expressly stated.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: When the UE is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, it receives a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area RNA associated with the UE's paging, the first RNA including a first cell group; and When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, it receives a second configuration of the second RNA associated with the UE's location. The second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

2. The method according to claim 1, Wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from the first subset of the first cell group, or The second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for localization, or Their combination.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, it receives a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's location, the third RNA including a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from the first subset of the first cell group.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the third configuration is received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

6. The method according to claim 1, The second configuration is received via a pause configuration field value associated with the first subset of the first cell group, or The second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or The second configuration is received via the System Information Block (SIB).

7. A method for wireless communication performed by a base station, comprising: When the User Equipment (UE) is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area (RNA) associated with the paging of the UE is transmitted, the first RNA including a first cell group; and When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, a second configuration of the second RNA associated with the UE's location is sent. The second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

8. The method according to claim 7, The first configuration is received from the Mobility Management Function (AMF), and The second configuration is received from the location management function (LMF).

9. The method according to claim 7, Wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from the first subset of the first cell group, or The second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for localization, or Their combination.

10. The method of claim 7, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first microgroup.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the UE's location is sent, the third RNA including a second subset of the first cell group, the second subset being different from the first subset of the first cell group.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the third configuration is sent in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

13. The method according to claim 7, The second configuration is sent via a pause configuration field value associated with the first subset of the first cell group, or The second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or The second configuration is sent via the System Information Block (SIB).

14. A user equipment (UE), comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: When the UE is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, it receives a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area RNA associated with the paging of the UE via the at least one transceiver, the first RNA comprising a first cell group; and When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, it receives a second configuration of the second RNA associated with the location of the UE via the at least one transceiver. The second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

15. The UE according to claim 14, Wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from the first subset of the first cell group, or The second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for localization, or Their combination.

16. The UE of claim 14, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first cell group.

17. The UE of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: When the UE is in the RRCINACTIVE state, it receives a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the location of the UE via the at least one transceiver. The third RNA includes a second subset of the first cell group, which is different from the first subset of the first cell group.

18. The UE of claim 17, wherein the third configuration is received in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

19. The UE according to claim 14, The second configuration is received via a pause configuration field value associated with the first subset of the first cell group, or The second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or The second configuration is received via the System Information Block (SIB).

20. A base station, comprising: Memory; At least one transceiver; as well as At least one processor communicatively coupled to the memory and the at least one transceiver, the at least one processor being configured to: When the User Equipment (UE) is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state, a first configuration of a first Radio Access Network Notification Area RNA associated with the paging of the UE is transmitted via the at least one transceiver, the first RNA including a first cell group; and When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, a second configuration of the second RNA associated with the location of the UE is transmitted via the at least one transceiver. The second RNA comprises a first subset of the first cell group.

21. The base station according to claim 20, The first configuration is received from the Mobility Management Function (AMF), and The second configuration is received from the location management function (LMF).

22. The base station according to claim 20, Wherein the second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more downlink location reference signals (PRS) from the first subset of the first cell group, or The second RNA is associated with the location of the UE based on one or more uplink probe reference signals (SRS) from the UE for localization, or Their combination.

23. The base station of claim 20, wherein the second RNA is one of a plurality of RNAs for localization, each of the plurality of RNAs comprising a different subset of the first cell group.

24. The base station of claim 23, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to: When the UE is in the RRC INACTIVE state, a third configuration of a third RNA associated with the location of the UE is transmitted via the at least one transceiver. The third RNA includes a second subset of the first cell group, which is different from the first subset of the first cell group.

25. The base station of claim 24, wherein the third configuration is sent in response to a notification from the UE indicating that the UE has moved from a first coverage area associated with the second RNA to a second coverage area associated with the third RNA.

26. The base station according to claim 20, The second configuration is sent via a pause configuration field value associated with the first subset of the first cell group, or The second configuration indicates the number of cells from the first cell group, or The second configuration is sent via the System Information Block (SIB).

27. An apparatus for wireless communication performed at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising components for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

28. An apparatus for performing wireless communication at a base station, the apparatus comprising components for performing the method of any one of claims 7 to 13.

29. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, The program code may be executed by one or more processors of the user equipment (UE) to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 6.

30. A computer-readable medium having program code recorded thereon, wherein, The program code may be executed by one or more processors of the base station to cause the processors to perform the method of any one of claims 7 to 13.

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