Data arrival indication

Abstract

A method is provided that includes detecting, by a user equipment, UE, of data arrival into a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for a secondary cell group (SCG); determining whether the SCG is currently inactive; and sending, to a network element of the wireless communication network, an indication of the arrival of the data if the SCG is determined to be currently inactive.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The following exemplary embodiments relate to communication. Background Technology

[0002] Modern wireless systems can leverage technologies such as dual connectivity to enhance their performance. For example, dual connectivity allows user equipment to communicate with two network nodes simultaneously. Providing solutions that further enhance the flexibility of such technologies can be beneficial.

[0003] WO 2020167170,INTERDIGITAL(RAPPORTEUR).R2-1912880.Report on emaildiscussion on[107#32][NR / DCCA]MCG SCell / SCG Resume;3GPP TSG-RAN WG2#107bis,Chongqing,China,14th–18th October 2019,2019-10-04,AU 2018422296andINTERDIGITAL INC.R2-2006756.On Support of Activation / Deactivation for SCG;3GPP RAN WG2 Meeting#111-e,Electronic,August 17–August 28,2020,2020-08-06discuss resuming an inactive SCG link. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to one aspect, the subject matter of the independent claim is provided.

[0005] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising components for performing: detecting by a user equipment (UE) of a wireless communication network that data has arrived in a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for a secondary cell group (SCG); determining whether the SCG is currently inactive; and if the SCG is determined to be currently inactive, sending an indication of the arrival of the data to a network element of the wireless communication network.

[0006] In one embodiment, the data bearer is configured to be either paused or not paused.

[0007] In one embodiment, the network element includes a master node MN associated with the primary cell group (MCG).

[0008] In one embodiment, the network element includes a secondary node SN associated with the SCG.

[0009] In one embodiment, the instruction is sent via SCG even if the data bearer is paused.

[0010] In one embodiment, the instruction is transmitted during a radio resource acquisition process or on one or more radio resources acquired based on the radio resource acquisition process described above, wherein the radio resource acquisition process includes: sending a scheduling request or initiating a random access process.

[0011] In one embodiment, the component is further configured to resume the suspended data bearer upon receiving an uplink grant or the completion of a random access procedure if the data bearer is suspended.

[0012] In one embodiment, the component is further configured to resume the suspended data bearer based on one or more messages received from the wireless communication network if the data bearer is suspended.

[0013] In one embodiment, the data bearer associated with the data buffered in the data buffer is restored.

[0014] In one embodiment, multiple data bearers configured for the UE for the SCG are restored.

[0015] In one embodiment, the component is further configured to perform: determining whether to send the indication via the MCG or the SCG, wherein the determination is based on configuration information from the wireless communication network.

[0016] In one embodiment, the configuration information includes at least one radio quality threshold, wherein if the radio quality associated with the SCG exceeds the at least one radio quality threshold, it indicates that transmission is to be made via the SCG.

[0017] In one embodiment, the data bearer is not suspended, wherein the component is further configured to: suspend the data bearer if the radio quality associated with the SCG is equal to or below at least one radio quality threshold; and transmit an indication via the MCG.

[0018] In one embodiment, the instruction causes a network element to perform one or more actions, including: resuming a data bearer if it is suspended, changing the data bearer type, releasing the SCG, and / or activating the SCG.

[0019] In one embodiment, the component is also configured to perform: prevent at least one control channel from being monitored for at least one cell of an inactive SCG.

[0020] According to one aspect, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising components for performing: receiving, by a network element of a wireless communication network, an indication from a user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network regarding data arrival into a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for a currently inactive secondary cell group (SCG); and performing one or more actions regarding the data bearer and / or the inactive SCG based on the indication.

[0021] In one embodiment, one or more actions include: resuming the data bearer if it is paused, changing the data bearer type, releasing the SCG, and / or activating the SCG.

[0022] In one embodiment, the component includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the device to execute together with the at least one processor.

[0023] Some embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0024] Embodiments not falling within the scope of the claims are to be interpreted as examples that help to understand this disclosure.

[0025] One or more examples of the implementation are illustrated in more detail in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0026] In the following description, some embodiments will be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which...

[0027] Figure 1 Examples of wireless communication systems to which embodiments can be applied are shown;

[0028] Figure 2 and Figure 3 A flowchart according to some embodiments is shown;

[0029] Figure 4 A signal diagram according to one embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C , Figure 5D , Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 7 Some embodiments are shown; and

[0031] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A block diagram of an apparatus according to some embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The following embodiments are examples. Although the specification may refer to "an," "one," or "some" embodiments in several places, this does not necessarily mean that such a reference refers to the same embodiment or that the feature applies only to a single embodiment. Individual features of different embodiments may also be combined to provide other embodiments. Furthermore, the words "comprising" and "including" should be understood as not limiting the described embodiments to consisting only of those features already mentioned, and such embodiments may also include features / structures not specifically mentioned.

[0033] In the following description, radio access architectures based on Advanced Long Term Evolution (LTE-A) or New Radio (NR, 5G) will be used as examples of access architectures to which embodiments can be applied, to illustrate different exemplary embodiments without limiting the embodiments to such architectures. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, by appropriately adapting parameters and processes, the embodiments can also be applied to other types of communication networks with suitable modules. Some examples of other options suitable for the system are Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Radio Access Network (UTRAN or E-UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or WiFi), and Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX). Personal Communication Services (PCS) Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra Wideband (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANET), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS), or any combination thereof.

[0034] Figure 1 An example of a simplified system architecture is depicted, showing some components and functional entities whose implementations may differ from those shown. Figure 1 The connections shown are logical connections; the actual physical connections may differ. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that the system typically includes, in addition to... Figure 1 Other functions and structures besides those shown.

[0035] However, the embodiments are not limited to the system given as an example, but those skilled in the art can apply this solution to other communication systems with the necessary characteristics.

[0036] Figure 1 The example shows a portion of an exemplary radio access network. Figure 1The illustration shows terminal equipment or user equipment 100 and 102 configured to be in a radio connection state with an access node (such as an (e / g)NodeB) 104 providing the cell on one or more communication channels within a cell. (e / g)NodeB refers to an eNodeB or gNodeB as defined in the 3GPP specification. The physical link from the user equipment to the (e / g)NodeB is called an uplink or reverse link, while the physical link from the (e / g)NodeB to the user equipment is called a downlink or forward link. It should be understood that an (e / g)NodeB, or its functionality, can be implemented using any entity suitable for such a purpose, such as a node, host, server, or access point.

[0037] A communication system typically includes more than one (e / g)NodeB, in which case the (e / g)NodeBs may also be configured to communicate with each other via wired or wireless links designed for this purpose. These links can be used for signaling purposes or to route data from one (e / g)NodeB to another. An (e / g)NodeB is a computing device configured to control the radio resources of the communication system to which it is coupled. A NodeB may also be referred to as a base station, access point, access node, or any other type of interface device that includes a relay station capable of operating in a wireless environment. An example of a relay station may be an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, where base station functions are partially performed by the DU (Distributed Unit) of the IAB node. An (e / g)NodeB includes or is coupled to a transceiver. From the transceiver of the (e / g)NodeB, a connection is provided to an antenna element, establishing a bidirectional radio link to the user equipment. The antenna element may include multiple antennas or antenna elements. The (e / g)NodeB is further connected to the core network 110 (CN or Next Generation Core NGC). Depending on the system, the counterpart on the CN side can be a Serving Gateway (S-GW, which routes and forwards user data packets), a Packet Data Network Gateway (P-GW, which provides connectivity between the User Equipment (UE) and external packet data networks), or a Mobility Management Entity (MME), etc.

[0038] A user device (also known as a UE, user equipment, user terminal, terminal equipment, etc.) is a type of device to which resources on the air interface are allocated and assigned, and therefore any features of the user device described herein can be implemented by a corresponding device (such as a relay node). An example of a relay station deployment could be an IAB node, where user device functionality can be partially performed by the MT (Mobile Terminal) of the IAB node. The MT portion can be responsible for providing backhaul connections to a parent node (such as a parent IAB node (DU)) or a donor node (DU) with a wired connection to a centralized unit (CU).

[0039] User equipment (UAE) generally refers to portable computing devices, including wireless mobile communication devices operating with or without a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), including but not limited to: mobile stations (mobile phones), smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), handsets, devices using wireless modems (such as alarm or measuring devices), portable computers and / or touchscreen computers, tablets, game consoles, laptops, and multimedia devices. It should be understood that UAE can also be a virtually exclusive uplink device, an example of which is a camera or camcorder that loads images or video clips onto a network. UAE can also be a device capable of operating in Internet of Things (IoT) networks, such as Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) networks, in which objects are provided with the ability to send data over a network without human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction. UAE can also utilize the cloud. In some applications, UAE may include a small portable device with radio components (such as a watch, earphones, or glasses), and computation is performed in the cloud. UAE (or in some embodiments, a Layer 3 relay node) is configured to perform one or more of the UAE functions. User equipment may also be referred to as subscriber unit, mobile station, remote terminal, access terminal, user terminal, or user equipment (UE), with only a few names or devices mentioned. In this document, user equipment may also refer to a vehicle implementation, such as a vehicle UE. Such UEs may be included in and / or communicatively coupled to a vehicle, making them understandable as part of the vehicle.

[0040] The various techniques described in this paper can also be applied to cyber-physical systems (CPS) (systems that collaboratively control computing elements of physical entities). CPS can realize and utilize a large number of interconnected ICT devices (sensors, actuators, processors, microcontrollers, etc.) embedded in different locations within physical objects. Mobile cyber-physical systems, in which the physical systems discussed have inherent mobility, are a subcategory of cyber-physical systems. Examples of mobile physical systems include mobile robots and electronic devices transported by humans or animals.

[0041] Furthermore, although the device is depicted as a single entity, different units, processors, and / or memory units can be implemented (not necessarily as shown in the original text). Figure 1 (As shown).

[0042] 5G can utilize multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antennas, allowing for a significantly larger number of base stations or nodes than LTE (the so-called small cell concept), including macro sites that collaborate with smaller base stations and employ multiple radio technologies, depending on service requirements, use cases, and / or available spectrum. 5G mobile communications support a wide range of use cases and related applications, including video streaming, augmented reality, different data sharing methods, and various forms of machine-type applications (such as massive machine-type communications (mMTC)), including vehicle safety, different sensors, and real-time control. 5G is expected to have multiple radio interfaces: sub-6 GHz, cmWave, and mmWave, and will be able to integrate with existing conventional radio access technologies such as LTE. Integration with LTE can be implemented, at least in the early stages, as a system where macro coverage is provided by LTE and 5G radio interface access is obtained from small cells via aggregation to LTE. In other words, 5G is planned to simultaneously support inter-RAT interoperability (such as LTE-5G) and inter-RI interoperability (inter-radio interface interoperability, such as sub-6 GHz cmWave, sub-6 GHz cmWave, mmWave). One of the concepts considered for use in 5G networks is network slicing, in which multiple independent and dedicated virtual subnets (network instances) can be created within essentially the same infrastructure to run services with different requirements for latency, reliability, throughput, and mobility.

[0043] The current architecture in LTE networks is entirely distributed across radios and typically centralized within the core network. Low-latency applications and services in 5G may require content to be closer to the radios, leading to localized bursts and multiple access edge computing (MEC). 5G enables analytics and knowledge generation to occur at the data source. This approach may require leveraging resources that may not be continuously connected to the network, such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and sensors. MEC provides a distributed computing environment for application and service hosting. It also has the ability to store and process content near cellular subscribers to accelerate response times. Edge computing encompasses a wide range of technologies, such as wireless sensor networks, mobile data acquisition, mobile signature analytics, collaborative distributed peer-to-peer self-organizing networks and processing (which can also be categorized as local cloud / fog computing and grid / mesh computing), dew computing, mobile edge computing, cloudlets, distributed data storage and retrieval, autonomous self-healing networks, remote cloud services, augmented and virtual reality, data caching, the Internet of Things (IoT) (massive connectivity and / or latency critical), and critical communications (autonomous vehicles, traffic safety, real-time analytics, time-critical control, healthcare applications).

[0044] The communication system can also communicate with other networks, such as the public switched telephone network or the Internet, or utilize the services provided by them. The communication network may also be able to support the use of cloud services; for example, at least a portion of the core network operation can function as a cloud service (this is in...). Figure 1 The communication system may also include a central control entity that provides facilities for different operators' networks to collaborate, for example, in spectrum sharing. (This is described in "cloud" 114).

[0045] Edge cloud can be introduced into the radio access network (RAN) by leveraging Network Functions Virtualization (NVF) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Using edge cloud means that access node operations are performed at least partially in servers, hosts, or nodes that are operationally coupled to remote radio heads or base stations, including the radio portion. Node operations can also be distributed across multiple servers, nodes, or hosts. The application of the cloudRAN architecture enables real-time RAN functions to be executed on the RAN side (in the distributed unit DU 104) and non-real-time functions to be executed in a centralized manner (in the centralized unit CU 108).

[0046] It should also be understood that the functional allocation between core network operations and base station operations may differ from, or even not exist in, LTE. Some other technological advancements that may be used include big data and all-IP, which could potentially change how networks are built and managed. 5G (or New Radio) networks are designed to support multiple hierarchical structures, where MEC servers can be placed between the core and base stations or Node Bs (gNBs). It should be understood that MEC can also be applied to 4G networks.

[0047] 5G can also leverage satellite communications to enhance or supplement the coverage of 5G services, for example, by providing backhaul. Possible use cases include providing service continuity for machine-to-machine (M2M) or Internet of Things (IoT) devices or for passengers in vehicles, or ensuring the availability of services for critical communications and future rail, maritime, and / or air communications. Satellite communications can utilize geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite systems, as well as low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite systems, particularly mega-constellations (systems deploying hundreds of (nano) satellites). Satellites 106 in a mega-constellation can cover several satellite-enabled network entities that create terrestrial cells. Terrestrial cells can be created via ground relay nodes 104 or gNBs located on the ground or in satellites.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the depicted system is an example of a radio access system, and in practice, the system may include multiple (e / g)NodeBs, user equipment may access multiple radio cells, and the system may also include other devices such as physical layer relay nodes or other network elements. At least one of the (e / g)NodeBs may be a home (e / g)NodeB. Furthermore, multiple different types of radio cells and multiple radio cells may be provided within the geographical area of ​​the radio communication system. Radio cells may be macrocells (or umbrella cells), which are large cells typically tens of kilometers in diameter, or smaller cells such as micro, femtocells, or picocells. Figure 1 An (e / g)NodeB can provide any type of these cells. Cellular radio systems can be implemented as multi-layer networks comprising several types of cells. Typically, in a multi-layer network, one access node provides one or more cells of a particular type, and therefore providing such a network structure may require multiple (e / g)NodeBs.

[0049] To meet the need for improved deployment and performance of communication systems, the concept of "plug and play" (e / g) NodeBs was introduced. Typically, in addition to home (e / g) NodeBs (H(e / g) nodeBs), networks capable of using "plug and play" (e / g) NodeBs also include home nodeB gateways or HNB-GWs ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). HNB gateways (HNB-GWs), typically installed within a carrier's network, can aggregate services from a large number of HNBs back to the core network. The networks discussed in this article can refer to cellular networks such as 5G.

[0050] like Figure 1 As indicated by the arrows, UEs 100, 102 (and / or any other UE in the described system) can support device-to-device (D2D) communication. D2D communication is sometimes referred to as sidechain communication.

[0051] Figure 1The wireless communication system can support dual connectivity (DC). For example, the system can support multiple radio access technology (MR) DC (MR-DC). Such functionality can be used to support efficient activation / deactivation of secondary cell groups (SCGs) and secondary cells (SCells). Therefore, to achieve efficient activation, deactivated SCGs (i.e., inactive SCGs) can be introduced into the technology used. For example, the UE can treat a deactivated SCG as similar to a deactivated or dormant SCell. Thus, for example, for inactive (or in other words, deactivated) SCGs, the UE can be configured not to monitor the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). This means that the PDCCH may not be monitored for or about the cells(s) belonging to that SCG. Therefore, the UE can continue to monitor the PDCCH for cells belonging to the primary cell group (MCG). Furthermore, for example, with a deactivated SCG, the UE can be configured to continue (multiple) (RRM) measurements and report the SCG status to the MCG (or more specifically, to the master node (MN) associated with the MCG). Additionally, for example, with a deactivated SCG, at least most services (e.g., in some cases, all services) may be stopped. In some examples, the MCG is provided by the 4G (i.e., LTE-A) portion of the wireless communication network, while the SCG is provided by the 5G (i.e., NR) portion of the wireless network.

[0052] For example, for an SCell, the following is specified: if the SCell is deactivated, no Sounding Reference Signal (SRS) is transmitted on the SCell, no Channel State Information (CSI) is reported for the SCell, no transmissions are performed on the Uplink Shared Channel (UL-SCH) and Random Access Channel (RACH) on the SCell, no PDCCH is monitored on the SCell, no PDCCH for the SCell is monitored, and no Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) is transmitted on the SCell. Similar rules and actions can be applied to a deactivated SCG. However, these rules and actions can vary.

[0053] At this point, a difference arises between an SCG bearer and an SCG. An SCG bearer can be a data bearer whose data can be transmitted over an SCG. For example, a data bearer can refer to a Data Radio Bearer (DRB) or a Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB). When such a bearer is suspended, data may not be transmitted over the SCG. On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, a deactivated or inactive SCG relates to the function of the SCG; for example, this may mean that the PDCCH of the cell belonging to the SCG is not monitored by the UE (i.e., its SCG is deactivated); for example, this may mean that the PDCCH of the primary and secondary cells (PSCells) belonging to the SCG is not monitored by the UE; for example, this may mean that the PDCCH for the PSCell and zero or more or all secondary cells (SCells) belonging to the SCG are not monitored by the UE. Other actions may or may not be performed, and these actions may include similar or substantially the same actions as described with reference to a deactivated SCell.

[0054] The handling of data bearers, particularly those associated with the SCG (e.g., SCG bearers or split bearers), remains an open topic in the field when the SCG is deactivated. Therefore, there is room for improvement. A split bearer can refer to a data bearer, DRB, or SRB associated with both the SCG and MCG. One possibility is to do nothing, and whenever new data arrives at the data buffer associated with the data bearer configured for the SCG, the new data can pass through the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) / Radio Link Control (RLC). However, since the SCG is deactivated, the data may be reset in the buffer until the SCG is reactivated. Alternatively, the data bearer can be suspended, in which case the data will be stopped at the upper layer (i.e., before it finally reaches the Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) / Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) entity). However, these solutions appear insufficient, and further improvements are possible.

[0055] Figure 2 A flowchart according to one embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 2 A method for a UE in a wireless communication network is provided, the method comprising: detecting data arrival in a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for an SCG (block 202); determining whether the SCG is currently inactive (block 203); and if the SCG is determined to be currently inactive, sending an indication of data arrival to a network element of the wireless communication network (block 204).

[0056] Figure 3 A flowchart according to one embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 3A method for a network element in a wireless communication network is provided, the method comprising: receiving from a UE in the wireless communication network an indication of data arrival into a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for a currently inactive secondary cell group (SCG) of the wireless communication network (block 302); and performing one or more actions regarding the data bearer and / or the inactive SCG based on the indication (block 304).

[0057] For example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The method described can be applied to Figure 1 Systems (e.g., wireless communication networks). Regarding Figure 2 and Figure 3 The UE being discussed could be, for example, UE 100 or UE 102, or some other similar network device(s). Regarding Figure 2 and Figure 3 The network element discussed may refer to network node 104, or, for example, CN 110 / CU 108, or some other network element configured to perform the described method steps. For example, a network element may refer to one or more network entities (e.g., physically separate network entities), such as network functions. For example, in some cases, a network element may include an MN associated with an MCG or some other network node associated with an MCG. For example, in some cases, a network element may include a secondary node (SN) associated with an SCG or some other network node associated with an SCG. Those skilled in the art will understand that an MN can control an MCG, and an SN can control an SCG. For example, the UE 100 used as an example herein may utilize an MCG and / or an SCG for data transmission.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the UE is configured to prevent monitoring of at least one control channel (e.g., PDCCH) for at least one cell of an inactive SCG. For example, the UE may prevent monitoring (i.e., not monitor) one or more cells of an inactive SCG. In some instances, the one or more cells include all or some cells of the SCG. For example, the UE may prevent monitoring of the control channel for a PSCell of an inactive SCG, but may monitor the control channel for one or more SCells of the inactive SCG. In some cases, the UE also prevents monitoring of the control channel for the aforementioned one or more SCells. That is, for an inactive SCG, monitoring of the control channel(s) for one or more cells of the SCG may not be required.

[0059] Figure 4 A signal diagram according to one embodiment is shown. (Reference) Figure 4In box 422, UE 100 can detect data arrival in a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for SCG. Such a data bearer may sometimes be referred to as an SCG bearer or a split bearer.

[0060] In box 424, UE 100 can determine whether the SCG is currently inactive. An inactive SCG means that the SCG has been deactivated, i.e., it is in an inactive state. In other words, UE 100 can determine whether the SCG has been deactivated.

[0061] If the SCG is determined to be inactive (or in other words, deactivated), then in box 426, UE 100 can send an indication to network element 410 (e.g., perform a reference). Figure 3 (The network elements discussed in the steps). This indication can indicate that data has arrived in the data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for the currently inactive SCG. Therefore, essentially, this indication indicates that data has arrived in the data buffer of the inactive SCG. If the SCG is determined to be active, the UE 100 can take appropriate action, such as sending data from the buffer using the SCG.

[0062] Network element 410 can receive the instruction and perform one or more actions based on it, as shown in box 428. For example, an instruction issued by the UE can cause network element 410 to perform one or more of the aforementioned actions. These actions may include releasing the SCG, activating the SCG, resuming the data bearer if it is currently suspended, and / or changing the data bearer type. For example, if the SCG is released, UE 100 can transmit data from the data buffer via the MCG. Activating the SCG enables the UE to transmit data via the SCG. For example, activating the SCG bearer may be included in the SCG activation process, or new signaling may be introduced to perform activation, such as via RRC, MAC, or downlink control information (DCI).

[0063] Other actions can be discussed in more detail below. For example, network element 410 may determine and / or select the actions it takes based on one or more parameters, such as data volume parameters associated with the MCG (e.g., how much data is in the MCG or how much data is transmitted via the MCG), radio quality parameters associated with the MCG, and / or radio quality parameters associated with the SCG.

[0064] For example, changing the data bearer type can include changing the data bearer type from SCG bearer to MCG bearer or splitting the bearer.

[0065] In one embodiment, reference Figure 2When data arrival is detected (e.g., in box 202), data delivery is paused.

[0066] Figure 5A , Figure 5B , Figure 5C and Figure 5D Some embodiments are shown. References Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The diagram depicts a UE 100 with two data buffers 510 and 520. Data buffer 510 can be associated with a data bearer configured for an MCG, and data buffer 520 can be associated with a data bearer configured for an SCG (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (Data buffers to which data arrives in the embodiments). The MCG data bearer is indicated by reference numeral 534, and the SCG data bearer is indicated by reference numeral 544. Note that more than one data bearer may be configured for the SCG and / or MCG; for example, one data bearer may be used for at least one cell, and at least one group may include one or more cells. MN 530, which controls MCG 532, and SN 540, which controls SCG 542, are also shown.

[0067] As mentioned earlier, if SCG 542 is inactive, an indication of data arrival can be sent. Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C In the diagram, inactivity is represented by a dashed line. Therefore, SCG 542 can be inactive when data 522 arrives in data buffer 520, or at least when data arrival is detected. This effectively means that, since SCG 542 is inactive, data 522 does not need to be sent to SN 540 on data bearer 544. Therefore, the aforementioned indication can be sent.

[0068] exist Figure 5B In this embodiment, the indication of data arrival is sent via MCG 532. For example, in this case, the transmission may be directed to MN 530, as indicated by arrow 572. Indication 572 may be sent from the UE to MN 530, for example, via MCG 532. Therefore, MN 530 may determine, based on the received indication, to perform one or more actions, such as activating SCG 542. Such activation may include communication between MN 530 and SN 540, and may include communication between other network entities, as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0069] In one embodiment, an indication of data arrival is sent via SCG 542. For example, in this case, the transmission could be directed to SN 540. This is as follows: Figure 5C As indicated by arrow 574. In one embodiment, an indication is sent via SCG 542 even if data bearer 544 is paused (i.e., determined to be paused). As previously stated, data bearer 544 may be paused or not (i.e., active). Reference Figure 5D , Figure 5D The procedure shown in block 582 is to send an indication of data arrival via SCG 542 (e.g., to SN 540), and UE 100 can detect data arrival in a similar manner to that in block 202.

[0070] In box 584, UE 100 can determine whether SCG 542 is inactive. If so, the process can continue until UE 100 sends instruction 574 via SCG 542 (e.g., to SN 540) in box 590. SN 540 can then perform one or more actions based on the received instruction in box 592 (e.g., see boxes 304 and 428).

[0071] According to one embodiment, UE 100 is configured to acquire radio resources from a wireless communication network (block 586); and after acquiring the radio resources, to send an indication (block 590). In one example, the radio resources are acquired via a scheduling request (SR). That is, UE 100 may send an SR to the network (e.g., to SN 540) and acquire a radio resource allocation from the network in response to the SR. In another example, the radio resources may be acquired via a random access procedure. For example, in block 590, a random access procedure may be initiated by UE 100 to acquire resources for sending the indication.

[0072] In one embodiment, an indication of data arrival is transmitted during a radio resource acquisition process or on one or more radio resources acquired based on the aforementioned radio resource acquisition process. For example, a radio resource acquisition process may include transmitting a SR or initiating a random access procedure. In an example embodiment, the SR includes an indication of data arrival. Therefore, in some examples, an indication transmission may be included during the radio resource acquisition process.

[0073] As discussed, in some examples, data bearer 544 may be in a suspended state. Therefore, in one embodiment, UE 100 may resume (box 588) the suspended data bearer 544 after acquiring radio resources (box 586) or during acquiring radio resources (box 586). For example, box 588 may be performed after, in response to, or upon receipt of uplink grant or completion of random access procedure.

[0074] In one embodiment, data bearer 544 is resumed based on one or more messages received from the wireless communication network. Therefore, network element 410 can initiate the resumption of the data bearer. For example, network element 410 (e.g., MN 530 or SN 540) can send (multiple) of the aforementioned messages. These messages (multiple) can be sent, for example, via Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling. Therefore, this indication-based resumption can occur, for example, in block 588 or at some other time; that is, the resumption of a suspended data bearer is not necessarily limited to the detection of data arrival.

[0075] In one embodiment, in block 588 and / or based on one or more messages received from the wireless communication network, the data bearer 544 associated with the data buffer 520 is restored. Therefore, in some cases, network elements can issue explicit commands or configurations causing the UE to restore the data bearer 544. The aforementioned one or more messages may indicate, for example, one or more data bearers 544 to be restored. In other words, the data bearer 544 associated with the data buffered in the data buffer 520 (i.e., the buffered data) can be restored. In another example embodiment, multiple data bearers (e.g., some or all) configured for the UE 100 for SCG 542 are restored. Different SCG data bearers can be in different states: suspended or not suspended. These can be controlled individually or jointly: suspended radio bearers can be restored one by one (e.g., when data arrives in the data buffer of the data bearer) or in groups (e.g., including multiple data bearers, such as some or all SCG data bearers), to name a few examples.

[0076] Indications regarding data arrival (e.g., boxes 204, 302, 426, 572, 574, 590) may be included in RRC messages (e.g., UEInformationTransfer or new RRC messages).

[0077] In another example, a Media Access Control (MAC) element (CE) can be used for data arrival indication. Existing or new MAC CEs can be used. An example of an existing MAC CE could be a Buffer Status Report (BFR), which may also reflect the buffer status of other cell groups (e.g., MCGs). Therefore, in one example, the indication can be sent within the BSR. In this example, the indication can be included within the BSR.

[0078] In another example, physical layer (PHY) signaling can be used for data arrival indication. Therefore, for example, SR resources can be allocated for UE 100 in MCG 532 to indicate data arrival. Thus, if SCG is deactivated, UE 100 can request resources from the network to send an indication to MCG 532 or more specifically to MN 530.

[0079] The use of (multiple) RRC messages, MAC CE (e.g., BSR), and / or PHY signaling may be particularly suitable for sending instructions to the MCG532 or more specifically to the MN 530.

[0080] Figures 6A to 6B Some embodiments are shown. References Figure 6A In block 604, UE 100 can determine whether to send an indication via MCG 532 or SCG 542, where this determination is based on configuration information from the wireless communication network. The configuration information may be received, for example, in block 602 prior to block 604. In one embodiment, the configuration information is sent to UE 100 by network element 410 (e.g., MN or SN).

[0081] In one embodiment, the configuration information includes at least one radio quality threshold. If the radio quality associated with the SCG 542 exceeds the aforementioned at least one radio quality threshold, it indicates that the UE can transmit via the SCG 542. Examples of this include... Figure 6B As shown. That is, in box 612, the UE can determine whether the radio quality exceeds at least one radio quality threshold. If yes, the UE can send an indication via the SCG (box 614). If no, the UE 100 can send an indication via the MCG (box 616). Therefore, whether to send via the MCG 532 or via the SCG 542 (or specifically to MN 530 or SN 540) can depend on the radio quality of the SCG 542. For example, if the quality of the primary and secondary cells (PSCell) of the SCG exceeds (e.g., is above or at the threshold) the radio quality threshold, the UE can send an indication via the SCG 542 (e.g., to SN 540). Therefore, if the quality of the PSCell is below or at the threshold, the indication can be sent via the MCG. In some cases, transmission via the SCG can be given priority. For example, this can be achieved by setting an appropriate threshold. At least one threshold can be configured by the network (e.g., by network element 410). At least one threshold may include a reference signal received power (RSRP), a reference signal received quality (RSRQ), and / or (multiple) signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) thresholds, to name just a few. For example, if more than one threshold is used, it may be necessary to exceed one or more of the above thresholds in order to transmit an indication via the SCG.

[0082] For example, block 612 can be executed after data is detected arriving in the data buffer and it is determined that SCG 542 is inactive. Therefore, the UE can determine whether to send the instruction via SCG or MCG before sending the instruction.

[0083] In one embodiment, configuration information indicates whether UE 100 should send an indication via MCG 532 or SCG 542. Therefore, for example, the network can configure UE 100 to indicate data arrival to the MCG or SCG (or more specifically, to the MN or SN). For example, such an indication can be explicit: that is, to send (multiple) indications to the MN or SN.

[0084] In one embodiment, transmission is made on the random access channel (RACH) based on radio resources acquired via SR or a random access procedure, via an instruction from the SCG (e.g., block 614).

[0085] In one embodiment, the instruction from the MCG (e.g., box 616) is sent in a MAC CE (e.g., BSR), an RRC message, or as a PHY message.

[0086] Note that, in principle, the UE can send, for example, an indication via the SCG or MCG. That is, the indication can be sent to the MN or SN, but the UE may not necessarily know the entity it is sending the indication to. Therefore, the UE can be configured and / or select the MCG or SCG it can use to send the indication. In other words, the indication can be sent by the UE via the MCG or SCG. In principle, for example, an indication sent via or through the MCG can be decoded by the SN instead of the MN.

[0087] Figure 7 Some embodiments are shown. References Figure 7 In box 712, if the radio quality associated with SCG 542 is equal to or below at least one radio quality threshold, the UE may suspend data bearer 544 (see box 708). Therefore, an indication of data arrival can be transmitted via MCG (box 714), since one or more SCG bearers can be suspended in box 712. It should be noted that if the aforementioned bearer is not in a suspended state, then the bearer can be suspended in box 712.

[0088] For example, in box 702, UE 100 can detect arrivals in the data buffer. If the SCG is determined to be inactive (box 704), the process can proceed to box 708. In box 708, UE 100 can determine whether the radio quality associated with SCG 542 is equal to or lower than at least one radio quality threshold (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, SINR, to name just a few). If the radio quality is equal to or lower than the aforementioned threshold(s), the process can proceed to box 710. If the radio quality is higher than the aforementioned threshold(s), the process can proceed to box 722.

[0089] In box 710, UE 100 can further determine whether the data bearer is suspended. If not, data bearer 544 can be suspended in box 712. If the data bearer is suspended, the process can continue directly to box 714, i.e., the indication can be sent via MCG 532.

[0090] Note that at this point, the data bearer associated with SCG can refer to either an SCG bearer or a split bearer. Therefore, for example, data bearer 544 could be either an SCG bearer or a split bearer.

[0091] In one embodiment, when the SCG is inactive and the data bearer is not paused, the following options can be used:

[0092] a) In box 708, if the PSCell quality of the SCG is above a threshold (e.g., in terms of RSRP, RSRQ, and / or SINR), the UE 100 may begin forwarding data to the SCG 542 and trigger an indication to the SCG 541 (or more specifically, to the SN 540), as described above. Therefore, in this example, in box 722, if the radio quality is above (e.g., exceeds) a threshold, an indication may be sent to the SN.

[0093] b) If the quality of the SCG PSCell is equal to or below the threshold, the UE 100 may suspend the SCG bearer (or all or some of the SCG bearers) and trigger an indication to the MCG / MN (e.g., box 714).

[0094] Alternatively, in addition to performing the quality check of block 708 in response to detecting data arrival in a data buffer associated with an inactive SCG 542, a pause / resumption can be performed in response to determining that the radio quality of SCG 542 is higher than (e.g., exceeds) a threshold(s). For example, if the radio quality is equal to or lower than the threshold(s), the data bearer can be paused (e.g., as in block 712). For example, if the radio quality is higher than the aforementioned thresholds, the data bearer can be resumed. Therefore, UE 100 can, for example, periodically and / or in response to block 702 perform block 708.

[0095] The proposed solution enables efficient and flexible indication of uplink data arriving in the buffer of an inactive SCG. For example, if the radio quality of the SCG, particularly radio bearer 544, is insufficient (e.g., not exceeding a set threshold), SCG resources may not be used. In this case, activating SCG 542 is not beneficial. Instead, data transmission via the MCG may be preferred.

[0096] Figure 8 and Figure 9 Devices 800 and 900 are provided, each including a control circuitry system (CTRL) 810 and 910 (such as at least one processor) and at least one memory 830 and 930 including computer program code (software) 832 and 932, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code (software) 832 and 832 are configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the respective device 800 and 900 to execute. Figures 1 to 7 Any of the embodiments or operations thereof in the embodiments.

[0097] refer to Figure 8 and Figure 9 The memories 830 and 930 can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The memories 830 and 930 may include databases 834 and 934 for storing data.

[0098] Devices 800 and 900 may also include radio interfaces (TRX) 820 and 920, which include hardware and / or software for implementing communication connections according to one or more communication protocols. For example, the TRX can provide the device with the communication capability to access a radio access network. The TRX may include standard, well-known components such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, (de)modulators, encoder / decoder circuitry, and one or more antennas.

[0099] Devices 800 and 900 may include user interfaces 840 and 940, which may include, for example, at least one keypad, microphone, touch display, display, speaker, etc. User interfaces 840 and 940 can be used by a user of devices 800 and 90 to control the corresponding devices.

[0100] In one embodiment, device 800 may be a UE or be included in a UE, which performs, for example, regarding Figure 2 The method described. For example, device 800 may be UE 100 or UE 102 or may be included therein.

[0101] In one embodiment, device 900 may perform the above, for example, regarding Figure 3 The network elements of the described method are either included therein. For example, device 900 may be network node 104 or a similar network node, or may be included therein.

[0102] According to one embodiment, reference Figure 8 The control circuit system 810 includes components configured to perform at least the following: Figure 2 The detection circuitry system 812 described in box 202 is configured to perform at least the operation of the detection circuitry system 812 with respect to the operation of the detection circuitry system 812. Figure 2 The circuit system 813, which is defined by the operation described in box 203, and is configured to perform at least the operation of... Figure 2 Box 204 describes the operation of the transmitting circuit system 814.

[0103] According to one embodiment, reference Figure 9 The control circuit system 910 includes components configured to perform at least the following: Figure 3 The receiving circuit system 912 described in block 302; and configured to perform at least the operation of the receiving circuit system 912 with respect to the operation of the receiving circuit system 912; Figure 3 The operation execution circuit system 914 is described in box 304.

[0104] In one embodiment, at least some functions of device 900 can be shared between two physically separate devices, thereby forming an operational entity. Thus, device 900 can be seen as an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the processes described. Therefore, device 900 utilizing such a shared architecture can include a remote control unit (RCU), such as a host or server computer, operatively coupled (e.g., via a wireless or wired network) to, for example, multiple remote radio head ends (RRHs) located in a base station or network node 104. In one embodiment, at least some of the processes described can be performed by the RCU. In one embodiment, the execution of at least some of the processes described can be shared between the RRH and the RCU. For example, CU / DU splitting can utilize such a shared architecture.

[0105] In one embodiment, the RCU can generate a virtual network through which it communicates with the RRH. Typically, virtual networking can involve the process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based management entity (virtual network). Network virtualization can involve platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization can be categorized as external virtual networks, which combine many networks or network components into a server computer or host computer (i.e., the RCU). The goal of external network virtualization is to optimize network sharing. Another type is internal virtual networks, which provide network-like functionality to software containers on a single system.

[0106] In one embodiment, the virtual network can provide flexible operational allocation between the RRH and RCU. In practice, any digital signal processing task can be performed in either the RRH or the RCU, and the boundary for transferring responsibility between the RRH and RCU can be chosen according to the implementation.

[0107] According to one aspect, a system is provided that includes one or more devices 800 and one or more devices 900. For example, the one or more devices 900 may include MN and SN, and the device 800 may include one or more UEs.

[0108] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" can refer to: (a) a hardware circuit implementation, such as an implementation in an analog and / or digital circuit system; and (b) a combination of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable): (i) a combination of (multiple) processors, or (ii) a portion of (multiple) processors / software, including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device to perform various functions; and (c) circuitry, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion of (multiple) microprocessors, which operates using software or firmware, even if the software or firmware does not physically exist. This definition of "circuit system" applies to the use of the term in this application. As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit system" will also cover only the implementation of a processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular element, the term "circuit system" will also cover a baseband integrated circuit or application processor integrated circuit for a mobile phone, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or another network device.

[0109] In one embodiment, combined Figures 1 to 7 At least some of the described processes can be performed by means including corresponding components for performing at least some of the above processes. Some example components for performing the above processes may include at least one of the following: a detector, a processor (including dual-core and multi-core processors), a digital signal processor, a controller, a receiver, a transmitter, an encoder, a decoder, a memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, a display, a user interface, a display circuit system, a user interface circuit system, user interface software, display software, a circuit, an antenna, an antenna circuit system, and a circuit system. In one embodiment, at least one processor, memory, and computer program code form a processing component, or include components for performing the processes according to... Figures 1 to 7 One or more computer program code portions of one or more operations of any one embodiment of the embodiments, or operations thereof.

[0110] According to yet another embodiment, the apparatus for performing the embodiment includes a circuit system comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. When activated, the circuit system causes the apparatus to perform according to... Figures 1 to 7 At least some functions or operations of any of the embodiments in the embodiments.

[0111] The techniques and methods described herein can be implemented by various means. For example, these techniques can be implemented in hardware (one or more devices), firmware (one or more devices), software (one or more modules), or a combination thereof. For hardware implementation, the embodiments may be implemented within one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform the functions described herein, or a combination thereof. For firmware or software, implementation may be implemented by modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) of at least one chipset that perform the functions described herein. Software code may be stored in memory cells and executed by a processor. Memory cells may be implemented within the processor or external to the processor. In the latter case, as is known in the art, it may be communicatively coupled to the processor via various means. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that the components of the systems described herein may be rearranged and / or supplemented by additional components to facilitate the implementation of the various aspects described therewith, and they are not limited to the precise configurations illustrated in the given figures.

[0112] The described embodiments can also be executed as a computer process defined by a computer program or parts thereof. Figures 1 to 7 Embodiments of the described methods can be performed by executing at least a portion of a computer program including corresponding instructions. The computer program may be in source code form, object code form, or some intermediate form, and may be stored on some medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer or processor-readable computer program distribution medium. The computer program medium may be, for example, but not limited to, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals, and software distribution packages. For example, the computer program medium may be a non-transitory medium. The coding of the software used to perform the illustrated and described embodiments is entirely within the scope of those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the computer-readable medium includes the computer program described above.

[0113] Although the invention has been described above with reference to examples in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent that the invention is not limited thereto, but can be modified in various ways within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the words and expressions used herein should be interpreted broadly and are intended to illustrate rather than limit the embodiments. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concepts of the invention can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the described embodiments can, and must, be combined with other embodiments in various ways.

Claims

1. A communication apparatus comprising components for: The user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network detects (202) that data has arrived and entered into a data buffer, which is associated with a data bearer configured for the secondary cell group (SCG); Determine whether the SCG (203) is currently inactive; as well as If the SCG is determined to be currently inactive, an indication of the arrival of data is sent (204) to the network element of the wireless communication network, wherein the indication is sent based on configuration information received from the network, via the secondary cell group or via the primary cell group.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the data bearer is configured to be paused or not paused.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network element comprises a master node MN associated with a primary cell group (MCG).

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network element includes an auxiliary node SN associated with the SCG.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the instruction is transmitted via the SCG even if the data bearer is paused.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the indication is transmitted during a radio resource acquisition process or on one or more radio resources acquired based on the radio resource acquisition process, and wherein the radio resource acquisition process comprises: Send a scheduling request or initiate a random access procedure.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the component is further configured to perform: If the data bearer is suspended, the suspended data bearer is resumed upon receiving an uplink authorization or upon completion of the random access procedure.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the component is further configured to perform: If the data bearer is suspended, the suspended data bearer is resumed based on one or more messages received from the wireless communication network.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein the data bearer associated with the data buffered in the data buffer is restored.

10. The apparatus of claim 7 or 8, wherein a plurality of data bearers configured for the UE for the SCG are restored.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the configuration information includes at least one radio quality threshold, wherein the indication is transmitted via the SCG if the radio quality associated with the SCG exceeds the at least one radio quality threshold.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein the data bearer is not suspended, and wherein the component is further configured to perform: If the radio quality associated with the SCG is equal to or below at least one radio quality threshold, the data bearer is suspended; and The instruction is sent via MCG.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the instruction causes the network element to perform one or more actions, the one or more actions comprising: If the data bearer is paused, then resume the data bearer, change the data bearer type, release the SCG, and / or activate the SCG.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the component is further configured to perform: Prevent monitoring of at least one control channel for at least one cell of the inactive SCG.

15. A communication apparatus comprising components for: Send configuration information to the user equipment (UE) to indicate the arrival of data via the secondary cell group or the primary cell group; A network element of the wireless communication network receives (302) an indication from the user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network regarding data arrival in a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for a currently inactive secondary cell group (SCG); and Based on the instruction, perform (304) one or more actions regarding the data bearer and / or the inactive SCG.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the one or more actions comprise: If the data bearer is paused, then resume the data bearer, change the data bearer type, release the SCG, and / or activate the SCG.

17. A method for communication, comprising: The user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network detects (202) that data has arrived and entered into a data buffer, which is associated with a data bearer configured for the secondary cell group (SCG); Determine whether the SCG (203) is currently inactive; as well as If the SCG is determined to be currently inactive, an indication of the arrival of data is sent (204) to the network element of the wireless communication network, wherein the indication is sent based on configuration information received from the network, via the secondary cell group or via the primary cell group.

18. A method for communication, comprising: Configuration information is sent from network elements of the wireless communication network to the user equipment (UE) to indicate the arrival of data via the secondary cell group or the primary cell group; The network element of the wireless communication network receives (302) an indication from the user equipment (UE) of the wireless communication network regarding data arrival in a data buffer associated with a data bearer configured for a currently inactive secondary cell group (SCG); and Based on the instruction, perform (304) one or more actions regarding the data bearer and / or the inactive SCG.

Images