EDRX selection and configuration process

Abstract

According to example embodiments of the present application, there are at least a method and apparatus for at least receiving, by a user equipment, one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations from one or more network nodes. Based on the receiving, determining, by the user equipment, to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determining is based on at least one of a radio resource control state of the user equipment, or extended discontinuous reception allowed information received from the network node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The teachings of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extended discontinuous reception configurations, and more specifically to optimizations associated with extended uninterrupted reception configurations. Background Technology

[0002] This section is intended to provide background or context for the invention as described in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that may be pursued, but are not necessarily previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise stated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the specification and claims of this application, and is not admitted to be prior art by virtue of its inclusion in this section.

[0003] The following are definitions of certain abbreviations used in the instruction manual and / or accompanying drawings:

[0004] AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions

[0005] DRX discontinuous reception

[0006] eDRX Extended Discontinuous Reception

[0007] HO switch

[0008] H-SFN Supersystem Frame Number

[0009] NAS Non-Access Layer

[0010] PH Paging Superframe

[0011] PTW Paging Transmission Window

[0012] SFN system frame number

[0013] SI System Information

[0014] SIB System Information Block

[0015] RA Random Access

[0016] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0017] Within the 3GPP standards, emerging mobile broadband radio access technologies have been developed to provide connectivity to a wide range of devices. One goal of these emerging technologies is to provide cost-effective connectivity, excellent coverage, and low power consumption.

[0018] A mechanism for low-power discontinuous reception (DRX). Using DRX, a UE can be configured to shut down at least a portion of its circuitry during a DRX period to conserve power. 3GPP Release 13 improves upon the original DRX mode by introducing Extended Idle Mode DRX (eDRX), where the network can negotiate eDRX parameters that control the duration of the DRX period to further optimize UE power consumption.

[0019] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are dedicated to at least improving these eDRX operations. Summary of the Invention

[0020] This section includes examples of possible implementations, but does not imply any limitations.

[0021] In one example aspect of the invention, there exists an apparatus, such as a user-side apparatus, comprising: 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, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: receiving one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations from one or more network nodes by a user equipment. Figure 2A As shown in step 220, based on the reception, the user equipment determines whether to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determination is based on at least one of the user equipment’s radio resource control status or extended discontinuous reception permission information received from the network node.

[0022] In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: receiving one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations from one or more network nodes by a user equipment; and, based on the receipt, determining whether to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determination is based on at least one of the user equipment’s radio resource control state or extended discontinuous reception permission information received from the network nodes.

[0023] Another example embodiment is a method including the method described in the preceding paragraphs, wherein the radio resource control state includes: an idle state or an inactive state, and wherein the network nodes include: a next-generation NodeB. The gNB or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) includes receiving via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, wherein the permission information includes extended discontinuous reception period permission information, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the RAN is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information includes information on at least one of an "idle" state or an "inactive" state, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in the "idle" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in the "inactive" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in both the "idle" and "inactive" states is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein for the case where extended discontinuous reception of a user equipment in the "inactive" state is not permitted or supported in the cell, the application includes the user equipment. A RAN area update procedure or discontinuous reception cycle is triggered where at least one of the following exists: For a user equipment (UE) in an "idle" state, extended discontinuous reception is permitted or supported in the cell, and the UE applies "idle" mode extended discontinuous reception in the "idle" state; or a UE applies a discontinuous reception cycle where, for a UE in an "inactive" state, extended discontinuous reception is not permitted or supported in the cell and the UE is configured to have extended discontinuous reception, the UE performs an action to enter an "idle" state, where, for a UE in an "idle" state, extended discontinuous reception is permitted or supported in the cell, and the UE applies "idle" mode extended discontinuous reception in the "idle" state; or a UE applies a discontinuous reception cycle where one or more discontinuous reception configurations provide dedicated control to enable extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception via at least one of the following: an RRC release message that causes the UE to enter an "idle" or "inactive" state when transmitted;Alternatively, NAS, wherein enabling is using NAS, and wherein enabling is at least one of configuring a maximum extended discontinuous reception period allowed for the user equipment, or an indication indicating an extended discontinuous reception period allowed for the user equipment, wherein the user equipment uses NAS to configure the minimum between the extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only if it is shorter than the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception period, wherein the user equipment is configured by NAS to have multiple extended discontinuous reception periods, and wherein the user equipment uses NAS to configure the minimum between the extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only if it is shorter than any one of the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception periods, wherein enabling extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception is done via an RRC release message that causes the UE to enter an "idle" or "inactive" state when transmitted, wherein the application includes the user equipment being configured to have a maximum extended discontinuous reception period, the maximum extended discontinuous reception period being the user The device is capable of applying extended discontinuous reception configurations in an "idle" state and / or "inactive" state via at least one of NAS signaling or RRC release messages, wherein determining includes extended discontinuous reception configurations broadcast via System Information Block (SIB) for a given cell, the UE determines whether it is permitted to use extended discontinuous reception in the cell, or which extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception period should be used, wherein if the permitted extended discontinuous reception period in the cell is longer than the UE's maximum permitted extended discontinuous reception period, the UE applies discontinuous reception or applies the maximum permitted value, wherein one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide extended discontinuous reception configurations for the "idle" mode, including: extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the AMF; extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via broadcast signaling; and extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via dedicated signaling, and wherein one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide extended discontinuous reception configurations for the "inactive" mode, including: extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the AMF; extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via broadcast signaling; and extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via dedicated signaling.

[0024] A non-transient computer-readable medium storing program code that is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0025] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: components for receiving one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations by a user equipment from one or more network nodes; and components for determining, based on the receipt, whether to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determination is based on at least one of the user equipment’s radio resource control status or extended discontinuous reception permission information received from the network nodes.

[0026] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for receiving and the components for applying include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0027] Another example embodiment is an apparatus including the foregoing paragraphs, wherein the radio resource control state includes: an idle state or an inactive state, wherein the network nodes include: a next-generation NodeB gNB or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein reception includes: reception via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, and includes at least one message in a discontinuous reception period configuration using at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, wherein the permission information includes extended discontinuous reception period permission information, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information includes an "idle" state or an "inactive" state. Individual information for at least one of the "active" states, wherein the permission information identifies whether eDRX in "idle" mode is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity configuring it); wherein the permission information identifies whether eDRX in "inactive" mode is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity configuring it); wherein the permission information identifies whether eDRX in both "idle" and "inactive" modes is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity configuring it); wherein for user equipment in "inactive" mode, the extension is not... In cases where continuous reception cycles are not permitted or supported in the cell, applications include triggering a RAN area update process when a user equipment (UE) reselects for configuration updates, or applying discontinuous reception cycles. Specifically, for UEs in "inactive" mode, extended discontinuous reception cycles are not permitted or supported in the cell, and the UE is configured to have eDRX. The UE enters "idle" mode and applies "idle" mode eDRX (if configured), or the UE applies a normal DRX cycle. One or more discontinuous reception configurations provide dedicated control to enable eDRX or DRX via at least one of the following: putting the UE into "idle" mode / "inactive" mode during transmission. The RRC release message in "active" mode; or NAS, for example via a registration process, wherein enabling is done using one bit of enable or NAS, and wherein enabling is configured to be the maximum eDRX allowed for the UE, wherein the UE uses NAS to configure the minimum between the maximum eDRX period and the SIB broadcast eDRX period, or one of the broadcast eDRX periods, wherein the broadcast eDRX period is used only if it is shorter than the NAS-configured maximum eDRX period, wherein enabling eDRX or DRX is done via at least one of the following: an RRC release message that puts the UE into "idle" mode / "inactive" mode when sent; NAS, for example via a registration process;One of the enable or NAS options can be additionally configured to allow a maximum eDRX for UE NAS function support, wherein the application includes the user equipment being configured to have a maximum eDRX period that the user equipment can apply in an "idle" / "inactive" state via either NAS or RRC release message, wherein the determination includes, based on the eDRX configuration broadcast via SIB for a given cell, the user equipment determining whether it is allowed to use eDRX in the cell, or which period to use, wherein if the eDRX period applied to the cell is longer than the UE's maximum allowed eDRX period, the UE applies normal DRX or applies the maximum allowed value, wherein one or more discontinuous reception period configurations are provided for "idle" mode. The eDRX configuration includes: eDRX configuration via AMF (NAS signaling, e.g., registration process); eDRX configuration via gNB (RRC signaling) utilizing broadcast signaling (system information); and eDRX configuration via gNB (RRC signaling) utilizing dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC release message), and one or more of these discontinuous reception cycle configurations provide eDRX configuration for "inactive" mode, including: eDRX configuration via AMF (NAS signaling, e.g., registration process); eDRX configuration via gNB (RRC signaling) utilizing broadcast signaling (system information); and eDRX configuration via gNB (RRC signaling) utilizing dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC release message).

[0028] In one example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus, such as a network-side device, comprising: 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, together with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least perform: determining an extended discontinuous reception period configuration for a user equipment (UE) of a cell in a communication network by a network node, and transmitting the extended discontinuous reception period configuration to the UE to cause the UE to apply an extended discontinuous reception period or a discontinuous reception period, wherein the application is based on at least one of the UE's radio resource control state or extended discontinuous reception period permission information received from the network node.

[0029] In another example aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: determining, by a network node, an extended discontinuous reception period configuration for a user equipment (UE) of a cell for a communication network; and transmitting the extended discontinuous reception period configuration to the UE to enable the UE to apply an extended discontinuous reception period or a discontinuous reception period, wherein the application is based on at least one of the UE’s radio resource control state or extended discontinuous reception period permission information received from the network node.

[0030] Another example embodiment is a method including the foregoing paragraphs, wherein the radio resource control state includes: an idle state or an inactive state, wherein the network nodes include: a next-generation NodeB gNB or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein transmission includes: transmission via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, and includes at least one message in a discontinuous reception period configuration using at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, wherein the permission information includes extended discontinuous reception period permission information, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information packet This includes separate information for at least one of the "idle" or "inactive" states, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in "idle" mode is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it), wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in "inactive" mode is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it), and wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in both "idle" and "inactive" modes is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it).

[0031] A non-transient computer-readable medium storing program code that is executed by at least one processor to perform at least the methods described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0032] In another example aspect of the invention, there is an apparatus comprising: components for configuring an extended discontinuous reception period (ADRP) of a user equipment (UE) for determining a cell of a communication network by a network node; and components for transmitting the ADRP configuration to the UE to enable the UE to apply an ADRP or an ADRP, wherein the application is based on at least one of the UE's radio resource control state or ADRP permission information received from the network node.

[0033] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, at least the components for receiving and the components for applying include a network interface and computer program code stored on a computer-readable medium and executed by at least one processor.

[0034] Another example embodiment is an apparatus including the foregoing paragraphs, wherein the radio resource control state includes an idle state or an inactive state, wherein the network nodes include a next-generation NodeB (gNB) or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), wherein transmission includes transmission via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, and includes at least one message in a discontinuous reception period configuration using at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, wherein the permission information includes extended discontinuous reception period permission information, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX configured by the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell, wherein the permission information packet This includes separate information for at least one of the "idle" or "inactive" states, wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in "idle" mode is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it), wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in "inactive" mode is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it), and wherein the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in both "idle" and "inactive" modes is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it). Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or equivalent elements. The accompanying drawings are provided to facilitate a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings:

[0036] Figure 1 A block diagram of a possible, and non-limiting, exemplary system in which example embodiments of the invention may be practiced is shown; and

[0037] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Each illustrates a method according to an example embodiment of the invention, which can be performed by a device. Detailed Implementation

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, optimizations related to extended discontinuous reception configurations are proposed.

[0039] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to an SI that introduces a low-cost, energy-efficient UE (REDCAPUE) with reduced capabilities, originally called NR-Light. Furthermore, the present invention can be applied to any device, i.e., not only RedCap devices.

[0040] Specifically, in the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, we focus on eDRX for "inactive" and "idle" UEs. The following agreements have been reached to date:

[0041]

[0042]

[0043] The following agreement was reached at the RAN2#111e meeting regarding eDRX:

[0044]

[0045]

[0046] The following agreement was reached at the RAN2#112e meeting:

[0047]

[0048]

[0049]

[0050] In LTE, eDRX can be configured for "idle" mode, but in NR, the intention is to support eDRX also in "inactive" mode. In LTE, the eDRX cycle is configured by the upper layer (NAS), but in NR DRX cycles used for "inactive" mode, it makes more sense for the RAN to configure it, since the UE is in "connected" mode from the CN's perspective. Compared to LTE, for NR, signaling is required so that eDRX can be configured for both "idle" and "inactive" modes, and also allows both the RAN and AMF to configure the eDRX cycle.

[0051] Furthermore, LTE eDRX is configured for idle mode UEs by the upper layer (i.e., the NAS), and the eNB can control whether a UE is allowed to use eDRX in idle mode at the cell level, for example, if the cell does not support eDRX. The same principle will not apply to NR / “inactive” mode UEs, as the intention is to support eDRX in both “idle” and “inactive” modes. Additionally, at this point, it is unclear which entity configures eDRX for the UE, i.e., the RAN or the core network. In NR REL15, the DRX cycle for “inactive” is configured by the RAN, and it could also be designed for eDRX in a similar manner.

[0052] In LTE, the MME knows when the UE is in "idle" mode using eDRX, and the MME will only send a paging request to the eNB before PTW. Furthermore, in LTE, eDRX is only applicable to "idle" mode, i.e., not to "inactive" mode.

[0053] According to 3GPP TS 36.331:

[0054]

[0055] 3GPP TS 36.300 specifies the following:

[0056]

[0057]

[0058] The exemplary embodiments of the present invention are intended to demonstrate at least the methods and apparatus for performing broadcast signaling for eDRX, and the application of cell-specific eDRX other than UE-specific eDRX of the LTE type, as well as the application of cell-specific eDRX.

[0059] Before describing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention in detail, refer to Figure 1 The following is a simplified block diagram illustrating various electronic devices applicable to practicing exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[0060] Figure 1 A block diagram of one possible, and non-limiting, exemplary system in which example embodiments of the invention may be practiced is shown. Figure 1 In this system, User Equipment (UE) 10 communicates wirelessly with Wireless Network 1. The UE is a wireless, typically mobile device that can access the wireless network. For example, the UE can be a mobile phone (or "cellular" phone) and / or a computer with mobile terminal functionality. Alternatively, the UE or mobile terminal can be a portable, pocket-sized, handheld, computer-embedded, or vehicle-mounted mobile device, and performs voice signaling and / or data exchange with the RAN.

[0061] UE 10 includes one or more processors DP 10A, one or more memories MEM 10B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 10D interconnected via one or more buses. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 10D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more buses may be address, data, or control buses and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic cable, or other optical communication device. The one or more transceivers TRANS 10D are respectively connected to one or more antennas 11 and 18 for communication with NN 12 and NN 13. The one or more memories MEM 10B include computer program code PROG 10C. UE 10 communicates with NN 12 and / or NN 13 via wireless link 11.

[0062] NN 12 (NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE equipment) is related to, for example, NR / 5G Node B, evolved NB, or LTE equipment. Figure 1 The NN 12 is a network node that communicates with devices such as NN 13 and UE 10, such as a primary or secondary node base station (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution). NN 12 provides access to wireless devices such as UE 10 to the wireless network 1. NN 12 includes one or more processors DP 12A, one or more memories MEM 12B, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected via one or more buses. According to an example embodiment, these TRANS 12Ds may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing example embodiments of the invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 12D includes a receiver and a transmitter. The one or more transceivers TRANS 12D are connected to one or more antennas to communicate with UE 10 via at least link 11. One or more memories MEM 12B and computer program code PROG 12C are configured, together with one or more processors DP 12A, to cause NN 12 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. NN 12 can communicate with another gNB or eNB, or devices such as NN 13. Furthermore, Link 11 or Link 14 and / or any other link can be wired or wireless, or both, and can implement, for example, an X2 or Xn interface. Additionally, Link 11 can be connected to other network devices, such as, but not limited to, NCE / SGW / AMF / UPF devices, such as... Figure 1 The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF14. NN 12 can perform the functions of MME (Mobility Management Entity) or SGW (Serving Gateway), such as user plane functions, and / or LTE access management functions and similar functions for 5G.

[0063] NN 13 may be associated with mobility function devices such as AMF or SMF. Furthermore, NN 13 may include NR / 5G Node B or potentially evolved NB base stations, such as primary or secondary node base stations communicating with devices such as NN 12 and / or UE 10 and / or Radio Network 1 (e.g., for NR or LTE Long Term Evolution). NN 13 includes one or more processors DP 13A, one or more memories MEM 13B, one or more network interfaces, and one or more transceivers TRANS 12D interconnected via one or more buses. According to an example embodiment, these network interfaces of NN 13 may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing example embodiments of the invention. Each of the one or more transceivers TRANS 13D includes a receiver and a transmitter connected to one or more antennas. The one or more memories MEM 13B include computer program code PROG 13C. For example, the one or more memories MEM 13B and computer program code PROG 13C are configured, together with the one or more processors DP 13A, to cause NN 13 to perform one or more of the operations described herein. NN 13 can communicate with another mobility function device such as NN 12 and / or eNB via link 14, and communicate with UE 10 via, for example, link 14 or another link. These links can be wired, wireless, or both, and can implement, for example, X2 or Xn interfaces. Furthermore, as mentioned above, link 11 can be connected via other network devices, such as, but not limited to, NCE / MME / SGW devices, such as... Figure 1 The NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF14. The connection between NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF14 and NN 12, NN 13 and / or UE 10 can be made via data path 13, which can be connected to link 11 and / or link 14.

[0064] Figure 1 One or more buses of the device can be address, data, or control buses, and can include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, fiber optic or other optical communication devices, wireless channels, etc. For example, one or more transceivers TRANS 12D, TRANS 13D, and / or TRANS 10D can be implemented as a remote radio headend (RRH), wherein other components of NN 12 are physically located at different locations from the RRH, and one or more buses can be partially implemented as fiber optic cables for connecting other components of NN 12 to the RRH.

[0065] Note that, although Figure 1Network nodes such as NN 12 and NN 13 are shown. Any of these nodes can be incorporated with or incorporated into an eNodeB, eNB, or gNB, for example, for LTE and NR, and can still be configured to perform example embodiments of the present invention.

[0066] It should also be noted that the description in this document indicates that a "cell" performs functions, but it should be clear that the gNB and / or user equipment and / or mobility management function equipment that form the cell will perform these functions. Furthermore, a cell constitutes part of a gNB, and there can be multiple cells for each gNB.

[0067] Wireless network 1 may include NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14. NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 may include (NCE) network control element functions, MME (Mobility Management Entity) / SGW (Serving Gateway) functions, and / or Serving Gateway (SGW), and / or MME (Mobility Management Entity) and / or SGW (Serving Gateway) functions, and / or User Data Management (UDM) functions, and / or PCF (Policy Control) functions, and / or Access and Mobility Management (AMM) functions, and / or Session Management (SMF) functions, and / or Authentication Server (AUSF) functions. NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 provides connectivity to another network (such as a telephone network and / or a data communication network (e.g., the Internet)). 14 is configured to perform any 5G and / or NR operations, in addition to or in lieu of other standard operations as described in this application. NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 can be configured to perform operations according to exemplary embodiments of the invention in any of LTE, NR, 5G, and / or any standards-based communication technologies being implemented or discussed at the time of this application. Furthermore, it should be noted that operations performed by NN 12 and / or NN 13 according to exemplary embodiments of the invention can also be performed at NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14.

[0068] NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 includes one or more processor DP 14A, one or more memory MEM 14B, and one or more network interfaces (N / WI / F) interconnected via one or more buses coupled to link 11 and / or 14. According to an example embodiment, these network interfaces may include X2 and / or Xn interfaces for performing example embodiments of the present invention. One or more memory MEM 14B includes computer program code PROG 14C. The one or more memory MEM 14B and computer program code PROG 14C are configured, together with one or more processor DP 14A, to cause NCE / MME / SGW / UDM / PCF / AMM / SMF 14 to perform one or more operations that may be necessary to support operations according to example embodiments of the present invention.

[0069] Wireless Network 1 can implement network virtualization, which is a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functions into a single software-based managed entity (virtual network). Network virtualization involves platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization is divided into external network virtualization and internal network virtualization. External network virtualization combines many networks or parts of networks into virtual units, while internal network virtualization provides network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Note that at some level, the virtualized entities generated by network virtualization are still implemented using hardware such as processors DP10A, DP12A, DP13A and / or DP14A and memory MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM13B and / or MEM 14B, and these virtualized entities also produce technical effects.

[0070] Computer-readable storage devices MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Computer-readable storage devices MEM 10B, MEM 12B, MEM 13B, and MEM 14B can be components for performing storage functions. Processors DP10A, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A can be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and can include one or more of general-purpose computers, special-purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples. Processors DP10A, DP12A, DP13A, and DP14A can be components for performing functions, such as controlling UE 10, NN 12, NN 13, and other functions described herein.

[0071] In one example, broadcast signaling for eDRX (including, for example, eDRX cycles, PTW, etc.) and the application of cell-specific eDRX other than UE-specific eDRX for LTE types are presented because the RAN processes UEs in "inactive" mode (i.e., paging is initiated by the RAN (RAN paging), and the DRX cycle is configured by the RAN, etc.), and the NW is unaware that the UE is in a cell in "inactive" mode. EDRX configuration (including EDRX cycles, PTW, etc.) is configured via SIB along with legacy DRX. If the UE is allowed to use eDRX and only allowed to use legacy DRX, the EDRX configuration is further controlled specifically. Alternatively, only UEs that support eDRX can use eDRX based on broadcast configuration.

[0072] In a non-restrictive example, when the UE moves to "inactive" mode or "idle", the eDRX configuration for the "inactive" or "idle" mode UE is configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB) in, for example, in an RRC release message.

[0073] In one example, one or more network broadcasts from one or more network nodes indicate whether eDRX, configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB), is allowed or supported on the cell. Additionally, separate messages can be broadcast for at least one of the "idle" or "inactive" states.

[0074] In one example, the eDRX configuration for UEs in "inactive" or "idle" mode is configured by the core network (e.g., NAS or AMF).

[0075] In one example, the network broadcasts whether eDRX, configured by the core network (e.g., NAS or AMF), is allowed or supported on the cell. Additionally, separate information can be broadcast for at least one of the "idle" or "inactive" states.

[0076] In one example, if eDRX in "inactive" mode is not allowed or supported in a cell and the UE is configured to have eDRX, the UE triggers a RAN area update procedure to update the configuration when reselecting such a cell, or the UE applies a normal DRX cycle. Alternatively, any other RRC procedure can be used to advise the NW to allow the UE to access a cell in which "inactive" eDRX is not supported when configured for the UE.

[0077] In one example, if eDRX in "inactive" mode is not allowed or supported in the cell and the UE is configured to have eDRX, the UE enters "idle" mode and applies "idle" mode eDRX (if configured), or the UE applies the normal DRX cycle.

[0078] In one example, whether eDRX in "idle" mode is allowed or supported on the cell via network broadcast.

[0079] In one example, whether eDRX in "inactive" mode is allowed or supported on the cell via network broadcast.

[0080] In one example, whether eDRX for both "idle" and "inactive" network broadcast modes is allowed or supported on the cell.

[0081] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, dedicated control for enabling eDRX or DRX is performed via at least one of the following:

[0082] - Enabled via an RRC release message that puts the UE into "idle" / "inactive" mode when sent;

[0083] - Enabled via NAS, for example, through the registration process;

[0084] -

[0085] It can be enabled by a single bit, or the NAS can be additionally configured to allow a maximum eDRX for the UE, since the NAS function also needs to support eDRX, and / or

[0086] The UE uses the minimum value between the NAS configured maximum eDRX period and the SIB broadcast eDRX period, or the broadcast eDRX period is used only if it is shorter than the NAS configured maximum eDRX period.

[0087] If broadcast EDRX is enabled in the RRC message, it is used for the UE, or NAS, or both for the UE; otherwise, DRX is used.

[0088] Alternatively, the UE is configured to have a maximum eDRX period that the UE can apply in an "idle" / "inactive" state, for example, via a NAS or RRC release message. Based on the eDRX configuration broadcast via SIB for a given cell, the UE determines whether it is allowed to use eDRX in the cell, or which period should be used. If the eDRX period applied in the cell is longer than the UE's maximum allowed eDRX period, the UE applies normal DRX or applies the maximum allowed value.

[0089] In one example, the NW can broadcast multiple eDRX configurations and / or multiple eDTX cycles within the cell. The UE applies the maximum eDRX cycle it is allowed to use.

[0090] According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there exists one:

[0091] eDRX configuration for "idle" mode:

[0092] • eDRX configuration via AMF (NAS signaling, such as the registration process);

[0093] • eDRX configuration via broadcast signaling (system information) through gNB (RRC signaling); and

[0094] • eDRX configuration via gNB (RRC signaling) through dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC release message).

[0095] For eDRX configuration in "Inactive" mode:

[0096] • eDRX configuration via AMF (NAS signaling, such as the registration process);

[0097] • eDRX configuration via broadcast signaling (system information) through gNB (RRC signaling); and

[0098] • eDRX configuration via gNB (RRC signaling) through dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC release message).

[0099] Furthermore, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, there is an allow section in which the eDRX “allow” indication option is sent via system information (if not allowed, the UE should instead use DRX):

[0100] • Whether network broadcasts configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB) are allowed, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0101] Additionally, separate messages can be broadcast for "idle" and / or "inactive" states;

[0102] • Whether network broadcasts configured by the NAS (e.g., AMF) for eDRX are allowed, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0103] Additionally, separate messages can be broadcast for "idle" and / or "inactive" states;

[0104] • Whether eDRX in the “idle” mode of network broadcast is allowed, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it);

[0105] • Whether eDRX in the “inactive” mode of network broadcast is allowed, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it);

[0106] • Whether eDRX is allowed, supported, or can be applied to the cell in both the "idle" and "inactive" modes of network broadcasting (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity configuring it); and

[0107] • Upper layers (e.g., NAS, AMF, such as during registration) indicate whether eDRX configured by the RAN (gNB) is allowed. Separate signals can be sent for "idle" and "inactive" states.

[0108] Figure 2A It shows that it can be made by, but is not limited to, devices (e.g., such as...) Figure 1 The operations performed by devices such as UE 10. Figure 2A As shown in step 210, the user equipment receives one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations from one or more network nodes. For example... Figure 2A As shown in step 220, based on the reception, the user equipment determines whether to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determination is based on at least one of the user equipment’s radio resource control status or extended discontinuous reception permission information received from the network node.

[0109] According to one example aspect of the invention, the radio resource control state includes an idle state or an inactive state.

[0110] According to an example aspect of the invention, the network node includes: a next-generation NodeB gNB or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0111] According to one example aspect of the invention, receiving includes receiving via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0112] According to one example aspect of the invention, the permission information includes extended discontinuous reception period permission information.

[0113] According to one example aspect of the invention, the permission information identifies whether the eDRX configured by the RAN is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0114] According to one example aspect of the invention, the permission information identifies whether eDRX configured by the non-access stratum NAS is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0115] According to one example aspect of the invention, the permitted information includes information on at least one of an "idle" state or an "inactive" state.

[0116] According to one example aspect of the invention, the permission information identifies whether the eDRX in the "idle" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0117] According to one example aspect of the invention, the allowable information identifies whether an eDRX in an "inactive" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell.

[0118] According to one example aspect of the invention, the allowable information identifies whether eDRX is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell in either the "idle" state or the "inactive" state.

[0119] According to one example aspect of the invention, in cases where extended discontinuous reception of a user equipment in an "inactive" state is not permitted or supported in the cell, the application includes the user equipment triggering a RAN area update procedure or applying a discontinuous reception cycle.

[0120] According to one example aspect of the invention, in a situation where extended discontinuous reception of a user equipment in an "inactive" state is not permitted or supported in the cell and the user equipment is configured to have extended discontinuous reception, the user equipment performs an action to enter an "idle" state.

[0121] According to one example aspect of the invention, at least one of the following exists: when extended discontinuous reception of a user equipment in an "idle" state is permitted or supported in the cell, the user equipment applies "idle" mode extended discontinuous reception in the "idle" state; or the user equipment applies a discontinuous reception cycle.

[0122] According to one example aspect of the invention, one or more discontinuous reception configurations provide dedicated control to enable extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception via at least one of the following: an RRC release message that puts the UE into an “idle” or “inactive” state when transmitting; or NAS.

[0123] According to one example aspect of the invention, the enabling method is NAS, and the enabling method is at least one of configuring the maximum extended discontinuous reception period allowed for the user equipment, or indicating the extended discontinuous reception period allowed for the user equipment.

[0124] According to one example aspect of the invention, the user equipment uses the minimum value between the NAS configuration extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or one of the broadcast extended discontinuous reception periods, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only when it is shorter than the NAS configuration extended discontinuous reception period.

[0125] According to one example aspect of the invention, a user equipment is configured by a NAS to have a plurality of extended discontinuous reception periods, and wherein the user equipment uses the minimum of the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or one of the broadcast extended discontinuous reception periods, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only if it is shorter than any of the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception periods.

[0126] According to one example aspect of the invention, enabling extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception is performed via an RRC release message that causes the UE to enter an "idle" or "inactive" state when transmitting.

[0127] According to one example aspect of the invention, the application includes a user equipment configured to have a maximum extended discontinuous reception period, which is applicable by the user equipment in an "idle" state and / or an "inactive" state via at least one of NAS signaling or RRC release messages.

[0128] According to one example aspect of the invention, wherein determining includes, based on the extended discontinuous reception configuration broadcast via System Information Block (SIB) for a given cell, the user equipment determines whether it is permitted to use extended discontinuous reception in the cell, or which extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception period should be used.

[0129] According to one example aspect of the invention, where the allowed extended discontinuous reception period in the cell is longer than the UE's maximum allowed extended discontinuous reception period, the UE applies discontinuous reception or applies the maximum allowed value.

[0130] According to one example aspect of the invention, one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide extended discontinuous reception configurations for an "idle" mode, including: extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the AMF; extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via broadcast signaling; and extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via dedicated signaling.

[0131] According to one example aspect of the invention, one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide extended discontinuous reception configurations for “inactive” modes, including: extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the AMF; extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via broadcast signaling; and extended discontinuous reception configurations performed by the gNB via dedicated signaling.

[0132] A stored procedure code (such as) Figure 1 Non-transient computer-readable media (such as PROG 10C) Figure 1 The MEM 10B in the program code is handled by at least one processor (such as...). Figure 1 DP 10A) is executed to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0133] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above, there exists an apparatus comprising: a means for communication networks (such as...) Figure 1 In the network 1) the user equipment of the cell (such as Figure 1 UE 10 in the network (e.g., UE 10) from one or more network nodes (e.g. Figure 1 NN 12 and / or NN 13) in the middle receive at least one message including one or more extended discontinuous reception period configurations (such as NN 12 and / or NN 13) Figure 1 TRANS 10D, PROG 10C, MEM 10B, and DP 10A (among others); components used by the user equipment to determine whether to apply extended discontinuous reception period or discontinuous reception period (e.g., ...). Figure 1 (TRANS 10D, PROG 10C, MEM 10B and DP 10A), wherein the determination is based on at least one of the radio resource control status of the user equipment or extended discontinuous reception period permission information received from the network node.

[0134] In an example aspect of the invention according to the preceding paragraphs, the components for receiving and determining include a transceiver [e.g., Figure 1 TRANS 10D], non-transient computer-readable media [such as Figure 1 [MEM 10B], which uses at least one processor [such as Figure 1 DP 10A] executable computer programs [such as Figure 1 The PROG 10C encoding is used.

[0135] Figure 2B It shows that it can be made by, but is not limited to, such as, but not limited to Figure 1 The operations performed by network devices such as network nodes NN12 or NN13 or eNB. For example... Figure 2BAs shown in step 250, the network node determines one or more discontinuous reception period configurations for the user equipment of the cell in the communication network. Then, as... Figure 2B As shown in step 260, the network node transmits one or more discontinuous reception configurations to the user equipment, wherein the transmission causes the user equipment to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception based on at least one of the user equipment's radio resource control state or extended discontinuous reception permission information received from the network node.

[0136] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the radio resource control states include: an idle state or an inactive state.

[0137] According to the example embodiments described in the above paragraphs, the network nodes include: a next-generation NodeB gNB or an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0138] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the transmission includes: transmission via dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling, and includes at least one message in a message configured with discontinuous reception periods using at least one of dedicated signaling or broadcast signaling.

[0139] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the permission information includes extended discontinuous reception period permission information.

[0140] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the permission information identifies whether the eDRX configured by the RAN (e.g., gNB) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0141] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the permission information identifies whether eDRX configured by the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell.

[0142] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the permitted information includes information on at least one of an "idle" state or an "inactive" state.

[0143] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the permission information identifies whether the eDRX in the "idle" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it).

[0144] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the permission information identifies whether an eDRX in an "inactive" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to a cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it).

[0145] According to the example embodiments described in the preceding paragraphs, the eDRX that allows information to identify whether either the "idle" state or the "inactive" state is permitted, supported, or can be applied to the cell (e.g., not necessarily related to the network entity that configures it).

[0146] A stored procedure code (such as) Figure 1 Non-transient computer-readable media (such as PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C) Figure 1 (MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the example), the program code is generated by at least one processor (such as... Figure 1 DP 12A and / or DP 13A) are executed to perform at least the operations described in the above paragraphs.

[0147] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention described above, there exists an apparatus comprising: a means for use by a network node (such as...) Figure 1 NN 12 and / or NN 13 in the middle) are determined (e.g. Figure 1 The components of one or more messages (TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A) in the communication network (such as...) Figure 1 In the network 1) the user equipment of the cell (such as Figure 1 The configuration of one or more discontinuous reception cycles for UE10; and components for transmitting one or more messages between the network node and the user equipment (such as...). Figure 1 The transmission includes TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D; MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B; PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C; and DP 12A and / or DP 13A), wherein the transmission enables the user equipment to apply (e.g., based on at least one of the user equipment's radio resource control state or extended discontinuous reception period allowance information received from the network node). Figure 1 The TRANS 10D, PROG 10C, MEM 10B and DP 10A models extend the disconnected or discontinuous reception period.

[0148] In an example aspect of the invention according to the preceding paragraphs, the components for determining and for transmitting include a transceiver [e.g., Figure 1 [TRANS 12D and / or TRANS 13D], non-transient computer-readable media [such as...] Figure 1 [MEM 12B and / or MEM 13B in the text], which uses at least one processor [such as Figure 1Executable computer programs [such as DP 12A and / or DP 13A] Figure 1 [PROG 12C and / or PROG 13C encoding].

[0149] The advantages provided by the exemplary embodiments of the present invention include at least the following:

[0150] -SIB is used for "idle" mode / "inactive" mode eDRX configuration, but it also allows for dedicated controls so that only latency-tolerant UEs (e.g., REDCAP UEs) will...

[0151] Use eDRX; and

[0152] - Enables the application of a common eDRX cycle within the cell.

[0153] Furthermore, according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there exists a circuit system for performing operations according to exemplary embodiments of the invention disclosed herein. This circuit system may include any type of circuit system, including content encoding circuit systems, content decoding circuit systems, processing circuit systems, image generation circuit systems, data analysis circuit systems, etc. Furthermore, this circuit system may include discrete circuit systems, application-specific integrated circuit systems (ASICs) and / or field-programmable gate array (FPGAs), etc., as well as processors specifically configured by software to perform corresponding functions, or dual-core processors having software and corresponding digital signal processors, etc. In addition, the necessary inputs and outputs of the circuit system, the functions performed by the circuit system, and the interconnections of the circuit system with other components, including other circuit systems (which may be via inputs and outputs), are provided to perform the exemplary embodiments of the invention described herein.

[0154] According to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclosed in this application, the provided "circuit system" may include at least one or more, or all of the following:

[0155] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems)

[0156] now);

[0157] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0158] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits with software / firmware; and

[0159] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions, such as those described herein.

[0160] The functions or operations of the disclosed exemplary embodiments of the present invention; and

[0161] (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or portions thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when software is not required to operate.

[0162] According to exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there are sufficient circuit systems for performing at least the novel operations disclosed in this application, and the term "circuit system" as used herein refers to at least the following:

[0163] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems)

[0164] (present); and

[0165] (b) A combination of circuitry and software (and / or firmware), such as (if applicable):

[0166] (i) A combination of processors, or

[0167] (ii) A combination of processors / software (including multiple digital signal processors), software, and memory components that work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server.

[0168] (and other devices perform various functions); and

[0169] (c) Circuits that require software or firmware to operate, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, even if the software or firmware does not exist physically.

[0170] This definition of "circuit system" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuit system" will also cover only the implementation of a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuit system" will also cover baseband integrated circuits or application processor integrated circuits for mobile phones, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other network devices.

[0171] Generally, various embodiments can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the invention is not limited thereto. While various aspects of the invention may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other illustrations, it should be clearly understood that, by way of non-limiting example, the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0172] Embodiments of the present invention can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. In general, integrated circuit design is a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to transform logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0173] The term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. All embodiments described in the “Detailed Description” section are exemplary embodiments provided to enable those skilled in the art to make or use the invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

[0174] The foregoing description provides a complete and informative description of the best methods and apparatus currently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention, by way of exemplary and non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations will become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications taught in this invention will still fall within the scope of this invention.

[0175] It should be noted that the terms “connection,” “coupling,” or any variation thereof refer to any direct or indirect connection or coupling between two or more elements, and may include the presence of one or more intermediate elements between the two elements that are “connected” or “coupled” together. The coupling or connection between elements can be physical, logical, or a combination thereof. As used herein, two elements can be considered as being “connected” or “coupled” together by means of one or more wires, cables, and / or printed electrical connections, and by means of electromagnetic energy (such as electromagnetic energy with wavelengths in the radio frequency region, microwave region, and optical (visible and invisible) region), as several non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples.

[0176] Furthermore, some features of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be used without corresponding use of other features. Therefore, the above description should be considered merely as an illustration of the principles of the invention, and not as a limitation thereof.

Claims

1. A method of communication, comprising: User equipment in the cell receives one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations from one or more network nodes; as well as Based on the received data, the user equipment determines whether to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determination is based on the radio resource control state of the user equipment and extended discontinuous reception permission information received from one or more network nodes, wherein the radio resource control state includes an "idle" state or an "inactive" state, and wherein the extended discontinuous reception permission information includes separate information for identifying: - Whether extended discontinuous reception is permitted in the cell for the "idle" state; and - Whether extended discontinuous reception is allowed in the cell for the "inactive" state.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the network node comprises: Next-generation NodeB gNB, or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein... The one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations are received via dedicated signaling; and The extended discontinuous reception permission information is received via broadcast signaling.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the extended discontinuous reception permission information indicates whether the extended discontinuous reception configured by the RAN is permitted in the cell.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the extended discontinuous reception permission information indicates whether the extended discontinuous reception configured by the non-access stratum (NAS) is permitted in the cell.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein for cases where extended discontinuous reception for a user equipment in an "inactive" state is not permitted in the cell, the application includes: The user equipment triggers the RAN area update process or applies a discontinuous reception cycle.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide dedicated control to enable the extended discontinuous reception or the discontinuous reception via at least one of: When sent, an RRC release message is sent that puts the user equipment into an "idle" or "inactive" state; or Non-access tier NAS.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the enabling is using the NAS, and wherein the enabling is at least one of configuring maximum extended discontinuous reception for the user equipment, or indicating that extended discontinuous reception for the user equipment is permitted.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the user equipment uses the minimum value between the NAS configuration extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only when it is shorter than the NAS configuration extended discontinuous reception period.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein: The user equipment is configured by the NAS to have multiple extended discontinuous reception periods, and the user equipment uses the minimum value between the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or one of the broadcast extended discontinuous reception periods, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only if it is shorter than any of the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception periods.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the application comprises: The user equipment is configured to have a maximum extended discontinuous reception period, which is applicable by the user equipment in an "idle" state and / or "inactive" state via at least one of NAS signaling or RRC release message.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide an extended discontinuous reception configuration for an "idle" state, comprising: The extended discontinuous reception configuration performed by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide extended discontinuous reception configurations for an "inactive" state, comprising: The extended discontinuous reception configuration is performed by the next-generation NodeB gNB via dedicated signaling.

14. A user equipment for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the user equipment to execute at least the following: The user equipment in the cell receives one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations from one or more network nodes; and Based on the received data, the user equipment determines whether to apply extended discontinuous reception or discontinuous reception, wherein the determination is based on the radio resource control state of the user equipment and extended discontinuous reception permission information received from one or more network nodes, wherein the radio resource control state includes an "idle" state or an "inactive" state, and wherein the extended discontinuous reception permission information includes separate information for identifying: - Whether extended discontinuous reception is permitted in the cell for the "idle" state; and - Whether extended discontinuous reception is allowed in the cell for the "inactive" state.

15. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the network node comprises: Next-generation NodeB gNB, or Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

16. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein The one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations are received via dedicated signaling; and The extended discontinuous reception permission information is received via broadcast signaling.

17. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the extended discontinuous reception permission information indicates whether the extended discontinuous reception configured by the RAN is permitted in the cell.

18. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the extended discontinuous reception permission information indicates whether the extended discontinuous reception configured by the non-access stratum (NAS) is permitted in the cell.

19. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein, for cases where extended discontinuous reception for the user equipment in an "inactive" state is not permitted in the cell, the application includes: The user equipment triggers the RAN area update process or applies a discontinuous reception cycle.

20. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide dedicated control to enable the extended discontinuous reception or the discontinuous reception via at least one of: When sent, an RRC release message is sent that puts the user equipment into an "idle" or "inactive" state; or Non-access tier NAS.

21. The user equipment of claim 20, wherein the enabling is using the NAS, and wherein the enabling is at least one of configuring a maximum extended discontinuous reception period allowed for the user equipment, or indicating an indication of an extended discontinuous reception period allowed for the user equipment.

22. The user equipment of claim 20 is made to perform: using the minimum value between the NAS configuration extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only if it is shorter than the NAS configuration extended discontinuous reception period.

23. The user equipment of claim 21, configured by NAS to have a plurality of extended discontinuous reception periods, wherein the user equipment is caused to perform: using the minimum value between the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception period and the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, or the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period, wherein the broadcast extended discontinuous reception period is used only if it is shorter than any of the NAS-configured extended discontinuous reception periods.

24. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the application includes: The user equipment is configured to have a maximum extended discontinuous reception period, which is applicable by the user equipment in an "idle" state and / or "inactive" state via at least one of NAS signaling or RRC release message.

25. The user equipment of claim 14, wherein the one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide an extended discontinuous reception configuration for an "idle" state, comprising: The extended discontinuous reception configuration performed by the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

26. The user equipment according to any one of claims 14 to 25, wherein the one or more extended discontinuous reception configurations provide an extended discontinuous reception configuration for an "inactive" state, comprising: The extended discontinuous reception configuration is performed by the next-generation NodeB gNB via dedicated signaling.

27. A non-transient computer-readable medium storing program code, said program code being executed by at least one processor to perform at least the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

Images