Uplink timing synchronization maintenance in a secondary cell group

Abstract

Aspects of apparatuses, systems, and methods for secondary cell group (SCG) addition are provided herein. A wireless device can establish communications with a first base station included in a master cell group (MCG) and a second base station included in the SCG. The wireless device can maintain timing advance (TA) parameters for performing uplink communications with the second base station. The wireless device can perform a plurality of signal quality measurements after receiving an indication to deactivate the SCG. The wireless device can determine whether to reuse the TA parameters for communicating with the second base station after receiving the indication. The determination can be based on comparing one or more signal quality measurements of the second base station to one or more signal quality thresholds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to wireless devices, including apparatus, systems, and methods for secondary cell activation and modification processes. Background Technology

[0002] The use of wireless communication systems is growing rapidly. Wireless devices, especially wireless user equipment (UEs), have become widespread. Furthermore, various applications (or apps) are hosted on user equipment that perform or rely on wireless communication, such as those providing messaging, email, browsing, video streaming, short videos, voice streaming, real-time gaming, or various other online services.

[0003] Increased reliability in these communication systems is desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This article provides aspects of apparatus, systems, and methods for reactivating secondary cell groups (SCGs).

[0005] A wireless device can establish communication with a first base station included in a primary cell group (MCG) and a second base station included in the same SCG. The wireless device can maintain timing advance (TA) parameters for performing uplink communication with the second base station. The wireless device can perform multiple signal quality measurements after receiving an instruction to deactivate the SCG. Upon receiving an instruction, the wireless device can determine whether to reuse these TA parameters to communicate with the second base station. This determination may be based on comparing one or more signal quality measurements of the second base station with one or more signal quality thresholds.

[0006] A cellular network may establish communication with a wireless device using a first base station. The first base station may be included in the primary cell group (MCG) of the wireless device. The cellular network may also establish communication with the wireless device using a second base station. The second base station may be included in the secondary cell group (SCG) of the wireless device. The cellular network may maintain one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for receiving uplink communication from the wireless device using the second base station. The cellular network may provide the wireless device with a configuration for determining whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters after the SCG is activated. At a first time, the cellular network may provide the wireless device with an indication to deactivate the SCG. At a second time, the cellular network may provide the wireless device with an indication to activate the SCG, wherein the wireless device is configured to determine whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters based on the configuration. The cellular network may communicate with the wireless device using the second base station.

[0007] In some aspects, the non-transitory memory medium may include program instructions executable by the UE, which, when executed, cause the UE to perform at least some or all of the aforementioned operations. In some aspects, the method performed by the UE may include the UE performing the aforementioned operations. In some aspects, the method performed by the base station or network element may include the base station or network element performing the corresponding operation.

[0008] The present invention is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the subjects described in this document. Therefore, it should be understood that the above features are merely illustrative and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or substance of the subjects described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subjects described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0009] A better understanding of the aspects disclosed herein can be obtained by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless communication system is shown according to some aspects;

[0011] Figure 2 A base station (BS) is shown communicating with user equipment (UE) equipment according to some aspects;

[0012] Figure 3 An exemplary block diagram of a UE is shown according to some aspects;

[0013] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a BS is shown according to some aspects;

[0014] Figure 5 An exemplary block diagram of a cellular communication circuit according to some aspects is shown;

[0015] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An example of a 5G NR base station (gNB) is shown, based on some aspects;

[0016] Figure 8 An exemplary wireless network for communicating with a UE is shown, based on some aspects;

[0017] Figure 9 This is an illustration showing exemplary cell coverage scenarios for macro cells and small cells according to some aspects;

[0018] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating the timing advance based on several factors;

[0019] Figure 11This is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for deactivation and activation of a secondary cell group according to some aspects; and

[0020] Figures 12 to 14 This is an illustration showing exemplary UE movement and thresholds based on some aspects.

[0021] Although the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternatives, specific aspects thereof are shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings and described in detail herein. However, it should be understood that the drawings and the detailed description thereof are not intended to limit the invention to the specific forms disclosed, but rather are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Detailed Implementation

[0022] acronym

[0023] The following acronyms are used in this patent application:

[0024] UE: User Equipment

[0025] BS: Base Station

[0026] ENB: eNodeB (base station)

[0027] GNB: gNodeB (base station)

[0028] LTE: Long Term Evolution

[0029] UMTS: Universal Mobile Telecommunications System

[0030] RAT: Radio Access Technology

[0031] RAN: Radio Access Network

[0032] E-UTRAN: Evolved UMTS Terrestrial RAN

[0033] CN: Core Network

[0034] EPC: Evolved Packet Core

[0035] MME: Mobility Management Entity

[0036] HSS: Home Subscriber Server

[0037] SGW: Service Gateway

[0038] PS: Group swap

[0039] CS: Circuit Switching

[0040] EPS: Evolved Packet Switching System

[0041] RRC: Radio Resource Control

[0042] IE: Information Elements

[0043] QoS: Quality of Service

[0044] QoE: Quality of Experience

[0045] TFT: Service Flow Template

[0046] RSVP: Resource Reservation Protocol

[0047] API: Application Programming Interface

[0048] the term

[0049] The following is a glossary of terms used in this patent application:

[0050] Memory media—any of various types of memory devices or storage devices. The term "memory media" is intended to include mounting media such as CD-ROMs, floppy disks, or magnetic tape devices; computer system memory or random access memory such as DRAM, DDR RAM, SRAM, EDO RAM, Rambus RAM, etc.; non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic media, such as hard disk drives or optical storage devices; registers, or other similar types of memory elements, etc. Memory media may also include other types of memory or combinations thereof. Furthermore, memory media may be located in a first computer executing a program, or may be located in a different second computer connected to the first computer via a network such as the Internet. In the latter case, the second computer may provide program instructions for execution to the first computer. The term "memory media" may include two or more memory media that may reside in different locations, such as different computers connected via a network.

[0051] Computer system—any of all types of computing or processing systems, including personal computer systems (PCs), mainframe computer systems, workstations, networked appliances, internet-connected appliances, personal digital assistants (PDAs), television systems, grid computing systems, or other devices or combinations of devices. In general, the term "computer system" can be broadly defined to encompass any device (or combination of devices) having at least one processor that executes instructions from a memory medium.

[0052] User equipment (UE) (or “UE device”) — any of a variety of computer systems or devices that are mobile or portable and perform wireless communication. Examples of UE devices include mobile phones or smartphones, tablet computers, portable gaming devices, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, smart glasses), laptops, PDAs, portable internet devices, music players, data storage devices, other handheld devices, automobiles and / or motor vehicles, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones), UAV controllers (UACs), etc. In general, the term “UE” or “UE device” can be broadly defined to encompass any electronic, computing, and / or telecommunications equipment (or a combination of these devices) that is easily transportable by a user and capable of wireless communication.

[0053] A processing element is a component or combination of components capable of performing the functions of a device such as a user equipment or cellular network device. A processing element may include, for example: a processor and associated memory, portions or circuitry of individual processor cores, an entire processor core, a processor array, circuitry such as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), programmable hardware components such as a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), and any combination thereof.

[0054] Figure 1 and Figure 2 —Communication System

[0055] Figure 1 A simplified exemplary wireless communication system is shown, based on several aspects. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The system described herein is merely one example of a possible system, and the features of this disclosure can be implemented in any of a variety of systems as needed.

[0056] As shown in the figure, the exemplary wireless communication system includes a base station 102 that communicates with one or more user equipments 106A, 106B, etc., via a transmission medium. Each of the user equipments may be referred to herein as a "user equipment" (UE). Therefore, user equipment 106 is referred to as a UE or UE device.

[0057] Base station (BS) 102 may be a transceiver base station (BTS) or a cell site (“cellular base station”), and may include hardware that enables wireless communication with UE 106A to UE 106N.

[0058] The communication area (or coverage area) of a base station may be referred to as a "cell". Base station 102 and UE 106 can be configured to communicate via a transmission medium using any of a variety of Radio Access Technologies (RATs), also known as wireless communication technologies or telecommunications standards, such as GSM, UMTS (associated with air interfaces such as WCDMA or TD-SCDMA), LTE, LTE-A Advanced, 5G New Radio (5G NR), 6G, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD), etc. Note that if base station 102 is implemented in an LTE environment, its alternative location may be referred to as an "eNodeB" or "eNB". Note that if base station 102 is implemented in a 5G NR environment, its alternative location may be referred to as a 'gNodeB' or 'gNB'.

[0059] As shown in the figure, base station 102 can also be configured to communicate with network 100 (e.g., in various possibilities, the core network of a cellular service provider, telecommunications networks such as the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), and / or the Internet). Therefore, base station 102 can facilitate communication between user equipments and / or between user equipments and network 100. Specifically, cellular base station 102 can provide UE 106 with various telecommunications capabilities such as voice, short message service (SMS), and / or data services.

[0060] Base station 102 and other similar base stations operating according to the same or different cellular communication standards can thus provide a network as a cell, which can provide continuous or near-continuous overlapping services to UE 106A-106N and similar devices over a geographical area via one or more cellular communication standards.

[0061] Therefore, although base station 102 can act as such Figure 1 The diagram shows the "serving cell" of UEs 106A-106N, but each UE 106 may also be able to receive signals (and possibly within their communication range) from one or more other cells (possibly provided by other base stations 102B-102N), which may be referred to as "neighboring cells". Such cells may also facilitate communication between user equipments and / or between user equipments and network 100. These cells may include "macro" cells, "micro" cells, "pecimen" cells, and / or cells of any other granularity providing a service area size. Other configurations are also possible.

[0062] In some aspects, base station 102 may be a next-generation base station, such as a 5G New Radio (5GNR) base station or a "gNB". In some aspects, the gNB may be connected to a legacy evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or to an NR core (NRC) network. Furthermore, a gNB cell may include one or more transition and receive points (TRPs). Additionally, a UE capable of operating according to 5G NR may connect to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

[0063] It should be noted that UE 106 can communicate using multiple wireless communication standards. For example, in addition to at least one cellular communication protocol (e.g., GSM, UMTS (associated with, for example, WCDMA or TD-SCDMA air interfaces), LTE, LTE-A, 5G NR, HSPA, 3GPP2 CDMA2000 (e.g., 1xRTT, 1xEV-DO, HRPD, eHRPD, etc.), UE 106 can be configured to communicate using wireless networking (e.g., Wi-Fi) and / or peer-to-peer wireless communication protocols (e.g., Bluetooth, Wi-Fi peer-to-peer, etc.). If desired, UE 106 can also or alternatively be configured to communicate using one or more Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS, e.g., GPS or GLONASS), one or more mobile television broadcasting standards (e.g., ATSC-M / H), and / or any other wireless communication protocol. Other combinations of wireless communication standards (including more than two wireless communication standards) are also possible.

[0064] Figure 2 User equipment 106 (e.g., one of devices 106A to 106N) communicating with base station 102 is shown according to some aspects. UE 106 can be a device with cellular communication capabilities, such as a mobile phone, handheld device, computer, or tablet computer, or virtually any type of wireless device.

[0065] UE 106 may include a processor configured to execute program instructions stored in memory. UE 106 may perform any of the aspects of the methods described herein by executing such stored instructions. Alternatively or additionally, UE 106 may include programmable hardware elements, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) configured to perform any of the aspects of the methods described herein or any portion thereof.

[0066] UE 106 may include one or more antennas for communicating using one or more wireless communication protocols or technologies. In some aspects, UE 106 may be configured to communicate using, for example, CDMA2000 (1xRTT / 1xEV-DO / HRPD / eHRPD) or LTE using a single shared radio component and / or GSM or LTE using a single shared radio component. The shared radio component may be coupled to a single antenna or may be coupled to multiple antennas (e.g., for a multiple-input multiple-output or "multiple-input multiple-output" (MIMO) antenna system) for performing wireless communication. Typically, the radio component may include any combination of baseband processor, analog radio frequency (RF) signal processing circuitry (e.g., including filters, mixers, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.) or digital processing circuitry (e.g., for digital modulation and other digital processing). Similarly, the radio component may use the aforementioned hardware to implement one or more receive chains and transmit chains. For example, UE 106 may share one or more portions of the receive chain and / or transmit chain among various wireless communication technologies such as those discussed above.

[0067] In some aspects, UE 106 may include any number of antennas and may be configured to use the antennas to transmit and / or receive directional radio signals (e.g., beams). Similarly, BS 102 may also include any number of antennas and may be configured to use the antennas to transmit and / or receive directional radio signals (e.g., beams). To receive and / or transmit such directional signals, the antennas of UE 106 and / or BS 102 may be configured to apply different “weights” to different antennas. The process of applying these different weights may be referred to as “precoding”.

[0068] In some aspects, UE 106 may include separate transmit and / or receive chains (e.g., including separate antennas and other radio components) for each wireless communication protocol configured to communicate therein. As another possibility, UE 106 may include one or more radio components shared among multiple wireless communication protocols, as well as one or more radio components uniquely used by a single wireless communication protocol. For example, UE 106 may include shared radio components for communication using either LTE or 5G NR (or LTE or 1xRTT, or LTE or GSM), and separate radio components for communication using each of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. Other configurations are also possible.

[0069] Figure 3 —UE block diagram

[0070] Figure 3 An exemplary simplified block diagram of a communication device 106 according to some aspects is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 3The block diagram of the communication device is merely one example of possible communication devices. Depending on the aspects, among other devices, the communication device 106 may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop, notebook, or portable computing device), a tablet computer, and / or a combination of devices. As shown, the communication device 106 may include a set of components 300 configured to perform core functions. For example, this set of components may be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SOC), which may include portions for various purposes. Alternatively, the set of components 300 may be implemented as individual components or groups of components for various purposes. This set of components 300 may be (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) coupled to various other circuitry of the communication device 106.

[0071] For example, communication device 106 may include various types of memory (e.g., including NAND flash memory 310), input / output interfaces such as connector I / F 320 (e.g., for connection to a computer system; docking station; charging station; input devices such as microphone, camera, keyboard; output devices such as speaker; etc.), a display 360 that may be integrated with or external to communication device 106, and cellular communication circuitry 330 such as for 5G NR, LTE, GSM, etc., and short- to medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 (e.g., Bluetooth). TM (and WLAN circuitry). In some aspects, the communication device 106 may include wired communication circuitry (not shown), such as, for example, a network interface card for Ethernet.

[0072] Cellular communication circuitry 330 may be coupled (e.g., communicatively grounded; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 335 and 336 shown. Short-to-medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 may also be coupled (e.g., communicatively grounded; directly or indirectly) to one or more antennas, such as antennas 337 and 338 shown. Alternatively, short-to-medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 may be coupled (e.g., communicatively grounded; directly or indirectly) to antennas 337 and 338, or as an alternative, to antennas 335 and 336. Short-to-medium-range wireless communication circuitry 329 and / or cellular communication circuitry 330 may include multiple receive chains and / or multiple transmit chains for receiving and / or transmitting multiple spatial streams, such as in a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) configuration.

[0073] In some aspects, as further described below, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include dedicated receive chains for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR), which include and / or (e.g., communicatively, directly or indirectly) coupled to a dedicated processor and / or radio components. Furthermore, in some aspects, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include a single transmit chain that can be switched between radio components dedicated to a particular RAT. For example, a first radio component may be dedicated to a first RAT, such as LTE, and can communicate with a dedicated receive chain and a transmit chain shared with additional radio components, such as a second radio component that may be dedicated to a second RAT (e.g., 5G NR) and can communicate with a dedicated receive chain and a shared transmit chain.

[0074] The communication device 106 may also include one or more user interface elements and / or be configured to be used with one or more user interface elements. User interface elements may include any of a variety of elements such as a display 360 (which may be a touch screen display), a keyboard (which may be a separate keyboard or may be implemented as part of the touch screen display), a mouse, a microphone and / or a speaker, one or more cameras, one or more buttons, and / or any of a variety of other elements capable of providing information to the user and / or receiving or interpreting user input.

[0075] The communication device 106 may also include one or more smart cards 345 with SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) functionality, such as one or more UICC cards (one or more general purpose integrated circuit cards) 345.

[0076] As shown in the figure, the SOC 300 may include a processor 302 and a display circuit 304. The processor executes program instructions for the communication device 106, and the display circuit performs graphics processing and provides display signals to the display 360. The processor 302 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 340 (which may be configured to receive addresses from the processor 302 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 306, read-only memory (ROM) 350, NAND flash memory 310)) and / or coupled to other circuitry or devices (such as the display circuit 304, short-range wireless communication circuitry 229, cellular communication circuitry 330, connector I / F 320, and / or display 360). The MMU 340 may be configured to perform memory protection and page table translation or setup. In some aspects, the MMU 340 may be included as part of the processor 302.

[0077] As described above, the communication device 106 can be configured to communicate using wireless and / or wired communication circuitry. The communication device 106 can be configured to transmit a request to attach to a first network node operating under a first RAT, and to transmit an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with the first network node and a second network node operating under a second RAT. The wireless device can also be configured to transmit a request to attach to a second network node. This request may include an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with both the first and second network nodes. Furthermore, the wireless device can be configured to receive an indication that dual connectivity (DC) with both the first and second network nodes has been established.

[0078] As described herein, communication device 106 may include hardware and software components for implementing features that use multiple radio access technologies multiplexed according to the same frequency carrier (e.g., and / or multi-frequency carriers) and various other technologies described herein. For example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium), processor 302 of communication device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein. Alternatively (or in addition), processor 302 may be configured as a programmable hardware element, such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or in addition), in conjunction with one or more of other components 300, 304, 306, 310, 320, 329, 330, 340, 345, 350, 360, processor 302 of communication device 106 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein.

[0079] Furthermore, as described in this invention, processor 302 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, processor 302 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processor 302. Additionally, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor 302.

[0080] Furthermore, as described in this invention, the cellular communication circuit 330 and the short-range wireless communication circuit 329 may each include one or more processing elements and / or processors. In other words, one or more processing elements / processors may be included in the cellular communication circuit 330, and similarly, one or more processing elements / processors may be included in the short-range wireless communication circuit 329. Therefore, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuit 330. Furthermore, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the cellular communication circuit 330. Similarly, the short-range wireless communication circuit 329 may include one or more ICs configured to perform the functions of the short-range wireless communication circuit 329. Furthermore, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the short-range wireless communication circuit 329.

[0081] Figure 4 —Block diagram of a base station

[0082] Figure 4 An exemplary block diagram of a base station 102 according to some aspects is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The base station shown is merely one example of a possible base station. As illustrated, base station 102 may include a processor 404 capable of executing program instructions specific to base station 102. Processor 404 may also be coupled to a memory management unit (MMU) 440 or other circuitry or device, which may be configured to receive addresses from processor 404 and translate those addresses into locations in memory (e.g., memory 460 and read-only memory (ROM) 450).

[0083] Base station 102 may include at least one network port 470. Network port 470 may be configured to be coupled to a telephone network and provide access rights as described above. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The telephone network described herein includes multiple devices such as UE device 106.

[0084] Network port 470 (or an additional network port) may also be configured, or alternatively configured, to be coupled to a cellular network, such as the core network of a cellular service provider. The core network may provide mobility-related services and / or other services to multiple devices, such as UE device 106. In some cases, network port 470 may be coupled to a telephone network via the core network, and / or the core network may provide the telephone network (e.g., in other UE devices served by the cellular service provider).

[0085] In some respects, base station 102 may be a next-generation base station, such as a 5G New Radio (5GNR) base station or a “gNB”. In such respects, base station 102 may connect to a legacy evolved packet core (EPC) network and / or to an NR core (NRC) network. Furthermore, base station 102 may be considered a 5G NR cell and may include one or more transition and receive points (TRPs). Additionally, UEs capable of operating according to 5G NR may connect to one or more TRPs within one or more gNBs.

[0086] Base station 102 may include at least one antenna 434 and possibly multiple antennas. Radio component 430 and at least one antenna 434 may be configured to function as a wireless transceiver and may be further configured to communicate with UE device 106. Antenna 434 may communicate with radio component 430 via communication link 432. Communication link 432 may be a receive link, a transmit link, or both. Radio component 430 may be configured to communicate via various wireless communication standards, including but not limited to 5G NR, LTE, LTE-A, GSM, UMTS, CDMA2000, Wi-Fi, etc.

[0087] Base station 102 can be configured to perform wireless communication using multiple wireless communication standards. In some cases, base station 102 may include multiple radio components that enable base station 102 to communicate according to multiple wireless communication technologies. For example, as one possibility, base station 102 may include LTE radio components for performing communication according to LTE and 5G NR radio components for performing communication according to 5G NR. In this case, base station 102 may be able to operate as both an LTE base station and a 5G NR base station. As another possibility, base station 102 may include multimode radio components capable of performing communication according to any of multiple wireless communication technologies (e.g., 5G NR and Wi-Fi, LTE and Wi-Fi, LTE and UMTS, LTE and CDMA2000, UMTS and GSM, etc.).

[0088] As further described herein, BS102 may include hardware and software components for implementing or supporting specific implementations of the features described herein. The processor 404 of base station 102 may be configured, for example, to implement or support some or all of the methods described herein by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively, processor 404 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as a FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit), or a combination thereof. Alternatively (or in addition), in conjunction with one or more of other components 430, 432, 434, 440, 450, 460, and 470, the processor 404 of base station 102 may be configured to implement or support some or all of the implementations of the features described herein.

[0089] Furthermore, as described herein, one or more processors 404 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, processor 404 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processor 404. Additionally, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processor 404.

[0090] Furthermore, as described in this invention, the radio component 430 may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, the radio component 430 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of the radio component 430. Additionally, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of the radio component 430.

[0091] Figure 5 —Block diagram of cellular communication circuit

[0092] Figure 5 An exemplary simplified block diagram of a cellular communication circuit according to some aspects is shown. It should be noted that... Figure 5 The block diagram of the cellular communication circuit is merely one example of possible cellular communication circuits; other circuits, such as those including or coupled to sufficient antennas for different RATs to perform uplink activities using individual antennas, are also possible. Depending on the aspects, the cellular communication circuit 330 may be included in a communication device such as the communication device 106 described above. As mentioned above, among other devices, the communication device 106 may be a user equipment (UE) device, a mobile device or mobile station, a wireless device or wireless station, a desktop computer or computing device, a mobile computing device (e.g., a laptop computer, notebook computer, or portable computing device), a tablet computer, and / or a combination of devices.

[0093] Cellular communication circuit 330 may (e.g., communicatively; directly or indirectly) be coupled to one or more antennas, such as ( Figure 3 Antennas 335a-335b and 336 are shown in the diagram. In some aspects, the cellular communication circuitry 330 may include dedicated receive chains for multiple RATs (e.g., a first receive chain for LTE and a second receive chain for 5G NR), which include and / or (e.g., communicatively grounded, directly or indirectly) coupled to a dedicated processor and / or radio components. For example, as shown... Figure 5 As shown, the cellular communication circuit 330 may include a modem 510 and a modem 520. The modem 510 may be configured for communication according to a first RAT (e.g., such as LTE or LTE-A), and the modem 520 may be configured for communication according to a second RAT (e.g., such as 5G NR).

[0094] As shown, modem 510 may include one or more processors 512 and memory 516 communicating with processors 512. Modem 510 may communicate with radio frequency (RF) front end 530. RF front end 530 may include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, RF front end 530 may include receiver circuitry (RX) 532 and transmitter circuitry (TX) 534. In some aspects, receiver circuitry 532 may communicate with downlink (DL) front end 550, which may include circuitry for receiving radio signals via antenna 335a.

[0095] Similarly, modem 520 may include one or more processors 522 and memory 526 communicating with processor 522. Modem 520 may communicate with RF front end 540. RF front end 540 may include circuitry for transmitting and receiving radio signals. For example, RF front end 540 may include receiving circuitry 542 and transmitting circuitry 544. In some aspects, receiving circuitry 542 may communicate with DL front end 560, which may include circuitry for receiving radio signals via antenna 335b.

[0096] In some aspects, switch 570 can couple transmitting circuitry 534 to uplink (UL) front-end 572. Additionally, switch 570 can couple transmitting circuitry 544 to UL front-end 572. UL front-end 572 may include circuitry for transmitting radio signals via antenna 336. Therefore, when cellular communication circuitry 330 receives an instruction to transmit according to a first RAT (e.g., supported by modem 510), switch 570 can be switched to a first state allowing modem 510 to transmit signals according to the first RAT (e.g., via a transmission chain including transmitting circuitry 534 and UL front-end 572). Similarly, when cellular communication circuitry 330 receives an instruction to transmit according to a second RAT (e.g., supported by modem 520), switch 570 can be switched to a second state allowing modem 520 to transmit signals according to the second RAT (e.g., via a transmission chain including transmitting circuitry 544 and UL front-end 572).

[0097] In some aspects, the cellular communication circuit 330 may be configured to: when the switch is in a first state, transmit via a first modem a request to attach to a first network node operating under a first RAT; and when the switch is in the first state, transmit via the first modem an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with the first network node and a second network node operating under a second RAT. The wireless device may also be configured to, when the switch is in a second state, transmit via a second radio component a request to attach to a second network node. This request may include an indication that the wireless device is capable of maintaining substantially concurrent connections with both the first and second network nodes. Furthermore, the wireless device may be configured to receive via the first radio component an indication that dual connections with the first and second network nodes have been established.

[0098] As described herein, modem 510 may include hardware and software components for implementing features that utilize multiple radio access technologies multiplexed on the same frequency carrier, as well as various other technologies described herein. For example, processor 512 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or otherwise), processor 512 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or otherwise), processor 512 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by combining one or more of other components 530, 532, 534, 550, 570, 572, 335, and 336.

[0099] In some aspects, processors 512, 522, etc., may be configured to implement or support some or all of the methods described herein, for example, by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium). Alternatively, processors 512, 522, etc., may be configured as programmable hardware elements such as field-programmable gate arrays or as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) or combinations thereof. Furthermore, as described in the invention, processors 512, 522, etc., may include one or more processing elements. Therefore, processors 512, 522, etc., may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs) configured to perform the functions of processors 512, 522, etc. Furthermore, each integrated circuit may include circuitry (e.g., a first circuit, a second circuit, etc.) configured to perform the functions of processors 512, 522, etc.

[0100] As described herein, modem 520 may include hardware and software components for implementing features that utilize multiple radio access technologies multiplexed on the same frequency carrier, as well as various other technologies described herein. For example, processor 522 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by executing program instructions stored on a memory medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable memory medium). Alternatively (or otherwise), processor 522 may be configured as a programmable hardware element such as an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or as an ASIC (Application-Specific Integrated Circuit). Alternatively (or additionally), processor 522 may be configured to implement some or all of the features described herein by combining one or more of other components 540, 542, 544, 550, 570, 572, 335, and 336.

[0101] Figures 6 to 7 —5G NR architecture

[0102] In some specific implementations, fifth-generation (5G) wireless communication will initially be deployed in parallel with other wireless communication standards, such as LTE. For example, Figure 6 This illustrates a possible standalone (SA) implementation of the next-generation core (NGC) network 606 and 5G NR base stations (e.g., gNB 604), with dual connectivity between LTE and 5G New Radio (5G NR or NR), such as according to... Figure 7 The exemplary non-standalone (NSA) architecture shown has been designated as part of the initial deployment of NR. Therefore, as Figure 7As shown, the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network 600 can continue to communicate with the current LTE base station (e.g., eNB 602). Furthermore, eNB 602 can communicate with the 5G NR base station (e.g., gNB 604) and can transfer data between the EPC network 600 and gNB 604. In some cases, gNB 604 may also have at least a user plane reference point with the EPC network 600. Therefore, the EPC network 600 can be used (or reused), and gNB 604 can serve as additional capacity for user equipment, for example, to provide increased downlink throughput for the UE. In other words, LTE can be used for control plane signaling, and NR can be used for user plane signaling. Therefore, LTE can be used to establish connections to the network, and NR can be used for data services. It should be understood that many other non-independent architecture variations are possible.

[0103] Figure 8 —Wireless communication system

[0104] Figure 8 A simplified example of a wireless communication system is shown. UE 106 can communicate with a wireless network (e.g., a radio access network (RAN)) that may include one or more base stations (BS) 102 and provide connectivity to a core network (CN) 100 (such as an evolved packet core (EPC)). Base station 102 may be an eNodeB and / or gNB (e.g., a 5G or NR base station) or other types of base stations. UE 106 can communicate wirelessly with base station 102. Base station 102 can then be coupled to core network 100. As shown, CN 100 may include a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 322, a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 324, and a Serving Gateway (SGW) 326. CN 100 may also include various other devices well known to those skilled in the art.

[0105] The operations described in this document as being performed by a wireless network can be... Figure 8 The operations described herein may be performed by one or more of the network devices shown, such as base station 102 or CN 100, and / or MME 322, HSS 324, or SGW 326 in CN 100, and one or more other possible devices. The operations performed by the radio access network (RAN) described herein may be performed, for example, by base station 102, or by other components of the RAN that can be used to connect the UE and the CN.

[0106] Figure 9 —Exemplary cellular environment

[0107] Figure 9An exemplary cellular environment is illustrated, in which multiple UEs are within the range of a macro cell or LTE cell (e.g., which may be part of a primary cell group (MCG) for one or more UEs). Within the macro cell, multiple smaller cells (e.g., 5G or NR cells) may be available to provide connectivity to the UEs. The smaller cells may be part of a secondary cell or secondary cell group (SCG) for one or more UEs.

[0108] When a UE is configured with an SCG, the UE can maintain connections with both the MCG and the SCG. For example, with the MCG, the primary cell (PCell) can always be active. In the SCG, the primary and secondary cells (PSCell) can be activated or deactivated. In some aspects, the PSCell can be active or deactivated (e.g., based on signaling between the network and the UE).

[0109] Figure 10 —Timed in advance

[0110] Figure 10 This diagram illustrates the effect of timing advance. As shown, UE 1, UE 2, and UE 3 are located at different distances from the gNB and may have different path losses, environmental conditions, etc., when communicating with the gNB. If these UEs transmit without any timing advance adjustment, they will arrive at the gNB at different times, as shown in "No TA" on the left. Therefore, by providing these UEs with timing advance information (e.g., parameters, indications, values, etc.), each UE can transmit at different times, allowing the gNB to receive transmissions at approximately the same time. By aligning the reception of the UE uplink transmissions, the gNB is able to successfully decode the data transmitted from all three UEs. In this example, UE 2 transmits faster than UE 1, and UE 1 transmits faster than UE 3 because UE 2 is farther from the gNB than UE 1, and UE 1 is farther from the gNB than UE 3.

[0111] Typically, during Random Access Channel (RACH) attachment, the network (e.g., gNB) can estimate the timing advance required by the UE, so that "all" receptions from different UEs arrive at the gNB simultaneously (e.g., Figure 11 (as shown in the diagram). The gNB can then provide corresponding timing advance (TA) feedback based on the corresponding uplink transmission received from each UE. The gNB can also provide periodic TA adjustments based on uplink transmissions, for example, when each UE is in connected mode and performs (e.g., consecutive) corresponding uplink transmissions.

[0112] Figure 11 ——SCG Reactivation

[0113] Figure 11 An exemplary flowchart for SCG reactivation is shown. Figure 11Aspects of the method may be implemented by a wireless device such as UE 106, which communicates with the network via one or more base stations (e.g., BS 102) as shown in the accompanying drawings, or more generally, in conjunction with any of the computer systems or devices shown in the drawings, as well as other circuits, systems, devices, elements or components, and other devices shown in the drawings, as needed. For example, one or more processors (or processing elements) of the UE (e.g., processor 302, baseband processor, processor associated with communication circuitry, etc., and various possibilities) may cause the UE to perform some or all of the method elements shown. For example, one or more processors (or processing elements) of the BS (e.g., processor 404, baseband processor, processor associated with communication circuitry, etc.) may cause the UE to perform some or all of the method elements shown. It should be noted that although at least some elements of the method have been described in a manner involving the use of communication technologies and / or features associated with 3GPP specification documents, this description is not intended to limit the disclosure, and aspects of the method may be used in any suitable wireless communication system as needed. In various ways, some of the method elements shown may be executed simultaneously in a different order than shown, may be replaced by other method elements, or may be omitted. Additional method elements may also be executed as needed. As shown in the figure, this method can operate as follows.

[0114] In 1106, UE 1102 can connect to cellular network 1104. The UE can communicate with the network in various ways and may have already established communication according to various technologies (e.g., according to 3GPP standards). In some aspects, the UE can establish communication with one or more cells of the MCG. The UE (e.g., in the direction of the MCG) can also establish communication with one or more cells of the SCG. The primary cell (PCell) of the MCG can be a macro cell (e.g., such as...). Figure 9 (As shown). The primary cell (PSCell) of the SCG can be a small cell and / or a gNB. However, other connections are also envisioned as needed, for example, where one or more cells of the MCG are small cells and / or one or more cells of the SCG are macro cells.

[0115] In some aspects, the UE can communicate with the network while in connected mode. The network can provide TA parameters and / or adjust them to the UE, for example, based on uplink communication from the UE to the network. It should be noted that different TA parameters may exist for different cells; for example, PCell may indicate one set of TA parameters for communication, while PSCell may indicate a different set of TA parameters for communication. Generally, the TA parameters discussed herein are primarily applicable to SCG cells, although these aspects may also be applied, as appropriate, to MCG cells.

[0116] In 1108, secondary cells (e.g., in an SCG) and / or an SCG can be deactivated for the UE. For example, the UE may connect to a primary cell (e.g., and possibly other cells) in an MCG and a primary cell (e.g., and possibly other cells) in an SCG. For example, based on messages received from the network (e.g., from the MCG, SCG, and / or another node in the network), one or more cells (or all cells) of the SCG can be deactivated. Therefore, one or more SCG deactivation messages can be received from cells in the MCG and / or cells in the SCG. For example, the PSCell may provide an SCG deactivation indication to the UE via one or more control channels (e.g., via one or more messages). Alternatively, the PCell may provide an SCG deactivation indication to the UE via one or more control channels (e.g., via one or more messages).

[0117] In the control plane, uplink communication with the PSCell may be disallowed when the SCG is in an inactive state. In some aspects, all SCells in the SCG (or the SCG itself) may be deactivated. In some aspects, there may be no Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling to the UE on the SCG. However, the UE can still be expected to perform Radio Resource Management (RRM), such as signal quality measurements of the cells in the SCG. Additionally, the UE can remain in an RRC-connected state (e.g., when communicating with cells in the MCG). Therefore, the UE can be configured to continue communication with the MCG when the SCG is in an inactive state, as needed.

[0118] In the user plane, depending on certain aspects, the UE may not monitor the PDCCH on the PSCell, resulting in no uplink allocation or uplink authorization. Therefore, in some aspects, in the SCG deactivated state, as long as the UE is in the SCG deactivated state, the UE may not be required to transmit PUSCH and PUCCH in the uplink.

[0119] As described above, TA parameters can be established and / or adjusted based on uplink communication. Therefore, since the UE does not perform uplink communication with the SCG cell when in SCG deactivation state, it does not need to update or adjust TA parameters during the deactivation period. Consequently, the UE may not know whether previous TA values ​​or parameters are still valid during the deactivation period. Upon reactivation, the UE can determine whether to use previous TA parameters (e.g., TA parameters stored before and / or during deactivation) or initiate RACH or other procedures to obtain new TA parameters.

[0120] Therefore, in 1112 and 1114, when transitioning from an SCG deactivated state to an SCG activated state (e.g., from an SCG deactivated state), the UE can determine whether to use the stored TA parameters or perform a different procedure (such as RACH) to re-establish synchronization when communicating with cells in the SCG. In some aspects, the UE may attempt to reuse the stored TA parameters and / or avoid the RACH procedure whenever possible. When the UE is able to use the stored TA parameters, the UE may be able to initiate communication faster than if using another procedure (such as RACH) were otherwise possible. In other words, the RACH procedure may take time to re-establish communication (e.g., including TA parameters), which may provide a worse user experience (e.g., latency in communication) than if the stored TA parameters were available. Therefore, the aspects described herein may allow the UE to perform uplink transmissions quickly (e.g., without network involvement) for faster SCG activation.

[0121] Such as about Figure 9 As described, typically (but not always), the MCG is provided by macro cells, and the SCG is provided via small cells (e.g., using spectrum greater than 6 GHz). In some respects, UE TA parameter adjustment may not be necessary in small cells, for example, because the signal propagation delay between the cell edge and the cell center is insignificant for small cells. However, some TA adjustment may be required even in small cells due to higher frequencies and / or higher subcarrier spacing (SCS), for example, when using higher SCS such as 60 or 120 kHz SCS, among other possibilities. Additionally or alternatively, beam switching may also result in TA adjustment.

[0122] In some aspects, the UE may be able to use information from UE activity during SCG deactivation to determine whether to reuse previous TA values. For example, the UE may perform signal quality measurements for the PSCell during the SCG deactivation state, such as as part of RRM (e.g., in 1110). These signal quality measurements may include, for example, measuring a reference signal and associated beam to derive cell quality and / or beam quality. The UE can use these measurements to decide whether to reuse previous TA parameters for uplink communication. For example, when signal strength fluctuates, for example due to beam and beam switching, it may reflect the UE's movement toward / away from the SCG cell (e.g., gNB base station). For example, long-term filtered and / or averaged values ​​may be particularly useful in determining the UE's movement toward / away from the SCG cell.

[0123] These signal quality measurements can be any of a variety of signal quality measurements, such as SINR (Signal-to-Interference-Ratio), SNR (Signal-to-Noise Ratio), RSRP (Reference Signal Received Power), RSRQ (Reference Signal Received Quality), RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator), path loss, BLER (Block Error Rate), and / or any desired signal quality measurement. These measurements can be performed with respect to reference signals transmitted by the SCG (e.g., PSCell). For example, a cell may transmit CRS (Cell-Specific Reference Signal), SS (Synchronization Signal), CSI (Channel State Information) reference signal (CSI-RS), etc., and the UE can perform measurements on these signals to determine one or more signal quality metrics, such as those discussed above. Therefore, signal quality measurements can include SS-RSRP, CSI-RSRP, NR-RSSI, CSI-RSSI, SS-RSRQ, CSI-RSRQ, SS-SINR, CSI-SINR, etc.

[0124] In some aspects, the UE can perform multiple measurements over time and determine a moving average of the signal quality. The moving average can be based on the duration or number of measurements (e.g., it can be configured by the network (e.g., MCG and / or SCG), specified by 3GPP standards, implemented by the UE, etc.). The moving average can be compared to one or more thresholds to determine whether to use previous TA parameters (e.g., the last TA parameter used for the SCG before deactivation, and other possibilities) or to perform a different process.

[0125] Therefore, in some aspects, the UE can use the filtered or long-term averaged signal strength to determine whether the TA parameter can be reused. For example, the decision can be based on the deviation of the PSCell signal strength measured throughout the deactivated SCG state. In some aspects, the baseline signal strength (from its measurement deviation) can be, as needed, the last signal quality measurement at deactivation, the moving average at deactivation, or another value.

[0126] Figure 12 An exemplary UE movement over time is illustrated, showing corresponding signal quality measurements, an average signal quality measurement over time, and a threshold used to determine whether to use previously stored TA parameters. As shown, when the UE moves between beams, individual signal quality measurements can drop below the threshold, while the average remains above the threshold. Figure 12 In the example, the UE can reuse the TA parameter because the average signal quality remains above the threshold. As shown in the figure, the final UE distance from the PSCell is similar to the original distance from the PSCell, so reusing the TA parameter should not cause any signal reception errors and allows the UE to skip RACH or another process to redetermine the appropriate TA value.

[0127] Figure 13 Different examples are shown where the UE is moving away from the PSCell and the average value drops below the threshold. In this example, the UE may need to refresh its TA value as needed, for example, by performing RACH or another process.

[0128] Figure 14 An example is shown where the UE can use two thresholds (e.g., an upper threshold and a lower threshold). In this case, the UE moves closer to the PSCell over time, so it may be necessary to redetermine the TA parameter so that the TA value is suitable for the new, closer distance to the PSCell.

[0129] In some aspects, the network can configure various aspects of how and / or when the UE reuses TA parameters. For example, the network (e.g., via communication with the MCG and / or SCG) can configure the UE to reuse TA parameters, for example, when the SCG is deactivated (e.g., within an SCG deactivation message) or before the SCG is deactivated.

[0130] In some cases, the network can provide an indication to use the stored TA parameters, regardless of whether the RRM is configured for the SCG. Therefore, in some aspects, the network may expect the UE to always use the TA. This indication can be applied where the SCG is a small cell and does not require adjustment between the cell edge and cell center.

[0131] As another possibility, the network can configure the UE to use or not use RRM for SCG, and the UE can modify its behavior based on whether RRM is configured for SCG. For example, if the network configures the UE to perform RRM measurements on a PSCell of a deactivated SCG, the UE can perform a determination as described herein whether to reuse TA parameters. Alternatively, if the network does not configure RRM for SCG, the UE can assume that TA maintenance is not required. For example, the UE can simply default to reusing previously stored TA parameters without performing signal quality measurements. In other words, in the case of small cells, where the network determines that the TA deviation between a UE at the cell edge and a UE near the cell is small, if the measured time-averaged signal strength has deviated from the configured threshold, the network can configure the UE to perform no action. Alternatively, the UE can interpret the lack of RRM configuration for SCG as indicating that the TA parameters are not valid, and perform a different procedure upon activation (e.g., RACH), which results in refreshing the TA parameters.

[0132] In some aspects, the network can configure various parameters for determining whether to reuse previously stored TA parameters (e.g., in RRC or other message transmissions from the MCG, SCG, or another network node). Such configuration can be provided as needed during SCG deactivation (e.g., within one or more SCG deactivation messages) or at other times (e.g., before or even during SCG deactivation). For example, the network can specify a set of reference signals that are measurable by the UE for determining whether to reuse TA parameters. These reference signals can be the same reference signals used by the UE for RRM purposes, or they can be different, as needed.

[0133] For example, the network can also configure a lower limit signal quality threshold; below this threshold, the UE will determine the TA parameter to be invalid. Similarly, the network can configure an upper limit signal quality threshold; above this threshold, the UE will determine the TA parameter to be invalid. It should be noted that these thresholds can be configured on an absolute or relative basis. In one aspect, the network can configure an "average deviation" rather than a low / high threshold, and if the UE's signal strength deviates from its previous signal quality by more than this value in either direction, the UE can consider the TA value invalid. This aspect is particularly relevant to... Figure 14 The example shown is relevant.

[0134] The network can configure how the UE averages or filters signal quality measurements used to determine the validity of TA parameters. For example, the network can specify the time period or number of measurements used for the moving average. The parameters used for this averaging can depend on the UE and / or PSCell characteristics and / or environment. For example, these parameters can depend on the nature of the PSCell (e.g., if it is a small cell), the spectrum used (e.g., greater than 5 GHz), the terrain around the cell, current or long-term interference associated with the cell, etc.

[0135] When the UE determines that the TA parameter is invalid, the network can also configure how the UE behaves. For example, if the TA parameter should not be used, the network can configure the UE to perform RACH when the SCG is reactivated. Alternatively, the network can configure the UE to notify the network (e.g., using the MCG) that the TA is invalid for the SCG. The UE can be configured to notify the network whenever it determines this (e.g., during SCG deactivation and before SCG reactivation) and / or at other times (such as when the network reactivates the SCG). In some aspects, the network (e.g., in response to the UE notifying the network that the TA parameter is invalid) can trigger uplink SRS (e.g., using PSCell) to update the TA parameter. When the UE performs uplink SRS during the deactivation state, the UE can then receive the TA parameter from the PSCell (e.g., TA adjustment for previously stored TA parameters). When SCG reactivation occurs, the UE can then use these updated TA parameters.

[0136] In some aspects, regardless of signal quality measurements, the network can simply request (e.g., periodically) the UE to trigger SRS. By executing SRS (e.g., using PSCell), the UE can perform uplink transmissions and receive TA adjustments even when in an SCG deactivated state.

[0137] In some aspects, signal quality measurements may temporarily persist outside a threshold for a period of time (including averaged signal quality measurements), but may return to within the threshold when the SCG is reactivated. In such cases, the UE may be configured (e.g., by the network) to reuse stored TA parameters. For example, this behavior may be useful in configurations where signal strength fluctuations are due to topology rather than being very prevalent and where signal strength reasonably reflects the UE's location from the PSCell. Alternatively, the UE may be configured not to reuse TA parameters in this case, if desired.

[0138] While the various aspects discussed above relate to the network configuring the UE when determining whether to reuse TA parameters, such configuration may not be necessary for the network. For example, the various configurations in those configurations may be specified by standards (e.g., 3GPP standards) and / or otherwise known to the UE and / or the network. Additionally or alternatively, the various configurations in these configurations may simply be set by the UE as needed (e.g., statically or dynamically).

[0139] In some aspects, the UE may be able to use other information to enhance or replace the use of signal quality measurements to determine whether to use previously stored TA parameters. For example, the UE may include GPS circuitry that allows it to determine its location. The UE may monitor its GPS location to determine whether it is moving and / or getting closer to or further away from the PSCell, which can be used to determine whether to reuse the TA parameters. For example, the UE may know the location of the PSCell and may use its current location at the time of reactivation (or, if necessary, before reactivation) to determine the current distance to the PSCell. In some aspects, the UE may determine to reuse the TA parameters if the distance is within a threshold range. This behavior may be used in addition to or as an alternative to the signal quality measurement aspects discussed above.

[0140] Additionally, the UE may be able to determine whether it has moved significantly based on MCG communication, which remains active during SCG deactivation. For example, the UE can monitor the signal quality or TA parameters of the MCG to determine whether the UE has moved significantly relative to the PCell. If the UE determines that it has not moved significantly relative to the MCG, it can infer that it has low mobility and the TA parameters of the PSCell may still be valid. Similar to the above, this behavior can be used in addition to or as an alternative to the signal quality measurements discussed above.

[0141] Exemplary aspects

[0142] The following description provides exemplary aspects corresponding to the various aspects described herein, such as those related to... Figures 10 to 1 The aspects corresponding to method 6.

[0143] Example 1. A method of operating a wireless device, comprising: the wireless device: establishing communication with a first base station of a cellular network, wherein the first base station is included in a primary cell group (MCG); establishing communication with a second base station, wherein the second base station is included in a secondary cell group (SCG), wherein establishing communication with the second base station includes maintaining one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for performing uplink communication with the second base station; receiving an instruction to deactivate the SCG; storing the one or more TA parameters in response to the instruction to deactivate the SCG; performing a plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station; receiving an instruction to activate the SCG; comparing one or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station with one or more signal quality thresholds; determining, based on the comparison, whether to use the stored one or more TA parameters or to obtain new one or more TA parameters; and communicating with the second base station based on the determination, wherein the communication with the second base station uses the stored one or more TA parameters or the new one or more TA parameters.

[0144] Example 2. According to the method of Example 1, wherein comparing one or more signal quality measurements among the plurality of signal quality measurements includes comparing a moving average of two or more signal quality measurements among the plurality of signal quality measurements with a lower limit threshold, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters based on the fact that the moving average of the two or more signal quality measurements among the plurality of signal quality measurements is higher than the lower limit threshold.

[0145] Example 3. According to the method of Example 2, wherein the comparison includes comparing the moving average of two or more signal quality measurements among the plurality of signal quality measurements with an upper limit threshold, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters based on the fact that the moving average of two or more signal quality measurements among the plurality of signal quality measurements is lower than the upper limit threshold.

[0146] Example 4. The method according to Example 1 further includes: receiving configuration from the first base station or the second base station, wherein the configuration indicates an attempt to reuse one or more stored TA parameters.

[0147] Example 5. The method according to Example 4, wherein the configuration indicates the execution of the plurality of signal measurements of the second base station.

[0148] Example 6. The method according to Example 4, wherein the network configuration indicates one or more signal quality thresholds.

[0149] Example 7. The method according to Example 1 further includes: performing a random access channel (RACH) procedure in response to determining that the new one or more TA parameters have been obtained, wherein communicating with the second base station based on the determination is performed after the RACH procedure has been completed.

[0150] Example 8. The method according to Example 1, wherein the comparison of one or more signal quality measurements among the plurality of signal quality measurements is performed before receiving the indication to activate the SCG, wherein the method further includes: providing the first base station with an indication that the one or more TA parameters are invalid; triggering uplink communication with the second base station during the SCG deactivation state; and determining the new one or more TA parameters based on the uplink communication.

[0151] Example 9. According to the method of Example 1, wherein comparing one or more signal quality measurements of the plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station with one or more signal quality thresholds is performed after receiving the instruction to activate the SCG.

[0152] Example 10. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor configured to cause a wireless device to: establish communication with a first base station of a cellular network, wherein the first base station is included in a primary cell group (MCG); establish communication with a second base station, wherein the second base station is included in a secondary cell group (SCG); maintain one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for performing uplink communication with the second base station; receive an instruction to deactivate the SCG; when the SCG is deactivated, perform a plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station; receive an instruction to activate the SCG; in response to receiving the instruction to activate the SCG, compare a moving average of the plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station with one or more signal quality thresholds; based on the comparison, determine whether to use one or more previously stored TA parameters or obtain one or more new TA parameters; and based on the determination, communicate with the second base station, wherein the communication with the second base station uses the one or more previously stored TA parameters or the one or more new TA parameters.

[0153] Example 11. The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein comparing the moving average of the plurality of signal quality measurements includes comparing the moving average with a lower threshold and an upper threshold, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters based on the fact that the moving average of two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements is higher than the lower threshold and lower than the upper threshold.

[0154] Example 12. The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the wireless device to: receive configuration from the first base station or the second base station, wherein the configuration indicates an attempt to reuse one or more stored TA parameters.

[0155] Example 13. The apparatus according to Example 12, wherein the network configuration indicates the one or more signal quality thresholds.

[0156] Example 14. The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the at least one processor is further configured such that the wireless device: in response to determining that the new one or more TA parameters have been obtained, performs a random access channel (RACH) procedure, wherein the communication with the second base station based on the determination is performed after the RACH procedure has been completed.

[0157] Example 15. The apparatus according to Example 10, wherein the determination includes determining to use one or more previously stored TA parameters, wherein when using the one or more previously stored TA parameters fails, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the wireless device to: perform a random access channel (RACH) procedure to obtain the new one or more TA parameters; and use the new one or more TA parameters to communicate with the second base station.

[0158] Example 16. A method comprising: one or more nodes of a cellular network: establishing communication with a wireless device, wherein a first node is included in a primary cell group (MCG) of the wireless device, wherein a second node is included in a secondary cell group (SCG) of the wireless device, wherein at least the second node is included in the one or more nodes of the cellular network; maintaining one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for receiving uplink communication from the wireless device using the second node; providing the wireless device with a configuration for determining whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters after SCG activation, wherein the configuration indicates an attempt to reuse the one or more TA parameters; deactivating the SCG of the wireless device at a first time; activating the SCG of the wireless device at a second time, wherein the wireless device is configured to determine whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters based on the configuration; and using the second node to communicate with the wireless device.

[0159] Example 17. The method according to Example 16, wherein in response to the wireless device determining to reuse the one or more TA parameters, the communication is performed without performing the random access channel (RACH) procedure with the wireless device.

[0160] Example 18. The method according to Example 16 further includes: in response to the wireless device determining that it will not use the one or more TA parameters, performing a random access channel (RACH) procedure with the wireless device.

[0161] Example 19. According to the method of Example 16, wherein the network configuration at least indicates a first threshold for comparing the wireless device with one or more signal quality measurements of the second base station.

[0162] Example 20. The method according to Example 16, wherein the first node performs the provision of the configuration to the wireless device.

[0163] Various aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in any of a variety of forms. For example, some aspects may be implemented as a computer-implemented method, a computer-readable storage medium, or a computer system. Other aspects may be implemented using one or more custom-designed hardware devices such as ASICs. Other aspects may be implemented using one or more programmable hardware elements such as FPGAs.

[0164] In some aspects, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may be configured to store program instructions and / or data, wherein if the program instructions are executed by a computer system, the computer system performs a method, such as any method aspect of the methods described herein, or any combination of the method aspects described herein, or any subset of any method aspects described herein, or any combination of such subsets.

[0165] In some aspects, a device (e.g., a UE) may be configured to include a processor (or a set of processors) and a memory medium, wherein the memory medium stores program instructions, and the processor is configured to read from and execute the program instructions from the memory medium, wherein the program instructions are executable to implement any of the various method aspects described herein (or any combination of the method aspects described herein, or any subset of any method aspects described herein, or any combination of such subsets). The device may be implemented in any of a variety of forms.

[0166] In some aspects, the device includes: an antenna; a radio component coupled to the antenna; and a processing element coupled to the radio component. The device can be configured to implement any of the above-described aspects of the method.

[0167] In some respects, the memory medium may store program instructions that, when executed, cause the device to implement any of the methods described above.

[0168] In some aspects, the apparatus includes at least one processor (e.g., in communication with a memory) configured to implement any of the above-described method aspects.

[0169] In some respects, the method includes any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and claims.

[0170] In some respects, the method may be performed as substantially described herein in the following references: reference to each or any combination of the accompanying drawings contained herein; reference to each or any combination of the paragraphs in the detailed description; reference to each or any combination of the accompanying drawings and / or detailed description; or reference to each or any combination of the claims.

[0171] In some respects, the wireless device is configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description, the accompanying drawings and / or the claims.

[0172] In some aspects, a wireless device includes any component or combination of components as described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0173] In some respects, a non-volatile computer-readable medium may store instructions that, when executed, cause to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or the accompanying drawings.

[0174] In some respects, the integrated circuit is configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or the accompanying drawings.

[0175] In some respects, the mobile station is configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0176] In some aspects, a mobile station includes any component or combination of components as described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0177] In some respects, the mobile device is configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0178] In some aspects, a mobile device includes any component or combination of components as described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0179] In some respects, network nodes are configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0180] In some aspects, network nodes include any components or combinations of components as described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings, as included in mobile devices.

[0181] In some respects, the base station is configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0182] In some respects, a base station includes any component or combination of components as described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings, as included in a mobile device.

[0183] In some respects, 5G NR network nodes or base stations are configured to perform any action or combination of actions as substantially described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings.

[0184] In some respects, a 5G NR network node or base station includes any component or combination of components as described herein in the detailed description and / or accompanying drawings, as included in a mobile device.

[0185] As is widely recognized, the use of personally identifiable information should comply with privacy policies and practices that are generally accepted to meet or exceed industry or governmental requirements for protecting user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of unintentional or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of authorized use should be clearly explained to users.

[0186] By interpreting each message / signal X received by the user equipment (UE) in the downlink as a message / signal X transmitted by the base station, and interpreting each message / signal Y transmitted by the UE in the uplink as a message / signal Y received by the base station, any method described herein for operating the UE can serve as the basis for a corresponding method for operating the base station.

[0187] Although the foregoing aspects have been described in considerable detail, many variations and modifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once the foregoing disclosure is fully understood. This disclosure is intended to render the following claims as encompassing all such variations and modifications.

Claims

1. A method of operating a wireless device, comprising: By the wireless device: Communicating with a first base station of the cellular network, wherein the first base station is included in a primary cell group (MCG); Communicating with a second base station, wherein the second base station is included in a secondary cell group (SCG), wherein communicating with the second base station includes maintaining one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for performing uplink communication with the second base station; Receive an instruction to deactivate the SCG; In response to the instruction to deactivate the SCG, store the one or more TA parameters; Perform multiple signal quality measurements on the second base station; Receive an instruction to activate the SCG; One or more signal quality measurements of the plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station are compared with one or more signal quality thresholds, wherein the comparison includes comparing the moving average of two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements with a lower threshold. Based on the comparison, it is determined whether to use one or more stored TA parameters or to obtain one or more new TA parameters; as well as Based on the determination, communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters or the new one or more TA parameters, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters based on the moving average of two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements being higher than the lower threshold.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the comparison further comprises comparing the moving average of two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements with an upper limit threshold, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters based on the fact that the moving average of the two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements is lower than the upper limit threshold.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Receive configuration from the first base station or the second base station, wherein the configuration indicates an attempt to reuse one or more stored TA parameters.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the configuration instructs the execution of the plurality of signal measurements of the second base station.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the network configuration indicates the one or more signal quality thresholds.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: A random access channel (RACH) procedure is performed in response to determining that the new one or more TA parameters have been obtained, wherein the communication with the second base station based on the determination is performed after the completion of the RACH procedure.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the comparison is performed prior to receiving the instruction to activate the SCG, wherein the method further comprises: Provide the first base station with an indication that one or more TA parameters are invalid; Uplink communication with the second base station is triggered during the SCG deactivation state; as well as The new one or more TA parameters are determined based on the uplink communication.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein comparing one or more signal quality measurements of the plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station with the one or more signal quality thresholds is performed after receiving the instruction to activate the SCG.

9. An apparatus comprising: At least one processor, the at least one processor being configured to cause the wireless device to: Communicating with a first base station of the cellular network, wherein the first base station is included in a primary cell group (MCG); Communicating with a second base station, wherein the second base station is included in a secondary cell group (SCG); Maintain one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for performing uplink communication with the second base station; Receive an instruction to deactivate the SCG; When the SCG is deactivated, multiple signal quality measurements of the second base station are performed; Receive an instruction to activate the SCG; In response to receiving an instruction to activate the SCG, the moving average of the plurality of signal quality measurements of the second base station is compared with one or more signal quality thresholds, wherein the comparison includes comparing the moving average with a lower limit threshold; Based on the comparison, it is determined whether to use one or more previously stored TA parameters or to obtain one or more new TA parameters; as well as Based on the determination, communication with the second base station is performed using one or more previously stored TA parameters or the new one or more TA parameters, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more stored TA parameters based on the moving average of two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements being higher than the lower threshold.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the comparison further comprises comparing the moving average with an upper limit threshold, wherein the communication with the second base station is performed using one or more previously stored TA parameters based on the fact that the moving average of two or more of the plurality of signal quality measurements is lower than the upper limit threshold.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the wireless device to: Receive configuration from the first base station or the second base station, wherein the configuration indicates an attempt to reuse one or more previously stored TA parameters.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the configuration indicates the one or more signal quality thresholds.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the wireless device to: A random access channel (RACH) procedure is performed in response to determining that the new one or more TA parameters have been obtained, wherein the communication with the second base station based on the determination is performed after the completion of the RACH procedure.

14. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the determination includes determining to use one or more previously stored TA parameters, wherein when using the one or more previously stored TA parameters fails, the at least one processor is further configured to cause the wireless device to: Perform the Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure to obtain the new one or more TA parameters; and Use the new one or more TA parameters to communicate with the second base station.

15. A method comprising: Consists of one or more nodes in a cellular network: Communicating with a wireless device, wherein a first node is included in the primary cell group (MCG) of the wireless device, wherein a second node is included in the secondary cell group (SCG) of the wireless device, and wherein at least the second node is included in one or more nodes of the cellular network; Maintain one or more timing advance (TA) parameters for receiving uplink communication from the wireless device using the second node; The wireless device is provided with a configuration for determining whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters after SCG activation, wherein the configuration indicates one or more signal quality thresholds, the one or more signal quality thresholds being used by the wireless device to compare with a moving average of two or more signal quality measurements of the second node to determine whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters, wherein the one or more signal quality thresholds include a lower limit threshold, below which the wireless device will determine that the one or more TA parameters are invalid; Activate the SCG of the wireless device immediately; At a second time, the SCG of the wireless device is activated, wherein the wireless device is configured to determine whether to reuse the one or more TA parameters based on the configuration; as well as The second node is used to communicate with the wireless device.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the communication is performed without performing a random access channel (RACH) procedure with the wireless device in response to the wireless device determining that it will reuse the one or more TA parameters.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising: In response to the wireless device determining that it will not use the one or more TA parameters, a random access channel (RACH) procedure with the wireless device is performed.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the configuration indicates an attempt to reuse the one or more TA parameters.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the first node performs the function of providing the configuration to the wireless device.

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