User equipment, base station, and communication control method

Abstract

A user device (100) that communicates with multiple networks (200A, 200B) using multiple subscriber identity modules (111, 112) communicates with a base station (210A) of a first network (200A) included in the multiple networks (200A, 200B). The user device (100) determines whether a second network (200B) included in the multiple networks (200A, 200B) is synchronized with the first network (200A). The user device (100) sends a radio resource control (RRC) message including an information element indicating whether the second network (200B) is synchronized with the first network (200A) to the base station (210A).

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application asserts a priority interest in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-058624, filed on March 30, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to user equipment, base stations, and communication control methods used in mobile communication systems. Background Technology

[0004] In version 17 of 3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), a standardization project for mobile communication systems, a work project has been launched to develop the functionality for user equipment equipped with multiple subscriber identification modules to conduct data communication simultaneously within the networks of multiple communication operators.

[0005] Currently, the structure for a user equipment (UE) to receive paging (i.e., incoming calls) while operating across multiple networks is not specified in standard specifications and depends on the UE's implementation. However, if an incoming call from another network (hereinafter, "second network") occurs while communicating with one network (hereinafter, "first network"), the UE will miss the call. Therefore, in the context of 3GPP standardization, methods for cooperatively receiving calls from multiple networks have been investigated (e.g., see Non-Patent Literature 1 to 4).

[0006] Non-Patent Documents 1 to 4 describe a method in which, in the case where a user device equipped with multiple subscriber identification modules has only one receiver (RX), in order to monitor paging from a second network while maintaining a connection with a first network, the first network configures an interruption timing for the user device to temporarily interrupt communication with the first network. This interruption timing is sometimes referred to as a "gap".

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Non-patent literature

[0009] Non-patent literature 1: 3GPP proposal: R2-2009265, “Scenarios and Impact analysis for Switching Notification”

[0010] Non-patent literature 2: 3GPP proposal: R2-2009557, "Switching between two links for Multi-SIM"

[0011] Non-patent literature 3: 3GPP proposal: R2-2010350, "Discussion on switching mechanism for multi-SIM".

[0012] Non-patent literature 4: 3GPP proposal: R2-2100475, "Discussion on switching Notification Procedure" Summary of the Invention

[0013] When the first and second networks are asynchronous, i.e., when their System Frame Numbers (SFNs) and / or frame timings are not aligned, interrupt timing cannot be properly configured for the user equipment from the first network. Consequently, the inventors discovered the problem that it is difficult for the user equipment to monitor paging from the second network while maintaining its connection status (RRC connection status) with the first network at the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer.

[0014] Therefore, the purpose of this disclosure is to provide a user equipment, a base station, and a communication control method that can smoothly monitor paging in a second network while maintaining a connection with the RRC layer of a first network.

[0015] The first approach involves a user equipment that communicates with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identification modules. The user equipment includes: a communication unit that communicates with a base station of a first network included in the multiple networks; and a control unit that determines whether a second network included in the multiple networks is synchronized with the first network. The communication unit sends a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message to the base station, including information elements indicating whether the second network is synchronized with the first network.

[0016] The second approach involves a base station in a mobile communication system in which a user equipment uses multiple subscriber identification modules to communicate with multiple networks, and the base station includes: a communication unit that receives a radio resource control (RRC) message from the user equipment, the RRC message containing information elements indicating whether a second network included in the multiple networks is synchronized with the first network; and a control unit that acquires the information elements contained in the RRC message.

[0017] The third approach involves a communication control method executed by a user device that communicates with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identification modules. The communication control method includes: a step of communicating with a base station of a first network included in the multiple networks; a step of determining whether a second network included in the multiple networks is synchronized with the first network; and a step of sending a radio resource control (RRC) message to the base station including information elements indicating whether the second network is synchronized with the first network. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. The drawings are as follows:

[0019] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the mobile communication system according to the first and second embodiments;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the protocol stack structure of a mobile communication system according to the first and second embodiments;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating structural examples of the UE according to the first and second embodiments;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a base station of the first network according to the first and second embodiments;

[0023] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an operation example of a UE configured to interrupt timing from a base station of the first network involved in the first and second embodiments;

[0024] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an operational example of the mobile communication system according to the first embodiment;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating an operational example of the mobile communication system according to the second embodiment;

[0026] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a modified example of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The mobile communication system according to the embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same or similar parts are given the same or similar reference numerals.

[0028] [First Implementation Method]

[0029] Reference Figures 1 to 6 The first embodiment will be described below.

[0030] (System Architecture)

[0031] Reference Figure 1 The structure of the mobile communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below. Hereinafter, the mobile communication system 1 will be mainly described as an example of the 5th generation system (5G / NR: New Radio) of the 3GPP standard. However, the 4th generation system (4G / LTE: Long Term Evolution) system and / or the 6th generation system can be applied at least partially to the mobile communication system 1.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the mobile communication system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a user equipment (UE) 100, a first network 200A, and a second network 200B.

[0033] UE 100 is a mobile wireless communication device. UE 100 can be any device used by a user. For example, UE 100 is a mobile phone terminal (including smartphones), a tablet terminal, a laptop PC, a communication module (including a communication card or chipset), a sensor or a device configured in a sensor, a vehicle or a device configured in a vehicle (Vehicle UE), and / or an aircraft or a device configured in an aircraft (Aerial UE).

[0034] UE 100 is a multi-SIM device that supports multiple Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs). The following primarily describes an example where UE 100 supports two SIMs, but UE 100 can also support three or more SIMs. "Supports multiple SIMs" means that UE 100 has the capability to handle multiple SIMs, or it may not need to have multiple SIMs mounted on it. This type of UE 100 is sometimes referred to as a "UE that supports multiple SIMs." Furthermore, the SIM is not limited to a card-type SIM (so-called a SIM card); it can also be an embedded SIM (so-called an eSIM) pre-assembled into the UE 100. SIM is sometimes referred to as USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module).

[0035] Network 200A is a network associated with one SIM card of UE 100. Network 200B is a network associated with another SIM card of UE 100. Assume UE 100 uses one SIM card for location registration with network 200A and another SIM card for location registration with network 200B. That is, UE 100 is in each of the first network 200A and the second network 200B. Networks 200A and 200B can be networks of different operators. However, networks 200A and 200B can also be networks of the same operator. Different PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) IDs can be assigned to networks 200A and 200B.

[0036] The first network 200A includes a base station 210A and a core network 220A constituting a radio access network. The core network 220A includes a mobility management device 221A and a gateway device 222A. Similarly, the second network 200B includes a base station 210B and a core network 220B constituting a radio access network. The core network 220B includes a mobility management device 221B and a gateway device 222B. Hereinafter, base station 210A and 200B will be referred to as base station 210 without distinction, mobility management device 221A and 221B will be referred to as mobility management device 221 without distinction, and gateway device 222A and 222B will be referred to as gateway device 222 without distinction.

[0037] Base station 210 is a wireless communication device for communicating wirelessly with UE 100. Base station 210 manages one or more cells. Base station 210 communicates wirelessly with UE 100, which has established a connection with the cell in the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer. Base station 210 has Radio Resource Management (RRM) functions, user data (hereinafter referred to as "data") routing functions, and / or measurement control functions for mobility control / scheduling, etc. "Cell" is used as a term to represent the smallest unit of a wireless communication area. "Cell" is also used as a term to represent a function or resource for communicating wirelessly with UE 100. A cell belongs to one carrier frequency. Figure 1 The image shows an example where base station 210A manages cell C1 and base station 210B manages cell C2. UE100 is located in the overlapping area of ​​cell C1 and cell C2.

[0038] In wireless communication between UE 100 and base station 210, the frames used are, for example, 10ms, and each frame is assigned a System Frame Number (SFN). For example, each frame is divided into 1ms subframes, and each subframe includes multiple OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) symbols.

[0039] Base station 210 can be a gNB acting as a 5G / NR base station or an eNB acting as a 4G / LTE base station. The following explanation primarily focuses on an example where base station 210 is a gNB. Base station 210 can be functionally divided into CU (Central Unit) and DU (Distributed Unit). Base station 210 can be a relay node such as an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node.

[0040] Mobility management device 221 is a device corresponding to the control plane, which performs various mobility management functions for UE 100. Mobility management device 221 communicates with UE 100 using NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling and manages information about the tracking area where UE 100 is located. Mobility management device 221 pagees UE 100 via base station 210 to notify UE 100 of incoming calls. Mobility management device 221 can be an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) in 5G / NR or an MME (Mobility Management Entity) in 4G / LTE.

[0041] Gateway device 222 is a device corresponding to the user plane and is a device for controlling the transmission of data of UE 100. Gateway device 222 can be a 5G / NR UPF (User Plane Function) or a 4G / LTE S-GW (Serving Gateway).

[0042] In this mobile communication system 1, we envision a scenario where a UE 100, equipped with only one receiver (RX), is simultaneously conducting data communication in both a first network 200A and a second network 200B. If a paging message from the second network 200B occurs while the UE 100 is communicating with the first network 200A, it will be unable to receive the paging message and will miss the incoming call.

[0043] To enable UE 100 to monitor paging from the second network 200B while maintaining an RRC connection with the first network 200A, the first network 200A configures UE 100 with an interruption timing that allows UE 100 to temporarily suspend communication with the first network 200A. However, when the first network 200A and the second network 200B are asynchronous, i.e., when their SFN and / or frame timings are not aligned, it is difficult to properly configure the interruption timing from the first network 200A to UE 100. In particular, when the first network 200A and the second network 200B are operated by different communication operators, the first network 200A and the second network 200B may be asynchronous.

[0044] (Example of a protocol stack structure)

[0045] Reference Figure 2 The structure of the protocol stack of mobile communication system 1 is illustrated.

[0046] like Figure 2 As shown, the protocol of the radio interval between UE 100 and base station 210 includes a physical (PHY) layer, a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer, a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer, and an RRC layer.

[0047] The PHY layer performs encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, antenna mapping / demapping, and resource mapping / demapping. Data and control information are transmitted between the PHY layer of UE100 and the PHY layer of base station 210 via physical channels.

[0048] The MAC layer performs data priority control, retransmission processing based on Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), and random access procedures. Data and control information are transmitted between the MAC layer of UE 100 and the MAC layer of base station 210 via a transport channel. The MAC layer of base station 210 includes a scheduler. The scheduler determines the uplink and downlink transmission formats (transmission block size, modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) and allocates resources to UE 100.

[0049] The RLC layer utilizes the functions of the MAC layer and PHY layer to transmit data to the RLC layer on the receiving side. Data and control information are transmitted between the RLC layer of UE 100 and the RLC layer of base station 210 via a logical channel.

[0050] The PDCP layer performs header compression / decompression and encryption / decryption.

[0051] The SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer can be configured as a higher layer than the PDCP layer. The SDAP layer maps IP flows to radio bearers. The IP flow is the unit for QoS (Quality of Service) control in the core network, and the radio bearer is the unit for QoS control in the AS (Access Stratum).

[0052] The RRC layer controls logical channels, transport channels, and physical channels in response to the establishment, reconstruction, and release of radio bearers. RRC signaling for various configurations is transmitted between the RRC layer of UE 100 and the RRC layer of base station 210. When an RRC connection exists between the RRC layers of UE 100 and base station 210, UE 100 is in an RRC connected state. When there is no RRC connection between UE 100 and base station 210, UE 100 is in an RRC idle state. When the RRC connection between UE 100 and base station 210 is suspended, UE 100 is in an RRC inactive state.

[0053] The NAS layer, located above the RRC layer, performs session management and mobility management for UE 100. NAS signaling is transmitted between the NAS layer of UE 100 and the NAS layer of mobility management device 221.

[0054] In addition to the wireless interface protocol, UE 100 also has an application layer, etc.

[0055] (Example of UE structure)

[0056] Reference Figure 3 The structure of UE 100 will be explained.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, UE 100 includes antenna 101, SIM 111, SIM 112, communication unit 120, and control unit 130. Antenna 101 can be configured externally to UE 100. SIM 111 and SIM 112 are SIM cards or eSIMs.

[0058] SIM 111 stores subscriber information and configuration information required for communication between UE 100 and the first network 200A. SIM 111 stores identification information of UE 100 in the first network 200A, such as telephone number and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity).

[0059] SIM 112 stores subscriber information and configuration information required for UE 100 to communicate with the second network 200B. SIM 112 also stores identification information of UE 100 in the second network 200B, such as telephone number and IMSI.

[0060] Under the control of the control unit 130, the communication unit 120 performs wireless communication with the first network 200A and the second network 200B via the antenna 101. The communication unit 120 may have only one receiver (RX) 121. In this case, the communication unit 120 cannot simultaneously receive signals from both the first network 200A and the second network 200B. The communication unit 120 may also have only one transmitter (TX) 122. However, the communication unit 120 may also have multiple transmitters 122. The receiver 121 converts the wireless signal received by the antenna 101 into a baseband signal, processes the received signal, and outputs it to the control unit 130. The transmitter 122 processes the baseband signal output by the control unit 130, converts it into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal from the antenna 101.

[0061] The control unit 130 controls the communication unit 120 and performs various controls within the UE 100. The control unit 130 uses SIM 111 to control communication with the first network 200A and SIM 112 to control communication with the second network 200B. The control unit 130 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information for processor-based processing. The memory may include at least one of ROM (Read Only Memory), EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and flash memory. The processor may include a digital signal processor (DSP) for digital processing of digital signals and a central processing unit (CPU) for executing programs. Furthermore, a portion of the memory may also be configured in the communication unit 120. Additionally, the DSP may also be configured in the communication unit 120.

[0062] In the UE 100 configured in this way, the control unit 130 determines whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A. The communication unit 120 sends an RRC message containing information elements indicating whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A to the base station 210A of the first network 200A. Thus, the base station 210A communicating with the UE 100 can determine whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A based on the RRC message received from the UE 100. Therefore, the base station 210A can appropriately configure interrupt timing for the UE 100 considering whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A.

[0063] (Example of a base station structure)

[0064] Reference Figure 4 The structure of base station 210A of the first network 200A will be described.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the base station 210A includes an antenna 211, a communication unit 212, a network interface 213, and a control unit 214.

[0066] The communication unit 212, under the control of the control unit 214, communicates with the UE 100 via the antenna 211. The communication unit 212 includes a receiving unit 212a and a transmitting unit 212b. The receiving unit 212a converts the radio signal received by the antenna 211 into a received signal as a baseband signal, processes the received signal, and outputs it to the control unit 214. The transmitting unit 212b processes the transmitted signal, which is the baseband signal output by the control unit 214, converts it into a radio signal, and transmits the radio signal from the antenna 211.

[0067] Network interface 213 is connected to core network 220A. Under the control of control unit 214, network interface 213 performs network communication with mobility management device 221A and gateway device 222A.

[0068] The control unit 214 controls the communication unit 212 and performs various controls within the base station 210A. The control unit 214 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information for processor-based processing. The memory may include at least one of ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, RAM, and flash memory. The processor may include a digital signal processor (DSP) for digital signal processing and a central processing unit (CPU) for executing programs. Furthermore, a portion of the memory may also be configured in the communication unit 212. Additionally, the DSP may also be configured in the communication unit 212.

[0069] In this base station 210A configuration, the communication unit 212 receives an RRC message from the UE 100, which includes information elements indicating whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A. The control unit 214 acquires the information elements contained in the RRC message. Thus, the base station 210A, communicating with the UE 100, can determine whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A based on the RRC message received from the UE 100. Therefore, the base station 210A can appropriately configure interrupt timing for the UE 100 considering whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A.

[0070] (Operation of mobile communication systems)

[0071] Reference Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 The operation of mobile communication system 1 is explained.

[0072] (1) UE operation example

[0073] Reference Figure 5 An operational example of a UE 100 configured with an interrupt timing from base station 210A of the first network 200A will be described.

[0074] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, UE 100 is assumed to be in RRC connected state in cell C1 of the first network 200A, and in RRC idle state or RRC inactive state in cell C2 of the second network 200B.

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, the time intervals from time t1 to time t2 and from time t3 to time t4 correspond to the interruption timings of UE100's communication with base station 210A. Here, an example is illustrated of configuring the measurement gap by using the radio state of the second network 200B as the interruption timing for measurement.

[0076] During each interrupt timing, the control unit 130 of UE 100 switches the target of the communication unit 120 receiving radio signals from the first network 200A to the second network 200B, and performs SSB (SS: Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block) measurement for the second network 200B. Thus, the control unit 130 of UE 100 establishes synchronization with the second network 200B and measures the reception quality.

[0077] SSB is an example of a known signal. An SSB includes the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), PBCH (Physical Broadcast Channel), and Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS). For example, an SSB can comprise four consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. Additionally, an SSB can comprise 240 consecutive subcarriers (i.e., 20 resource blocks) in the frequency domain. PBCH is the physical channel carrying the Primary Information Block (MIB).

[0078] After measuring the SSB of the second network 200B during each interruption time interval, the control unit 130 of UE 100 monitors the paging of the second network 200B. The paging monitoring is performed by receiving the PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel) from the base station 210B of the second network 200B to confirm whether there is a paging to UE 100.

[0079] To reduce power consumption, UE 100 uses Discontinuous Reception (DRX) to intermittently monitor paging. The period of this paging monitoring is called the DRX period. Furthermore, the frame in which UE 100 should monitor paging is called the paging frame (PF), and the subframe in the PF in which UE 100 should monitor paging is called the paging opportunity (PO).

[0080] Therefore, it is preferable to set the interrupt timing to include the timing of the PF / PO configured for UE 100 and the SSB measurement timing before the PF / PO. However, UE 100 does not necessarily need to perform SSB measurement for every PF / PO. For example, if UE 100 can maintain the measurement results (including synchronization status) of the second network 200B even when communicating with the first network 200A, UE 100 can perform SSB measurement at a period longer than the DRX period. Therefore, the interrupt timing for SSB measurement and the interrupt timing for paging monitoring can be configured separately.

[0081] Furthermore, the interruption timing for communication with base station 210A is not limited to the configuration of UE 100 as a measurement gap. The interruption timing for communication with base station 210A can be configured using the DRX (C-DRX) parameter for RRC connection state. For example, base station 210A will... Figure 5 The period from time t2 to time t3 is set as the On Duration (reception enabled), and the periods from time t1 to time t2 and from time t3 to time t4 are set as the On Duration (reception disabled). UE 100 is configured with On Duration and DRX period in this manner. During the reception disabled period configured from base station 210A, UE 100 performs SSB measurement and paging monitoring for the second network 200B. Therefore, the interrupt timing can be configured as the measurement gap and / or the reception disabled period for DRX.

[0082] (2) Operational Examples of Mobile Communication Systems

[0083] Reference Figure 6 An operational example of the mobile communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 6 In this context, UE 100 is assumed to be in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state in cell C2 of the second network 200B (base station 210B).

[0084] Step S1:

[0085] UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives SSBs from base station 210A of the first network 200A and from base station 210B of the second network 200B. UE 100 (control unit 130) determines whether the first network 200A and the second network 200B are synchronized based on these SSBs. Specifically, UE 100 (control unit 130) determines whether cell C1 of base station 210A and cell C2 of base station 210B are synchronized. Hereinafter, this synchronization determination is referred to as "inter-network synchronization determination," and the result of the inter-network synchronization determination is referred to as "inter-network synchronization status."

[0086] UE 100 (control unit 130) determines the timing of the frame start-up for each of cell C1 and cell C2 based, for example, on the synchronization signal (PSS / SSS) in the SSB, and compares the timing of the frame start-up for each of cell C1 and cell C2. Thus, UE 100 (control unit 130) determines whether the frame timings of cell C1 and cell C2 are consistent. If it is determined that the frame timings of cell C1 and cell C2 are inconsistent, UE 100 (control unit 130) can measure the difference (differential) in the frame timings between cell C1 and cell C2.

[0087] Furthermore, the UE 100 (control unit 130) determines the SFN of cell C1 and cell C2 respectively based on the SFN contained in the MIB in the SSB, and compares the SFNs of cell C1 and cell C2. Thus, the UE 100 (control unit 130) determines whether the SFNs of cell C1 and cell C2 are consistent. If the UE 100 (control unit 130) determines that the SFNs of cell C1 and cell C2 are inconsistent, it can measure the difference in SFNs between cell C1 and cell C2.

[0088] Furthermore, when base station 210A and / or base station 210B are eNBs, UE 100 (communication unit 120) can replace the SSB to receive synchronization signals (PSS / SSS) and each MIB from the eNB. UE 100 (control unit 130) can also perform the synchronization determination in step S1 based on the received synchronization signals (PSS / SSS) and MIBs.

[0089] Step S2:

[0090] Based on the result of the inter-network synchronization determination in step S1, UE 100 (control unit 130) generates an RRC message including information elements (hereinafter referred to as "synchronization association information") indicating whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A. UE 100 (communication unit 120) sends the RRC message including the synchronization association information to base station 210A of the first network 200A. Base station 210A (communication unit 212) receives the RRC message.

[0091] Synchronization association information may include information indicating whether the SFN (Signal Formatting Number) is consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B (i.e., a 1-bit flag). For example, if the SFN is consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B, the synchronization association information may include "1 (true)". Conversely, if the SFN is inconsistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B, the synchronization association information may include "0 (false)". Thus, base station 210A can determine whether the SFN is consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B. Furthermore, such information can suppress and reduce the amount of transmitted information.

[0092] Synchronization association information may include information indicating whether the frame timing is consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B (i.e., 1-bit flag information). For example, if the frame timing is consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B, the synchronization association information may include "1 (true)". Alternatively, for example, if the frame timing is inconsistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B, the synchronization association information may include "0 (false)". Thus, base station 210A can determine whether the frame timing is consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B. Furthermore, such information can suppress and reduce the amount of information transmitted.

[0093] Synchronization association information may include information indicating whether the SFN and frame timing are consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B (i.e., 1-bit flag information). For example, if the SFN and frame timing are consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B, the synchronization association information may include "1 (true)". Alternatively, for example, if at least one of the SFN and frame timing is inconsistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B, the synchronization association information may include "0 (false)". Thus, base station 210A can determine whether the SFN and frame timing are consistent between the first network 200A and the second network 200B. Furthermore, such information can suppress and further reduce the amount of transmitted information.

[0094] The synchronization association information may include at least one of information indicating the difference in SFN between the first network 200A and the second network 200B (e.g., SFN offset value) and information indicating the difference in frame timing between the first network 200A and the second network 200B (e.g., frame timing offset value). Thus, the base station 210A can grasp the detailed inter-network synchronization status.

[0095] UE 100 (control unit 130) may also include such difference information in the RRC message instead of the aforementioned 1-bit flag. When the value (difference value) of the difference information indicating the difference in SFN is zero, base station 210A can be considered as having consistent SFN between the first network 200A and the second network 200B. Similarly, when the value (difference value) of the difference information indicating the difference in frame timing is zero, base station 210A can be considered as having consistent frame timing between the first network 200A and the second network 200B.

[0096] Alternatively, UE 100 (control unit 130) may combine such difference information with the aforementioned 1-bit flag information and include it in the RRC message. For example, in the case where the SFNs are inconsistent but the frame timings are consistent, UE 100 (control unit 130) may also include difference information indicating the SFN differences and 1-bit flag information indicating the frame timing consistency in the RRC message.

[0097] UE 100 (control unit 130) may further include in the RRC message at least one of the PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network) ID of the second network 200B and the cell ID of cell C2 of the second network 200B (i.e., the cell where UE 100 is waiting). Thus, base station 210A can determine the network and / or cell where UE 100 is waiting based on the RRC message. Additionally, UE 100 (control unit 130) may also include in the RRC message at least one of the base station ID of base station 210B, the frequency ID of the frequency to which cell C2 belongs, and information regarding the configuration of the interruption timing request.

[0098] In step S2, the RRC message sent from UE 100 to base station 210A can be a message used when establishing, rebuilding, or restoring an RRC connection with base station 210A. That is, the RRC message sent from UE 100 to base station 210A can also be a message sent during a random access procedure for UE 100 to transition from an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state to an RRC connected state. In such an RRC message, UE 100 notifies base station 210A of synchronization association information. Thus, when communication between UE 100 and base station 210A begins, base station 210A can grasp the inter-network synchronization state. Furthermore, the RRC message used to establish an RRC connection with base station 210A can be a 5G / NR RRCSetupComplete message or a 4G / LTE RRCConnectionSetupComplete message. The RRC message used to rebuild an RRC connection with base station 210A can be a 5G / NR RRCReestablishmentComplete message or a 4G / LTE RRCConnectionReestablishmentComplete message. The RRC message used to restore the RRC connection with base station 210A can be an RRCResumeComplete message.

[0099] In step S2, the RRC message sent from UE 100 to base station 210A can be an auxiliary information message sent by UE 100 to base station 210A as auxiliary information after UE 100 establishes, rebuilds, or restores its RRC connection with base station 210A. That is, the RRC message sent from UE 100 to base station 210A can also be a message sent autonomously by UE 100 after it transitions to an RRC connection state. In such an RRC message, UE 100 notifies base station 210A of synchronization association information. Therefore, when UE 100 determines that it needs to measure the second network 200B and / or paging monitoring, it can prompt base station 210A to configure the interrupt timing. Furthermore, such an auxiliary information message can be a UEAssistanceInformation message and / or a newly defined RRC message (e.g., a MultiSIMUEInformation message) to support UEs with multiple SIMs.

[0100] In step S2, the RRC message sent from UE 100 to base station 210A can be a response message (e.g., a UEInformationResponse message) sent by UE 100 in response to a transmission request from base station 210A after UE 100 establishes, rebuilds, or restores an RRC connection with base station 210A of the first network 200A. UE 100 may include information indicating the presence of synchronization association information to be sent to base station 210A in the message used to establish, rebuild, or restore the RRC connection with base station 210A as described above. Additionally, UE 100 may use the logical channel ID of the MAC CE in message 3 sent during the random access procedure to notify base station 210A of its ability to support multiple SIMs. Based on this information, base station 210A sends a message to UE 100 requesting the transmission of synchronization association information (e.g., a UEInformationRequest message). In response to this request message, UE 100 sends a response message to base station 210A including the synchronization association information. UE 100 notifies base station 210A of the synchronization association information in this response message. Therefore, base station 210A can only perform control such as requesting synchronization association information from UE 100 if base station 210A can be configured with an interrupt timing.

[0101] Furthermore, base station 210A (communication unit 212) may, for example, include information in the SIB instructing UE 100 to send synchronization association information and broadcast it. UE 100 (communication unit 120) may send synchronization association information to base station 210A only if base station 210A authorizes the transmission of synchronization association information.

[0102] Additionally, base station 210A (communication unit 212) may, for example, include in the SIB information indicating a request for UE 100 to obtain and send synchronization association information and broadcast it. UE 100 (communication unit 120) may, in response to base station 210A's request to obtain and send synchronization association information, send synchronization association information to base station 210A.

[0103] Step S3:

[0104] Base station 210A (control unit 214) determines the interrupt timing configured for UE 100 based on the information contained in the RRC message received from UE 100, and configures the determined interrupt timing for UE 100. For example, base station 210A (control unit 214) sends an RRC reconfiguration message to UE 100 including an interrupt timing configuration indicating the determined interrupt timing. UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives the RRC reconfiguration message. UE 100 (communication unit 130) stores and applies the interrupt timing configuration contained in the received RRC reconfiguration message. The RRC reconfiguration message can be a 5G / NR RRCReconfiguration message or a 4G / LTE RRCConnectionReconfiguration message.

[0105] The interrupt timing configuration for UE 100 includes, for example, an interrupt period (as the period of interrupt timing) and an interrupt time width (as the time width of interrupt timing) as configuration parameters. When using the measurement gap as the interrupt timing, the measurement gap configuration can be used as the interrupt timing configuration. The measurement gap configuration (measurement gap parameter set) can include gapOffset, mgl, mgrp, and mgta. mgl is the measurement gap length. mgrp is the measurement gap repetition period (MGRP). mgta is the measurement gap timing advance. gapOffset is the gap offset accompanying the gap pattern of MGRP.

[0106] Based on the synchronization association information contained in the RRC message received from UE 100, base station 210A (control unit 214) determines that if at least one of the SFN and / or frame timing between the first network 200A and the second network 200B is inconsistent, it generates an interruption timing configuration considering the inter-network synchronization state. In this case, base station 210A (control unit 214) can perform processing to determine the SFN and / or frame timing of the second network 200B (cell C2). For example, base station 210A (control unit 214) can obtain information on determining the SFN and / or frame timing of the second network 200B (cell C2) from the second network 200B (e.g., base station 210B). Alternatively, for example, base station 210A (control unit 214) can obtain this information from OAM (Operations Administration Maintenance).

[0107] Step S4:

[0108] Base station 210A (control unit 214) allocates radio resources to UE 100 and communicates with UE 100 at times other than the interrupt timing configured for UE 100. UE 100 (control unit 130) monitors the PDCCH of base station 210A and communicates with base station 210A at times other than the interrupt timing configured from base station 210A.

[0109] Step S5:

[0110] At a time other than the interruption timer configured for UE 100, base station 210A (control unit 214) does not allocate radio resources to UE 100 and interrupts communication with UE 100. At the interruption timer configured from base station 210A, UE 100 (control unit 130) interrupts communication with base station 210A and performs radio status measurement and paging monitoring of the second network 200B.

[0111] (Summary of the first implementation method)

[0112] As described above, UE 100 sends an RRC message including synchronization association information to base station 210A of the first network 200A. This synchronization association information is an information element indicating whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A. Therefore, base station 210A, communicating with UE 100, can determine whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A based on the RRC message received from UE 100. Consequently, base station 210A can appropriately configure interrupt timing for UE 100 considering whether the second network 200B is synchronized with the first network 200A.

[0113] [Second Implementation]

[0114] The second embodiment will be described in detail, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0115] In order for UE 100 to receive a paging from the second network 200B, UE 100 needs to perform a radio state measurement at the second network 200B before monitoring the paging from the second network 200B. The radio state measurement includes at least one of the following: receiving a synchronization signal to establish synchronization, and performing a measurement based on known signals. That is, in order to perform a radio state measurement at the second network 200B, UE 100 needs to receive known signals from the base station 210 of the second network 200B.

[0116] In the second embodiment, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 acquires a measurement timing configuration that instructs the UE 100 to measure the timing of the wireless state at the second network 200B. That is, the control unit 130 acquires a measurement timing configuration for performing measurements based on known signals in the second network 200B.

[0117] For example, the measurement timing configuration is an SMTC (SSB measurement timing configuration) window configured for UE 100 by base station 210B of the second network 200B. UE 100 performs SSB detection and measurement within the configured SMTC window. The SMTC window is specified by configuration parameters for the SSB measurement period, offset, and measurement time width. The SSB measurement period and offset are the period and offset of the measurement window for receiving SSBs, for example, given by the number of subframes. The measurement period is configured from 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 ms, and does not necessarily need to be the same as the actual SSB transmission period. The measurement time width (also called Duration) is the duration of the measurement window for receiving SSBs, for example, given by the number of subframes. Depending on the number of SSBs transmitted, it is configured from 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 ms (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 subframes).

[0118] Furthermore, when the base station 210B of the second network 200B is an eNB, the timing of sending PSS and / or SSS (hereinafter also referred to as PSS, SSS window) can be used as the measurement timing configuration instead of the SMTC window.

[0119] In the second embodiment, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 generates an RRC message including the acquired measurement timing configuration and the aforementioned synchronization association information. The communication unit 120 of the UE 100 sends the RRC message to the base station 210A of the first network 200A. After sending the RRC message, the communication unit 120 of the UE 100 receives an RRC reconfiguration message from the base station 210A, including an interrupt timing configuration indicating the timing for interrupting communication with the base station 210A. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 interrupts communication with the base station 210A according to the interrupt timing configuration and measures the radio status.

[0120] In this way, UE 100 sends an RRC message containing the measurement timing configuration of the second network 200B to base station 210A. As a result, base station 210A can determine the measurement timing at which UE 100 should perform measurements of the radio state of the second network 200B. Consequently, base station 210A can determine an appropriate interrupt timing that takes into account the measurement timing of the radio state of the second network 200B based on UE 100.

[0121] Reference Figure 7 An operational example of the mobile communication system 1 according to the second embodiment will be described. The basic operation is the same as in the first embodiment; therefore, an operational example of the mobile communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described (see [reference]). Figure 6 The differences between them.

[0122] Step S101:

[0123] The base station 210B (communication unit 212) of the second network 200B sends a message including the measurement timing configuration in the second network 200B (step S101).

[0124] The message including the measurement timing configuration in the second network 200B can be a System Information Block (SIB) broadcast from the base station 210B. The UE 100 can receive the SIB not only when the second network 200B is in an RRC connected state, but also when the second network 200B is in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. Such an SIB can be an SIB for controlling cell reselection of the UE 100 in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state, such as 5G / NR SIB type 2 or SIB type 4. SIB type 2 is an SIB for intra-frequency cell reselection. SIB type 4 is an SIB for inter-frequency cell reselection. The UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives such an SIB. The UE 100 (control unit 130) obtains the measurement timing configuration contained in the SIB (step S102).

[0125] The message including the measurement timing configuration in the second network 200B can be an RRC release message sent from base station 210B to UE 100. An RRC release message is a type of RRC message used to transition UE 100 from an RRC connected state to an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. By notifying UE 100 of the measurement timing configuration in the RRC release message, base station 210B can configure the measurement timing optimized for each UE. UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives such an RRC release message. UE 100 (control unit 130) obtains the measurement timing configuration contained in the RRC release message (step S102).

[0126] Furthermore, the measurement timing configuration is not limited to the aforementioned SMTC window or PSS / SSS window. The measurement timing configuration only needs to be configuration information that instructs UE 100 to measure the radio status at the second network 200B. The measurement timing configuration includes at least one of the following as configuration parameters: measurement period, offset, and measurement time width.

[0127] UE 100 (control unit 130) can generate and obtain measurement timing configuration based on the signal transmission configuration in the second network 200B. For example, in the case of 5G / NR, the signal transmission configuration is at least one of the following 1) to 3).

[0128] 1) The subCarrierSpacingCommon contained in the MIB broadcast from base station 210B

[0129] 2) SSB-PeriodicityServingCell included in SIB type 1 broadcast from base station 210B

[0130] 3) The SIB type 1 broadcast from base station 210B includes the following information elements: ssb-PositionsInBurstsubCarrierSpacingCommon, which indicates the subcarrier spacing; ssb-PeriodicityServingCell, which indicates the SSB transmission period; and ssb-PositionsInBurst, which indicates the SSB position in the time domain.

[0131] Step S103:

[0132] The UE 100 (control unit 130) performs inter-network synchronization determination in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, step S103 can be performed simultaneously with step S102, or it can be performed before step S102.

[0133] Step S104:

[0134] UE 100 (control unit 130) generates an RRC message including the measurement timing configuration obtained in step S102 and the synchronization association information obtained in step S103. Then, UE 100 (communication unit 120) sends the RRC message including the measurement timing configuration to the base station 210A of the first network 200A.

[0135] Step S105:

[0136] Base station 210A (control unit 214) determines the interrupt timing configured for UE 100 based on the synchronization association information and measurement timing configuration contained in the RRC message received from UE 100. For example, base station 210A (control unit 214) determines the period and duration of the interrupt timing in a manner that covers the timing of measurements performed by UE 100 on the second network 200B. Here, base station 210A (control unit 214) considers the inter-network synchronization status when determining the interrupt timing. Base station 210A (control unit 214) generates an RRC reconfiguration message that includes the interrupt timing configuration indicating the determined interrupt timing.

[0137] Step S106:

[0138] Base station 210A (communication unit 212) sends an RRC reconfiguration message including interrupt timing configuration to UE 100. UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives the RRC reconfiguration message. UE 100 (communication unit 130) stores and applies the interrupt timing configuration contained in the received RRC reconfiguration message.

[0139] Step S107:

[0140] UE 100 (communication unit 120) sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to base station 210A. This RRC reconfiguration completion message indicates that the configuration based on the RRC reconfiguration message from base station 210A has been completed. Base station 210A (communication unit 212) receives the RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0141] Step S108:

[0142] Base station 210A (control unit 214) allocates radio resources to UE 100 and communicates with UE 100 at times other than the interrupt timing configured for UE 100. UE 100 (control unit 130) monitors the PDCCH of base station 210A and communicates with base station 210A at times other than the interrupt timing configured from base station 210A.

[0143] Step S109:

[0144] Base station 210A (control unit 214) does not allocate radio resources to UE 100 and interrupts communication with UE 100 at a time other than the interrupt timing configured for UE 100. UE 100 (control unit 130) interrupts communication with base station 210A at the interrupt timing configured from base station 210A and measures the radio status of the second network 200B.

[0145] Thus, according to the second embodiment, UE 100 can measure the radio status of the second network 200B using an interrupt timing configuration that takes into account the measurement timing configuration of the second network 200B. Therefore, UE 100 can minimize the time required for communication interruption with base station 210A, thereby suppressing the reduction in communication throughput with base station 210A. Furthermore, by monitoring paging from the second network 200B based on the measurement of its radio status, UE 100 can appropriately receive paging from the second network 200B.

[0146] [Example of a modification to the second embodiment]

[0147] For the modified example of the second embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment described above will be explained.

[0148] In a variation of the second embodiment, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 further acquires a paging parameter set for determining the timing (i.e., PF / PO) of the paging monitoring performed by the UE 100 in the second network 200B. The communication unit 120 of the UE 100 sends an RRC message, which also includes the paging parameter set, to the base station 210A. Thus, the base station 210A can determine the timing at which the UE 100 should perform paging monitoring in the second network 200B. As a result, the base station 210A can determine an appropriate interruption timing that takes into account the paging monitoring timing of the second network 200B based on the UE 100.

[0149] In a variation of the second embodiment, after sending an RRC message, the communication unit 120 of the UE 100 receives an RRC reconfiguration message from the base station 210A, which includes an interrupt timing configuration. The interrupt timing configuration indicates the timing for interrupting communication with the base station 210A to perform radio status measurement and paging monitoring. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 interrupts communication with the base station 210A according to the interrupt timing configuration and performs radio status measurement and paging monitoring.

[0150] Therefore, UE 100 can monitor paging of the second network 200B using an interruption timing configuration that takes into account the paging parameter set of the second network 200B. Thus, UE 100 can minimize the time required for communication interruption with base station 210A to perform radio status measurement and paging monitoring of the second network 200B, thereby suppressing the reduction in communication throughput with base station 210A.

[0151] Reference Figure 8 A modified example of the second embodiment will be described.

[0152] Steps S111 and S112:

[0153] The base station 210B (communication unit 212) of the second network 200B sends a message including the measurement timing configuration in the second network 200B (step S111). The UE 100 (control unit 130) obtains the measurement timing configuration contained in the message from the base station 210B (step S112). In a variation of the second embodiment, the UE 100 (control unit 130) obtains not only the measurement timing configuration but also the paging parameter set (step S112).

[0154] For example, the paging parameter set includes a set of parameters used to determine the PF and PO for paging in the second network 200B. First, the paging parameter set may include configuration information for paging. This configuration information may be PCCH (Paging Control Channel)-Config. This configuration information is contained in system information transmitted in the second network 200B. UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives the system information in the second network 200B. Then, UE 100 (control unit 130) obtains the configuration information contained in the system information.

[0155] Second, the paging parameter set includes the ID of UE 100 in the second network 200B. For example, if the base station 210B of the second network 200B is a gNB, the ID is the 5G-S-TMSI (Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity) of UE 100 in the second network 200B or the lowest 10 bits of the 5G-S-TMSI. If the base station 210B of the second network 200B is an eNB, the ID is the IMSI of UE 100 in the second network 200B or the lowest 10 bits of the IMSI.

[0156] Here, the methods for determining PF and PO are explained. In the case of 5G / NR, PF is determined by the following formula:

[0157] (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)

[0158] SFN is the SFN of PF. PF_offset is used to determine the offset of the PF. T is the DRX (discontinuous reception) cycle of UE 100. UE_ID is the lowest 10 bits of the 5G-S-TMSI. N is the total number of PFs within T. For example, T is represented by the defaultPagingCycle contained in PCCH-Config. For example, N and PF_offset are represented by nAndPagingFrameOffset contained in PCCH-Config.

[0159] In the 5G / NR scenario, PO is determined by the following formula:

[0160] i_s = floor(UE_ID / N) mod Ns

[0161] `i_s` represents the index of the PO. `UE_ID` is the lowest 10 bits of the 5G-S-TMSI. `N` is the total number of PFs within `T`. `T` is the DRX cycle of the UE 100. `Ns` is the number of POs for a PF. For example, `N` is represented by `nAndPagingFrameOffset` contained in `PCCH-Config`. `Ns` is represented by `ns` contained in `PCCH-Config`. A PO is associated with a PF. For example, a PO may begin within a PF or after a PF.

[0162] In the 4G / LTE scenario, PF is determined by the following formula:

[0163] SFN mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)

[0164] SFN is the SFN of PF. T is the DRX cycle of UE 100. N is the smaller of T and nB. nB is a configured parameter. UE_ID is the lowest 10 bits of IMSI. For example, T is represented by the defaultPagingCycle contained in PCCH-Config. nB is represented by the nB contained in PCCH-Config.

[0165] In the 4G / LTE scenario, PO is determined by the following formula:

[0166] i_s = floor(UE_ID / N) mod Ns

[0167] `i_s` represents the index of the PO. `UE_ID` is the lowest 10 bits of the IMSI. `N` is the smaller of `T` and `nB`. `T` is the DRX cycle of UE 100, and `nB` is a configured parameter. `Ns` is the larger of 1 and `nB / T`. For example, `T` is represented by the `defaultPagingCycle` contained in `PCCH-Config`. `nB` is represented by the `nB` contained in `PCCH-Config`.

[0168] Step S113:

[0169] The UE 100 (control unit 130) performs inter-network synchronization determination in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, step S113 can be performed simultaneously with step S112, or it can be performed before step S112.

[0170] Step S114:

[0171] UE 100 (control unit 130) generates an RRC message that includes the measurement timing configuration and paging parameter set obtained in step S112 and the synchronization association information obtained in step S113. Then, UE 100 (communication unit 120) sends the RRC message to the base station 210A of the first network 200A.

[0172] Step S115:

[0173] Base station 210A (control unit 214) determines the interruption timing configured for UE 100 based on the measurement timing configuration, paging parameter set, and synchronization association information contained in the RRC message received from UE 100. Base station 210A (control unit 214) determines the period and duration of the interruption timing in a manner that covers the timing of UE 100's measurements of the second network 200B (e.g., SMTC window) and the timing of monitoring paging (e.g., PF / PO). Base station 210A (control unit 214) generates an RRC reconfiguration message that includes the interruption timing configuration indicating the determined interruption timing.

[0174] Step S116:

[0175] Base station 210A (communication unit 212) sends an RRC reconfiguration message including interrupt timing configuration to UE 100. UE 100 (communication unit 120) receives the RRC reconfiguration message. UE 100 (communication unit 130) stores and applies the interrupt timing configuration contained in the received RRC reconfiguration message.

[0176] Step S117:

[0177] UE 100 (communication unit 120) sends an RRC reconfiguration completion message to base station 210A. This RRC reconfiguration completion message indicates the completion of configuration based on the RRC reconfiguration message from base station 210A. Base station 210A (communication unit 212) receives the RRC reconfiguration completion message.

[0178] Step S118:

[0179] Base station 210A (control unit 214) allocates radio resources to UE 100 and communicates with UE 100 at times other than the interrupt timing configured for UE 100. UE 100 (control unit 130) monitors the PDCCH of base station 210A and communicates with base station 210A at times other than the interrupt timing configured from base station 210A.

[0180] Step S119:

[0181] Base station 210A (control unit 214) does not allocate radio resources to UE 100 and interrupts communication with UE 100 at a time other than the interrupt timing configured for UE 100. UE 100 (control unit 130) interrupts communication with base station 210A at the interrupt timing configured from base station 210A, and measures the radio status of the second network 200B and monitors paging on the second network 200B.

[0182] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0183] In the operation of the above-described embodiments, the first network 200A and base station 210A can be replaced with cell C1 (first cell), or the first network 200A and base station 210A can be replaced with cell C2 (second cell).

[0184] The steps in the above-described embodiments do not necessarily need to be executed sequentially according to the order shown in the flowchart or sequence diagram. For example, the steps in the operation can be executed in a different order than that shown in the flowchart or sequence diagram, or they can be executed in parallel. In addition, a part of the steps in the operation can be deleted, and further steps can be added to the process. Furthermore, the above-described operation processes are not limited to being implemented independently, and two or more operation processes can be combined for implementation. For example, a part of the steps in one operation process can be added to another operation process, or a part of the steps in one operation process can be replaced with a part of the steps in another operation process.

[0185] Programs may also be provided to enable a computer to perform the various processes performed by the UE 100 or the base station 210. These programs may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. Using the computer-readable medium, programs can be installed on the computer. Here, the computer-readable medium containing the programs may also be a non-transitory recording medium. There are no particular limitations on the non-transitory recording medium; for example, it may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. Alternatively, the circuitry for performing the various processes performed by the UE 100 or the base station 210 may be integrated, and at least a portion of the UE 100 or the base station 210 may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chipset, SoC).

[0186] Furthermore, in the above embodiments, "transmit" can refer to processing at least one layer within the protocol stack used for transmission, or it can refer to physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or via a wired connection. Alternatively, "transmit" can also refer to a combination of performing the aforementioned processing at least one layer and physically transmitting a signal wirelessly or via a wired connection. Similarly, "receive" can refer to processing at least one layer within the protocol stack used for reception, or it can refer to physically receiving a signal wirelessly or via a wired connection. Alternatively, "receive" can also refer to a combination of performing the aforementioned processing at least one layer and physically receiving a signal wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0187] This disclosure has been described with reference to embodiments, but it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to these embodiments or constructions. This disclosure also includes various modifications and equivalent variations. Furthermore, various combinations, methods, further including only one element therein, and other combinations and methods above or below thereof are also included within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A communication device (100) that communicates with multiple networks (200A, 200B) using multiple subscriber identification modules (111, 112), The communication device (100) includes a communication unit (120) that communicates with a base station (210A) of a first network (200A) included in the plurality of networks (200A, 200B). The communication unit (120) receives configuration information from the base station (210A). The configuration information configures the communication device (100) to provide auxiliary information, which assists the base station (210A) in configuring multiple gaps in the first network (200A). Based on the configuration information, the communication unit (120) sends a UEAssistanceInformation message to the base station (210A). The UEAssistanceInformation message includes assistance information to assist the base station (210A) in configuring the plurality of gaps in the first network (200A). The communication unit (120) receives an RRC reconfiguration message from the base station (210A), the RRC reconfiguration message including the plurality of gap configurations according to the auxiliary information. The plurality of gap configurations include the gap length, gap repetition period, and gap offset of each of the plurality of gaps.

2. In the communication device (100) according to claim 1, the communication unit (120) sends capability information for supporting the plurality of subscriber identification modules to the base station (210A).

3. A base station (210A), said base station (210A) being a base station (210A) of a first network (200A), said base station (210A) comprising: The transmitting unit sends configuration information to the communication device (100), the configuration information configuring the communication device (100) to provide auxiliary information, the auxiliary information assisting the base station (210A) in configuring multiple gaps in the first network (200A); as well as The receiving unit receives a UEAssistanceInformation message from the communication device (100), the UEAssistanceInformation message including assistance information to assist the base station (210A) in configuring the plurality of gaps in the first network (200A). The transmitting unit sends an RRC reconfiguration message to the communication device (100), the RRC reconfiguration message including the plurality of gap configurations according to the auxiliary information. The plurality of gap configurations include the gap length, gap repetition period, and gap offset of each of the plurality of gaps.

4. A communication method, the communication method being a communication control method performed by a communication device (100) that communicates with multiple networks (200A, 200B) using multiple subscriber identification modules (111, 112), the communication method having the following operations: Configuration information is received from the base station (210A) to configure the communication device (100) to provide auxiliary information that assists the base station (210A) in configuring multiple gaps in the first network (200A). Based on the configuration information, a UEAssistanceInformation message is sent to the base station (210A). The UEAssistanceInformation message includes auxiliary information to assist the base station (210A) in configuring the plurality of gaps in the first network (200A). as well as An RRC reconfiguration message is received from the base station (210A), the RRC reconfiguration message including the plurality of gap configurations according to the auxiliary information. The plurality of gap configurations include the gap length, gap repetition period, and gap offset of each of the plurality of gaps.

5. The communication method according to claim 4 further comprises the following operation: Send capability information to the base station (210A) to support the plurality of subscriber identification modules.

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