Limitations of RNA update procedures during SDT procedures

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for limiting radio access network based notification area (RNA) update procedures during a small data transmission (SDT) procedure. In example embodiments, a first device initiates a SDT procedure. The first device then limits execution of an RNA update procedure during the SDT procedure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the field of communications, and more specifically to apparatus, methods, devices, and computer-readable storage media for limiting a notification area (RNA) update process based on a radio access network (RAN) during a small data transmission (SDT) process. Background Technology

[0002] In New Radio (NR), to avoid the signaling overhead and latency associated with the mode transition of User Equipment (UE) from Radio Resource Control INACTIVE (RRC_INACTIVE) mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode, a transmission scheme called SDT has been proposed to facilitate data transmission. In SDT, data interaction between the base station and the UE can be achieved when the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode during transmission.

[0003] When the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode, the RNA update procedure is used to report the UE's location information to the base station serving the UE. The UE maintains a timer called T380 to trigger the RNA update procedure. For example, in response, the base station can transmit an RRC release message with a suspension indication to the UE, instructing the UE to maintain RRC_INACTIVE mode. This allows the base station to schedule transmissions in a timely manner should a potential uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) transmission occur. In some network implementations, the UE-initiated periodic RNA update procedure triggers the network to transition the UE to RRC_IDLE mode.

[0004] However, if the RNA update process is triggered during the SDT process, a conflict may occur between the SDT and RNA update processes. Therefore, handling potential conflicts remains an important issue to address. If the SDT process is successful, the periodic RNA update process may not be necessary because the network can communicate with the UE immediately during the SDT process, and the network can use the RRC release message to configure periodic RNA updates for the UE. An RNA update process triggered by the expiration of the T380 timer is called a periodic RNA update. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In general, exemplary embodiments of this disclosure provide devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for limiting the RNA update process during the SDT process.

[0006] In a first aspect, a first device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the first device to initiate a Small Data Transmission (SDT) procedure. The first device is also configured to restrict the execution of a notification area RNA update procedure based on a radio access network during the SDT procedure.

[0007] In a second aspect, a second device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to cause the second device to determine the restart or start of a timer upon completion of a Small Data Transmission (SDT) process, the timer being used by a first device to trigger a periodic Radio Access Network-based Notification Area (RNA) update process. The second device is also configured to transmit instructions to the first device for restarting or starting the timer.

[0008] In a third aspect, a method is provided. In this method, a small data transmission SDT process is initiated. Furthermore, the execution of a notification area RNA update process based on the radio access network is restricted during the SDT process.

[0009] In a fourth aspect, a method is provided. In this method, upon completion of the Small Data Transmission (SDT) process, a timer's restart or startup is determined, and this timer is used by a first device to trigger a periodic notification area RNA update process based on the radio access network. Furthermore, an instruction for restarting or starting the timer is transmitted to the first device.

[0010] In a fifth aspect, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing the method according to the third or fourth aspect.

[0011] In a sixth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, comprising program instructions stored thereon. When executed by a processor of a device, the instructions cause the device to perform the method according to a third or fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 The periodic RNA update process without UE context relocation is shown;

[0015] Figure 2 An example environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown;

[0016] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0017] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method according to some other example embodiments of this disclosure is shown;

[0018] Figure 5 A flowchart is shown as an example process for restricting the RNA update process during an SDT process with a 4-step RACH, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0019] Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0020] Throughout the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these exemplary embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not impose any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosure described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0022] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0023] As used herein, the term "network device" means a device that can provide services to terminal devices in a communication network. For example, a network device can include a base station. As used herein, the term "base station" (BS) means a network device that can provide services to terminal devices in a communication network. A base station can include any suitable device through which a terminal device or UE can access a communication network. Examples of base stations include relays, access points (APs), transport points (TRPs), Node Bs (NodeBs or NBs), evolved Node Bs (eNodeBs or eNBs), new radio (NR) Node Bs (gNBs), remote radio modules (RRUs), radio headers (RHs), remote radio header terminals (RRHs), low-power nodes (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds), etc.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "terminal device" or "user equipment" (UE) refer to any terminal device capable of wireless communication with itself or with a base station. Communication may involve transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic signals, radio waves, infrared signals, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting information over the air. In some example embodiments, the UE may be configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the UE may transmit information to the base station according to a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network side.

[0025] Examples of user equipment include, but are not limited to, smartphones, wirelessly capable tablets, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), sensors, metering devices, personal wearable devices (such as watches), and / or vehicles capable of communication. For purposes of discussion, some exemplary embodiments will be described with reference to the UE as an example of a terminal device, and the terms "terminal device" and "user equipment" (UE) may be used interchangeably in the context of this disclosure.

[0026] As used herein, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more, or all of the following:

[0027] (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuit systems), and

[0028] (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable):

[0029] (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and

[0030] (ii) Any part of a hardware processor(s) having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors), software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and

[0031] (c) Multiple hardware circuits and / or multiple processors, such as multiple microprocessors or a portion thereof, that require software (e.g., firmware).

[0032] The software can be used to perform operations, but it may not exist when no operation is required.

[0033] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers only the implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion of hardware circuitry or processing and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular base stations, or other computing or base stations.

[0034] As used herein, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” should also include the plural forms. The term “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” should be understood as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” should be understood as “at least one other embodiment.” Other explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0035] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used to describe various elements, and these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0036] In 3GPP Release 17 (Rel-17), some discussion was made regarding NR SDT in INACTIVE mode. As mentioned above, SDT procedures are used to avoid signaling overhead and latency associated with the mode transition of the UE from RRC_INACTIVE mode to RRC_CONNECTED mode. SDT procedures based on the random access channel (RACH-based) and SDT procedures based on configuration authorization (CG-based) were discussed.

[0037] UL SDTs for RACH-based schemes, such as 2-step and 4-step RACH-based SDTs, are discussed. Message A (MSG 3) or Message 3 (MSG 3) is used to enable UP data transmission of small data packets when the UE is in INACTIVE mode. Furthermore, a flexible payload size larger than the current possible Common Control Channel (CCCH) message size for INACTIVE mode is discussed for MSG A and MSG 3 to support UP data transmission in UL, as discussed in Release 16 (Rel-16). The actual payload size can depend on network configuration. Further discussion is also given regarding context fetching and data forwarding in INACTIVE mode of RACH-based SDT procedures.

[0038] There is also some discussion regarding SDT in INACTIVE mode on a pre-configured Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) resource in the UL when TA is active. In this case, Configuration Grant Type 1 will be reused. The general procedure for SDT using Configuration Grant Type 1 resources and the configuration of Configuration Grant Type 1 resources are also discussed.

[0039] As described above, when the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode, the RNA update procedure is used to report the UE's location information to the base station serving the UE. The UE maintains T380, which triggers the RNA update procedure. When T380 expires, the periodic RNA update procedure can be triggered. In response, the base station can transmit an RRC release message with a suspension indication to the UE, instructing the UE to maintain RRC_INACTIVE mode. This allows the base station to schedule transmissions in a timely manner should potential uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) transmissions occur. In some other cases, if the UE has already initiated data transmission, the base station can transmit an RRC recovery message to the UE, instructing the UE to change to RRC_CONNECTED mode. Accordingly, upon receiving the RRC release message, T380 is stopped because the periodic RNA update procedure is not triggered in CONNECTED mode.

[0040] Figure 1 The periodic RNA update process without UE context relocation is shown.

[0041] like Figure 1As shown, UE 101 is configured to perform an RNA update procedure, and the last serving gNB 103 decides not to relocate the UE context and keeps the UE in RRC_INACTIVE mode. At 102, the UE is in RRC_INACTIVE mode. Connection management (CM) is enabled. At 104, UE 101 transmits an RRCResumeRequest message to the current serving gNB 105 with the reason set for RNA update. At 106 and 108, the current serving gNB 105 attempts to obtain the UE context from the last serving gNB 103, but fails because the last serving gNB 103 decides not to relocate the UE context. Then, at 110, the current serving gNB 105 transmits an RRCRelease message with a suspension indication to UE 101, instructing UE 101 to maintain RRC_INACTIVE mode.

[0042] However, if the RNA update process is triggered during the SDT process, the SDT process will be disrupted. Furthermore, to date, there is no effective method to handle potential conflicts.

[0043] This disclosure provides an example embodiment of a scheme for limiting the RNA update process during an SDT (Software-Defined Time) procedure. Using this scheme, a device such as a UE (referred to as a first device) initiates an SDT procedure. Furthermore, the first device limits the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT procedure. For example, the first device may stop a timer used to trigger the RNA process. As another example, the first device may avoid or postpone the execution of the RNA update process. Alternatively, the first device may use additional resources configured for the SDT procedure to perform the RNA update process during the SDT procedure.

[0044] This scheme flexibly and efficiently avoids conflicts between the SDT process and the RNA update process. Therefore, it allows for the avoidance of unnecessary signaling overhead and power consumption.

[0045] Figure 2 An example environment 200 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0046] Environment 200 (which may be part of a communication network) includes two devices 210 and 220 that communicate with each other or with other devices via each other. For the purposes of discussion, devices 210 and 220 may be referred to as first device 210 and second device 220, respectively.

[0047] The first device 210 and the second device 220 can be implemented by any suitable device in the communication network. In some example embodiments, the first device 210 can be implemented by a terminal device, and the second device 220 can be implemented by a network device, and vice versa. In some other example embodiments, both the first device 210 and the second device 220 can be implemented by either a terminal device or a network device. For the purposes of discussion only, in this example, a terminal device is used as an example of the first device 210, and a network device is used as an example of the second device 220.

[0048] It should be understood that the two devices shown in environment 200 are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In some example embodiments, environment 200 may include additional devices for transmitting synchronization assistance information with the first device 210 and the second device 220.

[0049] Communications in Environment 100 may follow any suitable communication standards or protocols that are already in use or will be developed in the future, such as Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G New Radio (NR), Wi-Fi, and Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX) standards, and may use any suitable communication technologies, including, for example, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM), Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM), Code Division Multiplexing (CDM), Bluetooth, ZigBee and Machine-Type Communications (MTC), Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Massive Machine-Type Communications (mMTC), Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), Carrier Aggregation (CA), Dual Connectivity (DC), and New Radio Unlicensed (NR-U) technologies.

[0050] According to some example embodiments of this disclosure, the first device 210 initiates an SDT (Self-Delayed Transmission) process. Furthermore, the first device 210 restricts the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process. For example, the terminal device may stop the timer used to trigger the RNA process. As another example, the first device 210 may avoid or postpone the execution of the RNA update process. Alternatively, the first device 210 may use additional resources configured for the RNA update process to execute the RNA update process during the SDT process. Therefore, conflicts between the SDT process and the RNA update process are efficiently avoided, and signal overhead and power consumption are reduced.

[0051] According to some other example embodiments of this disclosure, upon completion of the SDT process, the second device 220 determines whether to restart or start a timer that will be used by the first device 210 to trigger the periodic RNA update process. Furthermore, the second device 220 transmits instructions to the first device 210 to restart or start the timer. Therefore, the periodic RNA update process can be configured by the second device 220.

[0052] Figure 3 A flowchart of an example method 300 according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 300 can be performed by, for example... Figure 2 The first device 210 shown is used to implement this. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 2 Let's describe method 300.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, at box 305, the first device 210 initiates an SDT procedure. For example, if the first device 210 has small data packets to transmit, it can initiate an SDT procedure in RRC_INACTIVE mode to reduce signaling overhead and latency.

[0054] As described above, in RRC_INACTIVE mode, the periodic RAN update process is used to report the location information of the first device 210 to the network 220. The first device 210 may maintain a timer to trigger the RAN update process. Then, if the timer expires, the first device 210 may transmit an RRC recovery request indicating an RNA update to the network 220.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, at box 310, the first device 210 restricts the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process.

[0056] In some example embodiments, the first device 210 may stop the timer used to trigger the RNA update process to avoid potential conflicts between the SDT process and the RNA update process. For example, if the SDT process is initiated, the first device 210 may stop the timer. In this case, the timer may be stopped when an RRC recovery message is delivered for the transmission of message 1 (MSG 1) / MSG 3 / MSG A / CG. Alternatively, if the SDT process is initiated and the random access procedure is completed, the first device 210 may stop the timer. For example, the first device 210 may stop the timer when it receives random access message 4 (MSG4) or random access message B (MSG B) from network 220. For example, if contention resolution is successful, the first device 210 may stop the timer. For example, the MAC layer may indicate to the RRC layer the successful contention resolution, the completion of the random access procedure, or the stop of the timer.

[0057] In some example embodiments, the first device 210 can prevent the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires. In this case, the execution of the RNA update process can be ignored even if the timer has expired to avoid conflict.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the first device 210 may postpone the execution of the RNA update process when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires during the SDT process. For example, the first device 210 may postpone the execution of the RNA update process until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails. For example, if the first device 210 receives an RRC rejection message from the network 220 during the SDT process after the timer has expired, it may execute the RNA update process. Alternatively, the first device 210 may postpone the execution of the RNA update process until the end of the SDT process. In this case, if the timer expires during the SDT process, the first device 210 may maintain the triggering of the RNA update process and execute the RNA update process after the SDT process is completed.

[0059] In some example embodiments, during the SDT process, when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires, the first device 210 can determine whether the DCCH is configured for the SDT process. Then, if the first device 210 determines that a dedicated control channel is configured, the first device 210 can use the DCCH to perform the RNA update process during the SDT process. For example, if Signaling Radio Bearer (SRB) 1 or SRB 2 is configured to be allowed for the SDT process, the first device 210 can use SRB 1 or SRB 2 to perform the RNA update process.

[0060] In some example embodiments, if the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires during the SDT process, the first device 210 can stop the SDT process. In this case, the first device 210 can perform the RNA update process when the timer expires.

[0061] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method 400 according to some other example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Method 400 can be derived from, for example... Figure 2 The second device 220 shown is used to implement this. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 2 To describe method 400.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown, at box 405, the second device 220 determines whether to restart or start a timer when the SDT process is complete. This timer will be used by the first device 210 to trigger the periodic RNA update process. In this case, the second device 220 considers the periodic RNA update process necessary only if the timer expires after the SDT process. In other words, a successful SDT process elicits an equal periodic RNA update.

[0063] Then, at box 410, the second device 220 transmits an instruction to the first device 210 to restart or start the timer. For example, the second device 220 may transmit the instruction to restart or start the timer to the first device 210 in an RRC release message.

[0064] Figure 5 A flowchart of an example process 500 for restricting RNA update during an SDT process with a 4-step RACH, according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. Example process 500 can be provided by, for example... Figure 2 The first device 210 shown is used to implement this. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 2 Let's describe process 500. In this example process 500, the first device 210 is implemented by UE 501, and the second device 220 is implemented by gNB 503.

[0065] like Figure 5 As shown, at 502, the SDT procedure is triggered. At 504, UE 501 transmits MSG 1 with a Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) preamble for the SDT procedure to gNB 503. Correspondingly, at 506, gNB 503 transmits MSG 2 with a random access response to UE 501. At 508, UE 501 transmits MSG 3 with an RRC recovery request for the SDT procedure to gNB 503. Correspondingly, at 510, gNB 503 transmits MSG 4 to UE 501.

[0066] At 512, UE 501 stops T380 used to trigger the RNA process. This avoids potential conflicts between the RNA process and the ongoing SDT process. Then, at 514-524, UL and DL data transmissions are performed between UE 501 and gNB 503. At 526, gNB 503 transmits an RRC release with the configuration of T380 to UE 501, for example, a timer value for the periodic RNA update process. Accordingly, at 528, UE 501 enters INACTIVE mode and maintains T380 based on the configuration received from gNB 503.

[0067] The above is for reference only. Figures 2 to 4All the operations and features described also apply to method 500 and have similar effects. For simplicity, details will be omitted.

[0068] Figure 6 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 600 can be, for example... Figure 2 It is implemented at or as part of the first device 210 or the second device 220 shown.

[0069] As shown in the figure, device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to the processor 610, a communication module 630 coupled to the processor 610, and a communication interface (not shown) coupled to the communication module 630. The memory 620 stores at least a program 640. The communication module 630 is used for bidirectional communication, for example, via multiple antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication.

[0070] Assume that program 640 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 610, enable device 600 to operate according to an example embodiment of this disclosure, as referenced herein. Figures 2 to 5 The exemplary embodiments discussed herein can be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 610 of device 600, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 610 can be configured to implement various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0071] Memory 620 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic storage devices and systems, optical storage devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory, as non-limiting examples. Although only one memory 620 is shown in device 600, multiple physically different memory modules may exist in device 600. Processor 610 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, as non-limiting examples. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-obliged to a clock that synchronizes with the main processor.

[0072] When device 600 acts as or is part of first device 210, processor 610 and communication module 630 can cooperate to achieve the above-mentioned reference. Figure 2 The method 300. When device 600 acts as or is part of second device 220, processor 610 and communication module 630 can cooperate to achieve the above reference. Figure 2 The method described above is 400. (See above reference.) Figures 2 to 5 All the operations and features described herein also apply to device 600 and have similar effects. Details will be omitted for simplicity.

[0073] Generally, the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software, which can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other illustrations, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0074] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those included in a program module, which execute in a device targeting a real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced... Figure 2 The method described is 300 or 400. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various example embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions of a program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, a program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0075] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that, when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote computer or server.

[0076] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals and computer-readable media.

[0077] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile optical disc (DVD), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0078] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring such operations to be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or requiring all shown operations to be performed to obtain the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular example embodiments. Certain features described in the context of individual example embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple example embodiments.

[0079] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

[0080] Various example embodiments of these technologies have been described. In addition to or as an alternative to the foregoing, the following embodiments are described. The features described in any of the following examples may be used in conjunction with any of the other examples described herein.

[0081] In some aspects, one approach includes: at a first device, initiating a small data transmission SDT procedure; and during the SDT procedure, restricting the execution of a notification area RNA update procedure based on the radio access network.

[0082] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process in response to the initiation of the SDT process.

[0083] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process when random access message 4 or random access message B is received from the second device.

[0084] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process when the contention is successfully resolved.

[0085] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process in response to the initiation of the SDT process and the completion of the random access process.

[0086] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes: avoiding the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires.

[0087] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes: postponing the execution of the RNA update process when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires during the SDT process.

[0088] In some example embodiments, delaying the execution of the RNA update process includes: delaying the execution of the RNA update process until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails.

[0089] In some example embodiments, delaying the execution of the RNA update process includes: delaying the execution of the RNA update process and ending the direct SDT process.

[0090] In some example embodiments, restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process includes: determining, when a timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires during the SDT process, whether a dedicated control channel is configured for the SDT process; and, if it is determined that a dedicated control channel is configured, using the dedicated control channel to execute the RNA update process during the SDT process.

[0091] In some aspects, one method includes: at a second device, upon completion of a small data transmission SDT process, determining whether to restart or start a timer that will be used by the first device to trigger a periodic radio access network-based notification area RNA update process; and transmitting instructions to the first device for restarting or starting the timer.

[0092] In some aspects, a first device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the first device to: initiate a small data transmission SDT process; and restrict the execution of a notification area RNA update process based on a radio access network during the SDT process.

[0093] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process in response to the initiation of the SDT process.

[0094] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process when random access message 4 or random access message B is received from the second device.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process when the contention is successfully resolved.

[0096] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process in response to the initiation of the SDT process and the completion of the random access procedure.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by avoiding the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by postponing the execution of the RNA update process when the timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires during the SDT process.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to postpone the execution of the RNA update process until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails.

[0100] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to postpone the execution of the RNA update process until the end of the SDT process.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the first device is configured to restrict the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process by: determining whether a dedicated control channel is configured for the SDT process when a timer used to trigger the RNA update process expires during the SDT process; and, if the dedicated control channel is determined to be configured, performing the RNA update process using the dedicated control channel during the SDT process.

[0102] In some aspects, a second device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, including computer program code; the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor to cause the second device to: determine the restart or start of a timer when a small data transmission SDT process is completed, the timer being used by the first device to trigger a periodic notification area RNA update process based on a radio access network; and transmit instructions to the first device for restarting or starting the timer.

[0103] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: components for initiating a small data transmission SDT process; and components for restricting the execution of a notification area RNA update process based on a radio access network during the SDT process.

[0104] In some example embodiments, the components for limiting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process include: components for stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process in response to the initiation of the SDT process.

[0105] In some example embodiments, the components for limiting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process include: components for stopping the timer used to trigger the RNA update process in response to the initiation of the SDT process and the completion of the random access process.

[0106] In some example embodiments, the components for restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process include: components for preventing the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process when the timer for triggering the RNA update process expires.

[0107] In some example embodiments, the components for limiting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process include: components for postponing the execution of the RNA update process when the timer for triggering the RNA update process expires during the SDT process.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the component for delaying the execution of the RNA update process includes a component for delaying the execution of the RNA update process until the failure of the random access process during the SDT process.

[0109] In some example embodiments, the component for delaying the execution of the RNA update process includes a component for delaying the execution of the RNA update process until the end of the SDT process.

[0110] In some example embodiments, the components for restricting the execution of the RNA update process during the SDT process include: components for determining whether a dedicated control channel is configured for the SDT process when a timer for triggering the RNA update process expires during the SDT process; and components for using the dedicated control channel to execute the RNA update process during the SDT process based on the determination that the dedicated control channel is configured.

[0111] In some aspects, an apparatus includes: components for determining the restart or start of a timer when a small data transmission SDT process is completed, the timer being used by a first device to trigger a periodic radio access network-based notification area RNA update process; and components for transmitting instructions to the first device for restarting or starting the timer.

[0112] In some aspects, a computer-readable storage medium includes program instructions stored thereon that, when executed by a processor of a device, cause the device to perform a method according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the first device: Initiate the Small Data Transfer (SDT) process; as well as During the SDT process, when the timer for triggering the notification area RNA update process based on the radio access network expires, the execution of the RNA update process is postponed; wherein the first device is configured to postpone the execution of the RNA update process in the following manner: The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails; or The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the SDT process is completed.

2. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, including computer program code; The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured together with the at least one processor such that the first device: Initiate the Small Data Transfer (SDT) process; as well as During the SDT process, when the timer for triggering the notification area RNA update process based on the radio access network expires, the RNA update process is avoided during the SDT process. The first device is configured to avoid performing the RNA update process in the following manner: The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails; or The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the SDT process is completed.

3. A method of communication, comprising: At the first device. Initiate the Small Data Transfer (SDT) process; as well as During the SDT process, when the timer for triggering the notification area RNA update process based on the radio access network expires, the execution of the RNA update process is postponed; wherein postponing the execution of the RNA update process includes: The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails; or The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the SDT process is completed.

4. A method of communication, comprising: At the first device. Initiate the Small Data Transfer (SDT) process; as well as During the SDT process, when the timer for triggering the notification area RNA update process based on the radio access network expires, the RNA update process is avoided during the SDT process. Avoiding the RNA update process includes: The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the random access procedure during the SDT process fails; or The execution of the RNA update process is postponed until the SDT process is completed.

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