Apparatus, method, apparatus, and computer readable medium for alignment between user equipment and network

Abstract

Various example embodiments relate to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for alignment between a user equipment and a network. An example terminal device may be configured to receive a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receiving a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that a configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; providing a first start offset and a secondary start offset, where the first start offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary start offset should be used for an activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission; and selecting a first start offset or a secondary start offset for discontinuous reception of the connection of the terminal device during the activated discontinuous transmission of the cell.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate generally to communication technology, and more particularly to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable media for aligning a start offset between cell discontinuous transmission (cell DTX) and connected discontinuous reception (c-DRX) of a user equipment (UE). Background Art

[0002] Reducing power consumption is important for wireless communication systems. On the UE side, c-DRX can be configured for the UE, and the UE can use c-DRX to reduce UE power consumption. On the network side, cell discontinuous reception (cell DRX), cell DTX, etc. have been introduced for network energy saving (NES). Summary of the invention

[0003] The following provides a brief summary of exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments. It should be noted that this summary is not intended to identify key features of essential elements or to limit the scope of the embodiments, and its only purpose is to introduce some concepts in a simplified form as a preface to the more detailed description provided below.

[0004] In a first aspect, an example embodiment of an apparatus for a terminal device is provided. The apparatus may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: receive a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receive a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; provide a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and during the activated discontinuous transmission of the cell, select the first starting offset or the secondary starting offset for discontinuous reception of the connection of the terminal device.

[0005] In a second aspect, an example embodiment of an apparatus for a network device is provided. The apparatus may include at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: transmit a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; transmit a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and provide information about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset to the terminal device, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0006] In a third aspect, an example embodiment of a method implemented at a terminal device is provided. The method may include: receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receiving a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; providing a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and selecting the first starting offset or the secondary starting offset for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device during the activated discontinuous transmission of the cell.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, an example embodiment of a method implemented at a network device is provided. The method may include: transmitting a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; transmitting a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and providing information about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset to the terminal device, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, an example embodiment of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus as a terminal device may include: a component for receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; a component for receiving a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; a component for providing a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and a component for selecting the first starting offset or the secondary starting offset for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device during the activated discontinuous transmission of the cell.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, an example embodiment of an apparatus is provided. The apparatus of a network device may include: a component for transmitting a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; a component for transmitting a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and a component for providing information about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset to the terminal device, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0010] In a seventh aspect, an example embodiment of a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium may include instructions stored thereon, and when the instructions are executed by a terminal device, the terminal device is caused to perform at least the following: receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receiving a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; providing a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and selecting the first starting offset or the secondary starting offset for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device during the activated discontinuous transmission of the cell.

[0011] In an eighth aspect, an example embodiment of a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium may include instructions stored thereon, and when the instructions are executed by a network device, the network device may be caused to perform at least the following: transmitting a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; transmitting a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and providing information about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset to the terminal device, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission to continue.

[0012] Other features and advantages of example embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of example embodiments of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0014] Figure 1A-1B A communication scheme employing cell DTX and UE c-DRX is shown.

[0015] Figure 2A is an exemplary sequence diagram illustrating example operations for performing cell DTX and UE c-DRX alignment according to example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2B is another exemplary sequence diagram illustrating example operations for performing cell DTX and UE c-DRX alignment according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 3 A communication scheme employing alignment of UEc-DRX On-Duration period with cell DTX active period according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] Figure 4 A flowchart of an example method implemented at a terminal device according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0019] Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method implemented at a network device according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figure 6 A block diagram of an example device for performing cell DTX and UE c-DRX alignment according to an example embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0021] Figure 7 A block diagram of an example device for performing alignment of cell DTX and UE c-DRX according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a device in a communication system according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] In all drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements, and repeated description of the same elements will be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Hereinafter, some example embodiments are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In order to provide a thorough understanding of various concepts, the following description includes specific details. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known circuits, techniques, and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the concepts and features described.

[0025] As used herein, the term "network equipment" refers to any suitable entity or device that can provide cells or coverage through which terminal devices can access the network or receive services. Network equipment may be generally referred to as a base station. The term "base station" used herein may represent a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), or a gNB. A base station may be embodied as a macro base station, a relay node, or a low-power node such as a micro base station or a femto base station. A base station may be composed of several distributed network units, such as a central unit (CU), one or more distributed units (DU), one or more remote radio heads (RRH), or a remote radio unit (RRU). The number and functionality of these distributed units depends on the selected separation RAN architecture.

[0026] As used herein, the term "terminal device" or "user equipment" (UE) refers to any entity or device that can communicate wirelessly with network devices or each other. Examples of terminal devices may include mobile phones, mobile terminals (MTs), mobile stations (MSs), subscriber stations (SSs), portable subscriber stations (PSSs), access terminals (ATs), computers, wearable devices, vehicle-mounted communication devices, machine type communication (MTC) devices, D2D communication devices, V2X communication devices, sensors, etc. The term "terminal device" may be used interchangeably with UE, user terminal, mobile terminal, mobile station, or wireless device.

[0027] As above, in a wireless communication system, a network device (e.g., a base station) may enter a cell DTX mode to save energy. In the cell DTX mode, the base station may periodically switch between an active transmission mode and an inactive transmission mode (e.g., a sleep mode), and thus there is no transmission or only limited transmission. The base station may switch between an active mode and an inactive mode based on the DTX mode of the base station. The cell DTX mode may also be referred to as a cell DTX configuration.

[0028] Figure 1A A communication scheme using cell DTX is shown. Figure 1A , the cell of the base station is configured with a DTX mode, shown as mode 1. DTX mode 1 can be defined by a DTX parameter set, which can include an active period 112, a starting offset 114, and a period 116. The active period 112 can refer to the duration during which the base station can transmit a message to the UE served by the cell. The starting offset 114 (e.g., the cell DTX starting offset) can refer to the time interval between the start of the scheduling timing and the start of the active period 112. In other words, the starting offset 114 can define where the cell DTX active period will start. The period 116 (e.g., the cell DTX period) can refer to the time interval between the start of the active period 112 and the start of the next active period 118. Based on these parameters, the inactive period 120 can be derived by, for example, the difference between the period 116 and the active period 112. During the inactive period 120, the base station generally does not transmit downlink traffic to the UE. In some examples, the base station does not need to transmit some periodic signals, such as synchronization signal blocks (SSBs), channel state information reference signals (CSI-RSs), or other common channels or signals. Therefore, network energy is saved.

[0029] In addition, one or more UEs served in the cell of the base station may be configured to enter c-DRX mode to reduce power consumption, for example, during low load situations. In c-DRX mode, the UE may be in a connected state (RRC_CONNECTED) relative to the cell of the base station and may switch between active mode and inactive mode based on the c-DRX configuration.

[0030] Still refer to Figure 1A, which also shows a communication scheme in which the UE adopts c-DRX, and the c-DRX configuration may include an on-duration period 122, a starting offset 124, and a cycle 126. The on-duration period 122 may refer to a duration in which the UE is configured to be in active mode. During the on-duration period 122, the UE may monitor a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The starting offset 124 (e.g., UE c-DRX starting offset) may refer to a time interval between the start of the scheduling timing and the start of the on-duration period 122. In other words, the starting offset 124 may define the start of the c-DRX on-duration 122. The cycle 126 (e.g., UE c-DRX cycle) may refer to a time interval between the start of the on-duration period 122 and the start of the next on-duration period 128.

[0031] When configuring and activating the cell DTX mode, it is beneficial for the UE to adopt UEc-DRX aligned with the cell DTX. When the active period of the cell DTX overlaps with the on-duration period of the UEc-DRX in the time domain, the base station and one or more UEs may experience energy saving. For example, if Figure 1A As shown, the UE c-DRX OnDuration periods 122, 128 fall within the cell DTX active periods 112, 118, respectively. Therefore, the UE can monitor the PDCCH during the c-DRX OnDuration period and enter a low power mode during other time periods.

[0032] Typically, UE c-DRX is configured via radio resource configuration (RRC) signaling, and different UEs can be individually configured with different c-DRX via RRC signaling to align with specific cell DTX modes. This poses a challenge when a cell is configured with multiple cell DTX modes or a cell is reconfigured with a new cell DTX mode, and group common signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI)) can be used to trigger the activation of the cell DTX mode. Under this dynamic mechanism, it is necessary to quickly and dynamically align the UE c-DRX with the currently activated cell DTX mode. Otherwise, there is a risk that the UE has a c-DRX on duration period that is aligned with the previous cell DTX mode but not aligned with the currently activated cell DTX mode.

[0033] For example, see Figure 1B , showing the use of a new cell DTX mode (in Figure 1B Mode 2 is shown in FIG. 2 ) to dynamically trigger a cell. Mode 2 may include Figure 1A. For example, mode 2 may include active periods 130, 132 that are not aligned with the UE c-DRX on duration periods 122, 128. In other words, if cell DTX mode 2 is dynamically activated, it may result in the UE not having a c-DRX on duration period during the cell DTX active period. In this case, the network may reconfigure the UE via dedicated RRC signaling to align the UE c-DRX on duration period with the active period of the currently activated cell DTX mode, for example to ensure that the c-DRX on duration at least partially falls within the cell DTX active period so that the UE can monitor the PDCCH during the cell DTX active period. However, reconfiguring individual UEs via dedicated RRC signaling may result in an increase in signaling overhead. In order to minimize signaling overhead, it is important to avoid the network (e.g., base station) reconfiguring c-DRX parameters for each UE by using an RRC reconfiguration process.

[0034] Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of a method and apparatus for supporting dynamic alignment of UE c-DRX and cell DTX will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the UE can provide a starting offset of the c-DRX on-duration to ensure that the c-DRX on-duration at least partially overlaps with the active period of the activated cell DTX mode. The exemplary embodiment avoids the RRC reconfiguration of the UE c-DRX, which takes time and energy. Thereby, the signaling overhead can be reduced, and energy saving on the UE side and the network side can be achieved.

[0035] Figure 2A is an example sequence diagram illustrating example operations for performing alignment of cell DTX and UE c-DRX according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, Figure 2A The operations shown in FIG. 2 may be performed by the terminal device 210 and the network device 220. The terminal device 210 may represent any terminal device in a wireless communication system, and the network device 220 may serve as a network side serving the terminal device 210.

[0036] In a default state, the network device 220 has provided the terminal device 210 with information about the first start offset. For example, the network device 220 may transmit a c-DRX configuration 222 to the terminal device 210. The c-DRX configuration 222 may include an on-duration period, a cycle, and a first start offset. The first start offset defines the start of the on-duration of the c-DRX of the terminal device 210 and is used at least when the cell DTX is deactivated. Alternatively or additionally, as described in reference Figure 1A As discussed, when the original cell DTX (mode 1) is used but the cell DTX to be used ( Figure 1BWhen mode 2) in is not activated, the first starting offset is used.

[0037] See also Figure 2A , the network device 220 may transmit a cell DTX configuration 230 to the terminal device 210. The cell DTX configuration 230 defines an active period (i.e., a cell DTX on duration) and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device 220. In some embodiments, the cell DTX configuration 230 may be transmitted via RRC signaling (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message). In another embodiment, the network device 220 may transmit the cell DTX configuration in system information, e.g., a system information block (SIB).

[0038] The network device 220 may also provide the terminal device 210 with information about a secondary start offset, which defines the start of the on-duration of the c-DRX of the terminal device 210 and will be used when the cell DTX configuration 230 is activated. In some embodiments, the information about the secondary start offset may be, for example, a first configuration message 232. The first configuration message 232 may include a distribution factor 234 corresponding to the cell DTX configuration 230, and the distribution factor 234 may be used for the terminal device 210 to determine the secondary start offset. In the case where the cell DTX configuration 230 includes one or more cell DTX configurations, the distribution factor 234 may include one or more distribution factors corresponding to the one or more cell DTX configurations. Alternatively or additionally, the first configuration message 232 may include a flag or bit to indicate that if the cell DTX configuration 230 is activated, the terminal device 210 should recalculate the secondary start offset.

[0039] In some embodiments, the first configuration message 232 may be transmitted via RRC signaling (eg, an RRC reconfiguration message). The first configuration message 232 and the cell DTX configuration 230 may be transmitted via the same RRC signaling (as different information elements of the same message) or different RRC signaling (in different messages).

[0040] For example, the RRC signaling carrying the cell DTX configuration 230 and the distribution factor 234 may include the following forms: CellDTX-Pattern::SEQUENCE{ dtx-StartOffset dtx-OnDurationTimer ue-StartOffsetDistributionFactor ENUMERATED{dot1,dot2,dot5..,one}OPTIONAL }

[0041] The network device 220 may activate the DTX configuration 230 on the cell, and may additionally transmit a first indication 236 indicating that the cell DTX 230 is activated to the terminal device 210. In the case where the cell DTX configuration 230 includes one or more cell DTX configurations, the first indication 236 may indicate which of the one or more cell DTX configurations included in the cell DTX configuration 230 is activated. The first indication 236 may be transmitted later than the cell DTX configuration 230. For example, the first indication 236 may be transmitted via downlink control information (DCI).

[0042] In operation 250, for example, the terminal device 210 may provide a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset to determine the start of the on-Duration period according to the c-DRX configuration 222. In some embodiments, when receiving the c-DRX configuration 222 from the network device 220, the terminal device 210 may be provided with the first starting offset that has been included in the c-DRX configuration 222. Then, the terminal device 210 may provide itself with the first starting offset for determining the start of the on-Duration period according to the c-DRX configuration 222, which may be regarded as a default state of the terminal device 210. For the secondary starting offset, in some embodiments, the terminal device 210 may calculate the secondary starting offset based on the distribution factor 234.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first indication 236 may include a second indication 238 to indicate whether the terminal device 210 calculates a secondary start offset (also referred to herein as a c-DRX start offset) to align the UE c-DRX with the activated cell DTX. The second indication 238 may be a flag or bit in the first indication 236. Alternatively, the network device 220 may transmit the second indication 238 in a DCI separate from the first indication 236.

[0044] If the second indication 238 indicates that the terminal device 210 calculates the secondary start offset, then in operation 250, the network device does not explicitly signal the secondary start offset to the terminal device, and the terminal device 210 may calculate the secondary start offset based on at least one of the start offset of the activated cell DTX configuration 230, the first start offset, the cell DTX active period, or the distribution factor 234 corresponding to the activated cell DTX configuration 230. For example, the terminal device 210 may calculate the secondary start offset in the following formula (1). Secondary start offset = cell DTX start offset + (RRC configured UE c-DRX StartOffset) % (cellDTXOnDuration*ue-StartOffsetDistributionFactor) (1) Wherein % represents a modulo operation, the RRC configured UE c-DRX StartOffset is the first start offset, cellDTXOnDuration represents the cell DTX active period, and ue-StartOffsetDistributionFactor represents the distribution factor 234.

[0045] In an example, the value of the distribution factor 234 can be configured by the network device 220 according to the UE c-DRX on-duration and the cell DTX active period so that the on-duration period of c-DRX overlaps at least partially with the active period of the activated cell DTX. For example, the factor can be in the range of 0.1 to 1, and the default value can be, for example, 0.5.

[0046] The cell DTX start offset is used as the starting point for the calculation, so it ensures that the calculated secondary start offset produces a system frame number (SFN) within the cell DTX active period. In other words, the corresponding c-DRX on duration will at least overlap with the cell DTX active period. In addition, the modulo operation distributes the c-DRX on durations of multiple UEs served in the cell within the cell DTX active period, which is beneficial from the perspective of improving the reliability of message transmission / reception.

[0047] It should be understood that the above calculation formula (1) is merely exemplary and not restrictive. For example, the terminal device 210 may calculate the auxiliary start offset based only on one or more parameters in the cell DTX start offset, UE c-DRX StartOffset, or cellDTXOnDuration, that is, without a distribution factor.

[0048] In some embodiments, the first indication 236 may not have such a second indication 238. In other words, there is no such a second indication 238 included in the first indication 236. In this case, the first indication 236 itself may be an indication indicating calculation of the auxiliary start offset, and when receiving the first indication 236, the terminal device 210 may calculate the auxiliary start offset according to the formula (1) in operation 250, for example.

[0049] In some embodiments, in operation 250, the terminal device 210 may calculate the secondary starting offset based on the activated cell DTX configuration 230 and an identifier (ID) of the terminal device 210. For example, the terminal device 210 may calculate the secondary starting offset based on at least one of the starting offset of the activated cell DTX configuration 230, the ID of the terminal device 210, or the active period of the activated cell DTX configuration 230. For example, the terminal device 210 may calculate the secondary starting offset in the following formula (2). Secondary start offset = cell DTX start offset + (UE ID) % cellDTXOnDuration (2) Wherein % represents a modulo operation, and cellDTXOnDuration represents the cell DTX active period, and the UE ID may be a cell radio network temporary identifier (C-RNTI) of the terminal device 210 or a fifth generation system architecture evolution (SAE) temporary mobile station identifier (5G-S-TMSI).

[0050] Using the first starting offset and / or the secondary starting offset, in operation 260, the terminal device 210 may select the first starting offset or the secondary starting offset for c-DRX of the terminal device 210 during activated cell DTX.

[0051] For example, if the terminal device 210 has calculated the secondary starting offset in operation 250, the terminal device 210 may select the second starting offset in operation 260. If the second indication 238 indicates that the terminal device 210 does not calculate a new c-DRX starting offset, the terminal device 210 may still select the first starting offset in operation 260.

[0052] In some embodiments, if the on-duration period of c-DRX according to the first starting offset overlaps at least partially with the active period of the activated cell DTX configuration 230, the first starting offset may be selected in operation 260. In this case, the first starting offset is reused. As an option, the network may configure whether to allow the first starting offset to be selected and reused in this case.

[0053] Figure 2B is another exemplary sequence diagram illustrating example operations for performing alignment of cell DTX and UE c-DRX according to example embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 2B The exemplary sequence in may be executed by the terminal device 210 and the network device 220. And in a default state, the network device 220 has provided the terminal device 210 with information about the first starting offset, for example, the terminal device 210 may have been configured with a c-DRX configuration 222 including the first starting offset.

[0054] See also Figure 2B, the network device 220 may transmit the cell DTX configuration 230 to the terminal device 210. The network device 220 may also provide the terminal device 210 with information about the secondary start offset. In some embodiments, the information about the secondary start offset may be, for example, a second configuration message 242. In some embodiments, the second configuration message 242 may include at least one secondary start offset, and at least one secondary start offset in the second configuration message 242 may have indexes corresponding to the cell DTX configurations, respectively, and may be considered as at least one candidate secondary start offset 244.

[0055] In some embodiments, the second configuration message 242 may be transmitted via RRC signaling (eg, an RRC reconfiguration message).The second configuration message 242 and the cell DTX configuration 230 may be transmitted via the same RRC signaling or different RRC signaling.

[0056] For example, the RRC signaling carrying the second configuration message 242 may include the following form: DRX-ConfigExt-v18::SEQUENCE{ secondStartOffsetList SEQUENCE(SIZE(1..maxDTXPattern))OFdrx-LongCycleStartOffset OPTIONAL }

[0057] The network device 220 may activate the DTX configuration 230 on the cell and may additionally transmit a first indication 236 to the terminal device 210 indicating that the cell DTX 230 is activated.

[0058] In some embodiments, the first indication 236 may include an index 246 corresponding to one of the at least one candidate secondary starting offset 244. In this case, the first indication 236 indicates one of the at least one secondary starting offset, and in operation 250, the terminal device 210 may determine the secondary starting offset based on the first indication 236. The secondary starting offset corresponding to the index 246 is determined to be applied to the activated cell DTX configuration 230. And in operation 260, the secondary starting offset is selected.

[0059] In some embodiments, the first indication 236 may not have such an index 246. In other words, such an index 246 is not included in the first indication 236. In the case where the cell DTX configuration 230 includes at least one cell DTX configuration, the at least one candidate secondary starting offset 244 may correspond to the at least one cell DTX configuration. The first indication 236 may indicate which of the at least one cell DTX configuration included in the cell DTX configuration 230 is activated. Therefore, when receiving the first indication 236, in operation 250, the terminal device 210 may determine the secondary starting offset corresponding to the activated cell DTX configuration 230.

[0060] For example, the cell DTX configuration 230 includes three cell DTX configurations numbered #2, #3, and #4, and at least one candidate secondary starting offset 244 is shown in the sequence [a, b, c], and the at least one candidate secondary starting offset 244 corresponds to the cell DTX configurations #2, #3, and #4, respectively. When a first indication 236 indicating that the cell DTX configuration #3 is activated is received, it is determined that the secondary starting offset b is applied to the activated cell DTX configuration 230. Then in operation 260, the secondary starting offset is selected.

[0061] In some embodiments, the secondary start offset may be made with reference to the start of the cell DTX active period. The secondary start offset may indicate where the terminal device 210 will start monitoring data within the cell DTX active period and cause the c-DRX on duration start to be distributed within the cell DTX active period. The cell DTX configuration itself will employ the terminal device 210 having information about where the cell DTX will start. The terminal device 210 identifies where the first cell DTX active period occurring after the current c-DRX on duration is applied.

[0062] In some embodiments, if the secondary start offset is selected, when the cell DTX configuration 230 is deactivated at a later time, for example if the network load is high, the terminal device 210 may resume applying the first start offset to allow a wider distribution of UE c-DRX on durations for high network loads.

[0063] By way of example, Figure 3 A communication scheme employing alignment of UE c-DRX On-Duration with cell DTX active period according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0064] refer to Figure 3, assuming that the cell DTX configuration is activated, or the cell is dynamically triggered with a new cell DTX configuration, the (new) cell DTX configuration comprises an active period 302 and an active period 310. The terminal device UE1 is configured with a c-DRX first start offset, which results in the on-duration period 304 not overlapping the active period 302. Then, UE1 may calculate or determine a c-DRX secondary start offset such that the corresponding on-duration period 306 falls within the active period 302. In some embodiments, when the cell DTX configuration is deactivated, UE1 may apply the first start offset.

[0065] On the other hand, for the terminal device UE2, there is configured a c-DRX first start offset that has caused the on period 308 to fall within the active period 302. In this case, UE2 can reuse the first start offset and does not need to calculate the c-DRX secondary start offset. Therefore, the example shown allows saving network energy in low load situations when cell DTX is activated without reconfiguring the RRC, while allowing a wider distribution of UE c-DRX on durations in high load situations when cell DTX is not activated or the cell DTX configuration is not released. .

[0066] For example, in the case where the on-duration period of c-DRX according to the secondary start offset falls outside the active period of the activated cell DTX, Figure 3 If the on-duration period of UE1's c-DRX according to the calculated or determined secondary start offset still does not overlap with the active period of the activated cell DTX, UE1 can monitor PDCCH at the beginning of the first active period of the activated cell DTX after the UE's c-DRX on-duration period 304, for example, at the beginning of the upcoming active period 310.

[0067] Although the above exemplary embodiments are implemented to align UE c-DRX with cell DTX, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above disclosure may also be implemented to align UE c-DRX with cell DTX in a similar manner.

[0068] Figure 4 2 to 4. A flow chart of an example method 400 for performing alignment of cell DTX and UE C-DRX according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method 400 may be implemented in a terminal device (e.g., the terminal device 210 described above). In some example embodiments, the method 400 may further include: Figure 3 One or more steps as described above are performed at the terminal device 210. It should also be understood that the above has been described with respect to FIG. Figure 3 Details of some steps in process 400 are discussed, and process 400 will be described here in a simplified manner.

[0069] At block 410, a terminal device may receive a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period for a cell associated with the network device.

[0070] At block 420, the terminal device may receive a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that a configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated.

[0071] At block 430, the terminal device may provide a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary starting offset should be used for an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0072] At block 440, the terminal device may select a first starting offset or a secondary starting offset for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device during an activated discontinuous transmission of the cell.

[0073] In some example embodiments, example method 400 may include the following operations: receiving a first configuration message from a network device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for determining a secondary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0074] In some example embodiments, the first indication includes a second indication instructing the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary starting offset, and the apparatus may be configured to calculate the auxiliary starting offset based on at least one of: a starting offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, a first starting offset, an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, or a distribution factor with respect to the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0075] In some example embodiments, the apparatus may be configured to, when receiving the first indication, calculate the secondary start offset based on at least one of: a start offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, a first start offset, an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, or a distribution factor with respect to the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0076] In some example embodiments, the first starting offset is selected if an OnDuration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to the first starting offset at least partially overlaps with an activated configured active period for discontinuous transmission.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, exemplary method 400 may include the operations of: receiving a second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset from a network device; and determining a secondary starting offset based on the at least one secondary starting offset.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to, upon receiving the first indication, determine a secondary starting offset corresponding to an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, if at least one secondary starting offset corresponds to the configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0079] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to, if the first indication indicates one of the at least one secondary start offsets, determine the secondary start offset based on the first indication.

[0080] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to calculate the secondary start offset based on at least one of: a start offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, an identifier of the terminal device, or an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0081] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to receive the first indication via downlink control information.

[0082] In some example embodiments, example method 400 may include monitoring a physical downlink control channel at the start of an activated active period for discontinuous transmission when an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to a secondary start offset falls outside an activated active period for discontinuous transmission.

[0083] Figure 5 2 to 3. A flow chart of an exemplary method 500 for performing alignment of cell DTX and UE C-DRX according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The method 500 may be implemented on a network device (e.g., the network device 220 described above). In some exemplary embodiments, the method 500 may further include the following steps: Figure 3 One or more steps as described above are performed at the network device 220. It should also be understood that the above has been described with respect to FIG. Figure 3 Details of some steps in process 500 are discussed, and process 500 will be described here in a simplified manner.

[0084] At block 510 , the network device may transmit a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period for a cell associated with the network device.

[0085] At block 520, the network device may transmit a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that a configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated.

[0086] In block 530, the network device may provide information to the terminal device about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, exemplary method 500 may include transmitting a first configuration message to a terminal device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the first indication includes a second indication indicating whether the terminal device calculates a secondary start offset.

[0089] In some example embodiments, example method 500 may include transmitting a second configuration message to a terminal device, the second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset for the terminal device to determine the secondary starting offset.

[0090] In some example embodiments, at least one secondary start offset corresponds to a configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0091] In some example embodiments, the first indication indicates an auxiliary start offset of the at least one auxiliary start offset.

[0092] In some example embodiments, the apparatus is configured to transmit the first indication via downlink control information.

[0093] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an apparatus 600 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 600 may be implemented at a terminal device (such as the terminal device 210) to perform the operations related to the terminal device 210 as described above. Figure 3 The operations related to the terminal device 210 are discussed in detail, so the blocks of the apparatus 600 are briefly described here and the details thereof may refer to the above description.

[0094] refer to Figure 6, the apparatus 600 may include: a first component 610, for receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving a terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; a second component 620, for receiving a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; a third component 630, for providing a first starting offset and an auxiliary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the auxiliary starting offset should be used for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and a fourth component 640, for selecting a first starting offset or an auxiliary starting offset for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device during activated discontinuous transmission of the cell.

[0095] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 600 may further include a component for receiving a first configuration message from a network device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for determining an auxiliary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of the connection at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0096] In some example embodiments, apparatus 600 may further include means for receiving a second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset from a network device.

[0097] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 600 may further include a component for monitoring a physical downlink control channel at the start of an activated active period of a configuration for discontinuous transmission, in a case where an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to a secondary start offset falls outside an activated active period of a configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0098] Figure 7 2 to 3 are block diagrams showing an apparatus 700 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 700 may be implemented at a network device (such as the network device 220) to perform operations related to the network device 220 described above. Figure 3 The operations related to the network device 220 are discussed in detail, so the blocks of the apparatus 700 will be briefly described here and the details thereof may be referred to the above description.

[0099] refer to Figure 7, the apparatus 700 may include: a first component 710, configured to transmit a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; a second component 720, configured to transmit a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and a third component 730, configured to provide the terminal device with information about a first starting offset and an auxiliary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated, and the auxiliary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0100] In some example embodiments, apparatus 700 may further include: a component for transmitting a first configuration message to a terminal device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary start offset so that a start duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 700 may further include means for transmitting a second configuration message to the terminal device, the second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset for the terminal device to determine the secondary starting offset.

[0102] Figure 8 8 is a block diagram showing devices in a communication system 800 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the communication system 800 may include a terminal device 810 that may be implemented as the above-mentioned terminal device 210 and a network device 820 that may be implemented as the above-mentioned network device 220 .

[0103] refer to Figure 8 , the terminal device 810 may include one or more processors 811, one or more memories 812, and one or more transceivers 813 interconnected by one or more buses 814. The one or more buses 814 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers, optical devices, or other optical communication devices. Each of the one or more transceivers 813 may include a receiver and a transmitter connected to one or more antennas 816. The terminal device 810 may communicate wirelessly with the wireless access network device 820 via the one or more antennas 816. The one or more memories 812 may include instructions 815, which, when executed by the one or more processors 811, may enable the terminal device 810 to perform the operations and processes related to the terminal device 210 as described above.

[0104] The network device 820 may include one or more processors 821, one or more memories 822, one or more transceivers 823, and one or more network interfaces 827 interconnected by one or more buses 824. The one or more buses 824 may be address, data, or control buses, and may include any interconnection mechanism, such as a series of lines on a motherboard or integrated circuit, optical fibers, optical devices, or other optical communication devices. Each of the one or more transceivers 823 may include a receiver and a transmitter connected to one or more antennas 826. The network device 820 may operate as a base station of the terminal device 810 and communicate wirelessly with the terminal device 810 through one or more antennas 826. One or more network interfaces 827 may provide a wired or wireless communication link, and the network device 820 may communicate with other network devices, entities, elements, or functions through a wired or wireless communication link. For example, the network device 820 may communicate with a core network device (not shown) via a backhaul connection. The one or more memories 822 may include instructions 825, which, when executed by one or more processors 821, may cause the network device 820 to perform operations and programs related to the network device 220.

[0105] The one or more processors 811, 821 discussed above may be of any appropriate type suitable for the local technology network, and may include a general purpose processor, a dedicated processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), one or more processors in a processor-based multi-core processor architecture, and one or more of dedicated processors such as those developed based on a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The one or more processors 811, 821 may be configured to control other elements of the UE / radio access network device / core network device, and operate in cooperation with them to implement the above-mentioned processes.

[0106] The one or more memories 812, 822 may include at least one storage medium in different forms, such as temporary memory and / or non-temporary memory. Temporary memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, random access memory (RAM) or cache. Non-temporary memory may include, but is not limited to, for example, read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, flash memory, etc. The term "non-temporary" as used herein is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), not a limitation of data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). In addition, the one or more memories 812, 822 may include, but are not limited to, electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or means, or any combination of the above.

[0107] Some exemplary embodiments further provide one or more computer program instructions, which, when executed by one or more processors, can cause the device or apparatus to perform the above-mentioned process. The program instructions for performing the process of the exemplary embodiments can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program instructions can be provided to one or more processors or controllers of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device, so that when the program instructions are executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram are realized. The program instructions can be executed completely on the machine, partially on the machine, executed as an independent software package, partially on the machine, partially on a remote machine, or completely on a remote machine or server.

[0108] Some exemplary embodiments further provide a computer program product or computer readable medium having a program instruction or multiple program instructions stored therein. A computer readable medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program, which is used by an instruction execution system, device or equipment or used in combination with it. A machine readable medium may be a machine readable signal medium or a machine readable storage medium. A machine readable medium may include, but is not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared or semiconductor system, device or device, or any suitable combination thereof. A more specific example of a machine readable storage medium may include an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0109] As used herein, “at least one of: «a list of two or more elements» and “at least one of «a list of two or more elements» and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, refer to at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0110] It should be understood that the blocks in the drawings can be implemented in different ways, including software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, one or more blocks can be implemented using software and / or firmware (e.g., machine executable instructions stored in a storage medium). In addition to or in place of machine executable instructions, some or all of the blocks in the drawings can be implemented at least in part by one or more hardware logic components. For example, but not limited to, illustrative types of hardware logic components that can be used include field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc.

[0111] In addition, although the operations are depicted in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring the specific order shown or in a sequential order to perform such operations, or to perform all described operations, to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing can be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementations are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but as descriptions of features that can be dedicated to a specific embodiment. Certain features described in the context of a separate embodiment may also be implemented in a single embodiment in combination. On the contrary, the different features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0112] Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as examples of implementing the claims.

[0113] In some aspects, there is provided an apparatus for a terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; and At least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving a terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receiving a first indication from a network device, the first indication indicating that a configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; providing a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary starting offset should be used for an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and During activated discontinuous transmission of the cell, a first starting offset or a secondary starting offset is selected for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device.

[0114] In some aspects, the apparatus is configured to: receive a first configuration message from a network device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for determining a secondary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0115] In some aspects, the first indication includes a second indication instructing the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary starting offset, and the apparatus is configured to calculate the auxiliary starting offset based on at least one of: a starting offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, a first starting offset, an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, or a distribution factor with respect to the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0116] In some aspects, the device is configured to: when the first indication is received, calculate the auxiliary start offset based on at least one of: the starting offset of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, the first starting offset, the active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, or the distribution factor with the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0117] In some aspects, wherein the first starting offset is selected if an OnDuration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to the first starting offset at least partially overlaps with an activated configured active period for discontinuous transmission.

[0118] In some aspects, wherein the apparatus is configured to: receive a second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset from a network device; and determine the secondary starting offset based on the at least one secondary starting offset.

[0119] In some aspects, wherein the apparatus is configured to, when at least one secondary starting offset corresponds to a configuration for discontinuous transmission, determine a secondary starting offset corresponding to an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission upon receiving the first indication.

[0120] In some aspects, wherein the apparatus is configured to, if the first indication indicates one of the at least one secondary starting offsets, determine the secondary starting offset based on the first indication.

[0121] In some aspects, wherein the apparatus is configured to calculate the secondary start offset based on at least one of: a start offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, an identifier of the terminal device, or an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0122] In some aspects, the apparatus is configured to receive the first indication via downlink control information.

[0123] In some aspects, the apparatus is configured to monitor a physical downlink control channel at the start of an activated configured active period for discontinuous transmission when an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to a secondary start offset falls outside an activated configured active period for discontinuous transmission.

[0124] In some aspects, an apparatus for a network device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the network device to at least: Transmitting a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; transmitting a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and Information about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset is provided to the terminal device, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0125] In some aspects, the apparatus is configured to transmit a first configuration message to a terminal device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0126] In some aspects, the first indication includes a second indication indicating whether the terminal device calculates a secondary start offset.

[0127] In some aspects, the apparatus is configured to: transmit a second configuration message to the terminal device, the second configuration message comprising at least one secondary starting offset for the terminal device to determine the secondary starting offset.

[0128] In some aspects, the at least one secondary start offset corresponds to a configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0129] In some aspects, the first indication indicates an auxiliary starting offset of the at least one auxiliary starting offset.

[0130] In some aspects, the apparatus is configured to transmit the first indication via downlink control information.

[0131] In some aspects, a method performed by an apparatus for a terminal device is provided, including: receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving a terminal device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receiving a first indication from a network device, the first indication indicating that a configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; providing a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset, wherein the first starting offset should be used when discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary starting offset should be used for an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission; and During activated discontinuous transmission of the cell, a first starting offset or a secondary starting offset is selected for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device.

[0132] In some aspects, including: receiving a first configuration message from a network device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for determining a secondary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0133] In some aspects, wherein the first indication includes a second indication instructing the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary start offset, and wherein the method includes: calculating the auxiliary start offset based on at least one of: a starting offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, a first starting offset, an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, or a distribution factor with the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0134] In some aspects, including: when the first indication is received, the auxiliary start offset is calculated based on at least one of the following: the starting offset of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, the first starting offset, the active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, or the distribution factor with the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0135] In some aspects, wherein the first starting offset is selected if an OnDuration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to the first starting offset at least partially overlaps with an activated configured active period for discontinuous transmission.

[0136] In some aspects, including: receiving a second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset from a network device; and determining a secondary starting offset based on the at least one secondary starting offset.

[0137] In some aspects, including, when at least one secondary starting offset corresponds to a configuration for discontinuous transmission, upon receiving the first indication, determining a secondary starting offset corresponding to an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0138] In some aspects, where the first indication indicates one of the at least one secondary starting offsets, the secondary starting offset is determined based on the first indication.

[0139] In some aspects, this includes calculating the secondary start offset based on at least one of: a start offset of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, an identifier of the terminal device, or an active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0140] In some aspects, this includes receiving a first indication via downlink control information.

[0141] In some aspects, including: when the on-duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection according to a secondary start offset falls outside the active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission, monitoring a physical downlink control channel at the beginning of the active period of the activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0142] In some aspects, a method performed by a network device is provided, comprising: transmitting a configuration for discontinuous transmission to a terminal device being served by the network device, the configuration for discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; transmitting a first indication to the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for discontinuous transmission is activated; and Information about a first starting offset and a secondary starting offset is provided to the terminal device, wherein the first starting offset should be used by the terminal device when discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary starting offset should be used by the terminal device for an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0143] In some aspects, it includes: transmitting a first configuration message to a terminal device, the first configuration message including a distribution factor corresponding to a configuration for discontinuous transmission for the terminal device to calculate an auxiliary start offset so that a start duration period of discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device at least partially overlaps with an active period of an activated configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0144] In some aspects, the first indication includes a second indication indicating whether the terminal device calculates a secondary start offset.

[0145] In some aspects, this includes transmitting a second configuration message to a terminal device, the second configuration message including at least one secondary starting offset for the terminal device to determine the secondary starting offset.

[0146] In some aspects, the at least one secondary start offset corresponds to a configuration for discontinuous transmission.

[0147] In some aspects, the first indication indicates an auxiliary starting offset of the at least one auxiliary starting offset.

[0148] In some aspects, this includes transmitting the first indication via downlink control information.

[0149] In some aspects, an apparatus for a terminal device is provided, comprising components for executing any method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0150] In some aspects, an apparatus for a network device is provided, comprising components for executing any method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0151] In some aspects, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus for a terminal device, cause the terminal device to at least perform any method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure.

[0152] In some aspects, a computer-readable medium is provided, comprising instructions, which, when executed by an apparatus for a network device, cause the network device to at least perform any method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0153] Certain abbreviations that may be found in this specification and / or drawings are defined herein as follows: C-DRX connected mode discontinuous reception DCI Downlink Control Information DTX Discontinuous Transmission NES Network Energy Saving PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel RRC Radio Resource Control SFN System Frame Number UE User Equipment

Claims

1. A device for a terminal device, comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the terminal device to at least: receiving a configuration for discontinuous transmission from a network device serving the terminal device, the configuration for the discontinuous transmission defining an active period and an inactive period of a cell associated with the network device; receiving a first indication from the network device, the first indication indicating that the configuration for the discontinuous transmission is activated; providing a first start offset and a secondary start offset, wherein the first start offset should be used when the discontinuous transmission is deactivated and the secondary start offset should be used for the configuration activated for the discontinuous transmission; as well as During the activated discontinuous transmission of the cell, the first starting offset or the secondary starting offset is selected for discontinuous reception of a connection of the terminal device.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: A first configuration message is received from the network device, the first configuration message comprising a distribution factor corresponding to the configuration for the discontinuous transmission for determining the secondary start offset so that an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of the connection at least partially overlaps with the active period of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the first instruction comprises a second instruction instructing the terminal device to calculate the secondary start offset, and wherein the apparatus is configured to: The secondary start offset is calculated based on at least one of the following: A starting offset of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission, the first starting offset, the active period of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission, or the distribution factor of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus is configured to: When the first indication is received, the auxiliary start offset is calculated based on at least one of: the start offset of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission, the first start offset, the active period of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission, or the distribution factor of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first starting offset is selected if an on-duration period of discontinuous reception of the connection according to the first starting offset at least partially overlaps with the active period of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission.

6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: receiving, from the network device, a second configuration message including at least one secondary start offset; and The secondary start offset is determined based on the at least one secondary start offset.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured to: In case the at least one secondary starting offset corresponds to the configuration for the discontinuous transmission, upon receiving the first indication, the secondary starting offset corresponding to the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission is determined.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured to: In case the first indication indicates one of the at least one secondary starting offset, the secondary starting offset is determined based on the first indication.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured to: The secondary start offset is calculated based on at least one of: a start offset of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission, an identifier of the terminal device, or the active period of the activated configuration for the discontinuous transmission.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the apparatus is configured to receive the first indication via downlink control information.

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