Communication device and communication method

Abstract

A communication device (100) is a communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of networks (200A, 200B) using a plurality of subscriber identity modules. A communication device is provided with: a communication unit (120) that transmits, to a first network (200A), restriction information for temporarily restricting the communication capability of the communication device for communicating with the first network; and a control unit (130) that, after the transmission of the restriction information, determines whether or not to execute the restriction of the communication capability. When it is determined that the restriction of the communication capability is executed, the control unit performs control so as to execute the restriction of the communication capability and start the connection with the second network (200B).

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority based on Japanese patent application No. 2022-115829 filed on July 20, 2022, and the entire contents of the patent application are incorporated into this specification by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a communication device and a communication method used in a mobile communication system. Background Art

[0004] In Release 18 of 3GPP (registered trademark, hereinafter the same), a standardization project for mobile communication systems, a work item has been initiated to develop a function in which a communication device having two transmitting and receiving units communicates with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identity modules.

[0005] In the case where such a communication device uses two transmitting and receiving units for communicating with a certain network (hereinafter referred to as the first network), if the transmitting and receiving unit of one side is arbitrarily switched for communication with another network (hereinafter referred to as the second network), since the first network communicates with the communication device without being aware of the switching of the transmitting and receiving unit of one side, data loss may occur between the communication device and the first network.

[0006] Therefore, in Release 18 of 3GPP, it is discussed to temporarily limit the communication capability of a communication device used for communication with a first network so that a transmission / reception unit of one can be used for communication with a second network (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Non-patent literature

[0009] Non-patent document 1: 3GPP proposal "RP-220955" Summary of the invention

[0010] The communication device involved in the first aspect is a communication device capable of communicating with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identity modules. The communication device includes: a communication unit that sends restriction information to a first network, the restriction information being used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the communication device used to communicate with the first network; and a control unit that determines whether to execute the restriction of the communication capability after sending the restriction information. If it is determined that the restriction of the communication capability is to be executed, the control unit controls to execute the restriction of the communication capability and start connection with the second network.

[0011] The communication method involved in the second aspect is a communication method performed by a communication device, the communication device being capable of communicating with a plurality of networks using a plurality of subscriber identity modules. The communication method comprises: a step of sending restriction information to a first network, the restriction information being used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the communication device used to communicate with the first network; a step of determining whether to execute the restriction of the communication capability after sending the restriction information; and a step of controlling to execute the restriction of the communication capability and start connection with a second network if it is determined that the restriction of the communication capability is to be executed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The objects, features, advantages and the like of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of a protocol stack of a mobile communication system according to an embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a hypothetical scenario.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a UE (User Equipment) according to an embodiment.

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing a configuration example of base stations of a first network according to an embodiment.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a sequence diagram showing a first operation example according to the embodiment.

[0019] Figure 7 This is a diagram (part 1) for explaining information elements in the first operation example according to the embodiment.

[0020] Figure 8 This is a diagram (part 2) for explaining information elements in the first operation example according to the embodiment.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a sequence diagram showing a second operation example according to the embodiment.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a diagram for explaining information elements in the second operation example involved in the embodiment.

[0023] Fig.11 This is a flowchart for explaining a second operation example according to the embodiment.

[0024] Fig.12 This is a flowchart for explaining Modification Example 1 of the second operation example according to the embodiment.

[0025] Fig.13 This is a flowchart for explaining Modification Example 1 of the second operation example according to the embodiment.

[0026] Fig.14 It is a sequence diagram showing a third operation example according to the embodiment.

[0027] Fig.15 It is a diagram for explaining information elements in the third operation example involved in the implementation mode. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The mobile communication system according to the embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals are given to the same or similar parts.

[0029] Currently, in the existing 3GPP technical specifications, there is no specific mechanism for temporarily limiting the communication capability of a communication device for communicating with a first network when the communication device for communicating with a first network wishes to communicate with a second network. Therefore, there is a concern that the communication device cannot appropriately limit the communication capability.

[0030] Therefore, one of the objects of the present disclosure is to provide a communication device and a communication method, which enable a communication device that communicates with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identity modules to appropriately limit communication capabilities.

[0031] [Implementation Method]

[0032] (System Configuration)

[0033] Reference Figure 1 , the configuration of the mobile communication system 1 involved in the implementation mode is described. In the following, the mobile communication system 1 is mainly described as an example of a 5th generation system (5G / NR: New Radio) of the 3GPP standard, but the 4th generation system (4G / LTE: Long Term Evolution) system and / or the 6th generation system can also be at least partially applied to the mobile communication system 1.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a mobile communication system 1 according to the embodiment includes a user equipment (UE: User Equipment) 100, a first network 200A, and a second network 200B.

[0035] UE 100 is an example of a communication device. UE 100 may be a mobile wireless communication device. UE 100 may be a device used by a user. For example, UE 100 is a mobile phone terminal (including a smart phone), a tablet terminal, a notebook PC, a communication module (including a communication card or a chipset), a sensor or a device provided in a sensor, a vehicle or a device provided in a vehicle (Vehicle UE: vehicle UE), an aircraft or a device provided in an aircraft (for example, Aerial UE: aerial UE). In addition, UE 100 may also be referred to as a mobile station, a mobile terminal, a mobile device, a mobile unit, a subscriber station, a subscriber terminal, a subscriber device, a subscriber unit, a wireless station, a wireless terminal, a wireless device, a wireless unit, a remote station, a remote terminal, a remote device, or a remote unit and other names.

[0036] UE 100 is able to communicate with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identity modules (SIMs). UE 100 may be a multi-SIM device corresponding to multiple SIMs. The following mainly describes an example in which UE 100 corresponds to two SIMs, but UE 100 may also correspond to more than three SIMs. "Corresponding to multiple SIMs" means that UE 100 has the ability to handle multiple SIMs, but it is not necessary to have multiple SIMs in UE 100. Such UE 100 is sometimes referred to as a "UE that supports multiple SIMs". In addition, SIM is not limited to a card-type SIM (so-called SIM card), but may also be an embedded SIM (so-called eSIM) pre-assembled in UE 100. SIM is sometimes referred to as USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module).

[0037] The first network 200A is a network corresponding to the SIM of one party of the UE 100. The second network 200B is a network corresponding to the SIM of the other party of the UE 100. It is assumed that the UE 100 uses the SIM of one party to register the location to the first network 200A, and uses the SIM of the other party to register the location to the second network 200B. That is, the UE 100 is located in each of the first network 200A and the second network 200B. The first network 200A and the second network 200B may be networks of different communication operators. However, the first network 200A and the second network 200B may also be networks of the same communication operator. The first network 200A and the second network 200B may be assigned different PLMN (Public Land Mobile Network: Public Land Mobile Network) IDs.

[0038] The first network 200A includes a base station 210A and a core network 220A constituting a wireless access network. The core network 220A includes a mobility management device 221A and a gateway device 222A as core network devices. Similarly, the second network 200B includes a base station 210B and a core network 220B constituting a wireless access network. The core network 220B includes a mobility management device 221B and a gateway device 222B as core network devices. Hereinafter, when the base station 210A and 200B are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the base station 210, when the mobility management device 221A and 221B are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the mobility management device 221, and when the gateway device 222A and 222B are not distinguished, it is simply referred to as the gateway device 222.

[0039] The base station 210 is a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the UE 100. The base station 210 manages one or more cells. The base station 210 performs wireless communication with the UE 100, and the aforementioned UE 100 establishes a connection with its own cell in the radio resource control (RRC) layer. The base station 210 has a radio resource management (RRM) function, a routing function of user data (hereinafter referred to as "data"), and a measurement control function for mobility control / scheduling, etc. "Cell" is used as a term to indicate the smallest unit of a wireless communication area. "Cell" is also used as a term to indicate a function or resource for wireless communication with the UE 100. One cell belongs to one carrier frequency. In Figure 1 , an example is shown in which the base station 210A manages the cell C1 and the base station 210B manages the cell C2. The UE 100 is located in the overlapping area of ​​the cell C1 and the cell C2.

[0040] The base station 210 may be a gNB serving as a 5G / NR base station or an eNB serving as a 4G / LTE base station. The following mainly describes an example in which the base station 210 is a gNB. The base station 210 may be functionally divided into a CU (Central Unit) and a DU (Distributed Unit). The base station 210 may be a relay node such as an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) node.

[0041] The mobility management device 221 is a device corresponding to the control plane, and is a device that performs various mobility management for the UE 100. The mobility management device 221 communicates with the UE 100 using NAS (Non-Access Stratum) signaling, and manages the information of the tracking area where the UE 100 is located. The mobility management device 221 performs paging through the base station 210 to notify the UE 100 of the incoming call. The mobility management device 221 can be an AMF (Access and Mobility Management Function) of 5G / NR or an MME (Mobility Management Entity) of 4G / LTE.

[0042] The gateway device 222 is a device corresponding to the user plane, and is a device that performs forwarding control of data of the UE 100. The gateway device 222 may be a UPF (User Plane Function) of 5G / NR or a S-GW (Serving Gateway) of 4G / LTE.

[0043] (Configuration example of protocol stack)

[0044] Reference Figure 2 , an example of the configuration of the protocol stack of the mobile communication system 1 is described. Figure 2 As shown, the protocol of the wireless section between UE 100 and base station 210 has a physical (PHY) layer, a MAC (Medium Access Control) layer, an RLC (Radio Link Control) layer, a PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layer, and an RRC (Radio Resource Control) layer.

[0045] The PHY layer performs encoding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, antenna mapping / demapping, and resource mapping / demapping. Data and control information are transmitted between the PHY layer of the UE 100 and the PHY layer of the base station 210 via a physical channel.

[0046] The MAC layer performs data priority control, retransmission processing using hybrid ARQ (HARQ), and random access procedures. Data and control information are transmitted between the MAC layer of the UE 100 and the MAC layer of the base station 210 via a transmission channel. The MAC layer of the base station 210 includes a scheduler. The scheduler determines the transmission format (transmission block size, modulation and coding scheme (MCS)) of the uplink and downlink and the allocated resources to the UE 100.

[0047] The RLC layer transmits data to the RLC layer of the receiving side using the functions of the MAC layer and the PHY layer. Data and control information are transmitted between the RLC layer of the UE 100 and the RLC layer of the base station 210 via a logical channel.

[0048] The PDCP layer performs header compression / decompression and encoding / decoding.

[0049] The SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer can be set as the upper layer of the PDCP layer. The SDAP (Service Data Adaptation Protocol) layer maps IP flows and radio bearers: IP flows are the units for QoS (Quality of Service) control in the core network, and radio bearers are the units for QoS control in the AS (Access Stratum).

[0050] The RRC layer controls logical channels, transport channels, and physical channels in response to the establishment, reestablishment, and release of radio bearers. Between the RRC layer of the UE 100 and the RRC layer of the base station 210, RRC signaling for various configurations is transmitted. In the case where there is an RRC connection between the RRC of the UE 100 and the RRC of the base station 210, the UE 100 is in an RRC connected state. In the case where there is no RRC connection between the RRC of the UE 100 and the RRC of the base station 210, the UE 100 is in an RRC idle state. In the case where the RRC connection between the RRC of the UE 100 and the RRC of the base station 210 is suspended, the UE 100 is in an RRC inactive state.

[0051] The NAS layer located above the RRC layer performs session management and mobility management of the UE 100. Between the NAS layer of the UE 100 and the NAS layer of the mobility management device 221, NAS signaling is transmitted.

[0052] The modes (NAS states) in the NAS layer of the UE 100 include an idle mode and a connected mode. In the connected mode, the context information of the UE 100 is retained in the network, and in the idle mode, the context information of the UE 100 is not retained in the network. When the UE 100 is in the connected mode, the UE 100 is in the RRC connected state or the RRC inactive state. When the UE 100 is in the idle mode, the UE 100 is in the RRC idle state.

[0053] The mode in the NAS layer may be a 5GMM (5G Mobility Management) mode. In this mode, the connection mode may be a 5GMM-connected mode, and the idle mode may be a 5GMM-idle mode.

[0054] Furthermore, in addition to the protocol of the radio interface, the UE 100 also includes an application layer and the like.

[0055] (Imagine the scenario)

[0056] use Figure 3 , a scenario in the mobile communication system 1 involved in the embodiment is described. In Release 18 of 3GPP, which is a standardization project for the mobile communication system 1, a work item has been initiated to develop a function in which a UE 100 having two transmitting and receiving units communicates with multiple networks using multiple SIMs.

[0057] For example, Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1A , when the UE 100 uses the SIM 111 to communicate with the first network 200A, the UE 100 can use the first transmitting and receiving unit 121 and the second transmitting and receiving unit 122 to communicate with the first network 200A. Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1B , when the UE 100 uses the SIM 112 to communicate with the second network 200B, it is assumed that the UE 100 switches the second transmitting and receiving unit 122 to be used for communication with the second network 200B. As a result, the UE 100 can communicate with the second network 200B through the second transmitting and receiving unit 122 while maintaining communication with the first network 200A through the first transmitting and receiving unit 121.

[0058] Here, in a case where UE 100 uses two sending / receiving units for communication with the first network 200A, if one of the sending / receiving units (e.g., the second sending / receiving unit 122) is arbitrarily switched for communication with the second network 200B, since the first network 200A communicates with UE 100 without knowing the switching of the second sending / receiving unit 122, data loss may occur between UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0059] Therefore, in Release 18 of 3GPP, it is discussed to temporarily limit the communication capability of UE 100 used for communication with first network 200A so that one transmission / reception unit can be used for communication with second network 200B.

[0060] However, currently, in the existing 3GPP technical specifications, there is a concern that a problem may occur because there is no specific mechanism for temporarily limiting the communication capability of UE 100 communicating with the first network 200A when UE 100 communicating with the first network 200A wants to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0061] For example, there is a concern that the first network 200A cannot recognize that the UE 100 wishes to temporarily limit the communication capability, and that the temporary limitation of the communication capability cannot be properly synchronized between the UE 100 and the first network 200A. In one embodiment described below, an operation for enabling a network communicating with the UE 100 to recognize the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100 is described, and the UE 100 is capable of communicating with multiple networks using multiple SIM cards.

[0062] In addition, since there is no specific mechanism for temporarily limiting the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A, there is a concern that the UE 100 cannot appropriately limit the communication capability. In one embodiment described below, an operation for enabling the UE 100 to appropriately limit the communication capability is described, and the UE 100 can communicate with multiple networks using multiple SIMs.

[0063] In addition, currently, in the existing 3GPP technical specifications, there is no specific mechanism for the UE 100, which temporarily limits the communication capability for communicating with the first network 200A, to release or change the limitation of the communication capability, for example, after the communication with the second network 200B is terminated. Therefore, there is a concern that the first network 200A cannot recognize that the UE 100 wants to release or change the temporary limitation of the communication capability, and that the UE 100 and the first network 200A cannot be properly synchronized with respect to the temporary limitation of the communication capability. In one embodiment described later, an operation for enabling a network communicating with the UE 100 to recognize the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100, which can communicate with multiple networks using multiple SIMs, is described.

[0064] (UE configuration example)

[0065] Reference Figure 4 , a configuration example of UE 100 is described. Figure 4As shown, UE 100 includes antenna 101, antenna 102, SIM 111, SIM 112, communication unit 120, and control unit 130. Antenna 101 and antenna 102 may be provided outside UE 100. SIM 111 and SIM 112 may be SIM cards or eSIMs.

[0066] SIM 111 stores subscriber information and configuration information required for UE 100 to communicate with the first network 200A. SIM 111 stores identification information of UE 100 in the first network 200A, such as a phone number and IMSI (International Mobile Subscriber Identity). SIM 111 corresponds to a first subscriber information module. UE 100 uses SIM 111 to communicate with the first network 200A.

[0067] SIM 112 stores subscriber information and configuration information required for UE 100 to communicate with second network 200B. SIM 112 stores identification information of UE 100 in second network 200B, such as phone number and IMSI, etc. SIM 112 corresponds to a second subscriber information module. UE 100 uses SIM 112 to communicate with second network 200B.

[0068] The communication unit 120 performs wireless communication with the first network 200A and wireless communication with the second network 200B via the antenna 101 and the antenna 102 under the control of the control unit 130. The communication unit 120 includes a plurality of transmitting and receiving units. The transmitting and receiving unit may be referred to as a transmitting and receiving unit, or may be referred to as an RF (Radio Frequency) chain. In this embodiment, the communication unit 120 includes a first transmitting and receiving unit 121 and a second transmitting and receiving unit 122. The first transmitting and receiving unit 121 and the second transmitting and receiving unit 122 include a receiving unit 120R and a transmitting unit 120T. The receiving unit 120R converts the wireless signal received by each antenna into a receiving signal as a baseband signal, and outputs it to the control unit 130 after performing signal processing on the receiving signal. The transmitting unit 120T converts the transmitting signal as a baseband signal output by the control unit 130 into a wireless signal, and transmits the wireless signal from each antenna. The receiving unit 120R may be referred to as a receiver, an Rx chain, or an Rx branch. The transmitting unit 120T may be referred to as a transmitter, a Tx chain, or a Tx branch. In this embodiment, the first transmitting and receiving unit 121 includes a first receiving unit 121R as the receiving unit 120R and a first transmitting unit 121T as the transmitting unit 120T. The second transmitting and receiving unit 122 includes a second receiving unit 122R as the receiving unit 120R and a second transmitting unit 122T as the transmitting unit 120T.

[0069] The control unit 130 controls the communication unit 120 and performs various controls in the UE 100. The control unit 130 controls the communication with the first network 200A using the SIM 111, and controls the communication with the second network 200B using the SIM 112. The control unit 130 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores a program executed by the processor and information for processing using the processor. The memory may include at least one of a ROM (Read Only Memory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a flash memory. The processor may include a digital signal processor (DSP) that performs digital processing of digital signals and a central processing unit (CPU) that executes a program. In addition, a part of the memory may also be provided in the communication unit 120. In addition, the DSP may also be provided in the communication unit 120.

[0070] The control unit 130 includes an RRC processing unit 131 and a NAS processing unit 132. The RRC processing unit 131 performs processing in the RRC layer. The NAS processing unit 132 performs processing in the NAS layer, which is a higher layer than the RRC layer. In addition, the RRC processing unit 131 and the NAS processing unit 132 may include one processor or a plurality of processors.

[0071] The UE 100 configured in this way can communicate with multiple networks using multiple SIMs. The communication unit 120 sends restriction information to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B, and the restriction information is used to temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100 used to communicate with the first network 200A. As a result, the first network 200A can identify the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the restriction information. Therefore, it is easy to properly synchronize the temporary restriction of the communication capability between the UE 100 and the first network 200A. Here, in this embodiment, the restriction may include a reduction. That is, limiting the communication capability may correspond to reducing the communication capability. That is, in this embodiment, the restriction may be replaced by a reduction.

[0072] In addition, the communication unit 120 transmits the restriction information to the first network 200A. After transmitting the restriction information, the control unit 130 determines whether to perform the restriction of the communication capability. In the case where it is determined to perform the restriction of the communication capability, the control unit 130 controls to perform the restriction of the communication capability and starts the connection with the second network 200B. After transmitting the restriction information, the UE 100 determines whether to perform the restriction of the communication capability, so that the communication capability of the UE 100 can be appropriately restricted.

[0073] In addition, the control unit 130 temporarily limits the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A so as to communicate with the second network 200B. The communication unit 120 transmits information to the first network 200A for canceling or changing the temporary limitation of the communication capability for communicating with the second network 200B. Thus, the first network 200A can recognize the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the information. Therefore, it is easy to appropriately synchronize the temporary limitation of the communication capability between the UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0074] In addition, the actions of the functional units of UE 100 (specifically, at least any one of antenna 101, antenna 102, SIM 111, SIM 112, communication unit 120, control unit 130 (for example, RRC processing unit 131 and NAS processing unit 132)) are sometimes described as the actions of UE 100.

[0075] (Base station configuration example)

[0076] Reference Figure 5 , the configuration example of the base station 210A of the first network 200A is described. In addition, the base station 210B of the second network 200B is also configured in the same manner as the base station 210A, so the description thereof is omitted. Figure 5 As shown, the base station 210A includes an antenna 211 , a wireless communication unit 212 , a network communication unit 213 , and a control unit 214 .

[0077] The wireless communication unit 212 communicates with the UE 100 via the antenna 211 under the control of the control unit 214. The wireless communication unit 212 includes a receiving unit 212R and a transmitting unit 212T. The receiving unit 212R converts the wireless signal received by the antenna 211 into a reception signal as a baseband signal, and outputs it to the control unit 214 after performing signal processing on the reception signal. The transmitting unit 212T converts the transmission signal as a baseband signal output by the control unit 214 into a wireless signal after performing signal processing, and transmits the wireless signal from the antenna 211.

[0078] The network communication unit 213 is connected to the core network 220A. Under the control of the control unit 214, the network communication unit 213 performs network communication with the mobility management device 221A and the gateway device 222A.

[0079] The control unit 214 controls the wireless communication unit 212 and performs various controls in the base station 210A. The control unit 214 includes at least one processor and at least one memory. The memory stores programs executed by the processor and information for processing using the processor. The memory may include at least one of a ROM, an EPROM, an EEPROM, a RAM, and a flash memory. The processor may include a digital signal processor (DSP) for digital processing of digital signals and a central processing unit (CPU) for executing programs. In addition, a part of the memory may be provided in the wireless communication unit 212. In addition, the DSP may also be provided in the wireless communication unit 212.

[0080] In the base station 210 configured in this way, the wireless communication unit 212 receives restriction information for temporarily restricting the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A from the UE 100 to communicate with the second network 200B. Thus, the first network 200A can recognize the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the restriction information. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve appropriate synchronization between the UE 100 and the first network 200A for the temporary restriction of the communication capability.

[0081] In addition, the wireless communication unit 212 receives information from the UE 100 for releasing or changing the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the second network 200B. As a result, the first network 200A can recognize the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the restriction release information or the restriction change information. Therefore, it is easy to appropriately synchronize the temporary restriction of the communication capability between the UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0082] In addition, the operation of the functional unit (specifically, at least any one of the antenna 211 , the wireless communication unit 212 , the network communication unit 213 , and the control unit 214 ) included in the base station 210A may be described as the operation of the base station 210A.

[0083] (Operation of mobile communication system)

[0084] (1) First Operation Example

[0085] Reference Figures 6 to 8 , the first action example of the mobile communication system 1 is described. In this action example, the UE 100 sends restriction information to the first network 200A. In this action example, the UE 100 is located in the primary cell (P cell) 210P and the secondary cell (S cell) 210S of the first network 200A. It can be that a base station 210A of the first network 200A manages the P cell 210P and the S cell 210S. Alternatively, it can also be that a base station 210A of the first network 200A manages the P cell 210P, and other base stations 210A of the first network 200A manage the S cell 210S. In addition, the P cell 210P can be a P cell in a carrier aggregation action. In addition, the S cell 210S can be an S cell in a carrier aggregation action. In addition, the P cell 210P can be a P cell belonging to a primary cell group (MCG) in a dual connection action. In addition, the S cell 210S can be a primary secondary cell (PS cell) belonging to a secondary cell group (SCG) in a dual connection action. In addition, the SCell 210S may be a secondary cell (SCell) belonging to a primary cell group (MCG) and / or a secondary cell group (SCG) in a dual connectivity operation.

[0086] Here, the P cell of the main cell group (MCG) and / or the main and secondary cells (PS cells) belonging to the secondary cell group (SCG) in the dual connection action are also referred to as special cells (SP cells). In addition, in the dual connection action, the MAC entity can be associated with each of the main cell group (MCG) and the secondary cell group (SCG).

[0087] In the following, for ease of explanation, in this embodiment, the P cell belonging to the main cell group (MCG) is also recorded as the P cell. In addition, the primary and secondary cells (PS cells) belonging to the secondary cell group (SCG) are also recorded as secondary cells. That is, in this embodiment, the P cell may also be replaced by the P cell belonging to the main cell group (MCG). In addition, in this embodiment, the secondary cell may also be replaced by the primary and secondary cells (PS cells) and / or secondary cells (S cells) belonging to the secondary cell group (SCG).

[0088] like Figure 6 As shown, UE 100 is in RRC connected state in first network 200A. UE 100 in RRC connected state has an RRC connection established between first network 200A and UE 100. Therefore, control unit 130 of UE 100 and control unit 214 of base station 210 are establishing RRC connection between UE 100 and base station 210.

[0089] In addition, UE 100 is communicating with the first network 200A. UE 100 is in communication with the first network 200A. UE 100 is, for example, receiving services such as voice calls from the first network 200A. In addition, "in communication" means that UE 100 is at least in the RRC connection state in the network. Therefore, when UE 100 is in communication with the first network 200A, it is continuously exchanging data with the network continuously or discontinuously.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, the UE 100 is in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state in the second network 200B. While maintaining the RRC connection state in the first network 200A, the UE 100 monitors the paging from the second network 200B or receives the system block information from the second network 200B. For example, the UE 100 can monitor the paging or receive the system block information in the second network 200B during the communication interruption period with the first network 200A.

[0091] Hereinafter, for UE 100, the communication between UE 100 and base station 210A may be the communication between UE 100 and the cell of base station 210A (specifically, P cell 210P, S cell 210S), that is, the cell where UE 100 is located. The same applies to the communication between UE 100 and base station 210B. In addition, sometimes, the communication between UE 100 and a node belonging to the first network 200A (for example, base station 210A (that is, P cell 210P, S cell 210S), mobility management device 221A, gateway device 222A) is referred to as the communication between UE 100 and the first network 200A. The same applies to the node belonging to the second network 200B.

[0092] In addition, hereinafter, the UE 100 communicates with the first network 200A via the communication unit 120 (receiving unit 120R and / or transmitting unit 120T) (specifically, sending, receiving, and notifying messages, etc.), but for the sake of simplicity, the description that the communication is via the communication unit 120 is appropriately omitted. Regarding the communication between the UE 100 and the second network 200B, the description that the communication is via the communication unit 120 is also appropriately omitted. Therefore, the sending and / or receiving of messages, etc. by the UE 100 may be the sending and / or receiving of messages, etc. by the communication unit 120 (receiving unit 120R and / or transmitting unit 120T) of the UE 100.

[0093] Step S101:

[0094] In the second network 200B, the AMF 221B transmits a paging request (Paging request) to the base station 210B, the paging request requesting transmission of a paging addressed to the UE 100. The network communication unit 213 of the base station 210B receives the paging request.

[0095] The paging request may include paging cause information (Paging Cause) indicating the reason for paging. The paging cause information may be, for example, information indicating whether the reason for paging is a voice call.

[0096] Step S102:

[0097] In response to receiving the paging request, the wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210B transmits a paging message (Paging) destined for the UE 100. The RRC processing unit 131 (receiving unit 120R) of the UE 100 receives the paging message from the base station 210B. When the UE 100 is in communication with the first network 200A and is in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state in the second network 200B, the RRC processing unit 131 receives the paging message from the base station 210B. The UE 100 may receive the paging message via the first transmitting and receiving unit 121 or the second transmitting and receiving unit 122.

[0098] The paging message is used to notify one or more UEs 100. The paging message is a message of the RRC layer. The paging message includes, for example, the ID of the UE 100. More specifically, for example, the paging message includes a list of paging records, and one paging record in the list includes the ID of the UE 100. For example, the ID is the 5G-S-TMSI or full I-RNTI (Inactive Radio Network Temporary Identifier) ​​of the UE 100. In the paging message, paging cause information (Paging Cause) may be included. The paging cause information may, for example, specify that the paging cause is a voice service. The paging cause information may, for example, be associated with the ID of the UE 100.

[0099] When the paging message includes the ID of UE 100 and UE 100 is in communication with first network 200A and in RRC inactive state or RRC idle state in second network 200B, RRC processing unit 131 may perform the process of step S103.

[0100] When the paging message includes the ID of UE 100 and when UE 100 is not in communication with the first network 200A, for example, when UE 100 is in the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state with respect to the first network 200A, the RRC processing unit 131 may not perform the processing of step S103, but may perform the prescribed processing when the paging message is received.

[0101] Step S103:

[0102] The RRC processing unit 131 provides the NAS processing unit 132 with a paging reception notification. The NAS processing unit 132 receives the paging reception notification from the RRC processing unit 131. The paging reception notification is a notification for notifying the UE 100 that a paging message has been received. The RRC processing unit 131 can indicate to the NAS processing unit 132 that a paging message has been received in the second network 200B through the paging reception notification.

[0103] The paging reception notification may include paging cause information (Paging Cause). In addition, for example, when the UE 100 is in an RRC inactive or idle state, the paging reception notification may include an identifier of the UE 100 (UE ID).

[0104] The control unit 130 may determine whether to temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A in response to the reception of the paging message. The control unit 130 may determine whether to temporarily limit the communication capability based on the paging cause information, for example. For example, when the paging cause information indicates a voice service, the control unit 130 may determine to temporarily limit the communication capability. When the paging cause information indicates a service other than a voice service, the control unit 130 may determine not to temporarily limit the communication capability.

[0105] In addition, the control unit 130 may determine whether to temporarily limit the communication capability based on, for example, an input from the user. For example, the control unit 130 may determine whether to temporarily limit the communication capability when the input from the user is an input to recommend communication with the second network 200B. The control unit 130 may determine not to temporarily limit the communication capability when the input from the user is an input not to recommend communication with the second network 200B, or when there is no input from the user to recommend communication with the second network 200B within a predetermined period of time after receiving the paging.

[0106] Furthermore, the determination may be performed in the NAS processing unit 132, or may be performed in a layer higher than the NAS processing unit 132. When the determination is performed in a higher layer, the determination result may be provided to the NAS processing unit 132.

[0107] If it is determined that the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A is temporarily limited, the NAS processing unit 132 performs the process of step S104. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A is not temporarily limited, the control unit 130 may not perform the process of step S104, but may perform the following determination.

[0108] In the case where the communication capability is not temporarily restricted, for example, the control unit 130 may determine whether the communication with the first network 200A is prioritized over the communication with the second network 200B based on the paging cause information. In the case where the communication with the first network 200A is prioritized, the control unit 130 may control as follows: a notification of not responding to the paging from the second network 200B is sent to the second network 200B. On the other hand, in the case where the communication with the second network 200B is prioritized, the control unit 130 may control as follows: the RRC connection state is transferred to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state in the first network 200A, and the RRC connection state is transferred to the second network 200B. The control unit 130 may establish an RRC connection with the second network 200B and communicate with the second network 200B.

[0109] Step S104:

[0110] The NAS processing unit 132 provides the capability limitation indication to the RRC processing unit 131. The RRC processing unit 131 receives the capability limitation indication from the NAS processing unit 132. The capability limitation indication may be an indication for instructing transmission of limitation information described later. The capability limitation indication may indicate the content of the limitation information.

[0111] Step S105:

[0112] The RRC processing unit 131 performs the following control: the restriction information is sent to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B. The communication unit 120 sends the restriction information to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B. Specifically, the communication unit 120 sends the restriction information to the P cell 210P. The communication unit 120 may send a message including the restriction information to the P cell 210P. The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A receives the restriction information from the UE 100 in the P cell 210P.

[0113] The restriction information is used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the UE 100 used for communicating with the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B. In addition, the communication capability of the UE 100 does not only refer to the capability (Capability) of the UE 100, for example, it can also be referred to as the communication resources allocated to the UE 100, the radio resources scheduled to the UE 100, etc. The temporarily restricted communication capability can be a communication resource associated with a transmitting and receiving unit (i.e., a transmitting unit and / or a receiving unit) used to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0114] like Figure 7 As shown, the control unit 130 (e.g., the RRC processing unit 131) may include restriction information (e.g., MUSIM-ReducedCapability) in a MUSIM assistance information element (i.e., MUSIM-Assistance) for providing multi-universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM) assistance information. The communication unit 120 may send the MUSIM assistance information including the restriction information to the first network 200A. The communication unit 120 may send a UE assistance information (i.e., UEAssistanceInformation) message including the MUSIM assistance information to the first network 200A, and the MUSIM assistance information includes the restriction information.

[0115] like Figure 8 As shown in E11 , the control unit 130 may include at least any one of information for limiting a secondary cell, information for limiting a frequency band, and information for limiting a layer of a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) as restriction information in the MUSIM assistance information element.

[0116] The information for limiting the secondary cell may be, for example, information for limiting the secondary cell that data can be scheduled. The information for limiting the secondary cell may be, for example, information indicating a recommendation (preference) for reducing the configured UE 100 corresponding to the maximum number of secondary cells (specifically, reducedMaxCCs, ReducedMaxCCs). The information may be at least any one of the following: information indicating a recommendation (preference) for reducing the configured UE 100 corresponding to the maximum number of downlink secondary cells (more specifically, reducedCCsDL); and information indicating a recommendation (preference) for reducing the configured UE 100 corresponding to the maximum number of uplink secondary cells (more specifically, reducedCCsDL). That is, the information for limiting the secondary cell may be information for limiting the maximum number of secondary cells. Here, as described above, the secondary cell may include a primary secondary cell. In addition, in the downlink, the cell may correspond to a downlink component carrier. In addition, in the uplink, the cell may correspond to an uplink component carrier. In this embodiment, configuring the cell may include configuring a downlink component carrier and / or configuring an uplink component carrier. For example, the information for limiting the secondary cell may include information for limiting the maximum number of component carriers configured in the downlink and / or information for limiting the maximum number of component carriers configured in the uplink.

[0117] The information for limiting the frequency band may be, for example, information for limiting the frequency band in which data can be scheduled. The information for limiting the frequency band may be information related to the maximum frequency band (e.g., ReducedMaxBW-FRx), information related to the aggregated bandwidth (e.g., ReducedAggregatedBandwidth), information related to the maximum frequency band of FR1 (e.g., reducedMaxBW-FR1), or information related to the maximum frequency band of FR2 (e.g., reducedMaxBW-FR2, reducedMaxBW-FR2-2). The information for limiting the frequency band may be, for example, at least any one of: information on a recommendation (preference) for a reduced configuration of the UE 100 corresponding to the maximum aggregate bandwidth of all downlink carriers and all uplink carriers throughout FR1 (Frequency Range 1: frequency range 1) (specifically, reducedBW-FR1); information on a recommendation for a reduced configuration of the UE 100 corresponding to the maximum aggregate bandwidth of all downlink carriers and all uplink carriers throughout FR2-1 (Frequency Range 2-1: frequency range 2-1) (specifically, reducedBW-FR2); and information on a recommendation for a reduced configuration of the UE 100 corresponding to the maximum aggregate bandwidth of all downlink carriers and all uplink carriers throughout FR2-2 (Frequency Range 2-2: frequency range 2-2) (specifically, reducedBW-FR2-2). Furthermore, in FR1, the subcarrier spacing is 15 or 30 kHz, in FR2-1, the subcarrier spacing is 120 or 240 kHz, and in FR2-2, the subcarrier spacing is 120, 480 or 960 kHz.

[0118] The information for limiting the MIMO layers may be, for example, at least any one of the following: information indicating a recommendation for reducing the configuration of UE 100 corresponding to the maximum number of downlink MIMO layers or uplink MIMO layers of each serving cell operating in FR1 (specifically, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR1, reducedMIMO-LayersFR1-DL, reducedMIMO-LayersFR1-UL); information indicating a recommendation for reducing the configuration of UE 100 corresponding to the maximum number of downlink MIMO layers or uplink MIMO layers of each serving cell operating in FR2-1 (specifically, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2, reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-DL, reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-UL); and information indicating a recommendation for reducing the configuration of UE 100 corresponding to the maximum number of downlink MIMO layers or uplink MIMO layers of each serving cell operating in FR2-2. The recommended information of 100 (specifically, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2-2, reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-2-DL, reducedMIMO-LayersFR2-2-UL) Here, the serving cell may include a primary cell and / or a secondary cell.

[0119] like Figure 8 As shown in E12 of , the control unit 130 may include information indicating the number of sending and receiving units (e.g., sending and receiving units) that can be used to communicate with the first network 200A (e.g., may also be referred to as nrofRxBranches) as restriction information in the MUSIM assistance information element. The information may indicate the maximum number of sending and receiving units that can be used to communicate with the first network 200A. In addition, the control unit 130 may include at least one of information indicating the number (or maximum number) of sending units (e.g., transmitters) that can be used to communicate with the first network 200A and information indicating the number (or maximum number) of receiving units (e.g., receivers) that can be used to communicate with the first network 200A as restriction information in the MUSIM assistance information element.

[0120] like Figure 8As shown in E13, the control unit 130 may include flag information (e.g., may also be referred to as deactivateSCG) for deactivating or releasing a secondary cell as restriction information in a MUSIM auxiliary information element. The flag information may be, for example, information indicated by one bit. For example, when "true" is set in the flag information, deactivation of a secondary cell may be indicated, release of a secondary cell may be indicated, deactivation of a secondary cell group may be indicated, and release of a secondary cell group may be indicated. In the case where UE 100 is performing dual connectivity (Dual Connectivity), the control unit 130 may include the flag information as restriction information in a MUSIM auxiliary information element. In addition, in dual connectivity, UE 100 in an RRC connected state is configured to use radio resources provided by two different schedulers located at different locations of two different nodes (e.g., NG-RAN (Next Generation-Radio Access Network)) connected via a non-ideal backhaul.

[0121] In addition, the control unit 130 may include the prescribed information to be set in the overheating assistance information element (i.e., OverheatingAssistance) in order to communicate with the second network 200B when providing the overheating assistance indication. The control unit 130 may generally include the prescribed information in the overheating assistance information element based on the internal overheating being detected in the UE 100. However, the control unit 130 may also include the prescribed information in the overheating assistance information element in order to communicate with the second network 200B regardless of whether the internal overheating is detected in the UE 100. The prescribed information may be, for example, reducedMaxCCs, reducedMaxBW-FR1, reducedMaxBW-FR2, reducedMaxBW-FR2-2, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR1, reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2, and reducedMaxMIMO-LayersFR2-2. Therefore, regardless of whether internal overheating is detected, the communication unit 120 may send the overheating auxiliary information element as restriction information to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0122] In addition, the control unit 130 may include information for deactivating or releasing the secondary cell as restriction information in the UE assistance information message. Here, the control unit 130 may include the restriction information in an information element, which is an information element included in the UE assistance information message and is different from the MUSIM assistance information element. The control unit 130 may, for example, include the prescribed information to be included (specifically, scg-DeactivationPreference) in the UE assistance information based on the secondary cell group recommended to be deactivated to communicate with the second network 200B. Therefore, the communication unit 120 may send the information for deactivating or releasing the secondary cell as restriction information to the first network 200A.

[0123] Furthermore, when the UE 100 is in a state of communicating with the first network 200A simultaneously and in parallel using a plurality of transmission and reception units, the communication unit 120 may transmit restriction information to the first network 200A. The UE 100 may transmit restriction information to the first network 200A when all transmission and reception units are used for the communication, and may transmit restriction information to the first network 200A when a plurality of transmission and reception units are used even when a part of the transmission and reception units are not used for the communication.

[0124] The control unit 214 of the base station 210A may determine whether to temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A based on the restriction information. If the control unit 214 of the base station 210A determines to temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100, it may perform the process of step S106. If the control unit 214 of the base station 210A determines not to temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100, it may end the process.

[0125] Step S106:

[0126] The network communication unit 213 of the base station 210A managing the PCell 210P may send a scheduling stop instruction to another base station 210A managing the SCell 210S. When the base station 210A manages the PCell 210P and the SCell 210S, the entity managing the PCell 210P may send a scheduling stop instruction to the entity managing the SCell 210S within the control unit 214.

[0127] The scheduling stop instruction may be an instruction for stopping the scheduling allocated to the UE 100, or may be an instruction for stopping a part of the scheduling allocated to the UE 100. The scheduling stop instruction may include at least a part of the restriction information.

[0128] The control unit 214 of the base station 210A managing the S cell 210S may temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the scheduling stop instruction. The network communication unit 213 of the base station 210A may send a response message instructing the execution of scheduling stop to the base station 210A managing the P cell 210P. The control unit 214 of the base station 210A managing the P cell 210P may perform the process of step S107 based on the reception of the response message.

[0129] Step S107:

[0130] The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A transmits a message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) to the UE 100 in the PCell 210P, the message including configuration information for temporarily limiting the communication capability of the UE 100. The communication unit 120 of the UE 100 receives the message including the configuration information from the PCell 210P (the first network 200A). The message may be a response to the restriction information.

[0131] The configuration information may include information indicating configuration (specifically, reduced configuration) of at least any one of a secondary cell (or a secondary cell group), a frequency band, and a layer of MIMO.

[0132] The control unit 130 (e.g., the RRC processing unit 131) performs communication capacity restriction based on the configuration information. The control unit 130 can reduce or release the secondary cell or secondary cell group based on the configuration information. The control unit 130 can reduce the frequency band based on the configuration information. The control unit 130 can reduce the number of MIMO layers based on the configuration information.

[0133] The control unit 130 performs the following control: the communication with the first network 200A is continued via a part of the transmission and reception units (for example, the first transmission and reception unit 121) among the plurality of transmission and reception units, using the communication capability that is not temporarily restricted among the communication capabilities of the UE 100. The communication with the first network 200A may be performed via the first transmission and reception unit 121 based on the RRC configuration based on the configuration information received from the first network 200A. The control unit 130 may, for example, maintain the RRC configuration previously used for the communication with the first network 200A via the first transmission and reception unit 121. The control unit 130 may also release at least a part of the RRC configuration previously used for the communication with the first network 200A via the second transmission and reception unit 122, and start the communication with the first network 200A via the first transmission and reception unit 121 based on the remaining RRC configuration.

[0134] On the other hand, the control unit 130 performs control for terminating communication with the first network 200A via a part of the plurality of transmission and reception units (e.g., the second transmission and reception unit 122). The control unit 130 may, for example, release the RRC configuration previously used for communication with the first network 200A via the second transmission and reception unit 122. The control unit 130 performs control to start connection with the second network 200B by executing the limitation of the communication capacity.

[0135] Step S108:

[0136] The RRC processing unit 131 provides the NAS processing unit 132 with the second NW handover preparation completion notification based on the execution of the communication capability limitation. The NAS processing unit 132 receives the second NW handover preparation completion notification from the RRC processing unit 131. The second NW handover preparation completion notification may be a notification indicating that preparations to establish an RRC connection with the second network 200B are complete.

[0137] Step S109:

[0138] Based on the reception of the second NW handover completion notification, the NAS processing unit 132 provides the second NW connection instruction to the RRC processing unit 131. The RRC processing unit 131 receives the second NW connection instruction from the NAS processing unit 132. The second NW connection instruction may be an instruction for establishing an RRC connection with the second network 200B.

[0139] Step S110:

[0140] The RRC processing unit 131 performs processing for starting an RRC connection with the base station 210B based on the second NW connection instruction. The RRC processing unit 131 executes, for example, an RRC establishment procedure (Setup) or an RRC reestablishment procedure (Reestablishment).

[0141] Step S111:

[0142] In response to the establishment of the RRC connection with the base station 210B, the RRC processing unit 131 provides the second NW switching completion notification to the NAS processing unit 132. The NAS processing unit 132 receives the second NW switching completion notification from the RRC processing unit 131.

[0143] The second NW handover completion notification may be a notification indicating that establishment of the RRC connection in the second network 200B is completed. The second NW handover completion notification may be a notification indicating that transition to the RRC connected state in the second network 200B is completed.

[0144] Step S112:

[0145] The UE 100 starts communication with the second network 200B. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 may start processing for communication corresponding to the paging message in the second network 200B. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 may control communication with the second network 200B via the second transmitting and receiving unit 122. In addition, the control unit 130 may continue and control communication with the first network 200A via the first transmitting and receiving unit 121.

[0146] As described above, the communication unit 120 of the UE 100 transmits restriction information for temporarily restricting the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A to the first network 200A for communicating with the second network 200B. The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A receives the restriction information from the UE 100. Thus, the first network 200A can recognize the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100. Therefore, it is possible to easily synchronize the temporary restriction of the communication capability between the UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0147] In addition, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may include the restriction information in the MUSIM assistance information element. The communication unit 120 of the UE 100 may transmit the MUSIM assistance information element including the restriction information to the first network 200A. The first network 200A can understand that the UE 100 transmits the restriction information in order to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0148] In addition, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may include at least any one of information for limiting the secondary cell, information for limiting the frequency band, and information for limiting the layer of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) in the aforementioned MUSIM auxiliary information element as restriction information. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A of limiting any one of the secondary cell, the frequency band, and the layer of MIMO.

[0149] In addition, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may include information indicating the number of transmission and reception units that can be used for communication with the first network 200A as restriction information in the MUSIM assistance information element. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the transmission and reception units that can be used for communication with the first network 200A to the first network 200A.

[0150] In addition, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may include flag information for deactivating or releasing the secondary cell as restriction information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to deactivate or release the secondary cell. In addition, since the information amount of the flag information is small (for example, one bit), radio resources can be saved.

[0151] In addition, the communication unit 120 may send an overheating auxiliary information element to the first network 200A based on the detection of internal overheating. Regardless of whether internal overheating is detected, the communication unit 120 may send the overheating auxiliary information element to the first network 200A as restriction information to communicate with the second network 200B. Thus, since there is no need to newly specify an information element including restriction information, the impact on the specification can be reduced.

[0152] In addition, the communication unit 120 may transmit information for deactivating or releasing the secondary cell to the first network 200A as restriction information. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to deactivate or release the secondary cell.

[0153] In addition, the communication unit 120 may receive configuration information for limiting the communication capability from the first network 200A. The control unit 130 may limit the communication capability based on the configuration information. That is, the control unit 130 may limit the communication capability in the first network 200A based on the configuration information. Thus, since the UE 100 can limit the communication capability based on the configuration information, it is easy to appropriately synchronize the temporary limitation of the communication capability between the UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0154] In addition, the communication unit 120 may include a plurality of transmission and reception units. When the UE 100 is in a state of using the plurality of transmission and reception units to communicate with the first network 200A simultaneously and in parallel, the communication unit 120 may send the restriction information to the first network 200A. For example, when the UE 100 uses a part of the plurality of transmission and reception units for communication with the first network 200A, since the remaining transmission and reception units can be used to communicate with the second network 200B, it is possible to omit the transmission of the restriction information to the first network 200A.

[0155] (2) Second Action Example

[0156] Reference Figures 9 to 11 The second action example will be described mainly based on the differences from the above action example. In the second action example, a case where the UE 100 cannot receive the configuration information for limiting the communication capability from the first network 200A will be described.

[0157] Step S201:

[0158] like Fig. 9 As shown, the wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A may send a message (eg, an RRC reconfiguration message) including the timer value to the UE 100 in the PCell 210P. The UE 100 may receive a message including the timer value from the first network 200A (PCell 210P).

[0159] The timer value may be a value to be configured for a timer (hereinafter referred to as a reception timer) started after the restriction information is sent. Fig.10 As shown, the timer value may be called, for example, musim-RedCapWithoutResponseTimer. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 may set the timer value for the receiving timer. The control unit 130 may set the timer value when starting the receiving timer.

[0160] The timer value may be a predetermined timer value (e.g., musim-LeaveWithoutResponseTimer) to be configured for a predetermined timer (e.g., T346g) that is started in response to the sending of a UE assistance information message that includes information indicating a recommended RRC state (e.g., musim-PreferredRRC-State). The control unit 130 of the UE 100 may use the predetermined timer value as the timer value to be configured for the reception timer. Therefore, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may set not only a predetermined timer value for a predetermined timer but also a predetermined timer value for a reception timer. The control unit 130 may set the predetermined timer value when starting the reception timer.

[0161] In addition, the information indicating the recommended RRC state may indicate any one of idle, inactive, and disconnected. Idle may indicate that it is recommended that the UE 100 is released from the RRC connected state and transferred to the RRC idle state. Inactive may indicate that it is recommended that the UE 100 is released from the RRC connected state and transferred to the RRC inactive state. Disconnected may indicate that the UE 100 is released from the RRC connected state and there is no recommended RRC state as a transfer destination.

[0162] Steps S202 to S207:

[0163] Same as steps S101 to S106.

[0164] Step S208:

[0165] Similar to step S107, the wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A transmits a message including configuration information for temporarily limiting the communication capability of the UE 100 to the UE 100 in the PCell 210P. However, in this action example, the communication unit 120 of the UE 100 cannot receive the message including the configuration information from the PCell 210P (first network 200A).

[0166] Step S209:

[0167] After transmitting the restriction information, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 determines whether to execute the restriction of the communication capability. In this operation example, the control unit 130 starts a reception timer to determine whether to execute the restriction of the communication capability.

[0168] The control unit 130 may start the reception timer in response to the transmission of the restriction information. In addition, the control unit 130 may start the reception timer according to the reception of the reception confirmation information (so-called ACK) for the restriction information. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 may receive the reception confirmation information from the first network 200A in a layer (e.g., RLC) lower than the RRC layer. The processing unit in the lower layer may, for example, provide information (e.g., indication) indicating the reception confirmation information is received to the RRC processing unit 131. The RRC processing unit 131 may start the reception timer based on the information.

[0169] Here, if Fig.11 As shown, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may perform the following actions based on the start of the reception timer.

[0170] In step S221, the control unit 130 may determine whether configuration information for temporarily limiting the communication capability of the UE 100 is received. If it is determined that the configuration information is not received, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S222. On the other hand, if it is determined that the configuration information is received as in step S107 of the first action example, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S223.

[0171] In step S222, the control unit 130 may determine whether the reception timer has expired. If it is determined that the reception timer has expired, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S223. Therefore, even if the configuration information is not received, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S223 based on the expiration of the reception timer. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception timer has not expired, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S224.

[0172] When the reception timer expires, the control unit 130 may regard that data scheduling for the UE 100 in the SCell 210S is stopped. When regarded as such, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S223.

[0173] In step S223 , the control unit 130 may determine to execute the limitation of the communication capability.

[0174] In step S224, the control unit 130 may determine not to perform the limitation of the communication capability. In the case where it is determined not to perform the limitation of the communication capability, the control unit 130 may perform the processing of step S221. That is, when the reception timer expires, the control unit 130 may autonomously perform the limitation of the communication capability. That is, the reception timer may be used to perform the limitation of the communication capability in the absence of a response (i.e., configuration information) from the first network 200A. For example, when the reception timer expires, the UE 100 may autonomously perform the limitation of the communication capability in the first network 200A and start communicating with the second network 200B. Here, starting to communicate with the second network 200B may include the UE 100 transitioning from the RRC idle state in the second network 200B to the RRC connected state. In addition, starting to communicate with the second network 200B may include the UE 100 transitioning from the RRC inactive state in the second network 200B to the RRC connected state. In addition, for example, when the reception timer expires, the UE 100 can autonomously perform limitation of communication capabilities in the first network 200A, maintain the RRC connection state in the first network 200A, and transition to the RRC connection state in the second network 200B.

[0175] Step S210:

[0176] The receiving timer expires. As described above, in this action example, the control unit 130 may determine to execute the limitation of communication capacity. In the case where it is determined to execute the limitation of communication capacity, the control unit 130 executes the limitation of communication capacity in the same way as in the first action example. Since no configuration information is received from the first network 200A, the control unit 130 may, for example, reduce or release the secondary cell or secondary cell group, or reduce the frequency band, or reduce the number of MIMO layers based on the content of the restriction information. In the case where it is determined to execute the limitation of communication capacity, the control unit 130 may execute the limitation of communication capacity by releasing a part of the radio resource control (RRC) configuration. The control unit 130 may perform the following control: for terminating the communication with the first network 200A via a part of the sending and receiving units (for example, the second sending and receiving unit 122) among the multiple sending and receiving units.

[0177] Steps S211 to S215:

[0178] Same as steps S108 to S112.

[0179] As described above, the communication unit 120 transmits the restriction information to the first network 200A. After transmitting the restriction information, the control unit 130 determines whether to perform the restriction of the communication capability. When it is determined that the restriction of the communication capability is to be performed, the control unit 130 controls to perform the restriction of the communication capability and starts the connection with the second network 200B. After transmitting the restriction information, the UE 100 determines whether to perform the restriction of the communication capability, so that the communication capability of the UE 100 can be appropriately restricted.

[0180] Furthermore, when receiving configuration information for limiting communication capability from the first network 200A, the communication unit 120 determines to limit communication capability based on the configuration information. This allows appropriate synchronization between the UE 100 and the first network 200A regarding temporary limitation of communication capability.

[0181] In addition, even when the configuration information is not received, the control unit 130 can determine to limit the communication capacity based on the expiration of the reception timer. Therefore, since the communication capacity is limited even when the configuration information cannot be received, communication with the second network 200B can be performed. In addition, since it is determined to limit the communication capacity based on the expiration of the reception timer, even when the configuration information cannot be received, synchronization with the first network 200A can be guaranteed for the temporary limitation of the communication capacity at least before the expiration of the reception timer.

[0182] In addition, the communication unit 120 may receive reception confirmation information for the restriction information from the first network 200A. The control unit 130 may start a reception timer in response to the reception of the reception confirmation information. Thus, the UE 100 can grasp that the restriction information is notified to the first network 200A, and the restriction information is used to temporarily limit the communication capability of the UE 100 used to communicate with the first network 200A. The UE 100 can prevent the control of temporarily limiting the communication capability of the UE 100 from being performed when the restriction information does not reach the first network 200A.

[0183] In addition, the communication unit 120 can receive the timer value to be configured for the reception timer from the first network 200A. As a result, the first network 200A can manage the time until the UE 100 performs the control of temporarily limiting the communication capability. Therefore, even if the configuration information is not sent, the first network 200A can understand whether the UE 100 temporarily limits the communication capability.

[0184] In addition, the control unit 130 may control a predetermined timer that is started in response to the transmission of a UE assistance information message that includes information indicating a recommended RRC state. The communication unit 120 may receive a predetermined timer value to be configured for the predetermined timer from the first network 200A. The control unit 130 may use the predetermined timer value as the timer value to be configured for the reception timer. Thus, it is not necessary to send both the predetermined timer value and the timer value for the reception timer from the first network 200A to the UE 100, and radio resources can be saved. In addition, since it is not necessary to newly specify an information element including configuration information, the impact on the specification can be reduced.

[0185] In addition, when it is determined that the communication capability is to be limited, the control unit 130 may limit the communication capability by releasing a portion of the RRC configuration. The control unit 130 may switch the communication via the second transmission and reception unit 122 to the communication via the first transmission and reception unit 121 after releasing the RRC configuration used for communication via the second transmission and reception unit 122 or releasing a portion of the RRC configuration configured for the UE 100, thereby enabling the second transmission and reception unit 122 to be used for communication with the second network 200B.

[0186] (3) Modification Example 1 of the Second Operation Example

[0187] Reference Fig.12 , the modification example 1 of the second action example is mainly described with reference to the differences from the above action example. In the modification example 1 of the second action example, the following case is described: the UE 100 does not perform communication capability restriction before receiving configuration information from the first network 200A.

[0188] like Fig.12 As shown, in step S231, similarly to step S211, the control unit 130 may determine whether configuration information for temporarily limiting the communication capability of the UE 100 has been received. If it is determined that the configuration information has been received, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S232. On the other hand, if it is determined that the configuration information has not been received, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S233.

[0189] In step S232, the control unit 130 determines to limit the communication capability. In step S233, the control unit 130 determines not to limit the communication capability.

[0190] As described above, the control unit 130 may determine not to limit the communication capability until the configuration information is received. Thus, since the UE 100 does not limit the communication capability before the first network 200A sends the configuration information, the temporary limitation of the communication capability can be reliably synchronized between the UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0191] (4) Modification Example 2 of the Second Operation Example

[0192] Reference Fig.13 The second modification example of the second action example is described mainly based on the differences from the above action example. In the second modification example of the second action example, the following case is described: the UE 100 performs communication capability restriction regardless of whether the configuration information is received from the first network 200A.

[0193] like Fig.13 As shown, in step S241, the control unit 130 determines whether restriction information for temporarily restricting the communication capability of the UE 100 has been transmitted. If it is determined that the restriction information has been transmitted, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S242. In addition, if it is determined that the restriction information has been transmitted, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S242 without performing the process of step S242. On the other hand, if it is determined that the restriction information has not been transmitted, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S244.

[0194] In step S242, the control unit 130 may determine whether reception confirmation information (so-called ACK) for the restriction information is received. If it is determined that the reception confirmation information is received, the control unit 130 may perform the process of step S243. The control unit 130 may also determine that the reception confirmation information is received based on the RRC processing unit 131 receiving information (for example, an indication) from a processing unit in a lower layer, which indicates that the reception confirmation information is received from the first network 200A. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception confirmation information is not received, the control unit 130 may repeat the process of step S242.

[0195] In step S243, the control unit 130 determines that the communication capacity is to be limited. In step S244, the control unit 130 determines that the communication capacity is not to be limited.

[0196] As described above, the control unit 130 can determine to execute the limitation of the communication capacity regardless of whether the configuration information for limiting the communication capacity is received from the first network 200A. As a result, the UE 100 can synchronize the temporary limitation of the communication capacity between the UE 100 and the first network 200A by sending the limitation information to the first network 200A, and start the communication with the second network 200B without delay.

[0197] In addition, the control unit 130 may determine to execute the limitation of the communication capacity based on the reception confirmation information received from the first network 200A. Thus, the UE 100 can prevent the control of temporarily limiting the communication capacity of the UE 100 from being executed when the limitation information has not reached the first network 200A.

[0198] (5) Third Action Example

[0199] Reference Fig.14 as well as Fig.15 The third action example is described mainly based on the differences from the above action examples. In the third action example, the case where the UE 100 sends information to the first network 200A is described, and the information is used to release or change the temporary limitation of the communication capacity used for communicating with the second network 200B.

[0200] In the third action example, the UE 100 is in the RRC connected state in the first network 200A. The UE 100 is communicating with the first network 200A. Specifically, the UE 100 is communicating with the PCell 210P (or MCG). On the other hand, the UE 100 is not communicating with the SCell 210S (or SCG).

[0201] In addition, UE 100 is in the RRC connected state in second network 200B. UE 100 is communicating with second network 200B. UE 100 may use first transmitting / receiving unit 121 to communicate with first network 200A, and use second transmitting / receiving unit 122 to communicate with second network 200B.

[0202] As in the first operation example, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 temporarily limits the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A so as to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0203] Step S301:

[0204] UE 100 ends the communication with the second network 200B.

[0205] Step S302:

[0206] The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210B sends an RRC release message to the UE 100. The communication unit 120 of the UE 100 receives the RRC release message from the base station 210B. The control unit 130 of the UE 100 transfers from the RRC connection state to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state in the second network 200B based on the reception of the RRC release message. As a result, the UE 100 can release the RRC connection in the second network 200B.

[0207] Step S303:

[0208] The control unit 130 (e.g., the RRC processing unit 131) may provide the NAS processing unit 132 with a release completion notification indicating that the release of the RRC connection is complete. The control unit 130 (e.g., the NAS processing unit 132 or a processing unit of a layer higher than the NAS layer) may determine whether to release the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A in response to the reception of the release completion notification. In addition, the control unit 130 may determine whether to change the temporary limitation of the communication capability.

[0209] The control unit 130 may determine to release or change the temporary restriction based on, for example, transitioning to the RRC idle state in the second network 200B. The control unit 130 may determine not to release or change the temporary restriction based on, for example, transitioning to the RRC inactive state in the second network 200B.

[0210] The control unit 130 may determine whether to lift the temporary restriction or change the temporary restriction based on the service being provided from the first network 200A. If the service being provided from the first network 200A is a voice service, the control unit 130 may determine to lift the temporary restriction. If the service being provided from the first network 200A is a service other than the voice service, the control unit 130 may determine not to lift the temporary restriction. In this case, the control unit 130 may also determine to change the temporary restriction.

[0211] The control unit 130 may determine whether to release the temporary restriction or change the temporary restriction based on the input from the user, for example. If the input from the user prioritizes communication with the first network 200A over communication with the second network 200B, the control unit 130 may determine to release the temporary restriction. If the input from the user does not prioritize communication with the first network 200A over communication with the second network 200B, the control unit 130 may determine not to release the temporary restriction.

[0212] Furthermore, the determination may be performed in the NAS processing unit 132, or may be performed in a layer higher than the NAS processing unit 132. When the determination is performed in a higher layer, the determination result may be provided to the NAS processing unit 132.

[0213] If it is determined that the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A is to be released or changed, the NAS processing unit 132 performs the process of step S304. On the other hand, if it is determined that the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A is not to be released or changed, the control unit 130 may terminate the process of this operation without performing the process of step S304.

[0214] Step S304:

[0215] like Fig.14 As shown, when it is determined that the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A is to be released, the NAS processing unit 132 provides a capability limitation release instruction to the RRC processing unit 131. The RRC processing unit 131 receives the capability limitation release instruction from the NAS processing unit 132. The capability limitation release instruction may be an instruction for instructing the transmission of limitation release information described later. The capability limitation release instruction may indicate the content of the limitation release information.

[0216] When it is determined that the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A is to be changed, the NAS processing unit 132 provides a capability limitation change instruction to the RRC processing unit 131. The RRC processing unit 131 receives the capability limitation change instruction from the NAS processing unit 132. The capability limitation change instruction may be an instruction for instructing the transmission of limitation change information described later. The capability limitation change instruction may indicate the content of the limitation change information.

[0217] Step S305:

[0218] The control unit 130 (RRC processing unit 131) performs the following control based on the capability restriction release instruction: Restriction release information is sent to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B. The communication unit 120 sends the restriction release information to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B. Specifically, the communication unit 120 sends the restriction release information to the P cell 210P. The communication unit 120 may send a message including the restriction release information to the P cell 210P. The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A receives the restriction release information from the UE 100 in the P cell 210P. The restriction release information is used to release the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 used for communicating with the first network 200A, so as to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0219] The control unit 130 (e.g., the RRC processing unit 131) may include the restriction release information (e.g., MUSIM-ReducedCapability) in the MUSIM assistance information element for providing the MUSIM assistance information. The communication unit 120 may send the MUSIM assistance information including the restriction release information to the first network 200A. The communication unit 120 may send a UE assistance information message including the MUSIM assistance information to the first network 200A, the MUSIM assistance information including the restriction release information.

[0220] The control unit 130 may set a null value for at least any one of the information for limiting the secondary cell, the information for limiting the frequency band, and the information for limiting the layer of multiple input multiple output (MIMO). The control unit 130 may include the information set to a null value as restriction release information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. The null value may be a value such as zero or an invalid value. Alternatively, the control unit 130 may not include any one of the information for limiting the secondary cell, the information for limiting the frequency band, and the information for limiting the layer of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. In this case, the MUSIM auxiliary information element that does not include information for temporarily limiting communication capabilities may also be regarded as restriction release information.

[0221] Furthermore, the information for limiting the secondary cell, the information for limiting the frequency band, and the information for limiting the layers of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) are the same information as those in the first operation example.

[0222] The control unit 130 may include information indicating that the number of transmission and reception units that can be used for communication with the first network 200A is zero as restriction release information in the MUSIM assistance information element. The information may indicate the maximum number of transmission and reception units that can be used for communication with the first network 200A. In addition, the control unit 130 may include at least one of information indicating that the number (or maximum number) of transmission units (e.g., transmitters) that can be used for communication with the first network 200A is zero and information indicating that the number (or maximum number) of receiving units (e.g., receivers) that can be used for communication with the first network 200A is zero as restriction information in the MUSIM assistance information element. The control unit 130 may set a null value for the information indicating the number of transmission and reception units, transmission units, or reception units.

[0223] like Fig.15As shown in E31 of , the control unit 130 may include flag information for activating the secondary cell (for example, may also be referred to as activateSCG) as restriction release information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. The flag information may be, for example, information indicated by one bit. For example, when "true" is set in the flag information, it may indicate activation of the secondary cell or activation of the secondary cell group. When the UE 100 is performing dual connectivity before temporarily limiting the communication capability, the control unit 130 may include the flag information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element as restriction release information.

[0224] In addition, the control unit 130 may not include the prescribed information to be set in the overheat assistance information element when providing the overheat assistance indication. The control unit 130 generally does not include the prescribed information in the overheat assistance information element based on the fact that internal overheating is no longer detected in the UE 100 (for example, the overheating condition is no longer experienced). However, the control unit 130 may not include the prescribed information in the overheat assistance information element regardless of whether the internal overheating is no longer detected in the UE 100. Therefore, the communication unit 120 may also send the overheat assistance information element that does not include the prescribed information to the first network 200A as restriction release information to communicate with the second network 200B regardless of whether the internal overheating is no longer detected.

[0225] In addition, if Fig.15 As shown in E32 of FIG. 1 , the control unit 130 may include information (e.g., releaseRedCap) indicating the release of the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 for communication with the first network 200A as restriction release information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. For example, when "true" is set in the information, the release of the temporary restriction of the communication capability may be indicated.

[0226] In addition, the control unit 130 may include information for activating the secondary cell as restriction information in the UE assistance information message. Here, the control unit 130 may include the restriction release information in an information element, which is an information element included in the UE assistance information message and is different from the MUSIM assistance information element. The control unit 130 may, for example, include the prescribed information to be included (specifically, scg-ActivationPreference) in the UE assistance information based on the secondary cell group recommended to be activated. Therefore, the communication unit 120 may send the information for activating the secondary cell as restriction information to the first network 200A.

[0227] In addition, the control unit 130 (RRC processing unit 131) may perform the following control: based on the capability limitation change indication, the restriction change information is sent to the first network 200A. The communication unit 120 may send the restriction change information to the first network 200A. Specifically, the communication unit 120 may send the restriction change information to the P cell 210P. The communication unit 120 may send a message including the restriction change information to the P cell 210P. The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A receives the restriction change information from the UE 100 in the P cell 210P. The restriction change information is used to change the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 used for communicating with the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0228] The control unit 130 (e.g., the RRC processing unit 131) may include the restriction change information (e.g., MUSIM-ReducedCapability) in the MUSIM assistance information element for providing the MUSIM assistance information. The communication unit 120 may send the MUSIM assistance information including the restriction change information to the first network 200A. The communication unit 120 may send a UE assistance information message including the MUSIM assistance information to the first network 200A, the MUSIM assistance information including the restriction change information.

[0229] The control unit 130 may include at least any one of information for limiting the secondary cell, information for limiting the frequency band, and information for limiting the layer of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) as restriction change information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. The control unit 130 may include information indicating the restriction after the communication capability is changed as restriction change information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. In addition, the information for limiting the secondary cell, the information for limiting the frequency band, and the information for limiting the layer of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) are the same information as the first action example.

[0230] The control unit 130 may include information indicating the number of transmission and reception units (e.g., transmission and reception units) that can be used for communication with the first network 200A (e.g., may also be referred to as nrofRxBranches) as restriction change information in the MUSIM assistance information element. In addition, the control unit 130 may include at least one of information indicating the number (or maximum number) of transmission units (e.g., transmitters) that can be used for communication with the first network 200A and information indicating the number (or maximum number) of reception units (e.g., receivers) that can be used for communication with the first network 200A as restriction change information in the MUSIM assistance information element.

[0231] In addition, the control unit 130 may include the prescribed information to be set in the overheat assistance information element when providing the overheat assistance indication. The control unit 130 may generally include the prescribed information in the overheat assistance information element based on the internal overheat being detected in the UE 100. However, the control unit 130 may include the prescribed information in the overheat assistance information element regardless of whether the internal overheat is detected in the UE 100. Therefore, the communication unit 120 may also send the overheat assistance information element as the restriction change information to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B regardless of whether the internal overheat is detected.

[0232] In addition, the control unit 130 may include gap recommendation information (e.g., musim-GapPreferenceList, MUSIM-GapPrefInfo, etc.) together with restriction release information or restriction change information in a MUSIM assistance information element, the gap recommendation information indicating a gap recommended for configuration by the UE 100, which is a gap for MUSIM action. In addition, the control unit 130 may include a MUSIM assistance information element including the gap recommendation information in a UE assistance information message including restriction release information or restriction change information. The control unit 130 may also include the gap recommendation information in a MUSIM assistance information element based on the end of communication with the second network 200B. In addition, the control unit 130 may include a MUSIM assistance information element including the gap recommendation information in a UE assistance information message including restriction release information or restriction change information.

[0233] The gap recommendation information may, for example, include at least any one of information indicating the length of the MUSIM gap length recommended by the UE 100 (e.g., musim-GapLength), information indicating the gap offset of the MUSIM gap recommended by the UE 100 (e.g., musim-GapOffset), information indicating the gap start position of the non-periodic MUSIM gap recommended by the UE 100 while maintaining the RRC connection state (e.g., musim-PrefStarting-SFN-AndSubframex), and information indicating the gap reception period and the gap offset of the periodic MUSIM gap recommended by the UE 100 while maintaining the RRC connection state (e.g., musim-GapRepetitionAndOffsetPeriod).

[0234] In addition, the communication unit 120 may include a plurality of transmission and reception units. When the UE 100 is in a state of communicating with the first network 200A using at least one of the plurality of transmission and reception units and terminating communication with the second network 200B using a transmission and reception unit different from at least one of the plurality of transmission and reception units, the communication unit 120 may send restriction release information or restriction change information to the first network 200A.

[0235] The control unit 214 of the base station 210A may determine whether to release or change the temporary restriction on the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A based on the restriction release information or the restriction change information. If the control unit 214 of the base station 210A determines that the temporary restriction on the communication capability of the UE 100 is to be released or changed, the control unit 214 of the base station 210A may perform the process of step S106. If the control unit 214 of the base station 210A determines that the temporary restriction on the communication capability of the UE 100 is not to be released or changed, the control unit 214 of the base station 210A may end the process.

[0236] Step S306:

[0237] The wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210A transmits a message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) to the UE 100 in the PCell 210P, the message including configuration information for releasing or changing the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100. The communication unit 120 of the UE 100 receives the message including the configuration information from the PCell 210P (the first network 200A). The message may be a response to the restriction release information or the restriction change information.

[0238] The configuration information may include information indicating the configuration of at least any one of the secondary cell (or secondary cell group), the frequency band, and the layer of MIMO. The configuration information may include information for configuring the MUSIM gap. The information may indicate the configuration of the MUSIM gap recommended by the UE 100, or may indicate the configuration of a different MUSIM gap.

[0239] Step S307:

[0240] The network communication unit 213 of the base station 210A managing the PCell 210P may send a scheduling start instruction to another base station 210A managing the SCell 210S. When the base station 210A manages the PCell 210P and the SCell 210S, the entity managing the PCell 210P may send a scheduling start instruction to the entity managing the SCell 210S within the control unit 214.

[0241] The scheduling start instruction may be an instruction for starting the scheduling assigned to the UE 100, or may be an instruction for starting a part of the scheduling assigned to the UE 100. The scheduling start instruction may include information of at least a part of the restriction change information.

[0242] The control unit 214 of the base station 210A managing the S cell 210S may release the temporary limitation of the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the scheduling start instruction. The network communication unit 213 of the base station 210A may send a response message instructing the execution of scheduling start to the base station 210A managing the P cell 210P. The control unit 214 of the base station 210A managing the P cell 210P may perform the process of step S308 based on the reception of the response message.

[0243] Step S308:

[0244] The UE 100 starts communication with the SCell 210S (or SCG) while maintaining communication with the PCell 210P (or MCG).

[0245] The control unit 130 (e.g., the RRC processing unit 131) performs the removal or change of the limitation of the communication capability based on the configuration information. The control unit 130 can configure the secondary cell or the secondary cell group based on the configuration information. The control unit 130 can configure the frequency band based on the configuration information. The control unit 130 can configure the number of MIMO layers based on the configuration information.

[0246] The control unit 130 can communicate with the first network 200A via the second transmission and reception unit 122 in addition to communicating with the first network 200A via the first transmission and reception unit 121 based on the RRC configuration based on the configuration information received from the first network 200A. For example, the control unit 130 can communicate with the P cell 210P (or MSG) via the first transmission and reception unit 121, and communicate with the S cell 210S (or SCG) via the second transmission and reception unit 122.

[0247] The configuration information may include information for configuring the MUSIM gap. As an example of a MUSIM action, the control unit 130 may monitor paging in the second network 200B or attempt to receive a system information block during the configured MUSIM gap.

[0248] As described above, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 temporarily limits the communication capability of the UE 100 for communicating with the first network 200A so as to communicate with the second network 200B. The communication unit 120 transmits restriction release information or restriction change information to the first network 200A, the restriction release information being used to release the temporary restriction of the communication capability for communicating with the second network 200B, and the restriction change information being used to change the temporary restriction. In addition, the wireless communication unit 212 of the base station 210 receives the restriction release information or restriction change information from the UE 100. Thus, the first network 200A can recognize the temporary restriction of the communication capability of the UE 100 based on the restriction release information or restriction change information. Therefore, it is possible to easily achieve appropriate synchronization between the UE 100 and the first network 200A with respect to the temporary restriction of the communication capability.

[0249] In addition, the control unit 130 of the UE 100 may include the restriction release information or the restriction change information in the MUSIM assistance information element. The communication unit 120 may send a MUSIM assistance information element including the restriction release information or the restriction change information to the first network 200A. The first network 200A can grasp that the UE 100 has sent the restriction release information or the restriction change information to release or change the temporarily restricted communication capability to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0250] In addition, the control unit 130 may set a null value for at least any one of the information for limiting the secondary cell, the information for limiting the frequency band, and the information for limiting the layer of multiple input multiple output (MIMO). The communication unit 120 may send a MUSIM auxiliary information element to the first network 200A, and the MUSIM auxiliary information element includes restriction release information or restriction change information configured with a null value. As a result, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to release or change the restriction of any one of the secondary cell, the frequency band, and the layer of MIMO.

[0251] In addition, the control unit 130 may include information indicating the number of transmission and reception units that can be used for communication with the first network 200A in the MUSIM assistance information element as restriction release information or restriction change information. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to release or change the restriction of the transmission and reception units that can be used for communication with the first network 200A.

[0252] In addition, the control unit 130 may include the flag information for activating the secondary cell as the restriction release information in the MUSIM auxiliary information element. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to release the restriction of the communication capability by activating the secondary cell. In addition, since the information amount of the flag information is small (for example, one bit), radio resources can be saved.

[0253] In addition, the control unit 130 may include information indicating the release or change of the temporary restriction of the communication capability as restriction release information or restriction change information in the MUSIM assistance information element. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to release or change the restriction of the temporarily restricted communication capability to communicate with the second network 200B.

[0254] In addition, the control unit 130 may include the gap recommendation information together with the restriction release information or the restriction change information in the MUSIM assistance information element. Thus, after the UE 100 releases or changes the temporary restriction of the communication capability, the first network 200A can be notified of the gap recommended for the UE 100 to configure.

[0255] In addition, the control unit 130 may include the gap recommendation information together with the restriction release information or the restriction change information in the MUSIM assistance information element based on the termination of the communication with the second network 200B. Thus, after the termination of the communication with the second network 200B, the UE 100 can notify the first network 200A of the gap recommended for the UE 100 configuration after the temporary restriction of the capability is lifted or changed.

[0256] In addition, the communication unit 120 may send an overheating auxiliary information element to the first network 200A based on the detection of internal overheating. The communication unit 120 may also send the overheating auxiliary information element as restriction release information or restriction change information to the first network 200A to communicate with the second network 200B regardless of whether internal overheating is detected. Thus, since there is no need to newly define an information element including restriction information, the impact on the specification can be reduced.

[0257] In addition, the communication unit 120 may transmit information for activating the secondary cell to the first network 200A as restriction release information. Thus, the UE 100 can notify (recommend) the first network 200A to activate the secondary cell.

[0258] In addition, the communication unit 120 may receive configuration information for releasing or changing the limitation of the communication capability from the first network 200A. The control unit 130 may release or change the limitation of the communication capability based on the configuration information. Since the UE 100 can limit the communication capability based on the configuration information, it is easy to appropriately synchronize the temporary limitation of the communication capability between the UE 100 and the first network 200A.

[0259] In addition, the communication unit 120 may include a plurality of transmission and reception units. When the UE 100 is in a state of communicating with the first network 200A using at least one of the plurality of transmission and reception units and terminating communication with the second network 200B using a transmission and reception unit different from at least one of the plurality of transmission and reception units, the communication unit 120 may send restriction release information or restriction change information to the first network 200A. Thus, the UE 100 can use the transmission and reception unit previously used for communication with the second network 200B for communication with the first network 200A.

[0260] [Other embodiments]

[0261] In the above embodiment, the case where UE 100 includes two transmitting and receiving units is described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. UE 100 only needs to include multiple transmitting and receiving units. For example, UE 100 may include three or more transmitting and receiving units.

[0262] In the above embodiment, the UE 100 starts the process for transmitting the restriction information due to the paging from the first network 200A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The UE 100 may start the process due to an input from the user, for example.

[0263] The action sequence (and action flow) in the above-mentioned embodiment may not necessarily be executed in chronological order along the order recorded in the flowchart or sequence diagram. For example, the steps in the action may be executed in an order different from the order recorded as a flowchart or sequence diagram, or may be executed in parallel. In addition, a part of the steps in the action may be deleted, or further steps may be added in the process. In addition, the action sequence (and action flow) in the above-mentioned embodiment may be implemented independently, or may be implemented by combining two or more action sequences (and action flows). For example, a part of the steps in an action flow may be added to other action flows, or a part of the steps in an action flow may be replaced by a part of the steps in other action flows.

[0264] In the above embodiment, as the mobile communication system 1, an NR-based mobile communication system is taken as an example for explanation. However, the mobile communication system 1 is not limited to this example. The mobile communication system 1 may be a TS system that complies with LTE (Long Term Evolution) or any other generation system (e.g., 6th generation) of the 3GPP standard. The base station 210 may be, for example, an eNB that provides an E-UTRA user plane and control plane protocol termination for the UE 100 in LTE. The mobile communication system 1 may also be a TS system that complies with a standard other than the 3GPP standard. The base station 210 may be an IAB (Integrated Access and Backhaul) host or an IAB node.

[0265] A program that enables a computer to execute each process performed by UE 100 or base station 210 may also be provided. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable medium. Using a computer-readable medium, the program can be installed in a computer. Here, the computer-readable medium on which the program is recorded may also be a non-transitory recording medium. The non-transitory recording medium is not particularly limited, but may be a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile Disc Read Only Memory). In addition, the circuits that execute each process performed by UE 100 or base station 210 may be integrated, and at least a portion of UE 100 or base station 210 may be configured as a semiconductor integrated circuit (chip set, SoC (System On Chip)).

[0266] In the above-mentioned embodiment, "transmit" may refer to processing at least one layer in the protocol stack for transmission, or may refer to physically sending a signal wirelessly or by wire. Alternatively, "transmit" may also refer to a combination of processing at least one layer and physically sending a signal wirelessly or by wire. Similarly, "receive" may refer to processing at least one layer in the protocol stack for reception, or may refer to physically receiving a signal wirelessly or by wire. Alternatively, "receive" may also refer to a combination of processing at least one layer and physically receiving a signal wirelessly or by wire. Similarly, "obtain / acquire" may refer to obtaining information from stored information, or may refer to obtaining information from information received by other nodes, or may refer to obtaining the information by generating information. Similarly, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the statement "based on" or "depending on / in response to" does not mean "based only on" or "based only on". The statement "based on" refers to both "based only on" and "based at least in part on". Similarly, the record of "in response to" refers to both "only in response to" and "at least partially in response to". Similarly, "include" and "comprise" do not refer to only including the listed items, but refer to only including the listed items, or other items in addition to the listed items. Similarly, in the present disclosure, "or" does not refer to logical XOR, but to logical OR. Furthermore, any reference to elements using the "first", "second" and other titles used in the present disclosure does not generally limit the amount or order of these elements. These titles can be used as a convenient method to distinguish between more than two elements in the present disclosure. Therefore, the reference to the first element and the second element does not mean that only two elements can be adopted therein, or that the first element must precede the second element in some form. In the present disclosure, for example, in the case where articles such as a, an and the in English are added by translation, these articles can include multiple, unless the context clearly indicates that multiple are not included.

[0267] It is understood that although the present disclosure is described according to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and configurations. The present disclosure also includes various modifications and variations within the equivalent scope. In addition, various combinations and methods, and other combinations and methods including only one element, more or less elements in them also fall within the scope and thought of the present disclosure.

[0268] (Note)

[0269] Features related to the above-mentioned embodiment are supplementally noted.

[0270] [Note 1]

[0271] A communication device is a communication device (100) capable of communicating with multiple networks (200A, 200B) using multiple subscriber identity modules, the communication device comprising:

[0272] A communication unit (120) sends restriction information to a first network (200A), wherein the restriction information is used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the communication device used to communicate with the first network; and

[0273] A control unit (130) determines whether to implement the aforementioned communication capability restriction after sending the aforementioned restriction information,

[0274] When it is determined that the limitation of the communication capability is to be executed, the control unit controls to execute the limitation of the communication capability and start connection with the second network (200B).

[0275] [Note 2]

[0276] According to the communication device described in Supplement 1, the communication unit receives configuration information for limiting the communication capability from the first network.

[0277] The control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capability based on the configuration information.

[0278] [Note 3]

[0279] According to the communication device described in Supplementary Note 2, even when the configuration information is not received, the control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capability based on the expiration of the reception timer started after the limitation information is transmitted.

[0280] [Note 4]

[0281] According to the communication device described in Supplementary Note 3, the communication unit receives reception confirmation information for the restriction information from the first network,

[0282] The control unit starts the timer in response to receiving the reception confirmation information.

[0283] [Note 5]

[0284] According to the communication device described in Supplementary Note 3 or 4, the communication unit receives a timer to be configured for the timer from the first network.

[0285] [Note 6]

[0286] According to any one of Annexes 3 to 5, the control unit controls a predetermined timer, the predetermined timer is started in response to the sending of a UE assistance information message, the UE assistance information message includes information indicating a recommended RRC state,

[0287] the communication unit receives from the first network a predetermined timer value to be configured for the predetermined timer,

[0288] The control unit uses the predetermined timer value as a timer value to be configured for the timer.

[0289] [Note 7]

[0290] According to the communication device described in Supplementary Note 2, the control unit determines not to execute the limitation of the communication capability until the configuration information is received.

[0291] [Note 8]

[0292] According to the communication device described in Supplementary Note 1, the control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capability regardless of whether the configuration information for limiting the communication capability is received from the first network.

[0293] [Note 9]

[0294] According to the communication device according to Supplementary Note 8, the control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capacity based on reception confirmation information for the limitation information received from the first network.

[0295] [Note 10]

[0296] According to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, when it is determined that the limitation of the communication capability is to be executed, the control unit executes the limitation of the communication capability by releasing a part of the radio resource control (RRC) configuration.

[0297] [Note 11]

[0298] The communication device according to any one of Annexes 1 to 10, wherein the communication unit includes a plurality of transmitting and receiving units.

[0299] When the communication device is in a state of communicating with the first network simultaneously and in parallel using the plurality of transmission and reception units, the communication unit transmits the restriction information to the first network.

[0300] [Note 12]

[0301] A communication method, performed by a communication device capable of communicating with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identity modules, the communication method comprising:

[0302] The step of sending restriction information to the first network, wherein the restriction information is used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the communication device used to communicate with the first network;

[0303] After sending the aforementioned restriction information, determining whether to implement the aforementioned restriction of communication capability; and

[0304] If it is determined that the aforementioned limitation of the communication capability is to be executed, a step of controlling to execute the aforementioned limitation of the communication capability and start connection with the second network is performed.

Claims

1. A communication device, which is a communication device (100) capable of communicating with multiple networks (200A, 200B) using multiple subscriber identity modules, the communication device comprising: A communication unit (120) sends restriction information to a first network (200A), wherein the restriction information is used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the communication device used to communicate with the first network; and a control unit (130) which determines whether to execute the restriction of the communication capability after sending the restriction information, When it is determined that the communication capability is to be limited, the control unit controls to start connection with the second network (200B) so as to limit the communication capability.

2. The communication device according to claim 1, The communication unit receives configuration information for limiting the communication capability from the first network, The control unit determines to execute limitation of the communication capability based on the configuration information. 3 . The communication device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capability based on expiration of a timer started after the transmission of the limitation information even when the configuration information is not received.

4. The communication device according to claim 3, The communication unit receives, from the first network, reception confirmation information for the restriction information. The control unit starts the timer in response to receipt of the reception confirmation information. 5 . The communication device according to claim 3 , wherein the communication unit receives a timer value to be configured for the timer from the first network.

6. The communication device according to claim 3 or 4, The control unit controls a predetermined timer, the predetermined timer being started in response to the transmission of a UE assistance information message, the UE assistance information message including information indicating a recommended RRC state, The communication unit receives a predetermined timer value to be configured for the predetermined timer from the first network, The control section uses the predetermined timer value as a timer value to be configured for the timer. 7 . The communication device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit determines not to perform the limitation of the communication capability until the configuration information is received. 8 . The communication device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capability regardless of whether configuration information for limiting the communication capability is received from the first network. 9 . The communication device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit determines to execute the limitation of the communication capability based on reception confirmation information for the limitation information received from the first network.

10. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, When it is determined that the communication capability is to be limited, the control unit performs the communication capability limitation by releasing a part of a radio resource control (RRC) configuration.

11. The communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The communication unit includes a plurality of sending and receiving units. When the communication device is in a state of communicating with the first network simultaneously and in parallel using the plurality of transmission and reception units, the communication unit transmits the restriction information to the first network.

12. A communication method, performed by a communication device capable of communicating with multiple networks using multiple subscriber identity modules, the communication method comprising: The step of sending restriction information to the first network, wherein the restriction information is used to temporarily restrict the communication capability of the communication device used to communicate with the first network; After sending the restriction information, determining whether to execute the restriction of the communication capability; as well as If it is determined that the communication capability is to be limited, a step of controlling the connection with the second network to be started so as to limit the communication capability.

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