User equipment (UE) power saving

Abstract

A method for wireless communication by a user equipment includes receiving, from a network node, a first message configuring a set of inactive timers, the first message including a respective timer duration value indicating each inactive timer of the set of inactive timers. Each inactivity timer of the set of inactivity timers may be associated with a respective network power saving mode of a set of network power saving modes. The method also includes initiating a first inactivity timer of the set of inactivity timers having a respective timer duration value based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending first uplink information to the network node. The method also includes enabling a radio resource control (RRC) state of a set of RRC states based on expiration of the first inactivity timer.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application No. 17 / 889,254, filed on August 16, 2022, and entitled “USER EQUIPMENT (UE) POWER SAVING,” the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to configuring one or more power saving functions at a user equipment (UE). Background Art

[0004] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide various telecommunication services such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems may employ multiple access technologies that can support communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include code division multiple access (CDMA) systems, time division multiple access (TDMA) systems, frequency division multiple access (FDMA) systems, orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) systems, single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) systems, time division synchronous code division multiple access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and long term evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE Advanced is a set of enhancements to the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard issued by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Narrowband (NB) Internet of Things (IoT) and enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) are sets of enhancements to LTE for machine type communication.

[0005] A wireless communication network may include multiple base stations (BSs) that may support communications for multiple user equipments (UEs). User equipments (UEs) may communicate with base stations (BSs) via downlinks and uplinks. A downlink (or forward link) refers to a communication link from a BS to a UE, while an uplink (or reverse link) refers to a communication link from a UE to a BS. As will be described in more detail, a BS may be referred to as a Node B, an evolved Node B (eNB), a gNB, an access point (AP), a radio head, a transmit and receive point (TRP), a new radio (NR) BS, a 5G Node B, etc.

[0006] The above multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunication standards to provide a common protocol that enables different user equipment to communicate at city, country, region, and even global levels. New Radio (NR) (which may also be referred to as 5G) is an enhancement set of the LTE mobile standard released by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). NR is designed to better integrate with other open standards by improving spectrum efficiency, reducing costs, improving services, utilizing new spectrum, and using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) (CP-OFDM) with cyclic prefix (CP) on the downlink (DL), using CP-OFDM and / or SC-FDM (e.g., also known as discrete Fourier transform spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink (UL), and supporting beamforming, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna technology, and carrier aggregation, so as to better support mobile broadband Internet access.

[0007] A network node, such as a base station, may be powered by an external power source to provide continuous access to a wireless communication network. In some examples, the power consumption of the network node may account for a majority of the total power consumption associated with the wireless communication network. In some such examples, in order to reduce the total power consumed by the wireless communication network, the network node may enter a network power saving mode based on the amount of network traffic being less than a threshold. In contrast to the network node, the UE may use a battery as a power source. Therefore, the UE may operate for a limited amount of time without an external power source. In some examples, the UE may enter an idle state or an inactive state to improve battery life. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE) includes: receiving a first message configuring a set of inactivity timers from a network node, the first message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers, each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. The method also includes initiating a first inactivity timer with a corresponding timer duration value in the set of inactivity timers based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node. The method also includes enabling an RRC state in a set of radio resource control (RRC) states based on expiration of the first inactivity timer.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a component for receiving a first message configuring a set of inactivity timers from a network node, the first message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers, each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. The apparatus also includes a component for initiating a first inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers having a corresponding timer duration value based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node. The apparatus also includes a component for enabling an RRC state in a set of RRC states based on expiration of the first inactivity timer.

[0010] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium having non-transient program code recorded thereon is disclosed. The program code is executed by a processor and includes program code for performing the following operations: receiving a first message configuring a group of inactive timers from a network node, the first message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers, each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a group of network power saving modes. The program code also includes program code for performing the following operations: initiating a first inactive timer with a corresponding timer duration value in the group of inactive timers based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node. The program code also includes program code for performing the following operations: enabling an RRC state in a group of RRC states based on expiration of the first inactive timer.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus having a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions, which when executed by the processor are operable to cause the apparatus to receive a first message configuring a set of inactive timers from a network node, the first message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactive timer in the set of inactive timers, each inactive timer in the set of inactive timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. Execution of the instructions also causes the apparatus to initiate a first inactive timer having a corresponding timer duration value in the set of inactive timers based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node. Execution of the instructions also causes the apparatus to enable an RRC state in a set of RRC states based on expiration of the first inactive timer.

[0012] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication at a UE includes receiving a first message from a network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters of each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. The method also includes receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. The method also includes switching from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions associated with the current RRC state of the current network power saving mode.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a component for receiving a first message from a network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters for each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. The apparatus also includes a component for receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. The apparatus also includes a component for switching from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions associated with the current RRC state of the current network power saving mode.

[0014] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having non-transitory program code recorded thereon is disclosed. The program code is executed by a processor and includes program code for performing the following operations: receiving a first message from a network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters for each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. The program code also includes program code for performing the following operations: receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating the current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. The program code also includes program code for performing the following operations: switching from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions associated with the current RRC state of the current network power saving mode.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus having a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, are operable to cause the apparatus to receive a first message from a network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters for each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. Execution of the instructions also causes the apparatus to receive a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. Execution of the instructions also causes the apparatus to switch from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions associated with the current RRC state of the current network power saving mode.

[0016] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for wireless communication at a UE includes receiving a first message configuring an inactivity timer from a network node, the first message including a timer duration value indicating the inactivity timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactivity timer or a restart duration value for the inactivity timer. The method also includes initiating the inactivity timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node. The method also includes restarting the inactivity timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in a set of network power saving modes.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, the apparatus comprising means for receiving a first message configuring an inactivity timer from a network node, the first message including a timer duration value indicating an inactivity timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactivity timer or a restart duration value for the inactivity timer. The apparatus also comprises means for initiating the inactivity timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node. The apparatus also comprises means for restarting the inactivity timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in a set of network power saving modes.

[0018] In another aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having non-transitory program code recorded thereon is disclosed. The program code is executed by a processor and includes program code for performing the following operations: receiving a first message configuring an inactive timer from a network node, the first message including a timer duration value indicating an inactive timer and a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactive timer or one of the restart duration values ​​of the inactive timer. The program code also includes program code for performing the following operations: initiating an inactive timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node. The program code also includes program code for performing the following operations: restarting the inactive timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in a set of network power saving modes.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus having a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions, which when executed by the processor are operable to cause the apparatus to receive a first message configuring an inactive timer from a network node, the first message including a timer duration value indicating the inactive timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactive timer or a restart duration value for the inactive timer. Execution of the instructions also causes the apparatus to initiate the inactive timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node. Execution of the instructions also causes the apparatus to restart the inactive timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in a set of network power saving modes.

[0020] Aspects generally include methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer readable media, user equipment, base stations, wireless communication devices, and processing systems as generally described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and description.

[0021] The features and technical advantages of examples according to the present disclosure have been outlined quite broadly above so that the following specific embodiments may be better understood. Additional features and advantages will be described. The disclosed concepts and specific examples may be easily used as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of the present disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the disclosed concepts, both in terms of their organization and method of operation, and the associated advantages will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each of the figures in the accompanying drawings is provided for the purpose of illustration and description and not as a definition of limitations to the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] In order that the features of the present disclosure may be understood in detail, a more specific description may be made with reference to various aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be noted, however, that the accompanying drawings illustrate only certain aspects of the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope thereof, as the description may allow for other equally effective aspects. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a wireless communication network in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram conceptually illustrating an example of a base station communicating with a user equipment (UE) in a wireless communication network according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station architecture in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a network node transitioning to different network power saving modes according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5A is a timing diagram illustrating an example of configuring a power saving function of a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 5B is a timing diagram illustrating an example of configuring a power saving function of a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication device supporting one or more power saving functions in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating an example process performed by a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process performed by a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0032] Fig. 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a process performed by a UE according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The various aspects of the present disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure can be embodied in many different forms, and should not be interpreted as being limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout the present disclosure. On the contrary, these aspects are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and the scope of the present disclosure will be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings, those skilled in the art should recognize that the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the present disclosure, whether the aspect is implemented independently of any other aspect of the present disclosure or implemented in combination with any other aspect. For example, a device can be implemented or a method can be practiced using any number of aspects described. In addition, the scope of the present disclosure is intended to cover such devices or methods that are practiced using other structures, functionality, or structures and functionality in addition to or different from the various aspects of the present disclosure described. It should be understood that any aspect of the present disclosure disclosed can be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0034] Several aspects of telecommunication systems will now be presented with reference to various devices and techniques. These devices and techniques will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0035] It should be noted that while various aspects may be described using terminology typically associated with 5G wireless technology, various aspects of the present disclosure may be applied in communication systems based on other generations, such as and including 6G and later wireless technologies.

[0036] In order to reduce the total power consumed by the wireless communication network, the network node may enter a network power saving mode selected from a group of network power saving modes (e.g., including a light sleep mode and a deep sleep mode) based on the network traffic being less than one or more thresholds. Each of the network power saving modes may be associated with a corresponding transition time and a corresponding power consumption level. In contrast to the network node, the user equipment (UE) may use a battery as a power source. In some examples, the UE may be configured with a data inactivity timer, which may be initiated or restarted based on the UE sending or receiving a transmission via a data channel or a control channel. When the data inactivity timer expires, the UE may transition from a resource control (RRC) connected state to an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. When the UE is in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, power consumption may be reduced. In a conventional system, the UE does not define a different data inactivity timer for each power saving mode in the network power saving mode associated with the network node. Therefore, in a conventional system, the duration of the data inactivity timer remains the same for each power saving mode in the network power saving mode associated with the network node. In addition, in conventional systems, for each network power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes associated with the network node, the data inactivity timer is not associated with a corresponding restart value. Finally, in conventional systems, the UE does not configure a corresponding RRC state transition for each network power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes associated with the network node.

[0037] Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to power saving at a UE by configuring a power saving function at the UE. In some examples, the power saving function may be associated with a group of inactive timers configured at the UE. Each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers may be associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a group of network power saving modes. For example, a network node may send a message to the UE to configure the group of inactive timers at the UE, the message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers. Each timer duration value in the timer duration value sets the corresponding duration set by the corresponding inactive timer. In some examples, the message may also include one or more timer restart values ​​of the group of inactive timers or one or more restart duration values ​​of the group of inactive timers. Each timer restart value corresponds to the initial value to which the inactive timer is set after restarting the inactive timer. Each restart duration value corresponds to the duration associated with the inactive timer after restarting the inactive timer, which duration may be different from the initial duration of the inactive timer.

[0038] In some examples, the UE is associated with the set of inactive timers to enable faster transitions between RRC states for certain network power saving modes. In such examples, each inactive timer in the set of inactive timers may be associated with the same default restart value. In some such examples, the default restart value is zero. Additionally, in some such examples, the corresponding timer duration value of each inactive timer may not change after restart.

[0039] In an example in which the network node configures the UE with the group of inactivity timers, the UE may initiate (e.g., start) a selected inactivity timer in the group of inactivity timers based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node, and the selected inactivity timer may then count up from the start value. The initiated inactivity timer may be selected based on the inactivity timer being associated with the current network power saving mode enabled by the network node. After initiating the inactivity timer, as a result of not receiving a downlink transmission or sending uplink information within the duration of the inactivity timer, the UE may enable an RRC state, such as an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, based on the expiration of the inactivity timer. In some examples, based on receiving a second downlink transmission from the network node or sending a second uplink information to the network node, the UE may restart the inactivity timer at the default restart value with a default restart duration value and transition back to the RRC connected state.

[0040] In some other examples, the power saving function can be associated with a single inactive timer configured at the UE. The single inactive timer can be configured by default and can be used with all network power saving modes. For example, the network node can send a message to the UE indicating the initial timer duration value of the inactive timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​of the inactive timer or the restart duration value of the inactive timer. Each timer restart value corresponds to the initial value to which the inactive timer is set after the inactive timer is restarted. The restart duration value corresponds to the duration associated with the inactive timer after the inactive timer is restarted, which duration may be different from the initial duration value of the inactive timer. In such examples, the UE can initiate (e.g., start) a single inactive timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node, and the single inactive timer can then count up from the start value. After initiating the single inactive timer, as a result of not receiving a downlink transmission or sending uplink information within the duration of the single inactive timer, the UE can enable an RRC state based on the expiration of the inactive timer, such as an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state.

[0041] In some examples, the network node may send a message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled by the network node in a set of network power saving modes. The message may implicitly indicate that the network node is switching from a previous network power saving mode to the current network power saving mode. In such examples, based on identifying that the network node has enabled the current network power saving mode, the UE may restart the inactivity timer with a default restart value or with a default restart duration value.

[0042] In some examples where the UE is associated with a single inactive timer, the single inactive timer may be associated with the set of timer restart values ​​and the default restart duration value included in the message received from the network node. Each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​may be associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes. Each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​sets the corresponding restart value of the inactive timer to a non-zero value based on the corresponding network power saving mode. Setting the corresponding restart value to a non-zero value reduces the duration of the inactive timer after the restart to achieve a faster transition between RRC states. In such examples, the UE may restart a single inactive timer at the default restart duration value and at the corresponding timer restart value associated with the current network power saving mode based on the network node sending a message indicating that the current network power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes is enabled by the network node.

[0043] In some other examples where the UE is associated with a single inactivity timer, the single inactivity timer may be associated with a restart duration value and a default restart value included in a message received from the network node. The restart duration value may be a combination of an initial timer duration value and an offset. The network node may set the offset to a positive value or a negative value such that the offset may decrease or increase the restart duration value, respectively. Reducing the restart duration value may enable faster transitions between RRC states. In such examples, the UE may restart inactivity at the default restart value and with the restart duration value based on the network node sending a message indicating that the current network power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes is enabled by the network node.

[0044] In some other examples, for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes, the UE may implement a power saving function associated with one or more corresponding switching parameters of each of the RRC connected state, the RRC inactive state, and the RRC idle state. The switching parameters may indicate one or more conditions for switching from a current RRC state to another RRC state. In some examples, the network node may send a first message to the UE, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters of each RRC state in the RRC state for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. In some such examples, the network node may send a second message to the UE, the second message indicating the current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. After identifying the current network power saving mode based on the second message, the UE may switch (e.g., transition) from the current RRC state to a new RRC state based on one or more corresponding switching parameters associated with the current network power saving mode and the current RRC state. For example, when the second message indicates that the network node has enabled the current network power saving mode, one or more corresponding switching parameters associated with the current RRC state and the current network power saving mode may configure the UE to switch from the current RRC state to the RRC idle state without the expiration of the inactivity timer. As another example, one or more corresponding switching parameters associated with the second network power saving mode and the RRC connected state may configure the UE to transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state when the inactivity timer expires based on the second message indicating that the network node has enabled the current network power saving mode.

[0045] Certain aspects of the subject matter described in the present disclosure may be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. In some examples, by configuring a corresponding timer duration value of a group of inactive timers, a group of timer restart values ​​of a single inactive timer, or a restart duration value of a single inactive timer, the technology disclosed herein can reduce the duration of the inactive timer so as to reduce the transition time to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state. In some other examples, by configuring one or more switching parameters of each of the RRC connection state, the RRC inactive state, and the RRC idle state for each network power saving mode in a group of network power saving modes, the technology disclosed herein can reduce the transition time from the current RRC state to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state. Reducing the transition time to the RRC idle state or the RRC inactive state can reduce the power consumption at the UE, thereby improving battery life.

[0046] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating a network 100 in which various aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced. The network 100 may be a 5G or NR network, or some other wireless network (such as an LTE network). The wireless network 100 may include a plurality of BSs 110 (shown as BSs 110a, BSs 110b, BSs 110c, and BSs 110d) and other network entities. A BS is an entity that communicates with a user equipment (UE), and may also be referred to as a base station, an NR BS, a Node B, a gNB, a 5G Node B, an access point, a transmission and reception point (TRP), a network node, a network entity, etc. A base station may be implemented as an aggregated base station, a decomposed base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, a side link node, etc. A base station may be implemented in an aggregated or monolithic base station architecture, or alternatively, in a decomposed base station architecture, and may include one or more of a central unit (CU), a distributed unit (DU), a radio unit (RU), a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC.

[0047] Each BS can provide communication coverage for a specific geographical area. In 3GPP, the term "cell" can refer to the coverage area of ​​a BS and / or a BS subsystem serving the coverage area, depending on the context in which the term is used.

[0048] A BS may provide communication coverage for a macro cell, a pico cell, a femto cell, and / or another type of cell. A macro cell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions. A pico cell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UEs with service subscriptions. A femto cell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a residence) and may allow restricted access by UEs associated with the femto cell (e.g., UEs in a closed subscriber group (CSG)). A BS for a macro cell may be referred to as a macro BS. A BS for a pico cell may be referred to as a pico BS. A BS for a femto cell may be referred to as a femto BS or a home BS. In Figure 1 In the example shown in , BS110a may be a macro BS for macro cell 102a, BS110b may be a pico BS for pico cell 102b, and BS110c may be a femto BS for femto cell 102c. A BS may support one or more (e.g., three) cells. The terms "eNB", "base station", "NR BS", "gNB", "AP", "Node B", "5GNB", "TRP", and "cell" may be used interchangeably.

[0049] In some aspects, the cell need not be stationary, and the geographic area of ​​the cell may move depending on the location of the mobile BS. In some aspects, the BSs may be interconnected with each other and / or to one or more other BSs or network nodes (not shown) in the wireless network 100 through various types of backhaul interfaces (such as direct physical connections, virtual networks, etc.) using any suitable transport network.

[0050] The wireless network 100 may also include a relay station. A relay station is an entity that can receive data transmissions from an upstream station (e.g., a BS or a UE) and transmit the data transmissions to a downstream station (e.g., a UE or a BS). A relay station may also be a UE that can relay transmissions for other UEs. Figure 1 In the example shown in , a relay station 110d may communicate with a macro BS 110a and a UE 120d to facilitate communication between the BS 110a and the UE 120d. A relay station may also be referred to as a relay BS, a relay base station, a relay, or the like.

[0051] The wireless network 100 may be a heterogeneous network including different types of BSs (e.g., macro BSs, pico BSs, femto BSs, relay BSs, etc.). These different types of BSs may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and different effects on interference in the wireless network 100. For example, a macro BS may have a high transmit power level (e.g., 5 to 40 watts), while a pico BS, a femto BS, and a relay BS may have a lower transmit power level (e.g., 0.1 to 2 watts).

[0052] As an example, BSs 110 (shown as BSs 110a, BSs 110b, BSs 110c, and BSs 110d) and core network 130 may exchange communications via backhaul links 132 (e.g., S1, etc.). Base stations 110 may communicate with each other directly or indirectly (e.g., through core network 130) through other backhaul links (e.g., X2, etc.).

[0053] The core network 130 may be an evolved packet core (EPC), which may include at least one mobile management entity (MME), at least one serving gateway (S-GW), and at least one packet data network (PDN) gateway (P-GW). The MME may be a control node that handles signaling between the UE 120 and the EPC. All user IP packets may be delivered through the S-GW, which itself may be connected to the P-GW. The P-GW may provide IP address allocation and other functions. The P-GW may be connected to the IP services of the network operator. The operator's IP services may include the Internet, the intranet, the IP multimedia subsystem (IMS), and the packet switched (PS) streaming media services.

[0054] The core network 130 may provide user authentication, access authorization, tracking, IP connectivity, and other access, routing, or mobility functions. One or more of the base stations 110 or access node controllers (ANCs) may interface with the core network 130 via a backhaul link 132 (e.g., S1, S2, etc.), and may perform radio configuration and scheduling for communications with the UE 120. In some configurations, the various functions of each access network entity or base station 110 may be distributed across various network devices (e.g., radio heads and access network controllers), or merged into a single network device (e.g., base station 110).

[0055] UE 120 (e.g., 120a, 120b, 120c) may be dispersed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE may be stationary or mobile. UE may also be referred to as an access terminal, terminal, mobile station, subscriber unit, station, etc. UE may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smart phone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet device, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device or equipment, a biometric sensor / device, a wearable device (smart watch, smart clothing, smart glasses, smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., smart ring, smart bracelet, etc.)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music or video device, or a satellite radio, etc.), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, an industrial manufacturing equipment, a global positioning system device, or any other suitable device configured to communicate via a wireless or wired medium.

[0056] One or more UEs 120 may establish a protocol data unit (PDU) session for a network slice. In some cases, the UE 120 may select a network slice based on an application or subscription service. By enabling different network slices for different applications or subscription services, the UE 120 may improve its resource utilization in the wireless network 100 while also meeting the performance specifications of the respective applications of the UE 120. In some cases, the network slice used by the UE 120 may be provided by an AMF (AMF) associated with one or both of the base station 110 or the core network 130. Figure 1 In addition, session management of the network slice may be performed by an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0057] UE 120 may include a power saving module 140. For simplicity, only one UE 120d is shown as including a power saving module 140. The power saving module 140 may perform the operations described in detail in the referenced examples. Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9One or more steps described in processes 700, 800 and 900.

[0058] Some UEs may be considered as machine type communication (MTC) or evolved or enhanced machine type communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC and eMTC UEs include, for example, robots, drones, remote devices, sensors, meters, monitors, location tags, etc., which may communicate with a base station, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. A wireless node may provide, for example, a connection to a network or to a network (e.g., a wide area network such as the Internet or a cellular network) via a wired or wireless communication link. Some UEs may be considered as Internet of Things (IoT) devices and / or may be implemented as NB-IoT (narrowband Internet of Things) devices. Some UEs may be considered as customer premises equipment (CPE). UE 120 may be included in a housing that houses components of UE 120 (e.g., processor components, memory components, etc.).

[0059] Generally speaking, any number of wireless networks can be deployed in a given geographic area. Each wireless network can support a specific radio access technology (RAT) and can operate on one or more frequencies. RAT can also be referred to as radio technology, air interface, etc. Frequency can also be referred to as carrier, frequency channel, etc. In a given geographic area, each frequency can support a single RAT to avoid interference between wireless networks of different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be deployed.

[0060] In some aspects, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using base station 110 as an intermediary to communicate with each other). For example, UE 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocols (e.g., which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, etc.), mesh networks, etc. In this case, UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein performed by base station 110. For example, base station 110 may configure UE 120 via downlink control information (DCI), radio resource control (RRC) signaling, medium access control-control element (MAC-CE), or via system information (e.g., system information block (SIB)).

[0061] As indicated above, Figure 1 These are provided as examples only. Other examples may be found in connection with Figure 1 The examples described are different.

[0062] Figure 2 A block diagram of a design 200 of a base station 110 and a UE 120 is shown, the base station may be Figure 1 and the UE may be one of the base stations in Figure 1 Base station 110 may be equipped with T antennas 234a through 234t, and UE 120 may be equipped with R antennas 252a through 252r, where in general T≧1 and R≧1.

[0063] At the base station 110, the transmit processor 220 may receive data intended for one or more UEs from the data source 212, select one or more modulation and coding schemes (MCS) for the UE based at least in part on a channel quality indicator (CQI) received from each UE, process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for the UE based at least in part on the MCS selected for each UE, and provide data symbols for all UEs. Reducing the MCS reduces throughput but increases the reliability of transmission. The transmit processor 220 may also process system information (e.g., for semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI), etc.) and / or control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, upper layer signaling, etc.), and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. The transmit processor 220 may also generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signals (PSS) and secondary synchronization signals (SSS)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 may perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-coding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, if applicable, and may provide T output symbol streams to T modulators (MOD) 232a to 232t. Each modulator 232 may process a corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), etc.) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modulator 232 may further process (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and up-convert) the output sample stream to obtain a downlink signal. The T downlink signals from modulators 232a to 232t may be transmitted via T antennas 234a to 234t, respectively. According to various aspects described in more detail below, position coding may be used to generate synchronization signals to convey additional information.

[0064] At the UE 120, antennas 252a to 252r may receive downlink signals from the base station 110 and / or other base stations and may provide received signals to demodulators (DEMODs) 254a to 254r, respectively. Each demodulator 254 may condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and digitize) a received signal to obtain input samples. Each demodulator 254 may further process the input samples (e.g., for OFDM, etc.) to obtain received symbols. A MIMO detector 256 may obtain received symbols from all R demodulators 254a to 254r, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols (if applicable), and provide detected symbols. A receive processor 258 may process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide decoded data for the UE 120 to a data sink 260, and provide decoded control information and system information to a controller / processor 280. The channel processor may determine reference signal received power (RSRP), received signal strength indicator (RSSI), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), channel quality indicator (CQI), etc. In some aspects, one or more components of UE 120 may be included in a housing.

[0065] On the uplink, at the UE 120, a transmit processor 264 may receive and process data from a data source 262 and control information from a controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reports including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, CQI, etc.). The transmit processor 264 may also generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 may be pre-decoded by a TX MIMO processor 266 (if applicable), further processed by modulators 254a through 254r (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM, CP-OFDM, etc.), and transmitted to the base station 110. At the base station 110, uplink signals from the UE 120 and other UEs may be received by the antenna 234, processed by the demodulator 254, detected by the MIMO detector 236 (if applicable), and further processed by the receive processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by the UE 120. The receive processor 238 may provide the decoded data to the data sink 239 and the decoded control information to the controller / processor 240. The base station 110 may include a communication unit 244 and communicate with the core network 130 via the communication unit 244. The core network 130 may include a communication unit 294, a controller / processor 290, and a memory 292.

[0066] The controller / processor 240 of the base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or Figure 2Any other component of the base station 110 may perform one or more techniques associated with configuring one or more power saving functions, as described in more detail elsewhere. For example, the controller / processor 240 of the base station 110, the controller / processor 280 of the UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other component of the Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The processes and / or operations of other processes as described. Memory 242 and memory 282 may store data and program codes for base station 110 and UE 120, respectively. Scheduler 246 may schedule UEs for data transmission on the downlink and / or uplink.

[0067] The deployment of a communication system (such as a 5G New Radio (NR) system) can be arranged with various components or constituent parts in a variety of ways. In a 5G NR system or network, a network node, a network entity, a mobility element of a network, a radio access network (RAN) node, a core network node, a network element or a network equipment (such as a base station (BS), or one or more units (or one or more components) that perform base station functionality can be implemented in an aggregated or decomposed architecture. For example, a BS (such as a Node B (NB), an evolved NB (eNB), an NR BS, a 5G NB, an access point (AP), a transmit and receive point (TRP) or a cell, etc.) can be implemented as an aggregated base station (also referred to as an independent BS or a monolithic BS) or a decomposed base station.

[0068] A converged base station may be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node. A decomposed base station may be configured to utilize a protocol stack physically or logically distributed between two or more units, such as one or more central or centralized units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs). In some aspects, a CU may be implemented within a RAN node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed in one or more other RAN nodes. A DU may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of a CU, a DU, and a RU may also be implemented as a virtual unit (e.g., a virtual central unit (VCU), a virtual distributed unit (VDU), or a virtual radio unit (VRU)).

[0069] Base station type operations or network design may take into account the aggregated nature of base station functionality. For example, a disaggregated base station may be used in an integrated access backhaul (IAB) network, an open radio access network (O-RAN (network configurations such as those initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or a virtualized radio access network (vRAN, also known as a cloud radio access network (C-RAN)). Decomposition may include distributing functionality across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as virtually distributing functionality of at least one unit, which may enable flexibility in network design. Individual units of a disaggregated base station or disaggregated RAN architecture may be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit.

[0070] Figure 3 A diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station 300 architecture is shown. The decomposed base station 300 architecture may include one or more central units (CUs) 310 that may communicate directly with a core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 through one or more decomposed base station units, such as a near real-time (near-RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC) 325 via an E2 link, or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC 315 associated with a service management and orchestration (SMO) framework 305, or both. The CU 310 may communicate with one or more distributed units (DUs) 330 via respective midhaul links, such as an F1 interface. The DU 330 may communicate with one or more radio units (RUs) 340 via respective fronthaul links. The RU 340 may communicate with respective UEs 120 via one or more radio frequency (RF) access links. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 340.

[0071] Each of these units (e.g., CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, and near-RT RIC 325, non-RTRIC 315, and SMO framework 305) may include one or more interfaces, or may be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or send signals, data, or information (collectively referred to as signals) via a wired or wireless transmission medium. Each of these units or an associated processor or controller that provides instructions to the communication interface of these units may be configured to communicate with one or more of the other units via a transmission medium. For example, these units may include a wired interface that is configured to receive or send signals to one or more of the other units via a wired transmission medium. Additionally, the unit may include a wireless interface that may include a receiver, a transmitter, or a transceiver (such as a radio frequency (RF) transceiver) that is configured to receive or send signals, or both, to one or more of the other units via a wireless transmission medium.

[0072] In some aspects, CU 310 may host one or more higher layer control functions. Such control functions may include radio resource control (RRC), packet data convergence protocol (PDCP), service data adaptation protocol (SDAP), etc. Each control function can be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other control functions hosted by CU 310. CU310 may be configured to handle user plane functionality (e.g., central unit-user plane (CU-UP)), control plane functionality (e.g., central unit-control plane (CU-CP)), or a combination thereof. In some specific implementations, CU 310 may be logically split into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP unit may communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP unit via an interface (such as an E1 interface). As needed, CU 310 may be implemented to communicate with DU 330 for network control and signaling.

[0073] DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit that includes one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU 340. In some aspects, DU 330 may host one or more of a radio link control (RLC) layer, a medium access control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers (such as modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, modulation and demodulation, etc.) depending at least in part on a functional split, such as that defined by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In some aspects, DU 330 may further host one or more low PHY layers. Each layer (or module) may be implemented using an interface that is configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by DU 330 or with control functions hosted by CU 310.

[0074] The lower layer functionality may be implemented by one or more RUs 340. In some deployments, a RU 340 controlled by a DU 330 may correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low PHY layer functions (such as performing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), digital beamforming, physical random access channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc.), or both, based at least in part on a functional split (such as a lower layer functional split). In such an architecture, the RU 340 may be implemented to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 120. In some implementations, real-time and non-real-time aspects of communicating with the control plane and user plane of the RU 340 may be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration may enable the implementation of the DU 330 and the CU 310 in a cloud-based RAN architecture (such as a vRAN architecture).

[0075] The SMO framework 305 may be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of non-virtualized network elements and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 may be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which may be managed via an operation and maintenance interface (such as an O1 interface). For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 may be configured to interact with a cloud computing platform (such as an open cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390) to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via a cloud computing platform interface (such as an O2 interface). Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, and near-RT RIC 325. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 305 may communicate with hardware aspects of the 4G RAN (such as an open eNB (O-eNB) 311) via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some specific implementations, the SMO framework 305 may communicate directly with one or more RUs 340 via the O1 interface. The SMO framework 305 may also include a non-RT RIC 315 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 305 .

[0076] The non-RT RIC 315 may be configured to include logic functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows including model training and updating, or policy-based guidance of applications / features in the near-RTRIC 325. The non-RT RIC 315 may be coupled to or in communication with the near-RT RIC 325 (such as via an A1 interface). The near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to include logic functions that enable near-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via data collection and actions on an interface (such as via an E2 interface) that connects one or more CUs 310, one or more DUs 330, or both, and the O-eNB 311 with the near-RTRIC 325.

[0077] In some implementations, in order to generate an AI / ML model to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 325, the non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. Such information may be utilized by the near-RT RIC 325 and may be received from a non-network data source or from a network function at the SMO framework 305 or the non-RT RIC 315. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 315 or the near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns of performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions through the SMO framework 305 (such as via reconfiguration of O1) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 policies).

[0078] In some examples, the power consumption of the network node may account for a majority of the total power consumption associated with the wireless communication network. In some such examples, in order to reduce the total power consumed by the wireless communication network, the network node may enter a network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes (e.g., a light sleep mode or a deep sleep mode) based on the network traffic being less than a threshold. Each network of the network power saving mode may be associated with a transition time and a power consumption level. For example, a first network power saving mode may shut down the RF chain, and a second network power saving mode may not shut down the RF chain. In this example, the network node may consume less power during the first power saving mode than the amount of power consumed by the network node during the second network power saving mode.

[0079] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating an example 400 of a network node transitioning to different network power saving modes in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 4 In the example 400, the y-axis represents power consumption and the x-axis represents time. Figure 4 As shown in the example 400 of FIG. 4 , at time t0, the network node operates in a normal mode. Figure 4 In example 400, the normal mode is associated with a high power consumption level. At time t1, the network node transitions from the normal mode to the light sleep mode. At time t2, the network node enters the light sleep mode. For ease of explanation, Figure 4 In example 400 of , the shallow sleep mode is associated with a medium power consumption level. A duration associated with a transition from one mode to another mode (such as a duration between time t1 and t2) can be an example of a transition period (e.g., a transition time). At time t3, the network node initiates a transition to a normal mode, and at time t4, the network node operates in the normal mode. At time t5, the network node initiates a transition to a deep sleep mode, and at time t6, the network node operates in the deep sleep mode. For ease of explanation, in Figure 4In the example 400 of , the deep sleep mode is associated with a low power consumption level. At time t7, the network node initiates a transition from the deep sleep mode, and at time t8, the network node operates in a normal mode.

[0080] In contrast to a network node, a UE may use a battery as a power source. Therefore, the UE may operate for a limited amount of time without an external power source. In some examples, the UE may be configured with a data inactivity timer. Based on the UE sending or receiving a transmission via a data channel or a control channel, the UE may initiate or restart the data inactivity timer. Upon expiration of the data inactivity timer, the UE may transition from an RRC connected state to an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state. When in an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, the UE may reduce power consumption.

[0081] As discussed, the network node may enter a power saving mode based on a traffic condition that satisfies the power saving condition. In some examples, the traffic condition may satisfy the power saving condition when the traffic volume is less than the traffic threshold. In some such examples, because the traffic volume is less than the traffic threshold, the power consumption at the UE may be reduced by accelerating the transition to a low power state (such as an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state). In some aspects, each power saving mode of the network node may be associated with a different inactive timer value or a different inactive timer initial start value. In some aspects, if the UE has no data to send, the UE may prematurely expire the data inactive timer. In other aspects, the UE may enter a low power state (e.g., an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state) based on determining that the network node enters a power saving mode and also based on the amount of predicted data traffic.

[0082] Figure 5A 5 is a timing diagram illustrating an example 500 of configuring one or more power saving functions of a UE 120 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In the example 500, the UE 120 may communicate with a network node 502. The network node 502 may be as described in reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base station 110 or as referenced Figure 3 The power saving function may be associated with a timer duration value, a timer restart value, or a restart duration value. Figure 5A As shown, at time t1, UE 120 may receive a first message that configures one or more inactivity timers (eg, dataInactivityTimer) at the UE.

[0083] In some examples, UE 120 is configured with a group of inactive timers, and the first message indicates a corresponding timer duration value of each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers. Each timer duration value in the timer duration value sets the corresponding duration of the corresponding inactive timer setting. Each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers may be associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a group of network power saving modes. In some examples, the first message may be an RRC message. In some other examples, each timer duration value in the timer duration value updates the previously configured timer duration value of each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers. In such examples, the first message may be an RRC message, a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) (MAC-CE), or downlink control information (DCI).

[0084] In other examples, the UE 120 is configured with a single inactive timer, and the first message indicates a timer duration value of the inactive timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​of the inactive timer or a restart duration value of the inactive timer. Each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​is associated with a corresponding power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes. Each timer restart value corresponds to an initial value to which the inactive timer is set after restarting the inactive timer. In some examples, each timer restart value may be a non-zero value. Each restart duration value corresponds to a duration to which the inactive timer will be set after restarting the inactive timer, which duration may be different from the initial duration of the inactive timer. In some examples, after receiving the first message, the UE 120 may receive another message from the network node 502 that updates the restart duration value associated with the single inactive timer.

[0085] As shown in example 500, at time t3, UE 120 may initiate an inactive timer in one or more inactive timers based on receiving a first downlink transmission (time t2a) from network node 502 or sending a first uplink information (time t2b) to network node 502. In some examples where UE 120 is configured with the set of inactive timers, the inactive timers may be associated with respective timer duration values ​​associated with a current network power saving mode. In such examples, UE 120 may suspend each inactive timer in one or more inactive timers that is not associated with a current network power saving mode based on initiating the inactive timer. Network node 502 may indicate the enabled power saving mode to UE 120. In other examples where UE 120 is configured with a single inactive timer, UE 120 initiates a single inactive timer. After initiating the inactive timer, at time t4, UE 120 may enable an RRC state, such as an RRC idle state or an RRC inactive state, based on expiration of the inactive timer.

[0086] At time t6, UE 120 may restart the inactive timer based on receiving a second downlink transmission (time t5a) from network node 502 or sending a second uplink information (time t5b) to network node 502. Alternatively, in some examples, UE 120 may restart the inactive timer based on identifying the current network power saving mode enabled at network node 502. In such examples, UE 120 may receive a message indicating the current network power saving mode enabled at network node 502 from network node 502. In some examples in which UE 120 is configured with a single inactive timer, UE 120 may restart the single inactive timer to a corresponding timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​based on identifying the current network power saving mode enabled at network node 502. In such examples, the corresponding timer restart value may be associated with the current network power saving mode enabled at network node 502. Each timer restart value in the timer restart value may be associated with a corresponding network power saving mode. In addition, each timer restart value is a non-zero value, so that the length of the restart duration is reduced. In other examples where UE 120 is configured with a single inactive timer, UE 120 can restart the single inactive timer to a default restart value (e.g., zero), and the duration of the inactive timer can be based on the restart duration value included in the message received at time t1, based on the identification of the current network power saving mode enabled at network node 502. The restart duration value can be a combination of a default timer duration value and an offset value. The offset value can be a negative value or a positive value. A negative value can reduce the duration of the restart duration value. In other examples where UE 120 is configured with a single inactive timer, UE 120 restarts the inactive timer to zero based on receiving a second downlink transmission (time t5a) or sending a second uplink transmission (time t5b). In such examples, the single inactive timer is restarted at the default restart value with an initial timer duration value.

[0087] Figure 5B 5 is a timing diagram illustrating an example 550 of configuring a power saving function of a UE 120 according to various aspects of the present disclosure. In example 550, the UE 120 may communicate with a network node 502. The power saving function may be associated with an RRC state transition. Figure 5BAs shown, at time t1, UE 120 may receive a message from network node 502, the message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters of each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. Each RRC state transition in the set of RRC state transitions may indicate a transition to an RRC state in the set of RRC states and whether the transition requires an inactive timer to expire. For example, for one or more network power saving modes, the RRC state transition may indicate that UE 120 should transition from a current RRC state to an RRC idle state without requiring an inactive timer to expire. As another example, for one or more network power saving modes in a network power saving mode, another RRC state transition from the set of RRC state transitions may indicate that UE 120 should transition from an RRC inactive state to an RRC idle state without requiring an inactive timer to expire. In some examples, the transition may be based on a previous network power saving mode, a current network power saving mode, and a current RRC state (e.g., RRC connected or RRC idle). For example, if the network node 502 transitions from a first network power saving mode to a second network power saving mode different from the first network power saving mode, the UE 120 may transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC inactive state when the inactivity timer expires. As another example, if the network node 502 transitions from a third network power saving mode to a second network power saving mode, the UE 120 may transition from the RRC connected state to the RRC idle state when the inactivity timer expires.

[0088] like Figure 5B As shown, at time t2, UE 120 may identify the current network power saving mode enabled at network node 502 in the set of network power saving modes. UE 120 may identify the current network power saving mode based on an indication sent by network node 502. The indication may inform UE 120 that network node 502 enables a specific network power saving mode, such as, for example, a light sleep mode, a deep sleep mode, a standby mode, or an off mode. At time t3, after identifying the current network power saving mode, UE 120 may switch (e.g., transition) from a current RRC state in a set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states. UE 120 may switch from the current RRC state to the new RRC state based on a transition configured by an RRC state transition associated with the current network power saving mode in the set of RRC state transitions.

[0089] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example wireless communication device 600 that supports one or more power saving functions according to some aspects of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be a reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 5A and Figure 5B Examples of various aspects of the UE 120 described herein. The wireless communication device 600 may include a receiver 610, a communication manager 605, a transmitter 620, a power saving function component 630, an inactivity timer component 640, and an RRC state component 650, which may communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses). In some examples, the wireless communication device 600 is configured to perform operations, including the following references to Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The operations of processes 700, 800 and 900 are described.

[0090] In some examples, the wireless communication device 600 may include a chip, chipset, package, or device that includes at least one processor and at least one modem (e.g., a 5G modem or other cellular modem). In some examples, the communication manager 605 or its subcomponents may be separate and distinct components. In some examples, at least some components of the communication manager 605 are at least partially implemented as software stored in a memory. For example, portions of one or more of these components of the communication manager 605 may be implemented as non-transient code that can be executed by a processor to perform the functions or operations of the corresponding components.

[0091] The receiver 610 may receive one or more of a reference signal (e.g., a periodically configured channel state information reference signal (CSI-RS), an aperiodically configured CSI-RS, or a multi-beam specific reference signal), a synchronization signal (e.g., a synchronization signal block (SSB)), control information, and data information (such as in the form of packets) from one or more other wireless communication devices via various channels including a control channel (e.g., a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), or a physical sidelink control channel PSCCH) and a data channel (e.g., a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical sidelink shared channel (PSSCH), a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)). The other wireless communication devices may include, but are not limited to, reference signals such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 The base station 110, as shown in reference Figure 3 The CU 310, DU 330 or RU 340, or reference Figure 5A and Figure 5B The network node 502.

[0092] The received information may be communicated to other components of the device 600. The receiver 610 may be a reference Figure 2Receiver 610 may include an example of various aspects of the receive processor 256. Receiver 610 may include a receiver coupled to or otherwise utilizing an antenna set (eg, the antenna set may be a reference Figure 2 An example of the various aspects of the antenna 252 is a set of radio frequency (RF) chains.

[0093] The transmitter 620 may transmit signals generated by the communication manager 605 or other components of the wireless communication device 600. In some examples, the transmitter 620 may be co-located with the receiver 610 in a transceiver module. The transmitter 620 may be a reference Figure 2 The transmitter 620 may be coupled to or otherwise utilize a set of antennas (eg, the set of antennas may be referenced). Figure 2 The antenna set may be an antenna element shared with the receiver 610. In some examples, the transmitter 620 is configured to send control information in a PUCCH, PSCCH, or PDCCH, and to send data in a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH), PSSCH, or PDSCH.

[0094] The communication manager 605 may be a reference Figure 2 Examples of various aspects of the controller / processor 259 described. The communication manager 605 may include a power saving function component 630, an inactive timer component 640, and an RRC state component 650. In some examples, in the case of working in conjunction with the receiver 610, the power saving function component 630 may receive a first message configuring a group of inactive timers from a network node, the first message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers, each inactive timer in the group of inactive timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a group of network power saving modes. In addition, in the case of working in conjunction with one or both of the receiver 610 or the power saving function component 630, the inactive timer component 640 may initiate a first inactive timer with a corresponding timer duration value in the group of inactive timers based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node. In addition, in the case of working in conjunction with the inactive timer component 640, the RRC state component 650 may enable an RRC state in a group of RRC states based on the expiration of the first inactive timer. The enabled RRC state may be an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0095] In some other examples, in conjunction with the receiver 610, the power saving function component 630 may receive a first message from the network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters of each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. In addition, in conjunction with the receiver 610, the power saving function component 630 may receive a second message from the network node, the second message indicating the current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. Finally, in conjunction with the power saving function component 630, the RRC state component 650 may switch from the current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions of the current RRC state associated with the current network power saving mode.

[0096] In some other examples, in conjunction with the receiver 610, the power saving functional component 630 may receive a first message configuring an inactive timer from a network node, the first message including a timer duration value indicating the inactive timer and a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactive timer or one of the restart duration values ​​for the inactive timer. In addition, in conjunction with the receiver 610 or one or both of the power saving functional components 630, the inactive timer component 640 may initiate the inactive timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node. In addition, in conjunction with the receiver 610 or one or both of the power saving functional components 630, the inactive timer component 640 may restart the inactive timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in a set of network power saving modes.

[0097] Figure 7 700 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 700 performed by UE 120 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Example process 700 is an example of activating one or more power saving functions to reduce power consumption. Figure 7 As shown, process 700 begins at block 702 by receiving a first message from a network node to configure a set of inactivity timers, the first message including a corresponding timer duration value indicating each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers, each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. At block 704, process 700 initiates a first inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers having a corresponding timer duration value based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node. Figure 7As shown in FIG. 7 , at block 706, process 700 enables an RRC state in a set of RRC states based on expiration of a first inactivity timer. The enabled RRC state may be an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0098] Figure 8 8 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 800 performed by UE 120 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Example process 800 is an example of activating one or more power saving functions to reduce power consumption. Figure 8 As shown, process 800 begins at block 802 by receiving a first message from a network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters for each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes. At block 804, process 804 receives a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in the set of network power saving modes. At block 806, process 800 switches from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions of the current network power saving mode associated with the current RRC state.

[0099] Fig. 9 9 is a flow chart illustrating an example process 900 performed by UE 120 according to some aspects of the present disclosure. Example process 900 is an example of activating one or more power saving functions to reduce power consumption. Fig. 9 As shown, process 900 starts at block 902 by receiving a first message configuring an inactivity timer from a network node, the first message including a timer duration value indicating an inactivity timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactivity timer or a restart duration value for the inactivity timer. At block 904, process 900 initiates an inactivity timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node. At block 906, process 900 restarts the inactivity timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node in a set of network power saving modes.

[0100] Specific implementation examples are described in the following numbered clauses:

[0101] Clause 1. A method of wireless communication performed by a UE, the method comprising: receiving a first message configuring a set of inactive timers from a network node, the first message including an indication of a corresponding timer duration value for each inactive timer in the set of inactive timers, each inactive timer in the set of inactive timers being associated with a corresponding network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes; initiating a first inactive timer in the set of inactive timers having the corresponding timer duration value based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node; and enabling an RRC state in a set of RRC states based on expiration of the first inactive timer.

[0102] Clause 2. The method of clause 1, wherein the first message is received via an RRC message.

[0103] Clause 3. The method according to clauses 1 to 2 further includes: receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node among the set of network power saving modes; and selecting the first inactive timer from the set of inactive timers based on the first inactive timer being associated with the current network power saving mode enabled by the network node.

[0104] Clause 4. The method of clause 3, further comprising pausing each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers that is not associated with the current network power saving mode based on initiating the first inactivity timer.

[0105] Clause 5. A method as described in any of clauses 1 to 4, the method further comprising restarting the first inactivity timer based on receiving a second downlink transmission from the network node or sending a second uplink information to the network node.

[0106] Clause 6. The method of clause 5, further comprising transitioning from the enabled RRC state to the RRC connected state based on restarting the first inactivity timer.

[0107] Clause 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the enabled RRC state is an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

[0108] Clause 8. The method of any one of clauses 5, wherein the first inactivity timer is restarted at a default restart value with the corresponding timer duration value.

[0109] Clause 9. A method for wireless communication performed by a UE, the method comprising: receiving a first message for configuring an inactive timer from a network node, the first message comprising a timer duration value indicating the inactive timer and a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactive timer or one of the restart duration values ​​of the inactive timer; initiating the inactive timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node; and restarting the inactive timer based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode enabled at the network node among a set of network power saving modes.

[0110] Clause 10. A method according to Clause 9, wherein: the first message indicates the set of timer restart values; each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​is associated with a corresponding network power saving in the set of network power saving modes; each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​is a non-zero value; and the corresponding inactive timer is restarted at the timer restart value associated with the current network power saving mode.

[0111] Clause 11. The method of clause 10, wherein the inactivity timer is restarted with the timer duration value. Clause 12. The method of clause 9, wherein: the first message indicates the restart duration value; the restart duration value is a combination of the timer duration value and an offset value; and the inactivity timer is restarted at zero and with the restart duration value.

[0112] Clause 13. The method of clause 12, wherein the offset value is a positive value.

[0113] Clause 14. The method of clause 12, wherein the offset value is a negative value.

[0114] Clause 15. A method according to any one of clauses 9 to 14, wherein the first message is received via an RRC message. Clause 16. A method for wireless communication performed at a UE, the method comprising: receiving a first message from a network node, the first message indicating one or more corresponding switching parameters for each RRC state in a set of RRC states for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes; receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode in the set of network power saving modes enabled at the network node; and switching from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions of the current network power saving mode associated with the current RRC state.

[0115] Clause 17. The method of clause 16, wherein the one or more respective handover parameters include a first parameter indicating that the new RRC state is an RRC idle state and a second parameter indicating that the handover does not require expiration of an inactivity timer.

[0116] Clause 18. The method of clause 16, wherein the one or more respective handover parameters include a first parameter indicating that the new RRC state is an RRC inactive state and a second parameter indicating that the handover does not require expiration of an inactivity timer.

[0117] Clause 19. A method according to clause 16, wherein the one or more corresponding switching parameters include a first parameter indicating a previous network power saving mode, a second parameter indicating the current network power saving mode, a third parameter indicating the new RRC state, and a fourth parameter indicating whether the switching requires expiration of an inactivity timer.

[0118] Clause 20. A method according to clause 19, wherein: the current RRC state is an RRC connected state; the previous network power saving mode is a first power saving mode; the current network power saving mode is a second power saving mode different from the first power saving mode; the new RRC state is an RRC inactive state; and the switching requires the expiration of the inactivity timer.

[0119] Clause 21. A method according to clause 19, wherein: the current RRC state is an RRC connected state; the switching requires the expiration of the inactivity timer; the new RRC state is an RRC idle state; the previous network power saving mode is a first power saving mode; and the current network power saving mode is a second power saving mode different from the first power saving mode.

[0120] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the various aspects.

[0121] As used, the term "component" is intended to be broadly interpreted as hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. As used, a processor is implemented using hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software.

[0122] Some aspects are described in conjunction with thresholds. As used, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than a threshold, greater than or equal to a threshold, less than a threshold, less than or equal to a threshold, equal to a threshold, not equal to a threshold, etc., depending on the context.

[0123] It will be apparent that the described systems and / or methods can be implemented in various forms of hardware, firmware, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods does not limit the aspects. Therefore, the operation and performance of these systems and / or methods are described without reference to specific software code, and it should be understood that software and hardware used to implement these systems and / or methods can be designed based at least in part on these descriptions.

[0124] Although specific combinations of features are set forth in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of the various aspects. In fact, many of these features can be combined in a manner that is not specifically set forth in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification. Although each dependent claim listed below may directly depend on only one claim, the disclosure of each aspect includes each dependent claim combined with each other claim in the claim set. The phrase "at least one" referring to a list of items refers to any combination of those items, including single members. As an example, "at least one of a, b or c" is intended to cover: a, b, c, ab, ac, bc and abc and any combination with multiple identical elements (e.g., aa, aaa, aab, aac, abb, acc, bb, bbb, bbc, cc and ccc or any other ordering of a, b and c).

[0125] The elements, actions or instructions used should not be interpreted as critical or essential unless explicitly described as such. In addition, as used, the articles "one" and "an" are intended to include one or more items, and they can be used interchangeably with "one or more". In addition, as used, the terms "set" and "group" are intended to include one or more items (e.g., related items, unrelated items, combinations of related items and unrelated items, etc.), and can be used interchangeably with "one or more". If you only want to refer to one item, the phrase "only one" or similar terms will be used. In addition, as used, the terms "having" and the like are intended to be open terms. In addition, the phrase "based on" is intended to mean "based at least in part on", unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. A method for wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, from a network node, a first message configuring a set of inactivity timers, the first message including an indication of a respective timer duration value for each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers, each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers being associated with a respective network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes; initiating a first inactivity timer of the set of inactivity timers having the corresponding timer duration value based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node; and A radio resource control (RRC) state in a set of RRC states is enabled based on expiration of the first inactivity timer.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first message is received via an RRC message.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode of the set of network power saving modes enabled at the network node; as well as The first inactivity timer is selected from the set of inactivity timers based on the first inactivity timer being associated with the current network power saving mode enabled by the network node. 4 . The method of claim 3 , further comprising pausing each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers that is not associated with the current network power saving mode based on initiating the first inactivity timer.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising restarting the first inactivity timer based on receiving a second downlink transmission from the network node or sending a second uplink information to the network node.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising transitioning from the enabled RRC state to the RRC connected state based on restarting the first inactivity timer.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the enabled RRC state is an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

8. The method of claim 5, wherein the first inactivity timer is restarted at a default restart value with the corresponding timer duration value.

9. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: processor; as well as a memory coupled to the processor and storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, are operable to cause the apparatus to: receiving, from a network node, a first message configuring a set of inactivity timers, the first message comprising a respective timer duration value for each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers; initiating a first inactivity timer of the set of inactivity timers having the corresponding timer duration value based on receiving a first downlink transmission from the network node or sending a first uplink information to the network node; and A radio resource control (RRC) state in a set of RRC states is enabled based on expiration of the first inactivity timer.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first message is received via an RRC message.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to: receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode of a set of network power saving modes enabled at the network node; and The first inactivity timer is selected from the set of inactivity timers based on the first inactivity timer being associated with the current network power saving mode enabled by the network node.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to pause each inactivity timer in the set of inactivity timers that is not associated with the current network power saving mode based on initiating the first inactivity timer.

13. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to restart the first inactivity timer based on receiving a second downlink transmission from the network node or sending a second uplink information to the network node.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein execution of the instructions further causes the apparatus to transition from an enabled RRC state to an RRC connected state.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the enabled RRC state is an RRC inactive state or an RRC idle state.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first inactivity timer is restarted at a default restart value with the corresponding timer duration value.

17. A method for wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving, from a network node, a first message configuring an inactivity timer, the first message including an indication of a timer duration value for the inactivity timer and one of a set of timer restart values ​​for the inactivity timer or a restart duration value for the inactivity timer; initiating the inactivity timer based on receiving a downlink transmission from the network node or sending uplink information to the network node; and The inactivity timer is restarted based on receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode among a set of network power saving modes enabled at the network node.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein: The first message indicates the set of timer restart values; Each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​is associated with a respective network power saving in the set of network power saving modes; Each timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​is a non-zero value; and The inactivity timer is restarted at a corresponding timer restart value in the set of timer restart values ​​that is associated with the current network power saving mode. The method of claim 18 , wherein the inactivity timer is restarted with the timer duration value.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: The first message indicates the restart duration value; The restart duration value is a combination of the timer duration value and an offset value; and The inactivity timer is restarted at zero and with the restart duration value. The method of claim 20 , wherein the offset value is a positive value. The method of claim 20 , wherein the offset value is a negative value.

23. The method of claim 17, wherein the first message is received via an RRC message.

24. A method for wireless communication performed at a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: receiving a first message from a network node, the first message indicating, for each network power saving mode in a set of network power saving modes, one or more respective handover parameters for each of a set of radio resource control (RRC) states; receiving a second message from the network node, the second message indicating a current network power saving mode of the set of network power saving modes enabled at the network node; as well as Switching from a current RRC state in the set of RRC states to a new RRC state in the set of RRC states based on one or more corresponding parameter conditions of the current network power saving mode associated with the current RRC state.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more corresponding handover parameters include a first parameter indicating that the new RRC state is an RRC idle state and a second parameter indicating that the handover does not require expiration of an inactivity timer.

26. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more corresponding handover parameters include a first parameter indicating that the new RRC state is an RRC inactive state and a second parameter indicating that the handover does not require expiration of an inactivity timer.

27. The method of claim 24, wherein the one or more corresponding switching parameters include a first parameter indicating a previous network power saving mode, a second parameter indicating the current network power saving mode, a third parameter indicating the new RRC state, and a fourth parameter indicating whether the switching requires expiration of an inactivity timer.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein: The current RRC state is an RRC connected state; The previous network power saving mode is a first power saving mode; the current network power saving mode being a second power saving mode different from the first power saving mode; The new RRC state is an RRC inactive state; and The switching requires expiration of the inactivity timer.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein: The current RRC state is an RRC connected state; The switching requires expiration of the inactivity timer; The new RRC state is an RRC idle state; The previous network power saving mode is a first power saving mode; and The current network power saving mode is a second power saving mode different from the first power saving mode.

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