Non-collocated carrier aggregation

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to non-collocated carrier aggregation (CA). In accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, a user equipment (UE) comprises: a transceiver configured to communicate with a network; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform an operation. The operations include transmitting capability information about the UE to a base station, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs); receiving a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CC from the base station; transmitting a measurement result associated with the MO to the base station; and receiving, from the base station, signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the field of telecommunications, and in particular to non-collocated carrier aggregation (CA). Background Art

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specifications have clearly defined intra-band co-location CA for co-location of transmit (Tx) antennas. However, co-location of Tx antennas is sometimes costly or not feasible due to spectrum limitations of operators. For example, spectrum allocations were made in a phased manner in the frequency range of 3300MHz to 4200MHz. There is no room to collocate antennas of base stations (BS) that are put into use later with antennas that are put into use earlier. In addition, different coexistence requirements apply to different spectrum blocks. Summary of the invention

[0003] Generally speaking, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide a solution for non-collocated CA.

[0004] In a first aspect, a UE is provided. The UE includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a network. The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform operations, the operations including: sending capability information about the UE to a base station, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs); receiving a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CC from the base station; sending a measurement result associated with the MO to the base station; and receiving signaling from the base station for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC.

[0005] In a second aspect, a BS is provided. The BS includes a transceiver and a processor. The transceiver is configured to communicate with a network. The processor is communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform operations, the operations including: receiving capability information about the UE from a UE, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs; sending an MO indicating the non-collocated CC to the UE; receiving a measurement result associated with the MO from the UE; and sending a signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC to the UE based on the measurement result.

[0006] In a third aspect, a baseband processor of a UE is provided. The baseband processor is configured to perform operations, the operations including: sending capability information about the UE to a base station, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs; receiving an MO indicating the non-collocated CC from the base station; sending a measurement result associated with the MO to the base station; and receiving signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC from the base station.

[0007] In a fourth aspect, a baseband processor of a BS is provided. The baseband processor is configured to perform operations, the operations including: receiving capability information about the UE from a UE, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs; sending an MO indicating the non-collocated CC to the UE; receiving a measurement result associated with the MO from the UE; and sending a signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC to the UE based on the measurement result.

[0008] It should be understood that the invention summary is not intended to indicate the key or essential features of the embodiments of the present disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Other features of the present disclosure will become readily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent through a more detailed description of some embodiments of the present disclosure in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 An exemplary communication network is shown in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented;

[0011] Figure 2 illustrates an example of non-collocated CA according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0012] Figure 3 illustrates a signaling diagram illustrating a process for non-collocated CA according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0013] Figure 4 illustrates a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for mobility implemented at a UE according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] Figure 5 illustrates a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for mobility implemented at a BS according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0015] Figure 6 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated.

[0016] Throughout the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals refer to the same or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The principle of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to some embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described only for the purpose of illustration, and help those skilled in the art to understand and implement the present disclosure, without indicating any limitation to the scope of the present disclosure. In addition to the methods described below, the disclosure described herein can be realized in various ways.

[0018] In the following description and claims, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0019] The terms used herein are only for describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "a kind of" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context otherwise indicates. The terms "include", "have", "comprise" and "include" are used herein to specify the presence of stated features, elements and / or components, etc., but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components and / or combinations thereof. In addition, when describing specific features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with some embodiments, it is considered that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to implement such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments that are explicitly or not explicitly described.

[0020] It should also be understood that, although the terms "first", "second", etc. may be used to describe various elements in this article, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. For example, the first element can be named as the second element and similarly the second element can be named as the first element without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiment. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any combination and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0021] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that complies with any suitable communication standard, such as long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), high speed packet access (HSPA), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. In addition, the communication between the terminal equipment and the network equipment in the communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to the first generation (1G) communication protocol, the second generation (2G) communication protocol, the 2.5G communication protocol, the 2.75G communication protocol, the third generation (4C) communication protocol, the fourth generation (4G) communication protocol, the 4.5G communication protocol, the future fifth generation (5G) communication protocol, and / or any other protocol currently known or to be developed in the future. The embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. In view of the rapid development of communication, there will certainly be communication technologies and systems of future types that can embody the present disclosure. It should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the present disclosure to the above-mentioned systems.

[0022] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communication network via which a terminal device accesses the network and receives services from it. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or an access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a NR NB (also known as a gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio head (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node (such as a femto, pico, etc.).

[0023] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, a user equipment (UE), a subscriber station (SS), a portable subscriber station, a mobile station (MS), or an access terminal (AT). The terminal device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, a tablet computer, a wearable terminal device, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a portable computer, a desktop computer, an image capture terminal device such as a digital camera, a game terminal device, a music storage and playback appliance, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobile station, a laptop embedded equipment (LEE), a laptop mounted equipment (LME), a USB dongle, a smart device, a wireless customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a watch or other wearable device, a head mounted display (HMD), a vehicle, a drone, medical equipment and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial equipment and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices running in industrial and / or automated processing chain environments), consumer electronic devices, equipment running on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. In the following description, the terms "terminal device", "communication device", "terminal", "user equipment" and "UE" may be used interchangeably.

[0024] Figure 1 An exemplary communication network 100 is shown in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. The network 100 includes a UE 110, a base station 120, and remote radio units (RRUs) 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135.

[0025] The operator may place antennas for base station 120 into service at different times. There may not be room at base station 120 to place antennas placed into service later in a collocated manner with earlier antennas. Therefore, the operator may place antennas into service at RRUs 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135 in a distributed or non-collocated manner with the antennas at base station 120.

[0026] It should be understood that the number of UEs, BSs, and RRUs is for illustration purposes only and does not imply any limitation to the present disclosure. The network 100 may include any suitable number of UEs, BSs, and RRUs suitable for implementing the present disclosure.

[0027] Communications in the network 100 may conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Evolution, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC), etc. In addition, communications may be performed according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include but are not limited to first generation (1G) communication protocols, second generation (2G) communication protocols, 2.5G communication protocols, 2.75G communication protocols, third generation (4C) communication protocols, fourth generation (4G) communication protocols, 4.5G communication protocols, and fifth generation (5G) communication protocols.

[0028] A component carrier (CC) from the base station 120 may be aggregated with CCs from one or more of the RRUs 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135 to increase bandwidth. Such aggregation of CCs is also referred to as non-collocated CA. The CCs from the base station 120 and the CCs from one or more of the RRUs 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135 may belong to the same operating frequency band, such as 3300 MHz to 4200 MHz. In this case, the aggregation of CCs is also referred to as intra-band non-collocated CA.

[0029] In some embodiments, the CC from base station 120 and the CC from one or more of RRUs 131, 132, 133, 134, and 135 may belong to different spectrum blocks. Figure 2 Give a description.

[0030] Figure 2 An example 200 of non-collocated CA according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. In example 200, the CC from base station 120 belongs to spectrum block 210 in the frequency range of 3900 MHz to 4000 MHz. The CC from RRU 131 belongs to one of spectrum blocks 212 and 214. Spectrum block 212 is in the frequency range of 3400 MHz to 3440 MHz, while spectrum block 214 is in the frequency range of 3560 MHz to 3600 MHz.

[0031] In the case of non-collocated CA, the power imbalance between CCs supporting the CA can be as high as 25 dB. UE 110 also observes a larger time difference.

[0032] Currently, only 6dB power imbalance between aggregated carriers is considered when defining intra-band collocation requirements for UEs, such as minimum RF requirements in TS 38.101 and demodulation performance in TS 38.101. 6dB power imbalance means that BS antennas are collocated or very close. There is still no requirement to support intra-band non-collocated CA.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a solution for non-colocated CA is provided. In the solution, the UE sends capability information about the UE to the BS. The capability information indicates that the UE supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-colocated CCs. The BS activates or deactivates the non-colocated CCs based on the capability information. Therefore, the performance of non-colocated CA can be improved.

[0034] Reference now Figure 3 , which illustrates a process 300 for non-collocated CA according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. For the purpose of discussion, reference will be made to Figure 1 Describe process 300. Process 300 may involve such as Figure 1 It should be understood that although the UE 110 and BS 120 are illustrated in FIG. Figure 1 The process 300 is described in the communication network 100 of FIG. 1 , but the process is equally applicable to other communication scenarios. It should also be understood that although intra-band non-collocated CA will be discussed, similar processes can also be applied to inter-band non-collocated CA.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown, UE 110 sends 310 capability information about UE 110 to base station 120. The capability information indicates that UE 110 supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs.

[0036] UE 110 receives 320 from base station 120 a measurement object (MO) indicating a non-collocated CC.

[0037] In turn, UE 110 may perform measurements based on the MO. UE 110 then sends 330 to base station 120 the measurement results associated with the MO.

[0038] After receiving the measurement result from UE 110, base station 120 transmits 340 signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC based on the measurement result to UE 110. Thus, UE 110 receives signaling from base station 120 for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC.

[0039] Utilizing process 300, BS 120 may schedule UE 110 based on capability information indicating that UE 110 supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs.

[0040] In some embodiments, the parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may include a first parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs. The first set includes a first threshold for power imbalance between non-collocated CCs and a second threshold for maximum receive time difference (MRTD) between non-collocated CCs. In some embodiments, the first threshold for power imbalance may be equal to 6 dB, and the second threshold for MRTD may be equal to 3 μs.

[0041] Alternatively, in some embodiments, the parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may include a second parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs. The second set includes a third threshold for power imbalance and a fourth threshold for MRTD. The third threshold is higher than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold is higher than the second threshold. In some embodiments, the third threshold for power imbalance may be equal to 25dB, and the fourth threshold for MRTD may be equal to 33μs.

[0042] In some embodiments, the first set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may be associated with existing minimum radio frequency (RF) requirements in TS 38.101 and existing demodulation performance in TS 38.101.

[0043] In some embodiments, the second set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may be associated with the new minimum RF requirements to be introduced in TS 38.101 to test the reference sensitivity requirements in the presence of interferers 25 dB higher than the desired signal. Some reference sensitivity reduction should be allowed. In such embodiments, UE 110 will use a separate RF chain to receive the aggregated carriers.

[0044] In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, a second set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may be associated with a new demodulation performance to be introduced in TS 38.101 to verify a 25 dB power imbalance between the useful signal and the aggregated carriers on adjacent channels.

[0045] In some implementations, UEs supporting the first set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may be referred to as category 1 UEs.

[0046] In some implementations, UEs supporting the second set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs may be referred to as category 2 UEs.

[0047] In some embodiments, the capability information may include a UE capability parameter "intraBandNonColocatedCADL-r18" indicating that UE 110 supports the first parameter set or the second parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs. Table 1 shows the definition of the UE capability parameter "intraBandNonColocatedCADL-r18".

[0048] Table 1

[0049]

[0050] In Table 1, 'Per' indicates a level at which an associated parameter is included, and 'BC' indicates that signaling is performed for each frequency band combination.

[0051] As shown in Table 1, in some embodiments, if there is no UE capability parameter "intraBandNonColocatedCADL-r18" in the capability information, it may indicate that UE 110 supports the first parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs.

[0052] In some implementations, the MO may indicate a serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell associated with a non-collocated CC.

[0053] In some embodiments, it is also necessary to increase the chances of scheduling Class 1 UEs by the base station 120 with the assistance of additional information reporting such as Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). Currently, RSRP is reported separately for the serving cell and the target cell. If the base station 120 wants to use this information to schedule and activate or deactivate CCs associated with the secondary cell (SCell), more frequency reporting is required, and therefore there is more signaling overhead burden.

[0054] In order to reduce signaling overhead, the measurement result may include: a first reference signal received power (RSRP) of the strongest cell in the serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell, and an indication of the RSRP difference between the first RSRP and the second RSRP. The second RSRP is for a cell in the serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell. The cell is different from the strongest cell. In other words, UE 110 may report the RSRP of the strongest cell and the RSRP difference between the RSRP of the strongest cell and the RSRP of other cells.

[0055] In some embodiments, the granularity of the RSRP difference and the range of the RSRP difference are predefined.

[0056] In some embodiments, the granularity of the RSRP difference may be 1 dB, and the range of the RSRP difference may be 0 dB to 30 dB.

[0057] Table 2 shows an example of RSRP difference reporting. In Table 2, the RSRP difference is also referred to as differential RSRP.

[0058] Table 2

[0059]

[0060]

[0061] In some embodiments, the measurement result further includes a SFTD between the serving cell and one of the at least one candidate secondary cell.

[0062] In some embodiments, if the capability information indicates that UE 110 supports the first parameter set, the RSRP difference is below a fifth threshold for power imbalance and the SFTD is below a sixth threshold for MRTD, BS 120 may send first signaling to UE 110 for activating non-collocated CCs.

[0063] In some embodiments, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold for power imbalance and less than the third threshold for power imbalance.For example, the fifth threshold may be equal to 6 dB or slightly greater than 6 dB.

[0064] In some embodiments, the sixth threshold is equal to or greater than the second threshold for MRTD and less than the fourth threshold for MRTD.For example, the sixth threshold may be equal to 3 μs or slightly greater than 3 μs.

[0065] In some embodiments, if the capability information indicates whether UE 110 supports a second set of parameters, and if the RSRP difference is higher than a first threshold for power imbalance and lower than a third threshold for power imbalance, or SFTD is higher than a second threshold for MRTD and lower than a fourth threshold for MRTD, BS 120 may send a first signaling to UE 110 for activating a non-collocated CC.

[0066] In some embodiments, in order to further reduce signaling overhead, the measurement result may not include the RSRP difference and SFTD. Instead, the measurement result may include a first mark. The first mark indicates that the RSRP difference is lower than the fifth threshold for power imbalance and the SFTD is lower than the sixth threshold for MRTD. The fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold. The sixth threshold for MRTD is equal to or greater than the second threshold for MRTD. Alternatively, the measurement result may include a second mark. The second mark indicates that the RSRP difference is higher than the fifth threshold for power imbalance or the SFTD is higher than the sixth threshold for MRTD.

[0067] In such an embodiment, if BS 120 determines that the measurement result includes the first flag, BS 120 may send first signaling for activating the non-collocated CC to UE 110. If BS 120 determines that the measurement result includes the second flag, BS 120 may send second signaling for deactivating the non-collocated CC to UE 110.

[0068] Figure 4 A flowchart of an exemplary method 400 for mobility implemented at a UE according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 Method 400 is described from the perspective of UE 110 .

[0069] At block 410, UE 110 sends capability information about the UE to a base station, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs).

[0070] At block 420, UE 110 receives a measurement object (MO) indicating a non-collocated CC from a base station.

[0071] At block 430, UE 110 sends the measurement results associated with the MO to the base station.

[0072] At block 440, UE 110 receives signaling from the base station to activate or deactivate the non-collocated CC.

[0073] In some embodiments, a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs includes: a first parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs, the first set including a first threshold and a second threshold, the first threshold being for power imbalance between non-collocated CCs, the second threshold being for maximum receive time difference (MRTD) between non-collocated CCs; or a second parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs, the second set including a third threshold and a fourth threshold, the third threshold being for power imbalance, the fourth threshold being for MRTD, the third threshold being higher than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold being higher than the second threshold.

[0074] In some implementations, the MO indicates a serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell associated with a non-collocated CC.

[0075] In some embodiments, the measurement results include: a first reference signal received power (RSRP) of the strongest cell among the serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell, and an indication of an RSRP difference between the first RSRP and a second RSRP, the second RSRP being for a cell among the serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell that is different from the strongest cell.

[0076] In some embodiments, the measurement result further includes a system frame number (SFN) and a frame timing difference (SFTD) between the serving cell and one of the at least one candidate secondary cell.

[0077] In some embodiments, the granularity of the RSRP difference and the range of the RSRP difference are predefined.

[0078] In some embodiments, the measurement result includes one of: a first mark indicating that the RSRP difference is lower than the fifth threshold for power imbalance and the SFTD is lower than the sixth threshold for MRTD, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the sixth threshold for MRTD is equal to or greater than the second threshold for MRTD, or a second mark indicating that the RSRP difference is higher than the fifth threshold for power imbalance or the SFTD is higher than the sixth threshold for MRTD.

[0079] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method 500 for mobility implemented at a BS according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to Figure 1 The method 500 is described from the perspective of the BS 120 .

[0080] At block 510 , the BS 120 receives capability information about a user equipment (UE) from the UE, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated CCs.

[0081] At block 520 , the BS 120 sends a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CCs to the UE.

[0082] At block 530 , the BS 120 receives measurement results associated with the MO from the UE.

[0083] At block 540 , the BS 120 sends a signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC to the UE based on the measurement result.

[0084] In some embodiments, a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs includes: a first parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs, the first set including a first threshold and a second threshold, the first threshold being for power imbalance between non-collocated CCs, the second threshold being for maximum receive time difference (MRTD) between non-collocated CCs; or a second parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs, the second set including a third threshold and a fourth threshold, the third threshold being for power imbalance, the fourth threshold being for MRTD, the third threshold being higher than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold being higher than the second threshold.

[0085] In some implementations, the MO indicates a serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell associated with a non-collocated CC.

[0086] In some embodiments, the measurement results include: a first reference signal received power (RSRP) of the strongest cell among the serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell, and an indication of an RSRP difference between the first RSRP and a second RSRP, the second RSRP being for a cell among the serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell that is different from the strongest cell.

[0087] In some embodiments, the measurement result further includes a system frame number (SFN) and a frame timing difference (SFTD) between the serving cell and one of the at least one candidate secondary cell.

[0088] In some embodiments, the granularity of the RSRP difference and the range of the RSRP difference are predefined.

[0089] In some embodiments, sending signaling for activating or deactivating non-collocated CCs includes: sending first signaling for activating non-collocated CCs based on determining capability information indicating that the UE supports a first parameter set, the RSRP difference is lower than a fifth threshold for power imbalance, and the SFTD is lower than a sixth threshold for MRTD, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold for power imbalance and lower than the third threshold for power imbalance, and the sixth threshold is equal to or greater than the second threshold for MRTD and lower than the fourth threshold for MRTD.

[0090] In some embodiments, sending signaling for activating or deactivating non-collocated CCs includes sending first signaling for activating non-collocated CCs based on determining capability information indicating whether the UE supports a second set of parameters, and the RSRP difference is higher than a first threshold for power imbalance and lower than a third threshold for power imbalance, or the SFTD is higher than a second threshold for MRTD and lower than a fourth threshold for MRTD.

[0091] In some embodiments, the measurement result includes one of: a first mark indicating that the RSRP difference is lower than the fifth threshold for power imbalance and the SFTD is lower than the sixth threshold for MRTD, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold for power imbalance and lower than the third threshold for power imbalance, the sixth threshold is equal to or greater than the second threshold for MRTD and lower than the fourth threshold for MRTD, or a second mark indicating that the RSRP difference is higher than the fifth threshold for power imbalance or the SFTD is higher than the sixth threshold for MRTD.

[0092] In some embodiments, sending signaling for activating or deactivating a non-collocated CC includes: sending first signaling for activating the non-collocated CC based on determining that the measurement result includes a first flag; and sending second signaling for deactivating the non-collocated CC based on determining that the measurement result includes a second flag.

[0093] refer to Figure 3 The described embodiments also apply to methods 400 and 500. Details of the embodiments are omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0094] Figure 6 6 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, UE 110 or BS 120 may be implemented by device 600. As shown, device 600 includes a processor 610, a memory 620 coupled to processor 610, and a transceiver 640 coupled to processor 610.

[0095] The transceiver 640 is used for bidirectional communication. The transceiver 640 is coupled to at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The transceiver 640 may include a transmitter circuit system (e.g., associated with one or more transmit chains) and / or a receiver circuit system (e.g., associated with one or more receive chains). The transmitter circuit and the receiver circuit may use common circuit elements, different circuit elements, or a combination thereof.

[0096] Processor 610 may be of any type suitable for the local technology network and may include one or more of the following: as non-limiting examples, a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application specific integrated circuit chips, which are time-constrained by a clock that synchronizes a main processor.

[0097] The memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), and other magnetic storage devices and / or optical storage devices. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 622 and other volatile memories that do not persist during power-off time.

[0098] Computer program 630 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by associated processor 610. Program 630 may be stored in ROM 624. Processor 610 may perform any suitable operations and processes by loading program 630 into RAM 622.

[0099] The embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented with the aid of program 630, so that the device 600 can execute the following steps: Figures 4 to 5 Any method of the present disclosure discussed. The embodiments of the present disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0100] The present disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions (such as those included in a program module) that are executed in a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the above-referenced Figure 4 The method 400 and / or as described above with reference to Figure 5 The method 500 is described.

[0101] Further, although the operations are shown in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring such operations to be performed in a sequential order or in the particular order shown, or requiring the execution of all the operations shown to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Although the above discussion includes several specific implementation details, these details should not be understood as limitations on the scope of the present disclosure, but should be considered as descriptions of features that may be peculiar to a particular embodiment. Certain features described in the context of different embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. On the contrary, the various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments individually or in the form of any suitable sub-combination.

[0102] Although the disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological acts, it should be understood that the disclosure defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A baseband processor of a user equipment (UE), the baseband processor being configured to perform operations, the operations comprising: sending capability information about the UE to a base station, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs); receiving a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CC from the base station; sending a measurement result associated with the MO to the base station; as well as A signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC is received from the base station.

2. The baseband processor of the UE according to claim 1, wherein the parameter set for aggregation of the non-collocated CCs comprises: a first set of parameters for aggregation of the non-collocated CCs, the first set comprising a first threshold and a second threshold, the first threshold being for power imbalance between the non-collocated CCs, the second threshold being for a maximum receive time difference (MRTD) between the non-collocated CCs, or A second set of parameters for the aggregation of the non-collocated CCs, the second set comprising a third threshold and a fourth threshold, the third threshold being for the power imbalance, the fourth threshold being for the MRTD, the third threshold being higher than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold being higher than the second threshold.

3. The baseband processor of the UE according to claim 2, wherein the MO indicates a serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell associated with the non-collocated CC.

4. The baseband processor of the UE according to claim 3, wherein the measurement result comprises: a first reference signal received power (RSRP) of the strongest cell among the serving cell and the at least one candidate secondary cell, and An indication of an RSRP difference between the first RSRP and a second RSRP for a cell among the serving cell and the at least one candidate secondary cell, the cell being different from the strongest cell.

5. The baseband processor of the UE according to claim 4, wherein the measurement result further includes a system frame number (SFN) and a frame timing difference (SFTD) between the serving cell and one of the at least one candidate secondary cell.

6. The baseband processor of the UE according to claim 4, wherein the granularity of the RSRP difference value and the range of the RSRP difference value are predefined.

7. The baseband processor of the UE according to claim 5, wherein the measurement result comprises one of the following: a first flag indicating that the RSRP difference is lower than a fifth threshold for the power imbalance and the SFTD is lower than a sixth threshold for the MRTD, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold, the sixth threshold for the MRTD is equal to or greater than the second threshold for the MRTD, or A second flag indicating that the RSRP difference is higher than the fifth threshold for the power imbalance or the SFTD is higher than the sixth threshold for the MRTD.

8. A base station, comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a user equipment (UE); and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform operations comprising: receiving, from the UE, capability information about the UE, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs); sending a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CC to the UE; receiving, from the UE, measurement results associated with the MO; and Based on the measurement result, signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC is sent to the UE.

9. The base station according to claim 8, wherein the parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated CCs comprises: a first set of parameters for aggregation of the non-collocated CCs, the first set comprising a first threshold and a second threshold, the first threshold being for power imbalance between the non-collocated CCs, the second threshold being for a maximum receive time difference (MRTD) between the non-collocated CCs, or A second set of parameters for the aggregation of the non-collocated CCs, the second set comprising a third threshold and a fourth threshold, the third threshold being for the power imbalance, the fourth threshold being for the MRTD, the third threshold being higher than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold being higher than the second threshold. 10 . The base station of claim 9 , wherein the MO indicates a serving cell and at least one candidate secondary cell associated with the non-collocated CC.

11. The base station according to claim 10, wherein the measurement result comprises: a first reference signal received power (RSRP) of the strongest cell among the serving cell and the at least one candidate secondary cell, and An indication of an RSRP difference between the first RSRP and a second RSRP for a cell among the serving cell and the at least one candidate secondary cell, the cell being different from the strongest cell.

12. The base station according to claim 11, wherein the measurement result further comprises a system frame number (SFN) and a frame timing difference (SFTD) between the serving cell and one of the at least one candidate secondary cell. 13 . The base station according to claim 12 , wherein the granularity of the RSRP difference value and the range of the RSRP difference value are predefined.

14. The base station according to claim 12, wherein sending the signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC comprises: Based on determining that the capability information indicates that the UE supports the first parameter set, the RSRP difference is lower than the fifth threshold for the power imbalance and the SFTD is lower than the sixth threshold for the MRTD, a first signaling for activating the non-collocated CC is sent, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold for the power imbalance and less than the third threshold for the power imbalance, the sixth threshold is equal to or greater than the second threshold for the MRTD and less than the fourth threshold for the MRTD.

15. The base station according to claim 12, wherein sending the signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC comprises: Based on determining whether the capability information indicates whether the UE supports the second parameter set, and if the RSRP difference is higher than the first threshold for power imbalance and lower than the third threshold for the power imbalance, or the SFTD is higher than the second threshold for MRTD and lower than the fourth threshold for MRTD, a first signaling for activating the non-collocated CC is sent.

16. The base station according to claim 12, wherein the measurement result comprises one of the following: a first flag indicating that the RSRP difference is lower than a fifth threshold for the power imbalance and the SFTD is lower than a sixth threshold for the MRTD, the fifth threshold is equal to or greater than the first threshold for the power imbalance and lower than the third threshold for the power imbalance, the sixth threshold is equal to or greater than the second threshold for the MRTD and lower than the fourth threshold for the MRTD, or A second flag indicating that the RSRP difference is higher than the fifth threshold for the power imbalance or the SFTD is higher than the sixth threshold for the MRTD.

17. The base station according to claim 16, wherein sending the signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC comprises: sending, according to determining that the measurement result includes the first flag, a first signaling for activating the non-collocated CC; as well as According to determining that the measurement result includes the second flag, sending a second signaling for deactivating the non-collocated CC.

18. A user equipment (UE), the UE comprising: a transceiver configured to communicate with a network; and a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform operations comprising: sending capability information about the UE to a base station, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a parameter set for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs); receiving a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CC from the base station; sending a measurement result associated with the MO to the base station; and A signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC is received from the base station.

19. The UE of claim 18, wherein the set of parameters for aggregation of the non-collocated CCs comprises: a first set of parameters for aggregation of the non-collocated CCs, the first set comprising a first threshold and a second threshold, the first threshold being for power imbalance between the non-collocated CCs, the second threshold being for a maximum receive time difference (MRTD) between the non-collocated CCs, or A second set of parameters for the aggregation of the non-collocated CCs, the second set comprising a third threshold and a fourth threshold, the third threshold being for the power imbalance, the fourth threshold being for the MRTD, the third threshold being higher than the first threshold, and the fourth threshold being higher than the second threshold.

20. A baseband processor of a base station, the baseband processor being configured to perform operations, the operations comprising: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), capability information about the UE, the capability information indicating that the UE supports a set of parameters for aggregation of non-collocated component carriers (CCs); sending a measurement object (MO) indicating the non-collocated CC to the UE; receiving, from the UE, measurement results associated with the MO; as well as Based on the measurement result, signaling for activating or deactivating the non-collocated CC is sent to the UE.

Images