Dynamic variation of gap priority

Abstract

A method may include receiving, from a first network, a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition that the user equipment can modify the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network with respect to the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network. The method may also include requesting a gap related to activity of the second network from the first network. The method may also include monitoring a condition received from the first network. Further, the method may include modifying a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element, or a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Indian Application No. 202241055935 filed on September 29, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Some example embodiments generally relate to mobile or wireless telecommunication systems, such as Long Term Evolution (LTE) or fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR) access technology, or above 5G, or other communication systems. For example, certain example embodiments may relate to apparatus, systems and / or methods for dynamically changing gap priorities. Background Art

[0004] Examples of mobile or wireless telecommunication systems may include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), LTE Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), Advanced LTE (LTE-A), MulteFire, Professional LTE-A, and / or fifth generation (5G) radio access technology or NR access technology. 5G wireless systems refer to next generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G network technology is mainly based on New Radio (NR) technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRA radio. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of 10G to 20G bits per second or higher, and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC) and massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extremely high bandwidth and ultra-robust, low latency connectivity and large-scale networking to support IoT. Summary of the invention

[0005] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network, a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user device can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include requesting, from the first network, a gap related to an activity of the second network. The method may also include monitoring the condition received from the first network. In addition, the method may include modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0006] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may also be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to receive at least from a first network a configuration of the following items: a group priority of the first network and a group priority of the second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user device can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The apparatus may also be caused to: request a gap associated with an activity of the second network from the first network. The apparatus may also be caused to: monitor the condition received from the first network. In addition, the method may be caused to: modify the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include components for receiving, from a first network, a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user device can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The apparatus may also include components for requesting a gap associated with an activity of the second network from the first network. The apparatus may also include components for monitoring the conditions received from the first network. In addition, the apparatus may include components for modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0008] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include receiving a configuration of the following items from a first network: a group priority of the first network and a group priority of the second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user device can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include requesting a gap associated with an activity of the second network from the first network. The method may also include monitoring the condition received from the first network. In addition, the method may include modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0009] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include receiving, from a first network, a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user device can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include requesting, from the first network, a gap associated with an activity of the second network. The method may also include monitoring the condition received from the first network. Furthermore, the method may include modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to receive, from a first network, a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which the apparatus is able to modify the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to request from the first network a gap associated with an activity of the second network. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to monitor the conditions received from the first network. In addition, the apparatus may include circuitry configured to modify the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0011] Certain example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include configuring, by a first network, a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, a group priority of the first network, and a group priority of a second network, the activity of the user device including multiple network subscriptions. The method may also include configuring, to the user device, a first network-related gap, a group priority, and a condition for modifying a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network or a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include receiving, from the user device, a request for a gap associated with an activity of the second network. In addition, the method includes configuring, to the user device, a gap associated with an activity of the second network.

[0012] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, together with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: configure a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the apparatus, a group priority of the apparatus, and a group priority of a network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The apparatus may also be caused to: configure the apparatus-related gaps, the group priority, and the conditions for modifying the gap priority of the gap associated with the apparatus or the gap priority of the gap associated with the network to the user device. The apparatus may also be caused to: receive a request for a gap associated with an activity of the network from the user device. In addition, the apparatus may be caused to: configure the gaps associated with the activity of the network to the user device.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include components for configuring the following items: a group priority related to an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the apparatus, a group priority of the apparatus, and a group priority of a network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The apparatus may also include components for configuring the following items to the user device: device-related gaps, group priorities, and conditions for modifying the gap priorities of gaps associated with the apparatus or the gap priorities of gaps associated with the network. The apparatus may also include components for receiving a request for a gap related to an activity of the network from the user device. In addition, the apparatus may include components for configuring gaps related to the activity of the network to the user device.

[0014] According to other example embodiments, a non-transitory computer readable medium may be encoded with instructions that, when executed in hardware, may perform a method. The method may include configuring, by a first network, a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, a group priority of the first network, and a group priority of a second network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The method may also include configuring the first network-related gap, the group priority, and a condition for modifying the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network to the user device. The method may also include receiving a request from the user device for a gap associated with an activity of the second network. In addition, the method includes configuring the gap associated with the activity of the second network to the user device.

[0015] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product that performs a method. The method may include configuring, by a first network, a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, a group priority of the first network, and a group priority of a second network, the activity of the user device including multiple network subscriptions. The method may also include configuring, to the user device, a first network-related gap, a group priority, and a condition for modifying a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network or a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include receiving, from the user device, a request for a gap associated with an activity of the second network. In addition, the method includes configuring, to the user device, a gap associated with an activity of the second network.

[0016] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include a circuit system configured to configure a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the device, a group priority of the device, and a group priority of a network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The apparatus may also include a circuit system configured to configure the device-related gaps, the group priority, and conditions for modifying the gap priority of the gap associated with the device or the gap priority of the gap associated with the network to the user device. The apparatus may also include a circuit system configured to receive a request for a gap associated with an activity of the network from the user device. In addition, the apparatus may include a circuit system configured to configure the gap associated with the activity of the network to the user device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 An example signaling diagram is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0019] Figure 2 An example flow diagram of a method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 3 An example flow diagram of another method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 4 A set of apparatuses according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] It should be understood that the components of certain example embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in the figures herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. The following is a detailed description of some example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatus, and computer program products for dynamically changing gap priorities. For example, certain example embodiments may be directed to dynamically changing multiple universal subscriber identity module (MUSIM) gap priorities.

[0023] The features, structures, or characteristics of the example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. For example, the use of the phrases "certain embodiments", "example embodiments", "some embodiments", or other similar language throughout this specification refers to the fact that the described specific features, structures, or characteristics related to the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in certain embodiments", "example embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in other embodiments", or other similar language appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same set of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more example embodiments in any suitable manner. In addition, the terms "cell", "node", "gNB", "network" or other similar language throughout this specification may be used interchangeably. In addition, the term network A (NW-A) may be used when referring to a network in which a user equipment (UE) is in RRC_CONNECTED mode using its first universal subscriber identity module (USIM), and network B (NW-B) may be used when referring to a network in which the UE is in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode using its second USIM. In addition, the term "gap" may refer to a time when the UE is not scheduled to perform downlink / uplink (DL / UL) activities related to a network (e.g., network A, NW-A) connection and may therefore perform other activities during the gap.

[0024] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0025] As described in the technical specifications of the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), there may be certain challenges in supporting MUSIM functionality, where the UE may need to maintain independent communications with the network (NW) corresponding to each of the USIMs of the UE. Specifically, 3GPP defines MUSIM gaps, which allow a MUSIM UE to request up to three periodic gaps from NW-A, where the UE is in RRC_CONNECTED mode, and one non-periodic gap to run necessary procedures (e.g., paging monitoring and measurements) in NW-B, where the UE is in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode. For this purpose, gap modes for MUSIM have been introduced. However, due to the lack of 3GPP Time Allocation (TU) in the relevant working group (i.e., RAN4), the corresponding Radio Resource Management (RRM) requirements have not been specified.

[0026] In the case of Evolved Packet System (EPS) or Subscription Permanent Identifier (SUPI), a MUSIM device may have two or more simultaneous 3GPP / 3GPP2 network subscriptions using multiple corresponding International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI). In the case of 5GS, each associated network subscription may belong to the same or different Mobile Network Operator (MNO) or Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). In some cases, the maximum number of USIMs supported for a UE may be two. However, some UEs may support three USIMs.

[0027] There can be two types of MUSIM devices, depending on the simultaneous RRC_states supported on the USIM. In the first type, a MUSIM device can be a dual SIM dual standby (DSDS) or a multiple USIM multiple standby (MUMS) device, which is registered with two or more independent subscriber IDs (USIMs) and can be in RRC_IDLE mode on all USIMs. However, such a device may only be in RRC_CONNECTED mode with a single USIM at a given time. In the second type, a MUSIM device can be a dual SIM dual active or multiple USIM multiple active (MUMA) device, which is registered with two or more independent subscriber IDs (USIMs) and can be in RRC_IDLE mode on all USIMs. In addition, the second type of device can keep the RRC_CONNECTED mode active on all USIMs.

[0028] In addition, the behavior of the UE with respect to simultaneous handling of MUSIM may depend on the capabilities of the UE with respect to concurrent independent Rx and / or Tx operations. For example, in single Rx / single Tx operation, the UE may only be able to receive traffic from one NW at a time and / or transmit traffic to one NW at a time (Type 1). In dual Rx / single Tx operation, the UE may be able to receive traffic from two NWs simultaneously, but may only be able to transmit to one NW at a time (Type 2). In addition, for dual Rx / dual Tx operation, the UE may be able to receive traffic from two networks and / or transmit to two networks at the same time (Type 3).

[0029] A Dual Rx UE may be expected to perform Rx activities on both USIMs of the UE simultaneously (e.g., performing reception on the USIM of the UE in RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE,

[0030] Dependence on Radio Frequency (RF) Hardware (HW) design, where not all Rx and Tx chains cover the entire range of Frequency Range 1 (FR1) (i.e., band group Low Band (LB) covers frequencies below 1 GHz, Mid Band (MB) covers frequencies between 1 GHz and 2.2 GHz, High Band (HB) covers frequencies between 2.3 GHz and 2.7 GHz, and Ultra High Band (UHB) covers frequencies between 3 GHz and 6 GHz) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2) (covering mmWave frequencies above 28 GHz), and supports Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), so that for some specific band / frequency / bandwidth combinations, a Dual Rx MUSIM UE can still act as a Single Rx UE. It should be noted that the band groups defined in FR1 are not official 3GPP definitions, but are usually referenced by component suppliers (e.g., filters, LNA, PA). In addition, a Dual Rx MUSIM UE can act as a Single Rx UE, depending on the RF HW design front-end components that can be shared by carriers in the same band group. Furthermore, certain frequency band combinations may not be possible due to in-device interference from generated intermodulation.

[0031] 3GPP specifications currently describe measurement gap enhancement work and priority-based rules to address issues related to concurrent gaps. These may include the possibility to assign priorities to gaps and / or provide methods for gap sharing in the IE MeasAndMobParameters to convey UE capabilities related to measurements for RRM, Radio Link Monitoring (RLM) and mobility (e.g., handover). However, currently, MUSIM gaps may be requested from NW-A for UE activities in NW-B where the UE is in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode. Examples of such activities may include paging monitoring, RRM measurements for cell (re)selection, System Information Block (SIB) reading, RAN-based Notification Area Update (RNAU) / Tracking Area Update (TAU) messages, and sending BUSY indications. The UE may also receive gaps for NW-A measurements, for example, to perform RRM and other measurements on the serving cell, such as intra-frequency / inter-frequency and inter-RAT neighbor cell measurements, radio link monitoring (RLM), beam failure detection (BFD), or L1 measurements for beam management (BM). However, there are currently no requirements related to synchronization or alignment across different NWs, where each NW corresponds to a different USIM that may belong to the same or different provider / PLMN. Therefore, it is possible that the MUSIM gaps overlap with the NW-A gaps.

[0032] The measurement gaps may be related to NW-A's own measurements, as described above, and may be configured by NW-A without NW-B's activities being known to NW-A. A defined priority process may be applied to the relevant gaps of NW-A. However, a mechanism needs to be specified to define priorities for NW-B gaps. Assigning static priorities to MUSIM gaps may not take into account actual use cases. In addition, the priority of gaps associated with NW-A or NW-B may be dynamically changed based on the UE's and NW's knowledge of when measurements are performed in NW-A or when any activity in NW-B is of higher importance (e.g., based on observed radio link conditions). In view of the above challenges, certain example embodiments may therefore dynamically change the priority of MUSIM gaps (e.g., depending on the radio link conditions observed by the UE in NW-A and / or NW-B).

[0033] As described above, certain example embodiments may dynamically change the priority of measurement gaps in NW-A and / or MUSIM gaps in NW-B for any RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE operation, and provide a mechanism to allow the priority of measurement gaps in NW-A and / or MUSIM gaps in NW-B to be changed according to given conditions. For example, in certain example embodiments, NW-A may have assigned priorities to its configured measurement gaps, e.g., for RRM measurements, and possibly also for L1 measurements (e.g., for beam management). In some example embodiments, NW-A gaps may have been centrally assigned group priorities.

[0034] In certain example embodiments, the MUSIM gaps for NW-B operation may be assigned a group priority that may be lower than the group priority of NW-A. In addition to the group priority, gaps for different purposes of NW-A may also be configured with priorities based on the purpose. Therefore, for ease of understanding, the gaps of NW-A may be represented as gap priorities. In some example embodiments, the group priority and / or gap priority may be (re)configured by NW-A via an RRCReconfiguration message. In other example embodiments, NW-A may determine and configure one or a set of conditions under which the UE may change the priority of the measurement gaps of NW-A. These conditions may include, for example, whether the UE has reached an RRM measurement reporting event. For example, the reporting event may be event A2, where the received signal measured by the UE from the serving cell has become worse than a configured threshold. In another example embodiment, the reporting event may be event A3, where the received signal measured by the UE from the neighboring cell is better than the received signal measured by the UE from the serving cell by a configured offset value. In another example embodiment, the condition may be a combination of multiple events, for example, multiple measurement reporting events. In certain example embodiments, when the UE has reached an RRM measurement reporting event, the UE may increase the priority of the RRM measurement gaps of NW-A.

[0035] According to certain example embodiments, another condition may include whether the UE has detected or predicted a radio link failure (RLF). For example, in certain example embodiments, when the UE has detected or predicted an RLF condition, if the UE's configured MUSIM gap overlaps with an RLM reference signal (RLM-RS) resource opportunity, the UE may increase the priority of the RLM measurement to be applied (i.e., the UE may reduce the priority of the MUSIM gap).

[0036] In certain example embodiments, another condition may include whether the UE has detected or predicted a beam failure (BF) condition. For example, when the UE has detected or predicted a BF condition, if the UE's configured MUSIM gap overlaps with the location of a reference signal for beam failure detection and beam link recovery, the UE may increase the priority of a BFD measurement to be applied or a new candidate search measurement (i.e., the UE may reduce the priority of the MUSIM gap).

[0037] In other example embodiments, another condition may include whether the UE has high mobility (i.e., it is moving at high speed, and / or its radio link conditions are expected to change rapidly), and / or is located at a cell edge (i.e., it is expected that the UE should be handed over to a neighboring cell in the near future), or is in a handover or measurement reporting time, e.g., for mobility. For example, when the UE has high mobility and / or is located at a cell edge, the UE may increase the priority of all measurement gaps. The high mobility of the UE may increase the need for RRM measurements in NW-A as well as NW-B, and may increase the priority of corresponding gaps in both NW-A and NW-B. In further example embodiments, another condition may include whether the UE has observed good serving cell conditions in NW-A (e.g., whether the UE is close to the cell center and has low mobility). For example, when the UE has good serving cell conditions, the UE may reduce the priority of all measurement activities in NW-A (e.g., RRM measurements and radio link and beam monitoring for NW-A, and prioritize MUSIM gaps). In certain example embodiments, when the UE has received the conditions from the NW-A, the UE may apply these conditions to determine when / whether the priority may be changed without further signaling.

[0038] According to certain example embodiments, the NW-A may determine and configure the UE to indicate, via an RRC reconfiguration message, a UEAssistanceInformation (UAI) that allows the priority of the MUSIM gap to be changed to a higher or lower value. In addition, in certain example embodiments, after receiving the RRC reconfiguration message by the UE, the UE may evaluate the conditions and notify the NW-A using the UAI about the change in the priority of the NW-A-related gap. According to certain example embodiments, the conditions may include, but are not limited to, for example, the above conditions and the conditions described in more detail below. For example, the conditions may include whether the UE has high mobility and / or is located at the edge of the cell, and / or whether the UE has low mobility and is close to the center of the cell. When the UE has high mobility (i.e., the UE is moving at high speed and its radio link conditions are expected to change rapidly) and / or is located at the edge of the cell (i.e., it is expected that the UE should be handed over to a neighboring cell in the near future), the UE may increase the priority of the MUSIM gap for RRM measurement (predicted cell reselection). In addition, when the UE has low mobility and is close to the cell center of the NW-A, the UE may reduce the priority of the NW-A measurement. In certain example embodiments, the UE may increase the MUSIM gap for certain activities in NW-B. In one example embodiment, the activity may be monitoring paging in NW-B.

[0039] In certain example embodiments, when gap overlap occurs, the priority of the MUSIM gap and the priority of the NW-A gap are the same, the group priority may be applied. In certain example embodiments, the configuration may also include information and rules such as whether the modification of the gap priority may be temporary or permanent. If the gap priority is temporary, the gap priority may be restored to its previous priority after a certain time has passed without new signaling. In another example embodiment, the gap priority may be restored to its previous priority after the conditions for applying the priority change are no longer met. However, if the gap priority is permanent, new signaling may be required.

[0040] As described herein, certain example embodiments may include rules / methods to dynamically modify gap priorities so that the UE can determine what to do if a MUSIM gap conflicts with a gap for NW-A measurements or may cause RRC connection disruption in critical radio links and / or traffic scenarios. Figure 1 An example signaling diagram is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0041] exist Figure 1At operation 1 of , the MUSIM UE may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode with NW-A and in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode with NW-B. At operation 2, NW-A may determine priorities for different activities. For example, according to certain example embodiments, NW-A may configure the UE with its own gap priority and a group priority for the NW-A gap. In addition, NW-A may configure the UE with a group priority for MUSIM-related activities (i.e., a MUSIM gap in which the UE is performing an activity related to NW-B) and may configure a set of conditions under which the UE may modify the gap priority. Therefore, in certain example embodiments, at operation 2, the configuration may be compiled at NW-A and then sent to the UE via an RRC message in operation 3, as described in more detail below. According to certain example embodiments, the priority may refer to a relative group priority (i.e., raising or lowering the NW-A or NW-B group priority), or a gap priority based on the corresponding activity in NW-A or NW-B. According to some example embodiments, the condition may be any one of the above conditions or a combination thereof.

[0042] In some example embodiments, a condition may be related to the mobility of the UE and a predicted or triggered mobility procedure (e.g., handover). Specifically, the predicted or triggered mobility procedure of the UE may be predicted from a measurement report, for example, a measurement report regarding reporting event A2 or A3. In some example embodiments, a threshold different from the threshold for triggering a measurement report (e.g., A2 or A3) may be defined as a value lower than the reporting threshold to predict a deterioration in the absolute value of the signal received from the serving cell (which triggers the measurement report based on the A2 reporting event), or an earlier occurrence of a reporting threshold for a strong neighboring cell, which may be reflected in the fact that the signal received from the neighboring cell is significantly higher than the signal received from the serving cell (which triggers the measurement report based on the A3 reporting event).

[0043] As previously described, a condition may be a critical radio link condition in which RLF has been declared, or is predicted to occur soon. In one example embodiment, different thresholds for RLF parameters Qin and / or Qout, or timers T310 / T311 may be defined as values ​​to predict and respond to upcoming (multiple) RLF conditions. According to other example embodiments, another condition may be a condition to predict beam failure (i.e., dependent on BFD measurements). In certain example embodiments, different thresholds for BFD detection may be defined as values ​​to predict and respond to upcoming beam failure conditions.

[0044] In other example embodiments, the condition may include a timer associated with a change in MUSIM gap priority. For example, an RLM out-of-sync indication may be used to lower the priority of a MUSIM gap. The lowering may be active for a timer defined as the time at which the UE has identified an out-of-sync TOS, and after expiration of that time, the MUSIM gap priority may return to the previous configuration.

[0045] According to other example embodiments, the gNB may configure rules on how to change the gap priority for each condition. For example, the increase or decrease of the priority may have a step size equal to 1, or the maximum allowed priority within the group.

[0046] Reference Figure 1 At operation 3, NW-A may send a configuration to the UE using a radio resource control (RRC) message, the configuration having the NW-A related gaps, the group priority, and the conditions for modifying the NW-A gap priority defined in operation 2. At operation 4, the UE may indicate to NW-A that the RRC reconfiguration has been completed. At operation 5, the UE may determine a paging occasion (PO) position and a measurement window for RRM measurement based on the information received from NW-B in the SIB and the UE-ID.

[0047] like Figure 1 As further shown in, at operation 6, the UE may request gaps for activities related to NW-B from NW-A using RRC messages and UAI. According to Rel-17, the UE may request up to 4 gaps (3 periodic gaps and 1 non-periodic gap). The UE may also include corresponding gap priorities in the UAI. According to certain example embodiments, the gap priorities may be linked to procedures (e.g., paging, RRM measurement, SIB reading, RNAU / RAU, BUSY indication) and may be predefined or configured by NW-A in operation 3.

[0048] At operation 7, the NW-A may accept or reject the requested gap by providing the MUSIM gap configuration in the RRC reconfiguration. At operation 8, the UE may confirm that the RRC reconfiguration has been completed. In addition, at operation 9, the UE may monitor a set of conditions provided by the NW-A (in operation 3) for modifying the NW-A related gaps, and whether any conditions are met. If the UE determines that one or more conditions are met, the UE may update the (multiple) gap priorities accordingly. The set of conditions may include any of the above conditions. According to certain example embodiments, if the priorities of two overlapping gaps are the same, the decision may be based on the group priority. According to other example embodiments, priorities may be specified independently for each gap operation, and the configuration may allow the priority to be increased or decreased based on the defined conditions. According to another example embodiment, an absolute priority corresponding to each condition may be configured (i.e., the condition does not increase or decrease the priority, but a single new priority value may be provided).

[0049] like Figure 1 As further shown in, at operation 10, the UE may optionally send UAI to notify NW-A about the updated priority, or when a mobility event is triggered, the UE may use measurement reports to implicitly indicate the change in MUSIM priority, taking into account the rules defined in operation 2. In addition, at operation 11, the UE may monitor a set of conditions provided by NW-A in operation 3 for modifying the priority of NW-B related gaps. According to certain example embodiments, if any condition is met, the UE may update the gap priority (s) accordingly. As previously described, the conditions may include any one of the above conditions or a combination thereof.

[0050] According to certain example embodiments, if the priority of two overlapping gaps is the same, a group priority may be used to decide which gap / operation should be prioritized. According to other example embodiments, a priority may be specified independently for each measurement operation, and the configuration may allow the priority to be increased or decreased based on a defined condition. According to another example embodiment, an absolute priority corresponding to each condition may be configured. In other example embodiments, the change in MUSIM gap priority may depend on the radio conditions observed in NW-A, and not necessarily due to overlap with the NW-A gap. At operation 12, the UE may optionally send a UAI to notify the NW-A about the priority of the update for the MUSIM related gaps.

[0051] Figure 2 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 2 The method may be performed by a network entity or a group of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 2 The method can be similar to Figure 4 The method is performed by a UE of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown.

[0052] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 2 The method may include, at 200, receiving from a first network a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user device can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include, at 205, requesting a gap related to an activity of the second network from the first network. The method may also include, at 210, monitoring the condition received from the first network. In addition, the method may include, at 215, modifying, in response to the monitoring, the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network.

[0053] According to some example embodiments, the request may include: a group priority, and a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. According to some example embodiments, the group priority of the second network, and the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network may be predefined or received through a configuration from the first network. According to other example embodiments, the condition may include at least one of: whether the user equipment has reached or is close to reaching a radio resource management measurement reporting event, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a radio link failure condition, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a beam failure condition, whether the user equipment has high mobility or is located at a cell edge, or whether the user equipment is close to a cell center and has low mobility.

[0054] In some example embodiments, when operations on a first network or a second network overlap in time, determination of the operations may be based on the following items: a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network and a group priority of the first network, and a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network and a group priority of the second network. In some example embodiments, when the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network and the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network have equal values, the group priority of the first network and the group priority of the second network may be applied. In other example embodiments, modifying the gap priority or the group priority of a gap associated with the first network may include increasing or decreasing the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network or the group priority of the first network based on a condition.

[0055] According to certain example embodiments, the configuration may include information and rules about how a modification of a gap priority of a gap associated with a first network or a gap priority of a gap associated with a second network should be implemented. According to some example embodiments, the configuration may include information and rules about whether a modification of a gap priority of a gap associated with a first network is temporary or permanent. According to some example embodiments, the method may further include sending a first message including user equipment assistance information to the first network. According to further example embodiments, the first message including user equipment assistance information may include information about updating the group priority or the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network. In some example embodiments, the method may further include sending a second message including user equipment assistance information to the first network. In other example embodiments, the second message including user equipment assistance information may include information about updating the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network.

[0056] Figure 3 An example of a flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 3 The method may be performed by a network entity or a set of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 3 The method can be performed by the network, cell, gNB or similar Figure 4 Any other device of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown is performed.

[0057] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 3 The method may include: at 300, configuring, by a first network, a group priority related to an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, a group priority of the first network, and a group priority of a second network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The method may also include: at 305, configuring the user device with a first network-related gap, a group priority, and a condition for modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The method may also include: at 310, receiving a request for a gap related to an activity of the second network from the user device. In addition, the method includes: at 315, configuring the user device with a gap related to an activity of the second network.

[0058] According to some example embodiments, the request may include a group priority, and a gap priority of the gap associated with the second network. According to some example embodiments, the condition includes at least one of: whether the user equipment has reached or is close to reaching a radio resource management measurement reporting event, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a radio link failure condition, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a beam failure condition, whether the user equipment has high mobility or is at a cell edge, or whether the user equipment is close to a cell center and has low mobility. According to other example embodiments, the method may further include configuring rules regarding how the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network is changed for each condition.

[0059] In certain example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving, at the first network, from a user equipment, a first message including user equipment assistance information, the first message including information regarding: an update of a group priority or a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, or an update of a group priority or a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. In certain example embodiments, the method may further include receiving, from the user equipment, a second message including user equipment assistance information, the second message including information regarding: an update of a gap priority of a gap associated with the second network.

[0060] Figure 4 A set of apparatuses 10 and 20 according to some example embodiments are illustrated. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be an element in a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, a mobile device (ME), a mobile station, a mobile device, a fixed device, an IoT device, or other device. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the apparatus 10 may include Figure 4 Components or features not shown.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include: one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory, storage, etc.), one or more radio access components (e.g., modems, transceivers, etc.), and / or a user interface. In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be configured to operate using one or more radio access technologies (such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MulteFire, and / or any other radio access technology). It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the apparatus 10 may include Figure 4 Components or features not shown.

[0062] like Figure 4As shown in the example of , the device 10 may include or be coupled to a processor 12 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 12 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. In fact, as an example, the processor 12 may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 4 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include two or more processors capable of forming a multiprocessor system that can support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). According to certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0063] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including Figures 1 to 3 The process and examples are illustrated in .

[0064] The device 10 may also include or be coupled to a memory 14 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 12 for storing information and instructions that may be executed by the processor 12. The memory 14 may be one or more memories and any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology (such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory). For example, the memory 14 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD)), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program codes that, when executed by the processor 12, enable the device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0065] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 12 and / or the apparatus 10 to perform Figures 1 to 3 Any methods and examples illustrated in .

[0066] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals from the apparatus 10 and for transmitting from the apparatus 10 via the UL. The apparatus 10 may also include a transceiver 18 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 18 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to the antenna 15. The radio interface may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies including one or more of the following: GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, UWB, etc. The radio interface may include other components (such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) modules, etc.) to process symbols (such as OFDMA symbols) carried by the downlink or UL.

[0067] For example, the transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 15, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 10. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0068] In certain example embodiments, the memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for the device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules (such as applications or programs) to provide additional functionality for the device 10. The components of the device 10 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to certain example embodiments, the device 10 may optionally be configured to communicate with the device 20 via a wireless or wired communication link 70 according to any radio access technology (such as NR).

[0069] According to some example embodiments, processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form a part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 18 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form a part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0070] For example, in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive configuration of the following items from the first network: a group priority of the first network and a group priority of the second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which the apparatus can modify the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to request a gap related to an activity of the second network from the first network. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to monitor the conditions received from the first network. In addition, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to modify the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may be a network, a core network element, or an element in a communication network or associated with such a network (such as a gNB or NW). It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the device 20 may include Figure 4 Components or features not shown.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown in the example of , the device 20 may include a processor 22 for processing information and executing instructions or operations. The processor 22 may be any type of general or special purpose processor. For example, as an example, the processor 22 may include one or more of the following: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Although Figure 4 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include two or more processors capable of forming a multiprocessor system that can support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). According to certain embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0073] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including Figures 1 to 3 The process and examples are illustrated in .

[0074] The device 20 may also include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external), which may be coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions that can be executed by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and any type suitable for the local application environment, and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology (such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and / or removable memory). For example, the memory 24 may be composed of any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static memory (such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD)), or any other type of non-transitory machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program codes that, when executed by the processor 22, enable the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0075] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to a (internal or external) drive or port configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store a computer program or software for execution by the processor 22 and / or the apparatus 20 to perform operations in the Figures 1 to 3 Methods and examples illustrated in .

[0076] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for sending and receiving signals and / or data to and from the apparatus 20. The apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to a transceiver 28 configured to send and receive information. The transceiver 28 may include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces that may be coupled to the antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a plurality of radio access technologies including one or more of: GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, Radio Frequency Identifier (RFID), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), MulteFire, etc. The radio interfaces may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters, etc.), mappers, Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) modules, etc., to generate symbols for transmission via one or more downlinks, and to receive symbols (e.g., via UL).

[0077] Thus, the transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by the antenna(s) 25, and to demodulate information received via the antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of the apparatus 20. In other example embodiments, the transceiver 18 may be capable of directly sending and receiving signals or data. Additionally or alternatively, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices).

[0078] In certain example embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for apparatus 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, to provide additional functionality for apparatus 20. The components of apparatus 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0079] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in a processing circuit system or a control circuit system, or may form a part of a processing circuit system or a control circuit system. In addition, in some example embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in a transceiver circuit system, or may form a part of a transceiver circuit system.

[0080] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to a hardware circuitry implementation only (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuits and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software (including a digital signal processor) that works together to enable a device (e.g., device 10 and device 20) to perform various functions, and / or hardware circuit(s), and / or processor(s) or portions thereof that require software to operate, but may not be present when not required to operate. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, the term circuitry may also cover a baseband integrated circuit in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computing or network device.

[0081] For example, in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to configure a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the device, a group priority of the device, and a group priority of the network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to configure the user device with the device-related gaps, the group priority, and the conditions for modifying the gap priority of the gap associated with the device or the gap priority of the gap associated with the network. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 22 to receive a request for a gap associated with an activity of the network from the user device. In addition, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 22 to configure the user device with the gap associated with the activity of the network.

[0082] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include a component for performing a method, process, or any variant discussed herein. Examples of the component may include one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, and / or computer program codes for causing operations to be performed.

[0083] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus including means for performing any of the methods described herein, the apparatus including, for example, means for receiving, from a first network, a configuration of a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which the apparatus is able to modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network. The apparatus may also include means for requesting a gap related to an activity of the second network from the first network. The apparatus may also include means for monitoring the conditions received from the first network. In addition, the apparatus may include means for modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network element or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network in response to the monitoring.

[0084] Certain example embodiments may also be directed to an apparatus that includes means for configuring a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the device, a group priority of the device, and a group priority of a network, wherein the activity of the user device includes multiple network subscriptions. The apparatus may also include means for configuring the following items to the user device: the device-related gap, the group priority, and a condition for modifying the gap priority of the gap associated with the device or the gap priority of the gap associated with the network. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a request for a gap associated with the activity of the network from the user device. In addition, the apparatus may include means for configuring the gap associated with the activity of the network to the user device.

[0085] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, a component for handling the priority of a MUSIM gap when it overlaps with a gap of NW-A, or when a MUSIM gap requires an interruption in NW-A and the radio link and / or service is critical may be defined. Certain example embodiments also provide definitions of priorities corresponding to each process and RRC configuration group. Certain example embodiments may also add conditions for dynamically changing priorities and corresponding rules to define, for example, steps, limits, and time periods and add to the RRC configuration. Other example embodiments may add a component in the UAI for adding priority to a MUSIM gap request, and a component in the UAI for notifying priority modifications.

[0086] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least one software code or part thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some example embodiments may be performed as (multiple) routines, which may be implemented as added or updated (multiple) software routines. (Multiple) software routines may be downloaded to a device.

[0087] As an example, software or computer program code or parts thereof may be in source code form, object code form or some intermediate form, and may be stored in some carrier, distribution medium or computer readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, such carriers may include recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optoelectronic and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunication signals and software distribution packages. Depending on the processing power required, the computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among multiple computers. The computer readable medium or computer readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0088] In other example embodiments, the functions may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in a device (e.g., device 10 or device 20), such as by using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In another example embodiment, the functions may be implemented as a signal (non-tangible component) carried by an electromagnetic signal that may be downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0089] According to certain example embodiments, an apparatus (such as a node), a device or a corresponding component may be configured as a circuit system, a computer or a microprocessor (such as a single-chip computer element or a chipset), which includes at least a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0090] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the present disclosure as discussed above may be implemented using processes in a different order, and / or using hardware elements in a different configuration than that disclosed. Therefore, although some implementations have been described based on these example embodiments, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that certain modifications, variations, and alternative structures will be apparent while still being within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments refer to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applicable to any other existing or future 3GPP technologies, such as Advanced LTE and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0091] Partial glossary:

[0092] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0093] 5G Fifth Generation

[0094] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0095] 5GS 5G System

[0096] BFD Beam Failure Detection

[0097] BM Beam Management

[0098] BS Base Station

[0099] CSS Public Search Space

[0100] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0101] DL Downlink

[0102] DSDA Dual SIM Dual Standby

[0103] DSDS Dual SIM Dual Activity

[0104] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0105] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0106] FPS Frames per second

[0107] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0108] IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity

[0109] InS Sync

[0110] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0111] MG Measuring gap

[0112] MNO Mobile Network Operator

[0113] MVNO Mobile Virtual Network Operator

[0114] MUSIM Multiple USIM

[0115] NR New Radio

[0116] NW Network

[0117] RLF Radio Link Failure

[0118] RLM Radio Link Monitoring

[0119] RNAU RAN-based notification area update

[0120] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0121] OoS out of sync

[0122] PO Paging time

[0123] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0124] SIB System Information Block

[0125] TAU Tracking Area Updates

[0126] UAI UE assistance information

[0127] UE User Equipment

[0128] UL Uplink

[0129] USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module

Claims

1. A method comprising: receiving, from a first network, a configuration of: a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which a user equipment can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network; requesting from the first network a gap associated with an activity of the second network; monitoring the condition received from the first network; as well as In response to the monitoring, the gap priority of gaps associated with the first network element or the gap priority of gaps associated with the second network element is modified.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the request comprises: The group priority, and the slot priority of a slot associated with the second network.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the group priority of the second network, and the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network are predefined or received through the configuration from the first network.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition comprises at least one of the following: whether the user equipment has reached or is close to reaching a radio resource management measurement reporting event, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a radio link failure condition, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a beam failure condition, Whether the user equipment has high mobility or is at the cell edge, or Whether the user equipment is close to a cell center and has low mobility.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when operations on the first network or the second network overlap in time, the determination of the operation is based on the following items: the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network and the group priority of the first network, and the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network and the group priority of the second network.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein when the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network and the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network have equal values, the group priority of the first network and the group priority of the second network are applied.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein modifying the gap priority or the group priority of a gap associated with the first network comprises: Based on the condition, the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network or the group priority of the first network is increased or decreased.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the configuration comprises information and rules about how the modification of the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network should be implemented.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the configuration comprises: Information and rules as to whether modification of the slot priority of slots associated with the first network is temporary or permanent.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising: sending a first message including user equipment assistance information to the first network, The first message including the user equipment assistance information comprises information on: an update of the group priority or the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising: sending a second message including user equipment assistance information to the first network, The second message including the user equipment assistance information includes information about: an update of the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network.

12. A method comprising: configuring, by a first network, a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, a group priority of the first network, and a group priority of a second network, the activity of the user device comprising a plurality of network subscriptions; configuring, to the user equipment, a first network-related gap, the group priority, and a condition for modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network or the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network; receiving, from the user equipment, a request for a gap related to activity of the second network; as well as A gap related to activity of the second network is configured to the user equipment.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the request comprises: A group priority, and the slot priority of a slot associated with the second network.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the condition comprises at least one of the following: whether the user equipment has reached or is close to reaching a radio resource management measurement reporting event, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a radio link failure condition, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a beam failure condition, Whether the user equipment has high mobility or is at the cell edge, or Whether the user equipment is close to a cell center and has low mobility.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising: A rule is configured regarding how the gap priority of the gaps associated with the first network or the gap priority of the gaps associated with the second network is changed for each condition.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15, further comprising: At the first network, a first message containing user equipment assistance information is received from the user equipment, the first message including information about the following items: an update of the group priority or the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network, or an update of the group priority or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network.

17. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 16, further comprising: A second message containing user equipment assistance information is received from the user equipment, the second message including information regarding an update of the gap priority of gaps associated with the second network.

18. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from a first network, a configuration of: a group priority of the first network and a group priority of a second network, a gap priority of a gap associated with the first network, and a condition under which the apparatus can modify the gap priority of a gap associated with the first network relative to the gap priority of a gap associated with the second network; requesting from the first network a gap associated with an activity of the second network; monitoring the condition received from the first network; as well as In response to the monitoring, the gap priority of gaps associated with the first network element or the gap priority of gaps associated with the second network element is modified.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the request comprises: The group priority, and the slot priority of a slot associated with the second network.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein the group priority of a second network, and the gap priority of gaps associated with the second network are predefined or received through the configuration from the first network.

21. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the condition comprises at least one of the following: whether the device has reached or is close to reaching a radio resource management measurement reporting event, whether the device has detected or predicted a radio link failure condition, whether the device has detected or predicted a beam failure condition, Whether the device has high mobility or is at the cell edge, or Whether the device is close to the cell center and has low mobility.

22. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein when operations on a first network or the second network overlap in time, the determination of the operations is based on: the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network and the group priority of the first network, and the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network and the group priority of the second network.

23. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein when the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network and the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network have equal values, the group priority of the first network and the group priority of the second network are applied.

24. The apparatus of any one of claims 18 to 23, wherein modifying the gap priority or the group priority of a gap associated with the first network comprises: Based on the condition, the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network or the group priority of the first network is increased or decreased.

25. An apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the configuration comprises information and rules about how the modification of the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network or the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network should be implemented.

26. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the configuration comprises: Information and rules as to whether modification of the slot priority of slots associated with the first network is temporary or permanent.

27. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: sending a first message including user equipment assistance information to the first network, The first message including the user equipment assistance information comprises information on: an update of the group priority or the gap priority of the gap associated with the first network.

28. The apparatus according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: sending a second message including user equipment assistance information to the first network, The second message including the user equipment assistance information includes information about: an update of the gap priority of the gap associated with the second network.

29. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; as well as at least one memory including computer program code, The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: configuring a group priority associated with an activity of a user device, a slot priority of a slot associated with the device, a group priority of the device, and a group priority of a network; configuring, to the user equipment, device-related gaps, the group priority, and conditions for modifying the gap priority of a gap associated with the device or the gap priority of a gap associated with the network; receiving, from the user equipment, a request for a gap related to activity of the network; as well as Gaps related to activity of the network are configured to the user equipment.

30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the request comprises: A group priority, and the slot priority of a slot associated with the network.

31. The apparatus according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the condition comprises at least one of the following: whether the user equipment has reached or is close to reaching a radio resource management measurement reporting event, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a radio link failure condition, whether the user equipment has detected or predicted a beam failure condition, Whether the user equipment has high mobility or is at the cell edge, or Whether the user equipment is close to a cell center and has low mobility.

32. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 31, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A rule is configured regarding how the gap priority of a gap associated with the device or the gap priority of a gap associated with the network is changed for each condition.

33. The apparatus according to any one of claims 29 to 32, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A first message containing user equipment assistance information is received from the user equipment, the first message including information regarding updates to the group priority or the gap priority of gaps associated with the apparatus, or updates to the group priority or the gap priority of gaps associated with the network.

34. The apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: A second message containing user equipment assistance information is received from the user equipment, the second message including information regarding an update of the gap priority of gaps associated with the network.

35. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

36. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a process according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

Images