Measurement for cell reselection based on cell state

Abstract

Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed for measurements for cell reselection based on cell state. A method (500) includes camping on a cell (502) at a user equipment. The method (500) comprises receiving (504) information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell. The method (500) comprises performing (506) a measurement for cell reselection based on information indicative of a change in cell operating state of the cell. Measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to making measurements for cell reselection based on cell status. Background Art

[0002] In some wireless communication systems, synchronization signals may be used. In such systems, there may be high energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0003] Methods for performing measurements for cell reselection based on cell status are disclosed. Apparatus and systems also perform the functions of these methods. One embodiment of a method includes camping on a cell at a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, the method includes receiving information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell. In certain embodiments, the method includes performing measurements for cell reselection based on information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell. The measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements, or a combination thereof.

[0004] An apparatus for performing measurements for cell reselection based on a cell state includes a processor. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a memory coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to cause the apparatus to: reside on a cell; receive information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell including an indication for a cell transition to a cell inactive state; and perform measurements for cell reselection based on the indication including an indication for a cell transition to a cell inactive state including an indication for a cell transition to a cell inactive state, wherein the measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof.

[0005] Another embodiment of a method for performing measurements for cell reselection based on cell state includes sending information indicating a change in a cell operation state of a cell at a network device. The information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell only sends a discovery signal and a channel when in the cell inactive state.

[0006] Another apparatus for performing measurements for cell reselection based on cell state includes a processor. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a memory coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to cause the apparatus to: send information indicating a change in a cell operation state of the cell. The information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell only sends a discovery signal and a channel when in the cell inactive state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The above embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting of scope, and the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a wireless communication system for performing measurements for cell reselection based on cell status;

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus that may be used to perform measurements for cell reselection based on cell status;

[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of an apparatus that may be used to perform measurements for cell reselection based on cell status;

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a code for a master information block (MIB);

[0012] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method for making measurements for cell reselection based on cell status; and

[0013] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method for making measurements for cell reselection based on cell status. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as systems, devices, methods or program products. Therefore, the embodiments may take the form of a complete hardware embodiment, a complete software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which are generally referred to herein as "circuit", "module" or "system". In addition, the embodiments may take the form of a program product, which is embodied in one or more computer-readable storage devices, which store machine-readable code, computer-readable code and / or program code, hereinafter referred to as code. The storage device may be tangible, non-transient and / or non-transmitting. The storage device may not embody a signal. In a specific embodiment, the storage device only uses a signal to access the code.

[0015] Some of the functional units described in this specification may be labeled as modules to more particularly emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit, including a custom very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) circuit or gate array, an off-the-shelf semiconductor (such as a logic chip, transistor, or other discrete component). A module may also be implemented in a programmable hardware device, such as a field programmable gate array, programmable array logic, a programmable logic device, etc.

[0016] Modules can also be implemented with code and / or software for various types of processors to perform. The code module of an identification can, for example, include one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code, which can, for example, be organized as objects, processes or functions. However, the executable program of the identified module does not need to be physically located together, but can include different instructions stored in different locations, which, when logically connected together, include the module and realize the described purpose of the module.

[0017] In fact, a code module can be a single instruction or many instructions, and can even be distributed across several different code segments, between different programs, and between several memory devices. Similarly, operational data can be identified and illustrated within a module, and can be embodied in any suitable form and organized in any suitable type of data structure. The operational data can be collected as a single data set, or can be distributed in different locations, including on different computer-readable storage devices. In the case where a module or a portion of a module is implemented in software, the software portion is stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0018] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device storing code. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0019] More specific examples of storage devices (a non-exhaustive list) include the following: an electrical connection with one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0020] The code for performing the operations of the embodiments can be any number of lines and can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc.), as well as traditional procedural programming languages ​​(such as "C" programming language, etc.) and / or machine languages ​​(such as assembly language). The code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a separate software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider) can be implemented.

[0021] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, unless expressly provided otherwise, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment, but rather to "one or more but not all embodiments." Unless expressly provided otherwise, the terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof, mean "including but not limited to." Unless expressly provided otherwise, an enumerated list of items does not imply that any or all items are mutually exclusive. Unless expressly provided otherwise, the terms "a," "an," and "the" also mean "one or more."

[0022] In addition, the features, structures or characteristics of the described embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, many specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a comprehensive understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other cases, well-known structures, materials or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid confusing the various aspects of the embodiments.

[0023] The following reference is made to the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram of the method, device, system and program product according to the embodiment to describe various aspects of the embodiment. It should be understood that each block of the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram and the combination of blocks in the schematic flow chart and / or schematic block diagram can be realized by code. The code can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine, so that instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing devices can create a component for realizing the function / action specified in one or more schematic flow chart blocks and / or schematic block diagram blocks.

[0024] The code may also be stored in a storage device that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to operate in a specific manner so that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more schematic flowchart blocks and / or schematic block diagram blocks.

[0025] The code may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device so that a series of operational steps are executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, so that the code executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provides a process for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more flowchart blocks and / or block diagram blocks.

[0026] The schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams in the figures illustrate the possible implementation architectures, functions and operations of the devices, systems, methods and program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the schematic flow charts and / or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment or portion of a code, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the code of (multiple) specified logical functions.

[0027] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may not appear in the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Other steps and methods may be envisioned that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks or portions thereof of the illustrated figures.

[0028] Although various arrow types and line types can be adopted in flow chart and / or block diagram, it should be understood that they do not limit the scope of corresponding embodiment.In fact, some arrows or other connectors can be used to indicate the logical flow of the described embodiment only.For example, the waiting or monitoring period of the unspecified duration between the enumeration steps of the described embodiment can be indicated by an arrow.It will also be noted that each block of block diagram and / or flow chart and the combination of blocks in block diagram and / or flow chart can be realized by a system based on special hardware or a combination of special hardware and code that performs a specified function or action.

[0029] The description of elements in each figure may refer to elements of subsequent figures. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the drawings, including alternative embodiments of the like elements.

[0030] Figure 1 An embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 for making measurements for cell reselection based on cell status is depicted. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes a remote unit 102 and a network unit 104. Although Figure 1 A specific number of remote units 102 and network units 104 are depicted in FIG. 1 , but one skilled in the art will recognize that any number of remote units 102 and network units 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0031] In one embodiment, the remote unit 102 may include a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a smart phone, a smart TV (e.g., a TV connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including a security camera), a vehicle computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, a modem), an aircraft, a drone, etc. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 includes a wearable device such as a smart watch, a fitness band, an optical head-mounted display, etc. In addition, the remote unit 102 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile station, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a UE, a user terminal, a device, or other terms used in the art. The remote unit 102 may communicate directly with one or more of the network units 104 via UL communication signals. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may communicate directly with other remote units 102 via sidelink communication.

[0032] The network elements 104 may be distributed over a geographic area. In some embodiments, the network elements 104 may also be referred to as and / or may include one or more of the following: access point, access terminal, base station, base station, location server, core network (CN), radio network entity, node B, evolved node B (eNB), 5G node B (gNB), home node B, relay node, device, core network, air server, radio access node, access point (AP), new radio (NR), network entity, access and mobility management function (AMF), unified data management (UDM), unified database (UDR), UDM / UDR, policy control function (PCF), radio access network (RAN), network slice selection function (NSSF), operation, maintenance and management (OAM), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), application function, authentication server function (AUSF), security anchor function (SEAF), trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF) or any other term used in the art. The network element 104 is typically part of a radio access network, which includes one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding network elements 104. The radio access network is typically communicatively coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks, such as the Internet and the public switched telephone network, among other networks. These and other elements of the radio access network and core network are not shown, but are generally known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

[0033] In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 conforms to the NR protocol standardized in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), wherein the network unit 104 transmits on the downlink (DL) using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) modulation scheme, and the remote unit 102 transmits on the uplink (UL) using a single carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) scheme or an OFDM scheme. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocol, such as WiMAX, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 variant, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), a General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a Long Term Evolution (LTE) variant, a Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), ZigBee, Sigfox, etc. The present disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0034] The network unit 104 can serve multiple remote units 102 within a service area (eg, a cell or cell sector) via wireless communication links. The network unit 104 sends DL communication signals to serve the remote units 102 in the time, frequency, and / or spatial domains.

[0035] In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may camp on a cell. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may perform measurements for cell reselection based on the information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell. The measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be configured to perform measurements for cell reselection based on the cell state.

[0036] In some embodiments, the network unit 104 may send information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell. The information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell only sends discovery signals and channels when in the cell inactive state. Therefore, the network unit 104 may be configured to perform measurements for cell reselection based on the cell state.

[0037] Figure 2One embodiment of an apparatus 200 that may be used to make measurements for cell reselection based on cell status is depicted. Apparatus 200 includes one embodiment of a remote unit 102. In addition, remote unit 102 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208, a transmitter 210, and a receiver 212. In some embodiments, input device 206 and display 208 are combined into a single device, such as a touch screen. In some embodiments, remote unit 102 may not include any input device 206 and / or display 208. In various embodiments, remote unit 102 may include one or more of processor 202, memory 204, transmitter 210, and receiver 212, and may not include input device 206 and / or display 208.

[0038] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and / or capable of performing logical operations. For example, the processor 202 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processing unit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204 to perform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212.

[0039] In one embodiment, memory 204 is a computer readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes volatile computer storage media. For example, memory 204 may include RAM, including dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM) and / or static RAM (SRAM). In some embodiments, memory 204 includes non-volatile computer storage media. For example, memory 204 may include a hard drive, flash memory or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, memory 204 also stores program code and related data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms operating on remote unit 102.

[0040] In one embodiment, input device 206 may include any known computer input device, including a touchpad, button, keyboard, stylus, microphone, etc. In some embodiments, input device 206 may be integrated with display 208, for example, as a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes a touch screen so that text can be entered using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touch screen and / or by handwriting on the touch screen. In some embodiments, input device 206 includes two or more different devices, such as a keyboard and a touchpad.

[0041] In one embodiment, display 208 may include any known electronically controllable display or display device. Display 208 may be designed to output visual, auditory and / or tactile signals. In some embodiments, display 208 includes an electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, display 208 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a projector, or a similar display device capable of outputting images, text, etc. to a user. As another non-limiting example, display 208 may include wearable displays such as smart watches, smart glasses, and head-up displays. In addition, display 208 may be a component of a smart phone, a personal digital assistant, a television, a desktop computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, a vehicle dashboard, etc.

[0042] In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more speakers for generating sounds. For example, the display 208 can generate an audible alarm or notification (e.g., a beep or buzzer). In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more tactile devices for generating vibration, motion, or other tactile feedback. In some embodiments, all or part of the display 208 can be integrated with the input device 206. For example, the input device 206 and the display 208 can form a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments, the display 208 can be located near the input device 206.

[0043] In some embodiments, the processor 202 is configured to cause the remote unit 102 to: camp on a cell; receive information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell; and perform measurements for cell reselection based on the information indicating a change in the cell operating state of the cell. The measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof.

[0044] Although only one transmitter 210 and one receiver 212 are shown, the remote unit 102 may have any suitable number of transmitters 210 and receivers 212. The transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be any suitable type of transmitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be part of a transceiver.

[0045] Figure 3 One embodiment of an apparatus 300 that may be used to perform measurements for cell reselection based on cell status is depicted. The apparatus 300 includes one embodiment of a network unit 104. In addition, the network unit 104 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, an input device 306, a display 308, a transmitter 310, and a receiver 312. It is appreciated that the processor 302, the memory 304, the input device 306, the display 308, the transmitter 310, and the receiver 312 may be substantially similar to the processor 202, the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212 of the remote unit 102, respectively.

[0046] In some embodiments, the processor 302 is configured to cause the network unit 104 to: send information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell. The information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell only sends a discovery signal and a channel when in the cell inactive state.

[0047] It should be noted that one or more of the embodiments described herein may be combined into a single embodiment.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as in 3GPP New Radio (NR), there may be a configurable synchronization signal (SS) and physical broadcast channel (PBCH) (SS / PBCH block (SSB)) with a period ranging from 5 ms to 160 ms and may deliver system information (SI) on demand to achieve energy-efficient operation. However, in such embodiments, there may be densely deployed network nodes, and due to massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) and / or high-frequency band operation, the energy consumption of each node is relatively high, which may benefit from further reduction in energy consumption.

[0049] Various embodiments are described herein related to cell on and / or off operations using different network energy saving states or sleep modes to allow discovery and measurement of cells in cell inactivity states and to change the network energy saving state based on assistance information from a user equipment (UE).

[0050] In some embodiments, the cell selection and reselection process in NR can be provided in various ways. Regarding the cell selection criterion, the cell selection criterion S is satisfied if:

[0051] Srxlev>0 and Squal>0

[0052] in:

[0053] Srxlev=Q rxlevmeas -(Q rxlevmin +Q rxlevminoffset )-P compensation -Qoffset temp

[0054] Squal=Q qualmeas -(Q qualmin +Q qualminoffset )-Qoffset temp

[0055] in:

[0056]

[0057]

[0058] In various embodiments, with respect to reselection priority handling, the absolute priority of different NR frequencies or inter-RAT frequencies may be provided to the UE in system information, in an RRCRelease message, or by inheriting information from another RAT during inter-RAT cell selection (or reselection). For system information, NR frequencies or inter-RAT frequencies may be used and / or indicated without providing a priority (e.g., the frequency does not have a field cellReselectionPriority). If any field with cellReselectionPriority or nsag-CellReselectionPriority is provided in dedicated signaling, the UE may ignore any field with cellReselectionPriority and nsag-CellReselectionPriority provided in the system information.

[0059] In certain embodiments, if the UE is in a normal resident state, and if the UE supports slice-based cell reselection and has received a network slice access layer group (NSAG) and its priority from a non-access stratum (NAS), the UE may derive the reselection priority according to the following rules: 1) a frequency that supports at least one priority NSAG received from the NAS has a higher reselection priority than a frequency that does not support any NSAG received from the NAS; 2) a frequency that supports at least one NSAG provided by the NAS is prioritized according to the NAS-provided priority of the NSAG with the highest priority supported on the frequency; 3) among the frequencies (e.g., one or more frequencies) that support the highest priority NSAG with the same NAS-provided priority, these frequencies are prioritized according to the order of their nsag-CellReselectionPriority given for these NSAGs; 4) a frequency that supports the NSAG provided by the NAS and indicates the nsag-CellReselectionPriority of the NSAG has a higher reselection priority than a frequency that supports the priority NSAG but does not indicate the NSAG; and 5) a frequency that does not support the NSAG provided by the NAS is prioritized according to its cellReselectionPriority order.

[0060] In some embodiments, if the UE is in a state of camping on any cell, the UE may only apply the priority provided by the system information from the current cell, and unless otherwise specified, the UE retains the priority provided by the dedicated signaling and deprioritisationReq received in RRCRelease. When the UE in the normal camping state has only a dedicated priority other than the current frequency, the UE may regard the current frequency as the lowest priority frequency (e.g., lower than any network configuration value). When a UE with high-speed dedicated network (HSDN) capability is in a high mobility state, the UE may always regard the HSDN cell as the highest priority (e.g., higher than any other network configuration priority). When a UE with HSDN capability is not in a high mobility state, the UE may always regard the HSDN cell as the lowest priority (e.g., lower than any other network configuration priority). If the UE is configured to perform both NR sidelink communication and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) sidelink communication, the UE may consider the frequency that provides both NR sidelink communication configuration and V2X sidelink communication configuration to be the highest priority. If the UE is configured to perform NR sidelink communication without performing V2X communication, the UE may regard the frequency that provides NR sidelink communication configuration as the highest priority. If the UE is configured to perform V2X sidelink communication but not to perform NR sidelink communication, the UE may consider the frequency providing the V2X sidelink communication configuration as the highest priority.

[0061] In these embodiments, it should be noted that: 1) during cell reselection, frequencies that only provide anchor frequency configuration should not be prioritized for V2X services; 2) when the UE is configured to perform NR sidelink communication or V2X sidelink communication to perform cell reselection, it may consider frequencies that provide intra-carrier and inter-carrier configurations to have equal priority in cell reselection; 3) the priority between frequencies that the UE considers to be the highest priority frequencies is determined by the UE implementation; 4) the UE is configured to perform V2X sidelink communication or NR sidelink communication when it has this capability and is authorized to perform the corresponding sidelink operation; and 5) when the UE is configured to perform both NR sidelink communication and V2X sidelink communication, but cannot find a frequency that can provide both NR sidelink communication configuration and V2X sidelink communication configuration, the UE may consider the frequency that provides NR sidelink communication configuration or V2X sidelink communication configuration to be the highest priority.

[0062] In various embodiments, the UE may perform cell reselection evaluation only on NR frequencies and inter-RAT frequencies that are given in the system information and for which the UE has priority provided.

[0063] If the UE receives a RRCRelease with deprioritisationReq, the UE may treat the current frequency and the frequencies stored due to the previously received RRCRelease with deprioritisationReq or all frequencies of the NR as the lowest priority frequencies (e.g., lower than any network configured value) at T325 operation, regardless of the resident RAT. When PLMN selection or standalone non-public network (SNPN) selection is performed at the request of NAS, the UE may delete the stored priority reduction request. It should be noted that the UE may search for a higher priority layer for cell reselection as soon as possible after the priority change.

[0064] In some embodiments, the UE may delete the priority provided by dedicated signaling when: 1) the UE enters a different radio resource control (RRC) state; 2) the optional validity time of the dedicated priority (e.g., T320) expires; 3) the UE receives an RRCRelease message in which the field cellReselectionPriorities does not exist; or 4) PLMN selection or SNPN selection is performed at the request of NAS. It should be noted that equal priority between RATs is not supported.

[0065] In some embodiments, the UE may not consider any excluded listed cells as candidates for cell reselection. The UE may only consider allowed listed cells (if configured) as candidates for cell reselection. In addition, a UE in RRC_IDLE state may inherit the priority and remaining validity time (e.g., T320 in NR and Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA)) provided by dedicated signaling (if configured) during inter-RAT cell selection (or reselection). It should be noted that the network may assign dedicated cell reselection priorities for frequencies that are not configured by system information.

[0066] In various embodiments, regarding inter-NR frequency and inter-RAT cell reselection criteria, if threshServingLowQ is broadcast in the system information and more than 1 second has passed since the UE camped on the current serving cell, then cell reselection to a cell of a higher-priority NR or E-UTRAN RAT and / or frequency can be performed if a cell of a higher-priority NR or E-UTRAN RAT and / or frequency satisfies Squal > ThreshX,HighQ during the time interval TreselectionRAT; otherwise, cell reselection to a cell of a higher-priority NR frequency or inter-RAT frequency than the serving frequency can be performed in the following cases: 1) during the time interval TreselectionRAT, a cell of a higher-priority RAT and / or frequency satisfies Srxlev > ThreshX,HighP; and 2) more than 1 second has passed since the UE camped on the current serving cell.

[0067] In some embodiments, cell reselection to a cell on an equal-priority NR frequency can be based on the ranking of intra-frequency cell reselection. If threshServingLowQ is broadcast in the system information and more than 1 second has passed since the UE camped on the current serving cell, then cell reselection to a cell of a lower-priority NR frequency or inter-RAT frequency than the serving frequency can be performed in the following cases: during the time interval TreselectionRAT, the serving cell satisfies Squal < ThreshServing,LowQ, and a cell and / or frequency of a lower-priority NR or E-UTRA network (E-UTRAN) RAT satisfies Squal > ThreshX,LowQ; otherwise, cell reselection to a cell of a lower-priority NR frequency or inter-RAT frequency than the serving frequency can be performed in the following cases: 1) during the time interval TreselectionRAT, the serving cell satisfies Srxlev < ThreshServing,LowP, and a lower-priority RAT and / or frequency satisfies Srxlev > ThreshX,LowP; and 2) more than 1 second has passed since the UE camped on the current serving cell.

[0068] In some embodiments, for a UE that performs slice-based cell reselection, if the best cell in a frequency satisfies the cell reselection criteria based on the reselection priority of the frequency and NSAG as described above, but the cell does not support NSAG, the UE can re-derive the reselection priority of the frequency by considering the NSAG supported by the cell (e.g., instead of the NSAG of the corresponding NR frequency). The reselection priority is used for at most 300 seconds or until new information about the NSAG and its priority is received from the NAS. The UE can ensure that the above cell reselection criteria are satisfied based on the newly derived priority.

[0069] In various embodiments, if multiple cells of different priorities meet the cell reselection criteria, cell reselection to a higher priority RAT and / or frequency may take precedence over a lower priority RAT and / or frequency. If more than one cell meets the criteria, the UE may reselect cells as follows: 1) if the highest priority frequency is an NR frequency, the highest ranked cell among the cells on the highest priority frequency that meet the criteria; and 2) if the highest priority frequency is from another RAT, the strongest cell among the cells on the highest priority frequency that meets the criteria for that RAT.

[0070] In certain embodiments, with respect to intra-frequency and equal-priority inter-frequency cell reselection criteria, the cell ranking criteria Rs of the serving cell and Rn of the neighboring cell are defined by the following formula:

[0071] R s =Q meas,s +Q hyst -Qoffset temp

[0072] R n =Q meas,n -Qoffset-Qoffset temp

[0073] in:

[0074]

[0075] In some embodiments, the UE may rank all cells that meet the cell selection criterion S. meas,n and Q meas,sAnd the R value is calculated using the average RSRP result, and the cells are ranked according to the R criteria. If rangeToBestCell is not configured, the UE may perform cell reselection to the highest ranked cell that is found to be suitable. If rangeToBestCell is configured, the UE may perform cell reselection to the cell with the highest number of beams above the threshold (e.g., absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidation) among the cells whose R value is within rangeToBestCell of the R value of the highest ranked cell. If there are multiple such cells, the UE may perform cell reselection to the highest ranked cell among them, which is found to be suitable. In all cases, the UE can reselect a new cell only if the following conditions are met: 1) the new cell is better than the serving cell according to the cell reselection criteria specified during the time interval TreselectionRAT; and 2) more than 1 second has passed since the UE camped on the current serving cell. It should be noted that if rangeToBestCell is configured but absThreshSS-BlocksConsolidation is not configured on an NR frequency, the UE considers that each cell on that frequency has one beam above the threshold.

[0076] In one embodiment, a network entity may flexibly change (e.g., dynamically change via DCI or a media access control (MAC) control element (CE)) a set of synchronization signal (SS) and / or physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks (SSBs) actually transmitted from a set of predefined SSB candidate locations based on the spatial distribution of UEs (e.g., for UEs in RRC connected mode) and predicted (or estimated) UE locations (e.g., knowledge of the spatial distribution of UEs at different times of the day (e.g., office parks, residential areas, etc.). For example, the network entity may use 3GPP and / or non-3GPP positioning technology, 3GPP channel state information (CSI) reports (e.g., layer 1 (L1) reference signal received power (RSRP) (L1-RRP), L1 signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) (L1-SINR) reports) and / or mobility measurement reports, various sensors (e.g., radar and camera) to estimate the current UE position and / or direction. In addition, the network can predict the future UE position based on the estimated UE moving direction and speed (e.g., additionally using artificial intelligence and / or machine learning), and adjust the SSB transmission mode within the half frame accordingly.

[0077] In another embodiment, the network entity may send multiple SSBs within a half-frame with different periods. In one example, in response to the network entity determining that there is a group of SSBs serving UEs with no or few RRC connections (e.g., DL transmit (TX) beams, based on UE CSI reports, and / or there are few UEs in locations related to the group of SSBs in the cell), the network entity may configure a longer period (e.g., 20 ms or longer) for the group of SSBs. In another example, multiple SSBs within a half-frame may be grouped into multiple SSB sets with different and / or independent period configurations for different SSB sets (e.g., longer periods for SSBs in an SSB set, few UEs in locations related to the SSBs in the SSB set (e.g., or within the coverage of the SSB)). In another example, when the network entity provides one or more tracking reference signal (TRS) opportunities configured for RRC-connected UEs and associated with a group of SSBs (e.g., quasi-colocated) to RRC idle and / or inactive UEs in a cell, the network entity may configure a longer period for the group of SSBs.

[0078] In some embodiments, a cell may be configured with a long SSB period (eg, longer than 160 ms) to achieve network energy saving.

[0079] In some embodiments, a network power saving state may exist.

[0080] In various embodiments, the network entity instructs the cell to enter a cell sleep state or a cell inactive state, wherein the cell in the cell sleep state neither transmits nor receives, and the cell in the cell inactive state (or cell energy saving state) transmits a cell discovery signal and / or channel and / or receives an uplink signal and / or channel carrying auxiliary information from the UE. The network entity may also indicate the time interval for which the cell sleep state or the cell inactive state applies to the cell. The network entity may send a configuration for a cell discovery signal and / or channel and a configuration for an uplink signal and / or channel carrying auxiliary information from the UE. The cell discovery signal and / or channel may include an SSB burst, and may also include a corresponding physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and / or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) burst for a system information block type 1 (SIB1) or compact system information (e.g., system information block type 0 (SIB0)). For example, SIB0 includes a configuration of a discovery signal and / or channel, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, and a transmission configuration of UE auxiliary information, but does not include a complete serving cell configuration and system information (SI) scheduling information. In another example, the uplink signal and / or channel carrying auxiliary information from the UE includes resources for small data transmission (SDT) and / or random access resources (e.g., 2-step random access channel (RACH) and / or 4-step RACH).

[0081] In some embodiments, the indication of entering the cell sleep state or the cell inactive state is sent via broadcast system information, broadcast master information block, or dedicated RRC signaling. In some embodiments, the indication of entering the cell sleep state or the cell inactive state is sent via downlink control information (DCI) (e.g., group common DCI or SSB group common DCI, which is associated with the UE location within the coverage area of ​​a group of SSBs corresponding to which the cell operation state is transitioning to the cell sleep state or the cell inactive state).

[0082] In various embodiments, after receiving an indication of a cell inactive mode, a UE in RRC_CONNECTED state considers deactivating semi-statically configured or semi-persistently scheduled DL resources, such as semi-persistently scheduled (SPS) PDSCH, PDCCH monitoring opportunities, periodic or semi-persistent CSI reference signal (RS) (CSI-RS) opportunities, within the indicated time interval.

[0083] In certain embodiments, if the UE is configured with a periodic discovery signal window including a synchronization signal and a PDCCH monitoring opportunity in a cell inactive state, the UE performs resynchronization and PDCCH monitoring within the periodic discovery signal window.

[0084] In some embodiments, there may be cell selection and / or reselection with a network energy saving state.

[0085] In one embodiment, after receiving an indication of a cell sleep state of a cell (e.g., parameter cellSleepState in Example 1), a UE camped on a cell in the RRC_IDLE (or RRC_INACTIVE) state initiates intra-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-RAT measurements, regardless of the distance between the UE and the serving cell reference position, and regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>SIntraSearchP and Squal>SIntraSearchQ, or Srxlev>SnonIntraSearchP and Squal>SnonIntraSearchQ, as shown in Example 1, performs cell reselection evaluation, and camps on the reselected cell. The UE considers the cell to be prohibited and does not camp on the cell. If the UE receives an indication of a time interval during which the cell is in the cell sleep state, the UE considers the cell to be prohibited during the indicated time interval, and does not camp on the cell during the time interval. In one implementation, the UE considers the cell to enter the cell inactive state at the end of the indicated time interval of the cell sleep state.

[0086] In another embodiment, after receiving an indication of a cell inactive state of the cell (e.g., parameter cellIactiveState in Example 1), the UE camped on the cell in the RRC_IDLE (or RRC_INACTIVE) state begins to measure the cell using the cell discovery signal and / or channel. In one implementation, if the UE receives an indication of a time interval in which the cell is in the cell inactive state, the UE considers that the cell enters the cell active state at the end of the indicated time interval in the cell inactive state.

[0087] In some embodiments, if an uplink signal and / or channel carrying assistance information from the UE (e.g., parameter ueRequestForCellActive in Example 1) is configured, the UE follows the traditional serving cell measurement process (e.g., if the serving cell measurement results such as Srxlev and Squal are above the configured threshold, the UE may not perform intra-frequency measurements). When the UE continues to stay on the cell and some uplink and / or downlink data is expected to arrive based on active applications, the UE may use the uplink signal and / or channel configured for assistance information from the UE to send a request for the cell activity state. In one implementation, the UE may consider the cell to be the lowest priority for cell reselection.

[0088] In some embodiments, if the uplink signal and / or channel carrying auxiliary information from the UE (e.g., parameter ueRequestForCellActive in Example 1) is not configured, the UE initiates intra-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-RAT measurements, regardless of the distance between the UE and the serving cell reference position, and regardless of whether the serving cell satisfies Srxlev>SIntraSearchP and Squal>SIntraSearchQ, or Srxlev>SnonIntraSearchP and Squal>SnonIntraSearchQ, as shown in Example 1, performs cell reselection evaluation, and resides on the reselected cell. In one implementation, although the UE does not consider the cell to be barred (e.g., it can continue to reside on the cell), the UE considers the cell to be the lowest priority for cell reselection (e.g., lower than any other network configured priority).

[0089] In various embodiments, if an uplink signal and / or channel carrying assistance information from the UE is configured in a cell in a cell-inactive state, the UE may send a cell operation state transition request to a cell-active state as needed, so that the UE may not have to perform cell reselection unless the cell reselection criteria are met. If an uplink signal and / or channel carrying assistance information from the UE is not configured, the UE may perform cell reselection, where other cells in a cell-active state are prioritized over cells in a cell-inactive state to avoid long access delays and potential performance degradation.

[0090] In Example 1, there may be measurement rules for cell reselection. The UE uses the listed rules to limit the required measurements.

[0091] Example 1

[0092]

[0093]

[0094] In certain embodiments, for cell selection, if the UE receives an indication that the strongest cell in a given frequency layer is in a cell inactive state, the UE may search for the next strongest cell.

[0095] In some embodiments, a reserved bit in the master information block (MIB) of the NR is reused as the bit field cellInactiveState to indicate whether the corresponding cell is in the cell inactive state, such as Figure 4 When a cell is in a cell inactive state, the cell can indicate that the cell is barred via the field cellBarred to prevent legacy UEs (e.g., UEs that cannot identify the field cellInactiveState) from residing on the cell. For UEs that identify the field cellInactiveState, when the field cellInactiveState indicates a cell inactive state, the indication that the cell is barred is ignored.

[0096] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of code 400 for a MIB. Figure 4 In the field "cellBarred", the field "cellBarred" may include a value indicating barring (e.g., indicating that the cell is barred). The IAB-MT may ignore this field. In addition, for a connection to a non-terrestrial network (NTN), this field may be ignored. In addition, the field "cellInactiveState" may indicate an inactive value, which means that the cell is in a cell inactive state (e.g., discovery signal and / or channel transmission with limited system information). If this field is set to inactive, the bit field cellBarred is ignored.

[0097] In various embodiments, the UE receives information of the neighbor cell list in the cell inactive state via system information or a dedicated RRC message (such as RRCRelease). For cell reselection, the UE regards the neighbor cell list in the cell inactive state as the lowest priority.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the UE may request a change in the network energy saving state. In one embodiment, the UE sends a request to a network entity for a change from a cell inactive state to a cell active state (e.g., via transmission of a preamble and / or an RRC message (e.g., CellActiveRequest)). In one example, the RRC message CellActiveRequest includes UE assistance information, such as expected quality of service (QoS) and / or network slice. In response to the request, the UE may receive an indication that the cell is transitioning to a cell active state via a common PDCCH or broadcast system information (e.g., SIB0). In some embodiments, in response to the request, the UE may receive an indication (e.g., via a PDCCH or an RRC message) rejecting the UE's request to change to a cell inactive state. The RRC message rejecting the request may also indicate a list of neighboring cells in a cell inactive state (or a list of neighboring cells in a cell active state). The UE performs cell reselection after receiving the indication rejecting the UE request.

[0099] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating one embodiment of a method 500 for making measurements for cell reselection based on cell status. In some embodiments, the method 500 is performed by an apparatus such as the remote unit 102. In certain embodiments, the method 500 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, auxiliary processing unit, FPGA, etc.

[0100] In various embodiments, the method 500 includes camping 502 on a cell. In some embodiments, the method 500 includes receiving 504 information indicating a change in a cell operation state of the cell. In certain embodiments, the method 500 includes performing 506 measurements for cell reselection based on the information indicating a change in the cell operation state of the cell. The measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof.

[0101] In some embodiments, the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell sleep state, the cell neither transmits nor receives when in the cell sleep state, and measurements for cell reselection are performed regardless of: the distance between the UE and the serving cell reference location; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than a configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 500 also includes performing cell reselection based on the above measurements, wherein the UE considers that the cell is prohibited from cell reselection. In various embodiments, the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell transmits discovery signals and channels only when in the cell inactive state.

[0102] In one embodiment: in response to uplink resources for assistance information from the UE being configured, measurements for cell reselection are performed in the following cases: in response to a distance between the UE and a serving cell reference location being not less than a configured distance threshold; in response to a cell selection receiver level value being not greater than a configured receiver level threshold; in response to a cell selection quality value being not greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof; and in response to uplink resources for assistance information from the UE not being configured, measurements for cell reselection are performed regardless of: the distance between the UE and the serving cell reference location; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than a configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, method 500 further includes performing cell reselection based on the above measurements, wherein the UE considers the cell as the lowest priority for cell reselection. In some embodiments, the discovery signals and channels include bursts of synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks and bursts of physical downlink channels carrying compact system information.

[0103] In various embodiments, the compact system information includes: configuration of discovery signals and channels, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE assistance information, or a combination thereof; and does not include serving cell configuration and SI scheduling information. In one embodiment, an indication for a cell to transition to a cell inactive state is included in a master information block, and in response to the indication for a cell to transition to a cell inactive state, a bit field in the master information block indicating whether the cell is prohibited is ignored.

[0104] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes sending a request message for requesting the cell to change from being in an energy-saving state to being in a cell-active state, wherein the request message includes the expected QoS, the network slice, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes receiving a response message in response to sending the request message, wherein the response message rejects the request for the cell to change from being in an energy-saving state to being in a cell-active state, and the response message further includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in a cell-active state.

[0105] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method 600 for performing measurements for cell reselection based on cell status. In some embodiments, the method 600 is performed by an apparatus such as the network unit 104. In some embodiments, the method 600 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0106] In various embodiments, method 600 includes sending 602 information indicating a change in a cell operation state of a cell. The information indicating a change in a cell operation state of a cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell only sends discovery signals and channels when in the cell inactive state.

[0107] In some embodiments, the discovery signal and channel include bursts of synchronization signals and physical broadcast channel blocks and bursts of physical downlink channels carrying compact system information. In some embodiments, the compact system information: includes configuration of discovery signals and channels, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE auxiliary information, or a combination thereof; and does not include serving cell configuration and SI scheduling information. In various embodiments, an indication for a cell transition to a cell inactive state is included in a master information block.

[0108] In one embodiment, the method 600 further includes receiving a request message for requesting the cell to change from being in an energy-saving state to being in a cell-active state, wherein the request message includes the expected QoS, the network slice, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes sending a response message in response to receiving the request message, wherein the response message rejects the request for the cell to change from being in an energy-saving state to being in a cell-active state, and the response message also includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in a cell-active state.

[0109] In one embodiment, an apparatus for wireless communication includes: camping on a cell; receiving information indicating a change in a cell operation state of the cell; and performing measurements for cell reselection based on the information indicating the change in the cell operation state of the cell, wherein the measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof.

[0110] In certain embodiments, the information indicating a change in the cell operating state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell sleep state, the cell neither transmits nor receives when in the cell sleep state, and measurements for cell reselection are performed regardless of: the distance between the UE and a serving cell reference location; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than a configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

[0111] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform cell reselection based on the above-mentioned measurement, and the UE considers that the cell is prohibited from performing cell reselection.

[0112] In various embodiments, the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell transmits the discovery signal and the channel only when in the cell inactive state.

[0113] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to: in response to uplink resources for auxiliary information from the UE being configured, perform measurements for cell reselection in the following circumstances: in response to a distance between the UE and a serving cell reference location being not less than a configured distance threshold; in response to a cell selection receiver level value being not greater than a configured receiver level threshold; in response to a cell selection quality value being not greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof; and in response to uplink resources for auxiliary information from the UE being not configured, perform measurements for cell reselection regardless of: the distance between the UE and the serving cell reference location; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than the configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than the configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform cell reselection based on the measurements, and the UE considers the cell as the lowest priority for cell reselection.

[0115] In some embodiments, the discovery signals and channels include synchronization signals and bursts of physical broadcast channel blocks and bursts of physical downlink channels carrying compact system information.

[0116] In various embodiments, the compact system information includes configuration of discovery signals and channels, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE assistance information, or a combination thereof, and does not include serving cell configuration and SI scheduling information.

[0117] In one embodiment, an indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state is included in the master information block, and in response to the indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state, a bit field in the master information block indicating whether the cell is barred is ignored.

[0118] In certain embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to send a request message for requesting the cell to change from a power saving state to a cell active state, and the request message includes expected QoS, network slice, or a combination thereof.

[0119] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to receive a response message in response to sending the request message, the response message rejecting the request for the cell to change from the energy saving state to the cell active state, and the response message also includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in the cell active state.

[0120] In one embodiment, a method at a UE includes: camping on a cell; receiving information indicating a change in a cell operation state of the cell; and performing measurements for cell reselection based on the information indicating the change in the cell operation state of the cell, wherein the measurements for cell reselection include intra-frequency measurements, inter-frequency measurements, inter-RAT measurements, or a combination thereof.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the information indicating a change in the cell operating state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell sleep state, the cell neither transmits nor receives when in the cell sleep state, and measurements for cell reselection are performed regardless of: the distance between the UE and a serving cell reference location; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than a configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

[0122] In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing cell reselection based on the above-mentioned measurement, wherein the UE considers that the cell is prohibited from performing cell reselection.

[0123] In various embodiments, the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell transmits the discovery signal and the channel only when in the cell inactive state.

[0124] In one embodiment: in response to uplink resources for auxiliary information from the UE being configured, measurements for cell reselection are performed in the following cases: in response to a distance between the UE and a serving cell reference location being not less than a configured distance threshold; in response to a cell selection receiver level value being not greater than a configured receiver level threshold; in response to a cell selection quality value being not greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof; and in response to uplink resources for auxiliary information from the UE being not configured, measurements for cell reselection are performed regardless of: the distance between the UE and the serving cell reference location; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than the configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than the configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises performing cell reselection based on the measurements, wherein the UE considers the cell as the lowest priority for cell reselection.

[0126] In some embodiments, the discovery signals and channels include synchronization signals and bursts of physical broadcast channel blocks and bursts of physical downlink channels carrying compact system information.

[0127] In various embodiments, the compact system information includes configuration of discovery signals and channels, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE assistance information, or a combination thereof, and does not include serving cell configuration and SI scheduling information.

[0128] In one embodiment, an indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state is included in the master information block, and in response to the indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state, a bit field in the master information block indicating whether the cell is barred is ignored.

[0129] In certain embodiments, the method further includes sending a request message for requesting the cell to change from being in a power saving state to being in a cell active state, wherein the request message includes expected QoS, network slice, or a combination thereof.

[0130] In some embodiments, the method further comprises receiving a response message in response to sending the request message, wherein the response message denies the request for the cell to change from the energy saving state to the cell active state, and the response message further comprises information that at least one neighboring cell is in the cell active state.

[0131] In one embodiment, an apparatus for wireless communication includes: a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to cause the apparatus to: send information indicating a change in a cell operation state of a cell, wherein the information indicating the change in the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell sends a discovery signal and a channel only when in the cell inactive state.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the discovery signals and channels include synchronization signals and bursts of physical broadcast channel blocks and bursts of physical downlink channels carrying compact system information.

[0133] In some embodiments, the compact system information includes: configuration of discovery signals and channels, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE auxiliary information, or a combination thereof; and does not include serving cell configuration and SI scheduling information.

[0134] In various embodiments, an indication for a cell transition to a cell inactive state is included in a master information block.

[0135] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to cause the device to receive a request message for requesting the cell to change from a power saving state to a cell active state, and the request message includes expected QoS, network slice, or a combination thereof.

[0136] In certain embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to send a response message in response to receiving the request message, the response message rejecting the request for the cell to change from the energy saving state to the cell active state, and the response message also includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in the cell active state.

[0137] In one embodiment, a method at a network device, the method comprising: sending information indicating a change in a cell operation state of a cell, wherein the information indicating the change in the cell operation state of the cell comprises an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell sends a discovery signal and a channel only when in the cell inactive state.

[0138] In certain embodiments, the discovery signals and channels include synchronization signals and bursts of physical broadcast channel blocks and bursts of physical downlink channels carrying compact system information.

[0139] In some embodiments, the compact system information includes: configuration of discovery signals and channels, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE auxiliary information, or a combination thereof; and does not include serving cell configuration and SI scheduling information.

[0140] In various embodiments, an indication for a cell transition to a cell inactive state is included in a master information block.

[0141] In one embodiment, the method further includes receiving a request message for requesting the cell to change from being in a power saving state to being in a cell active state, wherein the request message includes expected QoS, network slice, or a combination thereof.

[0142] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a response message in response to receiving the request message, wherein the response message rejects the request for the cell to change from the energy saving state to the cell active state, and the response message further includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in the cell active state.

[0143] Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are considered in all respects to be illustrative only, and not restrictive. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the above description. All changes within the equivalent meaning and scope of the claims should be included within their scope.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: at least one memory; as well as at least one processor, the at least one processor being coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the UE to: Stay in the community; receiving information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell; as well as Measurement for cell reselection is performed based on the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell, wherein the measurement for cell reselection includes intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurement, or a combination thereof.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell comprises an indication for the cell to transition to a cell sleep state, the cell neither transmits nor receives when in the cell sleep state, and the measurement for cell reselection is performed regardless of: The distance between the UE and a serving cell reference position; Whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than the configured receiver level threshold; Whether the cell selection quality value is greater than the configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

3. The UE of claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to perform cell reselection based on the measurement and to consider the cell as prohibited from performing the cell reselection.

4. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell includes an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell transmits a discovery signal and a channel only when in the cell inactive state.

5. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to: In response to uplink resources for assistance information from the UE being configured, performing the measurement for cell reselection in the following cases: In response to a distance between the UE and a serving cell reference location being not less than a configured distance threshold; in response to the cell selecting receiver level value being not greater than a configured receiver level threshold; In response to the cell selection quality value being not greater than a configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof; as well as In response to uplink resources for the assistance information from the UE not being configured, performing the measurement for cell reselection regardless of: The distance between the UE and the serving cell reference position; whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than the configured receiver level threshold; whether the cell selection quality value is greater than the configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

6. The UE of claim 4, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to perform cell reselection based on the measurement and consider the cell as the lowest priority for cell reselection.

7. The UE of claim 4, wherein the discovery signals and channels include synchronization signals and bursts of physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks and bursts of a physical downlink channel carrying compact system information.

8. The UE according to claim 7, wherein the compact system information: including the configuration of the discovery signal and channel, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE auxiliary information, or a combination thereof; and Serving cell configuration and system information (SI) scheduling information are not included.

9. The UE according to claim 4, wherein the indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state is included in a master information block (MIB), and in response to the indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state, a bit field in the MIB indicating whether the cell is prohibited is ignored.

10. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to send a request message for requesting the cell to change from a power saving state to a cell active state, and the request message includes expected quality of service (QoS), network slice, or a combination thereof.

11. The UE according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to receive a response message in response to sending the request message, the response message rejecting the request for the cell to change from the energy saving state to the cell active state, and the response message also includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in the cell active state.

12. A processor for wireless communication, comprising: at least one controller coupled to at least one memory and configured to cause the processor to: Stay in the community; receiving information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell; as well as Measurement for cell reselection is performed based on the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell, wherein the measurement for cell reselection includes intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurement, or a combination thereof.

13. The processor of claim 12 , wherein the information indicating the change in the cell operation state of the cell comprises an indication for the cell to transition to a cell sleep state, the cell neither transmitting nor receiving when in the cell sleep state, and the measurement for cell reselection is performed regardless of: The distance between the UE and a serving cell reference position; Whether the cell selection receiver level value is greater than the configured receiver level threshold; Whether the cell selection quality value is greater than the configured quality threshold; or a combination thereof.

14. A base station, comprising: at least one memory; as well as at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and configured to cause the base station to: and transmitting information indicating a change in a cell operation state of the cell, wherein the information indicating the change in the cell operation state of the cell comprises an indication for the cell to transition to a cell inactive state, and the cell transmits a discovery signal and a channel only when in the cell inactive state.

15. The base station of claim 14, wherein the discovery signals and channels include synchronization signals and bursts of physical broadcast channel (PBCH) blocks and bursts of a physical downlink channel carrying compact system information.

16. The base station according to claim 15, wherein the compact system information: including the configuration of the discovery signal and channel, cell selection related parameters, cell access related information, transmission configuration of UE auxiliary information, or a combination thereof; and Serving cell configuration and system information (SI) scheduling information are not included.

17. The base station of claim 15, wherein the indication for the cell to transition to the cell inactive state is included in a master information block (MIB).

18. The base station according to claim 15, wherein the at least one processor is configured to enable the base station to receive a request message for requesting the cell to change from a power saving state to a cell active state, and the request message includes expected quality of service (QoS), network slice, or a combination thereof.

19. The base station according to claim 18, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the base station to send a response message in response to receiving the request message, the response message rejecting the request for the cell to change from the energy-saving state to the cell-active state, and the response message also includes information that at least one neighboring cell is in the cell-active state.

20. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Stay in the community; receiving information indicating a change in a cell operating state of the cell; as well as Measurement for cell reselection is performed based on the information indicating the change of the cell operation state of the cell, wherein the measurement for cell reselection includes intra-frequency measurement, inter-frequency measurement, inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurement, or a combination thereof.

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