Sounding reference signal for positioning bandwidth-free portion of frequency hopping

Abstract

The present disclosure includes an apparatus having: means for receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information to indicate a window of a bandwidth-free portion; and means for transmitting a frequency hopped sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window. The disclosure also includes a method that may include receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information to indicate a window of a bandwidth-free portion. The method may also include transmitting a frequency hopped sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Some example embodiments may 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 positioning a sounding reference signal (SRS) for a bandwidth-free part (BWP) of a frequency hopping. Background Art

[0002] 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, LTE-A Pro, 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 primarily based on New Radio (NR) technology, but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radios. It is estimated that NR can provide bit rates of about 10 to 20 Gbit / s or higher, and can support at least enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB) and ultra-reliable low latency communications (URLLC), as well as massive machine type communications (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extremely broadband and ultra-robust, low latency connections and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things. Summary of the invention

[0003] Some example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information indicating a window of no bandwidth portion. The method may also include sending a frequency hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0004] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code may be configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receive configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion. The apparatus may also be caused to: send a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0005] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: a component for receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information indicating a window of a no bandwidth portion. The apparatus may also include: a component for sending a frequency hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0006] 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 configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information indicating a window of no bandwidth portion. The method may also include: sending a frequency hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0007] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information indicating a window of no bandwidth portion. The method may also include sending a frequency hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0008] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to measure a radio altimeter signal at the apparatus. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information indicating a window of no bandwidth portion. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to send a frequency hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0009] Certain example embodiments may be directed to a method. The method may include providing configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a frequency hopping uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without the bandwidth portion.

[0010] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and computer program code may be configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to at least: provide configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The apparatus may also be caused to: receive from the user equipment a frequency hopping uplink sounding reference signal sent within the indicated window. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without the bandwidth portion.

[0011] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus. The apparatus may include means for providing configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The apparatus may also include means for receiving, from the user equipment, a frequency hopping uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without the bandwidth portion.

[0012] 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 providing configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window without a bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The method may also include receiving a frequency hopping uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window from the user equipment. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without a bandwidth portion.

[0013] Other example embodiments may be directed to a computer program product for performing a method. The method may include providing configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The method may also include receiving, from the user equipment, a frequency hopping uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without the bandwidth portion.

[0014] Other example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus that may include circuitry configured to provide configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window without a bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The apparatus may also include circuitry configured to receive, from the user equipment, a frequency-hopped uplink sounding reference signal sent within the indicated window. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without a bandwidth portion. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a proper understanding of the example embodiments, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016] Figure 1 An example implementation of RedCap positioning is illustrated.

[0017] Figure 2 Example phase alignment for SRS frequency hopping is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 3 An example bandwidth-free partial window (BLW) process is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0019] Figure 4 An example signaling diagram is illustrated in accordance with certain example embodiments.

[0020] Figure 5 An example flow diagram of a method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 6 An example flow diagram of another method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated.

[0022] Figure 7 A collection of apparatuses according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] 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 locating a sounding reference signal (SRS) for a bandwidth-free portion (BWP) of a frequency hopping frequency.

[0024] 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 phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar language used throughout this specification refer to the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "certain embodiments," "example embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar language appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily 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 "base station," "cell," "node," "gNB," "network," or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification. In addition, the terms broadcast, transmit, or other similar language may be used interchangeably throughout this specification.

[0025] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar words (wherein 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.

[0026] The technical specifications of the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) describe native positioning support in NR, and various positioning schemes have been proposed, including, for example, downlink time difference of arrival (DL-TDOA), uplink time difference of arrival (UL-TDOA), downlink angle of departure (DL-AoD), uplink angle of arrival (UL-AoA), and multi-cell round trip time (Multi-RTT). 3GPP has started NR positioning enhancement work, focusing on improving accuracy, reducing latency, and improving efficiency (e.g., low complexity; low power consumption; and / or low overhead) based on the Release 16 scheme. In Release 17, reduced capability (RedCap) devices have been designed and standardized. RedCap NR devices have been designed to have relatively long battery life compared to Internet of Things (IoT) devices.

[0027] Figure 1 An example implementation of RedCap positioning is shown. Specifically, Figure 1 A RedCap user equipment (UE) 100 is illustrated measuring a positioning reference signal (PRS) 115 and / or a serving TRP 110 from a neighboring transmission reception point (TRP) 105 for positioning. According to 3GPP, positioning support for RedCap UEs may consider evaluation of positioning performance of existing positioning procedures and utilizing measurements of RedCap UEs. Possible enhancements to RedCap UE positioning may include allowing PRS / SRS frequency hopping to increase the effective bandwidth (BW) for positioning while keeping the instantaneous BW within the RedCap maximum (e.g., 20 MHz for frequency range 1 (FR1) and 100 MHz for frequency range 2 (FR2)).

[0028] In UL frequency hopping (or BW switching) for SRS, it can be assumed that the UE needs to have some resource elements (REs) or resource blocks (RBs) overlapped between each hop to perform phase calibration between hops. If calibration does not occur, the gNB may not be able to successfully combine the BWs of the hops to utilize the overall full BW (aggregated from multiple hops).

[0029] Figure 2 An example phase calibration for SRS frequency hopping is shown. Figure 2 As shown in , there is a switching delay between each hop 200 to 215, and between each hop 200 to 215, a phase calibration is performed based on the overlap between the hops. Figure 2 As shown in the above figure, the UE behavior includes BWP switching between hops, which may be time consuming.

[0030] As described in 3GPP, and as shown in Table 1 below, BWP switching requirements based on downlink control information (DCI) and timers are provided. As shown in Table 1, for a UE, it may take more than a few milliseconds to complete SRS frequency hopping. For example, a UE with a 15kHz subcarrier spacing (SCS) may take more than 12 milliseconds to send five 20MHz frequency hops (if the UE supports type 2). This can be time consuming and cause problems with UE rate when positioning estimation is required. Therefore, as described herein, certain example embodiments may provide a method for performing SRS frequency hopping without requiring a long switching time, as shown in Table 1. In other words, certain example embodiments may not necessarily eliminate the need for switching time, but instead allow smaller values ​​to be used.

[0031] Table 1: BWP switching requirements based on DCI and timer

[0032]

[0033] In view of the figures presented in the above-mentioned 3GPP current specifications, certain example embodiments may provide the ability to send SRS for positioning frequency hopping without BWP switching. This capability may also be referred to as fast RF switching. For example, according to certain example embodiments, a RedCap UE may perform SRS for positioning frequency hopping. The RedCap UE may also be configured with a BWP-free window (BLW) to send SRS for positioning frequency hopping. The configuration may include one or more of the following items: the starting time slot / symbol of the BLW; the starting time slot / symbol of the first hop of SRS transmission in the BLW; the ending time slot / symbol of the BLW; the duration of the BLW; the period; the initial frequency position of the first hop; the number of hops to be performed in the BLW; the time interval between hops in the BLW; the frequency overlap between hops in the BLW; and the BW per hop.

[0034] Figure 3 An example BLW process according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In certain example embodiments, the BLW may be applicable to RRC inactive or RRC idle modes. As discussed in more detail herein, in these modes, the configuration may also include: priority, and / or interaction information with discontinuous reception (DRX) and / or paging. In some example embodiments, there may be one or more midpoints where the UE returns to its previously configured BWP to check for any DL signals that may interrupt ongoing SRS hopping (e.g., to check for higher priority data). In further example embodiments, the BLW configuration may be determined by the network (e.g., gNB or LMF) taking into account both the device and the capabilities of the gNB / TRP.

[0035] like Figure 3As further shown in , in some example embodiments, the UE may operate according to normal rules (e.g., behavior specified by Release 17) for how the UE should operate when it has a configured BWP. In other words, before the BLW begins, the UE may have been configured with a BWP, which the UE may use to monitor a set of channels based on the BWP and follow the configured switching times. Once the UE enters the BLW, it may start at a specific symbol and time slot. During the BLW, the UE performs hops with frequency domain overlap between hops (e.g., at least 1 PRB overlap). Once the hop has been completed, the UE may return to operating under normal BWP rules (e.g., the BPW that the UE was configured with before the BLW; BWP rules related to the behavior that has been specified, which has been specified for how much time the UE needs to switch, and which signals the UE generally needs to monitor). For example, as Figure 3 As shown in , before the BLW ends, the UE may return to the previous BWP (ie, the previously configured BWP).

[0036] According to certain example embodiments, the BLW may be configured by the gNB via a radio resource control (RRC) protocol, or by a location management function (LMF) in coordination with the gNB via an LTE positioning protocol (LPP) (e.g., using the NR positioning protocol (NRPPa)). The BLW may be dynamically activated, for example, by a media access control-control element (MAC CE). For example, a UE may be configured with a BLW at a certain point in time, but the UE may not use the BLW until the UE receives an additional signal / indication from the network (i.e., the gNB). The network may instruct the UE to start using the (pre) configured BLW. Therefore, according to certain example embodiments, the UE may be triggered by the network to use (i.e., activate) the BLW. The BLW may also be implicitly deactivated. For example, the BLW may be implicitly deactivated after the SRS configuration becomes invalid.

[0037] In certain example embodiments, the BLW configuration (or part of the BLW configuration) may be shared with neighboring gNBs from the LMF as part of the UL measurement configuration / request. Additionally, during BLW, UE behavior may differ from normal UE behavior in terms of receiving / transmitting other signals. That is, certain signals and channels may be dropped by the UE on the active BWP it is configured with before the BLW begins. In certain example embodiments, different options or modes may be provided for how the UE drops signals and channels depending on whether the UE is in RRC connected mode or RRC inactive / idle mode.

[0038] When the UE is in RRC connected mode, in a first selection / mode, the UE may discard (or skip or not expect to measure) all DL signals and channels except SRS, and UL signals and channels during BLW. In certain example embodiments, this selection / mode may be the default UE behavior if it is not part of the configuration by the gNB or LMF. In a second selection / mode, the UE may discard (or skip or not expect to measure) all DL signals and channels except SRS, and UL signals and channels during BLW, except for synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). In a third selection / mode, the UE may discard (or skip or not expect to measure) all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels (i.e., non-dynamically scheduled physical downlink shared channels (PDSCH) or physical uplink shared channels (PUSCH)). In this third selection / mode, dynamic scheduling may refer to, for example, a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), and a PDSCH scheduled by a DCI format 1_1 or 1_2 with the priority indicator field in the corresponding DCI format set to 1. Alternatively, in other example embodiments, dynamic scheduling may refer to a configured grant PUSCH, or semi-persistent scheduling (SPS) in DL. In a fourth option / mode, the UE may not be expected to measure or monitor all DL signals, but the UE may send all UL signals (i.e., reference signals and channels). According to certain example embodiments, in the second and third options / modes, if the UE does not need to send / receive a signal / channel with a higher priority than SRS, the UE may discard some or all SRS frequency hopping transmissions.

[0039] When the UE is in RRC inactive / idle mode, the UE may discard (or skip) paging reception (and early paging indicator (EPI) reception) during BLW and may send SRS instead. When the UE is in RRC inactive / idle mode, the UE may also stop inter-frequency / intra-frequency measurements during BLW. Additionally, when the UE is in RRC inactive / idle mode, the UE may stop SRS transmission when the BLW overlaps (partially) with the discontinuous reception (DRX) on duration. In certain example embodiments, any of the above operations performed when the UE is in RRC inactive / idle mode may be performed alone or in any combination.

[0040] According to certain example embodiments, the various options described above regarding the UE being in RRC connected mode and RRC inactive / idle mode may be configured to the UE by the gNB or LMF (e.g., using RRC signaling or MAC CE), or may depend on the UE capabilities. That is, the various options / operations of the UE may depend on how they are configured to the UE by the gNB or LMF, or may depend on the specific use case or deployment choices of the UE. For example, if positioning services have the highest priority, then the first operation / mode may be configured, but if there are other things with higher priority than positioning services, or the tolerance for delay is lower, then options / modes 2 to 4 may be configured. In some example embodiments, the gNB may also decide which option has higher priority than any other option.

[0041] In certain example embodiments, assuming that there is no conflict as described above, the UE behavior inside the BLW may be to send SRS over the number of hops without changing the BWP configuration. Without changing the BWP configuration, the UE may perform fast radio frequency (RF) switching between hops. After the UE has performed the hops, the UE may readjust to the BWP configuration prior to the BLW at the end of the BLW. At this point, the UE may resume normal UE operations for monitoring / receiving / transmitting signals and channels (see Figure 3 ).

[0042] Figure 4 An example signaling diagram is illustrated according to certain example embodiments. Figure 4As shown in , at 415, a frequency hopping SRS for positioning may be initiated between the LMF 400, the gNB 405, and the RedCap UE 410. At 420, the gNB 465 may configure the BLW to the RedCap UE 410. However, in other example embodiments, the LMF 400 may configure the BLW to the RedCap UE 410 using, for example, LPP. At 425, the BLW may start, and the RedCap UE 410 may follow the UE behavior specified within the BLW. For example, depending on whether the UE is in RRC connected mode or RRC inactive / idle mode, the specified UE behavior may include any of the above-mentioned selections / modes or operations. At 430, the RedCap UE 430 may send a frequency hopping (FH) SRS for positioning within a window defined by the BLW. In some example embodiments, the window defined by the BLW may include time and frequency components. In other words, the RedCap UE 410 may send a FH SRS for positioning within the BLW. At 435, once the BLW ends, the RedCap UE 410 may return to normal UE behavior. As described above, normal UE behavior may refer to an already specified UE behavior for BWP operation (e.g., Release 17 and earlier NRs). For example, the RedCap UE 410 may follow: the configured BWP (previously configured to the RedCap UE), the required BWP switching time described above, and send / receive signals / channels according to the already specified UE behavior.

[0043] Figure 5 An example flow chart of a method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method may be performed by a network entity, or by a collection of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 5 The method can be similar to Figure 7 The method is performed by a UE of one of the apparatuses 10 or 20 shown in the figure.

[0044] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 5 The method may include: receiving configuration information from a network entity at 500, the configuration information being used to indicate a window without a bandwidth portion. The method may also include: sending a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window at 505.

[0045] According to some example embodiments, the indication may configure the apparatus to: dynamically or implicitly activate or deactivate the window. According to some example embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following items: a starting time slot or symbol of the window; a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of a sounding reference signal in the window; an ending time slot or symbol of the window; a duration of the window; a period of the window; an initial frequency position of the first hop; a number of hops to be performed in the window; a mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state; sounding reference signal configuration information; a time interval between hops in the window; a frequency overlap between hops in the window; or; a bandwidth of each hop in the window.

[0046] In certain example embodiments, the method may further include: once the window has ended, or once the transmission of the sounding reference signal has completed before the end of the window, switching to operate under the bandwidth portion rule previously activated within the window. In some example embodiments, the method may include operating within the window under at least one of the following items: radio resource control connected mode, radio resource control inactive mode, or radio resource control idle mode. In other example embodiments, in radio resource control connected mode, the method may further include: during the window, discarding all downlink and uplink signals and channels except for the sounding reference signal; during the window, discarding all downlink and uplink signals and channels except for the sounding reference signal, except for the synchronization signal block; discarding all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels; or sending all uplink signals and channels.

[0047] According to some example embodiments, when the discard rule is not configured from the network entity, all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal during the window period may be discarded. According to some example embodiments, in the radio resource control inactive mode, the method may further include: during the window period, discarding paging reception and sending the sounding reference signal; during the window period, stopping inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurement; or when the window overlaps at least partially with the discontinuous reception on-duration period, stopping the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0048] Figure 6 An example of a flow chart of another method according to certain example embodiments is illustrated. In an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method may be performed by a network entity, or by a collection of multiple network elements in a 3GPP system (such as LTE or 5G-NR). For example, in an example embodiment, Figure 6 The method may be performed by the network, cell, gNB, LMF, or similar Figure 7 The method may be performed by any other device of the apparatus 10 or one of the apparatuses 20 illustrated in FIG.

[0049] According to certain example embodiments, Figure 6 The method may include providing configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window without a bandwidth portion for uplink transmission at 600. The method may also include receiving a frequency-hopped uplink sounding reference signal sent within the indicated window from the user equipment at 605. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without a bandwidth portion.

[0050] According to some example embodiments, the method may further include: receiving a request from a network element to provide configuration information of a window to a user equipment; and receiving a request from a user equipment to provide configuration information of a window to a user equipment. According to some example embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following items: a starting time slot or symbol of the window; a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of a reference signal in the window; an ending time slot or symbol of the window; a duration of the window; a period of the window; an initial frequency position of the first hop; a number of hops to be performed in the window; a mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between a sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state; sounding reference signal configuration information; a time interval between hops in the window; a frequency overlap between hops in the window; or; a bandwidth of each hop in the window.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the user equipment may be configured via a radio resource control protocol or via a long term evolution positioning protocol. In some example embodiments, the window is configured to be dynamically activated and implicitly deactivated without a displayed indication. In other example embodiments, the window may be shared with one or more neighboring elements within the network.

[0052] According to certain example embodiments, the method may further include configuring the user equipment to operate in one of the following within the window: a radio resource control connected mode, a radio resource control inactive mode, or a radio resource control idle mode. According to some example embodiments, when the user equipment is configured to operate in a radio resource control connected mode, the method may further include: within the window, discarding all downlink signals and channels except for sounding reference signals, and uplink signals and channels; within the window, discarding all downlink signals and channels except for sounding reference signals, and uplink signals and channels, except for synchronization signal blocks; discarding all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels; or sending all uplink signals and channels.

[0053] In certain example embodiments, when the user equipment is configured to operate in a radio resource control inactive mode, the method may further include: within the window, discarding paging reception and sending a sounding reference signal; within the window, stopping inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurements; or when the window at least partially overlaps with the discontinuous reception on-time, stopping the sounding reference signal transmission.

[0054] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 10 may include: at least one processor 12; and at least one memory 14 including computer program code. The at least one memory 14 and the computer program code may be configured to, using stored instructions, cause apparatus 10, when executed by at least one processor 12, to: receive configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a no-bandwidth portion (e.g., Figure 4 According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also be configured to: send a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal (eg, Figure 4 430 in step 430).

[0055] In some example embodiments, the indication may configure the device to: dynamically or implicitly activate or deactivate the window (e.g., a third option / mode). In other example embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following items: a starting time slot or symbol of the window; a starting time slot or symbol of the first hop of the sounding reference signal in the window; an ending time slot or symbol of the window; a duration of the window; a period of the window; an initial frequency position of the first hop; a number of hops to be performed in the window; a mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state; sounding reference signal configuration information; a time interval between hops in the window; a frequency overlap between hops in the window; or; a bandwidth of each hop in the window (e.g., Figure 4 420 in step 420).

[0056] According to certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also be caused to: once the window has ended, or once the transmission of the sounding reference signal has completed before the end of the window, switch to operating under the previously activated bandwidth portion rule within the window (e.g., Figure 4 According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may operate in one of the following within the window: a radio resource control connected mode, a radio resource control inactive mode, or a radio resource control idle mode (e.g., Figure 4According to other example embodiments, when the apparatus 10 is in the radio resource control connected mode, the apparatus 10 may also be caused to: during the window, discard all downlink and uplink signals and channels except for the sounding reference signal (e.g., the first operation / mode, and Figure 4 During the window, discard all downlink and uplink signals and channels except for the sounding reference signal, except for the synchronization signal block (e.g., the second operation / mode, and Figure 4 425 in step 425); discarding all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels (eg, the third operation / mode, and Figure 4 or sending all uplink signals and channels (eg, fourth operation / mode, and Figure 4 425 in step 425).

[0057] In certain example embodiments, when the discard rule is not configured from the network entity, all downlink and uplink signals and channels except for the sounding reference signal during the window may be discarded. In other example embodiments, when the apparatus 10 is in the radio resource control inactive mode, the apparatus 10 may be caused to: discard paging reception during the window and send the sounding reference signal; stop inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurement during the window; or stop sounding reference signal transmission (e.g., when the window overlaps at least partially with the discontinuous reception on-duration) when the window overlaps at least partially with the discontinuous reception on-duration. Figure 4 420 and 425 in FIG.

[0058] In certain example embodiments, apparatus 20 may include: at least one processor 22; and at least one memory 24 including computer program code. The at least one memory 24 and the computer program code may be configured to, with stored instructions, cause apparatus 20 to provide configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window of a bandwidth-free portion for uplink transmission (e.g., Figure 4 According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also be configured to: receive a frequency-hopping uplink sounding reference signal (eg, Figure 4 In certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without a bandwidth portion.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also be configured to: receive a request from a network element to provide configuration information of a window to a user equipment, and receive a request from a user equipment to provide configuration information of a window to a user equipment. In other example embodiments, the configuration information includes at least one of the following items: a starting time slot or symbol of the window; a starting time slot or symbol of the first hop of a reference signal in the window; an ending time slot or symbol of the window; a duration of the window; a period of the window; an initial frequency position of the first hop; a number of hops to be performed in the window; a mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between a sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state; sounding reference signal configuration information; a time interval between hops in the window; a frequency overlap between hops in the window; or; a bandwidth of each hop in the window (e.g., Figure 4 420 in step 420).

[0060] According to some example embodiments, the user equipment may be configured via a radio resource control protocol or via a long term evolution positioning protocol. According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also be configured to: configure the window to be dynamically activated and implicitly deactivated without displaying an indication (e.g., Figure 4 According to other example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also be configured to configure the user equipment to operate in one of the following items within the window: a radio resource control connected mode, a radio resource control inactive mode, or a radio resource control idle mode (e.g., Figure 4 420 in step 420).

[0061] In certain example embodiments, configuring the user equipment to operate in a radio resource control connected mode may include configuring the user equipment to: discard all downlink signals and channels, and uplink signals and channels except for sounding reference signals within the window (e.g., a first selection / mode); discard all downlink signals and channels, and uplink signals and channels except for sounding reference signals within the window, except for synchronization signal blocks (e.g., a second selection / mode); discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels (e.g., a third selection / mode); or send all uplink signals and channels (e.g., a fourth selection / mode). In certain example embodiments, configuring the user equipment to operate in a radio resource control inactive mode may include configuring the user equipment to: discard paging reception within the window and send sounding reference signals; stop inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurements within the window; or stop sounding reference signal transmission when the window at least partially overlaps with the discontinuous reception on-duration (e.g., a fourth selection / mode). Figure 4 420 in step 420).

[0062] Figure 7The diagram illustrates a collection of apparatuses 10 and apparatuses 20 according to some example embodiments. In some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be an element in a communication network or associated with such a network, such as a UE, a mobile equipment (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 apparatus 10 may include Figure 7 Components or features not shown.

[0063] 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 7 Components or features not shown.

[0064] As shown in the example of FIG. 8 , 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 7 A single processor 12 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be used. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case the processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). According to some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0065] Processor 12 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 10, including, as some examples: 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 7 The process and examples are illustrated in .

[0066] 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 disk or optical disk), 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 code that, when executed by the processor 12, enables the device 10 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0067] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to (internal or external) a 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 5 Any of the methods and examples shown in .

[0068] In some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may also include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for receiving downlink signals 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 carried by the downlink or UL, such as OFDMA symbols.

[0069] 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.

[0070] In certain example embodiments, the memory 14 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by the processor 12. The software 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).

[0071] 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.

[0072] For example, in some example embodiments, the apparatus 10 may be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to receive configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window without a bandwidth portion. The apparatus 10 may also be controlled by the memory 14 and the processor 12 to send a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0073] As in Figure 7 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, LMF, BS, cell, or NW. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art will understand that the device 20 may include Figure 7 Components or features not shown.

[0074] like Figure 7As 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 7 A single processor 22 is shown in FIG. 1 , but according to other example embodiments, multiple processors may be used. For example, it should be understood that in some example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may include two or more processors, which may form a multiprocessor system that may support multiprocessing (e.g., in which case the processor 22 may represent a multiprocessor). According to some example embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0075] According to certain example embodiments, processor 22 may perform functions associated with the operation of device 20, 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 20, including Figures 1 to 4 ,as well as Figure 6 The process and examples shown in .

[0076] 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 may 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 disk or optical disk), hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transient machine or computer readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enables the device 20 to perform tasks as described herein.

[0077] In certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may also include or be coupled to (internal or external) a 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 Figures 1 to 4 ,as well as Figure 6 Any of the methods and examples shown in .

[0078] 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 also include, for example, a plurality of radio interfaces coupled to the antenna(s) 25. The radio interfaces may correspond to a variety of radio access technologies, including one or more of the following: GSM, NB-IoT, LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, Radio Frequency Identification (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).

[0079] 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).

[0080] In certain example embodiments, memory 24 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The software modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules (such as applications or programs) to provide additional functionality for device 20. The components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware, or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0081] According to some example 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.

[0082] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to: a hardware circuitry implementation only (e.g., an analog and / or digital circuitry implementation), a combination of hardware circuits and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, any portion of a (multiple) hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) with software that works together to enable a device (e.g., device 10 and device 20) to perform various functions, and / or (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, or portions thereof, that operate using software but may not be present when the software is not required for operation. As another example, as used herein, the term "circuitry" may also cover an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor only (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.

[0083] For example, in certain example embodiments, the apparatus 20 may be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to provide configuration information to the user equipment to indicate a window without a bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The apparatus 20 may also be controlled by the memory 24 and the processor 22 to receive a frequency-hopping uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window from the user equipment. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without a bandwidth portion.

[0084] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include: a component for performing the method, process, or any variant discussed herein. Examples of the component may include one or more of the following: a processor, a memory, a controller, a transmitter, a receiver, and / or a computer program code for causing the operation to be performed.

[0085] Certain example embodiments may be directed to an apparatus, the apparatus comprising: means for performing any of the methods described herein, for example, comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion. The apparatus may also include: means for sending a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

[0086] Certain example embodiments may also be directed to an apparatus comprising: means for providing configuration information to a user equipment to indicate a window of no bandwidth portion for uplink transmission. The apparatus may also include: means for receiving, from the user equipment, a frequency-hopped uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window. According to certain example embodiments, the sounding reference signal may be received without the bandwidth portion.

[0087] Certain example embodiments described herein provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages. For example, in some example embodiments, faster SRS for positioning frequency hopping can be achieved (reduced latency). In other example embodiments, higher positioning accuracy can also be achieved due to less UE movement affecting the measurement.

[0088] The computer program product may include one or more computer executable components that are configured to perform some of the example embodiments when the program is run. The one or more computer executable components may be at least a set of software code or a portion thereof. Modifications and configurations required to implement the functionality of some of the example embodiments may be performed as routines (multiple), which may be implemented as added or updated software routines (multiple). The software routines (multiple) may be downloaded to a device.

[0089] As an example, the software or computer program code or part 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-transient medium.

[0090] 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, which may be a non-tangible component carried by an electromagnetic signal downloaded from the Internet or other network.

[0091] 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 as a chipset including a memory for providing storage capacity for arithmetic operations, and an operation processor for performing arithmetic operations.

[0092] A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the disclosure described above may be practiced using processes in a different order, and / or using hardware elements in a configuration different from that disclosed. Therefore, although the present disclosure has been described based on these example embodiments, certain modifications, variations, and alternative structures will be apparent to those skilled in the art while remaining within the spirit and scope of the example embodiments. Although the above embodiments relate to 5G NR and LTE technologies, the above embodiments may also be applied to any other existing or future 3GPP technologies, such as Advanced LTE and / or fourth generation (4G) technologies.

[0093] Partial glossary:

[0094] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0095] 5G Fifth Generation

[0096] 5GCN 5G Core Network

[0097] 5GS 5G System

[0098] BLW No BWP window

[0099] BS Base Station

[0100] BW Bandwidth

[0101] BWP Bandwidth Part

[0102] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0103] DRX Discontinuous Reception

[0104] eNB Enhanced Node B

[0105] E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN

[0106] gNB 5G or Next Generation NodeB

[0107] LPP LTE Positioning Protocol

[0108] LMF Location Management Function

[0109] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0110] MAC CE Media Access Control - Control Element

[0111] NR New Radio

[0112] NRPPa New Radiolocation Protocola

[0113] NW Network

[0114] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0115] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0116] PRS Positioning Reference Signal

[0117] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0118] RedCap reduced capabilities

[0119] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0120] SPS Semi-persistent Scheduling

[0121] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0122] TRP Transmission Reception Point

[0123] UE User Equipment

[0124] UL Uplink

Claims

1. A device 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, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a no-bandwidth portion; as well as Within the indicated window, a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal is sent to the network entity. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the indication configures the apparatus to dynamically or implicitly activate or deactivate the window.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following items: the starting time slot or symbol of the window, a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of the sounding reference signal in the window, the end slot or symbol of the window, the duration of the window, The period of the window, The initial frequency position of the first jump, the number of hops to be performed in said window, a mode operation number, the mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state, Sounding reference signal configuration information, The time interval between jumps in the window, The frequencies between the hops in the window overlap, or The bandwidth of each hop in the window.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Once the window has ended, or once the transmission of the sounding reference signal has completed before the end of the window, switching to operation under the previously activated bandwidth portion rule within the window.

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the device operates within the window under one of the following items: Radio Resource Control Connection Mode, RRC inactive mode, or Radio Resource Control Idle Mode.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the apparatus is in the radio resource control connected mode, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with stored instructions, cause the apparatus to at least: During the window, all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal are discarded, During the window, all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal are discarded, except for synchronization signal blocks, discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels, or All uplink signals and channels are sent.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein when a drop rule is not configured from the network entity, all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal during the window are dropped.

8. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein when the apparatus is in the radio resource control inactive mode, the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, with stored instructions, cause the apparatus to at least: During the window, paging reception is discarded and the sounding reference signal is sent, During the window, the inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurements are stopped, or When the window at least partially overlaps with the DRX on-duration, the SRS transmission is stopped.

9. 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, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: Providing configuration information to a user equipment, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a bandwidth-free portion for uplink transmission; as well as A frequency hopped uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window is received from the user equipment, wherein the sounding reference signal is received without a bandwidth portion.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: receiving, from a network element, a request to provide the configuration information of the window to the user equipment; and A request is received from the user equipment to provide the configuration information of the window to the user equipment.

11. The apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: the starting time slot or symbol of the window, a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of the reference signal in the window, the end slot or symbol of the window, the duration of the window, The period of the window, The initial frequency position of the first jump, the number of hops to be performed in said window, a mode operation number, the mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state, The time interval between jumps in the window, The frequencies between the hops in the window overlap, or The bandwidth of each hop in the window.

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the user equipment is configured by a radio resource control protocol or via a long term evolution positioning protocol.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The window is configured to be dynamically activated and to be implicitly deactivated without explicit instruction.

14. An apparatus according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the window is shared with one or more neighbouring elements within a network.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are further configured to, by storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: The user equipment is configured to operate within the window under one of the following items: Radio Resource Control Connection Mode, RRC inactive mode, or Radio Resource Control Idle Mode.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein configuring the user equipment to operate in the radio resource control connected mode comprises configuring the user equipment to: Within the window, discarding all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal, within the window, discarding all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal, excluding synchronization signal blocks, discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels, or All uplink signals and channels are sent.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein configuring the user equipment to operate in the radio resource control inactive mode comprises configuring the user equipment to: within the window, discarding paging reception and sending the sounding reference signal, Within the window, stop the inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurement, or When the window at least partially overlaps with the DRX on-duration, the SRS transmission is stopped.

18. A method comprising: receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a no-bandwidth portion; as well as Within the indicated window, a frequency-hopping sounding reference signal is sent to the network entity.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the indication configures the device to dynamically or implicitly activate or deactivate the window.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following items: the starting time slot or symbol of the window, a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of the sounding reference signal in the window, the end slot or symbol of the window, the duration of the window, The period of the window, The initial frequency position of the first jump, the number of hops to be performed in said window, a mode operation number, the mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state, Sounding reference signal configuration information, The time interval between jumps in the window, The frequencies between the hops in the window overlap, or The bandwidth of each hop in the window.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, further comprising: Once the window has ended, or once the transmission of the sounding reference signal has completed before the end of the window, switching to operation under the previously activated bandwidth portion rule within the window.

22. The method of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising operating within the window under one of the following items: Radio Resource Control Connection Mode, RRC inactive mode, or Radio Resource Control Idle Mode.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein when operating in the radio resource control connected mode, the method further comprises: During the window, all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal are discarded, During said window, all said downlink and uplink signals and channels except said sounding reference signal are discarded, except for synchronization signal blocks, discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels, or All uplink signals and channels are sent.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein when a dropping rule is not configured from the network entity, all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal during the window are dropped.

25. The method of claim 22, wherein when operating in the radio resource control inactive mode, the method further comprises: During the window, paging reception is discarded and the sounding reference signal is sent, During the window, the inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurements are stopped, or When the window at least partially overlaps with the DRX on-duration, the SRS transmission is stopped.

26. A method comprising: Providing configuration information to a user equipment, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a bandwidth-free portion for uplink transmission; as well as A frequency hopped uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window is received from the user equipment, wherein the sounding reference signal is received without a bandwidth portion.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: receiving, from a network element, a request to provide the configuration information of the window to the user equipment; as well as A request is received from the user equipment to provide the configuration information of the window to the user equipment.

28. The method of claim 26 or 27, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: the starting time slot or symbol of the window, a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of the reference signal in the window, the end slot or symbol of the window, the duration of the window, The period of the window, The initial frequency position of the first jump, the number of hops to be performed in said window, a mode operation number, the mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state, The time interval between jumps in the window, The frequencies between the hops in the window overlap, or The bandwidth of each hop in the window.

29. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the user equipment is configured by a radio resource control protocol or via a long term evolution positioning protocol.

30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, further comprising: The window is configured to be dynamically activated and to be implicitly deactivated without explicit instruction.

31. A method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, wherein the window is shared with one or more neighbouring elements within a network.

32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31, further comprising configuring the user equipment to operate within the window under one of the following items: Radio Resource Control Connection Mode, RRC inactive mode, or Radio Resource Control Idle Mode.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein configuring the user equipment to operate in the radio resource control connected mode comprises configuring the user equipment to: Within the window, discarding all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal, within the window, discarding all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal, excluding synchronization signal blocks, discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels, or All uplink signals and channels are sent.

34. The method of claim 32, wherein configuring the user equipment to operate in the radio resource control inactive mode comprises configuring the user equipment to: within the window, discarding paging reception and sending the sounding reference signal, Within the window, stop the inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurement, or When the window at least partially overlaps with the DRX on-duration, the SRS transmission is stopped.

35. An apparatus comprising: means for receiving configuration information from a network entity, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a no bandwidth portion; as well as means for sending a frequency hopping sounding reference signal to the network entity within the indicated window.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the indication configures the apparatus to dynamically or implicitly activate or deactivate the window.

37. The apparatus according to claim 35 or 36, wherein the configuration information comprises at least one of the following items: the starting time slot or symbol of the window, a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of the sounding reference signal in the window, the end slot or symbol of the window, the duration of the window, The period of the window, The initial frequency position of the first jump, the number of hops to be performed in said window, a mode operation number, the mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state, Sounding reference signal configuration information, The time interval between jumps in the window, The frequencies between the hops in the window overlap, or The bandwidth of each hop in the window.

38. The apparatus according to any one of claims 35 to 37, further comprising: Means for switching to operating under a previously activated bandwidth portion rule within said window once said window has ended, or once said transmission of said sounding reference signal has completed before said window has ended.

39. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 38, further comprising means for operating within the window at one of the following: Radio Resource Control Connection Mode, RRC inactive mode, or Radio Resource Control Idle Mode.

40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein when operating in the radio resource control connected mode, the apparatus further comprises means for: During the window, all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal are discarded, During said window, all said downlink and uplink signals and channels except said sounding reference signal are discarded, except for synchronization signal blocks, discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels, or All uplink signals and channels are sent.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein when a drop rule is not configured from the network entity, all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal during the window are dropped.

42. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein when operating in the radio resource control inactive mode, the apparatus further comprises means for: During the window, paging reception is discarded and the sounding reference signal is sent, During the window, the inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurements are stopped, or When the window at least partially overlaps with the DRX on-duration, the SRS transmission is stopped.

43. An apparatus comprising: means for providing configuration information to a user equipment, the configuration information being used to indicate a window of a bandwidth-free portion for uplink transmission; as well as Means for receiving, from the user equipment, a frequency hopped uplink sounding reference signal transmitted within the indicated window, wherein the sounding reference signal is received without a bandwidth portion.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising: means for receiving, from a network element, a request to provide said configuration information of said window to said user equipment; as well as Means for receiving, from the user equipment, a request to provide the configuration information of the window to the user equipment.

45. The apparatus of claim 43 or 44, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of: the starting time slot or symbol of the window, a starting time slot or symbol of a first hop of the reference signal in the window, the end slot or symbol of the window, the duration of the window, The period of the window, The initial frequency position of the first jump, the number of hops to be performed in said window, a mode operation number, the mode operation number indicating different discarding rules between the sounding reference signal and other downlink or uplink channels or signals, or indicating a radio resource control state, The time interval between jumps in the window, The frequencies between the hops in the window overlap, or The bandwidth of each hop in the window.

46. ​​The apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein the user equipment is configured by a radio resource control protocol or via a long term evolution positioning protocol.

47. The apparatus according to any one of claims 43 to 46, further comprising: Means for configuring the window to be dynamically activated and implicitly deactivated in the absence of explicit instruction.

48. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 47, wherein the window is shared with one or more neighbouring elements within a network.

49. The apparatus of any one of claims 43 to 48, further comprising means for configuring the user equipment to operate within the window under one of the following: Radio Resource Control Connection Mode, RRC inactive mode, or Radio Resource Control Idle Mode.

50. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein configuring the user equipment to operate in the radio resource control connected mode comprises configuring the user equipment to: Within the window, discarding all downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal, within the window, discarding all of the downlink and uplink signals and channels except the sounding reference signal, excluding synchronization signal blocks, discard all non-dynamically scheduled signals and channels, or All uplink signals and channels are sent.

51. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein configuring the user equipment to operate in the radio resource control inactive mode comprises configuring the user equipment to: within the window, discarding paging reception and sending the sounding reference signal, Within the window, stop the inter-frequency or intra-frequency measurement, or When the window at least partially overlaps with the DRX on-duration, the SRS transmission is stopped.

52. A non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon, the program instructions being used to execute the method of any one of claims 18 to 34.

53. An apparatus comprising circuitry configured to cause the apparatus to perform a process according to any one of claims 18 to 34.

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