Inter-RAT measurement without measurement gap

Abstract

Methods implemented by a wireless device and a network node and corresponding wireless devices and network nodes are disclosed. According to an embodiment, a wireless device (22) is configured to communicate with a network node (16). A wireless device receives (S138) a configuration for inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps. The configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The wireless device performs (S140) an inter-RAT measurement without a measurement gap on at least one cell in the effective measurement window based on the configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communication and, in particular, to inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps. Background Art

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) has developed and is developing standards for 4th Generation (4G) (also known as Long Term Evolution (LTE)) and 5th Generation (5G) (also known as New Radio (NR)) wireless communication systems. Among other features, such systems provide broadband communication between network nodes (e.g., base stations) and mobile wireless devices (WDs), as well as communication between network nodes and between WDs. 6th Generation (6G) wireless communication systems are also under development.

[0003] Wireless Device Measurements

[0004] A wireless device performs measurements on one or more downlink (DL) and / or uplink (UL) reference signals (RS) of one or more cells in different wireless device activity states (e.g., Radio Resource Control (RRC) idle state, RRC inactive state, RRC connected state, etc.). The measured cell may belong to the same carrier frequency as the carrier frequency of the serving cell (e.g., co-frequency carrier) or operate on the same carrier frequency as the carrier frequency of the serving cell, or it may belong to a different carrier frequency from the carrier frequency of the serving cell (e.g., non-serving carrier frequency) or operate on a different carrier frequency from the carrier frequency of the serving cell. If the serving cell and the measured cell belong to the same radio access technology (RAT) but to different carriers, the non-serving carrier may be referred to as an inter-frequency carrier. If the serving cell and the measured cell belong to different RATs, the non-serving carrier may be referred to as an inter-RAT carrier. Examples of downlink RS are signals in Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), Channel State Information RS (CSI-RS), CRS, Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS), Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), signals in Synchronization Signal / Physical Broadcast Channel (SS / PBCH) Block (SSB), Discovery Reference Signal (DRS), Positioning Reference Signal (PRS), etc. Examples of uplink RS are signals in Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), DMRS, etc.

[0005] In 4 consecutive symbols, each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS, and NR-PBCH. One or more SSBs are transmitted in an SSB burst, and the SSB burst is repeated at a specific period (e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms). The wireless device is configured with information about the SSBs on a cell of a specific carrier frequency through one or more SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration includes parameters such as the SMTC period, the SMTC occasion time length or duration, and the SMTC time offset with respect to a reference time (e.g., the SFN of the serving cell). Thus, the SMTC occasion can also occur at a specific period (e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms).

[0006] Examples of measurements are cell identification (e.g., PCI acquisition, PSS / SSS detection, cell detection, cell search, etc.), reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), secondary synchronization RSRP (SS-RSRP), SS-RSRQ, SINR, RS-SINR, SS-SINR, CSI-RSRP, CSI-RSRQ, received signal strength indicator (RSSI), system information (SI) acquisition, cell global ID (CGI) acquisition, reference signal time difference (RSTD), UERX-TX time difference measurement, radio link monitoring (RLM) (which consists of out-of-sync detection and in-sync detection), etc.

[0007] The wireless device is typically configured by the network (e.g., via RRC messages) with measurement configurations and measurement reporting configurations, such as measurement gap mode, carrier frequency information, type of measurement (e.g., RSRP, etc.), high-layer filtering coefficient, time to trigger a report, reporting mechanism (e.g., periodic, event-triggered reporting, event-triggered periodic reporting, etc.).

[0008] Measurements are performed for various purposes. Some example measurement purposes include: wireless device mobility (e.g., cell change, cell selection, cell reselection, handover, RRC connection reestablishment, etc.), wireless device positioning or location determination, self-organizing network (SON), minimized drive test (MDT), operation and maintenance (O&M), network planning and optimization, etc.

[0009] LTE measurements between NR RATs

[0010] In NR, inter-RAT measurements are defined for NR-E-UTRAN FDD and NR-E-UTRAN TDD measurements and apply to wireless devices in the RRC_CONNECTED state without an explicit E-UTRAN neighbor cell list containing physical layer cell identities. Inter-RAT measurements are performed during measurement gaps or NCSGs.

[0011] When a wireless device requires a measurement gap or NCSG to identify and measure an inter-RAT cell and schedule an appropriate measurement gap pattern or NCSG, or when the wireless device supports concurrent measurement gap patterns and schedules a concurrent measurement gap pattern, or schedules and activates an appropriate pre-MG, the wireless device can identify new detectable FDD cells within T according to the following expression Identify,E-UTRAN FDD as follows:

[0012]

[0013] Where:

[0014] T BasicIdentify = 480 ms,

[0015] When using a measurement gap, T Inter1 is defined in Table 1 below, and when using an NCSG, T Inter1 is defined in Table 2.

[0016] Table 1: Minimum available time for inter-RAT measurements when a measurement gap is configured

[0017]

[0018]

[0019] Table 2: Shortest available time for inter-RAT measurements when an NCSG is configured

[0020]

[0021]

[0022] When a measurement gap is configured, CSSF interRAT = CSSF within_gap,i or when an NCSG is configured, CSSF within_ncsg,i is the scaling factor of the measured inter-RAT E-UTRA carrier i.

[0023] Measurement gap

[0024] The wireless device performs measurements on cells of non-serving carriers (e.g., inter-frequency carriers, inter-RAT carriers, etc.) using the Measurement Gap Pattern (MGP). In NR, in some scenarios, for example, if the measured signal (e.g., SSB) is outside the Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the serving cell, the gap is also used for measurements on the cell of the serving carrier. The wireless device is only scheduled in the serving cell within the BWP. During this gap, the wireless device cannot be scheduled to receive / transmit signals in the serving cell. The Measurement Gap Pattern is characterized or defined by several parameters: Measurement Gap Length (MGL), Measurement Gap Repetition Period (MGRP), and the Measurement Gap Time Offset relative to a reference time (e.g., slot offset relative to the SFN of the serving cell (e.g., SFN = 0)). Figure 1 An example of MGP is shown in Figure 1 . For example, the MGL can be 1.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 5.5, or 6 ms, and the MGRP can be 20, 40, 80, or 160 ms. This type of MGP is configured by a network node and is also referred to as network-controlled or network-configurable MGP. Thus, the serving base station knows exactly the timing of each gap within the MGP.

[0025] In NR, there are two main categories of MGP: per-wireless-device Measurement Gap Pattern and per-FR Measurement Gap Pattern. In NR, the spectrum is divided into two frequency ranges, namely FR1 and FR2. FR1 is currently defined as from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. The FR2 range is currently defined as from 24250 MHz to 71000 MHz. The FR2 range can also be interchangeably referred to as millimeter wave (mmwave), and the corresponding bands in FR2 are called millimeter wave bands. In the future, more frequency ranges can be specified, such as FR3. An example of FR3 is a frequency in the range between 7125 MHz and 24250 MHz or above 71000 MHz.

[0026] When per wireless device MGP is configured, the wireless device creates gaps on all serving cells (e.g., PCell, PSCell, SCell, etc.), regardless of their frequency ranges. The wireless device can use per wireless device MGP to perform measurements on cells of any carrier frequency belonging to any RAT or frequency range (FR). When per FR MGP is configured (if the wireless device supports this capability), the wireless device creates gaps only on the serving cells of the indicated FR whose carriers are to be measured. For example, if the wireless device is configured with per FR1 MGP, the wireless device creates measurement gaps only on the serving cells of FR1 (e.g., PCell, PSCell, SCell, etc.), and not on the serving cells on carriers of FR2. The per FR1 gaps can be used for measurements of cells of only FR1 carriers. Similarly, when per FR2 gaps are configured, the per FR2 gaps are created only on FR2 serving cells and can be used for measurements of cells of only FR2 carriers. Support for per FR gaps is a wireless device capability, i.e., some wireless devices may support only per wireless device gaps according to their capabilities.

[0027] According to 3GPP standards (e.g., 3GPP Technical Specification (TS) 38.331 v17.1.0), the following shows the RRC messages provided by the network node to the wireless device for measurement gap configuration:

[0028] -MeasGapConfig

[0029] The IE MeasGapConfig specifies the measurement gap configuration and controls the setup / release of the measurement gap.

[0030] MeasGapConfig information element

[0031] -- ASN1START

[0032] -- TAG-MEASGAPCONFIG-START

[0033] MeasGapConfig ::= SEQUENCE {

[0034] gapFR2 SetupRelease { GapConfig}OPTIONAL, -- Need M

[0035] ...,

[0037] gapFR1 SetupRelease { GapConfig}OPTIONAL, -- Need M

[0038] ​gapUE SetupRelease { GapConfig}OPTIONAL -- Need M

[0039] ,

[0041] gapToAddModList-r17 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofGapId-r17))OF GapConfig-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need N

[0042] gapToReleaseList-r17 SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofGapId-r17))OF MeasGapId-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need N

[0043] posMeasGapPreConfigToAddModList-r17

[0044] PosMeasGapPreConfigToAddModList-r17 OPTIONAL, -- Need N

[0045] posMeasGapPreConfigToReleaseList-r17 PosMeasGapPreConfigToReleaseList-r17 OPTIONAL -- Need N

[0047] }

[0048] GapConfig ::= SEQUENCE {

[0049] gapOffset INTEGER (0..159),

[0050] mgl ENUMERATED {ms1dot5, ms3,ms3dot5, ms4, ms5dot5, ms6},

[0051] mgrp ENUMERATED {ms20, ms40, ms80,ms160},

[0052] mgta ENUMERATED {ms0, ms0dot25,ms0dot5},

[0053] ..., ​​​

[0055] refServCellIndicator ENUMERATED {pCell, pSCell, mcg - FR2} OPTIONAL -- Cond NEDCorNRDC

[0056] ,

[0058] refFR2ServCellAsyncCA - r16 ServCellIndex OPTIONAL, -- Cond AsyncCA

[0059] mgl - r16 ENUMERATED {ms10, ms20} OPTIONAL -- Cond PRS

[0061] }

[0062] GapConfig - r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0063] measGapId - r17 MeasGapId - r17,

[0064] gapType - r17 ENUMERATED {perUE, perFR1, perFR2},

[0065] gapOffset - r17 INTEGER (0..159),

[0066] mgl - r17 ENUMERATED {ms1, ms1dot5, ms2, ms3, ms3dot5, ms4, ms5, ms5dot5, ms6, ms10, ms20},

[0067] mgrp - r17 ENUMERATED {ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160},

[0068] mgta - r17 ENUMERATED {ms0, ms0dot25, ms0dot5, ms0dot75},

[0069] refServCellIndicator - r17 ENUMERATED {pCell, pSCell, mcg - FR2} OPTIONAL, -- Cond NEDCorNRDC ​​

[0070] refFR2-ServCellAsyncCA-r17 ServCellIndexOPTIONAL, -- Cond AsyncCA

[0071] preConfigInd-r17 ENUMERATED {true}OPTIONAL, -- Need R

[0072] ncsgInd-r17 ENUMERATED {true}OPTIONAL, -- Need R

[0073] gapAssociationPRS-r17 ENUMERATED {true}OPTIONAL, -- Need R

[0074] gapSharing-r17 MeasGapSharingSchemeOPTIONAL, -- Need R

[0075] gapPriority-r17 GapPriority-r17OPTIONAL, -- Need R ...

[0077] }

[0078] PosMeasGapPreConfigToAddModList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxNrofPreConfigPosGapId-r17)) OF PosGapConfig-r17

[0079] PosMeasGapPreConfigToReleaseList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxNrofPreConfigPosGapId-r17)) OF MeasPosPreConfigGapId-r17

[0080] PosGapConfig-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0081] measPosPreConfigGapId-r17 MeasPosPreConfigGapId-r17,

[0082] gapOffset-r17 INTEGER (0..159),

[0083] mgl-r17 ENUMERATED {ms1dot5, ms3, ms3dot5, ms4, ms5dot5, ms6, ms10, ms20},

[0084] mgrp-r17 ENUMERATED {ms20, ms40, ms80, ms160},

[0085] mgta-r17 ENUMERATED {ms0, ms0dot25, ms0dot5},

[0086] gapType-r17 ENUMERATED {perUE, perFR1, perFR2}, ...

[0088] }

[0089] MeasPosPreConfigGapId-r17 ::= INTEGER (1..maxNrofPreConfigPosGapId-r17)

[0090] -- TAG-MEASGAPCONFIG-STOP

[0091] -- ASN1STOP

[0092] MeasGapConfig field description The gapAssociationPRS indicates that the PRS measurement is associated with this measurement gap. The network includes this field only for one per-radio-device gap. If concurrent gaps are configured (i.e., one of the gap combinations defined in Table 9.1.8-1 of 3GPP TS 38.133) and no gap is configured with this field, the PRS measurement is associated with the gap configured via gapUE (if available). The gapFR1 indicates a measurement gap configuration that is applicable only to FR1. Under (NG) EN-DC, gapFR1 cannot be set by NR RRC (i.e., only LTE RRC can configure FR1 measurement gaps). Under NE-DC, gapFR1 can only be set by NR RRC (i.e., LTE RRC cannot configure FR1 gaps). Under NR-DC, gapFR1 can only be set in the measConfig associated with MCG. gapFR1 cannot be configured together with gapUE. The applicability of the FR1 measurement gap conforms to Tables 9.1.2-2 and 9.1.2-3 in 3GPP TS 38.133. The gapFR2 indicates that the measurement gap configuration is applicable only to FR2. Under (NG) EN-DC or NE-DC, gapFR2 can only be set by NR RRC (i.e., LTE RRC cannot configure FR2 gaps). Under NR-DC, gapFR2 can only be set in the measConfig associated with MCG. gapFR2 cannot be configured together with gapUE. The applicability of the FR2 measurement gap conforms to Tables 9.1.2-2 and 9.1.2-3 in 3GPP TS 38.133. The gapOffset value gapOffset is the gap offset of the gap pattern indicated by MGRP in the field mgrp. The value range is from 0 to mgrp - 1. If ncsgInd-r17 exists, this offset value refers to the starting point of VIL1 (visible interruption length before ML).

[0093]

[0094]

[0095]

[0096]

[0097] Concurrent Gap

[0098] In NR Release 17, the Concurrent Measurement Gap Pattern (C-MGP) has been specified in 3GPP standards (e.g., 3GPP TS38.133 v17.6.0). Figure 2 Examples of C-MGP with different degrees of overlap between measurement gaps are shown in. RAN4 has identified five scenarios of concurrent gaps, as Figure 2 shown. C-MGP includes at least two simultaneously configured measurement gap patterns (e.g., at least two separate MGPs, each of a type such as Figure 3As shown). C-MGP can also be referred to as a concurrent gap. At least two MGPs can be configured using the same or different MGP-related parameters. For example, the MGL, MGRP, etc. of at least two MGPs can be the same, or they can be different. The measurement gaps belonging to different MGPs within the C-MGP can overlap with each other in time, or they can not overlap with each other, or they can partially overlap with each other.

[0099] Return reference Figure 2 , Figure 2 The scenario in (a) shows two completely non-overlapping measurement gap patterns. Although the measurement gap repetition period (MGRP) is shown here to be the same for the two measurement gap patterns, this is not a requirement for the application of this scenario. The MGRP between MGPs can be different. For example, one MGRP can be 40 ms, and the other MGRP can be 40 ms or 80 ms, and as long as the measurement gaps under one MGP never partially or completely overlap with the measurement gaps under another MGP, this scenario is satisfied. In the standardization discussion, this scenario is called the fully non-overlapping (FNO) scenario.

[0100] Figure 2 The scenario in (b) shows two completely overlapping measurement gap patterns. In either case, one MGP is always contained within the other MGP, and the MGRP of the two MGPs is the same MGRP. In the standardization discussion, these scenarios are called the fully overlapping (FO) scenarios.

[0101] Figure 2 The scenario in (c) shows two measurement gap patterns whose gaps always partially overlap with each other. These MGRPs are the same MGRP. In the standardization discussion, this scenario is called the fully - partially overlapping (FPO) scenario.

[0102] Figure 2 The scenario in (d) shows two measurement gap patterns that at least occasionally completely overlap with each other. To apply this scenario, these MGRPs must be different. For example, one MGRP is 40 ms, while the other MGRP is 80 ms. In the standard, this scenario is called the partially - fully overlapping (PFO) scenario.

[0103] Figure 2 The scenario in (e) shows two measurement gap patterns whose gaps at least occasionally partially overlap. To apply this scenario, the MGRPs of the two measurement gap patterns must be different. For example, one MGRP is 40 ms, while the other MGRP is 80 ms. In the standardization discussion, this scenario is called the partially overlapping (PPO) scenario.

[0104] Pre-configured gap

[0105] The pre-configured measurement gap (pre-MG) has also been specified as part of the 3GPP Release 17 measurement gap enhancement work item (WU). The purpose of this work item is to allow the configuration of "deactivated" measurement gaps, i.e., the radio device uses the configured gap to perform measurements only in certain cases. Hence, the term "pre-configured" exists. This is different from traditional measurement gaps because for this new case, the gap is not automatically set ("activated") at the time of configuration.

[0106] Two methods have been specified to activate / deactivate the so-called pre-configured measurement gap: a) the autonomous method and b) the network control mechanism. For the first case, the radio device can autonomously distinguish whether it is necessary to use the pre-configured gap to perform measurements (e.g., if at the time of BWP switching, the reference signal is not fully contained within the new active BWP). For the latter method, the network / network node explicitly indicates in each BWP configuration whether the pre-configured gap should be activated / deactivated when switching to that particular BWP. One or more gaps not used for measurement (e.g., the SSB to be measured is within the active BWP of the radio device) are considered "deactivated" or the state of the pre-MG is set to "deactivated". One or more gaps used for measurement (e.g., the SSB to be measured is not within the active BWP of the radio device) are considered "activated" or the state of the pre-MG is set to "activated". During the deactivated gap in the serving cell (i.e., when the pre-MG state is deactivated), the network node can schedule data in the DL and / or UL for the radio device. During the activated gap in the serving cell (i.e., when the state of the pre-MG is activated), it is not expected that the radio device receives any data from or sends any data to the base station. An example of the pre-MG is shown in the Figure 3 above.

[0107] NR network control small gap (NCSG) and NCSG mode

[0108] The NCSG-based measurement and NCSG mode are defined in the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.133 v17.6.0). A radio device supporting the network control small gap (NCGG) mode can be configured with the NCSG mode via RRC signaling. The radio device supports the NCSG modes defined in Table 3 related to the measurement capabilities of the radio device. ML is the measurement length. During VIL1 and VIL2, it is not expected that the radio device sends and receives any data. Here, VIL1 is the visible interruption length before ML, and VIL2 is the visible interruption length after ML. During ML, whether it is expected that the radio device 22 sends and receives data on the corresponding serving carrier depends on the scheduling restrictions. Figure 4 The NCSG configuration parameters VIL1, ML, VIL2, and VIRP are shown in the timing diagram of

[0109] Table 3: NCSG configurations supported by the wireless device

[0110]

[0111] Figure 5 shows the behavior of the wireless device after the network / network node configures NCSG and MG.

[0112] NR NeedForGaps capability

[0113] In 3GPP Release 16 (Release 16), RAN2 introduced the NeedForGap feature, which points to a more "dynamic" gap reporting method. It generally works as follows:

[0114] - In the first (RRC) reconfiguration message, the network node configures the serving cell and / or SCG (i.e., the frequency on which to operate) for the wireless device and a list of target frequency bands that the wireless device may measure,

[0115] - Then, the wireless device indicates (in the RRCReconfigurationComplete message) which of the target frequency band gaps are actually needed, and

[0116] - Finally, in the second RRCReconfiguration message, the network node configures the measurement gaps required by the wireless device.

[0117] Then, for this case, the signaling procedure based on the wireless device allows "gapless" configuration for certain frequency bands.

[0118] Note that the NeedForGap "capability" in each target frequency band (the second item above) is not actually part of the wireless device capability signaling, but as depicted in the foregoing description, it is more like an indication embedded in the RRCReconfiguration procedure, which allows the wireless device to report to the network / network node which frequency bands require (or do not require) gap configuration to perform measurements. This can be depicted in the following information element excerpted from the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331 v17.1.0):

[0119] NeedForGapsInfoNR

[0120] The IE NeedForGapsInfoNR indicates whether the wireless device needs measurement gaps to perform SSB-based measurements on NR target frequency bands when NR-DC or NE-DC is not configured.

[0121] NeedForGapsInfoNR information element

[0122] -- ASN1START

[0123] -- TAG-NeedForGapsInfoNR-START

[0124] NeedForGapsInfoNR-r16 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0125] intraFreq-needForGap-r16 NeedForGapsIntraFreqList-r16,

[0126] interFreq-needForGap-r16 NeedForGapsBandListNR-r16

[0127] }

[0128] NeedForGapsIntraFreqList-r16 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofServingCells)) OF NeedForGapsIntraFreq-r16

[0129] NeedForGapsBandListNR-r16 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE(1..maxBands)) OF NeedForGapsNR-r16

[0130] NeedForGapsIntraFreq-r16 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0131] servCellId-r16 ServCellIndex,

[0132] gapIndicationIntra-r16 ENUMERATED {gap, no-gap}

[0133] }

[0134] NeedForGapsNR-r16 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0135] bandNR-r16 FreqBandIndicatorNR,

[0136] gapIndication-r16 ENUMERATED {gap, no-gap}

[0137] }

[0138] -- TAG-NeedForGapsInfoNR-STOP

[0139] -- ASN1STOP

[0140]

[0141]

[0142]

[0143] As can be observed from the above, for each frequency band, the wireless device can indicate / report "gaps" or "no gaps" based on the information that the network / network node has already provided in the first RRCReconfiguration message.

[0144] Regarding the actual wireless device capability signaling, Release 16 wireless devices that support the NeedForGap procedure will indicate this to the network / network node by using a single wireless device capability related to the reporting mechanism as found in 3GPP standards (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.306):

[0145]

[0146] NR NCSG Reporting and Wireless Device Capability

[0147] RAN2 agreed to mimic the NeedForGap reporting mechanism of NCSG in Release 17 (i.e., using the RRCReconfiguration message), while adding the "nogap-noncsg" indication. This can be observed in the following elements excerpted from 3GPP standards (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.331):

[0148] -NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR

[0149] The IENeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR indicates whether the wireless device needs a measurement gap or NCSG to perform SSB-based measurements on the NR target frequency band when NR-DC or NE-DC is not configured.

[0150] NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR Information Element

[0151] -- ASN1START

[0152] -- TAG-NEEDFORGAPNCSG-INFONR-START

[0153] NeedForGapNCSG-InfoNR-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0154] intraFreq-needForNCSG-r17 NeedForNCSG-IntraFreqList-r17,

[0155] interFreq-needForNCSG-r17 NeedForNCSG-BandListNR-r17

[0156] }

[0157] NeedForNCSG-IntraFreqList-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxNrofServingCells)) OF NeedForNCSG-IntraFreq-r17

[0158] NeedForNCSG-BandListNR-r17 ::= SEQUENCE (SIZE (1..maxBands)) OFNeedForNCSG-NR-r17

[0159] NeedForNCSG-IntraFreq-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0160] servCellId-r17 ServCellIndex,

[0161] gapIndicationIntra-r17 ENUMERATED {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}

[0162] }

[0163] NeedForNCSG-NR-r17 ::= SEQUENCE {

[0164] bandNR-r17 FreqBandIndicatorNR,

[0165] gapIndication-r17 ENUMERATED {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}

[0166] }

[0167] -- TAG-NEEDFORGAPNCSG-INFONR-STOP

[0168] -- ASN1STOP

[0169]

[0170]

[0171]

[0172] However, for NCSG in Release 17, the wireless device may alternatively indicate two types of wireless device capabilities to the network / network node:

[0173] 1. Whether the wireless device supports "NeedForGap class NCSG reporting" (i.e., using the aforementioned dynamic method), and / or

[0174] 2. Whether the wireless device supports NCSG gap mode.

[0175] This can be observed through the following NR scenario-related wireless device capabilities excerpted from the 3GPP standard (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.306):

[0176]

[0177]

[0178] If the wireless device supports NCSG reporting but does not support these modes, the wireless device shall not indicate "ncsg" in the target frequency band. However, it may only report "nogap-noncsg" or "gap" accordingly.

[0179] Dynamic Spectrum Sharing (DSS) and CRS-IM

[0180] Dynamic Spectrum Sharing is also known as DSS or LTE-NR coexistence. Spectrum sharing supports flexible resource partitioning between NR and LTE and has limited impact on LTE capabilities.

[0181] There may be CRS interference in the overlapping spectrum of LTE and NR.

[0182] Two example scenarios can be considered:

[0183] Scenario 1: Both the serving cell and the neighboring cell operate in DSS (NR+LTE) mode.

[0184] Scenario 2: The serving cell operates in NR mode and the neighboring cell operates in LTE mode.

[0185] Some features are introduced, including rate matching on LTE CRS and CRS-IM receivers, to mitigate the interference of CRS on the NR PDSCH signal within the serving cell operating in DSS mode.

[0186] Scheduling restrictions

[0187] Scheduling restrictions are used in scenarios where a wireless device is capable of performing gapless measurements in NR. An example of such a measurement is SSB-based gapless intra-frequency or inter-frequency measurement when the reference signal used for measurement (e.g., SSB) is completely within the active BWP bandwidth of the wireless device. In another example, if the wireless device has an additional or spare receiver chain, which can then be used for measurement, intra-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-RAT measurements can be performed gaplessly. However, there may be scheduling restrictions during the resources that contain the reference signal used for measurement (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, etc.). Scheduling restrictions mean that: at least during the resources that contain the reference signal used for measurement and X1 symbols before and X2 symbols after these measurement reference signals, based on some specific conditions, it may not be expected that the wireless device transmits or receives any signal in the serving cell. For example, in FR1, the received data and the measured SSB are a hybrid parameter set, or in FR2, the received data and the measured SSB are intra-frequency or inter-frequency with common beam management (CBM).

[0188] In some scenarios, during the resources that contain the reference signal used for measurement and X3 symbols before and X4 symbols after these measurement resources, it is not even expected that the wireless device transmits or receives any signal in the serving cell.

[0189] A wireless device that supports NCSG or NeedForGaps will report to the network node, indicating whether gaps (e.g., measurement gaps) are required in each frequency band to perform measurements. However, when the wireless device's support / capability indicates that it can perform measurements gaplessly in a cell operating on an E-UTRA frequency band, no wireless device behavior is defined. Especially in existing network deployments, DSS technology has been widely deployed in the practical field. However, if the wireless device supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRA measurements, no clear wireless device behavior is defined, including scheduling restrictions, measurement delays, etc. Therefore, existing network deployments are not without problems in terms of measurement gaps. Summary of the Invention

[0190] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, systems, and apparatuses for inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps.

[0191] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of a method implemented by a wireless device is provided. The wireless device is configured to communicate with a network node. The method includes receiving a configuration for inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps. The configuration defines a valid measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The method includes: based on the configuration, performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell within the valid measurement window.

[0192] A corresponding embodiment of a wireless device is also provided.

[0193] According to a second aspect, an embodiment of a method implemented by a network node is provided. The network node is configured to communicate with a wireless device. The method includes determining a configuration for a wireless device to perform inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The configuration defines a valid measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The method includes sending the configuration to the wireless device.

[0194] A corresponding embodiment of a network node is also provided.

[0195] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods for a wireless device and a network node to evaluate and perform a measurement process (e.g., measurement rate, period, time, etc.) on an inter-RAT carrier frequency cell (e.g., an inter-RAT EUTRAN cell) based on the capabilities of the wireless device and the configuration of the network.

[0196] For example, if a wireless device supports inter-RAT measurements without gaps (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements, etc.), the measurement behavior of the wireless device can be defined, including scheduling restrictions and measurement latency.

[0197] According to an embodiment, the wireless device indicates that it supports inter-RAT measurements without gaps (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) related to reporting "nogap-noncsg" for an inter-RAT frequency band (e.g., an E-UTRA frequency band) in an NCSG report when the wireless device supports NCSG capabilities.

[0198] According to another embodiment, the wireless device indicates that it supports inter-RAT measurements without gaps (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) related to reporting "without gaps" for an inter-RAT frequency band (e.g., an E-UTRA frequency band) in a NeedForGaps report when the wireless device supports NeedForGaps capabilities.

[0199] According to another embodiment, the wireless device indicates that it supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) related to the indicated corresponding capabilities. In one aspect of this embodiment, the solution is effective or applicable as long as the bandwidth (BW) of the reference signal (RS) in the target inter-RAT cell (e.g., the CRS BW of the EUTRAN cell) is completely within the BW of the active BWP of the serving NR cell.

[0200] Another aspect of this embodiment is that a wireless device capable of performing gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) does not need to perform inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) within a gap.

[0201] Another aspect of this embodiment is that a wireless device capable of performing gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) adapts (e.g., extends or shortens) the inter-RAT measurement delay (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement delay) based on the number of inter-RAT frequency layers (e.g., E-UTRAN frequency layers) on which the wireless device indicates that it can perform gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) during an effective measurement window (EMW). The EMW is obtained or determined based on one or more rules that can be predefined and / or configured by a network node.

[0202] Another aspect of this embodiment is that for a wireless device capable of performing gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements), the scheduling restrictions during the execution of in-band inter-RAT measurements (e.g., in-band EUTRAN measurements) are defined or applied based on the RS (e.g., CRS symbols) received in the EMW. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0203] A more complete understanding of the present embodiment and its attendant advantages and features will be more readily understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0204] Figure 1 is a diagram of an example of a measurement gap pattern in NR;

[0205] Figure 2 is a diagram of an example of a scenario of a concurrent measurement gap pattern;

[0206] Figure 3 is a diagram of an example of a preconfigured measurement gap pattern in NR;

[0207] Figure 4 is a diagram of example NCSG configuration parameters VIL1, ML, VIL2, and VIRP;

[0208] Figure 5 is a diagram of the behavior of a wireless device after NW configures NCSG and MG;

[0209] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary network architecture of a communication system connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to the principles in the present disclosure;

[0210] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating with a wireless device via a network node through at least a partial wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0211] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for executing a client application at a wireless device implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0212] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for receiving user data at a wireless device implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0213] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for receiving user data from a wireless device at a host computer implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0214] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for receiving user data at a host computer implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0215] Figure 12 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a network node according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0216] Figure 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0217] Figure 14 is a diagram of CSSF outside the gap. Detailed Description

[0218] As described above, when a wireless device supports performing measurements on a cell operating in an E-UTRA frequency band without gaps, there is a lack of defined wireless device behavior. That is, if a wireless device supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRA measurements, there is no defined wireless device behavior, including scheduling restrictions, measurement latency, etc. A possible solution may require the network / network node to always configure gaps for inter-RAT E-UTRA measurements, resulting in data interruption / loss on the NR serving cell. This in turn reduces NR performance, such as user throughput loss, reduced user bitrate, etc.

[0219] One or more embodiments described herein provide one or more solutions to existing problems (e.g., the problems described above). That is, one or more embodiments provide methods and behaviors for a wireless device and a network node to perform configurations and / or measurements related to gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements.

[0220] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, note that the embodiments mainly lie in the combination of apparatus components and processing steps related to radio access technology (RAT) - to - RAT measurements without measurement gaps. Therefore, components are appropriately represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments are shown so as not to obscure the present disclosure with details that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art who benefit from the description herein. Throughout this specification, like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0221] As used herein, relational terms (e.g., "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc.) may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between these entities or elements. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. Unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" as used herein are also intended to include the plural forms. It will also be understood that the terms "comprises", "has", and / or "contains" when used herein specify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0222] In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "communicate with" may be used to indicate electrical communication or data communication, which may be achieved, for example, by physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, wireless signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand that multiple components may interoperate, and modifications and variations may be made to electrical and data communication.

[0223] In some embodiments described herein, although not necessarily directly indicated, the terms "coupled", "connected", etc. may be used herein to indicate a connection and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0224] The term "network node" as used herein may be any type of network node included in a radio network, which may also include a base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), g-node B (gNB), evolved node B (eNB or eNodeB), node B, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (such as an MSR BS), multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlled relay, radio access point (AP), transmission point, transmission node, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), core network node (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, coordination node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), external node (e.g., third-party node, node external to the current network), node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), spectrum access system (SAS) node, element management system (EMS), etc. The network node may also include a test device. The term "radio node" as used herein may also be used to denote a wireless device (WD), such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0225] Some other examples of network nodes are NodeB, base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio nodes (such as MSR BS, eNodeB, gNodeB, MeNB, SeNB), location measurement unit (LMU), integrated access backhaul (IAB) node, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node controlled relay, base transceiver station (BTS), (e.g., central unit in a gNB), (e.g., distributed unit in a gNB), baseband unit, centralized baseband, C-RAN, access point (AP), transmission point, transmission node, transmission and reception point (TRP), RRU, RRH, node in a distributed antenna system (DAS), core network node (e.g., MSC, MME, etc.), O&M, OSS, SON, positioning node (e.g., E-SMLC), etc.

[0226] In some embodiments, the non - restrictive terms wireless device (WD) or user equipment (UE) may be used interchangeably. A WD herein can be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another WD via radio signals and / or using a cellular or mobile communication system, such as a wireless device (WD). A WD can also be a radio communication device, a target device, a device - to - device (D2D) WD, a vehicle - to - vehicle (V2V), a machine - type WD or a WD capable of machine - to - machine communication (M2M), a low - cost and / or low - complexity WD, a sensor equipped with a WD, a tablet computer, a mobile terminal, a smart phone, a laptop - embedded device (LEE), a laptop - mounted device (LME), a USB adapter, a customer premise equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device or a narrow - band IoT (NB - IoT) device, etc.

[0227] The term radio access technology or RAT can refer to any RAT, such as UTRA, E - UTRA, narrow - band Internet of Things (NB - IoT), WiFi, Bluetooth, next - generation RAT, new radio (NR), 4G, 5G, 6G, future - generation RAT, etc. Any device represented by the terms node, network node or radio network node can be capable of supporting a single or multiple RATs.

[0228] Additionally, in some embodiments, the general term "radio network node" is used. It can be any type of radio network node and can include any one of a base station, a radio base station, a base transceiver station, a base station controller, a network controller, an RNC, an evolved Node B (eNB), a Node B, a gNB, a multi - cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), an IAB node, a relay node, an access point, a radio access point, a remote radio unit (RRU), a remote radio head (RRH).

[0229] The term signal or radio signal as used herein can be any physical signal or physical channel. Examples of DL physical signals are reference signals (RS), such as PSS, SSS, CSI-RS, DMRS signals in SS / PBCH blocks (SSB), discovery reference signals (DRS), CRS, PRS, etc. The RS can be periodic, e.g., the RS occasion carrying one or more RSs can occur at a specific period (e.g., 20 ms, 40 ms, etc.). The RS can also be aperiodic. In 4 consecutive symbols, each SSB carries NR-PSS, NR-SSS, and NR-PBCH. One or more SSBs are transmitted in an SSB burst, and the SSB burst is repeated at a specific period (e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms). The UE is configured with information about the SSBs on a cell of a specific carrier frequency through one or more SS / PBCH block measurement timing configuration (SMTC) configurations. The SMTC configuration includes parameters such as the SMTC period, the time length or duration of the SMTC occasion, the SMTC time offset relative to a reference time (e.g., the SFN of the serving cell), etc. Thus, the SMTC occasion can also occur at a specific period (e.g., 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms). Examples of UL physical signals are reference signals such as SRS, DMRS, etc. The term "physical channel" refers to any channel that carries higher layer information (e.g., data, control, etc.). Examples of physical channels are PBCH, NPBCH, PDCCH, PDSCH, sPUCCH, sPDSCH, sPUCCH, sPUSCH, MPDCCH, NPDCCH, NPDSCH, E-PDCCH, PUSCH, PUCCH, NPUSCH, etc.

[0230] The term "time resource" as used herein can correspond to any type of physical resource or radio resource represented by a time length. Examples of time resources are: symbols, time slots, subframes, radio frames, TTIs, interleaving times, time slots, sub-time slots, mini-slots, etc.

[0231] The term inter-RAT frequency band can refer to a frequency band in which a wireless device can perform gapless inter-RAT measurements on its cell.

[0232] The term in-band inter-RAT measurement can refer to an inter-RAT measurement performed on an inter-RAT carrier frequency that is within the band of a carrier frequency containing at least one serving carrier frequency.

[0233] The term inter-band inter-RAT measurement can refer to an inter-RAT measurement performed on an inter-RAT carrier frequency that is outside the band of a carrier frequency containing at least one serving carrier frequency.

[0234] Note that although terms from a particular wireless system (e.g., 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR)) may be used in this disclosure, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure to the foregoing systems. Other wireless systems (including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM)) may also benefit from the ideas covered within this disclosure.

[0235] Also note that the functions performed by the wireless devices or network nodes described herein may be distributed across multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network nodes and wireless devices described herein are not limited to being performed by a single physical device and can in fact be distributed among several physical devices.

[0236] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art, and not as having an ideal or overly formal meaning, unless so defined herein.

[0237] Some embodiments provide inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0238] Referring again to the drawings, in which like elements are referred to by like reference numerals, Figure 6FIG. 0 shows a schematic diagram of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment, for example, a 3GPP type cellular network that can support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), which includes an access network 12 (e.g., radio access network) and a core network 14. The access network 12 includes a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (collectively referred to as network nodes 16), such as NB, eNB, gNB, or other types of radio access points, and each network node defines a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively referred to as coverage areas 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c can be connected to the core network 14 through a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in the coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to the corresponding network node 16a or be paged by the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in the coverage area 18b can wirelessly connect to the corresponding network node 16b. Although multiple WDs 22a, WD 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to the case where a single WD is located in the coverage area or a single WD is connected to the corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system can include more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0239] In addition, it is conceivable that the WD 22 can communicate simultaneously and / or be configured to communicate separately with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16. For example, the WD 22 can have a dual connection with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or different network nodes 16 that support NR. For example, the WD 22 can communicate with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0240] The communication system 10 itself can be connected to a host computer 24, which can be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server farm. The host computer 24 can be owned by a service provider or under the control of a service provider, or can be operated by a service provider or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 26, 28 between the telecommunication network 10 and the host computer 24 can extend directly from the core network 14 to the host computer 24, or can extend through an optional intermediate network 30. The intermediate network 30 can be one, or a combination of more than one, of a public network, a private network, or a hosted network; the intermediate network 30 (if any) can be a backbone network or the Internet; in some embodiments, the intermediate network 30 can include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0241] Figure 6The communication system as a whole enables a connection between one of the connected WD 22a, WD 22b and the host computer 24. This connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer 24 and the connected WD 22a, WD 22b are configured to send data and / or signaling via the OTT connection using the access network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate network 30, and possibly additional intervening infrastructure (not shown). The OTT connection can be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of the routing of the uplink and downlink communications. For example, the network node 16 may not be informed or need not be informed about the past routing of incoming downlink communications, where data originating from the host computer 24 is to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected WD 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 need not know the future routing of the outgoing uplink communications originating from the WD 22a and directed towards the host computer 24.

[0242] The network node 16 is configured to include a configuration unit 32, which is configured to perform one or more of the network node 16 functions described herein, such as inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. The wireless device 22 is configured to include a measurement unit 34, which is configured to perform one or more of the wireless device 22 functions described herein, such as inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0243] Now reference will be made to Figure 7 an example implementation according to an embodiment of the WD 22, network node 16, and host computer 24 discussed in the previous paragraphs. In the communication system 10, the host computer 24 includes hardware (HW) 38, which includes a communication interface 40 configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection with an interface of different communication devices of the communication system 10. The host computer 24 further includes a processing circuit 42, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. The processing circuit 42 may include a processor 44 and a memory 46. Specifically, as a supplement or alternative to the processor (e.g., central processing unit) and the memory, the processing circuit 42 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) suitable for executing instructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) the memory 46, which may include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0244] The processing circuit 42 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by the host computer 24. The processor 44 corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing the functions of the host computer 24 described herein. The host computer 24 includes a memory 46 that is configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 48 and / or the host application 50 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 44 and / or the processing circuit 42, cause the processor 44 and / or the processing circuit 42 to perform the processes described herein with respect to the host computer 24. These instructions may be software associated with the host computer 24.

[0245] The software 48 may be executed by the processing circuit 42. The software 48 includes the host application 50. The host application 50 may be operative to provide services to a remote user, such as the WD 22 connected via the OTT connection 52, which terminates at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. When providing services to the remote user, the host application 50 may provide user data transmitted using the OTT connection 52. "User data" may be the data and information described herein for implementing the described functions. In one embodiment, the host computer 24 may be configured to provide control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuit 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, send to, and / or receive from the network node 16 and / or the wireless device 22. The processing circuit 42 of the host computer 24 may include an information unit 54 that is configured to enable the service provider to determine, analyze, store, forward, receive, relay, transmit, convey, signal, etc., information associated with RAT-to-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0246] The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16 provided in the communication system 10, and the network node 16 includes hardware 58 that enables it to communicate with the host computer 24 and the WD 22. The hardware 58 may include: a communication interface 60 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection with an interface of different communication devices of the communication system 10; and a radio interface 62 for establishing and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with the WD 22 located in the coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate the connection 66 with the host computer 24. The connection 66 may be direct, or it may be through the core network 14 of the communication system 10 and / or through one or more intermediate networks 30 external to the communication system 10.

[0247] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 58 of network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. Specifically, as a supplement or alternative to a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and a memory, the processing circuitry 68 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) the memory 72, which may include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as, for example, cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0248] Accordingly, network node 16 also has software 74 stored internally, for example, in memory 72 or stored in an external memory (e.g., a database, a storage array, a network storage device, etc.) that can be accessed by network node 16 via an external connection. The software 74 may be executed by the processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein, and / or cause these methods and / or processes to be executed, for example, by network node 16. The processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 for performing the functions of network node 16 described herein. The memory 72 is configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 70 and / or the processing circuitry 68, cause the processor 70 and / or the processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, the processing circuitry 68 of network node 16 may include a configuration unit 32 that is configured to perform one or more of the functions of network node 16 described herein, such as inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

[0249] The communication system 10 further includes the WD 22 already mentioned. The WD 22 may have hardware 80, which may include a radio interface 82 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 64 with the network node 16 serving the coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0250] The hardware 80 of WD 22 further includes a processing circuit 84. The processing circuit 84 may include a processor 86 and a memory 88. Specifically, as a supplement or alternative to a processor (e.g., a central processing unit) and a memory, the processing circuit 84 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit) suitable for executing instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to or read from) the memory 88, which may include any kind of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a cache and / or a buffer memory and / or a RAM (random access memory) and / or a ROM (read only memory) and / or an optical memory and / or an EPROM (erasable programmable read only memory).

[0251] Accordingly, WD 22 may further include software 90, which is stored in the memory 88 at, for example, WD 22, or in an external memory (e.g., a database, a storage array, a network storage device, etc.) accessible by WD 22. The software 90 may be executed by the processing circuit 84. The software 90 may include a client application 92. The client application 92 may be operated to provide services to a human or non-human user via WD 22 with the support of the host computer 24. In the host computer 24, the executing host application 50 may communicate with the executing client application 92 via an OTT connection 52, and the OTT connection 52 terminates at WD 22 and the host computer 24. When providing services to the user, the client application 92 may receive request data from the host application 50 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 92 may interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0252] The processing circuit 84 may be configured to control any method and / or process described herein, and / or cause such method and / or process to be executed, for example, by WD 22. The processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 for performing the functions of WD 22 described herein. WD 22 includes a memory 88 configured to store data, program software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, the software 90 and / or the client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by the processor 86 and / or the processing circuit 84, cause the processor 86 and / or the processing circuit 84 to execute the processes described herein with respect to WD 22. For example, the processing circuit 84 of the wireless device 22 may include a measurement unit 34, which is configured to perform one or more functions of the wireless device 22 described herein, such as inter-RAT measurement without a measurement gap.

[0253] In some embodiments, the internal workings of network node 16, WD 22, and host computer 24 may be as Figure 7 shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology may be Figure 6 the network topology of.

[0254] In Figure 7 , the OTT connection 52 is abstractly depicted to show the communication between host computer 24 and wireless device 22 via network node 16, without explicitly referring to any intermediate devices and the exact routing of messages via these devices. The network infrastructure may determine the route, which may be configured to be hidden from WD 22 or the service provider operating host computer 24 or both. When the OTT connection 52 is active, the network infrastructure may also make a determination to dynamically change the route (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or reconfiguration of the network).

[0255] The wireless connection 64 between WD 22 and network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of the OTT service provided to WD 22 using the OTT connection 52, in which the wireless connection 64 may form the final part. More precisely, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve data rate, latency, and / or power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as reduced user wait time, relaxed restrictions on file size, better responsiveness, extended battery life, etc.

[0256] In some embodiments, a measurement process can be provided for monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. There can also be optional network functions for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 between the host computer 24 and the WD 22 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or the network function for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 can be implemented in the software 48 of the host computer 24 or in the software 90 of the WD 22 or in both. In an embodiment, sensors (not shown) can be deployed in or associated with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 52 passes; the sensors can participate in the measurement process by providing values of the monitored quantities exemplified above or other physical quantities from which the software 48, 90 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 52 can include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; the reconfiguration need not affect the network node 16 and can be unknown or imperceptible to the network node 16. Some such processes and functions can be known and practiced in the art. In certain embodiments, the measurement can involve proprietary WD signaling that facilitates the measurement by the host computer 24 of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. In some embodiments, the measurement can be achieved by the software 48, 90 sending messages (especially empty messages or "virtual" messages) using the OTT connection 52 while monitoring propagation time, errors, etc.

[0257] Thus, in some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes a processing circuit 42 configured to provide user data and a communication interface 40 configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to the WD 22. In some embodiments, the cellular network further includes a network node 16 having a radio interface 62. In some embodiments, the network node 16 and / or the processing circuit 68 of the network node 16 is configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / holding / supporting / ending a transmission to the WD 22 and / or preparing / terminating / holding / supporting / ending the reception of a transmission from the WD 22.

[0258] In some embodiments, the host computer 24 includes a processing circuit 42 and a communication interface 40 configured to receive user data sourced from a transmission from the WD 22 to the network node 16. In some embodiments, the WD 22 is configured to and / or includes a radio interface 82 and / or a processing circuit 84 configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / holding / supporting / ending a transmission to the network node 16 and / or preparing / terminating / holding / supporting / ending the reception of a transmission from the network node 16.

[0259] Although Figure 6 andFigure 7 Various "units" such as the configuration unit 32 and the measurement unit 34 are shown as being within their respective processors, but it is contemplated that these units can be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in a corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, these units can be implemented in the processing circuitry in hardware or a combination of hardware and software.

[0260] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., Figure 6 and Figure 7 the communication system). The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22 described with reference to Figure 7 In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). In an optional sub-step of the first step, the host computer 24 provides user data by executing a host application (e.g., the host application 50) (block S102). In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission to the WD 22 that carries the user data (block S104). In an optional third step, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node 16 sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer 24 to the WD 22 (block S106). In an optional fourth step, the WD 22 executes a client application (e.g., the client application 92) associated with the host application 50 executed by the host computer 24 (block S108).

[0261] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., Figure 6 the communication system). The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22 described with reference to Figure 6 and 7 In a first step of the method, the host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer 24 provides user data by executing a host application (e.g., the host application 50). In a second step, the host computer 24 initiates a transmission to the WD 22 that carries the user data (block S112). In accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may be relayed via the network node 16. In an optional third step, the WD 22 receives the user data carried in the transmission (block S114).

[0262] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g.,Figure 6 Flowchart of an exemplary method implemented in a communication system). The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22 described with reference to Figure 6 and 7 In an optional first step of the method, the WD 22 receives input data provided by the host computer 24 (block S116). In an optional sub-step of the first step, the WD 22 executes a client application 92 that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer 24 (block S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, the WD 22 provides user data (block S120). In an optional sub-step of the second step, the WD provides user data by executing a client application (e.g., client application 92) (block S122). When providing user data, the executed client application 92 may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing user data, the WD 22 may initiate the transmission of the user data to the host computer 24 in an optional third sub-step (block S124). In a fourth step of the method, the host computer 24 receives the user data sent from the WD 22 according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S126).

[0263] Figure 11 is a flowchart of an exemplary method implemented in a communication system (e.g., Figure 6 the communication system). The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be the host computer 24, network node 16, and WD 22 described with reference to Figure 6 and 7 In an optional first step of the method, according to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the network node 16 receives user data from the WD 22 (block S128). In an optional second step, the network node 16 initiates the transmission of the received user data to the host computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, the host computer 24 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the network node 16 (block S132).

[0264] Figure 12It is a flowchart of an exemplary process in network node 16 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more of the boxes described herein may be performed by one or more elements of network node 16, such as by one or more of processing circuitry 68 (including configuration unit 32), processor 70, radio interface 62, and / or communication interface 60. Network node 16 is configured to determine (block S134) a configuration for a radio access technology (RAT) inter-measurement without measurement gaps for wireless device 22, as described herein. Network node 16 is configured to cause (block S136) the configuration to be sent to wireless device 22, as described herein.

[0265] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration including at least one of the following: based on the wireless device supporting RAT inter-measurement without measurement gaps, there is no scheduling restriction for the uplink control channel and shared channel transmission and the downlink control channel and shared channel reception for CQI reception; based on the wireless device supporting RAT inter-measurement without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, there is no scheduling restriction for the uplink control channel and shared channel transmission and the downlink control channel and shared channel reception for CQI reception; it is not expected that the wireless device will transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the RAT inter-reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the RAT inter-measurement window duration; it is not expected that the wireless device will transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the RAT inter-RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the RAT inter-measurement window duration; and it is not expected that the wireless device will transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on all symbols within the RAT inter-measurement window duration.

[0266] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration defines an effective measurement window (EMW) for performing RAT inter-measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of the following: the configured measurement gap pattern; the configured reference signal configuration; a predefined configuration defining the period and offset of the EMW; information signaled in radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and the number of carriers configured for performing gapless measurements.

[0267] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time being based on at least one of the following: one of a cell identification period and a physical layer measurement period of the identified cell; FDD / TDD cells detectable within the cell identification period; and the number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0268] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on the network control small gap mode (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device 22 and the network node 16.

[0269] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device 22 and the network node 16.

[0270] Figure 13 is a flowchart of an exemplary process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more of the blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as by the processing circuit 84 (including the measurement unit 34), the processor 86, the radio interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured to receive (block S138) a configuration for inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps as described herein. The wireless device 22 is configured to perform inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell based on the configuration.

[0271] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration including at least one of the following: based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps, not scheduling restrictions for uplink control channel and shared channel transmission and downlink control channel and shared channel reception for channel quality indicator (CQI) reception; based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, not scheduling restrictions for uplink control channel and shared channel transmission and downlink control channel and shared channel reception for CQI reception; not expecting the wireless device to transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and to receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; not expecting the wireless device to transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and to receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and not expecting the wireless device to transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and to receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on all symbols within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

[0272] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration defines an effective measurement window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurement, the EMW being based on at least one of the following: configured measurement gap pattern; configured reference signal configuration; predefined configuration defining the period and offset of the EMW; information signaled in radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and the number of carriers configured for performing gapless measurement.

[0273] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration defines the measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurement, the measurement time being based on at least one of the following: one of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell; FDD / TDD cells detectable within the cell identification period; and the number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

[0274] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on the network control small gap mode (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device 22 and the network node 16.

[0275] According to one or more embodiments, the configuration is based on the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device 22 and the network node 16.

[0276] The general process flow of the arrangements of the present disclosure has been described and examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the present disclosure have been provided. The following sections provide details and examples of arrangements for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0277] Some embodiments provide inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps. One or more of the functions of the wireless device 22 described below may be performed by one or more of the processing circuitry 84, the processor 86, the measurement unit 34, the radio interface 82, etc. One or more of the functions of the network node 16 described below may be performed by one or more of the processing circuitry 68, the processor 70, the configuration unit 32, the radio interface 62, etc.

[0278] Scenario description

[0279] This scenario includes at least one wireless device 22 that operates in a first cell 18 (e.g., cell1) served by a network node 16 (e.g., NW1) and performs measurements on one or more serving cells and one or more neighboring cells or neighboring frequencies (e.g., serving carriers and / or one or more additional carriers configured to perform measurements). Any additional carrier may belong to the RAT of the serving carrier frequency. In this case, if the carrier is a non-serving carrier, it is referred to as an inter-frequency carrier. The additional carrier may also belong to another RAT, and in this case, it is referred to as an inter-RAT carrier. The term "carrier" may also be interchangeably referred to as carrier frequency, layer, frequency layer, carrier frequency layer, etc. For the sake of consistency, the term "carrier" is used hereinafter.

[0280] Generally, the wireless device 22 is served by a cell operating on a first carrier frequency (F11) belonging to a first RAT (RAT1) and is also configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on a second carrier frequency (F21) belonging to a second RAT (RAT2). The wireless device 22 may also be configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on F11. The carrier F11 is also referred to as the serving RAT carrier frequency. The carrier F21 is also referred to as the inter-RAT carrier frequency. The wireless device 22 may also be configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on multiple inter-RAT carrier frequencies (e.g., F21, F22, F23, etc.). The wireless device 22 may also be configured to perform measurements on one or more cells operating on multiple carrier frequencies of the serving RAT (e.g., F11, F12, F13, etc.).

[0281] The term carrier frequency is also referred to as component carrier (CC), frequency layer, layer, carrier, frequency, serving carrier, channel, positioning frequency layer (PFL), etc. The carrier frequency belongs to a certain frequency band, which may contain one or more carrier frequencies based on its passband (e.g., the size of the frequency band in the frequency domain) and / or the bandwidth of the carrier and / or the channel raster, etc. The network node 16 sends carrier frequency related information to the wireless device 22 via a message (e.g., RRC) using a channel number or identifier. Examples of the channel number or identifier (which may be predefined) are absolute radio frequency channel number (ARFCN), NR-ARFCN, etc.

[0282] The wireless device 22 may be configured with a measurement gap pattern (MGP). Each measurement gap pattern is characterized by a measurement gap length (MGL), a measurement gap repetition period (MGRP), a measurement gap offset (MGO) related to the measurement gap (e.g., the frame boundary with system frame number (SFN) 0), and a measurement gap timing advance (MGTA), where MGTA can shift the position of the measurement gap 0, 0.25, or 0.5 ms relative to the measurement gap start point given by MGO.

[0283] Alternatively, when both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support NCSG, the wireless device 22 can configure a controlled small gap pattern (NCSG) for the network node 16. Each NCSG pattern is characterized by a measurement length (ML) without a gap, a visible interruption repetition period (VIRP), a measurement gap offset (MGO) related to the NCSG (e.g., the frame boundary with system frame number (SFN) 0), and a measurement gap timing advance (MGTA), where MGTA can shift the position of the measurement gap 0, 0.25, or 0.75 ms relative to the NCSG start point given by MGO. When the wireless device 22 reports "nogap-noncsg" for an inter-RAT frequency band (e.g., E-UTRA frequency band), the wireless device 22 can support gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements) in that frequency band.

[0284] Alternatively, when both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support gapless inter-RAT measurements, and the bandwidth (BW) of the reference signal (RS) of the inter-RAT carrier frequency of the target cell (e.g., the CRS BW of the EUTRAN frequency layer) is completely within the BW of the active BWP of the serving NR cell, then the wireless device 22 will perform gapless inter-RAT measurements on these inter-RAT carriers (e.g., EUTRAN frequency layer).

[0285] General rules for the wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements

[0286] The wireless device 22 that supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) performs gapless inter-RAT measurements according to one or more of the following general rules.

[0287] Scheduling restrictions

[0288] Generally, when scheduling restrictions are applied to a signal in one or more time resources (e.g., symbols, time slots, etc.), it is not expected or required that the wireless device 22 operates (e.g., transmits and / or receives) the signal in these time resources (e.g., which may be referred to as restricted time resources). Examples of such signals are control channels (e.g., PDCCH, PUCCH), data channels (e.g., PDSCH, PUSCH), reference signals (e.g., CRS, SSB, PSSS, SSS, PRS SRS, CSI-RS, etc.), measurement reports (e.g., CSI report, CQI report), feedback signals (e.g., ACK, NACK messages), etc. For example, as a rule that can be predefined or configured by the network node 16, during the restricted time resources, the wireless device 22 does not use the signal for which the scheduling restriction is defined for scheduling.

[0289] When the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements), the wireless device 22 follows one or more of the scheduling restriction rules when performing measurements on one or more cells of an inter-RAT carrier frequency:

[0290] 1. When the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements, there is no need for scheduling restrictions on NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS transmissions and PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI reception.

[0291] 2. When the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements and the E-UTRAN frequency layer is inter-band, there is no need for scheduling restrictions on NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS transmissions and PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI reception.

[0292] 3. When the wireless device 22 supports in-band gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements and additionally has no scheduling restriction capability, there is no need for scheduling restrictions on NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS transmissions and PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI reception.

[0293] 4. It is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN RS symbols configured to be measured and on the Δt data symbols before and after each CRS symbol configured within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

[0294] a. If the EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is enabled, scheduling restrictions can be applied.

[0295] b. If the EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is enabled only for MO#i, scheduling restrictions can be applied to MO#i.

[0296] In one example, the EUTRA-NR-sync capability can be defined as follows.

[0297] When EUTRA-NR-sync is enabled, the wireless device 22 assumes that the frame boundaries between cells on the target inter-RAT carrier and the reference NR carrier are aligned (including half-frame and sub-frame boundary alignment) within a tolerance no worse than T1, and the SFNs of all cells on the target carrier and the reference carrier are the same. The reference cell is the serving cell. T1 can be the minimum of (1 E-UTRAN symbol, 1 NR PDSCH symbol).

[0298] In another example, the EUTRA-NR-sync capability can be defined as the SFN, and the frame boundaries are aligned between the serving cell and the inter-RAT neighboring cells.

[0299] 5. It is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN RSSI measurement symbols and on the Δt data symbols before and after each CRS symbol configured within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

[0300] a. If the EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is enabled, scheduling restrictions can be applied.

[0301] 6. It is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on all symbols within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

[0302] a. If the EUTRA-NR synchronization capability is not enabled, scheduling restrictions can be applied.

[0303] When the wireless device 22 is configured to perform in-band multi-carrier (MC) operations (e.g., in-band carrier aggregation (CA), in-band dual connectivity, etc.), the scheduling restrictions imposed by a given serving cell can also apply to all other serving cells in the same frequency band on symbols that fully or partially overlap with the aforementioned restricted symbols. In in-band MC operations, all configured carriers (e.g., carriers of the PCell, SCell, PSCell, etc.) belong to the same frequency band.

[0304] Scheduling restrictions can be applied when the wireless device 22 performs measurements in a TDD band in FR1, provided that the target inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) and the serving cell are in the same frequency band.

[0305] Scheduling restrictions can be applied when the wireless device 22 is performing inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) on FR1 using a subcarrier spacing (SCS) different from that of the NR PDSCH / PDCCH.

[0306] If the wireless device 22 supports different SCSs between gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) and NR PDSCH / PDCCH reception, scheduling restrictions can be applied when the wireless device 22 is performing inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) on FR1 using a SCS different from that of the NR PDSCH / PDCCH.

[0307] Scheduling restrictions can be applied to one or more measurements, such as SS-RSRP, SS-SINR, SS-RSRQ, or RSSI measurements.

[0308] Inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) effective measurement window (EMW)

[0309] A wireless device 22 that supports gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) can perform inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) within an effective measurement window (EMW). The EMW can be defined based on one or more of the following rules or principles, which can be predefined or configured by a network node (e.g., NN1):

[0310] The inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW can be based on the configured measurement gap pattern.

[0311] o If no measurement gaps are required, the inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW can be the same as the configured measurement gap pattern. No interruptions are expected within the configured measurement gap pattern.

[0312] o If other frequency layer measurements require measurement gaps, the inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW can be the same as the configured measurement gap pattern.

[0313] The network node 16 can further indicate which dedicated measurement gap occasions are used for inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements. It is expected that there are no interruptions within these gap occasions.

[0314] o If both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support concurrent gaps, and the network node 16 configures the concurrent measurement gap pattern, the network node 16 can further indicate the MGP to perform inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements as the inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW.

[0315] o If both the wireless device 2 and the network node 16 support concurrent gaps, and the network node 16 configures the concurrent MGP, the inter-RAT E-UTRAN EMW can be the MGP with the maximum MGRP.

[0316] o If both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support NCSG, and the network node 16 configures the NCSG pattern, the MGP can be replaced by the NCSG pattern.

[0317] The inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW can be based on the function of the configured RS signal configuration (e.g., SMTC configuration)

[0318] o The EMW can be the same as the PCell SMTC configuration

[0319] o The EMW can be the maximum SMTC within the configured serving cell

[0320] The inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW can be predefined

[0321] o The period of the EMW can be:

[0322] A fixed value, e.g., 40 ms,

[0323] The PCell SMTC, or the maximum SMTC within the configured serving cell,

[0324] The configured MGRP.

[0325] o The offset of the EMW can be based on:

[0326] A predefined fixed offset, e.g., 10 ms,

[0327] Indicated by the network node 16,

[0328] Until the wireless device 22 implements,

[0329] Until the wireless device 22 implements without affecting NR measurements outside the gap.

[0330] The network node 16 (e.g., NN1) may obtain inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW based on information received from the wireless device 22 via a signaling message such as RRC. For example, the wireless device may signal to the network node one or more periods and / or offsets and / or durations of the EMW, and the network node may determine the period and / or offset and / or duration of the EWM at least in part based on the signaling. For example, the wireless device may know its own measurement performance and / or measurement conditions, and thus may signal to the network node one or more suitable / recommended periods and / or offsets and / or durations of the EWM. In this way, the network node may select an EWM suitable for the wireless device.

[0331] In another example, inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW may be predefined. For example, an effective measurement period, measurement duration, and / or measurement offset are defined.

[0332] o The measurement offset is based on the relationship between the SFN and the SMTC. For example, the offset is equal to 10 ms plus the SMTC immediately following SFN #0.

[0333] o The measurement offset is based on the relationship between the SFN and the MGP. For example, the offset is equal to 10 ms plus the MG immediately following SFN #0.

[0334] In another example, the inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) EMW depends on or is a function of the number (Nc) of carriers (e.g., inter-RAT carriers) configured to perform gapless measurements. For example, if Nc is below a threshold, then EMW = EMW11; otherwise EMW = EMW12. In an example, EMW11 < EMW12, and in another example, EMW11 > EMW12.

[0335] Inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) measurement time

[0336] The wireless device 22 performs gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ, RS-SINR, RSSI, etc.) within the measurement time, which may be predefined or configured by the network node 16. Examples of the measurement time are the cell identification period, the physical layer (L1) measurement period of the identified cell, etc.

[0337] In one embodiment, when the wireless device 22 supports gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements, the wireless device 22 is capable of at T after one of the following possible delays Identify,E-UTRANIdentify new detectable FDD / TDD cells internally:

[0338]

[0339] For example,

[0340] When the wireless device 22 performs measurements based on the configured MGRP

[0341]

[0342] When the wireless device 22 performs measurements based on the configured SMTC

[0343]

[0344] When the wireless device 22 performs measurements based on a predefined period or indicated by the network node 16

[0345]

[0346] Is the actual measurement length of the inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement.

[0347] If the wireless device 22 performs measurements based on MGP, then = MGL - 2 * RF retuning time. Where, for E-UTRAN, the RF retuning time = 0.5 ms.

[0348] If the wireless device 22 is based on performing measurements of the configured SMTC, = SMTC duration

[0349] If the wireless device 22 performs measurements based on a predefined pattern or indicated by the NW, then and Can be predefined, for example = 5 ms and = 40 ms.

[0350] In a typical example, N interRAT Is the number of frequency layers of the inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) measurement.

[0351] In another example, N interRAT Is the number of frequency layers of all gapless measurements (including NR and inter-RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN) measurements).

[0352] In another example, N interRAT Is the number of frequency layers to be measured within the measurement gap.

[0353] N interRAT=CSSF within gap

[0354] In another example, N interRAT is the number of frequency layers to be measured outside the gap, including frequency layers between NR and RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN frequency layers). N interRAT =CSSF outside gap

[0355] where the definition of CSSF outside gap is shown in Figure 14 .

[0356] In one example, Z is the number of configured inter-RAT EUTRAN MOs measured outside the MG; otherwise, Z is 0.

[0357] In another example, Z is the number of configured inter-RAT EUTRAN MOs with an inter-band having a serving cell measured outside the MG; otherwise, Z is 0.

[0358] The measurement period is a function of the number of frequency layers of gapless inter-RAT measurements. Alternatively, it can be a function of the number of all gapless measurement frequency layers, including frequency layers between NR and RAT (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN frequency layers).

[0359] In one example, the measurement period can be 480 * N interRAT

[0360] In another example, the measurement period can be 480 * N interRAT * Ceil(K gap_EUTRA ). K gap_EUTRA is a scaling factor resulting from the overlap of the inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement occasion with the MGP. For example, K gap_EUTRA = N total / N available

[0361] N total is the total number of associated gap occasions within this window, including gap occasions overlapping with other MG occasions within this window, and

[0362] N available is the number of measurement gap occasions that are not discarded after considering the conflict between measurement gaps by applying the measurement gap conflict rule in the case of configured concurrent gaps.

[0363] Embodiment of a wireless device 22 supporting gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements with NCSG capabilities

[0364] When both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support the NCSG capability, the wireless device 22 reports "nogap-nonscg" for #N1 EUTRAN inter-band and #N2 EUTRAN intra-band with an NR serving cell.

[0365] There are no scheduling restrictions for the frequency layers within these #N1 E-UTRAN inter-bands.

[0366] Scheduling restrictions can be applied to the frequency layers within these #N2 E-UTRAN intra-bands.

[0367] Inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements without gaps can be performed outside the configured MGP. The network node 16 can configure the EMW for the MO of these inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements without gaps.

[0368] The total delay for identifying a new cell can be expressed as follows:

[0369]

[0370]

[0371] N interRAT Is equal to the total number of frequency layers in the E-UTRAN band that reports "nogap-noncsg".

[0372] Based on the EMW configured by the network node 16, scheduling restrictions are applied for each valid ML occasion.

[0373] When the frequency layer used for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement is in the inter-band of the serving cell reported as "nogap-noncsg", there is no need for scheduling restrictions on NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS transmission and PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI reception.

[0374] When the frequency layer used for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement is in the intra-band of the serving cell reported as "nogap-noncsg" and the EMW does not overlap with the SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS / PSS / SSS symbols configured to be measured and on 1 data symbol before and after each CRS / PSS / SSS symbol within the duration of the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window.

[0375] When the frequency layer for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement is within the band of the "nogap-noncsg" serving cell reported and the EMW completely overlaps with the SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS for CQI or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS on the entire EMW configured to be measured.

[0376] When the frequency layer for inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement is within the band of the "nogap-noncsg" serving cell reported and the EMW partially overlaps with the SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS for CQI or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS / PSS / SSS symbols that overlap with the SMTC and on X data symbols before and after each CRS / PSS / SSS symbol configured within the duration of the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window. Here, X can be 2 for example.

[0377] Embodiment of the wireless device 22 supporting the inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement capability without gaps in DSS

[0378] When both the wireless device 22 and the network node 16 support the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement capability without gaps in DSS, scheduling restrictions can be applied to the frequency layer for inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement.

[0379] The inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement without gaps can be performed outside the configured MGP. The EMW can be based on the SMTC of the NR DSS unit.

[0380] The total latency for identifying a new cell can be

[0381]

[0382] = 5ms, = the SMTC period of the NR DSS cell

[0383] N interRAT Equal to the total number of E-UTRAN frequency layers configured for DSS measurement.

[0384] Based on the EMW configured by the network node 16, scheduling restrictions are applied for each valid ML duration.

[0385] The applicability of scheduling restrictions depends on whether the wireless device 22 supports the E-UTRAN-NR synchronization capability and / or the ability to have a hybrid parameter set between at least two RATs as described in the section "General Rules for Wireless Device 22 Supporting Gapless Inter-RAT Measurements" above. For example, inter-RAT measurements on a cell of RAT2 (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements) and data processing on a cell of RAT1 (e.g., NR data processing).

[0386] The wireless device 22 supporting a hybrid parameter set between at least two RATs indicates that the wireless device 22 performs inter-RAT measurements on a cell of one RAT (e.g., RAT2) while operating data signals (e.g., data channels, control channels, etc.) on a cell of another RAT (e.g., RAT1) with different parameter sets on the two RATs. The wireless device 22 can also indicate the supported hybrid parameter sets on the two RATs. For example, the wireless device 22 indicates that it supports using 30KHz for data operation on RAT1 and 15kHz for inter-RAT measurements on RAT2.

[0387] Examples of the rules are:

[0388] When the wireless device 22 does not support the E-UTRAN-NR synchronization capability, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the entire EMW configured to be measured.

[0389] When the wireless device 22 does not support the ability to have a hybrid parameter set between E-UTRAN measurements and NR data processing,

[0390] o When the EMW does not overlap with the SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS / PSS / SSS symbols configured to be measured and on 1 data symbol before and after each CRS / PSS / SSS symbol configured within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration.

[0391] o When the EMW completely overlaps with the SMTC, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the entire EMW configured to be measured.

[0392] o When the EMW and the SMTC partially overlap, it is not expected that the wireless device 22 transmits NR PUCCH / PUSCH / SRS or receives NR PDCCH / PDSCH / TRS / CSI-RS for CQI on the inter-RAT E-UTRAN CRS / PSS / SSS symbols that overlap with the SMTC and are configured to be measured, and on X data symbols before and after each CRS / PSS / SSS symbol configured within the inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurement window duration. Herein, X can be, for example, 2.

[0393] Otherwise, no scheduling restrictions are expected.

[0394] Method in a network node for scheduling a UE that supports gapless measurements

[0395] A network node 16 (e.g., NN1) that serves the wireless device 22 obtains information about the capabilities of the wireless device 22 related to gapless inter-RAT measurements (e.g., inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements), and uses the obtained capability information to perform one or more operational tasks. Examples of operational tasks are:

[0396] Adjust the scheduling of signals on the serving cell of the wireless device 22. For example, the network node 16 allocates the wireless device 22 to perform uplink transmission and / or downlink reception only for signals outside the radio time for scheduling restricted symbols, following rules that are substantially the same as the rules described for the wireless device 22 (i.e., in the embodiments of the wireless device 22 in the following sections: "General rules for a wireless device 22 that supports gapless inter-RAT measurements", "Embodiment of a wireless device 22 that supports gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements with NCSG capability", and "Embodiment of a wireless device 22 that supports gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement capability in DSS").

[0397] The network node 16 (e.g., NN1) obtains this information by receiving information about the capabilities of the wireless device 22 from the wireless device 22 and / or by receiving this information from another network node 16 (e.g., during a cell change process such as during HO from another network node 16, from a core network node such as an AMF, etc.).

[0398] One or more embodiments described herein provide the advantages of enhancing inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements and shortening inter-RAT EUTRAN measurement interruptions, and at the same time, saving power consumption or making it more efficient compared to other possible solutions. In addition, the behavior of gapless inter-RAT EUTRAN measurements of the wireless device 22 is clearly defined as described herein.

[0399] As described above, a wireless device may perform gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements within an Effective Measurement Window (EWM). The measurement duration, measurement period, and the offset from the SMTC / SSB may be defined. One of the benefits of introducing such an Effective Measurement Window is that both the NW and the UE have a common understanding of the timing of measurement and scheduling restrictions.

[0400] In NR, scheduling restrictions may be defined for gapless measurements, such as gapless intra-frequency measurements, gapless inter-frequency measurements, and inter-frequency measurements with NCSG, etc. Possible related scheduling restrictions include the UE performing measurements in a TDD band or performing gapless inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements using a different SCS. For example, a typical scenario that may need to be considered is that the UE receives NR data with SCS = 30KHz and performs inter-RAT E-UTRAN measurements.

[0401] The benefit of introducing scheduling restrictions is that the network can schedule data outside the symbols to be measured. In NR, the symbols to be measured are SSB symbols or CSI-RS symbols. The problem is how to apply the scheduling restrictions to E-UTRAN measurements. E-UTRAN measurements are based on CRS / PSS / SSS, rather than SSB symbols, and the measurements can be performed in any CRS without restrictions. One option is that when the target inter-RAT E-UTRAN frequency layer belongs to the inter-band of the serving cell, no scheduling restrictions are expected. Another option is that when the target inter-RAT E-UTRAN frequency layer belongs to the inter-band of the serving cell, scheduling restrictions are expected, such as the UE performing measurements in a TDD band or using a different SCS.

[0402] As those skilled in the art will recognize, the concepts described herein may be embodied as a method, a data processing system, a computer program product, and / or a computer storage medium storing executable computer programs. Accordingly, the concepts described herein may take the form of an all-hardware embodiment, an all-software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which are all collectively referred to herein as "circuitry" or "module". Any process, step, action, and / or function described herein may be performed by and / or associated with a corresponding module, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. Additionally, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible computer-usable storage medium having computer program code embodied in the medium that is executable by a computer. Any suitable tangible computer-readable medium may be utilized, including a hard disk, a CD-ROM, an electrical storage device, an optical storage device, or a magnetic storage device.

[0403] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer (thereby creating a special purpose computer), a processor of a special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus for generating a machine, such that the instructions, executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block Figure 1 or blocks.

[0404] These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable memory or storage medium that directs a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture including instruction means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block Figure 1 or blocks.

[0405] The computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable apparatus to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide steps for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block Figure 1 or blocks.

[0406] It should be understood that the functions and / or actions noted in the blocks may not occur in the order noted in the operational illustrations. For example, two blocks shown in succession may in fact be executed substantially concurrently depending on the functions / actions involved, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order. Although some of the figures include arrows on communication paths to indicate a primary direction of communication, it should be understood that communication can occur in the opposite direction to the arrows indicated.

[0407] Computer program code for performing the operations of the concepts described herein can be written in an object-oriented programming language such as Python, Java®, or C++. However, the computer program code for performing the operations of the present disclosure can also be written in a conventional procedural programming language such as the "C" programming language. The program code can execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on the remote computer. In the latter case, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., using an Internet service provider through the Internet).

[0408] In combination with the above description and the accompanying drawings, many different embodiments are disclosed herein. It will be understood that describing and illustrating every combination and sub-combination of these embodiments verbatim would be overly repetitive and confusing. Accordingly, all embodiments may be combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification including the accompanying drawings will be construed to provide a complete written description of all combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments described herein, as well as the manner and process of making and using them, and will support claims to the benefit of any such combination or sub-combination.

[0409] Abbreviations that may be used in the foregoing description include:

[0410] Explanation of Abbreviations

[0411] ACK Acknowledgment

[0412] AR Augmented Reality

[0413] BLER Block Error Rate

[0414] BWP Bandwidth Part

[0415] CP Cyclic Prefix

[0416] CSI-RS Channel State Information Reference Signal

[0417] CSSF Carrier-Specific Scaling Factor

[0418] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0419] DL Downlink

[0420] eMBB Enhanced Mobile Broadband

[0421] FDD Frequency Division Duplexing

[0422] FR1 Frequency Range 1

[0423] FR2 Frequency Range 2

[0424] FR3 Frequency Range 3

[0425] gNB Next Generation Node B (5G Base Station)

[0426] HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request

[0427] IMSIP IP Multimedia Subsystem

[0428] MAC Media Access Control

[0429] MGL Measurement Gap Length

[0430] MGO Measurement Gap Offset

[0431] MGP Measurement Gap Pattern

[0432] MGRP Measurement Gap Repetition Period

[0433] MGTA Measurement Gap Timing Advance

[0434] NACK Negative Acknowledgment

[0435] NR New Radio (5G)

[0436] PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel

[0437] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0438] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0439] PRS Positioning Reference Signal

[0440] PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel

[0441] PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel

[0442] RAT Radio Access Technology

[0443] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0444] RRM Radio Resource Management

[0445] SCS Subcarrier Spacing

[0446] SFN System Frame Number

[0447] SMTC SSB Measurement Timing Configuration

[0448] SRS Sounding Reference Signal

[0449] SSB Synchronization Signal and PBCH Block

[0450] TDD Time Division Duplexing

[0451] UE User Equipment

[0452] UL Uplink

[0453] URLLC Ultra-Reliable Low-Latency Communication

[0454] VR Virtual Reality

[0455] XR Extended Reality

[0456] Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been specifically shown and described above. Additionally, unless stated to the contrary above, it should be noted that all the drawings are not drawn to scale. In light of the above teachings, various modifications and variations can be made.

[0457] Example Embodiment (EE)

[0458] EE1. A network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, the network node comprising:

[0459] Processing circuitry configured to:

[0460] Determine a configuration for the wireless device to perform inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps; and

[0461] Cause the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

[0462] EE2. The network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of the following items:

[0463] Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, no scheduling restrictions on the transmission of the uplink control channel and the shared channel and the reception of the downlink control channel and the shared channel are received for the channel quality indicator CQI;

[0464] Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, no scheduling restrictions on the transmission of the uplink control channel and the shared channel and the reception of the downlink control channel and the shared channel are received for the CQI;

[0465] It is not expected that the wireless device will transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel for the CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration;

[0466] It is not expected that the wireless device will transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel for the CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and

[0467] It is not expected that the wireless device will transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel for the CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on all symbols within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

[0468] EE3. The network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, the EMW being based on at least one of the following items:

[0469] Configured measurement gap pattern;

[0470] Configured reference signal configuration;

[0471] Predefined configuration defining the period and offset of the EMW;

[0472] Information signaled in radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and

[0473] The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

[0474] EE4. The network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, the measurement time being based on at least one of the following:

[0475] One of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell;

[0476] Frequency division duplex (FDD) / time division duplex (TDD) cells detectable within the cell identification period; and

[0477] The number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0478] EE5. The network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration is based on the network controlled small gap pattern (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0479] EE6. The network node according to EE1, wherein the configuration is based on the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0480] EE7. A method implemented by a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0481] Determining a configuration for the wireless device to perform inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps; and

[0482] Causing the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

[0483] EE8. The method according to EE7, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration including at least one of the following:

[0484] Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, no scheduling restrictions are imposed on the transmission of the uplink control channel and the shared channel and the reception of the downlink control channel and the shared channel for the channel quality indicator (CQI) reception;

[0485] Based on the radio device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, there are no scheduling restrictions for transmitting on the uplink control channel and shared channel and receiving on the downlink control channel and shared channel for CQI reception;

[0486] It is not expected that the radio device transmits on the uplink control channel and shared channel for CQI and receives on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration;

[0487] It is not expected that the radio device transmits on the uplink control channel and shared channel for CQI and receives on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and

[0488] It is not expected that the radio device transmits on the uplink control channel and shared channel for CQI and receives on the downlink control channel and shared channel on all symbols within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

[0489] EE9. The method according to EE7, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, and the EMW is based on at least one of the following:

[0490] The configured measurement gap pattern;

[0491] The configured reference signal configuration;

[0492] The predefined configuration defining the period and offset of the EMW;

[0493] The information signaled in radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and

[0494] The number of carriers configured for performing gapless measurements.

[0495] EE10. The method according to EE7, wherein the configuration defines the measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, and the measurement time is based on at least one of the following:

[0496] One of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell;

[0497] The frequency division duplex (FDD) / time division duplex (TDD) cells detectable within the cell identification period; and

[0498] The number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0499] EE11. The method according to EE7, wherein the configuration is based on the network controlled small gap pattern (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0500] EE12. The method according to EE7, wherein the configuration is based on the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0501] EE13. A wireless device configured to communicate with a network node, the wireless device comprising:

[0502] processing circuitry configured to:

[0503] receive a configuration for inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps; and

[0504] perform inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell based on the configuration.

[0505] EE14. The wireless device according to EE13, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of the following:

[0506] Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, no scheduling restrictions for transmitting on the uplink control channel and shared channel and receiving on the downlink control channel and shared channel are received for the channel quality indicator CQI;

[0507] Based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, no scheduling restrictions for transmitting on the uplink control channel and shared channel and receiving on the downlink control channel and shared channel are received for the CQI;

[0508] It is not expected that the wireless device transmits on the uplink control channel and shared channel for the CQI and receives on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration;

[0509] It is not expected that the wireless device transmits on the uplink control channel and shared channel for the CQI and receives on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and

[0510] It is not expected that the wireless device transmits CQI on all symbols within the RAT - to - RAT measurement window duration on the uplink control channel and the shared channel, and receives on the downlink control channel and the shared channel.

[0511] EE15. The wireless device according to EE13, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window (EMW) for performing RAT - to - RAT measurements, and the EMW is based on at least one of the following:

[0512] A configured measurement gap pattern;

[0513] A configured reference signal configuration;

[0514] A predefined configuration defining the period and offset of the EMW;

[0515] Information signaled in radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and

[0516] The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

[0517] EE16. The wireless device according to EE13, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing RAT - to - RAT measurements, and the measurement time is based on at least one of the following:

[0518] One of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell;

[0519] Detectable frequency - division duplex (FDD) / time - division duplex (TDD) cells within the cell identification period; and

[0520] The number of frequency layers for RAT - to - RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0521] EE17. The wireless device according to EE13, wherein the configuration is based on the network - controlled small gap mode (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0522] EE18. The wireless device according to EE13, wherein the configuration is based on the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0523] EE19. A method implemented by a wireless device configured to communicate with a network node, the method comprising:

[0524] Receiving a configuration for radio access technology (RAT) - to - RAT measurements without measurement gaps; and

[0525] Based on the configuration, performing RAT - to - RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell.

[0526] EE20. The method according to EE19, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, and the at least one scheduling configuration includes at least one of the following items:

[0527] Based on the radio device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps, there are no scheduling restrictions on the transmission of the uplink control channel and the shared channel and the reception of the downlink control channel and the shared channel for the received channel quality indicator CQI.

[0528] Based on the radio device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band, there are no scheduling restrictions on the transmission of the uplink control channel and the shared channel and the reception of the downlink control channel and the shared channel for the received CQI.

[0529] It is not expected that the radio device will transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel for the CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

[0530] It is not expected that the radio device will transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel for the CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and

[0531] It is not expected that the radio device will transmit on the uplink control channel and the shared channel for the CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on all symbols within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

[0532] EE21. The method according to EE19, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window (EMW) for performing inter-RAT measurements, and the EMW is based on at least one of the following items:

[0533] The configured measurement gap pattern;

[0534] The configured reference signal configuration;

[0535] The predefined configuration defining the period and offset of the EMW;

[0536] The information signaled in the radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and

[0537] The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

[0538] EE22. The method according to EE19, wherein the configuration defines a measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, and the measurement time is based on at least one of the following:

[0539] One of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell;

[0540] Frequency division duplex (FDD) / time division duplex (TDD) cells detectable within the cell identification period; and

[0541] The number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

[0542] EE23. The method according to EE19, wherein the configuration is based on the network controlled small gap mode (NCSG) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

[0543] EE24. The method according to EE19, wherein the configuration is based on the dynamic spectrum sharing (DSS) capabilities of the wireless device and the network node.

Claims

1. A method implemented by a wireless device (22), the wireless device (22) being configured to communicate with a network node (16), the method comprises: receiving (S138) a configuration for inter-radio access technology (RAT) measurements without measurement gaps, wherein the configuration defines a valid measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps; and performing (S140) inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell within the valid measurement window based on the configuration.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein scheduling restrictions are applied within the valid measurement window.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein when the wireless device performs the inter-RAT measurements at a subcarrier spacing different from the subcarrier spacing used by the wireless device to receive data or control signals at the serving cell of the wireless device, scheduling restrictions are applied within the valid measurement window.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the configuration includes a period and an offset of the valid measurement window.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the configuration includes a period, an offset and a duration of the valid measurement window.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprises: sending signaling to the network node for determining the valid measurement window.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the signaling is radio resource control signaling.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 7, wherein the signaling includes: one or more periods, and / or offsets, and / or durations of the valid measurement window.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wireless device is served by a new radio (NR) cell, and wherein the inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps are performed for a long term evolution (LTE) cell.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration including at least one of the following items: not scheduling restrictions for uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions for channel quality indicator (CQI) reception based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps; not scheduling restrictions for CQI reception for uplink control channel and shared channel transmissions and downlink control channel and shared channel receptions based on the wireless device supporting inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps and the frequency layer being inter-band; not expecting the wireless device to transmit for CQI on the uplink control channel and shared channel and to receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; It is not expected that the wireless device transmits for CQI on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receives on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and It is not expected that the wireless device transmits for CQI on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receives on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on all symbols within the inter-RAT measurement window duration.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, The effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps is based on at least one of the following: The configured measurement gap pattern; The configured reference signal configuration; The predefined configuration defining the period, duration, and offset of the effective measurement window; The information signaled in the radio resource control RRC signaling; and The number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The configuration defines the measurement time for performing inter-RAT measurements, and the measurement time is based on at least one of the following: One of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell; The frequency division duplex FDD / time division duplex TDD cells detectable within the cell identification period; and The number of frequency layers for inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps.

13. A wireless device (22) configured to communicate with a network node (16), the wireless device comprises: A processing circuit (84) configured to: Receive a configuration for performing radio access technology RAT inter-measurements without measurement gaps, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps; and Based on the configuration, perform inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps on at least one cell within the effective measurement window.

14. The wireless device according to claim 13, wherein, The processing circuit is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 2 to 12.

15. A method implemented by a network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device (22), the method comprises: Determine (s134) a configuration for the wireless device to perform radio access technology RAT inter-measurements without measurement gaps, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing inter-RAT measurements without measurement gaps; and Cause (s136) the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, Scheduling restrictions are applied within the effective measurement window.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 16, wherein, When the wireless device performs the inter-RAT measurement with a subcarrier spacing different from the subcarrier spacing used by the wireless device to receive data or control signals at the serving cell of the wireless device, scheduling restrictions are applied within the effective measurement window.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, further comprises: obtaining information about the capabilities of the wireless device related to gapless inter-RAT measurements; and using the obtained information to adjust the scheduling of signals on the serving cell of the wireless device.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein adjusting the scheduling comprises: allocating the wireless device for uplink transmission and / or downlink reception of signals only outside the radio time when scheduling restrictions are applied.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the configuration comprises the period and offset of the effective measurement window.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the configuration comprises the period, offset and duration of the effective measurement window.

22. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 21, further comprises: receiving signaling from the wireless device; and determining the effective measurement window based on the received signaling.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the signaling is radio resource control signaling.

24. The method according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the signaling comprises: one or more periods, and / or offsets, and / or durations of the effective measurement window.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the wireless device is served by a New Radio (NR) cell, and wherein the gapless inter-RAT measurement is performed on a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) cell.

26. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the configuration is based on at least one scheduling configuration, the at least one scheduling configuration comprising at least one of the following: not scheduling restrictions for uplink control channel and shared channel transmission and downlink control channel and shared channel reception for channel quality indicator (CQI) reception based on the wireless device supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements; not scheduling restrictions for uplink control channel and shared channel transmission and downlink control channel and shared channel reception for CQI reception based on the wireless device supporting gapless inter-RAT measurements and the frequency layer being inter-band; not expecting the wireless device to transmit on the uplink control channel and shared channel for CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT reference signal symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; not expecting the wireless device to transmit on the uplink control channel and shared channel for CQI and receive on the downlink control channel and shared channel on the inter-RAT RSSI measurement symbols configured to be measured and on the data symbols before and after each reference signal symbol configured within the inter-RAT measurement window duration; and It is not expected that the wireless device transmits CQI on the uplink control channel and the shared channel and receives on the downlink control channel and the shared channel on all symbols within the RAT - to - RAT measurement window duration.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein, the effective measurement window for performing RAT - to - RAT measurement without measurement gaps is based on at least one of the following: the configured measurement gap pattern; the configured reference signal configuration; the predefined configuration defining the period, duration, and offset of the effective measurement window; the information signaled in radio resource control (RRC) signaling; and the number of carriers configured to perform gapless measurements.

28. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein, the configuration defines the measurement time for performing RAT - to - RAT measurement, and the measurement time is based on at least one of the following: one of the cell identification period and the physical layer measurement period of the identified cell; the frequency - division duplex (FDD) / time - division duplex (TDD) cells detectable within the cell identification period; and the number of frequency layers for RAT - to - RAT measurement without measurement gaps.

29. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device (22), the network node comprising: a processing circuit (68) configured to: determine a configuration for the wireless device to perform radio access technology (RAT) - to - RAT measurement without measurement gaps, wherein the configuration defines an effective measurement window for performing RAT - to - RAT measurement without measurement gaps; and cause the configuration to be sent to the wireless device.

30. The network node according to claim 29, wherein, the processing circuit is configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 16 to 29.

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