Enhancement of small gap (NCSG) support for network control

Abstract

Enhancements for small gap (NCSG) support for network control are disclosed. A network device may be configured to: receive NCSG support information from a user equipment (UE), the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator for a target frequency band; determining an NCSG configuration for the UE based on a specified condition from: a first NCSG configuration based on the first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; the determined NCSG configuration is sent to the UE; and performing a measurement object with the UE based on the determined NCSG configuration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application generally relates to wireless communication systems, including enhanced methods, devices, and systems for network control small gap (NCSG) support. Background Art

[0002] Wireless mobile communication technologies use various standards and protocols to send data between a base station and a wireless communication device. Wireless communication system standards and protocols can include, for example, 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) (e.g., 4G), 3GPP New Radio (NR) (e.g., 5G), and the IEEE 802.11 standard for wireless local area networks (WLAN) (commonly referred to within the industry as )

[0003] As envisioned by 3GPP, different wireless communication system standards and protocols can use various radio access networks (RANs) to communicate between a base station of the RAN (which may sometimes also be referred to as a RAN node, network node, or simply a node) and a wireless communication device called a user equipment (UE). 3GPP RAN can include, for example, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE) RAN (GERAN), Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and / or Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN).

[0004] Each RAN can use one or more radio access technologies (RATs) to perform communication between the base station and the UE. For example, GERAN implements GSM and / or EDGE RAT, UTRAN implements Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) RAT or other 3GPP RAT, E-UTRAN implements LTE RAT (which is sometimes simply referred to as LTE), and NG-RAN implements NR RAT (which is sometimes referred to herein as 5G RAT, 5G NR RAT, or simply NR). In some deployments, E-UTRAN can also implement NR RAT. In some deployments, NG-RAN can also implement LTE RAT.

[0005] The base station used by the RAN can correspond to that RAN. An example of an E-UTRAN base station is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) Node B (commonly also denoted as an Evolved Node B, Enhanced Node B, eNodeB, or eNB). An example of an NG-RAN base station is a Next Generation Node B (sometimes also referred to as a gNodeB or gNB).

[0006] The RAN provides communication services with external entities through its connection with the core network (CN). For example, E-UTRAN can utilize the evolved packet core (EPC), while NG-RAN can utilize the 5G core network (5GC).

[0007] The frequency bands of 5G NR can be divided into two or more different frequency ranges. For example, frequency range 1 (FR1) can include frequency bands operating at frequencies below 6 GHz, some of which are available for previous standards and can potentially be extended to cover new spectrum products from 410 MHz to 7125 MHz. Frequency range 2 (FR2) can include frequency bands from 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz. The frequency bands in the millimeter wave (mmWave) range of FR2 may have a smaller range but potentially higher available bandwidth than the frequency bands in FR1. Those skilled in the art will recognize that these frequency ranges provided by way of example may change over time or by region. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a network device, the network device comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component; wherein the processor is configured to: receive NCSG support information from a UE, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator for a target frequency band; determine, based on specified conditions, an NCSG configuration for the UE from: a first NCSG configuration based on the first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; send the determined NCSG configuration to the UE; and perform a measurement object (MO) with the UE based on the determined NCSG configuration.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a UE, the UE comprising: at least one antenna; at least one radio component coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor coupled to the at least one radio component; wherein the processor is configured to: report NCSG support information to a network device, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator of the UE for a target frequency band, the NCSG support information further including additional information associated with specified conditions; receive an NCSG configuration from the network device, the NCSG configuration being selected from: a first NCSG configuration based on the reported first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; and perform a measurement object based on the received NCSG configuration.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for a network device, the method comprising: receiving NCSG support information from a UE, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator for a target frequency band; determining an NCSG configuration for the UE from the following based on specified conditions: a first NCSG configuration based on the first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; sending the determined NCSG configuration to the UE; and performing a measurement object with the UE based on the determined NCSG configuration.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for a UE, the method comprising: reporting NCSG support information to a network device, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator of the UE for a target frequency band, the NCSG support information further including additional information associated with specified conditions; receiving an NCSG configuration from the network device, the NCSG configuration being selected from the following: a first NCSG configuration based on the reported first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; and performing a measurement object based on the received NCSG configuration.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of a network device, cause the processor to perform any of the methods for the network device disclosed herein.

[0013] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor of a UE, cause the processor to perform any of the methods for the UE disclosed herein.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a program that, when executed by a processor of a network device, causes the processor to perform any of the methods for the network device disclosed herein.

[0015] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a computer program product comprising a program that, when executed by a processor of a UE, causes the processor to perform any of the methods for the UE disclosed herein.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods for a network device disclosed herein.

[0017] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an apparatus comprising components for performing any of the methods for a UE disclosed herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or action, one or more of the most significant digits in the reference numerals refer to the figure number in which the element was first introduced.

[0019] Figure 1 An example architecture of a wireless communication system in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0020] Figure 2 A system for performing signaling between a wireless device and a network device in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0021] Figure 3 An exemplary process associated with the configuration and use of NCSG in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0022] Figures 4A to 4C An exemplary type of NCSG mode in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0023] Figure 5 An exemplary process for implementing enhancements to NCSG support in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0024] Figure 6 An exemplary process for implementing enhancements to NCSG support in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0025] Figures 7A to 7B An exemplary scenario in which the maximum number of activated secondary cells (SCells) is specified in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated.

[0026] Figure 8 An exemplary scenario in which a specific indication of NCSG support for each bandwidth part (BWP) is used in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein is illustrated. Detailed Description

[0027] NCSG can be used by a wireless communication system to, for example, enhance the signal measurement process by which a UE performs intra-frequency measurements and / or inter-frequency measurements.

[0028] Various embodiments are described with respect to a UE. However, the reference to a UE is provided for illustrative purposes only. Example embodiments can be used with any electronic component that can establish a connection with a network and is configured with hardware, software, and / or firmware for exchanging information and data with the network. Thus, a UE as described herein is used to represent any suitable electronic component.

[0029] Figure 1Illustrates an example architecture of a wireless communication system 100 according to the embodiments disclosed herein. The following description provided is for an example wireless communication system 100 operating in conjunction with the LTE system standard and / or 5G or NR system standard provided in the 3GPP technical specifications.

[0030] As Figure 1 shown, the wireless communication system 100 includes UEs 102 and 104 (although any number of UEs may be used). In this example, UEs 102 and 104 are illustrated as smart phones (e.g., handheld touchscreen mobile computing devices capable of connecting to one or more cellular networks), but may also include any mobile or non-mobile computing device configured for wireless communication.

[0031] UEs 102 and 104 may be communicatively coupled to the RAN 106. In an embodiment, the RAN 106 may be an NG-RAN, an E-UTRAN, etc. UEs 102 and 104 utilize connections (or channels) with the RAN 106 (shown as connections 108 and 110, respectively), where each connection (or channel) includes a physical communication interface. The RAN 106 may include one or more base stations that implement connections 108 and 110, such as base stations 112 and 114.

[0032] In this example, connections 108 and 110 are air interfaces that implement such communicative coupling and may conform to the RAT used by the RAN 106, such as, for example, LTE and / or NR.

[0033] In some embodiments, UEs 102 and 104 may also directly exchange communication data via a side link interface 116. UE 104 is shown as being configured to access an access point (shown as AP 118) via connection 120. By way of example, connection 120 may include a local wireless connection, such as a connection conforming to any IEEE 802.11 protocol, where the AP 118 may include a router. In this example, the AP 118 may be connected to another network (e.g., the Internet) without passing through the CN 124.

[0034] In an embodiment, UEs 102 and 104 may be configured to communicate with each other or with base stations 112 and / or 114 over a multi-carrier communication channel using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication signals according to various communication technologies, such as but not limited to orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) communication technology (e.g., for downlink communication) or single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) communication technology (e.g., for uplink and ProSe or side link communication), but the scope of the embodiments is not limited in this regard. The OFDM signal may include a plurality of orthogonal subcarriers.

[0035] In some embodiments, all or part of base station 112 or base station 114 may be implemented as one or more software entities running on a server computer as part of a virtual network. Additionally, or in other embodiments, base station 112 or base station 114 may communicate with each other via interface 122. In an embodiment where wireless communication system 100 is an LTE system (e.g., when CN 124 is an EPC), interface 122 may be an X2 interface. The X2 interface may be defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more eNBs, etc.) connected to the EPC and / or between two eNBs connected to the EPC. In an embodiment where wireless communication system 100 is an NR system (e.g., when CN 124 is a 5GC), interface 122 may be an Xn interface. The Xn interface is defined between two or more base stations (e.g., two or more gNBs, etc.) connected to the 5GC, between a base station 112 (e.g., gNB) connected to the 5GC and an eNB, and / or between two eNBs connected to the 5GC (e.g., CN 124).

[0036] RAN 106 is shown communicatively coupled to CN 124. CN 124 may include one or more network elements 126 configured to provide various data and telecommunications services to customers / subscribers (e.g., users of UEs 102 and 104) connected to CN 124 via RAN 106. The components of CN 124 may be implemented in one physical device or separate physical devices including components for reading and executing instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium).

[0037] In an embodiment, CN 124 may be an EPC, and RAN 106 may be connected to CN 124 via S1 interface 128. In an embodiment, S1 interface 128 may be divided into two parts: an S1 user plane (S1-U) interface that carries traffic data between base station 112 or base station 114 and a serving gateway (S-GW); and an S1-MME interface that is a signaling interface between base station 112 or base station 114 and a mobility management entity (MME).

[0038] In an embodiment, CN 124 may be a 5GC, and RAN 106 may be connected to CN 124 via NG interface 128. In an embodiment, NG interface 128 may be divided into two parts: an NG user plane (NG-U) interface that carries traffic data between base station 112 or base station 114 and a user plane function (UPF); and an S1 control plane (NG-C) interface that is a signaling interface between base station 112 or base station 114 and an access and mobility management function (AMF).

[0039] Generally, the application server 130 can be an element that provides an application (e.g., a packet - switched data service) using Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources for use with the CN 124. The application server 130 can also be configured to support one or more communication services (e.g., VoIP sessions, group communication sessions, etc.) for the UEs 102 and 104 via the CN 124. The application server 130 can communicate with the CN 124 through an IP communication interface 132.

[0040] Figure 2 Illustrated is a system 200 for performing signaling 234 between a wireless device 202 and a network device 218 according to embodiments disclosed herein. The system 200 can be part of a wireless communication system as described herein. The wireless device 202 can be, for example, a UE of a wireless communication system. The network device 218 can be, for example, a base station (e.g., an eNB or a gNB) of a wireless communication system.

[0041] The wireless device 202 can include one or more processors 204. The processors 204 can execute instructions to perform various operations of the wireless device 202 as described herein. The processors 204 can include one or more baseband processors implemented using, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application - specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a controller, a field - programmable gate array (FPGA) device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0042] The wireless device 202 can include a memory 206. The memory 206 can be a non - transitory computer - readable storage medium storing instructions 208 (which can include, for example, instructions executed by the processors 204). The instructions 208 can also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 206 can also store data used by the processors 204 and results calculated by the processors.

[0043] The wireless device 202 can include one or more transceivers 210, which can include radio - frequency (RF) transmitter and / or receiver circuitry that uses the antennas 212 of the wireless device 202 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 234) to and / or from the wireless device 202 and other devices (e.g., the network device 218) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0044] The wireless device 202 may include one or more antennas 212 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). For embodiments having multiple antennas 212, the wireless device 202 may utilize the spatial diversity of such multiple antennas 212 to transmit and / or receive multiple different data streams on the same time-frequency resource. This behavior may be referred to as, for example, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) behavior (referring to the multiple antennas used at each of the transmitting and receiving devices to implement this aspect). MIMO transmission performed by the wireless device 202 may be implemented according to pre-coding (or digital beamforming) applied at the wireless device 202, which multiplexes data streams across the antennas 212 based on known or assumed channel characteristics such that each data stream is received with an appropriate signal strength relative to the other streams and at a desired location in the spatial domain (e.g., the location of the receiver associated with that data stream). Certain embodiments may use single-user MIMO (SU-MIMO) methods (where the data streams are all directed to a single receiver) and / or multi-user MIMO (MU-MIMO) methods (where individual data streams may be directed to separate (different) receivers at different locations in the spatial domain).

[0045] In certain embodiments having multiple antennas, the wireless device 202 may implement analog beamforming techniques, whereby the phases of the signals transmitted by the antennas 212 are adjusted relative to each other such that the (combined) transmission by the antennas 212 can be directed (this is sometimes referred to as beam steering).

[0046] The wireless device 202 may include one or more interfaces 214. The interfaces 214 may be used to provide input to or output from the wireless device 202. For example, the wireless device 202 (UE) may include interfaces 214 such as microphones, speakers, touchscreens, and buttons, etc., to allow a user of the UE to provide input to and / or output from the UE. Other interfaces of such a UE may be composed of transmitters, receivers, and other circuitry (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 210 / antenna 212 already described) that allow communication between the UE and other devices and may operate according to known protocols (e.g., and etc.).

[0047] The wireless device 202 may include an NCSG management module 216. The NCSG management module 216 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the NCSG management module 216 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 208 stored in the memory 206 and executed by the processor 204. In some examples, the NCSG management module 216 may be integrated within the processor 204 and / or the transceiver 210. For example, the NCSG management module 216 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor 204 or the transceiver 210.

[0048] The NCSG management module 216 may be used in various aspects of the present disclosure. For example, Figures 3 to 8 in aspects. The NCSG management module 216 is configured to: report NCSG support information to a network device, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator of the wireless device 202 for a target frequency band, and the NCSG support information further including additional information associated with a specified condition; receive an NCSG configuration from the network device, the NCSG configuration being selected from: a first NCSG configuration based on the reported first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; and perform a measurement object based on the received NCSG configuration.

[0049] The network device 218 may include one or more processors 220. The processors 220 may execute instructions to perform various operations of the network device 218 as described herein. The processor 204 may include one or more baseband processors, which are implemented using, for example, a CPU, a DSP, an ASIC, a controller, an FPGA device, another hardware device, a firmware device, or any combination thereof configured to perform the operations described herein.

[0050] The network device 218 may include a memory 222. The memory 222 may be a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions 224 (which may include, for example, instructions executed by the processor 220). The instructions 224 may also be referred to as program code or a computer program. The memory 222 may also store data used by the processor 220 and results calculated by the processor.

[0051] The network device 218 may include one or more transceivers 226, which may include RF transmitter and / or receiver circuitry that uses the antenna 228 of the network device 218 to facilitate signaling (e.g., signaling 234) to and / or from the network device 218 and other devices (e.g., the wireless device 202) according to a corresponding RAT.

[0052] The network device 218 may include one or more antennas 228 (e.g., one, two, four, or more). In embodiments having multiple antennas 228, the network device 218 may perform MIMO, digital beamforming, analog beamforming, beam control, etc. as already described.

[0053] The network device 218 may include one or more interfaces 230. The interfaces 230 may be used to provide input to or output from the network device 218. For example, the network device 218 (base station) may include interfaces 230 composed of a transmitter, a receiver, and other circuits (e.g., in addition to the transceiver 226 / antenna 228 already described), which enable the base station to communicate with other equipment in the core network, and / or enable the base station to communicate with external networks, computers, databases, etc., for the purpose of performing operations, managing, and maintaining the base station or other equipment operably connected to the base station.

[0054] The network device 218 may include an NCSG management module 232. The NCSG management module 232 may be implemented via hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, the NCSG management module 232 may be implemented as a processor, circuitry, and / or instructions 224 stored in the memory 222 and executed by the processor 220. In some examples, the NCSG management module 232 may be integrated within the processor 220 and / or the transceiver 226. For example, the NCSG management module 232 may be implemented by a combination of software components (e.g., executed by a DSP or a general-purpose processor) and hardware components (e.g., logic gates and circuitry) within the processor 220 or the transceiver 226.

[0055] The NCSG management module 232 may be used for various aspects of the present disclosure, for example, Figures 3 to 8 aspects. The NCSG management module 232 is configured to: receive NCSG support information from the UE, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator for a target frequency band; determine an NCSG configuration for the UE based on specified conditions from the following: a first NCSG configuration based on the first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; send the determined NCSG configuration to the UE; and perform a measurement object with the UE based on the determined NCSG configuration.

[0056] Figure 3 Illustrates an exemplary process 300 associated with the configuration and use of NCSG according to embodiments disclosed herein. The process 300 may be performed by a network device (NW) and a UE. The network device may be implemented as Figure 2 an instance of the network device 218. The UE may be implemented as Figure 2 an instance of the wireless device 202.

[0057] Procedure 300 may start at step 302, where the UE may start accessing the network device. For example, the UE may establish one or more connections with the network device when entering the cell served by the network device. The network device may represent a set of devices associated with the cell (such as devices for the Primary Cell (PCell) and Secondary Cell (SCell)). These connections may be based on one or more RF chains. Some types of UEs may only support a single RF chain with the network device, while other types of UEs may be able to support multiple RF chains with the network device.

[0058] In addition, the UE may indicate its support for the NCSG function after it has the right to access the network device. For example, the UE may report whether it generally supports the NCSG function. This indication may be carried in one or more capability report messages from the UE to the network device.

[0059] At step 304, the network device may provide a Carrier Aggregation (CA) configuration to the UE. The CA configuration may be specified by the network device. For example, the UE may be able to support three frequency bands (such as Band A, Band B, and Band C). The network device may specify the CA configuration for Band A and Band B for the UE to send and / or receive data packets (such as multimedia data packets) with the network device. Other CA configurations may also be applicable. Note that step 304 is optional, so it is illustrated with a dashed short dash arrow.

[0060] At step 306, the network device may transmit a query for the UE's NCSG support for one or more target frequency bands. The query for NCSG support may be for any target frequency band selected from Band A, Band B, and / or Band C, or other target frequency bands that the network device may be interested in (such as Band D, Band E, or other frequency bands). In some embodiments, the query for NCSG support may be transmitted when measurements on the target frequency band may be required. Before using the target frequency band, the network device may need to know whether the UE can perform measurements on the target frequency band without interrupting data transmission on the currently operating frequency bands (such as Band A and Band B) of the specified CA configuration. In other words, the network device may need to know the UE's NCSG support (or preferred NCSG mode) for the target frequency band.

[0061] At step 308, in response to the received query, the UE may report NCSG support information associated with one or more target frequency bands. The NCSG support information may indicate the UE's NCSG mode for each target frequency band. The UE may use corresponding support indicators to represent the corresponding NCSG modes. Exemplary NCSG modes may correspond to Figures 4A to 4CThe illustrated NCSG modes. According to some embodiments disclosed herein, a UE may specify a corresponding support indicator for each target frequency band and include the specified support indicator in the NCSG support information. The corresponding support indicator may be specified based at least on the CA configuration assigned to the UE. For example, the fact that the UE is configured with CA for Band A and Band B may affect the NCSG mode of the UE for Band A or Band B as the target frequency band.

[0062] Exemplary NCSG support information elements are illustrated in Table 1. Note that the NCSG support information elements discussed in this disclosure are for illustrative purposes only. Alternative NCSG support information elements may also be applicable. If needed, the NCSG support information elements may be applicable to any wireless system implementing any suitable communication protocol and / or standard (including but not limited to 5G standards and any future standards).

[0063] Table 1

[0064]

[0065] As shown in the table, the NCSG support information element may include an in-band support indicator (e.g., in intraFreq-needForNCSG-r17) and / or an inter-band support indicator (e.g., in interFreq-needForNCSG-r17). The in-band support indicator may be provided per serving cell (e.g., per ServCellIndex). The inter-band support indicator may be provided per frequency band (e.g., per FreqBandIndicatorNR). According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the NCSG support information element may include one or more additional information (not illustrated in Table 1), and the one or more additional information may facilitate the enhancement of NCSG support, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0066] Each support indicator of the NCSG support information element may have a value selected from a set of enumerated values of {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}. Each of these values may correspond to Figures 4A to 4C the illustrated corresponding NCSG mode.

[0067] Figure 4AIllustrates a first type of NCSG mode according to the embodiments disclosed herein. In this example, two RF chains (shown as RF1 chain and RF2 chain) are shown, and each RF chain has a corresponding carrier (shown as carrier 1 and carrier 2). In the first NCSG mode, when the UE performs a measurement object (MO) on the RF2 chain, it may be necessary to schedule a gap on the RF1 chain. The UE cannot maintain data transmission on the RF1 chain while performing the MO on the RF2 chain. This may be caused by the limited ability of the UE to maintain two RF chains. For example, some radio components of the UE may not be able to support two concurrent RF1 and RF2 chains. Thus, the UE must set a gap on the RF1 chain and switch to the RF2 chain for the MO. Since the first type of NCSG mode has a scheduled gap on the RF1 chain, a support indicator with a "gap" value in the NCSG support information can be used to indicate this first type of NCSG mode. The first type of NCSG mode can also be referred to as a measurement gap mode. The measurement gap mode is a traditional mode that least utilizes the UE's support ability for NCSG. The NCSG configuration for this measurement gap mode can also be referred to as a measurement gap configuration.

[0068] Figure 4B Illustrates a second type of NCSG mode according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Similar to Figure 4A the example, two RF chains (shown as RF1 chain and RF2 chain) are shown, and each RF chain has a corresponding carrier (shown as carrier 1 and carrier 2). In the second type of NCSG mode, when the UE performs a MO on the RF2 chain, it may not be necessary to schedule a gap on the RF1 chain. The UE can maintain the RF1 chain for data transmission while performing the MO on the RF2 chain. However, one or more short interrupts can be scheduled on the RF1 chain. The interrupts can be scheduled when the MO starts and / or ends on the RF2 chain. Such interrupts can allow the UE to prepare and / or exit the support for two concurrent RF1 and RF2 chains. Preparation and / or exit may require, for example, adjusting some radio components of the UE. Each of these interrupts is shown as having a visible interrupt length (VIL). The VIL can be configurable. The second type of NCSG mode can be indicated by a support indicator with an "ncsg" value in the NCSG support information.

[0069] Figure 4C Illustrates a third type of NCSG mode according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Similar to Figure 4A and Figure 4BAn example shows two RF chains (shown as RF1 chain and RF2 chain), and each RF chain has a corresponding carrier (shown as carrier 1 and carrier 2). In the third type of NCSG mode, when the UE performs MO on the RF2 chain, it may not be necessary to schedule a gap on the RF1 chain. In addition, when the MO starts and / or ends on the RF2 chain, one or more interruptions may not be scheduled on the RF1 chain. This may be due to the fact that the UE has sufficient capabilities to enter and / or exit the support for two concurrent RF1 and RF2 chains without a transmission interruption on the RF1 chain. The third NCSG mode can be indicated by a support indicator with the value "nogap-noncsg" in the NCSG support information.

[0070] The second type of NCSG mode avoids relatively long transmission gaps on the RF1 chain, so it may be more preferable than the first type of NCSG mode. Similarly, the third NCSG mode also avoids relatively long transmission gaps on the RF1 chain, so it may be more preferable than the first type of NCSG mode. In addition, the third NCSG mode avoids short transmission interruptions on the RF1 chain, so it may also be more preferable than the second type of NCSG mode. The first type of NCSG mode is a traditional mode in the NCSG mechanism. The second type of NCSG mode is an advanced mode in the NCSG mechanism. The third type of NCSG mode is a further advanced mode in the NCSG mechanism.

[0071] It should be understood that Figures 4A to 4C the NCSG modes are provided only for illustrative purposes. Each of these NCSG modes can be indicated by any suitable value (not limited to the "gap", "ncsg", or "nogap-noncsg" values) in the NCSG support information element. Other types of NCSG modes may be developed in the future, and such other types of NCSG modes can be included without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. In other embodiments, the UE may support more than two RF chains. In some embodiments, the RF1 chain and the RF2 chain may be in the same frequency band, so the MO can be for intra-frequency measurement. In other embodiments, the RF1 chain and the RF2 chain may be in different frequency bands, so the MO can be for inter-frequency measurement.

[0072] Returning to Figure 3。At step 310, the network device may determine the NCSG configuration for the UE. The NCSG configuration may be associated with the NCSG mode determined for each target band in the target band. According to the embodiments disclosed herein, the NCSG mode may be determined based on one or more specified conditions. In some embodiments, one or more specified conditions may be associated with one or more additional information provided in the NCSG support information element. If one or more specified conditions are met, the NCSG mode reported by the UE in step 308 may be considered valid. Therefore, the NCSG configuration may be determined based on the reported NCSG mode of the UE. If one or more specified conditions are not met, the NCSG mode of the UE reported in step 308 may be considered invalid. The NCSG configuration may be determined based on another NCSG mode different from the reported NCSG mode of the UE.

[0073] At step 312, the network device may send the determined NCSG configuration to the UE. The determined NCSG configuration may indicate which NCSG mode in the NCSG mode will be used. For example, the determined NCSG configuration may indicate which one of the first ("gap"), second ("ncsg"), or third ("nogap-noncsg") type of NCSG mode will be used for the UE. Additionally, the determined NCSG configuration may include one or more specified parameters associated with the NCSG mode to be used.

[0074] Additionally, the network device may send an MO to the UE. The MO may be associated with one or more measurements to be performed on the target band.

[0075] At step 314, the network device and the UE may perform the MO according to the determined NCSG configuration provided in step 312. For example, the UE and / or the network device may perform the MO according to the NCSG mode indicated in the determined NCSG configuration, where one or more parameters associated with the NCSG mode are also specified in the NCSG configuration.

[0076] The conventional configuration and use of NCSG may not fully utilize the UE's support capabilities for NCSG, thus jeopardizing the benefits of the NCSG mechanism.

[0077] The UE's support for the NCSG mode depends in part on the availability of idle RF chains. In some scenarios, the availability of idle RF chains depends on how many SCell are in the active support mode. An activated SCell occupies one of the idle RF chains in the UE's idle RF chains, while a deactivated SCell (even if it has been added for the UE) does not occupy the UE's idle RF chains. Therefore, the activation state of one or more SCell may affect how many RF chains of the UE are idle and available, thus affecting the UE's actual support for the NCSG mode.

[0078] Unlike the activation or deactivation of one or more SCell that can be dynamically controlled (e.g., via relatively dynamic MAC CE signaling), the UE's support for the NCSG mode is statically reported (e.g., via relatively static RRC signaling) and is reported regardless of whether the SCell is in the active mode or the deactivated mode. Thus, under the assumption that the relevant SCell is activated, the UE may have to report the conservative NCSG mode. As a result, when the relevant SCell is actually deactivated, the benefits of NCSG are jeopardized.

[0079] Another problem occurs when the SCell switches from the deactivated mode to the active mode. At this time, since the NCSG mode is statically reported and regardless of the position and size of the active BWP in the target frequency band, if one or more active BWPs in the SCell cannot cover the MO on the target frequency band, the UE may lose its support for the reported NCSG mode. Considering this possibility, the UE may choose to report its support for the conservative NCSG mode for the target frequency band. For example, the UE may report that it only supports the first type of NCSG mode ("gap") rather than the second NCSG ("ncsg") NCSG mode on the target frequency band. The opportunity to use the second type of NCSG mode, which is more desirable, for measurements on the target frequency band will be lost. As a result, the benefits of the NCSG mechanism are jeopardized.

[0080] The embodiments contemplated herein provide enhancements to NCSG support, which allow for improved utilization and / or flexibility of NCSG.

[0081] Figure 5 Exemplary process 500 illustrates the implementation of enhancements to NCSG support according to the embodiments disclosed herein. Process 500 may be performed by a network device or its processor / controller. The network device may be implemented as Figure 2 an instance of network device 218.

[0082] Process 500 may begin at step 502, where the network device may receive NCSG support information from the UE. The NCSG support information may include at least a first support indicator for the target frequency band. The first support indicator may be used to report the UE's support for a particular NCSG mode. The particular NCSG mode may be Figures 4A to 4C one of the NCSG modes of

[0083] At step 504, the network device may determine an NCSG configuration for the UE based on specified conditions. The NCSG configuration for the UE may be determined from a first NCSG configuration based on a first support indicator or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration. According to the specified conditions, the determined NCSG configuration for the UE may be consistent with a specific NCSG mode indicated by the first support indicator in the NCSG support information, or may be different from the specific NCSG mode. In other words, when the specified conditions are met, the specific NCSG mode is considered valid, or when the specified conditions are not met, the specific NCSG mode is considered invalid.

[0084] According to some embodiments disclosed herein, the specified conditions may be associated with the activation state of one or more SCell. According to alternative embodiments disclosed herein, the specified conditions may be associated with a specific indication of NCSG support per BWP. The determination associated with different specified conditions will be discussed in more detail below.

[0085] At step 506, the network device may send the determined NCSG configuration to the UE. The NCSG configuration may describe the NCSG mode to be used for the UE through one or more specified parameters associated with the NCSG mode.

[0086] At step 508, the network device may perform MO with the UE based on the determined NCSG configuration. The MO may be specified by the network device. Various MOs may be used. For example, the MO may include any one of measurements based on single-sided band (SSB) and / or measurements based on channel state indication reference signal (CSI-RS), such as measurements of reference signal received power (RSRP), reference signal received quality (RSRQ), signal to interference plus noise ratio of the reference signal (RS-SINR), etc. In alternative embodiments, other measurements may also be included in the MO.

[0087] As described above, the specified conditions for determining the NCSG configuration may be associated with the activation state of one or more SCell. In some of these embodiments, the specified conditions may be specifically associated with the number of currently activated SCell. When the number of currently activated SCell falls within a specified range, the specific NCSG mode reported in the NCSG support information from the UE is considered valid.

[0088] For example, the maximum number of active SCell may be specified. This maximum number may describe the maximum number of SCell that are allowed to be active if a particular NCSG mode reported in the NCSG support information from the UE is to be considered valid. In these embodiments, the network device may compare the number of currently active SCell with the specified maximum number of active SCell. If the number of active SCell is not greater than the specified maximum number, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. That is, the particular NCSG mode reported by the first support indicator in the NCSG support information from the UE is considered valid. Otherwise, if the number of active SCell is greater than the specified maximum number, the network device may determine the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. That is, the particular NCSG mode reported in the NCSG support information from the UE is considered invalid, and instead a second NCSG mode different from the particular NCSG mode should be used.

[0089] The maximum number of active SCell can be specified in various ways. For example, the maximum number of active SCell can be determined based on the maximum number of RF chains that the UE can support concurrently. In this way, depending on the implementation of the UE, the maximum number of active SCell can vary from one UE to another.

[0090] In one embodiment, the maximum number of active SCell can be specified by the network device. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum number of active SCell can be specified by the UE and reported to the network device. The maximum number of active SCell can be reported to the network device in various signaling. In a preferred embodiment, the maximum number of active SCell can be included in the NCSG support information together with the first support indicator. As an example, Table 2 illustrates an exemplary NCSG support information element that includes the maximum number of active SCell (shown in bold).

[0091] Table 2

[0092]

[0093] As illustrated in Table 2, the NCSG support information element may additionally include a specific field (e.g., MaxActiveSCell-r17), the value of which indicates a specified maximum number of active SCell. This specific field may be used to indicate that the NCSG mode indicated by the first support indicator (e.g., in intraFreq-needForNCSG-r17 and / or interFreq-needForNCSG-r17) is valid as long as the number of currently active SCell does not exceed the value of this specific field. In this example, the maximum number of active SCell may have an integer value within the range of (0…32). In other embodiments, the range of possible maximum numbers of active SCell may be different.

[0094] Figures 7A to 7B Exemplary scenarios 700A to 700B are illustrated in which the maximum number of specified active SCell is according to the embodiments disclosed herein. In scenarios 700A to 700B, the UE has two RF chains, one of which (RF1) has been occupied by the primary cell (PCell) on band A, while the other RF chain (RF2) may be idle. The UE may use a zero (0) value to specify the maximum number of active SCell. Additionally, the UE may set the first support indicator for target band C to the value of "ncsg" in the NCSG support information, thereby indicating support for the second type of NCSG mode. When the SCell is deactivated as shown in scenario 700A, the total number of currently active SCell is zero, which does not exceed the specified maximum number of active SCell (0). Therefore, the NCSG configuration determined for the UE may follow the first support indicator reported in the NCSG support information. Based on this NCSG configuration, the UE may use the idle RF chain (RF2) to perform the specified MO according to the second type of NCSG mode, which does not require a transmission gap on RF1 chain (or on band A). If the SCell is activated, as shown in scenario 700B, the SCell may occupy the idle RF2 chain, and the total number of currently active SCell is one (1), exceeding the specified maximum number. Therefore, the UE may not follow the first support indicator to perform according to the second type of NCSG mode. Instead, the UE may perform the MO on band C according to a different NCSG mode. The different NCSG mode may be the first type of NCSG mode ("gap") as Figure 4A illustrated, which requires a transmission gap on RF1 chain. As shown in scenarios 700A to 700B, considering the activation state of the SCell, the UE may be able to perform according to the second type of NCSG mode at least when the SCell remains deactivated. The utilization of the UE's NCSG support capability is improved.

[0095] Note that Figures 7A to 7B the embodiments of Figure 4C are for illustration only and not limitation. In other embodiments, there may be more than one SCell associated with the UE. Some of the SCell in the SCell may have been activated, while other SCell may not have been activated. In other embodiments, in addition to bands A, B, and C, there may be more bands associated with the UE. The UE may set the maximum number of activated SCell to different values. Additionally, the UE may set the first support indicator to different types of NCSG modes in the NCSG support information, such as

[0096] the "nogap-noncsg" mode of

[0097] In a first embodiment of these embodiments, when all SCell in the specified SCell list are deactivated, the network device may determine that the specified condition is met. Therefore, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. In this embodiment, when any SCell in the specified SCell list is activated, the specified condition is determined not to be met, such that the network device determines the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE.

[0098] In a second embodiment of these embodiments, if any SCell in the specified SCell list is deactivated, the network device may determine that the specified condition is met. Therefore, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. In this embodiment, when all SCell in the specified SCell list are activated, the specified condition is not met, such that the network device determines the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE.

[0099] In a third embodiment of these embodiments, if a certain amount of SCell in the specified SCell list are deactivated and the certain amount is higher than a threshold, the network device may determine that the specified condition is met. Therefore, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE.

[0100] The specified SCell list can be specified in various ways. For example, the size of the specified SCell list can be determined based on the maximum number of RF chains that the UE can concurrently support. Thus, the specified SCell list can vary from one UE to another. Additionally, specific SCells can be included or excluded from the list based on the relationship between the SCell and the target frequency band. For example, if the UE has less trouble concurrently supporting a specific frequency band associated with a specific SCell and the target frequency band (e.g., the specific frequency band is far from the target frequency band), then that specific SCell can be excluded from the specified SCell list. If the UE may have difficulty concurrently supporting the specific frequency band and the target frequency band (e.g., the specific frequency band may be close to the target frequency band), then that specific SCell can be included in the specified SCell list. The specified SCell list can also vary from one SCell to another (or from frequency band to frequency band).

[0101] In one embodiment, the specified SCell list can be specified by a network device. In a preferred embodiment, the specified SCell list can be specified by the UE and reported to the network device. The specified SCell list can be reported to the network device in various signaling. In a preferred embodiment, the specified SCell list can be included in the NCSG support information together with a first support indicator. As an example, Table 3 illustrates an exemplary NCSG support information element that includes the specified SCell list (shown in bold).

[0102] Table 3

[0103]

[0104] As illustrated in Table 3, the NCSG support information element can additionally include a specific field (e.g., DeactivatedSCC-needForNCSG-r17), the value of which indicates the specified SCell list. Each SCell in the list can be identified by a corresponding identifier (such as ServCellIndex_x, ServCellIndex_x+1…maxNrofServingCells). This specific field can be used to indicate that the NCSG mode corresponding to the associated first support indicator (e.g., interFreq-needForNCSG-r17, more specifically, gapIndication-r17 in interFreq-needForNCSG-r17) is valid as long as the activation state of the SCell in the list meets the specified conditions. The activation states of other SCells not included in the list can be ignored as they do not affect the validity of the associated first support indicator.

[0105] In an additional or alternative embodiment, the specified condition for determining the NCSG configuration may be associated with one or more other factors. These factors may be used alone, together, or in combination with other factors as needed.

[0106] In some embodiments, the specified condition may be associated with whether the associated SCell is active. In these embodiments, the UE may report only the first support indicator for currently active SCells. For currently deactivated SCells, in addition to the first support indicator, the UE may also report a second support indicator. The second support indicator may indicate the UE's support for the second NCSG mode when the SCell is deactivated. If the associated SCell remains deactivated, the network device may determine that the specified condition is not met (i.e., the first support indicator is invalid). In this way, the network device may determine the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. The second NCSG configuration may be based on the second NCSG mode. If the associated SCell is active, the network device may determine that the specified condition is met (i.e., the first support indicator is valid). In this way, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. The first NCSG configuration is based on the UE's first NCSG mode.

[0107] An exemplary NCSG support information element including the second support indicator (shown in bold) is illustrated in Table 4.

[0108] Table 4

[0109]

[0110] As illustrated in Table 4, the NCSG support information element further includes a specific field (e.g., DeactivatedSCC-needForNCSG-r17), which serves as the second support indicator. Similar to the first support indicator (e.g., gapIndicationIntra-r17), the value of the second support indicator may be selected from a set of enumerated values of {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}. If the SCell indicated by the identifier (e.g., ServCellIndex) is active, it may be determined that the first NCSG configuration associated with the first support indicator will be used for the UE. If each of the SCells is deactivated, it may be determined that the second NCSG configuration associated with the second support indicator will be used for the UE.

[0111] In an alternative embodiment, the UE may include a first support indicator and a second support indicator for each associated SCell, regardless of whether the associated SCell is activated or deactivated. The first support indicator may correspond to a first NCSG configuration supported by the UE when the associated SCell is activated. The second support indicator may correspond to a second NCSG configuration supported by the UE when the associated SCell is deactivated. The network device may determine which one of the first NCSG configuration or the second NCSG configuration will be used for the UE based on whether the associated SCell is actually activated.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment, instead of the second support indicator, an applicable indication parameter may be provided in the NCSG support information. In these embodiments, the applicable indication parameter may be used to indicate whether the first support indicator is valid only when the associated SCell is deactivated. For example, the applicable indication parameter may have a first value, thereby indicating that the first support indicator is valid only when the associated SCell is deactivated. If the applicable indication parameter has the first value and the associated SCell is deactivated, the network device may determine that the first support indicator is valid. Accordingly, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration to be used for the UE. If the applicable indication parameter has the first value and the associated SCell is activated, the network device may determine that the first support indicator is invalid. Accordingly, the network device may determine the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration to be used for the UE. If the applicable indication parameter has a second value different from the first value, the network device may determine that the validity of the first support indicator is not based on the activation state of the associated SCell. In this case, the network device may determine that the first support indicator is valid. Accordingly, the first NCSG configuration may be determined as the NCSG configuration to be used for the UE regardless of whether the associated SCell is activated or deactivated.

[0113] An exemplary NCSG support information element containing the applicable indication parameter (shown in bold) is illustrated in Table 5.

[0114] Table 5

[0115]

[0116] As illustrated in Table 5, the NCSG support information element further includes a specific field (e.g., DeactivatedSCC-needForNCSG-r17), which serves as an applicable indication parameter associated with the validity of the first support indicator (e.g., gapIndicationIntra-r17). In this example, the applicable indication parameter is implemented as a boolean parameter, where a "true" value of the boolean parameter indicates that the first support indicator is only valid when the associated SCell is deactivated, and a "false" value indicates that the validity of the first support indicator is not based on the activation state of the associated SCell. It should be understood that in an alternative embodiment, the applicable indication parameter may be implemented as another type of variable with other possible values.

[0117] As described above, the specified condition may alternatively be associated with a specific indication of NCSG support for each bandwidth part (BWP). In these embodiments, the first support indicator in the NCSG support information may indicate the UE's support for the NCSG mode for each band. For a band spanning multiple BWPs, if necessary, the UE may additionally configure a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP in the NCSG support information. In this case, after receiving the NCSG support information from the UE, the network device may determine whether a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is configured in the received NCSG support information. If no specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is configured in the NCSG support information, the network device may determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. Otherwise, if a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is configured in the NCSG support information, the network device may determine the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE. The second NCSG mode may be based on the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP.

[0118] An exemplary NCSG support information element containing a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP (shown in bold) is illustrated in Table 6.

[0119] Table 6

[0120]

[0121] As illustrated in Table 6, the NCSG support information element further includes a specific field (e.g., BWP indication), which serves as a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP. The parameter Y may represent the maximum allowed number of BWPs that can be configured per cell. The indication of the reported NCSG mode for each BWP (indicated by BWP-ID) (e.g., gapIndication_BWP) can be selected from a set of enumerated values of {gap, ncsg, nogap-noncsg}. This specific field may be optional. For example, only UEs with sufficient capabilities to support NCSG for each BWP can configure and include this specific field in the NCSG support information. Therefore, if the specific field is not found in the NCSG support information received from the UE, the network device can determine to follow the first support indicator configured by frequency band (related to servCellId-r17) (e.g., gapIndicationIntra-r17). If the specific field is provided in the NCSG support information received from the UE, the network device can ignore the first support indicator configured by frequency band (related to servCellId-r17) (e.g., gapIndicationIntra-r17), and determine to follow the support indicator configured by BWP in this specific field.

[0122] Figure 8 Exemplary scenario 800 is illustrated in which a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is used according to the embodiments disclosed herein. In this scenario, the UE has two RF chains, one of which (RF1) is already occupied by the primary cell (PCell) and is on band A, while the other RF chain (RF2) can support the range of two active BWPs (BWP1 to BWP2) on band B. Band B is shown as spanning four BWPs (BWP1 to BWP4). The measurement object will be performed on band B. When receiving a query for NCSG support for band B, the UE can set the first support indicator based on a relatively conservative support mode (e.g., the first type of NCSG mode, "gap"). For a specific measurement object occurring within BWP1 to BWP2, the UE can additionally include a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP in the NCSG support information. This specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP can indicate a less conservative support mode (e.g., the second type of NCSG mode of "ncsg" or the third type of NCSG mode of "nogap-noncsg") for at least BWP1 and BWP2. For this specific measurement object, the network device can provide the UE with a second NCSG configuration based on the less conservative support mode. This method provides NCSG support for the UE at the BWP level, thus improving the utilization of the UE's NCSG support capabilities.

[0123] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, if a change in the validity of the NCSG configuration occurs, the network device can also flexibly transition to an alternative NCSG configuration. During the transition, the transmission of the alternative NCSG configuration such as in step 506 can be omitted to save communication overhead.

[0124] Specifically, the network device can detect whether a change in the validity of the current NCSG configuration has occurred. The current NCSG configuration can be the determined NCSG configuration in step 504. As discussed above, the validity of the NCSG configuration can depend on one or more specified conditions, which may be affected by one or more factors, including the activation state of one or more SCell or whether the MO can be covered in one or more active BWPs. A change in the validity of the current NCSG configuration can occur during SCell activation / deactivation, BWP transition, and / or other operations. For example, due to SCell activation / deactivation, BWP transition, and / or other operations, the MO on the target frequency band may not be covered by the active BWP of the SCell, or the MO may have a different SCS from the PDSCH / PDCCH of the SCell, and the UE does not support simultaneousRxDataSSB-DiffNumerology. Under these conditions, the current NCSG configuration may no longer be feasible for the MO. Therefore, the network device can determine that the current NCSG configuration has become invalid.

[0125] In response to detecting that a change in the validity of the current NCSG configuration has occurred, the network device can automatically transition to an alternative NCSG configuration without sending the alternative NCSG configuration to the UE. In a preferred embodiment, the alternative NCSG configuration can be the measurement gap configuration corresponding to Figure 4A the measurement gap pattern.

[0126] In one embodiment, the network device can automatically transition to an alternative NCSG configuration by transitioning to a pre-determined measurement gap configuration. Various pre-determined measurement gap configurations can be used in different embodiments. For example, one possible pre-determined measurement gap configuration can include the traditional NCSG mode (such as gap pattern #0) defined in Table 7. Other pre-determined measurement gap configurations can also be used without limitation. The pre-determined measurement gap configuration can be pre-known to the network and the UE, thereby reducing the communication overhead associated with the transmission of the alternative NCSG configuration.

[0127] Table 7

[0128]

[0129]

[0130] In another embodiment, the network device can automatically transition to an alternative NCSG configuration by copying the values of one or more parameters of the current NCSG configuration to the values of one or more corresponding parameters of an alternative measurement gap configuration and transitioning to the measurement gap configuration. For example, although the measurement gap configuration will have a measurement gap pattern different from the measurement gap pattern of the current NCSG configuration (such as Figure 4A the pattern in Figure 4B and the pattern in

[0131] ), for parameters such as gap offset, measurement gap length (represented by MGL for the measurement gap pattern, ML for the second type of NCSG pattern), measurement gap repetition periodicity (MGRP for the measurement gap pattern, VIRP for the second type of NCSG pattern), measurement gap timing advance (MGTA), the measurement gap configuration can have the same values as the current NCSG configuration. The copying of the parameter values can be performed locally, thus reducing the communication overhead associated with the transmission of the alternative measurement gap configuration.

[0132] Figure 6 Exemplary process 600 illustrating the enhancement of NCSG support according to embodiments disclosed herein is shown. Process 600 can be executed by a UE or its processor / controller. The UE can be implemented as an instance of wireless device 202 Figure 2 as described.

[0133] Process 600 can start at step 602, where the UE can report NCSG support information to the network device. The NCSG support information can include at least a first support indicator for a target frequency band. The first support indicator can be used to report the UE's support for a specific NCSG pattern. The specific NCSG pattern can correspond to one of the NCSG patterns Figures 4A to 4C described, or any other suitable type of NCSG pattern.

[0134] According to some embodiments, the NCSG support information may further include additional information associated with a specified condition. The specified condition may be associated with the activation state of one or more SCell. According to an alternative embodiment disclosed herein, the specified condition may be associated with a specific indication of NCSG support for each bandwidth part (BWP). Various specified conditions have been discussed in detail above.

[0135] At step 604, the UE may receive an NCSG configuration from the network device. The NCSG configuration may be selected from a first NCSG configuration based on the reported first support indicator or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration. The selection may be based on the specified condition. The determination of the NCSG configuration based on the specified condition has been discussed in detail above.

[0136] At step 606, the UE may perform MO based on the received NCSG configuration. Additionally, in response to a change in the validity of the received NCSG configuration, the UE may automatically transition to an alternative NCSG configuration to perform MO without receiving an alternative NCSG configuration from the network device. In a preferred embodiment, the alternative NCSG configuration may be a measurement gap configuration. In some embodiments, the UE may transition to a predetermined measurement gap configuration that serves as the alternative NCSG configuration and is known to both the UE and the network device. In another embodiment, the UE may copy the values of one or more parameters of the received NCSG configuration to the values of one or more corresponding parameters of the measurement gap configuration and transition to that measurement gap configuration.

[0137] As described above, various specified conditions may be used to determine the NCSG configuration for the UE. Therefore, the additional information may include various parameters or values as shown in the above table.

[0138] In some embodiments, the additional information associated with the specified condition may include a specified maximum number of activated Scells. If the number of activated Scells is not greater than the specified maximum number of activated Scells, the received NCSG configuration may be the first NCSG configuration. If the number of activated Scells is greater than the specified maximum number of activated Scells, the received NCSG configuration may be the second NCSG configuration.

[0139] In some embodiments, the additional information associated with a specified condition may include a specified Scell list. The specified condition is associated with the activation state of one or more Scells in the specified Scell list. In a first of these embodiments, when all of the Scells in the specified SCell list are deactivated, the specified condition is met. In a second of these embodiments, if any of the Scells in the specified SCell list are deactivated, the specified condition is met. In a third of these embodiments, if a certain quantity of the Scells in the specified SCell list are deactivated and that certain quantity is above a threshold, the specified condition is met. When the specified condition is met, the NCSG configuration received by the UE may be a first NCSG configuration. Otherwise, the NCSG configuration received by the UE may be a second NCSG configuration.

[0140] In some embodiments, the additional information associated with a specified condition may include an applicability indication parameter. The UE may specify a value of the applicability indication parameter to indicate whether a first support indicator is valid if an associated SCell is deactivated. If the applicability indication parameter has a first value and the associated SCell is deactivated, the received NCSG configuration for the UE may be a first NCSG configuration corresponding to the first support indicator. If the applicability indication parameter has the first value and the associated SCell is activated, the received NCSG configuration for the UE may be a second NCSG configuration.

[0141] In these embodiments, the second NCSG configuration may be a more conservative configuration than the first NCSG configuration. In other words, compared to the first NCSG configuration, the second NCSG configuration may have a poorer utilization of the UE's support capabilities. In some examples, the second NCSG configuration may require transmission gaps for scheduling that the first NCSG configuration does not require. For example, the second NCSG configuration may be based on Figure 4A the first type of NCSG mode illustrated, while the first NCSG configuration may be based on Figure 4B the second type of NCSG mode shown or Figure 4C the third type of NCSG mode illustrated. In this way, when receiving a query about NCSG support from the network, the UE may report a less conservative NCSG mode via the first support indicator. The less conservative NCSG mode may be used for certain scenarios (which are based on the specified condition) to maximize the UE's utilization of its support capabilities for NCSG. In response to a change in the validity of the NCSG configuration that changes the validity of the first NCSG configuration, the UE and the network may automatically transition from the less conservative NCSG mode to the more conservative NCSG mode.

[0142] In some embodiments, in addition to the first support indicator, the NCSG support information may further include a second support indicator associated with a second NCSG configuration. If the associated SCell is activated, the received NCSG configuration may be the first NCSG configuration. If the associated SCell is deactivated, the received NCSG configuration may be the second NCSG configuration. In a preferred embodiment, the second support indicator is reported as being only for the addition of currently deactivated SCells. In these embodiments, the first NCSG configuration may be a more conservative configuration than the second NCSG configuration.

[0143] According to some embodiments, the UE may determine whether to configure a specific indication of NCSG support for each bandwidth part (BWP) in the NCSG support information. This determination may be made based on how many active BWPs are within the target frequency band and / or how large these BWPs are. In response to determining that a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is not configured in the NCSG support information, the received NCSG configuration may be a first NCSG configuration based on the UE's support for the NCSG mode per frequency band. In response to determining that a specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is configured in the NCSG support information, the received NCSG configuration is a second NCSG configuration based on the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP.

[0144] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes components for performing one or more elements of method 600. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0145] Embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 600. The non-transitory computer-readable media may be, for example, a memory of a UE (such as memory 206 of wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0146] Embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes logic components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of method 600. The apparatus may be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0147] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 600. The apparatus can be, for example, an apparatus of a UE (such as wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0148] The embodiments contemplated herein include a signal as described in or related to one or more elements of method 600.

[0149] The embodiments contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product that includes instructions, where execution of the program by a processor will cause the processor to perform one or more elements of method 600. The processor can be a processor of a UE (such as processor 204 of wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein). These instructions can be, for example, in the processor and / or on a memory of the UE (such as memory 206 of wireless device 202 (UE) as described herein).

[0150] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes components for performing one or more elements of method 500. The apparatus can be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0151] The embodiments contemplated herein include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of an electronic device, cause the electronic device to perform one or more elements of method 500. The non-transitory computer-readable media can be, for example, a memory of a base station (such as memory 222 of network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0152] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes logic components, modules, or circuits for performing one or more elements of method 500. The apparatus can be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0153] The embodiments contemplated herein include an apparatus that includes: one or more processors and one or more computer-readable media that include instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more elements of method 500. The apparatus can be, for example, an apparatus of a base station (such as network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0154] Implementations contemplated herein include signals described in or associated with one or more elements of method 500.

[0155] Implementations contemplated herein include a computer program or computer program product that includes instructions, where execution of the program by a processing element causes the processing element to perform one or more elements of method 500. The processor can be a processor of a base station (such as processor 220 of network device 218 (base station) as described herein). These instructions can be located, for example, in the processor and / or on a memory of the UE (such as memory 222 of network device 218 (base station) as described herein).

[0156] Implementations contemplated herein provide enhancements to NCSG support. The configured NCSG configuration can depend on one or more specified conditions associated with various factors. The enhancements to NCSG support provide improved utilization and / or flexibility of NCSG.

[0157] For one or more implementations, at least one of the components stated in one or more of the foregoing figures can perform one or more operations, techniques, processes, and / or methods as described herein. For example, a baseband processor as described herein in connection with one or more of the foregoing figures can operate according to one or more of the examples stated herein. As another example, circuitry associated with a UE, base station, network element, etc. as described above in connection with one or more of the foregoing figures can operate according to one or more of the examples stated herein.

[0158] Unless otherwise explicitly stated, any of the above implementations can be combined with any other implementation (or combination of implementations). The foregoing description of one or more specific implementations provides illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the implementations to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, or may be acquired from practice of various implementations.

[0159] Implementations and specific implementations of the systems and methods described herein can include various operations, which can be embodied in machine-executable instructions to be executed by a computer system. The computer system can include one or more general-purpose or special-purpose computers (or other electronic devices). The computer system can include hardware components that include specific logic components for performing the operations; or can include a combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware.

[0160] It should be recognized that the systems described herein include descriptions of specific embodiments. These embodiments can be combined into a single system, partially combined into other systems, divided into multiple systems, or otherwise partitioned or combined. In addition, it is contemplated that the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of one embodiment can be used in another embodiment. For clarity, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. are described in only one or more embodiments, and it should be recognized that, unless explicitly stated herein, these parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. can be combined with or substituted for the parameters, attributes, aspects, etc. of another embodiment.

[0161] It is well known that the use of personally identifiable information should follow privacy policies and practices that are recognized as meeting or exceeding industry or government requirements for maintaining user privacy. Specifically, personally identifiable information data should be managed and processed to minimize the risk of inadvertent or unauthorized access or use, and the nature of the authorized use should be clearly explained to the user.

[0162] Although the foregoing has been described in considerable detail for purposes of clarity, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications can be made without departing from the principles of the invention. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing both the processes and apparatuses described herein. Accordingly, the embodiments of the invention should be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the specification is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope and equivalents of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A network device, the network device comprises: at least one antenna; at least one radio component, the at least one radio component being coupled to the at least one antenna; and a processor, the processor being coupled to the at least one radio component; wherein the processor is configured to: receive network control small gap (NCSG) support information from a user equipment (UE), the NCSG support information at least including a first support indicator for a target frequency band; determine an NCSG configuration for the UE from the following based on specified conditions: a first NCSG configuration based on the first support indicator; or a second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; send the determined NCSG configuration to the UE; and perform a measurement object with the UE based on the determined NCSG configuration.

2. The network device according to claim 1, wherein the specified conditions are associated with the activation status of one or more secondary cells (Scells).

3. The network device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is configured to determine the NCSG configuration by: when the number of activated Scells is not greater than a specified maximum number of activated Scells, determining the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE; and when the number of the activated Scells is greater than the specified maximum number of activated Scells, determining the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE.

4. The network device according to claim 3, wherein the specified maximum number of activated Scells is included in the NCSG support information received from the UE.

5. The network device according to claim 2, wherein the NCSG support information received from the UE further includes information associated with a Scell list, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the NCSG configuration based on the activation status of one or more Scells in the specified Scell list.

6. The network device according to claim 2, wherein the NCSG support information received from the UE further includes a second support indicator associated with the second NCSG configuration, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the NCSG configuration by: when an associated Scell is activated, determining the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE; and when the associated SCell is deactivated, determining the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE.

7. The network device according to claim 2, wherein the NCSG support information received from the UE further includes an applicable indication parameter, and wherein the processor is configured to determine the NCSG configuration by: In a case where the applicable indication parameter has a first value and the associated SCell is deactivated, determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE; In a case where the applicable indication parameter has the first value and the associated SCell is activated, determine the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE.

8. The network device according to claim 1, wherein the specified condition is associated with a specific indication of NCSG support for each bandwidth part (BWP), and wherein the processor is configured to determine the NCSG configuration by: In a case where the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is not configured in the NCSG support information, determine the first NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE; and In a case where the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is configured in the NCSG support information, determine the second NCSG configuration as the NCSG configuration for the UE, the second NCSG configuration being based on the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP.

9. The network device according to claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: In response to a change in the validity of the determined NCSG configuration, automatically transition to an alternative NCSG configuration without sending the alternative NCSG configuration to the UE.

10. The network device according to claim 9, wherein the processor is configured to automatically transition to the alternative NCSG configuration by at least one of the following operations: Transition to a pre-determined measurement gap configuration; or Copy the values of one or more parameters of the determined NCSG configuration to the values of one or more corresponding parameters of the measurement gap configuration, and transition to the measurement gap configuration.

11. A user equipment (UE), the user equipment (UE) comprising: At least one antenna; At least one radio component, the at least one radio component being coupled to the at least one antenna; And A processor, the processor being coupled to the at least one radio component; Wherein the processor is configured to: Report network controlled small gap (NCSG) support information to a network device, the NCSG support information including at least a first support indicator for a target frequency band of the UE, the NCSG support information further including additional information associated with a specified condition; Receive an NCSG configuration from the network device, the NCSG configuration being selected from: A first NCSG configuration based on the reported first support indicator; Or A second NCSG configuration different from the first NCSG configuration; And Perform a measurement object based on the received NCSG configuration.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein the specified condition is associated with the activation state of one or more secondary cells (Scells).

13. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the second NCSG configuration requires a scheduled transmission gap that the first NCSG configuration does not require.

14. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the additional information associated with the specified condition includes a specified maximum number of activated Scells, and wherein: when the number of activated Scells is not greater than the specified maximum number of activated Scells, the received NCSG configuration is the first NCSG configuration; and when the number of the activated Scells is greater than the specified maximum number of activated Scells, the received NCSG configuration is the second NCSG configuration.

15. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the additional information associated with the specified condition includes a specified Scell list, and wherein the specified condition is associated with the activation status of one or more Scells in the specified Scell list.

16. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the additional information associated with the specified condition includes a second support indicator for the second NCSG configuration, and wherein: when the associated Scell is activated, the received NCSG configuration is the first NCSG configuration; and when the associated SCell is deactivated, the received NCSG configuration is the second NCSG configuration.

17. The UE according to claim 12, wherein the additional information associated with the specified condition includes an applicability indication parameter, and the applicability indication parameter indicates whether the first support indicator is valid when the associated Scell is deactivated.

18. The UE according to claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to determine whether a specific indication of NCSG support for each bandwidth part (BWP) is configured in the NCSG support information, and wherein: in response to determining that the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is not configured in the NCSG support information, the received NCSG configuration is the first NCSG configuration; and in response to determining that the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP is configured in the NCSG support information, the received NCSG configuration is the second NCSG configuration based on the specific indication of NCSG support for each BWP.

19. The UE according to claim 11, wherein the processor is further configured to: automatically transition to an alternative NCSG configuration in response to a change in the determined validity of the NCSG configuration, without receiving the alternative NCSG configuration from the network device.

20. The UE according to claim 19, wherein the processor is configured to automatically transition to the alternative NCSG configuration by at least one of the following operations: transition to a pre-determined measurement gap configuration; or Copy the values of one or more parameters of the received NCSG configuration to the values of one or more corresponding parameters of the measurement gap configuration, and transition to the measurement gap configuration.

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