Switching configuration of search space set for control channel monitoring

Abstract

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes monitoring a first set of search spaces for a control channel candidate, receiving an indication of switching the set of search spaces from a network node, and switching the set of search spaces based on receiving the indication of switching the set of search spaces. Switching the set of search spaces includes stopping monitoring the first set of search spaces and starting monitoring the second set of search spaces for the control channel candidates.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application with the invention title of "Configuring a Search Space Set for Switching Control Channel Monitoring" (application number: 202080069935.9, filing date: September 28, 2020). Technical Field

[0002] Certain embodiments of the present disclosure relate to wireless networks, and more particularly to configuring a search space set for switching control channel monitoring. Background Art

[0003] Mobile broadband will continue to drive the demand for large overall traffic capacity and high achievable end-user data rates in wireless access networks. Several future scenarios will require data rates up to 10 Gbps in local areas. These demands for very high system capacity and very high end-user data rates can be met by a network with distances between access nodes ranging from a few meters in indoor deployments to approximately 50 meters in outdoor deployments, and with much higher infrastructure density than the densest networks today. The present disclosure refers to such a network as a New Radio (NR) system. NR is currently being studied by the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). In addition to traditional licensed exclusive frequency bands, it is expected that NR systems will operate on unlicensed frequency bands, especially for enterprise solutions.

[0004] Parameter Sets and Bandwidth Considerations for NR

[0005] Multiple parameter sets are supported in NR. A parameter set is defined by the subcarrier spacing and the cyclic prefix (CP) overhead. Multiple subcarrier spacings can be derived by expanding the basic subcarrier spacing by an integer power of 2^n. Although it is assumed that very small subcarrier spacings are not used at very high carrier frequencies, the parameter set used can be selected independently of the frequency band. Flexible network and user equipment (UE) channel bandwidths are supported.

[0006] From the perspective of the Radio Access Network 1 (RAN1) specification, the maximum channel bandwidth per NR carrier in Release 15 (Rel-15) is 400 MHz. Note that all details of channel bandwidths of at least up to 100 MHz per NR carrier will be specified in Rel-15. At least for the case of a single parameter set, from the perspective of the RAN1 specification, the candidates for the maximum number of subcarriers per NR carrier in Rel-15 are 3300 or 6600. In later releases, NR channel design should consider potential future expansions of these parameters, thus allowing Rel-15 UEs to access the NR network on the same frequency band in later releases.

[0007] The subframe duration is fixed at 1 ms, and the frame length is 10 ms. The scalable parameter set should allow subcarrier spacings of at least 15 kHz to 480 kHz. Regardless of the CP overhead, all parameter sets with a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz and greater are aligned at symbol boundaries every 1 ms in the NR carrier. More specifically, for the normal CP family, the following is adopted.

[0008] · For a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz * 2 n (n is a non - negative integer)

[0009] ○ The length of each symbol (including CP) with a 15 - kHz subcarrier spacing is equal to the sum of the corresponding 2 n symbols with the expanded subcarrier spacing.

[0010] ○ All OFDM symbols within 0.5 ms have the same size, except for the first orthogonal frequency - division multiplexing (OFDM) symbol within each 0.5 ms.

[0011] ○ Compared with other OFDM symbols, the first OFDM symbol within 0.5 ms is 16Ts longer (assuming 15 kHz and a fast Fourier transform (FFT) size of 2048).

[0012] ■ 16T s is the CP for the first symbol.

[0013] · For a subcarrier spacing of 15 kHz * 2 n (n is a negative integer)

[0014] ○ The length of each symbol (including CP) with the subcarrier spacing is equal to the sum of the corresponding 2 n symbols with a 15 - kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0015] Multi-Channel UL Transmission for Enhanced LAA (eLAA)

[0016] When the eNB schedules physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) transmissions on multiple carriers, the baseline for licensed - assisted access (LAA) uplink (UL) multi - carrier operation is an extension of single - carrier operation. The listen - before - talk (LBT) type on each carrier is signaled to the UE via the corresponding UL grant.

[0017] In addition, if Cat.4 LBT has been successfully completed on the designated carrier in the group, before transmission on the carriers in the group, a UE that has received a UL grant on a set of carriers scheduled with Cat.4 LBT (with the same starting point in a subframe on all carriers) can immediately switch to 25 μs LBT. Before starting the Cat.4 LBT process on any carrier in the group, the UE must randomly select a carrier from the carriers scheduled with Cat.4 LBT uniformly at random as the designated carrier.

[0018] Figure 1 It shows that when LBT is successful in multiple channels according to the above rules, different transport blocks (TBs) are generated for each carrier and subframe. Obviously, guard bands can be used for each carrier. This is due to the limitation of the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) technology (the maximum bandwidth supported by LTE is 20 MHz).

[0019] Multi-Channel UL Transmission for Wi-Fi

[0020] Different from eLAA, Wi-Fi (e.g., 802.11n, 802.11ac, etc.) defines new and wider channels instead of 20 MHz. As Figure 2 shown, compared with the simple aggregation of two 20-MHz channels, 40 MHz can bring more available subcarriers. The benefits come from two aspects: 1) reduced guard bands, and 2) saved pilot subcarrier overhead. Wider channels can bring higher spectral efficiency.

[0021] Before transmitting a 40-MHz frame, the station is responsible for ensuring that the entire 40-MHz channel is idle. According to the well-known rules for transmission on 802.11 channels, a clear-channel assessment is performed on the primary channel. Even if the device intends to transmit a 40-MHz frame, the slot boundaries and timing are only based on access to the primary channel. The secondary channels must be idle during the priority inter-frame space before they can be used as part of a 40-MHz transmission. In Wi-Fi, based on the LBT result, the UE decides when and how to transmit UL data, i.e., 20-MHz and 40-MHz transmissions.

[0022] NR Wideband Operation and LBT Band Segments

[0023] Similar to NR, NR-U is expected to support transmissions with wide bandwidths, e.g., bandwidths up to several hundreds of MHz. However, there may be different radio technologies with different device functions sharing the same spectrum simultaneously. It is unlikely that a device senses the channel idle across the entire wide bandwidth, especially at high loads. Therefore, it is beneficial for NR-U to support transmissions with dynamic bandwidths, where a device can decide which part(s) of the supported bandwidth to use based on its LBT results.

[0024] Devices use two common methods in wideband transmissions: carrier aggregation (CA) transmission and single-carrier wideband transmission. In CA transmission (similar to LTE-based LAA), a device performs LBT per component carrier (e.g., 20 MHz), and then transmits on each component carrier (CC) where LBT is successful. In single-carrier wideband transmission, a device performs LBT per LBT bandwidth segment (20 MHz) (also referred to as LBT bandwidth or LBT sub-band), and aggregates resources from each idle LBT bandwidth segment in a single physical shared channel (SCH). Figure 3 An example of wideband operation using CA and a single-system carrier bandwidth of 80 MHz is shown. Different UEs can operate at different maximum bandwidth sizes and can transmit with different numbers of resource blocks (RBs) according to their LBT results.

[0025] Figure 3 The schematic diagram in [reference] only considers an 80 MHz bandwidth; however, by configuring additional component carriers (20 MHz or wider), wideband operation can span beyond 80 MHz, and the same principle as above applies.

[0026] In principle, if a large number of control resource sets (CORESET) can be configured, separate CORESETs and search spaces need to be configured for different LBT bandwidth segments to ensure the availability of control signaling when it is available in at least one LBT bandwidth segment. In Figure 3In the example shown in (b), UE 2 needs to monitor both CORESET2 and CORESET3 because the channel may be available only in LBT bandwidth segment 2 or only in LBT bandwidth segment 3. Similarly, UE3 will monitor all four CORESETs for its PDCCH. In addition, it is not desirable to configure wide CORESETs across LBT bandwidth segments. When part of the channel is busy, the PDCCH is interleaved between LBT bandwidth segments, or all PDCCH candidates are located in the available LBT bandwidth segment. Both cases will result in lost scheduling opportunities. Therefore, there is no fundamental difference between CA and the broadband wide part (BWP) method in terms of the number of CORESETs and search spaces that a UE has to monitor. However, there is a difference in terms of UE capabilities. In 3GPP NR Release 15 (Rel-15), a maximum of 3 CORESETs can be configured, which limits the number of positions in the frequency domain that a UE can monitor for the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH).

[0027] NR CORESET Configuration

[0028] Among other things, the control resource set defines (1) the duration of the CORESET (in OFDM symbols) that determines the duration occupied by the PDCCH, and (2) the frequency domain resources occupied by the PDCCH. The current Rel-15 radio resource control (RRC) configuration includes the following:

[0029] · controlResourceSetId: The ID of the CORSET.

[0030] · frequencyDomainResources: A bitmap indicating 6 consecutive physical resource block (PRB) groups (RB groups) allocated within the bandwidth part, i.e., the frequency domain resources for the PDCCH. An RB group of 6 physical resource blocks (PRBs) is also referred to as a control channel element (CCE).

[0031] · duration: The number of OFDM symbols in the CORESET, i.e., the time domain resources for the PDCCH.

[0032] · [Others…]

[0033] NR PDCCH SearchSpace Configuration

[0034] The PDCCH is organized into SearchSpaces, and each search space is associated with a CORESET. The current RRC configuration includes the following:

[0035] ·controlResourceSetId: Reference to the CORESET associated with the SearchSpace.

[0036] ·monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset: The time slots used for PDCCH monitoring, configured as a period and an offset.

[0037] ·duration: The number of consecutive time slots that the SearchSpace lasts in each time-domain monitoring occasion (i.e., based on each period given in periodityAndOffset).

[0038] ·monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot: The symbols used for PDCCH monitoring in the time slots configured for PDCCH monitoring (see monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset). The most significant (left)

[0039] bit represents the first OFDM symbol in the time slot.

[0040] ·nrofCandidates: The number of PDCCH candidates per aggregation level.

[0041] ·searchSpaceType: Indicates whether this is a common search space (present) or a UE-specific search space and the downlink control information (DCI) format for which it is monitored.

[0042] SearchSpace Configuration for Wideband Operation

[0043] As mentioned above, in Rel-15, NR supports a carrier bandwidth of up to 100 MHz. NR-U will naturally support such wideband carriers to increase system capacity. However, similar to Wi-Fi, LBT is typically performed in a 20-MHz LBT bandwidth segment (LBT sub-band).

[0044] When an NR-U base station (a base station called gNB in NR) operates with full bandwidth across multiple LBT bandwidth segments (e.g., one LBT bandwidth segment is 20 MHz in the 5 GHz band), the gNB will perform LBT in multiple LBT bandwidth segments. Based on the LBT results, parts of the carrier bandwidth may be unavailable due to being used by other systems using unlicensed channels (e.g., Wi-Fi). Due to the nature of unlicensed spectrum, it is very likely that multiple radio systems are active in transmission, making the NR-U spectrum only partially available.

[0045] Since the LBT bandwidth segment (also referred to as LBT bandwidth, LBT sub-band, or sub-band in this document) is only partially available, a mechanism is needed to enable the gNB to transmit and enable the UEs that decode the PDCCH candidates in each sub-band to receive the scheduled data transmissions in these available sub-bands. One method is to configure one CORESET per sub-band and search the space associated with that CORESET. However, as mentioned above, in Rel-15, there is a limit on the number of CORSETS configurable per serving cell (carrier) (Rel-15 only supports a maximum of 3 per carrier). Therefore, an alternative mechanism is needed to configure the PDCCH candidates in all sub-bands of a wideband carrier.

[0046] An example of such an alternative mechanism is as follows. In the current NR specification, the UE supports a maximum of 3 CORESETS per BWP. To support very wide BWPs (up to 160 MHz or 320 MHz) available in the unlicensed band, the current 3-CORESET limit poses a significant obstacle to the efficient utilization of the wide spectrum by NR-U.

[0047] By performing a frequency-domain transformation on the CORESET defined for the LBT bandwidth segment, the PDCCH search space for different LBT bandwidth segments (sub-bands) can be configured. As Figure 4 and Figure 5 a non-limiting exemplary illustration, by performing a frequency-domain transformation on the CORESET defined for the LBT bandwidth segment, the PDCCH search space for different LBT bandwidth segments can be configured. The PDCCH SearchSpace1 for LBT bandwidth segment 1 can be configured based on the existing NR specification. The PDCCH SearchSpace2, SearchSpace3, and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 2, 3, and 4 are configured by adding a new frequency offset field in the RRC configuration of the SearchSpace.

[0048] · A CORESET having frequency resources located within the LBT bandwidth segment (sub-band) 1.

[0049] · The PDCCH SearchSpace1 for the LBT bandwidth segment (sub-band) 1 can be configured based on the existing NR specification. The PDCCH SearchSpace2, SearchSpace3, and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 2, 3, and 4 require a change to the NR specification.

[0050] ○ As an example, for LBT bandwidth segment 2, the PDCCH SearchSpace2 can be configured by adding a new frequency offset field to the NR-U SearchSpace in the RRC configuration:

[0051] ■monitoringFrequencyOffset: The frequency offset for moving the CORESET to a new frequency position.

[0052] The frequency offset may be in units of 6 RBs (as used in the definition of the CORESET). The frequency offset may be in units of RB or RBG size to allow for fine-tuning of the SearchSpace position.

[0053] The PDCCH SearchSpace3 and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 3 and 4 can be configured similarly.

[0054] · As another example, the PDCCH SearchSpace1, SearchSpace2,

[0055] SearchSpace3, and SearchSpace4 for LBT bandwidth segments 1, 2, 3, and 4 can be configured through a new monitoring LBT bandwidth segment bitmap in the RRC configuration:

[0056] ○monitoringLBPsWithinBWP: The LBT bandwidth segments for PDCCH monitoring within the BWP configured for PDCCH monitoring. Each bit corresponds to the monitored PDCCH in the corresponding LBT bandwidth segment.

[0057] UE Energy Saving Mechanisms

[0058] The above design that enables the UE to search for potential PDCCHs in several different LBT subbands is only necessary for the start part of the channel occupancy time (COT) of the gNB. This is because the gNB and the UE do not know in advance in which (which) LBT subbands the LBT process will be successfully completed. Once the gNB completes the LBT process and knows the positions of the available subbands, it is expected that the UE reduces the PDCCH monitoring positions after the start part of the gNB COT to reduce power consumption.

[0059] Similar to multiple monitoring positions in the frequency domain, it is also beneficial for the UE to search for potential PDCCHs at several time positions (other than at the start of the time slot) in the start part of the gNB COT. This allows the gNB to start sending user data to the UE immediately after the LBT process is successfully completed. This is shown in Figure 6 . As discussed in the previous paragraph, it will also be expected that the gNB instructs the UE to switch to a less frequent PDCCH monitoring mode in a timely manner to achieve energy saving. Summary of the Invention

[0060] There are certain challenges currently. For example, there is a need to design a unified mechanism to indicate to the UE to monitor potential PDCCHs between:

[0061] · Frequent (based on mini - slots) PDCCH monitoring at the start of the COT and less frequent (based on slots) monitoring for the remainder of the COT;

[0062] · Multiple monitoring positions for multiple sub - bands at the start of the COT and a single monitoring position for the remainder of the COT.

[0063] Certain aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure can provide solutions to these or other challenges. For example, certain embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions including one or more of the following features:

[0064] · Configuring the switchable characteristics of the search space set;

[0065] · A mechanism for organizing and utilizing multiple switchable search space sets;

[0066] · A mechanism for organizing and utilizing multiple switchable search space groups;

[0067] · The effective duration of non - default switchable search space set monitoring;

[0068] · The maximum timer period configuration of the non - default switchable search space set.

[0069] Various embodiments are presented herein that solve one or more of the problems disclosed herein.

[0070] According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device includes: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on the received indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor a second search space set for control channel candidates.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method including: monitoring a first search space set for control channel candidates, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on the received indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor a second search space set for control channel candidates.

[0072] According to some embodiments, a computer program product comprising a computer program. The computer program includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method comprising: monitoring a first search space set for a control channel candidate, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor a second search space set for the control channel candidate.

[0073] According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method comprising: monitoring a first search space set for a control channel candidate, receiving an indication to switch the search space set from a network node, and switching the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor a second search space set for the control channel candidate.

[0074] According to some embodiments, a wireless device comprising: a memory operable to store instructions and a processing circuit operable to execute the instructions. Executing the instructions causes the wireless device to: monitor a first search space set for a control channel candidate, receive an indication to switch the search space set (the indication being received from a network node), and switch the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set. To switch the search space set, the processing circuitry is operable to: stop monitoring the first search space set and start to monitor a second search space set for the control channel candidate.

[0075] Each of the above method, computer program, computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, and / or wireless device may include other suitable features, such as one or more of the following features:

[0076] In some embodiments, the indication to switch the search space set is received in a field in a group DCI format.

[0077] In some embodiments, the search space set is switched after a predetermined period of time to stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set. For example, in some embodiments, the predetermined period of time is received in an indication from a network node. In some embodiments, the indication of the predetermined period of time is received in a duration field in a group common DCI format.

[0078] Some embodiments start a timer based on starting to monitor a second set of search spaces and switch the search space set based on the expiration of the timer. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the second set of search spaces and starting to monitor the first set of search spaces. In some embodiments, the value of the timer is received from a network node. In some embodiments, the value of the timer is received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0079] Some embodiments receive search space set group information from a network node. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set. Some embodiments determine a first search space set and a second search space set based on the search space set group information. The first search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a second value.

[0080] In some embodiments, an indication to switch the search space set is received in a group identifier field of a group common DCI format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

[0081] Some embodiments start monitoring the first search space set based on receiving search space set group information from a network node.

[0082] In some embodiments, the search space set group information is received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0084] According to some embodiments, a method performed by a network node includes: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates a switch of a search space set that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor the second search space set for candidate control channels.

[0085] According to some embodiments, a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method including: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates a switch of a search space set that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates. Switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor the second search space set for candidate control channels.

[0086] According to some embodiments, a computer program product comprising a computer program. The computer program includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform a method comprising: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates a handover of a set of search spaces that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates. The handover of the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor the second search space set for candidate control channels.

[0087] According to some embodiments, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform a method comprising: sending an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates a handover of a set of search spaces that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates. The handover of the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor the second search space set for candidate control channels.

[0088] According to some embodiments, a network node comprising: a memory operable to store instructions and a processing circuit operable to execute the instructions. Executing the instructions causes the network node to send an indication to a wireless device. The indication indicates a handover of a set of search spaces that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates. The handover of the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the first search space set and starting to monitor the second search space set for candidate control channels.

[0089] Each of the above methods, computer programs, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, and / or network nodes may include other suitable features, such as one or more of the following features:

[0090] Some embodiments send a control channel to the wireless device via the first search space set before sending an indication to the wireless device to hand over the search space set.

[0091] Some embodiments send a control channel to the wireless device via the second search space set after sending an indication to the wireless device to hand over the search space set.

[0092] In some embodiments, the indication to hand over the search space set is sent in a field in the group DCI format.

[0093] Some embodiments send an indication of a predetermined time period to the wireless device, after which the wireless device will stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set. In some embodiments, the indication of the predetermined time period is sent in a duration field in the group common DCI format.

[0094] Some embodiments send the value of a timer to a wireless device, which uses the value of the timer to determine the time to stop monitoring a second search space set and start monitoring a first search space set. In some embodiments, the value of the timer is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0095] Some embodiments send search space set group information to a wireless device. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets, and for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set. The first search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a second value. In some embodiments, the search space set group information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message. In some embodiments, an indication to switch search space sets is sent in a group identifier field of a group common DCI format, and the group identifier field indicates the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

[0096] In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0097] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantages. For example, certain embodiments help to improve the monitoring of COT. Certain embodiments can improve UE energy conservation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] To more fully understand the disclosed embodiments and their features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0099] Figure 1 Illustrates an example for multi-channel UL transmission in eLAA.

[0100] Figure 2 Illustrates 20 MHz and 40 MHz channels for 802.11n.

[0101] Figure 3 Illustrates CA and single-carrier broadband transmission.

[0102] Figure 4 Illustrates multiple SearchSpaces configured from one CORESET.

[0103] Figure 5 Illustrates the frequency domain (FD) monitoring positions within a search space configured by frequency domain conversion (offset) of a CORESET.

[0104] Figure 6 Illustrates examples of NR-U PDSCH and PDCCH transmissions and UE PDCCH monitoring.

[0105] Figure 7 Illustrates an example of a wireless network according to some embodiments.

[0106] Figure 8 Illustrates an example of a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0107] Figure 9 Illustrates an example of a virtualized environment according to some embodiments.

[0108] Figure 10 Illustrates an example of a telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to some embodiments.

[0109] Figure 11 Illustrates an example of a computer communicating with a user equipment via a base station through a partial wireless connection according to some embodiments.

[0110] Figure 12 Illustrates an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0111] Figure 13 Illustrates an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0112] Figure 14 Illustrates an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0113] Figure 15 Illustrates an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments.

[0114] Figure 16 Illustrates an example of a method performed by a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0115] Figure 17 Illustrates an example of an example virtualization device according to some embodiments.

[0116] Figure 18 Illustrates an example of a method performed by a wireless device according to some embodiments.

[0117] Figure 19 Illustrates an example of a method performed by a network node according to some embodiments.

[0118] Figure 20 and Figure 21 Each illustrates an example of an RRC signaling design. Detailed Description

[0119] In general, all terms used in this document shall be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is explicitly given and / or implied from the context in which they are used. Unless explicitly stated, all references to an element, device, component, part, step, etc. shall be construed liberally as referring to at least one instance of the element, device, component, part, step, etc. The steps of any method disclosed herein need not be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as after or before another step and / or it is implied that a step must be after or before another step. Where applicable, any feature of any embodiment disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment. Similarly, any advantage of any embodiment may be applied to any other embodiment, and vice versa. Other objectives, features, and advantages of the appended embodiments will be apparent from the following description.

[0120] Some embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other embodiments are included within the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, and the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0121] Embodiment #1 (Adding Switchable Feature to Search Space Set Configuration)

[0122] In the current NR specification, when the gNB configures a search space set, the UE will monitor potential PDCCH candidates in the search space set.

[0123] According to the first embodiment, a new switchable feature can be added to the search space set configuration. The switchableMonitoring field indicates that the search space set can be turned off via network signaling.

[0124] · If the value is set to default, the search space set is monitored by default. The monitoring of the search space set can be turned off via network signaling.

[0125] · If the value is set to non - default, the search space set will not be monitored until it is indicated by the network.

[0126] For a search space set without the switchableMonitoring field, the UE will monitor the search space set.

[0127] In Figure 20A non - limiting example of RRC signaling design is shown. Note that the parameters frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations and FreqOffset enable multiple frequency - domain monitoring opportunities, which enhance the multiple time - domain monitoring opportunities (monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot) already supported in Rel - 15.

[0128]

[0129] Example #2 (Switchable Search Space Set Group)

[0130] According to the second embodiment, all search space sets configured for a UE with a switchableMonitoring field form a switchable search space set group.

[0131] According to a further embodiment, a UE configured with a switchable search space set group will monitor one search space set from the switchable search space set group. It is expected that a UE will not be configured with more than one search space set (whose switchableMonitoring field is set to default) within the switchable search space set group.

[0132] The switchable search space sets within the switchable search space set group are classified and indexed by the searchSpaceIds of the switchable search spaces.

[0133] Network signaling is provided to indicate that the UE switches PDCCH monitoring to a specific switchable search space set within the switchable search space set group. A non - limiting exemplary signaling is via a search space monitoring index field in the group - common PDCCH (GC - PDCCH) located in the common search space. When such signaling is used, all UEs receiving the group - common PDCCH switch their search space sets according to the monitoring field index in the GC - PDCCH. For different UEs, the details of the configured search space sets corresponding to the signaled monitoring field index can be different.

[0134] Other possible embodiments are to signal to the UE to switch PDCCH monitoring to a specific search space set within the switchable search space set group via UE - specific PDCCH, MAC - CE, or via RRC re - configuration.

[0135] As a non - limiting example, the signaling can include a bitmap, where one or more set bits in the bitmap refer to a specific switchable search space set within the switchable search space set group.

[0136] As a non - limiting example, a UE is configured with five UE - specific switchable search space sets (SSSS):

[0137] · SSSS0 is a mini-slot based search space set with multiple frequency domain monitoring locations, which can be used in the start part of gNBCOT, where the mini-slot refers to the Type B PDSCH / PUSCH mapping that occupies a subset of 14 OFDM symbols within a slot.

[0138] ○ searchSpaceId = 5

[0139] ○ frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to {0, O2, O3, O4}, where O2, O3, and O4 are frequency offsets or can correspond to the frequency offsets for converting CCEs in the associated CORESET to different LBT sub-bands as shown in Figure 4 and Figure 5 and shown in.

[0140] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1001000 1000000, which means the UE will start monitoring PDCCH candidates from OS

[0141] #0, #3, and #7.

[0142] ○ switchableMonitoring is set to default.

[0143] · SSSS1 is a slot based search space set located in LBT sub-band #1, which can be used after the start part of gNB COT.

[0144] ○ searchSpaceId = 6

[0145] ○ frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is not set, which means using the CORESET without frequency offset.

[0146] ○ monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will start monitoring PDCCH candidates only from OS#0.

[0147] ○ switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0148] · SSSS2 is a slot based search space set located in LBT sub-band #2, which can be used after the start part of gNB COT.

[0149] ○ searchSpaceId = 7

[0150] ○ The frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to O2 so that all PDCCH candidates are located in LBT sub-band #2.

[0151] ○ The monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates starting only from OS#0.

[0152] ○ The switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0153] · SSSS3 is a slot-based search space set located in LBT sub-band #3 and can be used after the start part of the gNB COT.

[0154] ○ searchSpaceId = 8

[0155] ○ The frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to O3 so that all PDCCH candidates are located in LBT sub-band #3.

[0156] ○ The monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates starting only from OS#0.

[0157] ○ The switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0158] · SSSS4 is a slot-based search space set located in LBT sub-band #4 and can be used after the start part of the gNB COT.

[0159] ○ searchSpaceId = 9

[0160] ○ The frequencyDomainMonitoringLocations is set to O4 so that all PDCCH candidates are located in LBT sub-band #4.

[0161] ○ The monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot is set to 1000000 0000000, which means the UE will monitor PDCCH candidates starting only from OS#0.

[0162] ○ The switchableMonitoring is set to non-default.

[0163] For this example, the set of switchable search space sets consists of search space sets #5, #6, #7, #8, and #9. The switchable search space sets can be indexed by three bits in the GC-PDCCH, UE-specific PDCCH, MAC CE, or RRC configuration message, where the value 000 indicates search space set #5, the value 001 indicates search space set #6, the value 010 indicates search space set #7, the value 011 indicates search space set #8, and the value 100 indicates search space set #9.

[0164] As another non-limiting example, the UE is configured with the UE-specific switchable search space set described above, except that SSSS1 instead of SSSS0 is set as the default switchable search space set. This type of configuration is suitable for an operating environment with mostly low load, such that time-slot-based monitoring in one sub-band is sufficient most of the time. When the load increases significantly, the network can instruct the UE to temporarily switch to more frequent / dense monitoring or to monitor in a different sub-band.

[0165] In another non-limiting example, the UE can be configured with a default search space that has one monitoring occasion per time slot, but has multiple monitoring occasions in the frequency domain.

[0166] Embodiment #3

[0167] This embodiment is similar to Embodiment #2, except as follows.

[0168] The switchableMonitoring fields of multiple search space sets within the set of switchable search space sets can be set to default. All these search space sets are monitored unless they are explicitly turned off by the network.

[0169] This signaling can indicate whether each search space set in the set of switchable search space sets can be turned off individually. In a non-limiting example of this signaling, for the set of switchable search space sets described in Embodiment 2, a 5-bit bitmap can be used to perform this signaling, where these bits correspond to the search space sets with searchSpaceIds 5 - 9. When the bit corresponding to a search space set is 0, that search space set is not monitored, and when it is 1, that search space set is monitored. Such a bitmap can be provided by group common PDCCH, UE-specific PDCCH, MAC CE, or RRC configuration.

[0170] Embodiment #4 (Multiple Sets of Switchable Search Space Sets)

[0171] According to this embodiment, multiple sets of switchable search space sets can be configured by the network for the UE.

[0172] According to a further embodiment, a UE configured with multiple sets of switchable search spaces will monitor one (default) search space set from each set of switchable search spaces among the multiple sets of switchable search spaces. For each set of switchable search spaces among the multiple sets of switchable search spaces, it is expected that the UE will not be configured with more than one search space set (whose switchableMonitoring field is set to default).

[0173] The switchable search spaces within each set of switchable search spaces are classified and indexed by the searchSpaceIds of the switchable search spaces.

[0174] Network signaling is provided to indicate that the UE switches PDCCH monitoring to a specific switchable search space within a set of switchable search spaces. A non-limiting exemplary signaling is via a group common PDCCH (GC-PDCCH) located in the common search space. A field is provided for each set of switchable search spaces.

[0175] The same sub-embodiments of Embodiment #2 related to the signaling mechanism also apply to this embodiment (UE-specific PDCCH, MAC-CE, RRC, bitmap).

[0176] Embodiment #5 (Multiple sets of switchable search spaces with multiple default search space sets)

[0177] This embodiment is similar to Embodiment #4, with the differences as follows.

[0178] The switchableMonitoring fields of the multiple search space sets within each set of switchable search spaces among the sets of switchable search spaces can be set to default. All these search space sets are monitored unless they are explicitly turned off by the network.

[0179] The signaling can indicate whether each search space within the search spaces of each set of switchable search spaces among the sets of switchable search spaces can be individually turned off. As described in Embodiment 3, such signaling can be provided via a bitmap for each set of switchable search spaces. Such a bitmap can be provided through group common PDCCH, UE-specific PDCCH, MAC CE, or RRC configuration.

[0180] Embodiment #6 (Switching between multiple sets of search spaces)

[0181] According to this embodiment, multiple sets of search spaces can be configured for the UE by the network. The set of search spaces described for Embodiment 2 is a non-limiting example of such a set of search spaces.

[0182] Only one of these sets of search spaces is marked as the default set of search spaces, while the others are non-default. Signaling via GC-PDCCH, or UE-specific PDCCH, MAC CE, or RRC configuration can select one of these sets of search spaces for monitoring.

[0183] When signaling a set of search spaces to a UE for monitoring, all search spaces within the signaled set are monitored.

[0184] In a non-limiting example, a set of search spaces includes all search spaces monitored by a UE at a given time, including all common and UE-specific search spaces.

[0185] In a variant of this embodiment, multiple sets of search spaces can be marked as the default set of search spaces, and signaling can individually turn on or off each of these sets.

[0186] Embodiment 7 (Validity Period for Search Space Set Switching)

[0187] For Embodiments 2-6, a validity period is provided in the network signaling for search space set monitoring switching for each switchable set of search spaces. This validity period indicates the duration for which a UE will monitor the indicated switchable search spaces within a set of search spaces after receiving an indication to monitor the switchable search spaces. After this duration, the UE will monitor the default switchable search space within the set of switchable search spaces.

[0188] As a non-limiting example, a validity period in terms of time slots is included as a field in the GC-PDCCH.

[0189] Other embodiments signal the validity period in the UE-specific PDCCH or MAC-CE, or configure this value via RRC signaling.

[0190] Embodiment 8 (Timer Period for Switchable Search Space Set)

[0191] For Embodiments 1 to 6, a maximum timer period can be configured for non-default switchable search spaces. A UE does not monitor non-default switchable search spaces until it is instructed to do so by the network. In addition, once instructed to monitor such non-default switchable search spaces, the UE will start a timer and switch back to monitoring the default switchable search space within the set of switchable search spaces when the timer reaches or exceeds the maximum timer period.

[0192] As a non-limiting exemplary embodiment, the maximum timer period is in terms of the number of time slots.

[0193] InFigure 21 A non-limiting example of RRC signaling design is shown.

[0194]

[0195] Example #9 (Switching between multiple search space sets or multiple groups of search space sets without a default)

[0196] According to this embodiment, any of the foregoing embodiments is configured without configuring any search space set as the default search space set. The UE only follows the last successfully received indication for the search space set or group of search space sets to be monitored.

[0197] For the case where the signaling indicating the search space set or group of search space sets is not successfully received by the UE, the network can ensure robustness through appropriate configuration of the search space set. For example, all configured groups of search space sets can have a subset of search space sets with the same intra-group configuration among all configured groups of search space sets. When the signaling indicating the search space set is not correctly received by the UE, these search space sets can be used as a fallback for communicating with the UE to ensure robustness.

[0198] Example network

[0199] Although the subject matter described herein can be implemented using any suitable components in any suitable type of system, the embodiments disclosed herein are described with respect to a wireless network (such as Figure 7 the example wireless network shown in Figure 7 For simplicity, the wireless network of

[0200] A wireless network can include any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, and / or radio network or other similar type of system and / or interface therewith. In some embodiments, the wireless network can be configured to operate according to a specific standard or other type of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, specific embodiments of the wireless network can implement communication standards such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) standards such as the IEEE 802.11 standard; and / or any other suitable wireless communication standard such as Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, and / or ZigBee standards.

[0201] Network 106 can include one or more backhaul networks, core networks, IP networks, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), packet data networks, optical networks, Wide Area Networks (WAN), Local Area Networks (LAN), Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN), wired networks, wireless networks, Metropolitan Area Networks, and other networks to enable communication between devices.

[0202] Network node 160 and WD 110 include various components described in more detail below. These components work together to provide network node and / or wireless device functionality, such as providing a wireless connection in a wireless network. In different embodiments, the wireless network can include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices, relay stations, and / or any other components or systems that can facilitate or participate in the communication of data and signals via wired or wireless connections.

[0203] As used herein, a network node refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, set to, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a wireless device and / or with other network nodes or devices in a wireless network to enable and / or provide wireless access to the wireless device and / or to perform other functions (e.g., management) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), and NR Node B (gNB)). They can be classified based on the amount of coverage provided by the base stations (or in other words, their transmit power levels), and can further be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station can be a relay node or a relay donor node that controls a relay. A network node can also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as a centralized digital unit and / or a remote radio unit (RRU) which is sometimes also referred to as a remote radio head (RRH). Such a remote radio unit may or may not be integrated with an antenna into an antenna integrated radio. The parts of a distributed radio base station can also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS). Another example of a network node includes an MSR device such as a multi-standard radio (MSR) BS, a network controller such as a radio network controller (RNC) or a base station controller (BSC), a base transceiver station (BTS), a transmission point, a transmission node, a multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), a core network node (e.g., MSC, MME), an operation and maintenance (O&M) node, an operation support system (OSS) node, a self-organizing network (SON) node, a positioning node (e.g., an evolved serving mobile location center (E-SMLC)), and / or a minimized drive test (MDT). As another example, a network node can be a virtual network node as described in more detail below. However, more generally, a network node can represent any suitable device (or group of devices) that is capable of, configured to, set to, and / or operable to enable a wireless device to and / or provide the wireless device with access to a wireless network or provide some service to a wireless device already accessing the wireless network.

[0204] In Figure 7 it, network node 160 includes a processing circuit 170, a device-readable medium 180, an interface 190, an auxiliary device 184, a power supply 186, a power circuit 187, and an antenna 162. Although in Figure 7The network node 160 shown in the exemplary wireless network may represent a device that includes a combination of the shown hardware components, but other embodiments may include network nodes with different combinations of components. It should be understood that a network node includes any suitable combination of hardware and / or software required to perform the tasks, features, functions, and methods disclosed herein. Additionally, although the components of network node 160 are depicted as a single box within a larger box or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, a network node may include multiple different physical components that make up a single shown component (e.g., the device-readable medium 180 may include multiple individual hard disk drives as well as multiple RAM modules).

[0205] Similarly, network node 160 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., NodeB components and RNC components, or BTS components and BSC components, etc.), and each component may have its own corresponding components. In certain scenarios where network node 160 includes multiple individual components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the individual components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair may be considered a separate network node in some instances. In some embodiments, network node 160 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be replicated (e.g., separate device-readable media 180 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the same antenna 162 may be shared by the RATs). Network node 160 may also include various shown components for multiple different wireless technologies (such as GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies) to be integrated into network node 160. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chip sets and other components within network node 160.

[0206] The processing circuit 170 is configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation described herein as being provided by the network node (e.g., certain obtaining operations). These operations performed by the processing circuit 170 may include, for example, processing the information obtained by the processing circuit 170 by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making a determination as a result of the processing.

[0207] The processing circuitry 170 may include one or more combinations of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or coded logic that is operable to provide the functionality of the network node 160, either alone or in conjunction with other components of the network node 160 such as the device-readable medium 180. For example, the processing circuitry 170 may execute instructions stored in the device-readable medium 180 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 170. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 may include a system-on-chip (SOC).

[0208] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 may include one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and the baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on separate chips (or chip sets), boards, or units such as a radio unit and a digital unit. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 172 and the baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on the same chip or chip set, board, or unit.

[0209] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein as being provided by a network node, a base station, an eNB, or other such network device may be performed by the processing circuitry 170 executing instructions stored on the device-readable medium 180 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 170. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry 170 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium, such as in a hardwired manner. In any of those embodiments, whether or not instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed, the processing circuitry 170 may be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry 170 or other components of the network node 160, but are enjoyed by the network node 160 as a whole, and / or generally by end-users and the wireless network.

[0210] The device-readable medium 180 may include any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory that stores information, data, and / or instructions that can be used by the processing circuitry 170, including but not limited to permanent storage devices, solid-state memories, remotely mounted memories, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), mass storage media (e.g., hard disks), removable storage media (e.g., flash drives, compact discs (CDs) or digital video discs (DVDs)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable storage device. The device-readable medium 180 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including computer programs, software, applications including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables, etc., and / or other instructions that can be executed by the processing circuitry 170 and used by the network node 160. The device-readable medium 180 may be used to store any calculations performed by the processing circuitry 170 and / or any data received via the interface 190. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 170 and the device-readable medium 180 may be considered integrated.

[0211] The interface 190 is used in the wired or wireless communication of signaling and / or data between the network node 160, the network 106, and / or the WD 110. As shown, the interface 190 includes ports / terminals 194 to send and receive data, such as sending data to and receiving data from the network 106 via a wired connection. The interface 190 also includes radio front-end circuitry 192 that may be coupled to the antenna 162, or in some embodiments, a portion of the antenna 162. The radio front-end circuitry 192 includes a filter 198 and an amplifier 196. The radio front-end circuitry 192 may be connected to the antenna 162 and the processing circuitry 170. The radio front-end circuitry 192 may be configured to condition the signals transmitted between the antenna 162 and the processing circuitry 170. The radio front-end circuitry 192 may receive digital data that is to be transmitted outward via a wireless connection to other network nodes or WDs. The radio front-end circuitry 192 may use a combination of the filter 198 and / or the amplifier 196 to convert the digital data into a radio signal with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 162. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 162 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 192. The digital data may be transmitted to the processing circuitry 170. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0212] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 160 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 192, but rather the processing circuit 170 may include the radio front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 162 without a separate radio front-end circuit 192. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuits 172 may be considered part of the interface 190. In some other embodiments, the interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 194, the radio front-end circuit 192, and the RF transceiver circuits 172 as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the interface 190 may communicate with the baseband processing circuit 174 as part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0213] The antenna 162 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 162 may be coupled to the radio front-end circuit 190 and may be any type of antenna capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data and / or signals. In some embodiments, the antenna 162 may include one or more omnidirectional sector or planar antennas operable to transmit / receive radio signals, for example, between 2 GHz and 66 GHz. Omnidirectional antennas can be used to transmit / receive radio signals in any direction, sector antennas can be used to transmit / receive radio signals from devices within a specific area, and planar antennas can be line-of-sight antennas used to transmit / receive radio signals in a relatively straight line. In some instances, using more than one antenna may be referred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, the antenna 162 may be separate from the network node 160 and may be connected to the network node 160 via an interface or port.

[0214] The antenna 162, the interface 190, and / or the processing circuit 170 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network device. Similarly, the antenna 162, the interface 190, and / or the processing circuit 170 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data, and / or signals may be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node, and / or any other network device.

[0215] The power supply circuit 187 may include or be coupled to a power management circuit and is configured to supply power to the components of the network node 160 for performing the functions described herein. The power supply circuit 187 may receive power from a power source 186. The power source 186 and / or the power supply circuit 187 may be configured to supply power to the respective components of the network node 160 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at the voltage and current levels required for each respective component). The power source 186 may be included within the power supply circuit 187 and / or the network node 160, or external to the power supply circuit 187 and / or the network node 160. For example, the network node 160 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., a power outlet) via an input circuit or an interface such as a cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to the power supply circuit 187. As another example, the power source 186 may include a power source in the form of a battery or battery pack, which is connected to or integrated into the power supply circuit 187. The battery may provide backup power in the event of a failure of the external power source. Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also be used.

[0216] Alternative embodiments of the network node 160 may include Figure 7 additional components beyond those shown in, which may be responsible for providing certain aspects of the functionality of the network node, including any of the functions described herein and / or any functions necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 160 may include a user interface device to allow information to be input into the network node 160 and to allow information to be output from the network node 160. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions on the network node 160.

[0217] As used herein, a wireless device (WD) refers to a device that is capable of, configured to, set to, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with a network node and / or another wireless device. Unless otherwise specified, the term WD may be used interchangeably with user equipment (UE) herein. Wireless communication may involve the use of electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals over the air. In some embodiments, the WD may be configured to send and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For example, the WD may be designed to send information to the network at a predetermined schedule when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to a request from the network. Examples of WDs include, but are not limited to, smart phones, mobile phones, cellular phones, IP voice (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), wireless cameras, gaming consoles or devices, music storage devices, playback devices, wearable terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, tablet computers, laptop computers, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), smart devices, wireless customer premise equipment (CPEs), in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, etc. The WD may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example, by implementing 3GPP standards for sidelink communication, vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), vehicle-to-everything (V2X), and in this case may be referred to as a D2D communication device. As yet another specific example, in an Internet of Things (IoT) scenario, the WD may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurement and sends the results of such monitoring and / or measurement to another WD and / or network node. In this case, the WD may be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which may be referred to as an MTC device in the 3GPP context. As a specific example, the WD may be a UE that implements the 3GPP narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) standard. Specific examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or household or personal appliances (e.g., refrigerators, televisions, etc.), or personal wearable devices (e.g., watches, fitness trackers, etc.). In other scenarios, the WD may represent a vehicle or other device that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting its operating state or other functions associated with its operation. The WD as described above may represent a wirelessly connected endpoint, in which case the device may be referred to as a wireless terminal. Additionally, the WD as described above may be mobile, in which case it may also be referred to as a mobile device or mobile terminal.

[0218] As shown in the figure, the wireless device 110 includes an antenna 111, an interface 114, a processing circuit 120, a device-readable medium 130, a user interface device 132, an auxiliary device 134, a power supply 136, and a power circuit 137. The WD 110 may include multiple sets of one or more of the various components shown for different wireless technologies supported by the WD 110 (such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wireless technologies). These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or chip sets and other components within the WD 110.

[0219] The antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals and is connected to the interface 114. In some alternative embodiments, the antenna 111 may be separate from the WD 110 and may be connected to the WD 110 through an interface or port. The antenna 111, the interface 114, and / or the processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform any of the receiving or transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the WD. Any information, data, and / or signals may be received from a network node and / or another WD. In some embodiments, the radio front-end circuit and / or the antenna 111 may be considered an interface.

[0220] As shown in the figure, the interface 114 includes a radio front-end circuit 112 and the antenna 111. The radio front-end circuit 112 includes one or more filters 118 and amplifiers 116. The radio front-end circuit 114 is connected to the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120 and is configured to condition signals transmitted between the antenna 111 and the processing circuit 120. The radio front-end circuit 112 may be coupled to the antenna 111 or a portion of the antenna 111. In some embodiments, the WD 110 may not include a separate radio front-end circuit 112; rather, the processing circuit 120 may include the radio front-end circuit and may be connected to the antenna 111. Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of the RF transceiver circuit 122 may be considered a part of the interface 114. The radio front-end circuit 112 may receive digital data that is to be transmitted outward via a wireless connection to other network nodes or WDs. The radio front-end circuit 112 may use a combination of the filters 118 and / or the amplifiers 116 to convert the digital data into a radio signal with appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 111 may collect the radio signal, which may then be converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuit 112. The digital data may be transmitted to the processing circuit 120. In other embodiments, the interface may include different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0221] Processing circuitry 120 may include one or more combinations of a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a central processing unit, a digital signal processor, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or a combination of hardware, software, and / or coded logic that is operable to provide the functionality of the WD 110, either alone or in conjunction with other WD 110 components such as the device-readable medium 130. Such functionality may include providing any of the various wireless features or benefits discussed herein. For example, the processing circuitry 120 may execute instructions stored in the device-readable medium 130 or in a memory within the processing circuitry 120 to provide the functionality disclosed herein.

[0222] As shown, the processing circuitry 120 includes one or more of RF transceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry 126. In other embodiments, the processing circuitry may include different components and / or different combinations of components. In certain embodiments, the processing circuitry 120 of the WD 110 may include a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 122, the baseband processing circuitry 124, and the application processing circuitry 126 may be on separate chips or chip sets. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the baseband processing circuitry 124 and the application processing circuitry 126 may be combined into one chip or chip set, and the RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be on a separate chip or chip set. In another alternative embodiment, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 122 and the baseband processing circuitry 124 may be on the same chip or chip set, and the application processing circuitry 126 may be on a separate chip or chip set. In another alternative embodiment, some or all of the RF transceiver circuitry 122, the baseband processing circuitry 124, and the application processing circuitry 126 may be combined into the same chip or chip set. In some embodiments, the RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be part of the interface 114. The RF transceiver circuitry 122 may condition RF signals for the processing circuitry 120.

[0223] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein as being performed by the WD may be provided by a processing circuit 120 executing instructions stored on a device-readable medium 130 that may be a computer-readable storage medium in some embodiments. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functions may be provided by the processing circuit 120 without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable medium, such as in a hardwired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether or not instructions stored on a device-readable storage medium are executed, the processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform the described functions. The benefits provided by such functions are not limited to the processing circuit 120 or other components of the WD 110, but are enjoyed by the WD 110 as a whole, and / or generally by the end user and the wireless network.

[0224] The processing circuit 120 may be configured to perform any determination, calculation, or similar operation (e.g., certain acquisition operations) described herein as being performed by the WD. These operations performed by the processing circuit 120 may include, for example, processing information obtained by the processing circuit 120 by converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or the converted information with information stored by the WD 110, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or the converted information, and making a determination as a result of such processing.

[0225] The device-readable medium 130 may be operable to store a computer program; software; an application including one or more of logic, rules, codes, tables, etc.; and / or other instructions executable by the processing circuit 120. The device-readable medium 130 may include a computer memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or read-only memory (ROM)) that stores information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuit 120, a mass storage medium (e.g., a hard disk), a removable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc (CD) or a digital video disc (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computer-executable storage device. The processing circuit 120 and the device-readable medium 130 may be considered integrated.

[0226] The user interface device 132 can provide components that allow a human user to interact with the WD 110. Such interaction can take multiple forms, such as visual, auditory, tactile, etc. The user interface device 132 can be operable to generate output to the user and allow the user to provide input to the WD 110. The type of interaction can vary according to the type of user interface device 132 installed in the WD 110. For example, if the WD 110 is a smart phone, the interaction can be via a touch screen; if the WD 110 is a smart meter, the interaction can be through a screen providing usage (e.g., gallons used) or a speaker providing an audible alert (e.g., if smoke is detected). The user interface device 132 can include input interfaces, devices, and circuits, as well as output interfaces, devices, and circuits. The user interface device 132 is configured to allow information to be input into the WD 110 and is connected to the processing circuit 120 to allow the processing circuit 120 to process the input information. The user interface device 132 can, for example, include a microphone, a proximity sensor or other sensors, keys / buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or other input circuits. The user interface device 132 is also configured to allow information to be output from the WD 110 and allow the processing circuit 120 to output information from the WD 110. The user interface device 132 can, for example, include a speaker, a display, a vibration circuit, a USB port, a headphone jack, or other output circuits. Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits of the user interface device 132, the WD 110 can communicate with an end user and / or a wireless network and allow them to benefit from the functions described herein.

[0227] The auxiliary device 134 is operable to provide more specific functions that are not typically performed by the WD. This can include dedicated sensors for making measurements for various purposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wired communication, etc. The inclusion and type of components of the auxiliary device 134 can vary according to the embodiment and / or scenario.

[0228] In some embodiments, power source 136 may take the form of a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources may also be used, such as an external power source (e.g., a power outlet), a photovoltaic device, or a fuel cell. WD 110 may also include a power circuit 137 for delivering power from power source 136 to the various parts of WD 110 that require power from power source 136 to perform any of the functions described or indicated herein. In certain embodiments, power circuit 137 may include a power management circuit. Additionally or alternatively, power circuit 137 may be operable to receive power from an external power source; in such a case, WD 110 may be connected to an external power source (such as a power outlet) via an input circuit or an interface such as a power cord. In certain embodiments, power circuit 137 may also be operable to transfer power from the external power source to power source 136. This may be used, for example, for charging power source 136. Power circuit 137 may perform any formatting, conversion, or other modification of the power from power source 136 to make the power suitable for the respective components of WD 110 being powered.

[0229] Figure 8 An embodiment of a UE in accordance with aspects described herein is shown. As used herein, a user equipment or UE need not have a human user in terms of a human user owning and / or operating the associated device. Alternatively, a UE may represent a device (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller) that is intended to be sold to or operated by a human user but may not be associated or initially associated with a particular human user. Alternatively, a UE may represent a device (e.g., a smart meter) that is not intended to be sold to an end user or operated by an end user but may be associated with the interests of a user or may be operated for the benefit of a user. UE 200 may be any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including an NB-loT UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE. As Figure 8 shown, UE 200 is an example of a WD configured to communicate according to one or more communication standards promulgated by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as 3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and / or 5G standards. As previously mentioned, the terms WD and UE may be used interchangeably. Thus, although Figure 8 it is a UE in the figure, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to a WD, and vice versa.

[0230] In Figure 8In [description], the UE 200 includes a processing circuit 201 operatively coupled to an input / output interface 205, a radio frequency (RF) interface 209, a network connection interface 211, a memory 215 including a random access memory (RAM) 217, a read-only memory (ROM) 219, and a storage medium 221, etc., a communication subsystem 231, a power supply 233, and / or any other components or any combination thereof. The storage medium 221 includes an operating system 223, application programs 225, and data 227. In other embodiments, the storage medium 221 may include other similar types of information. Certain UEs may use all of the components shown in Figure 8 or only a subset of these components. The level of integration between components may vary from one UE to another. Further, certain UEs may include multiple instances of components, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0231] In Figure 8 , the processing circuit 201 may be configured to process computer instructions and data. The processing circuit 201 may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operable to execute machine instructions stored as a machine-readable computer program in the memory, such as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., using discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logic and appropriate firmware; one or more stored programs, a general-purpose processor such as a microprocessor or a digital signal processor (DSP) and appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuit 201 may include two central processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a form suitable for computer use.

[0232] In the embodiment, the input / output interface 205 may be configured to provide a communication interface to an input device, an output device, or an input and output device. The UE 200 may be configured to use the output device via the input / output interface 205. The output device may use the same type of interface port as the input device. For example, a USB port may be used to provide input to and output from the UE 200. The output device may be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, a transmitter, a smart card, another output device, or any combination thereof. The UE 200 may be configured to use the input device via the input / output interface 205 to allow a user to capture information into the UE 200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive display or a presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a webcam, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a steering wheel, a trackpad, a roller, a smart card, etc. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor for sensing input from a user. The sensor may be, for example, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an inclinometer, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another similar sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device may be an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and an optical sensor.

[0233] In Figure 8 it, the RF interface 209 may be configured to provide a communication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, a receiver, and an antenna. The network connection interface 211 may be configured to provide a communication interface to the network 243a. The network 243a may include a wired and / or wireless network, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 243a may include a WiFi network. The network connection interface 211 may be configured to include a receiver and a transmitter interface for communicating with one or more other devices via a communication network according to one or more communication protocols such as Ethernet, TCP / IP, SONET, ATM, etc. The network connection interface 211 may implement receiver and transmitter functions suitable for a communication network link (e.g., optical, electrical, etc.). The receiver and transmitter functions may share circuit components, software, or firmware, or may be implemented separately.

[0234] The RAM 217 can be configured to interface with the processing circuitry 201 via the bus 202 to provide storage or caching of data or computer instructions during the execution of software programs such as an operating system, applications, and device drivers. The ROM 219 can be configured to provide computer instructions or data to the processing circuitry 201. For example, the ROM 219 can be configured to store invariant low-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basic input and output (I / O), startup, or receiving keystrokes from a keyboard, such as stored in non-volatile memory. The storage medium 221 can be configured to include memories such as RAM, ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridge tapes, or flash drives. In one example, the storage medium 221 can be configured to include an operating system 223, an application program 225 such as a web browser application, a widget engine, or another application, and data files 227. The storage medium 221 can store any one or combination of various operating systems for use by the UE 200.

[0235] The storage medium 221 can be configured to include multiple physical drive units such as redundant arrays of independent disks (RAID), floppy disk drives, flash memory, USB flash drives, external hard disk drives, thumb drives, pen drives, key drives, high definition digital versatile disc (HD-DVD) disc drives, internal hard disk drives, Blu-ray disc drives, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) disc drives, external mini dual in-line memory modules (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro DIMM SDRAM, smart card memories such as user identity module or removable user identity (SIM / RUIM) modules, other memories, or any combination thereof. The storage medium 221 can allow the UE 200 to access computer-executable instructions, application programs, etc. stored on a transient or non-transient storage medium to offload data or upload data. An article of manufacture (such as an article of manufacture utilizing a communication system) can be tangibly embodied in the storage medium 221 that can include a device-readable medium.

[0236] In Figure 8In [the figure], the processing circuit 201 may be configured to communicate with the network 243b using the communication subsystem 231. The network 243a and the network 243b may be the same network or different networks. The communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with the network 243b. For example, the communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one or more transceivers for communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication, such as another WD, UE, or a base station of a radio access network (RAN), according to one or more communication protocols such as IEEE 802.2, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, etc. Each transceiver may include a transmitter 233 and / or a receiver 235 to respectively implement the functions of a transmitter or a receiver suitable for the RAN link (e.g., frequency allocation, etc.). Further, the transmitter 233 and the receiver 235 of each transceiver may share circuit components, software, or firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

[0237] In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions of the communication subsystem 231 may include data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communication such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as using the Global Positioning System (GPS) to determine location, another similar communication function, or any combination thereof. For example, the communication subsystem 231 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPS communication. The network 243b may cover wired and / or wireless networks, such as a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another similar network, or any combination thereof. For example, the network 243b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and / or a near-field network. The power supply 213 may be configured to provide alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) to the components of the UE 200.

[0238] The features, benefits, and / or functions described herein may be implemented in one of the components of UE 200 or may be divided among multiple components of UE 200. Additionally, the features, benefits, and / or functions described herein may be implemented using any combination of hardware, software, or firmware. In one example, the communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include any of the components described herein. Further, the processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicate with any such component via the bus 202. In another example, any such component may be represented by program instructions stored in the memory that, when executed by the processing circuitry 201, perform the corresponding functions described herein. In another example, the functionality of any such component may be divided between the processing circuitry 201 and the communication subsystem 231. In another example, the non-computation-intensive functionality of any such component may be implemented using software or firmware, and the computation-intensive functionality may be implemented using hardware.

[0239] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram showing a virtualization environment 300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualization means creating a virtual version of a device or apparatus that may include a virtualized hardware platform, storage devices, and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization may be applied to a node (e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) or a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device, or any other type of communication device) or its components, and involves an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or more applications, components, functions, virtual machines, or containers executed on one or more physical processing nodes in one or more networks).

[0240] In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines implemented in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted by one or more hardware nodes 330. Further, in embodiments where the virtual node is not a radio access node or does not require a radio connection (e.g., a core network node), the network node may be fully virtualized.

[0241] The functionality may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (alternatively referred to as software instances, virtual devices, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) operable to implement some of the functions, features, and / or benefits disclosed herein. The application 320 runs in a virtualization environment 300 of hardware 330 that includes a processing circuitry 360 and a memory 390. The memory 390 contains instructions 395 executable by the processing circuitry 360, whereby the application 320 is operable to provide one or more of the features, benefits, and / or functions disclosed herein.

[0242] The virtualized environment 300 includes general or specialized network hardware devices 330, which include a set of one or more processors or processing circuits 360, which can be commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) processors, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuit, including digital or analog hardware components or specialized processors. Each hardware device can include a memory 390-1, which can be a non-permanent memory for temporarily storing instructions 395 or software executed by the processing circuit 360. Each hardware device can include one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, also known as network interface cards, which include a physical network interface 380. Each hardware device can also include a non-transitory, permanent, machine-readable storage medium 390-2 in which software 395 and / or instructions executable by the processing circuit 360 are stored. The software 395 can include any type of software, including software for instantiating one or more virtualization layers 350 (also known as a hypervisor), software for executing virtual machines 340, and software that allows it to perform functions, features, and / or benefits related to some embodiments described herein.

[0243] The virtual machine 340 includes virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interfaces, and virtual storage devices, and can be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Different embodiments of instances of the virtual device 320 can be implemented on one or more virtual machines 340 and can be implemented in different ways.

[0244] During operation, the processing circuit 360 executes software 395 to instantiate a hypervisor or virtualization layer 350, which can sometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM). The virtualization layer 350 can present a virtual operating platform that appears to be networking hardware to the virtual machine 340.

[0245] As Figure 9 shown, the hardware 330 can be a stand-alone network node with general or specific components. The hardware 330 can include an antenna 3225 and can implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, the hardware 330 can be part of a larger hardware cluster (e.g., such as in a data center or a customer premise equipment (CPE)), where multiple hardware nodes work together and are managed via a management and orchestration (MANO) 3100, which supervises the lifecycle management of the application 320 along with other programs.

[0246] In some contexts, the virtualization of hardware is referred to as network function virtualization (NFV). NFV can be used to integrate multiple network device types onto industry-standard high-volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage devices that can be located in data centers and customer premise equipment.

[0247] In the context of NFV, a virtual machine 340 can be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical non-virtual machine. Each virtual machine 340, along with the hardware 330 that executes the portion of that virtual machine, i.e., the hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and / or the hardware shared by that virtual machine with other virtual machines 340, forms a separate virtual network unit (VNE).

[0248] Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function (VNF) is responsible for handling specific network functions running in one or more virtual machines 340 over the hardware networking infrastructure 330 and corresponds to Figure 9 the applications 320 in

[0249] In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200, each including one or more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210, can be coupled to one or more antennas 3225. The radio units 3200 can communicate directly with the hardware nodes 330 via one or more suitable networks and can be used in combination with virtual components to provide radio functionality to virtual nodes such as radio access nodes or base stations.

[0250] In some embodiments, a control system 3230 can be used to implement some signaling, which can alternatively be used for communication between the hardware nodes 330 and the radio units 3200.

[0251] Referring to Figure 10 , according to an embodiment, a communication system includes a telecommunication network 410 such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which includes an access network 411 such as a radio access network and a core network 414. The access network 411 includes a plurality of base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, such as NB, eNB, gNB, or other types of wireless access points, each base station defining a corresponding coverage area 413a, 413b, 413c. Each base station 412a, 412b, 412c can be connected to the core network 414 via a wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 located in the coverage area 413c is configured to be wirelessly connected to or paged by the corresponding base station 412c. A second UE 492 located in the coverage area 413a can be wirelessly connected to the corresponding base station 412a. Although multiple UEs 491, 492 are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to cases where the only UE is in the coverage area or the only UE is connected to the corresponding base station 412.

[0252] The telecommunication network 410 is itself connected to a host computer 430 which may 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 430 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 421 and 422 between the telecommunication network 410 and the host computer 430 may extend directly from the core network 414 to the host computer 430, or may be connected via an optional intermediate network 420. The intermediate network 420 may be one or more combinations of a public, private, or managed network; the intermediate network 420 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; in particular, the intermediate network 420 may include two or more sub-networks (not shown).

[0253] Figure 10 The communication system as a whole enables connections between the connected UEs 491, 492 and the host computer 430. Such connection may be referred to as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450. The host computer 430 and the connected UEs 491, 492 are configured to communicate data and / or signaling via the OTT connection 450, using the access network 411, the core network 414, any intermediate network 420, and possibly other infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. In the sense that the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection 450 passes are not aware of the routing of the uplink and downlink communications, the OTT connection 450 may be transparent. For example, the base station 412 may not or need not be informed of the past routing of an incoming downlink communication having data originating from the host computer 430 that is to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected UE 491. Similarly, the base station 412 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoing uplink communication originating from the UE 491 towards the host computer 430.

[0254] Reference will now be made to Figure 11Describe an exemplary implementation according to an embodiment of the UE, base station, and host computer discussed in the previous paragraphs. In communication system 500, host computer 510 includes hardware 515, which includes a communication interface 516 configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection for interfacing with different communication devices in communication system 500. Host computer 510 also includes processing circuitry 518, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 518 may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. Host computer 510 also includes software 511, which is stored in or accessible by host computer 510 and executable by processing circuitry 518. Software 511 includes host application 512. Host application 512 may be operable to provide services to a remote user, such as UE 530 connected via an OTT connection 550 terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. When providing services to the remote user, host application 512 may provide user data transmitted using OTT connection 550.

[0255] Communication system 500 also includes base station 520, which is provided in a telecommunications system and includes hardware 525 enabling it to communicate with host computer 510 and UE 530. Hardware 525 may include a communication interface 526 for establishing and maintaining a wired or wireless connection for interfacing with different communication devices in communication system 500, and a radio interface 527 for establishing and at least maintaining a wireless connection 570 with UE 530 located in a coverage area (not shown in Figure 11 served by base station 520). Communication interface 526 may be configured to facilitate connection 560 to host computer 510. Connection 560 may be direct, or it may pass through a core network (not shown in Figure 11 in) in the telecommunications system and / or through one or more intermediate networks external to the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, hardware 525 of base station 520 also includes processing circuitry 528, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. Base station 520 also has software 521 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0256] The communication system 500 also includes the UE 530 already mentioned. Its hardware 535 may include a radio interface 537 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 570 with a base station serving the coverage area where the UE 530 is currently located. The hardware 535 of the UE 530 also includes processing circuitry 538, which may include one or more programmable processors, application specific integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays, or a combination of these components (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 530 also includes software 531, which is stored in or accessible to the UE 530 and executable by the processing circuitry 538. The software 531 includes a client application 532. The client application 532 can be operable, with the support of the host computer 510, to provide services to a human or non-human user via the UE 530. In the host computer 510, the executing host application 512 can communicate with the executing client application 532 via an OTT connection 550 terminating at the UE 530 and the host computer 510. When providing services to the user, the client application 532 can receive request data from the host application 512 and, in response to the request data, provide user data. The OTT connection 550 can convey both the request data and the user data. The client application 532 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0257] Note that Figure 11 the host computer 510, base station 520, and UE 530 shown in Figure 10 may be similar or identical to one of the host computers 430, base stations 412a, 412b, 412c, and one of the UEs 491, 492, respectively. That is, the internal workings of these entities may be as Figure 11 shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology may be Figure 10 those in

[0258] In Figure 11 the OTT connection 550 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate communication between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 via the base station 520 without explicitly mentioning any intermediate devices and the exact message routing via these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to hide it from the UE 530 or the service provider operating the host computer 510, or both. When the OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure can further make a decision by which it dynamically changes the routing (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or network reconfiguration).

[0259] The wireless connection 570 between the UE 530 and the base station 520 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments may improve the performance of the OTT services provided to the UE 530 using the OTT connection 550, where the wireless connection 570 constitutes the last hop. More precisely, the teachings of these embodiments may improve the data rate or power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as reduced user latency or extended battery life.

[0260] For the purpose of monitoring the data rate, latency, and other factors that are improved by one or more of the embodiments, a measurement process may be provided. There may also be optional network functions for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 between the host computer 510 and the UE 530 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or the network functions for reconfiguring the OTT connection 550 may be implemented in the software 511 and hardware 515 of the host computer 510 or the software 531 and hardware 535 of the UE 530, or both. In an embodiment, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication devices through which the OTT connection 550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement process by providing values of the monitored quantities illustrated above, or by providing values of other physical quantities (from which the software 511, 531 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities). The reconfiguration of the OTT connection 550 may include message format, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; the reconfiguration need not affect the base station 520 and may be unknown or imperceptible to the base station 520. Such processes and functions may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurement may involve proprietary UE signaling that facilitates the measurement of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. by the host computer 510. These measurements may be implemented by having the software 511 and 531 that send messages (especially empty messages or "dummy" messages) using the OTT connection 550 monitor the propagation time, errors, etc.

[0261] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be those referred to Figure 10 and Figure 11 described. For the sake of simplicity of the present disclosure, only the Figure 12Accompanying drawing references. In step 610, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 611 (which may be optional) of step 610, the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 620, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. In step 630 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the base station transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0262] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be those described with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 For the sake of simplicity of the present disclosure, only the accompanying drawing references to Figure 13 will be included in this section. In step 710 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step 720, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying the user data. In accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, the transmission may pass through the base station. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0263] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be those described with reference to Figure 10 and Figure 11 For the sake of simplicity of the present disclosure, only the accompanying drawing references to Figure 14Accompanying drawing references. In step 810 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 821 of step 820 (which may be optional), the UE provides the user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 811 of step 810 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application that provides the user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing the user data, the executed client application may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner of providing the user data, in sub-step 830 (which may be optional), the UE initiates the transmission of the user data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, the host computer receives the user data sent from the UE according to the teachings of the embodiments described in this disclosure.

[0264] Figure 15 is a flowchart showing a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be those referred to Figure 10 and Figure 11 described. For the sake of simplicity of this disclosure, only the Figure 15 accompanying drawing references will be included in this section. In step 910 (which may be optional), according to the teachings of the embodiments described in this disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. In step 920 (which may be optional), the base station initiates the transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 930 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0265] Any suitable steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein may be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include a plurality of such functional units. These functional units may be implemented via a processing circuit and other digital hardware, where the processing circuit may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, and the other digital hardware may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuit may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or several types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), buffer memory, flash memory devices, optical memory, etc. The program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunication and / or data communication protocols, as well as instructions for executing one or more technologies described herein. In some implementations, according to one or more embodiments of this disclosure, the processing circuit may be used to cause the corresponding functional unit to perform the corresponding function.

[0266] Figure 16 shows a method according to a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the method may be performed by a wireless device or UE (such as the wireless device 110 or UE 200 described above). The method starts at step 1002, where one or more search space sets (or groups of search space sets) are determined for monitoring control channel candidates. The determination is at least partially based on signaling received from a network node indicating to turn on or off monitoring of the search space set (or group of search space sets). The method continues to step 1004, where the one or more search space sets (or groups of search space sets) determined in step 1002 are monitored. Further, the method proceeds to step 1006, where one or more control channel candidates are determined based on the monitoring in step 1004.

[0267] In some embodiments, a network node (such as network node 160) may perform methods similar to those described herein as being performed by a wireless device. For example, generally, a network node may determine one or more search space sets (or groups of search space sets) for a wireless device to monitor and may send signaling to the wireless device to indicate to turn on or off monitoring of the one or more search space sets (or groups of search space sets).

[0268] Figure 17 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 1100 in a wireless network (e.g., Figure 7 the wireless network shown in Figure 7 ). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device or a network node (such as the wireless device 110 or network node 160 shown in Figure 16 ). The apparatus 1100 is operable to perform the example methods described with reference to Figure 16 and any other processes or methods that may be disclosed herein. It should also be understood that

[0269] The virtual device 1100 may include processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include a digital signal processor (DSP), dedicated digital logic, etc. The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in a memory, which may include one or several types of memories, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory, buffer memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. In several embodiments, the program code stored in the memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunication and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause the determination unit 1102, the monitoring unit 1104, and any other suitable unit of the device 1100 to perform corresponding functions according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0270] As Figure 17 shown, the device 1100 includes a determination unit 1102 and a monitoring unit 1104. The determination unit 1102 is configured to determine one or more search space sets (or a group of search space sets) for monitoring control channel candidates. The determination may be at least partially based on signaling received from a network node indicating to turn on or off monitoring. The monitoring unit 1104 is configured to monitor the search space sets determined by the determination unit 1102.

[0271] Figure 18 An example of a method performed by a wireless device is shown. In certain embodiments, the method may be performed by a wireless device 110, which includes a memory 130 operable to store instructions and a processing circuitry 120 operable to execute the instructions to cause the wireless device 110 to perform the method. As an example, in certain embodiments, the method may be performed by a UE 200, which includes a memory 215 operable to store instructions and a processing circuitry (e.g., a processor 201) operable to execute the instructions to cause the UE 200 to perform the method.

[0272] In certain embodiments, the method starts at step 1802, where search space set group information is received. The search space set group information is received from a network node. For example, the search space set group information may be received from a network node via a radio resource control configuration message. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets and corresponding group identifiers associated with each search space set. As an example, a first search space set may be associated with a group identifier having a first value (such as 0), and a second search space set may be associated with a group identifier having a second value (such as 1). In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0273] At step 1804, based on the set of search space set group information received in step 1802, the wireless device determines a first search space set and a second search space set. For example, the wireless device determines that each search space set associated with a group identifier having a first value (such as 0) belongs to the first search space set, and each search space set associated with a group identifier having a second value (such as 1) belongs to the second search space set.

[0274] At step 1806, the wireless device monitors the first search space set for control channel candidates. In some embodiments, based on the search space set group information that has been received from the network node in step 1802, the wireless device begins to monitor the first search space set (e.g., the default search space set).

[0275] The method proceeds to step 1808, where an indication to switch the search space set is received. The indication to switch the search space set is received from the network node. In some embodiments, the indication to switch the search space set may be received in a field in the group common DCI format. As an example, the indication to switch the search space set may be received in the group identifier field in the group common DCI format. The group identifier field indicates a first value (such as 0) or a second value (such as 1) of the group identifier. Thus, if the wireless device has been monitoring the first search space set, then the wireless device may receive a DCI including the second value of the group identifier as an indication to switch from the first (e.g., default) search space set to the second (e.g., non-default) search space set.

[0276] In some embodiments, as shown in step 1810, the wireless device receives a value of a timer from the network node. For example, the timer value may be received from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message. The wireless device may use the timer to determine when to switch the search space set (an example of which is further described below with respect to step 1816). The network node may send the timer value to the wireless device at any suitable time (such as at any time before step 1814).

[0277] In step 1812, based on having received the indication to switch the search space set in step 1808, the wireless device switches the search space set. In some embodiments, switching the search space set may further be based on a delay, such as the number of symbols the wireless device has to wait before switching the search space. Switching the search space set includes stopping monitoring the first search space set and beginning to monitor the second search space set for control channel candidates.

[0278] In some embodiments, as shown in step 1814, based on starting to monitor a second set of search spaces, the wireless device starts a timer. As shown in step 1816, based on the expiration of the timer, the wireless device switches the search space set. For example, the wireless device stops monitoring the second (e.g., non-default) search space set and starts monitoring the first (e.g., default) search space set again. Embodiment #8 above describes an example of the timer.

[0279] Although Figure 18 an example is shown in which the wireless device resumes monitoring the first search space set based on the expiration of the timer, in other embodiments, the wireless device may resume monitoring the first search space set based on one or more other criteria. As an example, in some embodiments, the wireless device may switch the search space set (stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set) after a predetermined period of time. In certain embodiments, the predetermined period of time may be in units of time slots, examples of which were described above with respect to Embodiment #7. In some embodiments, the wireless device receives an indication of the predetermined period of time from a network node. For example, the indication of the predetermined period of time may be received in a duration field in a group common DCI format.

[0280] Figure 19 An example of a method performed by a network node is shown. In certain embodiments, the method may be performed by network node 160, which includes a memory 180 operable to store instructions and a processing circuit 170 operable to execute the instructions to cause network node 160 to perform the method. In certain embodiments, the functions performed by the Figure 19 network node in Figure 18 may be reciprocal to the functions performed by the wireless device in Figure 19 . For example, the information described as being provided by the Figure 18 network node in

[0281] In some embodiments, the method starts at step 1902, where search space set group information is sent to the wireless device. In some embodiments, the search space group information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message. The search space set group information indicates a plurality of search space sets, and for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set. For example, the first search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a first value (such as 0), and the second search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a second value (such as 1). In some embodiments, the first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non-default search space set.

[0282] In some embodiments, the method proceeds to step 1904, where a control channel is sent to the wireless device. The control channel is sent via a first search space set (e.g., a default search space).

[0283] The method proceeds to step 1906, where an indication to switch the search space set that the wireless device monitors for control channel candidates is sent to the wireless device (which indicates that the wireless device stops monitoring the first search space set and starts monitoring a second search space set for control channel candidates). As an example, the network node may determine to send an indication to switch the search space based on resource availability, COT information, power and / or performance considerations, or other suitable criteria. In some embodiments, the indication to switch the search space set is sent in a field in the group common DCI format. For example, the indication to switch the search space set may be sent in a group identifier field that indicates a first value or a second value of the group identifier described with respect to step 1902.

[0284] In some embodiments, as shown in step 1908, the network node sends a value of a timer to the wireless device. The timer allows the wireless device to determine when to stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set. In some embodiments, the timer value is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

[0285] At step 1910, the control channel is sent to the wireless device via the second search space set. Thus, the network node may use the second search space set to send the control channel after sending an indication to switch the search space set to the wireless device in step 1906 (and before the timer described with respect to step 1908 expires).

[0286] Although Figure 19 an example is shown where the network node facilitates switching back to the first search space set based on the expiration of the timer, in other embodiments, the wireless device may resume monitoring the first search space set based on one or more other criteria. As an example, in some embodiments, the network node may send an indication of a predetermined period to the wireless device, and the wireless device may switch the search space set (stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set) after the predetermined period. In some embodiments, the predetermined period may be in units of time slots. In some embodiments, the predetermined period may be indicated in a duration field in the group common DCI format.

[0287] Embodiments

[0288] Group A Embodiments

[0289] 1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0290] - Receive an indicator from a network node, the indicator indicating whether to monitor a search space set for a control channel candidate;

[0291] - Based on the indicator received from the network node, monitor or refrain from monitoring the search space set.

[0292] 2. The method according to the foregoing embodiment, wherein the indicator includes a value selected from a first value and a second value, the first value indicating to turn on monitoring of the search space set, and the second value indicating to turn off monitoring of the search space set.

[0293] 3. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0294] - Receive information from a network node, the information indicating a subset of one or more search space sets selected from a search space set group; and

[0295] - Monitor a subset of one or more search space sets for a control channel candidate.

[0296] 4. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising:

[0297] - Receive information from a network node, the information indicating a plurality of search space sets selected for monitoring, each search space set being selected from a corresponding group of a plurality of search space set groups; and

[0298] - Monitor the plurality of search space sets indicated by the network node for a control channel candidate.

[0299] 5. The method according to embodiment 3 or 4, further comprising: in response to receiving a signal from the network node indicating to turn off monitoring of a first search space set, turning off monitoring of the first search space set.

[0300] 6. The method according to embodiment 4, further comprising: in response to receiving a signal from the network node indicating to turn off monitoring of a first group of search space sets, turning off monitoring of the first group of search space sets.

[0301] 7. The method according to embodiment 3 or 4, further comprising: after a predetermined time period, turning off monitoring of a first search space set in the search space set.

[0302] 8. The method according to embodiment 4, further comprising: after a predetermined time period, turning off monitoring of a first group of search space sets.

[0303] 9. The method according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined time period is indicated in a signaling received from the network node.

[0304] 10. The method according to embodiment 7 or 8, wherein the predetermined time period is based on a timer set by the wireless device.

[0305] 11. The method according to any of the foregoing embodiments, further comprising:

[0306] - providing user data; and

[0307] - forwarding the user data to a host computer via a transmission to a base station.

[0308] Group B Embodiments

[0309] 12. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0310] - determining whether a wireless device is to monitor a search space set for control channel candidates; and

[0311] - sending an indicator to the wireless device, the indicator indicating whether to monitor the search space set for control channel candidates.

[0312] 13. The method according to the foregoing embodiment, wherein the indicator comprises a value selected from a first value and a second value, the first value indicating to turn on the monitoring of the search space set, and the second value indicating to turn off the monitoring of the search space set.

[0313] 14. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0314] - selecting a subset of one or more search space sets for the wireless device to monitor for control channel candidates, the subset of one or more search space sets being selected from a group of search space sets; and

[0315] - sending information to the wireless device, the information indicating the subset of one or more search space sets that have been selected from the group of search space sets.

[0316] 15. A method performed by a base station, the method comprising:

[0317] - selecting a plurality of search space sets for the wireless device to monitor for control channel candidates, each of the plurality of search space sets being selected from a corresponding one of a plurality of groups of search space sets; and

[0318] - sending information to the wireless device, the information indicating the plurality of search space sets that have been selected from the group of search space sets.

[0319] 16. The method according to embodiment 14 or 15, further comprising: determining to turn off the monitoring of a first search space set in the search space set, and sending a signal to the wireless device indicating to turn off the monitoring of the first search space set in the search space set.

[0320] 17. The method according to embodiment 15 further comprises: determining to turn off the monitoring of the first set of search spaces and sending a signal to the wireless device indicating to turn off the monitoring of the first set of search spaces.

[0321] 18. The method according to embodiment 14 or 15 further comprises: sending a signal to the wireless device indicating a time period after which the wireless device will switch the monitoring of the first search space in the search spaces.

[0322] 19. The method according to embodiment 15 further comprises: sending a signal to the wireless device indicating a time period after which the wireless device will switch the monitoring of the first set of search spaces.

[0323] 20. The method according to any one of the foregoing embodiments further comprises:

[0324] - obtaining user data; and

[0325] - forwarding the user data to a host computer or the wireless device.

[0326] Group C Embodiments

[0327] 21. A wireless device, comprising:

[0328] - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps described in any one of the Group A embodiments; and

[0329] - a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the wireless device.

[0330] 22. A base station, comprising:

[0331] - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps described in any one of the Group B embodiments;

[0332] - a power supply circuit configured to supply power to the base station.

[0333] 23. A user equipment (UE), comprising:

[0334] - an antenna configured to transmit and receive wireless signals;

[0335] - a radio front-end circuit connected to the antenna and the processing circuit and configured to condition signals transmitted between the antenna and the processing circuit;

[0336] - a processing circuit configured to perform any of the steps described in any one of the Group A embodiments;

[0337] - An input interface, connected to the processing circuit and configured to allow information to be input into the UE for processing by the processing circuit;

[0338] - An output interface, connected to the processing circuit and configured to output from the UE the information that has been processed by the processing circuit; and

[0339] - A battery, connected to the processing circuit and configured to supply power to the UE.

[0340] 24. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0341] 25. A computer program product comprising a computer program which includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0342] 26. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier comprising a computer program which includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0343] 27. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0344] 28. A computer program product comprising a computer program which includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0345] 29. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or carrier comprising a computer program which includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0346] 30. A communication system comprising a host computer, comprising:

[0347] - A processing circuit configured to provide user data; and

[0348] - A communication interface configured to forward user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0349] - wherein the cellular network includes a base station having a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the base station is configured to perform any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0350] 31. The communication system according to any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising a base station.

[0351] 32. The communication system according to the previous two embodiments further includes a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with a base station.

[0352] 33. The communication system according to the previous three embodiments, wherein:

[0353] - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0354] - The UE includes a processing circuit configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0355] 34. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0356] - At the host computer, providing user data; and

[0357] - At the host computer, initiating a transmission to carry the user data to the UE via a cellular network including a base station, wherein the base station performs any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0358] 35. The method according to the foregoing embodiments further includes: at the base station, sending the user data.

[0359] 36. The method according to the previous two embodiments, wherein the user data is provided at the host computer by executing a host application, the method further including: at the UE, executing a client application associated with the host application.

[0360] 37. A user equipment (UE) configured to communicate with a base station, the UE including a radio interface and a processing circuit configured to perform any of the previous three embodiments.

[0361] 38. A communication system including a host computer, comprising:

[0362] - A processing circuit configured to provide user data; and

[0363] - A communication interface configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to a user equipment (UE),

[0364] - wherein the UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the components of the UE are configured to perform any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0365] 39. The communication system according to the foregoing embodiments, wherein the cellular network further includes a base station configured to communicate with the UE.

[0366] 40. The communication system according to the previous two embodiments, wherein:

[0367] - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide user data; and

[0368] - The processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application.

[0369] 41. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method including:

[0370] - At the host computer, providing user data; and

[0371] - At the host computer, initiating a transmission of carrying the user data to the UE via a cellular network including the base station, wherein the UE executes any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0372] 42. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, further including: at the UE, receiving the user data from the base station.

[0373] 43. A communication system including a host computer, including:

[0374] - A communication interface configured to receive user data sourced from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station,

[0375] - wherein the UE includes a radio interface and a processing circuit, and the processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0376] 44. The communication system according to the foregoing embodiments, further including a UE.

[0377] 45. The communication system according to the previous two embodiments, further including a base station, wherein the base station includes a radio interface configured to communicate with the UE and a communication interface configured to forward the user data carried by a transmission from the UE to the base station to the host computer.

[0378] 46. The communication system according to the previous three embodiments, wherein:

[0379] - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application; and

[0380] - The processing circuit of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application to provide user data.

[0381] 47. The communication system according to the previous four embodiments, wherein:

[0382] - The processing circuitry of the host computer is configured to execute a host application to provide requested data; and

[0383] - The processing circuitry of the UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application in response to the requested data to provide user data.

[0384] 48. A method implemented in a communication system comprising a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0385] - At the host computer, receiving user data sent from the UE to the base station, wherein the UE performs any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0386] 49. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, further comprising: at the UE, providing user data to the base station.

[0387] 50. The method according to the previous 2 embodiments, further comprising:

[0388] - At the UE, executing a client application to provide user data to be sent; and

[0389] - At the host computer, executing a host application associated with the client application.

[0390] 51. The method according to the previous 3 embodiments, further comprising:

[0391] - At the UE, executing a client application; and

[0392] - At the UE, receiving input data for the client application, the input data being provided at the host computer by executing a host application associated with the client application,

[0393] - wherein the user data to be sent is provided by the client application in response to the input data.

[0394] 52. A communication system comprising a host computer, comprising: a communication interface configured to receive user data sourced from a transmission from a user equipment (UE) to a base station, wherein the base station comprises a radio interface and processing circuitry, and the processing circuitry of the base station is configured to perform any of the steps described in any of the Group B embodiments.

[0395] 53. The communication system according to the foregoing embodiments, further comprising a base station.

[0396] 54. The communication system according to the previous 2 embodiments, further comprising a UE, wherein the UE is configured to communicate with the base station.

[0397] 55. The communication system according to the first 3 embodiments, wherein:

[0398] - The processing circuit of the host computer is configured to execute a host application;

[0399] - The UE is configured to execute a client application associated with the host application, thereby providing user data to be received by the host computer.

[0400] 56. A method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment (UE), the method comprising:

[0401] - At the host computer, receiving user data originating from a transmission that the base station has received from the UE, wherein the UE performs any of the steps described in any of the Group A embodiments.

[0402] 57. The method according to the foregoing embodiments, further comprising: at the base station, receiving user data from the UE.

[0403] 58. The method according to the first 2 embodiments, further comprising: at the base station, initiating transmission of the received user data to the host computer.

[0404] In some embodiments, a computer program, a computer program product, or a computer-readable storage medium includes instructions that, when executed on a computer, perform any of the embodiments disclosed herein. In a further example, the instructions are carried on a signal or a carrier and are executable on a computer, wherein the instructions, when executed, perform any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0405] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems and devices described herein. The components of the systems and devices may be integrated or separated. Further, the operations of the systems and devices may be performed by more, fewer, or other components. Additionally, any suitable logic including software, hardware, and / or other logic may be used to perform the operations of the systems and devices. As used in this document, "each" refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set.

[0406] Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the methods described herein. These methods may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, the steps may be performed in any suitable order.

[0407] Although the present disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments, changes and permutations of the embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of the embodiments does not limit the present disclosure. Other variations, substitutions, and changes are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0408] At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in the present disclosure. If there is any inconsistency among these abbreviations, preference should be given to how the abbreviation is used above. If it is listed more than once below, the first listing shall take precedence over any subsequent listing.

[0409] 3GPP Third Generation Partnership Project

[0410] 5G Fifth Generation

[0411] CA Carrier Aggregation

[0412] CDMA Code Division Multiple Access

[0413] CP Cyclic Prefix

[0414] DL Downlink

[0415] eNB Evolved Node B

[0416] ePDCCH Enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0417] FFS For Further Study

[0418] gNB Base Station in NR

[0419] GSM Global System for Mobile Communications

[0420] LTE Long Term Evolution

[0421] MAC Media Access Control

[0422] MME Mobility Management Entity

[0423] MSC Mobile Switching Center

[0424] NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0425] NR New Radio

[0426] OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

[0427] PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel

[0428] PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel

[0429] Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH)

[0430] Radio Access Network (RAN)

[0431] Radio Network Controller (RNC)

[0432] Radio Resource Control (RRC)

[0433] User Equipment (UE)

[0434] Uplink (UL)

[0435] Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS)

[0436] Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN)

[0437] Wideband CDMA (WCDMA)

[0438] Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless device, the method comprising: Monitoring (1806) a control channel according to a first search space set; Receiving (1808) an indication to switch the search space set from a network node; Switching (1812) the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set, wherein switching the search space set comprises: stopping monitoring the control channel according to the first search space set and starting to monitor the control channel according to a second search space set; Receiving (1802) search space set group information from the network node, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set; and Determining (1804) the first search space set and the second search space set based on the search space set group information, wherein the first search space set comprises each search space set having an associated group identifier with a first value, and the second search space set comprises each search space set having an associated group identifier with a second value.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The indication to switch the search space set is received in a field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 2, further comprising: Switching the search space set after a predetermined time period, wherein switching the search space set comprises: stopping monitoring the second search space set and starting to monitor the first search space set.

4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: Receiving an indication of the predetermined time period from the network node.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein The indication of the predetermined time period is received in a duration field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 2, further comprising: Starting (1814) a timer based on starting to monitor the second search space set; And Switching (1816) the search space set based on expiration of the timer, wherein switching the search space set comprises: stopping monitoring the second search space set and starting to monitor the first search space set.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Receiving (1810) a value of the timer from the network node.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Receiving the value of the timer from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The indication to switch the search space set is received in a group identifier field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

10. The method according to claim 1 or 9, wherein Based on receiving the search space set group information from the network node, starting to monitor (1806) the first search space set.

11. The method according to claim 1 or 9, wherein, Receiving the search space set group information from the network node via a radio resource control configuration message.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non - default search space set.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method according to any one of claims 1-12.

14. A wireless device (110) comprising: a memory (130) operable to store instructions; and processing circuitry (120) operable to execute the instructions to cause the wireless device to: monitor a control channel according to a first search space set; receive an indication to switch the search space set from a network node; switch the search space set based on receiving the indication to switch the search space set, wherein, to switch the search space set, the processing circuitry is operable to: stop monitoring the control channel according to the first search space set and start monitoring the control channel according to a second search space set; receive search space set group information from the network node, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set; and determine the first search space set and the second search space set based on the search space set group information, wherein the first search space set includes each search space set having a first value of the associated group identifier and the second search space set includes each search space set having a second value of the associated group identifier.

15. The wireless device according to claim 14, wherein, The processing circuitry is further operable to perform the method according to any one of claims 2-12.

16. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: sending (1906) to a wireless device an indication to switch the search space set for the wireless device to monitor a control channel, wherein switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the control channel according to a first search space set and starting monitoring the control channel according to a second search space set; and sending (1902) to the wireless device search space set group information, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set, wherein the first search space set includes each search space set having a first value of the associated group identifier and the second search space set includes each search space set having a second value of the associated group identifier.

17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising: sending (1904) to the wireless device the control channel that was sent via the first search space set before sending the indication to switch the search space set to the wireless device.

18. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, further comprising: sending (1910) to the wireless device the control channel that is sent via the second search space set after sending the indication to switch the search space set to the wireless device.

19. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 17, wherein The indication to switch the search space set is sent in a field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, further comprising: Send an indication of a predetermined time period to the wireless device, after which the wireless device will stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein, The indication of the predetermined time period is sent in a duration field in a group common downlink control information (DCI) format.

22. The method according to any one of claims 16 - 17, further comprising: Send the value of a timer (1908) to the wireless device, which uses the value of the timer to determine the time to stop monitoring the second search space set and start monitoring the first search space set.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein, The value of the timer is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

24. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The indication to switch the search space set is sent in a group identifier field of a group common downlink control information (DCI) format, the group identifier field indicating the first value or the second value of the group identifier.

25. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, wherein The search space set group information is sent to the wireless device via a radio resource control configuration message.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16-17, wherein The first search space set is configured as a default search space set, and the second search space set is configured as a non - default search space set.

27. A non - transitory computer - readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by a computer, perform the method according to any one of claims 16 - 26.

28. A network node (160), comprising: A memory (180) operable to store instructions; And A processing circuit (170) operable to execute the instructions to cause the network node to: Send an indication to a wireless device to switch the search space set for the wireless device to monitor a control channel, where switching the search space set includes: stopping monitoring the control channel according to a first search space set and starting to monitor the control channel according to a second search space set; and Send search space set group information to the wireless device, the search space set group information indicating a plurality of search space sets and, for each search space set, a group identifier associated with the search space set, where the first search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a first value, and the second search space set includes each search space set for which the associated group identifier has a second value.

29. The network node according to claim 28, wherein, The processing circuit is further operable to execute the method according to any one of claims 17 - 26.

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