UE behavior in energy-saving network

Abstract

Methods and apparatus for energy saving networks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a UE comprises: a processor; in one embodiment, the UE supports network energy saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive a cell discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration via the transceiver, the cell DRX configuration comprising information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least part of UL transmissions from the UE.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to wireless communication, and more specifically to methods and apparatuses for UE behavior in an energy-efficient network. Background Art

[0002] The following abbreviations are defined for at least some of the following description: New Radio (NR), Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI), Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EPROM or Flash), Compact Disc Read Only Memory (CD-ROM), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), User Equipment (UE), Evolved Node B (eNB), Next Generation Node B (gNB), Uplink (UL), Downlink (DL), Central Processing Unit (CPU), Graphics Processing Unit (GPU), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM), Radio Resource Control (RRC), User Entity / Equipment (Mobile Terminal), Transmitter (TX), Receiver (RX), Master Information Block (MIB), Synchronization Signal Block (SSB), System Information Block (SIB), Network Energy Saving (NES), Discontinuous Transmission (DTX), Discontinuous Reception (DRX), Configured Grant (CG), Sounding Reference Signal (SRS), Random Access Channel (RACH), Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH), Medium Access Control (MAC), Control Element (CE), Protocol Data Unit (PDU), Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ), Transport Block Size (TBS), Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH), Uplink Control Indicator (UCI), Downlink Control Indicator (DCI), Bandwidth Part (BWP), Information Element (IE).

[0003] This disclosure relates to UE behavior in an energy-efficient network. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Methods and apparatuses for an energy-efficient network are disclosed.

[0005] In one embodiment, a UE includes: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the UE supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration that includes information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least a portion of UL transmissions from the UE.

[0006] In some embodiments, a UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the UE supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a Cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration including a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration, and determine UL resources for UL transmission if the allocated UL resources for UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off-duration.

[0007] In some embodiments, the determined UL resources for UL transmission are available UL resources included in the allocated UL resources for UL transmission, where the available UL resources do not overlap with the cell DRX off-duration. The processor may also be configured to assemble or re-assemble a MAC PDU according to the available UL resources. The determined UL resources for UL transmission are the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off-duration, and the processor is further configured to receive, via the transceiver, a configuration for achieving autonomous transmission or retransmission for UL transmission, and transmit the UL transmission via autonomous transmission or retransmission through the transceiver.

[0008] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to transmit, via the transceiver, UL transmissions for UL transmissions that overlap with the cell DRX off-duration on the allocated UL resources. The processor may also be configured to receive, via the transceiver, a configuration for achieving autonomous retransmission of the UL transmission and a timer associated with the autonomous retransmission; start the timer when transmitting the UL transmission; and retransmit the UL transmission via the transceiver on the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off-duration when the timer expires.

[0009] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to receive, via the transceiver, a configuration for prohibiting piggybacking on a Physical Uplink Control Channel (PUCCH) transmitted in UL resources that overlap with the cell DRX off-duration.

[0010] In some embodiments, if the allocated UL resources for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off-duration are dynamically scheduled, the dynamic scheduling is ignored.

[0011] In another embodiment, a method performed by a UE supporting Network Energy Saving (NES) includes: receiving a Cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration that includes information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least a portion of UL transmissions from the UE.

[0012] In another embodiment, a network device includes: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the network device supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a cell DRX configuration, the cell DRX configuration including information associated with at least one duration for which a first cell does not receive at least a portion of UL transmissions from a UE.

[0013] In some embodiments, a network device that supports Network Energy Saving (NES) includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a cell DRX configuration including a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration; and transmit, via the transceiver, a first control message indicating or implying a dynamic configuration that temporarily overrides the cell DRX configuration.

[0014] In some embodiments, the first control message or a second control message after the first control message schedules a UL transmission by allocating UL resources for the UL transmission, and if the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission overlap with a cell DRX off-duration, at least a portion of the next cell DRX off-duration is determined to be cell DRX on, wherein the portion of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be cell DRX on includes the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission.

[0015] In some embodiments, if the first control message is transmitted during a cell DRX on-duration, the first cell DRX off-duration after the cell DRX on-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and the portion of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be cell DRX on starts from the start of the first cell DRX off-duration or the start of receiving the UL transmission, and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the first cell DRX off-duration; and if the first control message is transmitted during a second cell DRX off-duration, the second cell DRX off-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and the portion of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be cell DRX on starts at the time of transmitting the first control message or from the start of receiving the UL transmission, and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the second cell DRX off-duration.

[0016] In some embodiments, the dynamic configuration overrides one or more next cell DRX on-durations or one or more next cell DRX off-durations.

[0017] In yet another embodiment, a method performed by a network device supporting Network Energy Saving (NES) includes: transmitting a cell DRX configuration that includes information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least a portion of UL transmissions from a UE. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] A more specific description of the embodiments briefly described above will be presented by reference to specific embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are therefore not to be considered as limiting of the scope. The embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by using the drawings, in which:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a cell DRX configuration;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates some scenarios between CG resources and cell DRX off durations;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a specific example of overlapping resources;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a first example and a second example of a first sub - embodiment of a second embodiment;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a third example of a first sub - embodiment of a second embodiment;

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates an example configured with a cell DRX configuration and a cell DTX configuration;

[0025] Figure 7 is a schematic flow chart illustrating an embodiment of a method;

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic flow chart illustrating another embodiment of a method; and

[0027] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, certain aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as a system, apparatus, method, or program product. Accordingly, the embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit", "module", or "system". Additionally, the embodiments may take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage devices storing machine-readable code, computer-readable code, and / or program code, hereinafter referred to as "code". The storage device may be tangible, non-transitory, and / or non-transmissive. The storage device may not embody a signal. In a particular embodiment, the storage device merely takes the form of a signal for accessing the code.

[0029] Certain functional units described in this specification may be labeled as "modules" for the purpose of emphasizing their independent implementation more particularly. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit including custom very large scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc.

[0030] A module may also be implemented in code and / or software for execution by various types of processors. The identified code modules may include, for example, one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code, which may be organized, for example, as objects, procedures, or functions. However, the executable files of the identified modules need not be physically located together, but may include different instructions stored in different locations, which, when logically connected together, include the module and implement the stated purpose of the module.

[0031] In fact, a code module may contain a single instruction or many instructions, and may even be distributed over several different code segments, distributed among different programs, and across several memory devices. Similarly, the operational data may be identified and illustrated herein within the module, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set, or may be distributed over different locations including on different computer-readable storage devices. In the case where a module or a portion of a module is implemented in software, the software portion is stored on one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0032] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media can be utilized. The computer-readable media can be computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage media can be a storage device that stores code. The storage device can be, for example, but not necessarily, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micro-mechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0033] A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of storage devices will include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium can be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0034] The code for performing the operations of the embodiments can include any number of lines and can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language, etc., and / or machine language such as assembly language. The code can execute entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the last scenario, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., using an Internet service provider over the Internet).

[0035] References throughout this specification to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", or similar language mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", and similar language throughout this specification can, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more but not all embodiments". Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms "including", "comprising", "having", and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to". Unless explicitly stated, the listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive. Unless otherwise explicitly stated, the terms "a", "an", and "the" also refer to "one or more".

[0036] In addition, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the various embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring any aspect of the embodiments.

[0037] Aspects of different embodiments are described below with reference to the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and program products according to embodiments. It will be understood that each block in the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams, can be implemented by code. This code can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create an apparatus for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the schematic flowchart and / or schematic block diagram.

[0038] The code can also be stored in a storage device capable of guiding a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device to act in a specific manner such that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture including instructions for implementing the functions specified in one or more blocks of the schematic flowchart and / or schematic block diagram.

[0039] The code can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device so that a series of operation steps are performed on the computer, other programmable device, or other device to generate a computer-implemented process such that the code executed on the computer or other programmable device provides a process for implementing the functions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0040] The schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams in the drawings illustrate the architecture, functions, and operations of possible implementations of apparatuses, systems, methods, and program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function.

[0041] It should also be noted that in some alternative embodiments, the functions annotated in the blocks may occur in the order annotated in the figures. For example, depending on the functions involved, two consecutively shown blocks may be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order. Other steps and methods can be envisioned that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect on one or more blocks or portions thereof to the figures illustrated.

[0042] Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. In fact, some arrows or other connectors may be used to merely indicate the logical flow of the depicted embodiments. For example, an arrow may indicate a waiting or monitoring period of unspecified duration between the enumerated steps of the depicted embodiment. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented by a dedicated system based on hardware that performs the specified functions or actions, or a combination of dedicated hardware and code.

[0043] The description of the elements in each figure may refer to the elements of the previous figure. In all the figures, the same reference numerals represent the same elements, including alternative embodiments of similar elements.

[0044] Now, some embodiments of the present application will be referred to in detail, and examples thereof are illustrated in the drawings. For ease of understanding, the embodiments are provided in a specific network architecture and new service scenarios, such as 3GPP 5G, 3GPP LTE, 3GPP NR-U, NR radio access with shared spectrum channel access, etc. Considering the development of the network architecture and new service scenarios, all the embodiments in the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems. In addition, the terms cited in the present application may change, which should not affect the principles of the present application. The embodiments of the present disclosure can also be applied to unlicensed spectrum scenarios.

[0045] To make the description clearer, some concepts are clarified.

[0046] The NES UE can also be referred to as a UE capable of implementing NES, or a UE supporting NES technology, or a UE having the ability to support NES technology.

[0047] A network energy saving (NES) cell is a cell that supports NES technology.

[0048] For an NES cell, the periodic cell discontinuous transmission (DTX) mode and the cell discontinuous reception (DRX) mode can be configured and operated separately by UE-specific RRC signaling. Alternatively, the cell DTX and the cell DRX can also be configured and operated together.

[0049] Configure the cell DRX of the NES cell (e.g., serving cell), such as the cell DRX period. The cell DRX configuration includes information associated with at least one duration during which the first cell does not receive at least a portion of the UL transmissions from the UE. For example, as Figure 1 shown, the cell DRX period includes a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration. During the cell DRX on-duration, the NES cell enables reception (e.g., can receive signals from the UE). During the cell DRX off-duration, the NES cell does not enable reception (e.g., cannot receive signals from the UE). Incidentally, during the cell DRX off-duration, it is possible that the NES cell cannot receive all UL transmissions from the UE (i.e., can receive some UL transmissions), or can only receive specific UL transmissions from the UE (e.g., SRS or PRACH or pre-configured UL transmissions or pre-configured RBs). In the present disclosure, it is assumed that during the cell DRX off-duration, the NES cell cannot receive any signals from the UE, or the NES cell cannot receive the UL transmissions described in the present disclosure. The length of the cell DRX period (e.g., in ms, or in terms of time slots and symbols), and the length of the cell DRX on-duration or the length of the cell DRX off-duration can also be configured in the cell DRX configuration. In the above example, the cell DRX period includes a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration. Alternatively, only the cell DRX on-duration or only the cell DRX off-duration can be configured. This means that if only the cell DRX on-duration is configured, then the other durations except the cell DRX on-duration can be regarded as the cell DRX off-duration that is not explicitly configured. Similarly, if only the cell DRX off-duration is configured, then the other durations except the cell DRX off-duration can be regarded as the cell DRX on-duration that is not explicitly configured. Additionally, the expression "cell DRX on-duration" and / or the expression "cell DRX off-duration" (if configured) can be named with other expressions having the same interpretation as above.

[0050] Similarly, the cell DTX configuration configures the cell DTX of the NES cell (e.g., serving cell), e.g., the cell DTX period, which includes a cell DTX on duration - during which the NES cell enables transmission (e.g., can transmit signals to the UE), and a cell DTX off duration - during which the NES cell does not enable transmission (e.g., cannot transmit any signals to the UE). Incidentally, during the cell DTX off duration, the NES cell can transmit only part of the data or signaling, or only specific data or signaling (e.g., SSB or reference signal or DCI or pre-configured DL transmission or pre-configured RB). In the present disclosure, it is assumed that during the cell DTX off duration, except as described in the present disclosure, the NES cell cannot transmit any signals to the UE, or the NES cell cannot transmit DL transmissions, or the DL transmissions described in the present disclosure do not affect the embodiments in the present disclosure. The length of the cell DTX period (e.g., in ms, or in time slots and symbols), and the length of the cell DTX on duration or the length of the cell DTX off duration can also be configured in the cell DTX configuration. It is possible to configure only the cell DTX on duration or only the cell DTX off duration. This means that if only the cell DTX on duration is configured, the other durations except the cell DTX on duration can be regarded as the cell DTX off duration not explicitly configured. Similarly, if only the cell DTX off duration is configured, the other durations except the cell DTX off duration can be regarded as the cell DTX on duration not explicitly configured. In addition, the expression "cell DTX on duration" and / or the expression "cell DTX off duration" (if configured) can be named other expressions with the same interpretation as above.

[0051] As described above, if the cell DRX of the serving cell is configured, e.g., the UE receives the cell DRX configuration from the network (e.g., from the gNB managing the serving cell), it is expected that the UE does not transmit UL transmissions during the cell DRX off duration, which will not be received by the serving cell from the UE during the cell DRX off duration.

[0052] The first embodiment relates to the UE behavior in the case where UL resources for UL transmission are allocated to overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

[0053] Periodic UL transmission resources (e.g., configured grant (CG) resources) can be configured for the UE that accesses the NES cell. When the UE receives a CG, one or more consecutive or periodic UL transmission resources (e.g., CG resources) are allocated to the UE. The CG resources are periodic. This means that there is a CG period between two consecutive CG resources (see Figure 3 )

[0054] There is a possibility that some of the allocated CG resources overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

[0055] This means transmitting UL transmissions for the duration when the cell cannot receive. Figure 2 Some situations between CG resources and the cell DRX off duration are illustrated. For simplicity, Figure 2 the cell DRX off duration is not marked. The cell DRX off duration is the length in each cell DRX cycle except for the cell DRX on duration. In other words, there is a cell DRX off duration after each cell DRX on duration. CG resource #1 (CG#1) overlaps (completely overlaps) with the cell DRX off duration. CG resource #2 (CG#2) does not overlap with the cell DRX off duration. CG resource #3 (CG#3) partially overlaps with the cell DRX off duration.

[0056] If the UE transmits a UL transmission on a CG resource that overlaps with the cell DRX off duration, the serving cell that does not enable receiving UL transmissions during the cell DRX off duration cannot successfully receive the UL transmission. For example, if the UE transmits a UL transmission on CG resource #1 or on the overlapping part of CG resource #3 (marked as "unavailable part of the resource" in Figure 2 ), the serving cell cannot receive the UL transmission. Incidentally, if a UL transmission is made in a CG resource that partially overlaps with the cell DRX off duration, the possibility that the serving cell can successfully receive the UL transmission is small. In the present disclosure, it is assumed that if there is no indication of successfully receiving a UL transmission from the network, the UL transmission in a UL resource (e.g., a CG resource) that partially overlaps with the cell DRX off duration cannot be successfully received by the serving cell.

[0057] In addition to CG resources, UL transmissions on other UL resources (e.g., SRS, RACH, PUCCH, etc.) that are periodically or dynamically scheduled can also overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

[0058] Overall, if a cell DRX configuration (especially the cell DRX off duration) is configured and there is no indication or configuration for being able to receive UL transmissions, there is a problem that the UE can transmit UL transmissions during the cell DRX off duration, which results in the serving cell not being able to correctly receive the transmitted UL transmissions.

[0059] According to the first sub - embodiment of the first embodiment, the UE does not consider the allocated UL resources or the part of the allocated UL resources that overlaps with the cell DRX off - duration as valid. If the entire length of the allocated UL resources overlaps with the cell DRX off - duration (see CG#1 in Figure 2 ), then the entire allocated UL resources are not considered. If the allocated UL resources partially overlap with the cell DRX off - duration (see CG#3 in Figure 2 ), then the allocated UL resources can be divided into an available part of the allocated UL resources (which does not overlap with the cell DRX off - duration) and an unavailable part of the allocated UL resources (which overlaps with the cell DRX off - duration). The available part can also be referred to as the valid part. The part of the allocated UL resources that overlaps with the cell DRX off - duration is called the unavailable part of the allocated UL resources. The unavailable part can also be called the invalid part. That is to say, if the allocated UL resources partially overlap with the cell DRX off - duration, the UE does not consider the unavailable part of the allocated UL resources as valid.

[0060] In particular, when the UE assembles the MAC PDU according to the allocated UL resources, if the UE knows that the entire allocated UL resources overlap with the cell DRX off - duration, then not all UL resources are considered valid. The UE does not transmit a UL transmission.

[0061] If a part of the allocated UL resources overlaps with the cell DRX off - duration, the UE assembles the MAC PDU according to the available part (i.e., the valid part) of the allocated UL resources (i.e., the part of the allocated UL resources that does not overlap with the cell DRX off - duration), and transmits a UL transmission on the available part of the allocated UL resources.

[0062] If the UE knows that the entire allocated UL resources overlap with the cell DRX off - duration after the UE assembles the MAC PDU, the UE does not transmit a UL transmission. In particular, the UE discards the assembled MAC PDU or maintains the assembled MAC PDU.

[0063] If the UE knows that a part of the allocated UL resources overlaps with the cell DRX off - duration after the UE assembles the MAC PDU, the UE reorganizes the MAC PDU according to the available part of the allocated UL resources (i.e., the part of the allocated UL resources that does not overlap with the cell DRX off - duration), and transmits a UL transmission on the available part of the allocated UL resources.

[0064] The feature that "the UE does not consider the allocated UL resources or the part of the allocated UL resources that overlaps with the cell DRX off duration as valid" can be implemented as a configurable feature configured by the network (e.g., by the gNB). The gNB can allow the feature by sending a configuration.

[0065] Figure 3 Specific examples of overlapping resources are illustrated. As Figure 3 shown, the CG resources overlap with the cell DRX off duration. The CG resources start before the start of the cell DRX off duration and end after the end of the cell DRX off duration. If the part of the CG resources that overlaps with the cell DRX off duration (i.e., the unavailable part) is not considered, the available part of the CG resources includes two parts: available resource #1 (which is before the start of the cell DRX off duration) and available resource #2 (which is after the end of the cell DRX off duration). The UE can determine either available resource #1 or available resource #2 as the UL resource for UL transmission. Alternatively, both available resource #1 and available resource #2 can be determined as the UL resources for UL transmission.

[0066] If both available resource #1 and available resource #2 are determined as the UL resources for UL transmission, one HARQ process can be associated with both available resource #1 and available resource #2 (i.e., available resource #1 and available resource #2 are considered as one UL resource for UL transmission), or each of available resource #1 and available resource #2 is associated with a different HARQ process (i.e., available resource #1 and available resource #2 are considered as two separate UL resources for UL transmission).

[0067] According to the second sub - embodiment of the first embodiment, the UE does not perform UL transmission in any UL resources that overlap with the cell DRX off duration. This means that if the UL resources overlap (e.g., completely overlap (see Figure 2 CG#1 therein) or partially overlap (see Figure 2 CG#3 therein)), the UE does not transmit UL on the overlapping UL resources.

[0068] In addition, autonomous transmission and / or autonomous re - transmission of UL transmission are allowed (e.g., via network configuration). This means that the UE should transmit the UL transmission that was not transmitted due to the overlapping UL resources on the next available or valid resource (e.g., the next available or valid resource with the same TBS as the overlapping UL resources). For example, referring to Figure 2UL transmissions that were not transmitted in CG#1 due to overlapping with the cell DRX off duration can be transmitted in the next available resource CG#2 that does not overlap with the cell DRX off duration. Preferably, CG#2 has the same TBS as CG#1.

[0069] If a UL transmission in the next available resource is considered a new transmission (because it is transmitted for the first time), it is called a self - contained transmission.

[0070] If a UL transmission that should have been transmitted in the overlapping UL resource is considered a new transmission (even though it was not transmitted), the UL transmission in the next available resource can be considered a re - transmission, which is called a self - contained re - transmission.

[0071] UL transmissions made in the overlapping UL resources are associated with a HARQ process. Since UL transmissions are not made in the overlapping UL resources, the state of the HARQ process associated with the UL transmission can be set or considered to be "pending" or "outstanding" or "not transmitted". If a re - transmission timer associated with the HARQ process (e.g., ) is running, the re - transmission timer is stopped.

[0072] After a self - contained transmission or self - contained re - transmission of a UL transmission in the next available resource (to ensure successful reception of the UL transmission at the serving cell), the state of the HARQ process associated with the UL transmission can be set or considered to be "not pending" or "not outstanding" or "transmitted". Additionally, if a CG timer (e.g., ) and a re - transmission timer (e.g., ) associated with the HARQ process are running, the CG timer (e.g., stop the CG timer if successful reception is indicated to the UE) and / or the re - transmission timer are stopped.

[0073] According to the third sub - embodiment of the first embodiment, the UE transmits a UL transmission on the allocated UL resource. This means that even if the allocated UL resource overlaps with the cell DRX off duration (e.g., completely overlaps (see CG#1 in Figure 2 ) or partially overlaps (see CG#3 in Figure 2 ), the UE transmits a UL transmission on the overlapping UL resource.

[0074] A new timer (or an existing timer, e.g., a reused ) is configured for the HARQ process associated with the UL transmission to control the transmission and / or re - transmission of the UL transmission.

[0075] When transmitting a UL transmission (e.g., on the overlapping UL resource), the new timer starts.

[0076] Due to the cell DRX off duration, UL transmissions on overlapping UL resources cannot be successfully received by the serving cell. The status of the HARQ process associated with the UL data can be set or considered "pending" or "outstanding" or "not received".

[0077] Upon receiving a dynamic scheduling of a UL transmission, the UL transmission not successfully received by the serving cell can be transmitted later.

[0078] Alternatively, autonomous transmission or retransmission of UL transmissions is allowed (e.g., via network configuration). This means that UL transmissions not successfully received by the serving cell will be autonomously transmitted (if considered a new transmission) or retransmitted (if considered a retransmission) by the UE on the next available resource (e.g., the next available resource with the same TBS as the overlapping UL resource).

[0079] Once a new timer expires and no acknowledgement or non-acknowledgement is received from the network (which means the UL transmission has failed), if the status of the HARQ process associated with the UL data is "pending" or "outstanding" or "not received", autonomous transmission or retransmission of the UL transmission can be performed.

[0080] After the UL transmission associated with the HARQ process has been successfully transmitted (e.g., successfully received by the serving cell), the status of the HARQ process associated with the UL data can be set to or considered "not pending" or "not outstanding" or "received". The new timer is stopped.

[0081] The fourth sub - embodiment of the first embodiment relates to UCI piggybacking on PUSCH.

[0082] UCI is transmitted on PUCCH. If there is a PUSCH to be transmitted, UCI can be transmitted by being piggybacked on the PUSCH instead of being transmitted on the PUCCH.

[0083] If the PUSCH resource for transmitting the PUSCH overlaps with the cell DRX off duration (which will prevent the PUSCH including UCI piggybacked on the PUSCH from being successfully received by the serving cell), and the PUCCH for transmitting UCI does not overlap with the cell DRX off duration, UCI can be transmitted on the PUCCH instead of being piggybacked on the PUSCH.

[0084] The feature of "transmitting UCI on PUCCH instead of piggybacking UCI on the PUSCH to be transmitted on overlapping PUSCH resources" can be allowed through configuration from the network (e.g., gNB).

[0085] The second embodiment relates to the dynamic configuration of cell DRX configuration (e.g., the dynamic configuration of cell DRX off duration and / or cell DRX on duration).

[0086] The first sub - embodiment of the second embodiment relates to the dynamic configuration of cell DRX off duration.

[0087] According to the first sub - embodiment, it is allowed or configurable (e.g., by the network) to override the cell DRX off duration through dynamic configuration. That is, the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration can be configured.

[0088] The dynamic configuration (which overrides the cell DRX off duration) can be configured for each cell.

[0089] The dynamic configuration can be indicated by DCI or MAC CE or RRC signaling.

[0090] The dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration can be "do not start the cell DRX off duration" (i.e., "start the cell DRX on duration") or "interrupt the cell DRX off duration". This means that the next cell DRX off duration for a part of it is temporarily changed to cell DRX on (i.e., enabling reception). The dynamic configuration can be indicated, for example, by a specific DCI that does not schedule UL transmission (and optionally, a legacy DCI that follows the specific DCI schedules UL transmission) (the first example) or a new DCI that also schedules UL transmission (the second example). The dynamic configuration can be transmitted to all UEs in a cell, a specific UE, or one or more UE groups (e.g., by the group ID assigned to the UEs belonging to the group).

[0091] In the first example, a specific DCI indicates the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration, and according to this dynamic configuration, another legacy DCI after the specific DCI schedules UL transmission. The specific DCI indicates "do not start the cell DRX off duration" (i.e., "start the cell DRX on duration") as the dynamic configuration. When the UE receives the specific DCI, the UE considers that the next cell DRX off duration is temporarily changed to cell DRX on (i.e., enabling reception).

[0092] If the UE receives the specific DCI during the cell DRX on duration (e.g., Figure 4In the case of specific DCI #1), the cell DRX off duration after the cell DRX on duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the next cell DRX off duration changes from the start of the next cell DRX off duration to cell DRX on. If a timer related to the cell DRX off duration (e.g., the off timer) is running, the UE stops the off timer when the next cell DRX off duration starts. If a timer related to the cell DRX off duration (e.g., the on timer) is running, the UE starts the on timer when the next cell DRX off duration starts.

[0093] The legacy DCI #1 after the specific DCI #1 schedules UL transmission #1 in the next cell DRX off duration that is configured to be the cell DRX on by the specific DCI #1. The end of the cell DRX on for the next cell DRX off duration can be the end of UL transmission #1. In this case, if the off timer stops when the next cell DRX off duration starts, the off timer starts at the end of UL transmission #1; or if the on timer starts when the next cell DRX off duration starts, the on timer stops at the end of UL transmission #1. Alternatively, the end of the cell DRX on for the next cell DRX off duration can be the end of the next cell DRX off duration. In this case, if the off timer stops when the next cell DRX off duration starts, the off timer remains stopped because the next cell DRX on duration starts; or if the on timer starts when the next cell DRX off duration starts, the on timer continues because the next cell DRX on duration starts.

[0094] If the UE receives a specific DCI (e.g., Figure 4 specific DCI #2) during the cell DRX off duration, the cell DRX off duration is referred to as the next cell DRX off duration. When receiving the specific DCI #2, the next cell DRX off duration changes to cell DRX on. If a timer related to the cell DRX off duration (e.g., the off timer) is running, the UE stops the off timer when receiving the specific DCI #2. If a timer related to the cell DRX off duration (e.g., the on timer) is running, the UE starts the on timer when receiving the specific DCI #2.

[0095] A conventional DCI #2 after a specific DCI #2 schedules UL transmission #2 during the next cell DRX off-duration that is configured to be turned on by the cell DRX of the specific DCI #2. The end of the cell DRX turn-on of the next cell DRX off-duration can be the end of UL transmission #2 (wherein, if the off-timer stops upon receiving the specific DCI #2, the off-timer starts at the end of UL transmission #2; or if the on-timer starts upon receiving the specific DCI #2, the on-timer stops at the end of UL transmission #2) or the end of the next cell DRX off-duration (wherein, if the off-timer stops upon receiving the specific DCI #2; or if the on-timer starts upon receiving the specific DCI #2, the on-timer continues).

[0096] In a second example, a new DCI schedules UL transmission and at the same time indicates a dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off-duration. In other words, the new DCI can serve as both a specific DCI indicating the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off-duration and a conventional DCI scheduling UL transmission.

[0097] As Figure 4 shown, a new DCI #1 received during the cell DRX on-duration schedules UL transmission #3 (which will be transmitted during the next cell DRX off-duration) and at the same time indicates a dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off-duration. The next cell DRX off-duration changes from the start of the next cell DRX off-duration to cell DRX on. If a timer associated with the cell DRX off-duration (e.g., the off-timer) is running, the UE stops the timer when the next cell DRX off-duration starts. If a timer associated with the cell DRX on-duration (e.g., the on-timer) is running, the UE starts the on-timer when the next cell DRX off-duration starts. The end of the cell DRX turn-on for the cell DRX off-duration and the "start" or "stop" of the off-timer or on-timer are the same as in the first example with the specific DCI #1.

[0098] Receive a new DCI #2 scheduling UL transmission #4 during the cell DRX off duration, and at the same time indicate the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration. When the new DCI #2 is received, the next cell DRX off duration becomes the cell DRX on. If a timer related to the cell DRX off duration (e.g., off timer) is running, the UE stops the off timer when the new DCI #2 is received. If a timer related to the cell DRX off duration (e.g., on timer) is running, the UE starts the on timer when the new DCI #2 is received. The end of the cell DRX on for the cell DRX off duration and the "start" or "stop" of the off timer or on timer are the same as that of a specific DCI #2 first example.

[0099] In the above description, a new DCI schedules a UL transmission (which will be transmitted in the next cell DRX off duration), and at the same time explicitly indicates the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration. Alternatively, if no new DCI is transmitted or defined, a legacy DCI can be used to imply the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration. The legacy DCI can only schedule a UL transmission (which will be transmitted in the next cell DRX off duration), which implies that the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration should be applied. This means that if the legacy DCI schedules a UL transmission to be transmitted in the next cell DRX off duration, the legacy DCI can be regarded as a new DCI implicitly indicating the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX off duration.

[0100] In the first and second examples, a specific DCI or new DCI indicates "do not start the cell DRX off duration" (i.e., "start the cell DRX on duration") as the dynamic configuration. Therefore, when the next cell DRX off duration starts (if the specific DCI or new DCI is received during the cell DRX on duration) or when the specific DCI or new DCI is received (if the specific DCI or new DCI is received during the cell DRX off duration), the next cell DRX off duration becomes the cell DRX on. In the third example, a specific DCI or new DCI indicates "interrupt the cell DRX off duration". This means that when the UL transmission scheduled (by the legacy DCI or new DCI) starts, the next cell DRX off duration becomes the cell DRX on. Additionally, when the scheduled UL transmission ends, the cell DRX on for the next cell DRX off duration ends. That is, the next cell DRX off duration becomes the cell DRX on only during the period when the scheduled UL transmission is being transmitted.

[0101] Figure 5 , which illustrates the third example, is the same as that which illustrates the first example and the second exampleFigure 4 It is different in the position of "closing timer stop or starting timer start", which is the start of scheduled UL transmission #1 or #2 or #3 or #4, and there is no "closing timer still stops or starting timer continues". The position of "starting timer start or closing timer stop", which is the end of scheduled UL transmission #1 or #2 or #3 or #4, remains the same.

[0102] In the above example, a specific DCI or new DCI indicates "not starting the cell DRX off duration" (i.e., "starting the cell DRX on duration") or "interrupting the cell DRX off duration" as a dynamic configuration, which means the dynamic configuration is only valid for the next cell DRX off duration. In the fourth example, a specific DCI or new DCI indicates "not starting the cell DRX off duration reaches times" or "starting the cell DRX on duration reaches times", where is a positive integer, and the UE considers that the next cell DRX off durations are temporarily changed to cell DRX on.

[0103] According to the second sub - embodiment of the second embodiment, the cell DRX off duration does not change. If the UE receives a DCI for a UL transmission scheduled to be transmitted on a UL resource overlapping with the cell DRX off duration, the allocation of the UL resource is ignored. This means that the scheduled UL transmission is not transmitted. The status of the HARQ process associated with the scheduled UL transmission can be set or regarded as "pending" or "outstanding" or "not transmitted". Another DCI can schedule a UL transmission to be transmitted on the next UL resource that does not overlap with the cell DRX off duration. After the UL transmission is successfully transmitted on the next UL resource, the status of the HARQ process associated with the scheduled UL transmission can be set to or regarded as "not pending" or "not outstanding" or "transmitted".

[0104] According to the third sub - embodiment of the second embodiment, it is allowed or configurable (e.g., by the network) to override the cell DRX on duration through dynamic configuration in a manner similar to the first sub - embodiment. That is, the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX on duration can be configured. The dynamic configuration (which temporarily overrides the cell DRX on duration) can be configured for each cell.

[0105] The dynamic configuration can be indicated by DCI, or MAC CE, or RRC signaling, or broadcast information with a new IE, or a paging message with a new indication, or a short message with a new bit. The indication can be transmitted to the cell, a specific UE, or all UEs in one or more UE groups (e.g., by the group ID assigned to the UEs belonging to the group).

[0106] For example, a specific DCI can indicate the dynamic configuration of the cell DRX on-duration. The specific DCI can indicate "do not start the cell DRX on-duration". When the UE receives the specific DCI, the UE considers that the next cell DRX on-duration is temporarily changed to cell DRX off (i.e., reception is not enabled). If the UE receives the specific DCI during the cell DRX off-duration, the cell DRX on-duration after the cell DRX off-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and the next cell DRX on-duration changes from the start of the next cell DRX off-duration to cell DRX off. If the UE receives the specific DCI during the cell DRX on-duration, the cell DRX on-duration is referred to as the next cell DRX off-duration. When the specific DCI is received, the next cell DRX on-duration becomes cell DRX off.

[0107] The specific DCI can indicate "do not start the cell DRX on-duration for times", where is a positive integer, and the UE considers that the next cell DRX on-durations are temporarily changed to cell DRX off.

[0108] The third embodiment relates to the handling of timers related to the serving cell.

[0109] Timers, for example, , are used to control the active state or deactive state of the serving cell. The value is configured for the timer by the network, for example, from a set of predetermined values . If a BWP is configured, timers, for example, , are used to control the active state or deactive state of the BWP of the serving cell. The value is configured for the timer by the network, for example, from a set of predetermined values .

[0110] If the cell DRX configuration is indicated for the serving cell, the serving cell does not receive UL transmissions during the cell DRX off duration. Thus, the unit is deactivated, so to speak. Therefore, the timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or BWP should not count the cell DRX off duration. This means that when a timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or BWP of the serving cell is configured but the value is not configured considering the cell DRX off duration, the UE should add the duration of the cell DRX off duration to the value of the timer at each cell DRX off duration. Alternatively, the set of predetermined values should be extended to include one or more larger values greater than the predetermined value. For example, the larger value is determined based on the cell DRX off duration. Thus, if the cell DRX configuration (e.g., cell DRX off duration) is configured, the value configured for the timer can be selected from one of the larger values included in the extended set.

[0111] To achieve this, the UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, where the UE supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a cell discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration including at least the cell DRX off duration, and if a timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or the BWP of the serving cell is configured with a value, the length of time of each cell DRX off duration is added to the configured value of the timer, or a larger value is configured for the timer. A network device includes a processor and a transceiver coupled to the processor, where the network device supports Network Energy Saving NES, and the processor is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, the cell DRX configuration and configure a larger value for the timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or the BWP of the serving cell.

[0112] Similarly, if the cell DTX configuration is indicated for the serving cell, the serving cell does not transmit UL transmissions during the cell DTX off duration. Thus, the unit is deactivated, so to speak. Therefore, the timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or BWP should not count the cell DTX off duration. This means that when a timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or BWP is configured but the value is not configured considering the cell DTX off duration, the UE should add the duration of the cell DTX off duration to the value of the timer at each cell DTX off duration. Alternatively, the set of predetermined values should be extended to include one or more larger values greater than the predetermined value. For example, the larger value is determined based on the cell DTX off duration. Thus, if the cell DTX configuration (e.g., cell DTX off duration) is configured, the value configured for the timer can be selected from one of the larger values included in the extended set.

[0113] To achieve this, the UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the UE supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a Cell Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) configuration including at least a cell DTX off duration, and if a timer controlling an activation state or a deactivation state of a serving cell or a Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the serving cell is configured with a value, the time length of each cell DTX off duration is added to the configured value of the timer, or a larger value is configured for the timer. A network device includes a processor and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the network device supports Network Energy Saving NES, and the processor is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a cell DRX configuration, and configure a larger value for a timer controlling an activation state or a deactivation state of a serving cell or a BWP of the serving cell.

[0114] Both the cell DRX configuration and the cell DTX configuration can be configured. As Figure 6 shown, each time period "a" is DRX off and DTX on; each time period "b" is DRX off and DTX off; each time period "c" is DRX on and DTX off; and each time period "d" is DRX on and DTX on. The time periods to be added to the value of the timer are time periods "a", "b", and "c" or only time period "b". Alternatively, the set of predetermined values should be extended to include one or more larger values greater than the predetermined value. For example, the larger value is determined based on the cell DRX off duration and / or the cell DTX off duration. Thus, if the cell DRX configuration (e.g., cell DRX off duration) and / or the cell DTX configuration (e.g., cell DTX off duration) is configured, the value configured for the timer can be selected from one of the larger values included in the extended set.

[0115] To achieve this, the UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, where the UE supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive a Cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration via the transceiver, the DRX configuration including at least a cell DRX off duration and a Cell Discontinuous Transmission (DTX) configuration including at least a cell DTX off duration, and if a timer controlling the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or the Bandwidth Part (BWP) of the serving cell is configured with a value, the time length of each cell DRX off duration and / or each cell DTX off duration is added to the configured value of the timer, or a larger value is configured for the timer. A network device includes a processor and a transceiver coupled to the processor, where the network device supports Network Energy Saving (NES), the processor is configured to transmit a cell DRX configuration and a cell DTX configuration via the transceiver, and configure a larger value for a timer controlling the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or the BWP of the serving cell.

[0116] Figure 7 FIG. is a schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 700 according to the present application. In some embodiments, the method 700 is performed by a device such as a User Equipment (UE). In certain embodiments, the method 700 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0117] The method 700 may be performed by a UE supporting Network Energy Saving (NES), the method including, at 702, receiving a Cell Discontinuous Reception (DRX) configuration, the cell DRX configuration including information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least a portion of UL transmissions from the UE.

[0118] In some embodiments, a method performed by a UE supporting Network Energy Saving (NES) includes: receiving a cell DRX configuration including a cell DRX on duration and a cell DRX off duration; and determining UL resources for UL transmission if the UL resources allocated for UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

[0119] In some embodiments, the determined UL resources for UL transmission are available UL resources included in the allocated UL resources for UL transmission, where the available UL resources do not overlap with the cell DRX off duration. The method may further include assembling or re - assembling a MAC PDU according to the available UL resources. In some embodiments, the determined UL resources for UL transmission are the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off duration, and the method further includes receiving a configuration for enabling autonomous transmission or autonomous re - transmission for UL transmission, and transmitting the UL transmission through autonomous transmission or autonomous re - transmission.

[0120] In some embodiments, the method further includes: transmitting a UL transmission on the allocated UL resources for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off duration. Additionally, the method may further include: receiving a configuration for enabling autonomous re - transmission of the UL transmission, and a timer associated with the autonomous re - transmission; starting the timer when transmitting the UL transmission; and when the timer expires, re - transmitting the UL transmission on the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

[0121] In some embodiments, the method further includes: receiving a configuration that prohibits piggybacking on a PUCCH that is transmitted in UL resources that overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

[0122] In some embodiments, if the allocated UL resources for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off duration are scheduled dynamically, the dynamic scheduling is ignored.

[0123] In some embodiments, a method performed by a UE supporting Network Energy Saving (NES) includes: receiving a cell DRX configuration including a cell DRX on duration and a cell DRX off duration; and receiving a first control message indicating or implying a dynamic configuration that temporarily overrides the cell DRX configuration.

[0124] In some embodiments, the first control message or the second control message after the first control message schedules the UL transmission by allocating UL resources for UL transmission, and if the allocated UL resources for UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off duration, at least a part of the next cell DRX off duration is determined to be cell DRX on, wherein the part of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be cell DRX on includes the allocated UL resources for UL transmission. If the first control message is received during the cell DRX on duration, the first cell DRX off duration after the cell DRX on duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the part of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be cell DRX on starts from the start of the first cell DRX off duration or from the start of the transmission of the UL transmission, and ends at the end of the transmission of the UL transmission or at the end of the first cell DRX off duration; and if the first control message is received during the second cell DRX off duration, the second cell DRX off duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the part of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be cell DRX on starts when the first control message is received or from the start of the transmission of the UL transmission, and ends at the end of the transmission of the UL transmission or at the end of the second cell DRX off duration.

[0125] In some embodiments, the coverage of the dynamic configuration covers one or more next cell DRX on durations or one or more next cell DRX off durations.

[0126] In some embodiments, the cell DRX configuration includes a cell DRX on duration and a cell DRX off duration, and the method further includes receiving a cell DTX configuration including a cell DTX on duration and a cell DTX off duration, and if a timer for controlling the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or the BWP of the serving cell is configured with a value, the time length of each cell DRX off duration and / or each cell DTX off duration is added to the configured value of the timer, or the larger value is configured for the timer.

[0127] Figure 8 It is a schematic flowchart showing another embodiment of method 800 according to the present application. In some embodiments, method 800 is performed by a device such as a basic unit or a network device. In certain embodiments, method 800 can be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an auxiliary processing unit, an FPGA, etc.

[0128] Method 800 can be performed by a network device, where the network device supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the method includes 802 transmitting a cell DRX configuration that includes information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least part of the UL transmission from the UE.

[0129] In some embodiments, a method performed by a network device that supports Network Energy Saving (NES) includes: transmitting a cell DRX configuration that includes a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration, and transmitting a first control message that indicates or implies a dynamic configuration that temporarily overrides the cell DRX configuration.

[0130] In some embodiments, the first control message or a second control message after the first control message schedules a UL transmission by allocating UL resources for the UL transmission, and if the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission overlap with a cell DRX off-duration, at least a part of the next cell DRX off-duration is determined to be a cell DRX on, where the part of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be a cell DRX on includes the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission.

[0131] In some embodiments, if the first control message is transmitted during a cell DRX on-duration, the first cell DRX off-duration after the cell DRX on-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and the part of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be a cell DRX on starts from the start of the first cell DRX off-duration or from the start of receiving the UL transmission, and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the first cell DRX off-duration; and if the first control message is transmitted during a second cell DRX off-duration, the second cell DRX off-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and a part of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be a cell DRX on starts at the time of transmitting the first control message or from the start of receiving the UL transmission, and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the second cell DRX off-duration.

[0132] In some embodiments, the dynamic configuration overrides one or more next cell DRX on-durations or one or more next cell DRX off-durations.

[0133] In some embodiments, the method further includes configuring a timer with a larger value for the activation state or deactivation state of a BWP of a control serving cell or a serving cell.

[0134] Figure 9 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an apparatus according to one embodiment.

[0135] Referring to Figure 9 , a UE (i.e., a remote unit or a terminal device) includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The processor implements Figure 7 the functions, procedures, and / or methods proposed in

[0136] The UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the UE supports network energy saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a cell discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration that includes information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least a portion of UL transmissions from the UE.

[0137] In some embodiments, the UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the UE supports network energy saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a cell discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration that includes a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration, and determine UL resources for UL transmission if the allocated UL resources for UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off-duration.

[0138] In some embodiments, the determined UL resources for UL transmission are available UL resources included in the allocated UL resources for UL transmission, where the available UL resources do not overlap with the cell DRX off-duration. The processor may also be configured to assemble or reconstitute a MAC PDU based on the available UL resources. The determined UL resources for UL transmission are the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off-duration, and the processor is further configured to receive, via the transceiver, a configuration for enabling autonomous transmission or autonomous retransmission for UL transmission, and transmit the UL transmission via autonomous transmission or autonomous retransmission via the transceiver.

[0139] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to transmit a UL transmission via the transceiver on the allocated UL resources for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off-duration. The processor may also be configured to receive, via the transceiver, a configuration for enabling autonomous retransmission of the UL transmission and a timer associated with the autonomous retransmission; start the timer when transmitting the UL transmission; and retransmit the UL transmission via the transceiver on the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off-duration when the timer expires.

[0140] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to receive, via the transceiver, a configuration that prohibits piggybacking on a PUCCH transmitted in UL resources that overlap with the cell DRX off-duration.

[0141] In some embodiments, if the UL resources allocated for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off duration are dynamically scheduled, the dynamic scheduling is ignored.

[0142] In some embodiments, a UE includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the UE supports network energy saving (NES), and the processor is configured to receive, via the transceiver, a cell discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration including a cell DRX on duration and a cell DRX off duration, and receive, via the transceiver, a first control message indicating or implying a dynamic configuration that temporarily overrides the cell DRX configuration.

[0143] In some embodiments, the first control message or a second control message after the first control message schedules a UL transmission by allocating UL resources for UL transmission, and if the UL resources allocated for UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off duration, at least a portion of the next cell DRX off duration is determined to be a cell DRX on, wherein the portion of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be a cell DRX on includes the UL resources allocated for UL transmission.

[0144] In some embodiments, if the first control message is received during the cell DRX on duration, the first cell DRX off duration after the cell DRX on duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the portion of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be a cell DRX on starts at the start of the first cell DRX off duration or the start of transmitting the UL transmission, and ends at the end of transmitting the UL transmission or at the end of the first cell DRX off duration; and if the first control message is received during the second cell DRX off duration, the second cell DRX off duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the portion of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be a cell DRX on starts when the first control message is received or from the start of transmitting the UL transmission, and ends at the end of transmitting the UL transmission or at the end of the second cell DRX off duration.

[0145] In some embodiments, the dynamic configuration overrides one or more next cell DRX on durations or one or more next cell DRX off durations.

[0146] In some embodiments, the cell DRX configuration includes a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration, and the processor is further configured to receive, via the transceiver, a cell DTX configuration including a cell DTX on-duration and a cell DTX off-duration, and if a timer that controls the activation state or deactivation state of the serving cell or the BWP of the serving cell is configured with a value, the duration of each cell DRX off-duration and / or each cell DTX off-duration is added to the configured value of the timer, or the larger value is configured as the timer.

[0147] Reference Figure 9 , the gNB (i.e., the base unit or network device) includes a processor, a memory, and a transceiver. The processor implements Figure 8 the functions, procedures, and / or methods proposed in

[0148] The network device includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the network device supports Network Energy Saving (NES), and the processor is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a cell DRX configuration that includes information associated with at least one duration during which the first cell does not receive at least a portion of the UL transmissions from the UE.

[0149] In some embodiments, a network device that supports Network Energy Saving (NES) includes a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to transmit, via the transceiver, a cell DRX configuration that includes a cell DRX on-duration and a cell DRX off-duration; and transmit a first control message indicating or implying dynamic configuration via the transceiver, and the dynamic configuration temporarily overrides the cell DRX configuration.

[0150] In some embodiments, the first control message or a second control message after the first control message schedules a UL transmission by allocating UL resources for the UL transmission, and if the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off-duration, at least a portion of the next cell DRX off-duration is determined to be cell DRX on, wherein the portion of the next cell DRX off-duration determined to be cell DRX on includes the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission.

[0151] In some embodiments, if a first control message is transmitted during a cell DRX on-duration, the first cell DRX off-duration after the cell DRX on-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and the portion determined as the next cell DRX off-duration for the cell DRX on starts from the start of the first cell DRX off-duration or from the start of receiving a UL transmission, and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the first cell DRX off-duration; and if the first control message is transmitted during a second cell DRX off-duration, the second cell DRX off-duration is the next cell DRX off-duration, and the portion determined as the next cell DRX off-duration for the cell DRX on starts at the time of transmitting the first control message or from the start of receiving a UL transmission, and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the second cell DRX off-duration.

[0152] In some embodiments, the next one or more cell DRX on-durations or the next one or more cell DRX off-durations are dynamically configured.

[0153] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to configure a larger value to a timer for the active state or the deactive state of the BWP of the control serving cell or the serving cell.

[0154] The radio interface protocol layer may be implemented by the processor. The memory is connected to the processor to store various information for driving the processor. The transceiver is connected to the processor to transmit and / or receive radio signals. Needless to say, the transceiver may be implemented as a transmitter for transmitting radio signals and a receiver for receiving radio signals.

[0155] The memory may be located inside or outside the processor and is connected to the processor by various well-known means.

[0156] In the above embodiments, the components and features of the embodiments are combined in a predetermined form. Unless otherwise clearly stated, each component or feature should be regarded as an option. Each component or feature may be implemented without being associated with other components or features. In addition, the embodiments may be configured by associating some components and / or features. The order of operations described in the embodiments may be changed. Some components or features of any embodiment may be included in another embodiment or replaced with components and features corresponding to another embodiment. Obviously, the claims not explicitly cited in the claims are combined to form an embodiment or included in a new claim.

[0157] Embodiments may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. In the case of implementation by hardware, according to the hardware implementation, the exemplary embodiments described herein may be implemented by using one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, etc.

[0158] Embodiments may be implemented in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only illustrative and not restrictive. Thus, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes that fall within the meaning and range of equivalents of the claims are embraced within their scope.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), the UE comprising: A processor; And A transceiver coupled to the processor, Wherein the UE supports network energy saving (NES), and The processor is configured to: Receive a cell discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration via the transceiver, The cell DRX configuration includes information associated with at least one duration during which a first cell does not receive at least part of the UL transmission from the UE.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein The cell DRX configuration includes a cell DRX on duration and a cell DRX off duration, and The processor is further configured to: determine UL resources for UL transmission if the UL resources allocated for UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein The determined UL resources for UL transmission are available UL resources included in the UL resources allocated for UL transmission, wherein the available UL resources do not overlap with the cell DRX off duration.

4. The UE according to claim 3, wherein The processor is further configured to assemble or re - assemble a MAC PDU according to the available UL resources.

5. The UE according to claim 3, wherein The determined UL resources for UL transmission are the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off duration, and The processor is further configured to: Receive a configuration for achieving autonomous transmission or autonomous re - transmission of the UL transmission via the transceiver, and Transmit the UL transmission via the transceiver by autonomous transmission or autonomous re - transmission.

6. The UE according to claim 2, wherein The processor is further configured to: Transmit the UL transmission on the UL resources allocated for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off duration via the transceiver.

7. The UE according to claim 6, wherein The processor is further configured to: Receive a configuration for achieving autonomous re - transmission of the UL transmission and a timer associated with the autonomous re - transmission via the transceiver; Start the timer when transmitting the UL transmission; and When the timer expires, re - transmit the UL transmission on the next allocated UL resources for UL transmission that do not overlap with the cell DRX off duration via the transceiver.

8. The UE according to claim 2, wherein The processor is further configured to receive a configuration that prohibits piggybacking on a PUCCH transmitted in UL resources that overlap with the cell DRX off duration via the transceiver.

9. The UE according to claim 2, wherein If the UL resources allocated for UL transmission that overlap with the cell DRX off duration are dynamically scheduled, ignore the dynamic scheduling.

10. A method performed at a UE, wherein, The UE supports network energy saving (NES), the method comprising: Receiving a cell discontinuous reception DRX configuration; The cell DRX configuration includes information associated with at least one duration during which the first cell does not receive at least part of the UL transmission from the UE.

11. A network device, comprising: a processor; and a transceiver coupled to the processor, wherein the network device supports network energy saving (NES), and the processor is configured to: transmit a cell DRX configuration via the transceiver, the cell DRX configuration includes information associated with at least one duration during which the first cell does not receive at least part of the UL transmission from the UE.

12. The network device according to claim 11, wherein the cell DRX configuration includes a cell DRX on duration and a cell DRX off duration, and the processor is configured to transmit a first control message via the transceiver that indicates or implies a dynamic configuration that temporarily overrides the cell DRX configuration.

13. The network device according to claim 12, wherein the first control message or a second control message after the first control message schedules the UL transmission by allocating UL resources for the UL transmission; if the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission overlap with the cell DRX off duration, at least a part of the next cell DRX off duration is determined to be cell DRX on, wherein the part of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be cell DRX on includes the allocated UL resources for the UL transmission.

14. The network device according to claim 12, wherein if the first control message is transmitted during the cell DRX on duration, the first cell DRX off duration after the cell DRX on duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the part of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be cell DRX on starts from the start of the first cell DRX off duration or from the start of receiving the UL transmission and ends at the end of the UL transmission or at the end of the first cell DRX off duration; if the first control message is transmitted during a second cell DRX off duration, the second cell DRX off duration is the next cell DRX off duration, and the part of the next cell DRX off duration determined to be cell DRX on starts at the time of transmitting the first control message or from the start of receiving the UL transmission and ends at the end of receiving the UL transmission or at the end of the second cell DRX off duration.

15. The network device according to claim 13, wherein the dynamic configuration overrides one or more next cell DRX on durations or one or more next cell DRX off durations.

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