Handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during network discontinuous transmissions and receptions

Abstract

Methods, network nodes and wireless devices (WDs) for handling wireless device timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX) are disclosed. According to one aspect, a method in a WD includes receiving a timer value from a network node. The network node includes a start-up timer having a duration based at least in part on a timer value that is based at least in part on whether the network node is in one of an off occasion and an on occasion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless communications, and more particularly, to handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX). Background Art

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

[0003] Network node power consumption

[0004] Energy consumption is a significant challenge for today's 5G systems, where the primary source of energy consumption is the radio units of the Radio Access Network (RAN). NR's network node power consumption is said to be lower than that of LTE due to its streamlined design, i.e., the absence of cell-specific reference signals (CRS) and a default 20ms periodicity for synchronization signal blocks (SSBs). However, compared to LTE, NR in current implementations can consume significantly more energy, in part due to the higher bandwidth, shorter transmission time intervals (TTIs), and larger number of antennas. This is evident even when cells and beams are lightly loaded, serving no traffic, or even when there are no users at all. One fundamental approach to conserving network node energy is to simply shut down the gNB or cell completely when little or no traffic, or even no users, is detected or predicted in the cell.

[0005] Discontinuous Reception

[0006] Similar to LTE, NR includes a mechanism for discontinuous reception (DRX) for WDs in order to reduce WD power consumption. DRX can be used in both radio resource control (RRC) connected mode (C-DRX) and RRC idle / inactive (DRX), and serves as a common agreement between the WD and the network node: for any downlink (DL) traffic, the network node will only attempt to contact the WD during the on time of the DRX mode. Based on the configured DRX cycle, the WD only needs to monitor the DL channel according to the agreement, otherwise it will go to sleep. When it comes to uplink (UL) traffic, the WD can initiate a connection regardless of the DRX configuration, that is, the network node must be ready to receive UL at any time.

[0007] WD Timer and Trigger

[0008] In 3GPP Technical Standard (TS) 38.331, e.g., V17.2.0 (2022-09), multiple timers are defined to control WD behavior. Those timers are generally defined by the actions to be performed by the WD when the timer is started, stopped, and expired, as depicted in the examples in the table below.

[0009] Because the network node is unaware of the potential UL traffic needs of the WD, it cannot freely adopt sleep mode. If the network node were to go into sleep, this would cause several problems. One of the problems involves timers defined as to be used by the WD as specified in 3GPP TS 38.331, e.g., V17.2.0 (2022-09). These timers can be triggered or stopped depending on several conditions, and when they expire, there are certain actions that the network node needs to perform, as described in 3GPP TS38.331, e.g., V17.2.0 (2022-09). However, the current 3GPP specification does not specify what to do if the timer expires while the network node is in sleep mode. This can cause problems because the actions that the network node should have performed when the timer expires may be delayed. The WD may misunderstand the delay (or lack of network node action) and trigger a series of other unnecessary actions, which may adversely affect overall system performance. For example, due to the need to process subsequent actions triggered by the WD in response to the misinterpreted delay, these unnecessary actions may negatively impact the WD's quality of experience, increase WD power consumption, and increase the burden on the network node side. Summary of the Invention

[0010] It may be an object of the present invention to provide measures with which a network node may use a sleep mode to save energy, with no or only a small negative impact on the performance of a wireless device.

[0011] Some embodiments advantageously provide methods, network nodes, and WDs for handling wireless device timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX).

[0012] Some embodiments are directed to handling timers defined in section 7.1.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331, eg, V17.2.0 (2022-09), while a network node is in sleep mode.

[0013] The WD may be informed of the network sleep mode and may thus trigger a process based at least in part on this mode. Some embodiments provide specifications for methods for handling timers from 3GPP TS 38.331, e.g., V17.2.0 (2022-09), while a network node is in sleep mode. Some embodiments prevent the WD from misinterpreting delays in network node action upon timer expiration and thereby prevent the WD from triggering unnecessary actions that may negatively impact the network node and the WD itself (e.g., erroneously detecting a radio link failure (when the network is in sleep) or retrying to send an UL message during network sleep).

[0014] According to one aspect, a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD is provided. The network node is configured to configure the WD with a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on-opportunities. The network node is further configured to configure the WD with a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode with on-opportunities and off-opportunities.

[0015] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the second duration is the duration between the start and stop times of the second timer. In some embodiments, the second timer value is a scaling factor, and the WD determines the second duration based on the scaling factor. In some embodiments, the scaling factor is based at least in part on the length of a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period. In some embodiments, the first timer is associated with WD operation according to a first wireless access communication standard, and the second timer is associated with WD operation according to a second wireless communication standard. In some embodiments, the network node is configured to transmit an indication of a sleep mode of the network node to the WD. In some embodiments, the first and / or second timers are duration timers, inactivity timers, discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period, reference signal transmission timer, physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, uplink or downlink reception or transmission timer, and measurement window timer. In some embodiments, the first and / or second timers are duration timers that specify a time window within which the WD can expect a transmission from the network node or within which the WD can transmit an uplink signal. In some embodiments, the time window is aligned with at least one of a discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second timers is one of a radio resource control (RRC) timer and a predefined timer.

[0016] According to another aspect, a method is provided in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD. The method includes configuring the WD with a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on-occurrences; and configuring the WD with a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode with on-occurrences and off-occurrences.

[0017] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the second duration is the duration between the start and stop times of the second timer. In some embodiments, the second timer value is a scaling factor, and the WD determines the second duration based on the scaling factor. In some embodiments, the scaling factor is based at least in part on the length of a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period. In some embodiments, the first timer is associated with WD operation according to a first wireless access communication standard, and the second timer is associated with WD operation according to a second wireless communication standard. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting an indication of a sleep mode of the network node to the WD. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second timers is a duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink or downlink reception or transmission timer, and a measurement window timer. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second timers is a duration timer that specifies a time window within which the WD can expect a transmission from the network node or within which the WD can transmit an uplink signal. In some embodiments, the time window is aligned with at least one of a discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second timers is one of a radio resource control (RRC) timer and a predefined timer.

[0018] According to yet another aspect, a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD is provided. The network node is configured to transmit an indication to the wireless device that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity.

[0019] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions. In some embodiments, the network node is configured to transmit to the wireless device configuration information regarding another timer and / or another timer value to be used during a dormant occasion of the network node. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the network node is configured to transmit to the wireless device an instruction to suspend handling of a timer in the wireless device and a further instruction to resume handling of the timer.

[0020] According to another aspect, a method implemented in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD includes transmitting an indication to the wireless device that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity.

[0021] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting to the wireless device configuration information regarding another timer and / or another timer value to be used during a dormant occasion of the network node. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the method further includes transmitting to the wireless device an instruction to suspend handling of a timer in the wireless device and a further instruction to resume handling of the timer.

[0022] According to another aspect, a wireless device (WD) configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The WD is configured to: receive a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on-opportunities; receive a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode with on-opportunities and off-opportunities; and, in response to a trigger, start or stop the second timer only during an on-opportunity.

[0023] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, when a trigger is received during an off-opportunity, starting or stopping the second timer is postponed until the end of the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to postpone execution of the action to be performed upon expiration of the second timer until the next on-opportunity when the second timer expires during the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to postpone execution of the action to be performed upon expiration of the second timer until a delay when the second timer expires during the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the delay is configured by the network node. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to pause the second timer at the beginning of the off-opportunity and resume the second timer at the end of the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to stop the second timer at the beginning of the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the second timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to perform an action during an off-opportunity only if the action does not depend on transmission or reception. In some embodiments, the second duration specifies a time window within which the WD can expect a transmission from the network node or within which the WD can transmit an uplink signal. In some embodiments, the time window is aligned with at least one of a discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to apply a first delay before triggering an action when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an off-occasion, and to apply a second delay different from the first delay when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on-occasion.

[0024] According to another aspect, a method is provided in a wireless device (WD) configured to communicate with a network node. The method includes receiving a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on-times, receiving a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode with on-times and off-times, and in response to a trigger, starting or stopping the second timer only during the on-times.

[0025] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, when a trigger is received during an off-opportunity, starting or stopping the second timer is postponed until the end of the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the method includes: when the second timer expires during an off-opportunity, postponing execution of an action to be performed upon expiration of the second timer until the next on-opportunity. In some embodiments, the method includes: when the second timer expires during an off-opportunity, postponing execution of the action to be performed upon expiration of the second timer until after a delay. In some embodiments, the delay is configured by the network node. In some embodiments, the method includes: pausing the second timer when the off-opportunity begins, and resuming the second timer when the off-opportunity ends. In some embodiments, the method includes: stopping the second timer when the off-opportunity begins. In some embodiments, the second timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. In some embodiments, the method includes: performing an action during an off-opportunity only if the action does not depend on transmission or reception. In some embodiments, the second duration specifies a time window within which the WD can expect a transmission from the network node, or within which the WD can transmit an uplink signal. In some embodiments, the time window is aligned with at least one of a discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a first delay before triggering the action when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an off-occasion, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on-occasion.

[0026] A wireless device (WD) configured to communicate with a network node is provided. The WD is configured to handle a timer in the wireless device (WD) and / or trigger an action associated with the timer in the wireless device (WD) based at least in part on the network node operating in a sleep opportunity of the network node.

[0027] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the handling comprises at least one of: starting or restarting the timer outside of the sleep opportunity by delaying the start or restart of the timer until outside of the sleep opportunity; stopping the timer outside of the sleep opportunity by delaying the stop of the timer until outside of the sleep opportunity; and pausing the timer when the sleep opportunity begins and resuming the timer at the end of the sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the triggering comprises at least one of: triggering an association action outside of the sleep opportunity when the timer expires outside of the sleep opportunity; triggering an association action outside of the sleep opportunity when the timer expires within the sleep opportunity by delaying the triggering of the association action until outside of the sleep opportunity; and triggering the association action immediately upon expiration of the timer when the association action does not require or depend on transmission to or reception from the network node. In some embodiments, the handling comprises handling the timer in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node is operating in the sleep opportunity, and / or the triggering comprises triggering the association action in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node is operating in the sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device having sent a physical random access control channel (PRACH) transmission to the network node during one of an on-time and an off-time of the network node or during the sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device's knowledge that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity, as specified by a standard specification for the wireless device or derived from the wireless device's implementation behavior. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to receive an indication from the network node that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity, wherein the handling and / or triggering is performed based at least in part on the received indication. In some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action. In some embodiments, the handling includes using another timer and / or another timer value for the another timer when the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the WD is configured to receive configuration information regarding the another timer and / or another timer value from the network node. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the further timer value is derived by the wireless device by applying a predefined scaling rule on the timer value of the timer.In some embodiments, the handling comprises applying a first delay before triggering the associated action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during a dormant occasion of the network node, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on occasion of the network node. In some embodiments, the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer.

[0028] According to yet another aspect, a method implemented in a wireless device (WD) includes handling a timer in the wireless device (WD) and / or triggering an action of the wireless device (WD) associated with the timer based at least in part on a network node operating in a sleep opportunity of the network node.

[0029] According to this aspect, in some embodiments, the handling comprises at least one of: starting or restarting the timer outside of the sleep opportunity by delaying the start or restart of the timer until outside of the sleep opportunity; stopping the timer outside of the sleep opportunity by delaying the stop of the timer until outside of the sleep opportunity; and pausing the timer when the sleep opportunity begins and resuming the timer at the end of the sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the triggering comprises at least one of: triggering an association action outside of the sleep opportunity when the timer expires outside of the sleep opportunity; triggering an association action outside of the sleep opportunity when the timer expires within the sleep opportunity by delaying the triggering of the association action until outside of the sleep opportunity; and triggering the association action immediately upon expiration of the timer when the association action does not require or depend on transmission to or reception from the network node. In some embodiments, the handling comprises handling the timer in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node is operating in the sleep opportunity, and / or wherein the triggering comprises triggering the association action in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node is operating in the sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, one of the handling and the triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device having sent a physical random access control channel (PRACH) transmission to the network node during one of an on-time and an off-time of the network node or during the sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, one of the handling and the triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device's knowledge that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity, as specified by a standard specification for the wireless device or derived from an implementation behavior of the wireless device. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an indication from the network node that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity, wherein the handling and / or triggering is performed based at least in part on the received indication. In some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action. In some embodiments, the handling includes using another timer and / or another timer value for the another timer when the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving configuration information regarding the another timer and / or another timer value from the network node. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the another timer value is derived by the wireless device by applying a predefined scaling rule to the timer value of the timer. In some embodiments, the handling includes applying a first delay before triggering the associated action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during a sleep opportunity of the network node, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on opportunity of the network node.In some embodiments, the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception DRX timer, a discontinuous transmission DTX timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel PRACH opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer and a measurement window timer. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] A more complete understanding of the present embodiments and its attendant advantages and features will be more readily appreciated by referring to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example network architecture of a communication system connected to a host computer via an intermediate network according to the principles of the present disclosure; Figure 2 is a block diagram of a host computer communicating with a wireless device via a network node over an at least partially wireless connection according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 3 is a flow chart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for executing a client application at a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data at a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data at the host computer from the wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating an example method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a network node, and a wireless device for receiving user data at the host computer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 7 is a flow chart of an example process in a network node for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX); and Figure 8 is a flow chart of an example process in a wireless device for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX); Figure 9 is a flow chart of another example process in a network node for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX); Figure 10is a flow chart of another example process in a wireless device for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX); Figure 11 is a flow chart of another example process in a network node for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX); and Figure 12 is a flow chart of another example process in a wireless device for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be noted that the embodiments reside primarily in a combination of apparatus components and processing steps related to handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX). Accordingly, the figures have been denoted by conventional symbols where appropriate, with only those specific details relevant to understanding these embodiments being shown to avoid obscuring the disclosure in details readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout the description.

[0032] As used herein, relational terms such as "first" and "second", "top" and "bottom", etc. may be used only to distinguish one entity or element from another entity or element, and do not necessarily require or imply any physical or logical relationship or order between such entities or elements. The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the concepts described herein. As used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "a", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprising", when used herein, specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0033] In the embodiments described herein, connection terms such as "in communication with..." may be used to indicate electrical or data communication, which may be achieved through, for example, physical contact, induction, electromagnetic radiation, radio signaling, infrared signaling, or optical signaling. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the various components may interoperate and that modifications and variations in achieving electrical and data communication are possible.

[0034] In some embodiments described herein, terms such as "coupled," "connected," and the like may be used herein to indicate a connection (although not necessarily a direct connection) and may include wired and / or wireless connections.

[0035] The term "network node" as used herein may be any type of network node included in a radio network, which may further include any of the following: base station (BS), radio base station, base transceiver station (BTS), base station controller (BSC), radio network controller (RNC), gNodeB (gNB), evolved NodeB (eNB or eNodeB), NodeB, multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (such as MSR BS), multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, relay node, donor node controlling relay, radio access point (AP), transmission point, transmission node, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH), core network node (e.g., mobility management entity (MME), self-organizing network (SON) node, coordination node, positioning node, MDT node, etc.), external node (e.g., third-party node, node outside the current network), node in distributed antenna system (DAS), spectrum access system (SAS) node, element management system (EMS), etc. Network nodes may also include test equipment. As used herein, the term "radio node" may also be used to refer to a wireless device (WD), such as a wireless device (WD) or a radio network node.

[0036] In some embodiments, the non-limiting terms wireless device (WD) or user equipment (UE) are used interchangeably. A WD herein may be any type of wireless device capable of communicating with a network node or another WD via radio signals, such as a wireless device (WD). A WD may also be a radio communication device, a target device, a device-to-device (D2D) WD, a machine-type WD, or a WD capable of machine-to-machine communication (M2M), a low-cost and / or low-complexity WD, a sensor equipped with a WD, a tablet, a mobile terminal, a smartphone, a laptop embedded device (LEE), a laptop mounted device (LME), a USB dongle, a customer premises equipment (CPE), an Internet of Things (IoT) device, or a narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) device, etc.

[0037] Moreover, in some embodiments, the general term "radio network node" is used. It can be any kind of radio network node, which can include any of the following: base station, radio base station, base transceiver station, base station controller, network controller, RNC, evolved Node B (eNB), Node B, gNB, multi-cell / multicast coordination entity (MCE), IAB node, relay node, access point, radio access point, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio head (RRH).

[0038] Note that while terminology from one particular wireless system, such as 3GPP LTE and / or New Radio (NR), may be used in this disclosure, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to only such systems. Other wireless systems, including but not limited to Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), may also benefit from utilizing the concepts encompassed within this disclosure.

[0039] It is further noted that the functions described herein as being performed by a wireless device or network node may be distributed across multiple wireless devices and / or network nodes. In other words, it is contemplated that the functions of the network nodes and wireless devices described herein are not limited to being performed by a single physical device and may in fact be distributed across several physical devices.

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that the terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the related art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined as such herein.

[0041] Some embodiments provide for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX).

[0042] Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, Figure 1, a schematic diagram of a communication system 10 according to an embodiment is shown, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network that can support standards such as LTE and / or NR (5G), including an access network 12, such as a radio access network, and a core network 14. Access network 12 includes a plurality of network nodes 16a, 16b, 16c (collectively, network nodes 16), such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs, or other types of wireless access points, each of which defines a corresponding coverage area 18a, 18b, 18c (collectively, coverage area 18). Each network node 16a, 16b, 16c is connectable to core network 14 via a wired or wireless connection 20. A first wireless device (WD) 22a located in coverage area 18a is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by the corresponding network node 16a. A second WD 22b in coverage area 18b is wirelessly connectable to the corresponding network node 16b. Although multiple WDs 22a, 22b (collectively referred to as wireless devices 22) are shown in this example, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where only a single WD is in the coverage area or a single WD is connecting to a corresponding network node 16. Note that although only two WDs 22 and three network nodes 16 are shown for convenience, the communication system may include many more WDs 22 and network nodes 16.

[0043] Furthermore, it is contemplated that the WD 22 may be in simultaneous communication with more than one network node 16 and more than one type of network node 16 and / or configured to communicate separately with these network nodes 16. For example, the WD 22 may have dual connectivity with a network node 16 that supports LTE and the same or different network nodes 16 that support NR. For example, the WD 22 may communicate with an eNB for LTE / E-UTRAN and a gNB for NR / NG-RAN.

[0044] The communication system 10 itself may be connected to a host computer 24, which may be implemented in hardware and / or software on a stand-alone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as a processing resource in a server farm. The host computer 24 may be owned or controlled by a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. The connections 26, 28 between the communication system 10 and the host computer 24 may extend directly from the core network 14 to the host computer 24, or may extend via an optional intermediate network 30. The intermediate network 30 may be one of a public, private, or managed network, or a combination of more than one of these networks. The intermediate network 30, if any, may be a backbone network or the Internet. In some embodiments, the intermediate network 30 may include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0045] Figure 1The communication system as a whole enables connectivity between one of the connected WDs 22a, 22b and the host computer 24. This connectivity can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection. The host computer 24 and the connected WDs 22a, 22b are configured to use the access network 12, the core network 14, any intermediate networks 30, and possible further infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries to transfer data and / or signaling via the OTT connection. The OTT connection can be transparent in the sense that at least some of the participating communication devices through which the OTT connection passes are unaware of the routing of uplink and downlink communications. For example, the network node 16 may not or need not be informed of the past routing of incoming downlink communications with data originating from the host computer 24 to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to the connected WD 22a. Similarly, the network node 16 does not need to know the future routing of outgoing uplink communications originating from the WD 22a toward the host computer 24.

[0046] The network node 16 is configured to include a timer configuration unit 32 configured to configure the WD with a timer value for a timer based at least in part on whether the network node is operating in an on / off opportunity. Optionally, the timer configuration unit 32 may be configured to cause an indication to be transmitted to the wireless device 22 that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity. The wireless device 22 is configured to include a timer unit 34 configured to start a timer having a duration based at least in part on a timer value based at least in part on whether the network node is in an off opportunity and an on opportunity. Optionally, the timer unit 34 may also be configured to at least one of process a timer in the WD 22 and trigger an action associated with the timer in the WD 22 based at least in part on whether the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity.

[0047] Now refer to Figure 2An example implementation according to an embodiment of the WD 22, network node 16, and host computer 24 discussed in the previous paragraphs is described. In the communication system 10, the host computer 24 includes hardware (HW) 38, which includes a communication interface 40, which is configured to establish and maintain a wired or wireless connection to the interface with different communication devices of the communication system 10. The host computer 24 further includes processing circuitry 42, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. The processing circuitry 42 may include a processor 44 and a memory 46. In particular, in addition to or in place of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and a memory, the processing circuitry 42 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, for example, one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) suitable for executing instructions. The processor 44 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) a memory 46, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read-only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0048] Processing circuitry 42 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by host computer 24. Processor 44 corresponds to one or more processors 44 for performing the functions of host computer 24 described herein. Host computer 24 includes memory 46 configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 48 and / or host application 50 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 44 and / or processing circuitry 42, cause processor 44 and / or processing circuitry 42 to perform the processes described herein with respect to host computer 24. The instructions may be software associated with host computer 24.

[0049] The software 48 may be executable by the processing circuitry 42. The software 48 includes a host application 50. The host application 50 may be operable to provide services to a remote user, such as a WD 22 connected via an OTT connection 52 terminated at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. During the provision of services to the remote user, the host application 50 may provide user data, which may be transmitted using the OTT connection 52. The "user data" may be data and information described herein as implementing the described functionality. In some embodiments, the host computer 24 may be configured to provide control and functionality to a service provider and may be operated by or on behalf of the service provider. The processing circuitry 42 of the host computer 24 may enable the host computer 24 to observe, monitor, control, transmit to and / or receive from the network node 16 and / or the wireless device 22.

[0050] The communication system 10 further includes a network node 16, which is disposed within the communication system 10 and includes hardware 58 that enables it to communicate with the host computer 24 and with the WD 22. The hardware 58 may include a communication interface 60 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections to interface with the various communication devices of the communication system 10, and a radio interface 62 for establishing and maintaining at least a wireless connection 64 with the WD 22 located in the coverage area 18 served by the network node 16. The radio interface 62 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers. The communication interface 60 may be configured to facilitate a connection 66 to the host computer 24. The connection 66 may be direct, or it may pass through the core network 14 of the communication system 10 and / or through one or more intermediate networks 30 external to the communication system 10.

[0051] In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 58 of the network node 16 further includes processing circuitry 68. The processing circuitry 68 may include a processor 70 and a memory 72. In particular, in addition to or in place of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and memory, the processing circuitry 68 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as, for example, one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 70 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 72, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read-only memory) and / or optical memory and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0052] Thus, network node 16 further includes software 74, which is stored internally, for example, in memory 72, or in external memory (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.) accessible to network node 16 via an external connection. Software 74 may be executable by processing circuitry 68. Processing circuitry 68 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by network node 16. Processor 70 corresponds to one or more processors 70 configured to perform the network node 16 functionality described herein. Memory 72 is configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 74 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68, cause processor 70 and / or processing circuitry 68 to perform the processes described herein with respect to network node 16. For example, the processing circuit 68 of the network node 16 may include a timer configuration unit 32 configured to configure the WD with a timer value of a timer based at least in part on whether the network node is operating in an on / off opportunity. Alternatively, the timer configuration unit 32 may be configured to cause an indication that the network node is operating in a sleep opportunity to be transmitted to the wireless device 22.

[0053] The communication system 10 further includes the already mentioned WD 22. The WD 22 may have hardware 80 that may include a radio interface 82 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 64 with a network node 16 serving the coverage area 18 in which the WD 22 is currently located. The radio interface 82 may be formed as or may include, for example, one or more RF transmitters, one or more RF receivers, and / or one or more RF transceivers.

[0054] The hardware 80 of the WD 22 further includes processing circuitry 84. The processing circuitry 84 may include a processor 86 and a memory 88. In particular, in addition to or in place of a processor (such as a central processing unit) and memory, the processing circuitry 84 may include an integrated circuit for processing and / or control, such as one or more processors and / or processor cores and / or an FPGA (field programmable gate array) and / or an ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit) adapted to execute instructions. The processor 86 may be configured to access (e.g., write to and / or read from) the memory 88, which may include any type of volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as a cache and / or buffer memory and / or RAM (random access memory) and / or ROM (read-only memory) and / or optical storage and / or EPROM (erasable programmable read-only memory).

[0055] Therefore, WD 22 may further include software 90, which is stored in, for example, memory 88 at WD 22, or in an external memory accessible to WD 22 (e.g., a database, storage array, network storage device, etc.). The software 90 may be executable by the processing circuit 84. The software 90 may include a client application 92. The client application 92 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via WD 22 with the support of the host computer 24. In the host computer 24, the executing host application 50 may communicate with the executing client application 92 via the OTT connection 52 terminated at the WD 22 and the host computer 24. During the provision of services to the user, the client application 92 may receive request data from the host application 50 and provide user data in response to the request data. The OTT connection 52 may transmit both the request data and the user data. The client application 92 may interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0056] Processing circuitry 84 may be configured to control any of the methods and / or processes described herein, and / or cause such methods and / or processes to be performed, for example, by WD 22. Processor 86 corresponds to one or more processors 86 configured to perform the functions of WD 22 described herein. WD 22 includes memory 88 configured to store data, programming software code, and / or other information described herein. In some embodiments, software 90 and / or client application 92 may include instructions that, when executed by processor 86 and / or processing circuitry 84, cause processor 86 and / or processing circuitry 84 to perform the processes described herein with respect to WD 22. For example, processing circuitry 84 of wireless device 22 may include timer unit 34 configured to start a timer having a duration based at least in part on a timer value, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node is in one of a power-off period and a power-on period. Optionally, timer unit 34 may also be configured to at least one of: process a timer in WD 22 and trigger an action associated with the timer in WD 22, based at least in part on whether network node 16 is operating in a sleep period.

[0057] In some embodiments, the internal workings of network node 16, WD 22, and host computer 24 may be as follows: Figure 2 As shown in , and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 1 Like that.

[0058] exist Figure 2, an OTT connection 52 has been abstractly drawn to illustrate communication between a host computer 24 and a wireless device 22 via a network node 16, without explicitly mentioning any intermediary devices and the exact routing of messages through these devices. The network infrastructure can determine the routing, which can be configured to be hidden from the WD 22, the service provider operating the host computer 24, or both. While the OTT connection 52 is active, the network infrastructure can make further decisions (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or network reconfiguration) by which it dynamically changes the routing.

[0059] The wireless connection 64 between the WD 22 and the network node 16 is in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of over-the-top (OTT) services provided to the WD 22 using the OTT connection 52, in which the wireless connection 64 may form the final leg. More specifically, the teachings of some of these embodiments may improve data rates, latency, and / or power consumption, thereby providing benefits such as reduced user wait time, relaxed file size restrictions, better responsiveness, extended battery life, and the like.

[0060] In some embodiments, a measurement process may be provided for the purpose of monitoring data rate, latency, and other factors improved by one or more embodiments. Optional network functionality may further be provided for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 between the host computer 24 and the WD 22 in response to changes in the measurement results. The measurement process and / or network functionality for reconfiguring the OTT connection 52 may be implemented in the software 48 of the host computer 24, in the software 90 of the WD 22, or in both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with the communication device through which the OTT connection 52 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurement process by supplying values for the monitored quantities exemplified above or for other physical quantities (based on which the software 48, 90 may calculate or estimate the monitored quantities). Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 52 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, and the like; reconfiguration need not affect the network node 16 and may be performed without the network node 16's knowledge or awareness. Some such processes and functionality may be known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurements may involve proprietary WD signaling that facilitates the host computer 24's measurement of throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. In some embodiments, the measurements may be achieved because the software 48, 90 causes messages (particularly empty or 'dummy' messages) to be transmitted using the OTT connection 52 while it monitors propagation time, errors, etc.

[0061] Thus, in some embodiments, host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 configured to provide user data and communication interface 40 configured to forward the user data to a cellular network for transmission to WD 22. In some embodiments, cellular network also includes a network node 16 having a radio interface 62. In some embodiments, network node 16 is configured and / or processing circuitry 68 of network node 16 is configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / terminating transmissions to WD 22, and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / terminating receipt of transmissions from WD 22.

[0062] In some embodiments, host computer 24 includes processing circuitry 42 and communication interface 40 configured to receive user data originating from transmissions from WD 22 to network node 16. In some embodiments, WD 22 is configured to, and / or includes, a radio interface 82 and / or processing circuitry 84 configured to perform the functions and / or methods described herein for preparing / initiating / maintaining / supporting / terminating transmissions to network node 16 and / or preparing / terminating / maintaining / supporting / terminating receipt of transmissions from network node 16.

[0063] Although Figure 1 and Figure 2 Various "units," such as timer configuration unit 32 and timer unit 34, are shown as being within respective processors, but it is contemplated that these units may be implemented such that a portion of the unit is stored in corresponding memory within the processing circuitry. In other words, these units may be implemented in hardware, or in a combination of hardware and software within the processing circuitry.

[0064] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be a reference Figure 2Those described herein. In a first step of the method, host computer 24 provides user data (block S100). In an optional substep of the first step, host computer 24 provides user data by executing a host application (such as, for example, host application 50) (block S102). In a second step, host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to WD 22 (block S104). In an optional third step, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, network node 16 transmits the user data carried in the transmission initiated by host computer 24 to WD 22 (block S106). In an optional fourth step, WD 22 executes a client application associated with host application 50 executed by host computer 24, such as, for example, client application 92 (block S108).

[0065] Figure 4 is a diagram showing a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 1 The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 Those described herein. In a first step of the method, host computer 24 provides user data (block S110). In an optional sub-step (not shown), host computer 24 provides the user data by executing a host application (such as, for example, host application 50). In a second step, host computer 24 initiates a transmission carrying the user data to WD 22 (block S112). According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission may pass through network node 16. In an optional third step, WD 22 receives the user data carried in the transmission (block S114).

[0066] Figure 5 is a diagram showing a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 1 The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2Those described. In an optional first step of the method, WD 22 receives input data provided by host computer 24 (box S116). In an optional sub-step of the first step, WD 22 executes client application 92, which responds to the input data received from host computer 24 and provides user data (box S118). Additionally or alternatively, in an optional second step, WD 22 provides user data (box S120). In an optional sub-step of the second step, WD 22 provides user data by executing a client application (such as, for example, client application 92) (box S122). During the provision of user data, the executed client application 92 may further consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which the user data was provided, in an optional third sub-step, WD 22 may initiate the transmission of the user data to host computer 24 (box S124). In a fourth step of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, host computer 24 receives the user data transmitted from WD 22 (box S126).

[0067] Figure 6 is a diagram showing a communication system (such as, for example, Figure 1 The communication system may include a host computer 24, a network node 16, and a WD 22, which may be a reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 In an optional first step of the method, network node 16 receives user data from WD 22 in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure (block S128). In an optional second step, network node 16 initiates a transmission of the received user data to host computer 24 (block S130). In a third step, host computer 24 receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by network node 16 (block S132).

[0068] Figure 7 1 is a flow diagram of an example optional process for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX) in the network node 16. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the network node 16, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 68 (including the timer configuration unit 32), the processor 70, the radio interface 62, and / or the communication interface 60. The network node 16 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 68 and / or the processor 70 and / or the radio interface 62 and / or the communication interface 60, to transmit an indication to the wireless device that the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity (Block S134).

[0069] Optionally, in some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling timers and / or triggering associated actions; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding handling timers and / or triggering associated actions; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding handling timers and / or triggering associated actions; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding handling timers and / or triggering associated actions. In some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to transmit to the wireless device configuration information regarding another timer and / or another timer value to be used during a dormant occasion of the network node 16. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to transmit to the wireless device an instruction to suspend handling of a timer in the wireless device and a further instruction to resume handling of the timer.

[0070] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an example optional process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 84 (including the timer unit 34), the processor 86, the radio interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 84 and / or the processor 86 and / or the radio interface 82, to handle a timer in the wireless device (WD) 22 and / or trigger an action associated with the timer of the wireless device (WD) 22 based at least in part on the network node 16 operating in a sleep opportunity (Block S136).

[0071] Optionally, in some embodiments, handling includes at least one of: starting or restarting a timer outside of a sleep opportunity by delaying starting or restarting the timer until outside of a sleep opportunity; stopping the timer outside of a sleep opportunity by delaying stopping the timer until outside of a sleep opportunity; and pausing the timer when a sleep opportunity begins and resuming the timer at the end of a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, triggering includes at least one of: triggering an associated action outside of a sleep opportunity when the timer expires outside of a sleep opportunity; triggering an associated action outside of a sleep opportunity when the timer expires within a sleep opportunity by delaying triggering of the associated action until outside of a sleep opportunity; and triggering an associated action immediately upon expiration of the timer when the associated action does not require or rely on transmission to or receipt from the network node 16. In some embodiments, handling includes handling the timer in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity, and / or triggering includes triggering the associated action in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device having sent a Physical Random Access Control Channel (PRACH) transmission to the network node 16 during a power-on or power-off occasion of the network node 16, or during a sleep occasion. In some embodiments, the handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device's knowledge that the network node 16 is operating in a sleep occasion, as specified by a standard specification for the wireless device or derived from the wireless device's implementation behavior. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving an indication from the network node 16 that the network node 16 is operating in a sleep occasion, wherein the handling and / or triggering is performed based at least in part on the received indication. In some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; System Information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action; and Media Access Control (MAC) signaling regarding a handling timer and / or trigger-associated action. In some embodiments, the handling includes using another timer and / or another timer value for another timer when the network node 16 is operating in a sleep occasion. In some embodiments, the method includes receiving configuration information regarding the other timer and / or the other timer value from the network node 16. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the other timer value. In some embodiments, the other timer value is derived by the wireless device by applying a predefined scaling rule to the timer value of the timer.In some embodiments, the handling includes applying a first delay before triggering the associated action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during a dormant occasion of the network node 16, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on occasion of the network node 16. In some embodiments, the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer.

[0072] Figure 9 1 is a flow chart of an example process for handling wireless device (WD) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX) in a network node 16. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the network node 16, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 68 (including the timer configuration unit 32), the processor 70, the radio interface 62, and / or the communication interface 60. The network node 16 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 68 and / or the processor 70 and / or the radio interface 62 and / or the communication interface 60, to configure the WD 22 to one of start and stop a timer (block S138). The process also includes configuring the WD 22 with a timer value for the timer, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node 16 is operating with an on / off opportunity (block S140).

[0073] In some embodiments, when WD 22 operates according to a first wireless communication standard, the timer value is a first timer value, and when WD 22 operates according to a second wireless communication standard, the timer value is a second timer value different from the first timer value, the first wireless communication standard does not support on / off timing, and the second wireless communication standard supports on / off timing. In some embodiments, configuring WD 22 with the timer value includes configuring WD 22 with a scaling parameter to be used by WD 22 when network node 16 operates with on / off timing. In some embodiments, the method further includes determining the scaling parameter based at least in part on the length of the discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) cycle. In some embodiments, the method further includes signaling the sleep opportunity to WD 22.

[0074] Figure 10is a flow chart of an example process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 84 (including the timer unit 34), the processor 86, the radio interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 84 and / or the processor 86 and / or the radio interface 82, to receive a timer value from the network node 16 (block S142). The processor also includes starting a timer having a duration based at least in part on the timer value, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node 16 is in one of an off occasion and an on occasion (block S144).

[0075] In some embodiments, the method further comprises delaying the start of a timer according to a preconfigured delay. In some embodiments, the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. In some embodiments, the method further comprises triggering an action upon expiration of the timer when the timer expires outside of an off-period. In some embodiments, the method further comprises performing an action upon expiration of the timer when the action is not dependent on transmission or reception. In some embodiments, the method further comprises stopping the timer when the network node 16 is in an off-period. In some embodiments, the method further comprises pausing the timer when an off-period begins. In some embodiments, the timer value comprises a scaling parameter. In some embodiments, the method further comprises applying a first delay before triggering the action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an off-period; and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on-period.

[0076] Figure 111 is a flow chart of an example optional process for handling wireless device (WD 22) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX) in a network node 16. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the network node 16, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 68 (including the timer configuration unit 32), the processor 70, the radio interface 62, and / or the communication interface 60. The network node 16 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 68 and / or the processor 70 and / or the radio interface 62 and / or the communication interface 60, to configure the WD 22 with a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node 16 operates in an always-on mode with continuous on-times (block 146). The process includes configuring the WD 22 with a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node 16 operates in an on-off mode with on-times and off-times (block 148).

[0077] Optionally, in some embodiments, the second duration is the duration between the start and stop times of the second timer. In some embodiments, the second timer value is a scaling factor, and WD 22 determines the second duration based on the scaling factor. In some embodiments, the scaling factor is based at least in part on the length of a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period. In some embodiments, the first timer is associated with WD 22 operating in accordance with a first wireless access communication standard, and the second timer is associated with WD operating in accordance with a second wireless communication standard. In some embodiments, the method includes transmitting an indication of a sleep mode of network node 16 to WD 22. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second timers is a duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink or downlink reception or transmission timer, and a measurement window timer. In some embodiments, at least one of the first and second timers is a duration timer that specifies a time window within which WD 22 can expect a transmission from network node 16 or within which WD 22 can transmit an uplink signal. In some embodiments, the time window is aligned with at least one of discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. In some embodiments, at least one of the first timer and the second timer is one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) timer and a predefined timer.

[0078] Figure 12is a flow chart of an example optional process in the wireless device 22 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. One or more blocks described herein may be performed by one or more elements of the wireless device 22, such as by one or more of the processing circuitry 84 (including the timer unit 34), the processor 86, the radio interface 82, and / or the communication interface 60. The wireless device 22 is configured, such as via the processing circuitry 84 and / or the processor 86 and / or the radio interface 82, to receive a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node 16 operates in an always-on mode with continuous on-times (Block S150). The process includes receiving a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node 16 operates in an on-off mode with on-times and off-times (Block S152). The process also includes starting or stopping the second timer only during on-times in response to a trigger (Block S154).

[0079] Optionally, in some embodiments, when a trigger is received during an off-opportunity, starting or stopping the second timer is postponed until the end of the off-opportunity. In some embodiments, the method includes: when the second timer expires during an off-opportunity, postponing execution of an action to be performed upon expiration of the second timer until the next on-opportunity. In some embodiments, the method includes: when the second timer expires during an off-opportunity, postponing execution of the action to be performed upon expiration of the second timer until after a delay. In some embodiments, the delay is configured by the network node 16. In some embodiments, the method includes: pausing the second timer when the off-opportunity begins and resuming the second timer when the off-opportunity ends. In some embodiments, the method includes: stopping the second timer when the off-opportunity begins. In some embodiments, the second timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. In some embodiments, the method includes: performing an action during an off-opportunity only if the action does not depend on transmission or reception. In some embodiments, the second duration specifies a time window within which WD 22 can expect a transmission from network node 16 or within which WD 22 can transmit an uplink signal. In some embodiments, the time window is aligned with at least one of a discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. In some embodiments, the method includes applying a first delay before triggering the action when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an off-occasion, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on-occasion.

[0080] Having described the general process flow of the arrangements of the present disclosure, and having provided examples of hardware and software arrangements for implementing the processes and functions of the present disclosure, the following sections provide details and examples of arrangements for handling wireless device (WD 22) timers and triggers during discontinuous reception and transmission (DTRX).

[0081] The sleep occasion(s) are occasions when transmission and reception are reduced or not expected at all (due to a network sleep mode for energy saving). They are therefore applicable to multiple network node sleep states (e.g. light sleep, or completely switched off cells).

[0082] Based on signaling (e.g., off / on signaling) from the network node 16, an opportunity (e.g., symbol / time slot / frame / etc.) may be designated as an off opportunity or an on opportunity. Some (e.g., predetermined or configured) opportunities may be considered "on opportunities"—for example, these may be symbols during which SSBs are transmitted. During "off opportunities," the network node is not expected to transmit or receive signals or channels. The WD 22 may expect that the network node 16 may transmit and receive signals or channels during on opportunities. In certain embodiments, during off opportunities, the network node is expected to transmit and receive signals or channels in a relatively reduced configuration (e.g., sparse in time and frequency) compared to on opportunities. In some cases, the WD 22 is not permitted to transmit (and / or receive) during off opportunities. In some cases, off opportunities may be defined for both downlink and uplink, downlink only, or uplink only. Downlink control information (DCI) messages, media access control (MAC) control elements (CEs), or radio resource control (RRC) signaling may be used to specify off opportunities.

[0083] The timer can be any of the following non-limiting examples: 1. Such timers include duration timers, inactivity timers, DTRX cycles, reference signal (RS) transmission timers, physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timers, UL / DL reception and transmission timers, or measurement window timers; 2. In one example, the on-duration timer is a time window within which WD 22 can expect a transmission from network node 16 or can transmit an UL signal. The on-duration timer can be aligned or unaligned with WD C-DRX or paging occasions (PO). In addition, WD 22 can be configured with a wake-up signal (WUS) mechanism so that it can indicate to network node 16 before or at the start of an on-duration that network node 16 should turn on during one or more upcoming on-durations; 3. The inactivity timer may be a timer triggered, for example, by ongoing transmission of data or a WD requested signal or reference signal (RS) from the network node 16 to the WD 22, or by reception of a signal (e.g., UL request) from the WD 22; 4. The DTRX period may be the period from the current on-duration timer to the next on-duration timer; 5. The timer may be one or more of the RRC timers such as T311, or any of those defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, e.g., V17.2.0 (2022-09), section 7.1; and / or 6. The timer may also be indirectly based on a time window (eg, the Medium Access Control (MAC) Random Access (RA) response window).

[0084] Detailed description from WD

[0085] The WD handling of the various timers involved in the various processes may be changed by any of the following depending on the off occasions when transmission and reception are not expected (e.g., due to a network sleep mode for energy saving):

[0086] To start or restart a timer:

[0087] The timer may be started (or restarted) only outside of an off opportunity. If the start is to be triggered when in one of the off opportunities, the WD 22 may delay the start of the timer until the end of the off opportunity (i.e., transmission and / or reception is resumed or until the next on opportunity). In another example, if the start is to be triggered when in one of the off opportunities, the WD 22 may delay the start of the timer, wherein the delay may be explicitly indicated by the network node 16 via higher layer signaling such as a MAC control element (CE), RRC signaling, or the like. Such timers may include a WD C-DRX on-duration timer and inactivity timer, a DRX cycle, an RS transmission timer, a PRACH opportunity timer, an UL / DL reception and transmission timer, or a measurement window timer;

[0088] Timer expires:

[0089] When the timer expires, WD 22 may trigger the corresponding action only if the timer expired outside of an off-opportunity. If the timer expires during one of the off-opportunities, WD 22 delays the corresponding action until the off-opportunity ends, or a certain delay has passed (this delay may be explicitly indicated by network node 16 via higher-layer signaling such as MAC-CE or RRC signaling), or until the next on-opportunity. Such actions may include any action requiring the transmission or reception of a signal or channel from network node 16.

[0090] In some embodiments, if the corresponding action does not require or depend on any transmission or reception, the WD 22 may perform the corresponding action upon expiration of the timer, for example, releasing a configuration or starting / restarting other timers;

[0091] Timer stopped:

[0092] The timer can be stopped only outside of an off-occasion. If the stop is to be triggered when one of the off-occasions occurs, the WD 22 may delay stopping the timer until the off-occasion ends (i.e., transmission and / or reception is resumed) or a certain delay has elapsed (which may be explicitly indicated by the network node 16 via higher layer signaling such as MAC-CE, RRC signaling) or until the next on-occasion.

[0093] Timer pause-resume:

[0094] A running timer may be paused at the beginning of an off occasion and resumed at the end of a sleep occasion. Such a pause-resume action may be applied to timers that may require transmission and reception of signals or channels from the network node 16 (e.g., random access response, DRX DL / UL retransmission timer, etc.);

[0095] The WD handling of the various timers described above may be controlled by any of the following non-limiting examples: - Higher layer signaling, e.g., RRC configuration or system information (SI) broadcast; o WD 22 may be configured with different behavior for each timer or group of timers; and / or o Alternatively, if no specific configuration is provided for a timer or a group of timers, a default value or default pre-configuration is relevant; and / or - controlled behavior via L1 / L2 signaling such as MAC CE / Downlink Control Information (DCI); - Implicit handling based on the WD knowing the network node sleep occasion or shutdown occasion (e.g., specified in 3GPP TS 38.331 or determined by the WD implementation); - for some timers (eg, DRX on-duration timer, etc.), the timer behavior may not be affected by the off-occasion (and on-occasion), i.e., the WD 22 applies the timer behavior as in the conventional case; and / or - implicitly based on WD action, e.g., a physical random access channel (PRACH) transmission or UL request during an on-occasion. It may be specified, for example, that whenever a WD 22 triggers this procedure, the network node 16 may assume that the WD 22 is handling the timer as specified, for example, in section 7.1.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331, e.g., V17.2.0 (2022-09); Otherwise, WD 22 may handle the timer according to any of the above solutions.

[0096] In some embodiments, when network node 16 operates with on / off timing, a different set of network node configuration timers is used. The values of the second set of timers are explicitly configured or derived by WD 22 based on scaling parameters configured by network node 16 or predefined scaling rules that depend on the network node on / off timing; and / or

[0097] In some embodiments, WD 22 obtains configuration information that configures WD 22 to monitor and / or receive signaling for on / off timing. For at least one timer, the WD action associated with the timer applied by WD 22 may be based on whether the start / expiration / stop occurs during the off timing or during the on timing. If the start / expiration / stop occurs during the off timing, WD 22 may apply the associated action with a first delay value. If the start / expiration / stop occurs during the on timing or the off timing, WD 22 may apply the associated action with a second delay value, wherein the second delay value is different from (e.g., less than) the first delay value. In some embodiments, the second delay value is 0. In some embodiments, the first delay value is determined based on the end of (one or more) off timings.

[0098] Therefore, in some embodiments, WD 22 is optionally configured to handle a timer in WD 22 and / or trigger an action associated with the timer in WD 22 based at least in part on network node 16 operating in a sleep opportunity of network node 16. In some embodiments, handling includes at least one of: starting or restarting a timer outside of a sleep opportunity by delaying starting or restarting the timer until outside of a sleep opportunity; stopping a timer outside of a sleep opportunity by delaying stopping the timer until outside of a sleep opportunity; and pausing the timer when a sleep opportunity begins and resuming the timer at the end of a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, triggering includes at least one of: triggering an associated action outside of a sleep opportunity when the timer expires outside of a sleep opportunity; triggering an associated action outside of a sleep opportunity when the timer expires within a sleep opportunity by delaying triggering of the associated action until outside of a sleep opportunity; and triggering an associated action immediately upon expiration of the timer when the associated action does not require or depend on transmission to or receipt from network node 16. In some embodiments, handling includes handling a timer in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity, and / or triggering includes triggering an associated action in a conventional manner regardless of whether the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device having sent a physical random access control channel (PRACH) transmission to the network node 16 during one of a power-on opportunity and a power-off opportunity of the network node 16, or during a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device's knowledge that the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity, as specified by a standard specification for the wireless device or as derived from an implementation behavior of the wireless device. In some embodiments, the WD 22 is configured to receive an indication from the network node 16 that the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity, wherein handling and / or triggering is performed based at least in part on the received indication. In some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding the handling of the timer and / or the triggering of an associated action; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding the handling of the timer and / or the triggering of an associated action; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding the handling of the timer and / or the triggering of an associated action; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding the handling of the timer and / or the triggering of an associated action. In some embodiments, the handling includes using another timer and / or another timer value for the another timer when the network node 16 is operating in a sleep mode. In some embodiments, the WD 22 is configured to receive configuration information regarding the another timer and / or another timer value from the network node 16. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the another timer value is derived by the wireless device by applying a predefined scaling rule to the timer value of the timer.In some embodiments, the handling includes applying a first delay before triggering the associated action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during a dormant occasion of the network node 16, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on occasion of the network node 16. In some embodiments, the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer.

[0099] Detailed description of network nodes

[0100] In some embodiments, the WD 22 side handling may differ depending on the service or other facts. The WD 22 may apply the complete "DTRX timer" handling according to the above, or only handle some "timers" in this manner while handling other timers in a conventional manner.

[0101] In some embodiments, the NG-RAN node instructs the WD 22 to start / stop the "DTRX timer" process mentioned above. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when the WD 22 is using a certain timer, some other timer may be configured by the network node 16 via RRC. In some embodiments, some other timer may be hard-coded in the WD 22.

[0102] In some embodiments, the NG-RAN node can control when WD 22 uses the aforementioned "DTRX timer" handling via configuration or predefined rules (e.g., based on 5QI and traffic characteristics). Thus, a network cell may not be completely "off," but instead be able to handle emergency transmissions. The network can determine this based on the WDs and services it currently serves. In some embodiments, "sleep opportunities" are not signaled to WD 22. WD 22 is instructed to suspend the timer handling and is later instructed to resume it.

[0103] In some embodiments, network node 16 configures two sets of values for one or more timers, one set of values applicable when network node 16 is always on (legacy values), and another set of values applicable when network node 16 is operating with "on / off timing." In this way, WD 22 behaves as in the legacy process, but uses different timer values depending on the network node's operating mode. In some embodiments, network node 16 provides timer scaling parameters in place of the second set of values. When network node 16 is operating with "on / off timing," a scaled version of the timer value is applied. Through this scaling, network node 16 can adapt the timer length to the "on / off timing" in which it is operating (e.g., a larger scaling factor when operating in a long DTRX cycle and a shorter scaling factor when operating in a short DTRX cycle).

[0104] Therefore, optionally, in some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to transmit an indication to the wireless device that the network node 16 is operating in a sleep opportunity. In some embodiments, the indication includes at least one of: radio resource control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions; system information (SI) broadcast signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions; downlink control information (DCI) signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions; and media access control (MAC) signaling regarding handling timers and / or trigger-associated actions. In some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to transmit to the wireless device configuration information regarding another timer and / or another timer value to be used during the sleep opportunity of the network node 16. In some embodiments, the configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the another timer value. In some embodiments, the network node 16 is configured to transmit to the wireless device an instruction to pause handling timers in the wireless device and a further instruction to resume handling timers.

[0105] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following: Embodiment A1. A network node configured to communicate with a wireless device (WD), the network node being configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or comprising a processing circuit and being configured to: Configuring WD to either start or stop the timer; and The WD is configured with a timer value for the timer, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node operates with an on / off opportunity. Embodiment A2. The network node of embodiment A1, wherein when the WD operates according to a first wireless communication standard, the timer value is a first timer value, and when the WD operates according to a second wireless communication standard, the timer value is a second timer value different from the first timer value, the first wireless communication standard does not support on / off timing, and the second wireless communication standard supports on / off timing. Embodiment A3. The network node of any of embodiments A1 and A2, wherein configuring the WD with a timer value comprises configuring the WD with a scaling parameter to be used by the WD when the network node operates with an on / off opportunity. Embodiment A4. The network node of Embodiment A3, wherein the network node, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuitry is further configured to determine the scaling parameter based at least in part on a length of the DTRX cycle. Embodiment A5. The network node of any of Embodiments A1-A4, wherein the network node, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuitry is further configured to: signal the sleep opportunity to the WD. Embodiment B1. A method implemented in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD, the method comprising: Configuring WD to either start or stop the timer; and The WD is configured with a timer value for the timer, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node operates with an on / off opportunity. Embodiment B2. The method of embodiment B1, wherein when the WD operates according to a first wireless communication standard, the timer value is a first timer value, and when the WD operates according to a second wireless communication standard, the timer value is a second timer value different from the first timer value, the first wireless communication standard does not support on / off timing, and the second wireless communication standard supports on / off timing. Embodiment B3. The method of any of embodiments B1 and B2, wherein configuring the WD with a timer value comprises configuring the WD with a scaling parameter to be used by the WD when the network node operates with an on / off opportunity. Embodiment B4. The method of embodiment B3, further comprising determining a scaling parameter based at least in part on a length of a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) cycle. Embodiment B5. The method of any of embodiments B1-B4, further comprising: signaling a sleep opportunity to the WD. Embodiment C1. A wireless device (WD) configured to communicate with a network node, the WD being configured to, and / or comprising a radio interface and / or processing circuitry and being configured to: receiving a timer value from a network node; and A timer is started having a duration based at least in part on a timer value, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node is in one of a power-off occasion and a power-on occasion. Embodiment C2. The WD of Embodiment C1, wherein the WD, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuitry is configured to delay starting of the timer according to a preconfigured delay. Embodiment C3. The WD of any one of embodiments C1 and C2, wherein the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. Embodiment C4. The WD of any of embodiments C1-C3, wherein the WD, radio interface, and / or processing circuitry is configured to trigger an action upon expiration of the timer when the expiration of the timer occurs outside of a shutdown opportunity. Embodiment C5. The WD of any of embodiments C1-C3, wherein the WD, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuitry is further configured to perform the action upon expiration of a timer when the action does not depend on transmission or reception. Embodiment C6. The WD of any of embodiments C1-C5, wherein the WD, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuit is further configured to stop the timer when the network node is in a shutdown opportunity. Embodiment C7. The WD of any of Embodiments C1-C6, wherein the WD, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuitry is further configured to pause the timer when a shutdown opportunity begins. Embodiment C8. The WD of any of Embodiments C1-C7, wherein the timer value includes a scaling parameter. Embodiment C9. The WD of any of embodiments C1-C8, wherein the WD, the radio interface, and / or the processing circuitry is configured to apply a first delay before triggering the action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an off opportunity, and to apply a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on opportunity. Embodiment D1. A method implemented in a wireless device (WD), the method comprising: receiving a timer value from a network node; and A timer is started having a duration based at least in part on a timer value, the timer value being based at least in part on whether the network node is in one of a power-off occasion and a power-on occasion. Embodiment D2. The method of embodiment D1 further comprises delaying the start of the timer according to a preconfigured delay. Embodiment D3. The method of any one of embodiments D1 and D2, wherein the timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception DRX timer, a discontinuous transmission DTX timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel PRACH opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. Embodiment D4. The method of any of embodiments D1-D3, further comprising: triggering an action upon expiration of the timer when the expiration of the timer occurs outside of a closed opportunity. Embodiment D5. The method of any of embodiments D1-D3, further comprising: performing the action upon expiration of a timer when the action does not depend on transmission or reception. Embodiment D6. The method of any one of embodiments D1-D5, further comprising: stopping the timer when the network node is in a shutdown phase. Embodiment D7. The method of any of embodiments D1-D6, further comprising pausing the timer when the closing opportunity begins. Embodiment D8. The method of any of embodiments D1-D7, wherein the timer value includes a scaling parameter. Embodiment D9. The method of any of embodiments D1-D8, further comprising: applying a first delay before triggering the action when the timer is started, expires, and stopped during an off-time period, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is started, expires, and stopped during an on-time period.

[0106] Some embodiments may include one or more of the following: 1. A network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD, the network node being configured to: configuring the WD with a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node (16) operates in an always-on mode with continuous on opportunities; and The WD is configured with a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node (16) operates in an on-off mode having an on occasion and an off occasion. 2. The network node of embodiment 1, wherein the second duration is respectively the duration between the start time and the stop time of the second timer. 3. The network node of embodiment 1, wherein the second timer value is a scaling factor, and the WD determines the second duration according to the scaling factor. 4. The network node of embodiment 3, wherein the scaling factor is based at least in part on a length of a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) cycle. 5. The network node (16) of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the first timer is associated with WD operation according to a first wireless access communication standard, and the second timer is associated with WD operation according to a second wireless communication standard. 6. The network node of any one of embodiments 1-5, wherein the network node is configured to transmit an indication of a sleep mode of the network node to the WD. 7. The network node of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein at least one of the first timer and the second timer is a duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) period, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink or downlink reception or transmission timer, and a measurement window timer. 8. The network node of any one of embodiments 1-6, wherein at least one of the first timer and the second timer is a duration timer that specifies a time window within which the WD can expect a transmission from the network node (16) or within which the WD can transmit an uplink signal. 9. The network node of embodiment 8, wherein the time window is aligned with at least one of discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. 10. The network node of any one of embodiments 1-9, wherein at least one of the first timer and the second timer is one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) timer and a predefined timer. 11. A method in a network node configured to communicate with a wireless device WD, the method comprising: configuring the WD with a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on opportunities; and The WD is configured with a second timer value for determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode having an on occasion and an off occasion. 12. The method of embodiment 11, wherein the second duration is respectively the duration between the start time and the stop time of the second timer. 13. The method of embodiment 11, wherein the second timer value is a scaling factor according to which the WD determines the second duration. 14. The method of embodiment 13, wherein the scaling factor is based at least in part on the length of the discontinuous transmission and reception (DTRX) cycle. 15. The method of any one of embodiments 11-14, wherein the first timer is associated with WD operation according to a first wireless access communication standard, and the second timer is associated with WD operation according to a second wireless communication standard. 16. The method of any one of embodiments 11-15, further comprising: transmitting an indication of the sleep mode of the network node (16) to the WD. 17. The method of any one of embodiments 11-16, wherein at least one of the first timer and the second timer is a duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous transmission and reception DTRX period, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel PRACH opportunity timer, an uplink or downlink reception or transmission timer, and a measurement window timer. 18. The method of any of embodiments 11-16, wherein at least one of the first timer and the second timer is a duration timer that specifies a time window within which the WD can expect a transmission from the network node (16), or within which the WD can transmit an uplink signal. 19. The method of embodiment 18, wherein the time window is aligned with at least one of discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. 20. The method of any one of embodiments 11-19, wherein at least one of the first timer and the second timer is one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) timer and a predefined timer. 31. A wireless device WD configured to communicate with a network node, the WD being configured to: receiving a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on opportunities; receiving a second timer value for use in determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode having an on occasion and an off occasion; and In response to the trigger, the second timer is started or stopped only during the on opportunity. 32. The WD of embodiment 31, wherein when the trigger is received during a shutdown opportunity, starting or stopping the second timer is postponed until the end of the shutdown opportunity. 33. The WD of any one of embodiments 31 and 32, wherein the WD is configured to, when the second timer expires during an off-occasion, defer execution of an action to be executed upon expiration of the second timer to a next on-occasion. 34. The WD of any one of embodiments 31 and 32, wherein the WD is configured to, when the second timer expires during the off opportunity, defer execution of the action to be executed upon expiration of the second timer until after a delay. 35. The WD of embodiment 34, wherein the delay is configured by the network node (16). 36. The WD of any one of embodiments 31-35, wherein the WD is configured to pause the second timer when the shutdown opportunity begins and resume the second timer when the shutdown opportunity ends. 37. The WD of any one of embodiments 31-36, wherein the WD is configured to stop the second timer when the shutdown opportunity begins. 38. The WD of any one of embodiments 31-37, wherein the second timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. 39. The WD of any one of embodiments 31-38, wherein the WD is configured to perform an action during a shutdown opportunity only if the action does not depend on transmission or reception. 40. The WD of any of embodiments 31-39, wherein the second duration specifies a time window within which the WD may expect a transmission from the network node or within which the WD may transmit an uplink signal. 41. The WD of embodiment 40, wherein the time window is aligned with at least one of discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. 42. The WD of any of embodiments 31-41, wherein the WD is configured to apply a first delay before triggering the action when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an off opportunity, and to apply a second delay different from the first delay when the second timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during an on opportunity. 43. A method in a wireless device WD configured to communicate with a network node, the method comprising: receiving a first timer value for determining a first duration of a first timer to be used when the network node operates in an always-on mode with continuous on opportunities; receiving a second timer value for use in determining a second duration of a second timer to be used when the network node operates in an on-off mode having an on occasion and an off occasion; and In response to the trigger, the second timer is started or stopped only during the on opportunity. 44. The method of embodiment 43, wherein when the trigger is received during a shutdown opportunity, starting or stopping the second timer is postponed until the end of the shutdown opportunity. 45. The method of any one of embodiments 43 and 44, further comprising: when the second timer expires during the off occasion, postponing the execution of the action to be executed upon expiration of the second timer to the next on occasion. 46. The method of any of embodiments 43 and 44, further comprising: when the second timer expires during the off opportunity, postponing the execution of the action to be performed when the second timer expires until after a delay. 47. The method of embodiment 46, wherein the delay is configured by the network node. 48. The method of any of embodiments 43-47, further comprising pausing the second timer when the closing opportunity begins and resuming the second timer when the closing opportunity ends. 49. The method of any of embodiments 43-48, further comprising: stopping the second timer when the closing opportunity begins. 50. The method of any one of embodiments 43-49, wherein the second timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception (DRX) timer, a discontinuous transmission (DTX) timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel (PRACH) opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer. 51. The method of any of embodiments 43-50, further comprising: performing the action during a shutdown opportunity only if the action does not depend on transmission or reception. 52. The method of any of embodiments 43-51, wherein the second duration specifies a time window within which the WD may expect a transmission from the network node or within which the WD may transmit an uplink signal. 53. The method of embodiment 52, wherein the time window is aligned with at least one of discontinuous reception and a paging occasion. 54. The method of any of embodiments 43-53 further includes: applying a first delay before triggering the action when the second timer is started, expires, and stopped during the off opportunity, and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the second timer is started, expires, and stopped during the on opportunity.

[0107] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the concepts described herein may be implemented as methods, data processing systems, computer program products, and / or computer storage media storing executable computer programs. Thus, the concepts described herein may take the form of all-hardware embodiments, all-software embodiments, or embodiments combining software and hardware, all of which are generally referred to herein as "circuits" or "modules." Any process, step, action, and / or functionality described herein may be performed by, and / or associated with, corresponding modules, which may be implemented in software and / or firmware and / or hardware. In addition, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product on a tangible, computer-usable storage medium in which computer program code is implemented, which may be executed by a computer. Any suitable tangible, computer-readable medium may be utilized, including a hard disk, CD-ROM, electronic storage device, optical storage device, or magnetic storage device.

[0108] Some embodiments are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, systems, and computer program products. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, may be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer (thereby creating a special-purpose computer), a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to produce a machine such that instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing device create components for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more blocks of the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0109] These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable memory or storage medium, thereby directing a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a specific manner, so that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture that includes instruction components that implement the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0110] Computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer or other programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer or other programmable device provide steps for implementing the functions / actions specified in one or more boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0111] It is understood that the functions / actions noted in the blocks may not occur in the order noted in the operational diagrams. For example, two blocks shown in succession may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality / actions involved. Although some figures include arrows on communication paths to illustrate the primary direction of communication, it is understood that communication may occur in the direction opposite to the depicted arrows.

[0112] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the concepts described herein can be used in languages such as Python, or C++. However, the computer program code for performing the operations of the present disclosure may also be written in a conventional procedural programming language, such as the "C" programming language. The program code may be executed 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 the remote computer. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection may be made to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0113] Many different embodiments are disclosed herein in conjunction with the above description and accompanying drawings. It will be understood that literally describing and illustrating every combination and subcombination of these embodiments would be unduly repetitive and obfuscating. Therefore, all embodiments may be combined in any manner and / or combination, and this specification, including the accompanying drawings, should be deemed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and subcombinations of the embodiments described herein, as well as the manner and process of making and using them, and should support claims to any such combination or subcombination.

[0114] Abbreviations that may be used in the preceding description include: Abbreviations explain ACK AMF Access and Mobility Management Function AN Access Network AS access layer CE Control Elements CMAS Commercial Mobile Alarm System CN Core Network CSS cross-time slot scheduling CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check DCI Downlink Control Information DL Downlink DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal DN Data Network DRB Data Radio Bearer DRX Discontinuous Reception eNB base station in LTE ETWS Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System Base stations in gNB NR HARQ Hybrid Automatic Request IP Internet Protocol L2 Layer 2 L3 Layer 3 LTE Long Term Evolution MAC Media Access Control MM Mobility Management NACK Negative ACK NAS Non-Access Stratum NDI New Data Indicator NR New Radio NW Network PC5 Link for direct link communication PDU Packet Data Unit PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel PO Paging Time PF paging frame ProSe Proximity-Based Services PSFCH Physical direct link feedback channel PSCCH Physical Direct Link Control Channel PSSCH Physical direct link shared channel PSBCH Physical Direct Link Broadcast Channel PSS Primary Synchronization Signal PDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol RB Radio Bearer PEI Paging Early Indication RAN Radio Access Network RLC Radio Link Control RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier RRC Radio Resource Control RSRP Reference Signal Received Power RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality RV Redundancy Version SCI Direct Link Control Information SL-RNTI Direct Link-RNTI SIB System Information Block SM Session Management SRB Signalling Radio Bearer SSS Secondary synchronization signal S-PSS Direct Link-PSS S-SSS Direct Link-SSS SSID Direct Link Synchronization Identifier TAI Tracking Area Identifier TB transfer block TR Technical Report UCI Uplink Control Information UE User Equipment (wireless device in 3GPP system) UL Uplink WD Wireless Devices WG Working Group WUS wake-up signal

[0115] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments described herein are not limited to what has been particularly shown and described herein. In addition, unless otherwise indicated above, it should be noted that all drawings are not drawn to scale. In light of the above teachings, various modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless device (WD) (22) configured to communicate with a network node (16), the WD (22) being configured to: based at least in part on the network node (16) operating in a sleep opportunity, process a timer in the WD (22) and / or trigger an action of the WD (22) associated with the timer.

2. The WD (22) according to claim 1, wherein The treatment includes at least one of the following: Starting or restarting the timer outside the sleep opportunity by delaying starting or restarting the timer until outside the sleep opportunity; stopping the timer outside of the sleep opportunity by delaying stopping of the timer until outside of the sleep opportunity; and The timer is paused when the sleep opportunity begins and resumed when the sleep opportunity ends.

3. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein The triggering includes at least one of the following: triggering an associated action outside the sleep opportunity when the timer has expired outside the sleep opportunity; When the timer has expired within the sleep opportunity, triggering the associated action outside the sleep opportunity by delaying the triggering of the associated action until outside the sleep opportunity; and When the association action does not require or rely on transmission to or reception from the network node (16), the association action is triggered immediately upon expiration of the timer.

4. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein Handling the timer is independent of whether the network node (16) operates in the sleep opportunity, and wherein triggering comprises triggering an associated action independent of whether the network node (16) operates in the sleep opportunity.

5. The WD (22) according to claim 4, wherein The handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device having sent a physical random access control channel (PRACH) transmission to the network node (16) during an on occasion of the network node (16) or during the dormant occasion.

6. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device's knowledge that the network node (16) is operating in the sleep opportunity, as specified by a standard specification for the wireless device or as derived from an implemented behavior of the wireless device.

7. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1-6, the WD (22) being configured to receive an indication from the network node (16) that the network node (16) is operating in a sleep opportunity, wherein The treating and / or triggering is performed based at least in part on the received indication.

8. The WD (22) according to claim 7, wherein The instructions include at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling of said timers and / or triggering associated actions; System information SI broadcast signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; as well as Media Access Control (MAC) signaling regarding handling of said timer and / or triggering associated actions.

9. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein The handling includes using another timer and / or another timer value of the another timer when the network node (16) operates in the sleep opportunity.

10. The WD (22) of claim 9, the WD (22) being configured to receive configuration information about a further timer and / or a further timer value from the network node (16).

11. The WD (22) according to claim 10, wherein The configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the further timer value.

12. The WD (22) according to claim 9, wherein The another timer value is derived by the wireless device by applying a predefined scaling rule with respect to a timer value of the timer.

13. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein The handling includes applying a first delay before triggering an associated action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during the sleep occasion of the network node (16), and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during the power-on occasion of the network node (16).

14. The WD (22) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein The timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception DRX timer, a discontinuous transmission DTX timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel PRACH opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer.

15. A method implemented in WD (22), the method comprising: Based at least in part on the network node (16) operating in a sleep opportunity, a timer in the WD (22) is processed and / or an action of the WD (22) associated with the timer is triggered (S136).

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein The treatment includes at least one of the following: Starting or restarting the timer outside the sleep opportunity by delaying starting or restarting the timer until outside the sleep opportunity; stopping the timer outside of the sleep opportunity by delaying stopping of the timer until outside of the sleep opportunity; and The timer is paused when the sleep opportunity begins and resumed when the sleep opportunity ends.

17. The method according to any one of claims 15 and 16, wherein: The trigger includes at least one of the following: When the timer has expired outside the sleep opportunity, triggering an associated action outside the sleep opportunity; When the timer has expired within the sleep opportunity, triggering the associated action outside the sleep opportunity by delaying the triggering of the associated action until outside the sleep opportunity; and When the association action does not require or rely on transmission to or reception from the network node (16), the association action is triggered immediately upon expiration of the timer.

18. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein: Handling the timer is independent of whether the network node (16) operates in the sleep opportunity, and wherein triggering comprises triggering an associated action independent of whether the network node (16) operates in the sleep opportunity.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein The handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device having sent a physical random access control channel (PRACH) transmission to the network node (16) during an on occasion of the network node (16) or during the dormant occasion.

20. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein: The handling and / or triggering is based at least in part on the wireless device's knowledge that the network node (16) is operating in the sleep opportunity, as specified by a standard specification for the wireless device or as derived from an implemented behavior of the wireless device.

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising: An indication is received from the network node (16) that the network node (16) is operating in a sleep opportunity, wherein the handling and / or triggering is performed based at least in part on the received indication.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein The instructions include at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling of said timers and / or triggering associated actions; System information SI broadcast signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; as well as Media Access Control (MAC) signaling regarding handling of said timer and / or triggering associated actions.

23. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 22, wherein: The handling includes using another timer and / or another timer value of the another timer when the network node (16) operates in the sleep opportunity.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising: Configuration information regarding the further timer and / or the further timer value is received from the network node (16).

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein The configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the further timer value.

26. The method according to claim 23, wherein The another timer value is derived by the wireless device by applying a predefined scaling rule with respect to a timer value of the timer.

27. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein: The handling includes applying a first delay before triggering an associated action when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during the sleep occasion of the network node (16), and applying a second delay different from the first delay when the timer is one of started, expired, and stopped during the power-on occasion of the network node (16).

28. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein: The timer is one of an on-duration timer, an inactivity timer, a discontinuous reception DRX timer, a discontinuous transmission DTX timer, a reference signal transmission timer, a physical random access channel PRACH opportunity timer, an uplink timer, a downlink timer, and a measurement window timer.

29. A network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device WD (22), the network node (16) being configured to: An indication that the network node (16) is operating in a sleep opportunity is transmitted (S134) to the wireless device.

30. The network node (16) according to claim 29, wherein The instructions include at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling of at least one of said timers and triggering associated actions; System information SI broadcast signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; as well as Media Access Control (MAC) signaling regarding handling of said timer and / or triggering associated actions.

31. The network node (16) according to any one of claims 29 and 30, the network node (16) being configured to transmit configuration information to the wireless device regarding a further timer and / or a further timer value to be used during the sleep occasion of the network node (16).

32. The network node (16) according to claim 31, wherein The configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the further timer value.

33. The network node (16) according to any one of claims 29-32, the network node (16) being configured to transmit to the wireless device an instruction to suspend handling of a timer in the wireless device and a further instruction to resume handling of the timer.

34. A method implemented in a network node (16) configured to communicate with a wireless device WD (22), the method comprising: An indication that the network node (16) is operating in a sleep opportunity is transmitted (134) to the wireless device.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The instructions include at least one of the following: Radio Resource Control (RRC) configuration signaling regarding handling of said timers and / or triggering associated actions; System information SI broadcast signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; Downlink Control Information (DCI) signaling regarding handling of the timer and / or triggering associated actions; as well as Media Access Control (MAC) signaling regarding handling of said timer and / or triggering associated actions.

36. The method according to any one of claims 34 and 35, further comprising: Configuration information regarding another timer and / or another timer value to be used during the sleep occasion of the network node (16) is transmitted to the wireless device.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein The configuration information includes a scaling parameter for the further timer value.

38. The method according to any one of claims 34 to 37, further comprising: Instructions to suspend processing of a timer in the wireless device and further instructions to resume processing of the timer are transmitted to the wireless device.

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