Apparatus, method and computer program

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus comprising: means for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode; means for sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to the network node; and means for activating a cell configuration stored at the device while the device is in the active mode or is entering the active mode after the cell measurement has been transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to a method, an apparatus and a computer program, and particularly, but not exclusively, to an apparatus, a method and a computer program for configuring a cell. Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be considered as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities (such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes) by providing a carrier between the various entities involved in the communication path. A communication system can be provided, for example, by means of a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session may include, for example, data communications used to carry communications, such as voice, video, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of the services provided include two-way or multi-way calls, data communications or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet. In a wireless communication system, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations occurs over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local area networks (e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs)). Some wireless systems can be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0003] A user may access the communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal. The user's communication device may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device.

[0004] Communication systems and associated equipment typically operate according to a given standard or regulation that sets out what the various entities associated with the system are allowed to do and how this should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters that should be used for the connection are also typically defined. One example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Other examples of communication systems are the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology and the so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) networks. NR is being standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; means for sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and means for activating the stored cell configuration at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode, after the cell measurements have been sent.

[0006] According to some examples, the means for storing is configured to store the cell configuration when the apparatus is in an idle or inactive mode.

[0007] According to some examples, the means for activating the stored cell configuration is arranged to activate the stored cell configuration autonomously.

[0008] According to some examples, by autonomously activating the stored cell configuration means that the stored cell configuration is activated without an explicit command from the network.

[0009] According to some examples, the apparatus includes means for sending information of an activation time for activating the stored cell configuration to the network node.

[0010] According to some examples, the activation time information is included in one or more of: downlink control information; a medium access control control element; a timer value.

[0011] According to some examples, an apparatus includes means for one or both of: performing one or more cell measurements; and evaluating one or more cell measurements.

[0012] According to some examples, an apparatus is configured to, in response to receiving a conditional cell activation message from a network node, perform performing one or more cell measurements or perform evaluating one or more cell measurements.

[0013] According to some examples, the apparatus comprises means for searching available measurements for the cell from storage at the apparatus.

[0014] According to some examples, the apparatus comprises means for receiving information from a network node indicating which resources to use when in active mode.

[0015] According to some examples, the apparatus includes means for sending information of a channel index to a base station.

[0016] According to some examples, the channel index comprises a reference signal index.

[0017] According to some examples, the reference signal index includes one of: a synchronization signal block reference signal; a channel state information reference signal.

[0018] According to some examples, activating the stored cell configuration is conditional on at least one threshold being met, the apparatus comprising means for verifying whether the threshold has been met.

[0019] According to some examples, the threshold includes one of: synchronization signal block reference signal reception power; synchronization signal block reference signal reception quality.

[0020] According to some examples, the cell configuration includes a radio resource control configuration.

[0021] According to some examples, the network node to which the one or more cell measurements are sent comprises a base station.

[0022] According to some examples, the cell includes one of: a secondary cell; a primary secondary cell.

[0023] According to some examples, the apparatus includes user equipment.

[0024] According to some examples, a component includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0025] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: store a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; send one or more cell measurements of cells associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and, after the cell measurements have been sent, activate the stored cell configuration at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: a circuit system for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; a circuit system for sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and a circuit system for activating the stored cell configuration at the apparatus after the cell measurements have been sent and while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: storing a cell configuration for use when an apparatus is in active mode; sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and after the cell measurements have been sent, activating the stored cell configuration at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0028] According to some examples, the method includes storing a cell configuration while the apparatus is in an idle or inactive mode.

[0029] According to some examples, activating the stored cell configuration comprises autonomously activating the stored cell configuration.

[0030] According to some examples, by autonomously activating the stored cell configuration means that the stored cell configuration is activated without explicit instructions from the network.

[0031] According to some examples, the method includes sending information of an activation time for activating the stored cell configuration to the network node.

[0032] According to some examples, the activation time information is included in one or more of: downlink control information; a medium access control control element; a timer value.

[0033] According to some examples, a method includes one or both of: performing one or more cell measurements; and evaluating one or more cell measurements.

[0034] According to some examples, in response to receiving a conditional cell activation message from a network node, one or more cell measurements are performed or one or more cell measurements are evaluated.

[0035] According to some examples, the method includes searching available measurements for the cell from storage at the device.

[0036] According to some examples, the method includes receiving information from a network node indicating which resources to use when in active mode.

[0037] According to some examples, the method includes sending information of a channel index to a base station.

[0038] According to some examples, the channel index comprises a reference signal index.

[0039] According to some examples, the reference signal index includes one of: a synchronization signal block reference signal; a channel state information reference signal.

[0040] According to some examples, activating the stored cell configuration is conditional on at least one threshold being met, and the method includes checking whether the threshold has been met.

[0041] According to some examples, the threshold includes one of: synchronization signal block reference signal reception power; synchronization signal block reference signal reception quality.

[0042] According to some examples, the cell configuration includes a radio resource control configuration.

[0043] According to some examples, the network node to which the one or more cell measurements are sent comprises a base station.

[0044] According to some examples, the cell includes one of: a secondary cell; a primary secondary cell.

[0045] According to some examples, the apparatus includes user equipment.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following: store a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; send one or more cell measurements of cells associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and, after the cell measurements have been sent, activate the stored cell configuration at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions stored thereon for performing the following: storing a cell configuration for use when an apparatus is in active mode; sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and after the cell measurements have been sent, activating the stored cell configuration at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0048] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least perform the following: store a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; send one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and, after the cell measurements have been sent, activate the cell configuration stored at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0049] According to an eighth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, the computer-readable medium comprising program instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following: storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and after the cell measurements have been sent, activating the stored cell configuration at the apparatus while the apparatus is in active mode or is entering active mode.

[0050] According to the ninth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a component for allocating resources configured by a cell to a user equipment; a component for storing information of the allocated resources at the device; and a component for sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in active mode or enters active mode in the cell.

[0051] According to some examples, the means for storing is configured to store information of the allocated resources while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive mode.

[0052] According to some examples, an apparatus includes means for receiving information of one or more cell measurements from a user equipment and associating those measurements with a cell.

[0053] According to some examples, an apparatus includes means for receiving information of a reference signal index from a user equipment.

[0054] According to some examples, the reference signal index includes one of: a synchronization signal block reference signal; a channel state information reference signal.

[0055] According to some examples, an apparatus includes means for sending a conditional activation command to a user equipment, wherein a condition of the conditional activation command includes a threshold value.

[0056] According to some examples, the apparatus includes means for sending a cell configuration deactivation command to the user equipment when the threshold is not met.

[0057] According to some examples, an apparatus includes a base station.

[0058] According to some examples, a component includes at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause execution of the apparatus.

[0059] According to the tenth aspect, a device is provided, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, causes the device to at least perform: allocating resources configured for a cell to a user equipment; storing information of the allocated resources at the device; and sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in active mode or enters active mode in the cell.

[0060] According to the eleventh aspect, a device is provided, comprising: a circuit system for allocating resources configured in a cell to a user equipment; a circuit system for storing information of the allocated resources at the device; and a circuit system for sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment, for use when the user equipment is in active mode or enters active mode in the cell.

[0061] According to the twelfth aspect, a method is provided, comprising: allocating resources configured by a cell to a user equipment; storing information of the allocated resources at a device; and sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in active mode or enters active mode in the cell.

[0062] According to some examples, a method includes storing information of allocated resources while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive mode.

[0063] According to some examples, a method includes receiving information of one or more cell measurements from a user equipment and associating those measurements with a cell.

[0064] According to some examples, a method includes receiving information of a reference signal index from a user equipment.

[0065] According to some examples, the reference signal index includes one of: a synchronization signal block reference signal; a channel state information reference signal.

[0066] According to some examples, a method includes sending a conditional activation command to a user equipment, wherein a condition of the conditional activation command includes a threshold value.

[0067] According to some examples, the method includes sending a cell configuration deactivation command to the user equipment when the threshold is not met.

[0068] According to some examples, an apparatus includes a base station.

[0069] According to the thirteenth aspect, a computer program comprising instructions is provided, which, when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform at least the following: allocating resources configured for a cell to a user device; storing information of the allocated resources at the apparatus; and sending information of the allocated resources to the user device for use when the user equipment is in active mode or enters active mode in the cell.

[0070] According to the fourteenth aspect, a computer program is provided, which includes instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following items: allocating resources configured by a cell to a user equipment; storing information of the allocated resources at a device; and sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in an active mode or enters an active mode in a cell.

[0071] According to the fifteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising program instructions is provided, which, when executed by an apparatus, causes the apparatus to perform at least the following: allocating resources configured for a cell to a user device; storing information of the allocated resources at the apparatus; and sending information of the allocated resources to the user device for use when the user equipment is in an active mode or enters an active mode in a cell.

[0072] According to the sixteenth aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is provided, which includes instructions stored thereon for performing at least the following items: allocating resources configured by a cell to a user equipment; storing information of the allocated resources at a device; and sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in an active mode in a cell or enters an active mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Some example embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0074] Figure 1shows a representation of a network system according to some example embodiments;

[0075] Figure 2 An example of a network system according to some example embodiments is shown;

[0076] FIG3 (which continues over two pages) is a signaling diagram according to an example embodiment;

[0077] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a control device according to some example embodiments;

[0078] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of a user terminal according to some example embodiments;

[0079] Figure 6 is a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0080] Figure 7 is a flow chart of a method according to an example embodiment;

[0081] Figure 8 A schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more steps of the method of some embodiments is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0082] In the following, certain embodiments are explained with reference to a mobile communication device capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system and a mobile communication system serving such a mobile communication device. Figure 1 Certain general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems, and mobile communication devices are briefly explained to assist in understanding the underlying technology of the described examples.

[0083] Figure 1 A schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS) is shown, which is provided by way of example of a communication system. The 5GS may include a terminal or user equipment (UE), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) or next generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AFs), and one or more data networks.

[0084] The 5G-RAN may include one or more gNodeBs (gNBs), or one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit functions.

[0085] The 5GC may include the following entities: network slice selection function (NSSF); network exposure function; network repository function (NRF); policy control function (PCF); unified data management (UDM); application function (AF); authentication server function (AUSF); access and mobility management function (AMF); and session management function (SMF). Figure 1 Also shown are various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that may be implemented between the various elements of the system.

[0086] Figure 2 A system 200 is shown in which some of these examples may be implemented. The system 200 includes a master cell group (MCG) 250 and a secondary cell group (SCG) 252. The system 200 may also include other SCGs, each of which has a PSCell. Each of the other SCGs may also have one or more SCells.

[0087] The MCG 250 includes a primary cell (PCell) 254. The PCell 254 may be used to initiate initial access for a UE. The MCG 250 may also include other cells, including at least one secondary cell (SCell) 256a and 256b.

[0088] The MCG 250 may be controlled by a Master Node (MN).

[0089] MCG 250 is connected to SCG 252 by a dual connectivity (DC) system. SCG 252 includes a primary secondary cell (PSCell) 258, which can be used as the cell for initial access by the SCG. SCG 252 may also include other cells, including at least one secondary cell (SCell) 260a and 260b.

[0090] The SCG 252 may be controlled by a secondary node (SN). Each SCG in the system 200 may include a SN.

[0091] A UE can be dual-connected with a mobile node (MN) (where the MN may include a PCell) and a network node (where the SN may include a PSCell). Therefore, a UE dual-connected with both a MN and a SN may be configured with corresponding PCells and PSCells. Either the MN or the SN may initiate a conditional primary / secondary cell change (CPC) procedure.

[0092] 3GPP has been working on improving CA / DC (Carrier Aggregation / Dual Connectivity) setup latency in LTE and NR for multiple releases, and that work has continued in Rel-18, including targets for enhancing CA and / or DC setup latency, with a particular emphasis on improving latency for the use of FR2 (Frequency Range 2) SCell(s) and / or PSCell(s).

[0093] During the radio resource control (RRC) establishment / recovery process, the UE may perform verification of some available idle, inactive mode measurements or connected mode measurements (on the UE side) to check whether the results are still usable. For example, the measurement results may be used to represent the received signal strength of candidate cells (such as (one or more) candidate SCells, or PSCells) for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity. The verification of such measurements, which may in some cases include additional measurements for verification purposes, may continue for a period of time after the UE has entered connected mode (thus, during connected mode).

[0094] In some cases, when RRC setup / resumption is triggered, the UE may be able to obtain available measurements in an optimized manner. Such a UE will require only a short or no additional time for measurement verification during the setup / resumption process, and will be able to quickly report the verified results.

[0095] Some UEs can also support storing the entire SCG or MCG SCell configuration while the UE is in idle or inactive mode. After the connection is released, the network can configure the UE to store the configuration while the UE is in inactive or idle mode. Based on this request, the UE will store the information while in inactive or idle mode. Then, when re-entering connected mode, the network can then request the UE to restore the stored configuration.

[0096] In order for the network to activate an SCell or PSCell, which is the first cell in the FR2 band, the network needs to "reach" the UE in terms of scheduling. One way to facilitate this is by knowing which downlink reference signal (DL RS) the UE will listen to.

[0097] Therefore, in order to reduce (P)SCell activation time (eg, time to configure and possibly activate), there may be benefits in enabling the network to know early on where it can assume the UE will be listening for any potential scheduling opportunities.

[0098] In the present disclosure, a method is proposed in which a UE conditionally activates a cell configuration. For example, the cell configuration may be an SCell configuration. In another example, the cell configuration may be a PSCell configuration. In an example, the UE is configured to store the cell configuration to be activated. In an example, the UE stores the cell configuration while in idle / inactive mode. Then, upon entering connected mode, the UE activates the stored cell configuration. In some examples, the UE is configured to send or report cell measurements to the network (e.g., a gNB). For example, the reported cell measurements may be reference signal received power (RSRP). Along with the cell measurements, the UE may also send an index (indicating the reference signal used for the preferred DL beam). In an example, after the necessary measurement results have been reported to the network, the UE activates the cell associated with the stored cell configuration (e.g., an SCell). According to some examples, when a cell is activated, it means that the UE will use the stored cell configuration and (i) actively start receiving on that cell (monitoring for scheduling) or (ii) wait for the network to send a final activation command (which triggers the UE to start monitoring for scheduling). In some examples, activation of the stored cells may occur without receiving an activation command from the network. That is, in some examples, it may be considered that the UE autonomously activates the cells associated with the stored cell configuration after the measurement results have been sent to the network. In some examples, the UE applies the stored cell information but may wait for activation of the stored cells from the network.

[0099] In some examples, the UE verifies the cell measurement. In some examples, the method by which the UE reports the cell measurement can be based on, for example, network configuration, network request, etc. (e.g., UEInformationRequest+UEInformationResponse).

[0100] In an example, as part of the procedure (e.g., entering connected mode from inactive mode), the UE reports the (verified) measurement results and includes the SSB index as part of the results if at least one of the following applies:

[0101] - When configuring the stored SCell parameters, the network has indicated "SCell activation".

[0102] - The network indicates "SCell activation" in the RRCResume message

[0103] - The network indicates "Scell ​​activation" in a broadcast message (e.g., SIB)

[0104] In some examples, "SCell activation" may also apply to stored PSCell configurations, either explicitly (e.g., separate indications for SCell and PSCell) or implicitly (one indication triggers both SCell and PSCell recovery). As described above, in some examples, the UE will activate the stored SCell after the measurement results have been reported, without an additional SCell activation command from the network side. In some examples, the SCell activation time is based on the time at which the UE sends the measurement results. In some examples, a time offset is used so that the cell activation occurs at a time when the measurement has been sent. In another example, the UE may be indicated the SCell activation time via downlink control information (DCI), a media access control control element (MAC CE), or via a timer value within an RRC message containing the reported results.

[0105] In some examples, cell activation is conditional so that the cell is activated when one or more conditions are met. In some examples, the condition is associated with a defined threshold. For example, the defined threshold can be based on a reference signal. For example, the threshold can be based on SSB-RSRP (synchronization signal and PBCH block reference signal received power), based on SSB-RSRP (synchronization signal and PBCH block reference signal received quality) or another measurement metric. In another example, other reference signals can be used, such as CSI-RS. In the example, the stored cell (e.g., SCell) is activated only when the threshold condition is met. In the example, if the threshold condition is not met, the stored cell (e.g., SCell) is not activated. Such a threshold can be network configured.

[0106] In some examples, the network (e.g., gNB) can "cancel" or deactivate conditional cell activation by sending a cell deactivation command to the UE after receiving the measurement results, or by an explicit indication such as an RRC message (e.g., in an RRC Resume message). In one alternative, if the network does not request and / or receive measurement results, conditional activation is not performed. In another example, conditional activation is conditional on a final activation command or confirmation from the network.

[0107] Figure 3 (split into two pages) is a signaling diagram that helps explain in more detail how some embodiments may be implemented. The signaling diagram illustrates communications between UE 302 and gNB 304. The context of Figure 3 is 5G (NR), but this is provided as a non-limiting example and may also be applied to other technologies such as LTE and 6G. Furthermore, Figure 3 depicts a scenario where the network has configured the UE to store the SCell configuration while in inactive mode. However, in another example, the context may be a PSCell configuration. Furthermore, the method is not limited to inactive mode but may be used with other modes as well. In this example, when the UE connection is released and the UE enters inactive mode, the UE performs any necessary measurements. Figure 3 also provides some alternative options ("Option 1," "Option 2," and "Option 3") for communications between UE 302 and gNB 304 before a cell is added or activated.

[0108] As shown at S301, the UE is initially in connected mode with the gNB 304. For example, the UE may be operating in carrier aggregation (CA). During connected mode, the network configures the UE so that the UE will store, for example, the SCell configuration in inactive mode. For example, while the UE is idle or inactive, the gNB 304 may send a message to the UE 302 to store the cell configuration and / or parameters of the cell configuration. In some examples, as shown at S302, this information is sent in an RRC configuration message. The information sent at S302 may include an "activation" indication for the PSCell or SCell configuration. The indication may indicate when or under what conditions the PSCell or SCell is to be activated. In some examples, the indication may directly indicate the activation condition or alternatively serve as a reference to a previously stored configuration. The UE 302 then stores the received configuration.

[0109] As shown at S303, gNB 304 then sends a connection release message.

[0110] As shown at S304 , this causes the UE to be placed in an idle or inactive mode.

[0111] At S305, while the UE is in idle / inactive mode, the UE performs cell measurements. These may be, for example, measurements of reference signals.

[0112] At some point, and as shown for example at S306, a mobile originated (MO) call is established.

[0113] After this, the connection establishment process is initiated. For example, as shown at S307 , the connection establishment may be initiated using an RRC request message.

[0114] At S307, after the RRC request has been sent to gNB 304, three alternative options are discussed for how UE 302 and gNB 304 can communicate before adding the stored cells. These three options are schematically illustrated in the dashed boxes labeled Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3 in FIG3 .

[0115] Option 1 begins at S308, where a conditional activation message is received at UE 302 from gNB 304. For example, the conditional message may be included in an RRC resume message containing information to conditionally activate the (P)SCell. Several alternatives are contemplated for how UE 302 stores this information. Three non-limiting alternative examples are described below.

[0116] i. In an alternative, the stored cell configuration (e.g., SCell configuration) may include an indication of whether the UE should conditionally activate the stored cell upon entering connected mode (if or when a condition is met). In this scenario, the RRCResume message may not include a conditional activation indication so that the UE conditionally activates the stored SCell.

[0117] ii. In an alternative, the stored cell configuration (e.g., SCell configuration) may include whether the UE can be requested to conditionally activate the stored cell when entering connected mode (if or when a condition is met). In this scenario, the RRCResume message may or may not include a conditional activation indication. If the indication is included, it means that the UE should conditionally activate the stored cell. If the indication is not included, it means that the UE should not conditionally activate the stored cell.

[0118] iii. In another alternative, the stored information does not include information or indication of whether the cell should be conditionally activated when entering connected mode. Instead, the indication is only indicated in signaling when entering connected mode, such as in an RRCResume message or another activation command or request message.

[0119] Regardless of which of alternatives (i) to (iii) is used, the method proceeds to S309. If the conditions for activating the stored cell are met, UE 302 sends an indication to gNB 304. For example, the indication may include an RRC reconfiguration complete message. In some examples, UE 302 includes further information in the message at S309. For example, the further information may include one or more indexes. For example, the one or more indexes may include an SSB index. In some examples, the SSB index refers to a DL reference signal reference or identifier. The SSB index may be used to identify the cell. UE 302 may also perform measurements on the index.

[0120] Thereafter, the UE activates the cell in S320 (when any necessary conditions are met), and the cell (eg, SCell) is ready for use as shown at S321 .

[0121] In option 2, UE 320 receives an RRC resume message from gNB 304 at S310.

[0122] At S311, the UE sends an RRC reconfiguration complete message to gNB 304.

[0123] As shown at S312, a cell (e.g., SCell) conditional activation indication is received at UE 302. In this example, the conditional activation indication is received in a UE information request message. In some examples, the UE information request message includes a request for measurements from the UE.

[0124] If the UEInformationRequest message includes an indication to conditionally activate the stored cell, the UE will initiate the procedure. Therefore, as shown at S313, the UE will evaluate whether the conditions for activating the cell are met. More specifically, the UE 302 may perform measurements in the cell and then use those measurements to determine whether the conditions for activating the cell are met.

[0125] At 314, the UE replies to the request with the result of the evaluation. Thus, if the UE evaluates that the conditions for activating the cell are met, the UE includes the information in a response message. For example, UE 302 may include measurement information in the response. In some examples, UE 302 may also include an index in the response, such as an SSB index. The response information may include a UEInformationResponse message. The network (e.g., gNB 304) will then (i) be aware of the stored cell conditions and (ii) the network (e.g., gNB 304) will know which DL reference signal the network should use is preferred by the UE (which indicates which DL beam / spatial direction).

[0126] Thereafter, the UE activates the cell in S320 (if the result and index for the stored cell are included in the response), and the cell is ready for use as shown at S321 .

[0127] In option 3, as shown at S325, the UE receives an indication to conditionally activate a cell (eg, SCell). This may be received in an RRC resume message.

[0128] At S316 , the UE replies with an RRC reconfiguration complete message.

[0129] At S317, the UE evaluates the conditions for cell activation. If additional actions are required on the UE side to satisfy these conditions or the UE needs to be able to evaluate whether the conditions are satisfied (e.g., perform one or more measurements), the UE 302 will perform these measurements at S317. Therefore, at S317, it can be considered that the UE performs actions related to satisfying the conditions for cell activation.

[0130] At S318, the network requests measurement results from UE 302. For example, gNB 304 requests the information using a UEInformationRequest message.

[0131] At S319, the UE responds with an information response message. For example, the information response message includes the measurements performed at S317. In addition, if the conditions for activating the cell are met, the response at S319 may include index information for the cell, such as SSB index information.

[0132] Thereafter, the UE activates the cell in S320 (if the result and index for the stored cell are included in the response), and the cell is ready for use as shown at S321 .

[0133] In some examples (option 2 or option 3), the network (e.g., gNB 304) may send more than one UEInformationRequest to request measurement results to UE 302. In this case, the UE may respond with more than one UEInformationResponse.

[0134] A benefit of the disclosed examples is that, when the UE has measurements available from idle mode (in some examples, the validity of which can be verified by the UE), and the network knows which cell (e.g., (P)SCell) the measurements are associated with, the network can quickly configure or activate the cell without receiving the measurement results via a UEInformationRequest. In examples, this allows for very short activation delays. For example, the activation delay can be around 20ms. Currently, the UE is not required to store any existing measurements beyond the expiration of the T331 timer, and the UE needs to send measurements requested by a UEInformationRequest after security has been established.

[0135] In other words, the benefit is that the UE and network can establish an association for SCell measurements using fewer measurements and less time than would be required in a legacy approach. This means a significant reduction in CA or DC setup time. Compared to the current EMR framework based on rel-16, the network needs to request measurements from the UE after security has been established.

[0136] Thus, examples of the present disclosure may significantly shorten this delay for cell activation.

[0137] Figure 4 The diagram shows the Figure 1 The diagram illustrates an example of a control device 400 for a 5GRAN or 5GC function. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 411a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 411b, at least one processor 412, 413, and an input / output interface 414. The at least one processor 412, 413 may be coupled to the RAM 411a and the ROM 411b. The at least one processor 412, 413 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 415. The software code 415 may, for example, enable execution of one or more steps to implement one or more aspects of the present disclosure. The software code 415 may be stored in the ROM 411b. The control device 400 may be interconnected with another control device 400 that controls another function of the 5GRAN or 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the 5GRAN or 5GC includes a control device 400. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the 5GRAN or 5GC may share a control device. In some embodiments, the gNB 304 shown in FIG. 3 may be in the form of a control device 400.

[0138] Figure 5 An example of a terminal 500 is shown, such as in Figure 1 The terminal 500 is a terminal shown in FIG. 4 . The terminal 500 may be provided by any device capable of sending and receiving radio signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a so-called "smart phone", a computer provided with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA) or tablet provided with wireless communication capabilities, a machine type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) type communication device, or any combination thereof. For example, the terminal 500 may provide data communication for bearer communication. The communication may be one or more of the following: voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0139] The terminal 500 may be provided with at least one processor 501, at least one memory (ROM) 502a, at least one RAM 502b, and possibly other components 503, for software and hardware assisted execution of its designed tasks, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 501 is coupled to the RAM 502b and the ROM 502a. The at least one processor 501 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 508. The software code 508 may, for example, enable execution of one or more aspects of the present invention. The software code 508 may be stored in the ROM 502a.

[0140] The processor, memory and other related control means may be provided on an appropriate circuit board and / or in a chipset. This feature is indicated by reference 504. The device may optionally have a user interface such as a keyboard 505, a touch-sensitive screen or pad, a combination thereof, or the like. Optionally, one or more of a display, a speaker and a microphone may be provided, depending on the type of device.

[0141] The terminal 500 may receive signals over the air or radio interface 507 via suitable means for receiving and may transmit signals via suitable means for transmitting radio signals. Figure 5 In FIG, the transceiver arrangement is schematically designated by block 506. The transceiver arrangement 506 may be provided, for example, by means of a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0142] The UE 302 shown in FIG. 3 may be in the form of a user terminal 500 .

[0143] Figure 6 FIG9 is a flow chart of a method according to an example. The flow chart of FIG9 is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may include a user equipment.

[0144] As shown at S601 , the method includes storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode.

[0145] At S602 , the method includes sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with a stored cell configuration to a network node.

[0146] At S603 , the method includes activating a cell configuration stored at the device while the device is in active mode or is entering active mode after the cell measurement has been sent.

[0147] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method according to an example. Figure 7The flowchart is viewed from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may include a base station (gNB).

[0148] As shown at S701 , the method includes allocating resources configured by a cell to a user equipment.

[0149] At S702 , the method includes storing information of allocated resources at a device.

[0150] At S703 , the method includes sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in an active mode or enters an active mode in the cell.

[0151] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of non-volatile storage media 800a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 800b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) storing instructions and / or parameters 802 that, when executed by a processor, allow the processor to perform Figure 6 or one or more steps of the method of 7.

[0152] It should be understood that the apparatus may include or be coupled to other units or modules for transmitting and / or receiving, such as a radio part or a radio head. Although the apparatus has been described as one entity, different modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0153] Note that while some embodiments have been described with respect to 5G networks, similar principles may be applied with respect to other networks and communication systems. Thus, while certain embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to certain example architectures for wireless networks, technologies, and standards, the embodiments may be applied to any other suitable form of communication system in addition to those illustrated and described herein.

[0154] It will also be noted that while the above describes example embodiments, there are numerous variations and modifications which may be made to the disclosed solution without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0155] As used herein, “at least one of: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, where a list of two or more elements is joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0156] In general, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated or described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other graphical representation, it is understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, as non-limiting examples, hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or a controller or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0157] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0158] (a) hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation only in analog and / or digital circuitry) and

[0159] (b) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as (where applicable):

[0160] (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware, and

[0161] (ii) any portion of a hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s), software and memory(s) that work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions, and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s), that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but which may not be present when required for operation.

[0162] This definition of "circuitry" applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuitry" also covers an implementation of only a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its accompanying software and / or firmware. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term "circuitry" also covers a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or networking device.

[0163] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by computer software executed by a data processor of a mobile device (such as in a processor entity), or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, include software routines, applets, and / or macros that can be stored in any device-readable data storage medium, and they include program instructions to perform specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components that are configured to implement an embodiment when the program is running. One or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or a portion thereof.

[0164] Also in this regard, it should be noted that any block of the logic flow in the Figures may represent program steps, or interconnected logic circuits, blocks and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks and functions. The software may be stored on such physical media as memory chips or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as, for example, DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0165] As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a restriction on the medium itself (ie, tangible, not a signal), not on the persistence of the data storage (eg, RAM versus ROM).

[0166] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, by way of non-limiting example, one or more of the following: a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, a gate-level circuit, and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture.

[0167] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0168] The scope of protection sought by various embodiments of the present disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Embodiments and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims (if any) are to be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0169] The foregoing description has provided, by way of non-limiting example, a complete and informative description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in view of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present disclosure will still fall within the scope of the present disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Indeed, there is another embodiment comprising one or more embodiments in combination with any of the other embodiments previously discussed.

Claims

1. A device comprising: means for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in active mode; means for sending one or more cell measurements of cells associated with said stored cell configuration to a network node; as well as Means for activating the cell configuration stored at the apparatus after the cell measurements have been sent while the apparatus is in or entering the active mode. 2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the means for storing is configured to store the cell configuration while the apparatus is in an idle or inactive mode.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the means for activating the stored cell configuration is arranged to activate the stored cell configuration autonomously.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus comprises means for one or both of: performing the one or more cell measurements; and evaluating the one or more cell measurements. 5 . The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the apparatus is configured to: perform the performing one or more cell measurements or perform the evaluating the one or more cell measurements in response to receiving a conditional cell activation message from the network node.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device comprises: Means for searching a storage device at the device for available measurements for the cell.

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising: Means for receiving information from the network node, the information indicating which resources to use when in the active mode.

8. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises: A component for sending channel index information to the base station.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the channel index comprises a reference signal index.

10. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the activation of the stored cell configuration is dependent on at least one threshold being satisfied, the apparatus comprising: Means for checking whether said threshold has been met.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the threshold comprises one of the following: synchronization signal block reference signal reception power; synchronization signal block reference signal reception quality.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the network node to which the one or more cell measurements are sent comprises a base station.

13. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the cell comprises one of the following: a secondary cell; a primary secondary cell.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the apparatus comprises user equipment.

15. An apparatus comprising: A component for allocating resources configured in a cell to a user equipment; means for storing, at said device, information of said allocated resources; as well as The method further comprises a means for sending information of the allocated resources to the user equipment, for use when the user equipment is in active mode or enters active mode in the cell.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for storing is configured to store information of the allocated resources while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive mode.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15 or claim 16, comprising: Means for receiving information of one or more cell measurements from the user equipment, and for associating those measurements with the cell.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, comprising: means for receiving information of a reference signal index from the user equipment.

19. The device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the device comprises: means for sending a conditional activation command to the user equipment, wherein the condition of the conditional activation command comprises a threshold value.

20. The apparatus according to claim 19, comprising: means for sending a cell configuration deactivation command to the user equipment when the threshold is not met.

21. The apparatus of any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the apparatus comprises a base station.

22. A method comprising: storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in active mode; sending one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; as well as After the cell measurements have been sent, the cell configuration stored at the apparatus is activated while the apparatus is in the active mode or is entering the active mode.

23. A method comprising: Allocating resources configured in the cell to user equipment; storing, at the device, information of the allocated resources; as well as Information about the allocated resources is sent to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in an active mode or enters an active mode in the cell.

24. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in active mode; sending one or more cell measurements of cells associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and After the cell measurements have been sent, the cell configuration stored at the apparatus is activated while the apparatus is in the active mode or is entering the active mode.

25. A computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least the following: storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in active mode; sending one or more cell measurements of cells associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and After the cell measurements have been sent, the cell configuration stored at the apparatus is activated while the apparatus is in the active mode or is entering the active mode.

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