Apparatus, method and computer program for reducing setup delay in dual connectivity or carrier aggregation

Abstract

A method, computer program and apparatus are provided for enabling a user equipment to perform: performing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network, a component for performing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network being able to perform simultaneous measurements for a serving and another carrier, the other carrier is a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining to initiate a connection after the idle and / or inactive mode of operation; and performing a measurement behavior starting from the determination, the measurement behavior configured to reduce a setup delay with respect to the performing of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Examples described herein generally relate to apparatus, methods and computer programs, and more specifically, but not exclusively, to apparatus, methods and computer programs for apparatus. BACKGROUND

[0002] A communication system can be seen as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations and / or other nodes. The communication can comprise, for example, the transmission of speech, data, and / or video between the entities.

[0003] A communication system can be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMN) based on radio standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite based communication systems and different wireless local networks, e.g. wireless local area networks (WLAN). Wireless systems can typically be divided into cells, and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0004] Communication systems and associated devices typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols or parameters are typically also defined within which communication should take place. An example of a standard is the so-called 5G standard.

[0005] A terminal can be referred to as a user equipment (UE) or user equipment device. A terminal is provided with appropriate signal receiving and transmission apparatus for enabling wireless communication, e.g. enabling access to a communication network or direct communication with other terminal devices. A terminal can access a carrier provided by a base station, e.g. of a radio access network, and transmit or receive, or both, communication on the carrier.

[0006] Communication systems and associated compatible terminals typically operate in accordance with a given standard or specification which sets out what the various network entities of the communication system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols or parameters, or protocols and parameters which should be used for communication are typically also defined. An example of a communication system is the Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) system (e.g. a communication system using 3G radio access technology). Other examples of communication systems are so-called 4G systems (e.g. communication systems operating using 4G radio access technology) and 5G or New Radio (NR) systems (e.g. communication systems operating using 5G or NR radio access technology). Radio access technologies used by communication systems are standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). SUMMARY

[0007] According to one aspect, a method for an apparatus for a communication network is provided, the method comprising: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network, wherein implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network enables simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a target carrier for dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; determining to initiate a connection after an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and implementing measurement actions from the determination, the measurement actions being configured to reduce establishment delay with respect to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0008] The measurement action, configured to reduce any establishment delays related to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, begins from the determination of the starting point and includes: determining that the device does not have a cell detected with respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measuring the second carrier at least based on a determined time period for the detection of the primary or secondary synchronization signal.

[0009] Implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least one frequency range may include: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least two frequency ranges, wherein the second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation employs a second frequency range.

[0010] The determined time period can be an integer of seamless synchronization multiplied by the measurement timing configuration based on synchronization signal blocks for the cell being measured, or the synchronization signal block period.

[0011] The gapless synchronization integer can be 24.

[0012] Starting from the determination of the start of measurement behavior, which is configured to reduce any establishment or recovery delays related to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, it may also include: determining that the device has one or more cells detected with respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and performing measurements on the second link based on the measurement time period.

[0013] The measurement action, configured to reduce any establishment or recovery delays related to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, may also include: determining that the device has valid measurements of the second link with respect to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting valid measurements without measurement time delays.

[0014] Starting from the determination of the start of measurement behavior, which is configured to reduce any establishment or recovery delays related to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, it may also include: determining that the device has valid measurements of the second link with respect to dual connectivity; and performing measurements on the second link based on the measurement time period.

[0015] The determined measurement period can be an integer multiple of a gapless measurement of a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration for the cell being measured, or a synchronization signal block period.

[0016] The gapless measurement integer can be a first value when the cell being measured is reported, and a second value otherwise.

[0017] The first value can be 0 when the cell index is not acquired and there is a first T SSB_time_index_emr_inter value of 10 samples; the first value can be 3 when the cell index is not acquired and there is a second T SSB_time_index_emr_inter value of 40 samples; and the first value can be 0 when the cell index is acquired.

[0018] The second value can be 24.

[0019] The measurement behavior, from the determination to implement the measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay in implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, can further comprise determining that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements for a second link of the dual connectivity; and verifying the invalid or incomplete measurements within a verification period.

[0020] The measurement behavior, from the determination to implement the measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay in implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, can further comprise determining that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements for a second link of the dual connectivity; and performing measurements on the second link based on an index reading period.

[0021] The index reading period can be an integer multiple of a gapless index reading period of a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for the cell being measured, or a signal block.

[0022] The gapless index reading period integer can be a first value when the cell being measured is reported, and a second value otherwise.

[0023] The first value can be 0.

[0024] The second value can be one of: 6; 5; 4; 3; 2; and 1.

[0025] The measurement behavior, from the determination to implement the measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay in implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, can further comprise determining that the apparatus has measurements for a second link of the dual connectivity; and additionally measuring another set of measurements on the second link based on an index reading period and verifying the other set of measurements within a verification period.

[0026] The index reading period is an integer number of gapless index reading periods multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for the cell being measured, the integer number of gapless index reading periods being a first value.

[0027] The first value can be 12.

[0028] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus for communication, the apparatus comprising: means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network, the means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network being capable of performing simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining to initiate a connection after an idle and / or inactive mode of operation; and implementing a measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup delay in relation to implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0029] The means for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup delay in relation to implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, can further be configured to: determine that the apparatus does not have one or more cells detected by a second link in relation to the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measure the second carrier based on at least a determined time period for primary or secondary synchronization signal detection.

[0030] The means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least one frequency range can further be configured to: implement dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least two frequency ranges, and a second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation employs a second frequency range.

[0031] The determined time period can be an integer number of gapless synchronization periods multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration, or a synchronization signal block period, for the cell being measured.

[0032] The integer number of gapless synchronization periods can be 24.

[0033] The means for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or resume delay in relation to implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, can further be configured to: determine that the apparatus has one or more cells detected by a second link in relation to the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measure on the second link based on a measurement time period.

[0034] The means for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or resume delay in relation to implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, can further be configured to: determine that the apparatus has a valid measurement of the second link in relation to the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and report the valid measurement without a measurement time period delay.

[0035] The component for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination can be further configured to: determine that the apparatus has valid measurements regarding a second link of the dual connectivity; and perform measurements on the second link based on a measurement time period.

[0036] The determined measurement time period can be an integer multiple of a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration for the cell being measured, or a synchronization signal block period, without gaps.

[0037] The integer multiple of the synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration for the cell being measured, or the synchronization signal block period, without gaps can be a first value when the cell being measured is reported, and a second value otherwise.

[0038] The first value can be 0 when the cell index is not acquired and a first T SSB_time_index_emr_inter value of 10 samples exists; the first value can be 3 when the cell index is not acquired and a second T SSB_time_index_emr_inter value of 40 samples exists; and the first value can be 0 when the cell index is acquired.

[0039] The second value can be 24.

[0040] The component for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination can be further configured to: determine that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements regarding a second link of the dual connectivity; and verify the invalid or incomplete measurements for a verification time period.

[0041] The component for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination can be further configured to: determine that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements regarding a second link of the dual connectivity; and perform measurements on the second link based on an index reading time period.

[0042] The index reading time period can be an integer multiple of a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for the cell being measured, or a signal block, without gaps.

[0043] The integer multiple of the synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for the cell being measured, or the signal block, without gaps can be a first value when the cell being measured is reported, and a second value otherwise.

[0044] The first value can be 0.

[0045] The second value can be one of: 6; 5; 4; 3; 2; and 1.

[0046] The component for implementing the measurement behavior from the determination can be further configured to: determine that the apparatus has measurements on a second link of the dual connectivity; and additionally measure another set of measurements on the second link based on the index reading time period and verify the other set of measurements within a verification time period.

[0047] The index reading time period is an integer number of gapless index reading periods multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for a cell being measured, the integer number of gapless index reading periods being the first value.

[0048] The first value can be 12.

[0049] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network, the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network being capable of performing simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining to initiate a connection after an idle and / or inactive mode of operation; and implementing a measurement behavior from a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce an establishment delay in relation to implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0050] The apparatus is caused to perform implementing the measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any establishment delay in relation to implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus does not have a cell detected by a second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; measuring the second carrier based on at least a determined time period for primary or secondary synchronization signal detection.

[0051] The apparatus caused to perform implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network being capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least one frequency range can be caused to perform: implementing the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network being capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least two frequency ranges, and a second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation employing a second frequency range.

[0052] The determined time period can be an integer number of gapless synchronization periods multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration, or a synchronization signal block period, for a cell being measured.

[0053] The integer number of gapless synchronization periods can be 24.

[0054] The apparatus is caused to perform, from the determination, initiating a measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus has one or more cells detected on a second link with respect to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and performing measurements on the second link based on a measurement time period.

[0055] The apparatus is caused to perform, from the determination, initiating a measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus has a valid measurement of a second link with respect to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting the valid measurement without a measurement time period delay.

[0056] The apparatus is caused to perform, from the determination, initiating a measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus has a valid measurement of a second link with respect to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting the valid measurement without a measurement time period delay.

[0057] The determined measurement time period can be an integer number of gapless measurements multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration for the cell being measured, or a synchronization signal block period.

[0058] The integer number of gapless measurements can be a first value when the cell being measured is reported, or a second value otherwise.

[0059] The first value can be 0 when the cell index is not acquired and there is a first T SSB_time_index_emr_inter value of 10 samples; the first value can be 3 when the cell index is not acquired and there is a second T SSB_time_index_emr_inter value of 40 samples; and the first value can be 0 when the cell index is acquired.

[0060] The second value can be 24.

[0061] The apparatus is caused to perform, from the determination, initiating a measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus has a valid measurement of a second link with respect to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting the valid measurement without a measurement time period delay.

[0062] The apparatus is caused to perform, from the determination, initiating a measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus has a valid measurement of a second link with respect to dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting the valid measurement without a measurement time period delay.

[0063] The index reading period can be an integer multiple of the gapless index reading period times the synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for the cell under measurement, or signal block based.

[0064] The gapless index reading period integer can be a first value when the cell under measurement is reported, and a second value otherwise.

[0065] The first value can be 0

[0066] The second value can be one of: 6; 5; 4; 3; 2; and 1.

[0067] The apparatus is caused to perform, from a determination, conducting a measurement behavior configured to reduce any setup or resume delay in relation to conducting dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and can be further caused to perform: determining that the apparatus has measurements in relation to a second link of the dual connectivity; and additionally measuring another set of measurements on the second link based on an index reading period, and verifying the other set of measurements within a verification period.

[0068] The index reading period is an integer multiple of the gapless index reading period times the synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for the cell under measurement, the gapless index reading period integer being a first value.

[0069] The first value can be 12.

[0070] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising: means for conducting dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network, the conducting dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network enabling simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; means for determining, after an idle and / or inactive mode of operation, to initiate a connection; and means for conducting a measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce a setup delay in relation to conducting the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0071] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided an apparatus for a communication network, the apparatus comprising: conducting circuitry configured to conduct dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network, the conducting dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network enabling simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining circuitry configured to determine, after an idle and / or inactive mode of operation, to initiate a connection; and conducting circuitry configured to conduct a measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce a setup delay in relation to conducting the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0072] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions [or a computer readable medium comprising instructions] for causing an apparatus for a communication network to perform at least the following: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network, implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network enables simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining to initiate a connection after an idle and / or inactive mode of operation; and implementing a measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delay in relation to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0073] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus for a communication network to perform at least the following: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network, implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network enables simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining to initiate a connection after an idle and / or inactive mode of operation; and implementing a measurement behavior from the determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delay in relation to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0074] An apparatus comprising means for performing the actions of the above-described methods.

[0075] An apparatus configured to perform the actions of the above-described methods.

[0076] A computer program comprising program instructions for causing a computer to perform the above-described methods.

[0077] A computer program product stored on a medium can cause an apparatus to perform the methods described herein.

[0078] According to an aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least the method according to any of the preceding aspects.

[0079] In the foregoing, a number of different embodiments have been described. It should be appreciated that further embodiments can be provided by combinations of any two or more of the above-described embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0080] Some examples will now be described by way of illustration only, and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0081] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a 5G system is shown;

[0082] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a network apparatus is shown;

[0083] Figure 3 a schematic diagram of a user equipment is shown;

[0084] Figure 4 An example is illustrated in which some embodiments can be implemented, of a UE transitioning from connected mode to idle / inactive mode and back to connected mode;

[0085] Figure 5 An example is illustrated of a UE operation mode showing a period for which requirements for transitioning from idle / inactive to connected mode are not defined;

[0086] Figure 6 Example capability signaling indicating new measurement reporting / state switching capability is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments;

[0087] Figures 7 to 11 Example UE behavior is illustrated in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0088] Figure 12 An example is illustrated showing that a reduction in setup time can be achieved by implementing embodiments described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0089] Operations for UE behavior to reduce setup time, and in particular examples for improving secondary cell (SCell) / secondary cell group (SCG) setup delay are described below.

[0090] In the following description of examples, reference is made to devices that are generally capable of communicating via a wireless cellular system and to a mobile communication system serving such mobile communication devices. For brevity and clarity, the following will describe these aspects with reference to a 5G wireless communication system. However, it should be understood that these aspects are not limited to a 5G wireless communication system and can be applied, for example, to other wireless communication systems (e.g., current 6G proposals, IEEE 802.11, etc.).

[0091] Before describing the examples in detail, reference is made to Figures 1 to 3 Certain general principles of a 5G wireless communication system are briefly explained. In the following, certain embodiments are explained with reference to devices that are capable of communicating with a communication system serving these devices. Before explaining the exemplary embodiments in detail, reference is made to Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Certain general principles of a communication system (e.g., a 5G communication system) that can comprise one or more access networks (AN) and a core network, and of devices (e.g., terminals) served by the communication system are briefly explained to aid in understanding the technology underlying the described examples.

[0092] Figure 1A schematic diagram of a communication network is shown in accordance with example embodiments of the present disclosure. The communication network comprises components of a 5G wireless communication system (5GS) and an evolved packet system (EPS). The 5GS can comprise an access network (AN) and a 5G core network (5GC). The AN of the 5GS can comprise a 3GPP access network such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN), also referred to as a next generation radio access network (NG-RAN).

[0093] In some embodiments, an AF that is a customer of the 5GC connects to user plane functions (UPFs) of the 5GC via a DN and to various network functions (NFs) of the 5GC via a network exposure function (NEF) of the 5GC. In some embodiments, the AF is a trusted application function, so the trusted AF is implemented in the 5GC and directly connected to other NFs of the 5GC. It should be understood that although Figure 1 Only one UPF is shown in the figure, but the 5GS can consist of a chain of UFPs including an UPF anchor connected to a DN. The AF can send and receive control plane signaling to and from various NFs of the 5GC directly or via the NEF. The AF can also send and receive user plane traffic to and from the anchor UPF of the 5GC via the DN. Figure 1 The connections between the elements drawn in the figure are via interfaces defined in 3GPP standards TS 23.501 and 23.502.

[0094] The 5GC can comprise, for example, the following network functions (NFs) (further referred to as network entities): a network slice selection function (NSSF), a network exposure function (NEF), a network repository function (NRF), a network data analytics function (NWDAF), a policy control function (PCF), a unified data management (UDM), an authentication server function (AUSF), an access and mobility management function (AMF), a session management function (SMF), and a user plane function (UPF). The NFs of the 5GC can have a service-based architecture as described in 3GPP standard TS 23.501. In the 3GPP standards, in particular in 3GPP standards TS 23.501 and 23.502, NF services that can be provided by the NFs of the 5GC and service-based interfaces for the NFs of the 5GC are described.

[0095] Figure 2 Figures illustrating can be implemented Figure 1The illustration shows an example of a device 200 for one or more NFs of a 5GC. Device 200 may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and a network interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to RAM 211a and ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute software code 215. Software code 215 may, for example, include instructions for performing actions or operations of one or more NFs of the 5GC. Software code 215 may be stored in ROM 211b. Device 200 may implement one or more NFs of the 5GC and may interconnect with another device 200 implementing one or more other NFs of the 5GC. In such embodiments, device 200 may be part of a distributed computing system. In some embodiments, each NF of the 5GC may be implemented on a single device 200. In such embodiments, device 200 may be a cloud computing system.

[0096] Reference will now be made to a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the communication device 300. Figure 3 Describe the possible wireless communication devices in more detail. Figure 3 The diagram shows Figure 1 The example of the communication device 300 shown is illustrated. The device can be any wireless communication device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Such a device can also be a terminal device, a wireless communication device, a user equipment (UE), a mobile station (MS) or a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a "smartphone," a computer equipped with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facilities (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal digital assistant (PDA) or tablet computer equipped with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) communication device, or any combination thereof. In the following discussion, the examples generally relate to user equipment, but it should be understood that the same principles can be applied to any example of the device described above.

[0097] The device 300 can be configured to communicate with base stations (e.g., NG-eNB or gNB) of access networks such as 5G-RAN.

[0098] Communication may include or carry one or more of the following: voice, email, text message, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0099] The device can receive wireless signals (e.g., radio or cellular signals) via an air or radio interface 307 (typically referred to as a Uu interface) through a suitable means 306 for receiving wireless signals, and can transmit wireless signals (e.g., radio or cellular signals) via a suitable means for transmitting wireless signals. Figure 3In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises one or more antennas (or an antenna array comprising a plurality of antennas) and a transceiver, and is designated schematically by block 306. The apparatus 300 can be provided, for example, by means of a radio part comprising one or more antennas and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement can be arranged internally or externally to the mobile device.

[0100] The apparatus 300 can comprise at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303, for software and hardware aided execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including control of access to and communications with access networks such as 5G-RAN access networks and other apparatuses 300. The at least one processor is coupled to the RAM 311a and the ROM 311b. The at least one processor 301 can be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may, for example, include instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor 301, perform one or more actions or operations of the present aspects. For example, the software code can include instructions adapted to implement one or more actions or operations according to aspects of the present disclosure. The software code 308 can be stored in the ROM 311b.

[0101] The at least one processor 301, storage, and other related control apparatuses can be provided on an appropriate circuit board or chipset, or circuit board and chipset. This feature is denoted by reference 304. The terminal 300 can optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive display or touch-sensitive pad, combinations thereof, or the like. Depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, a speaker, and a microphone can optionally be provided.

[0102] The following description also provides illustrative examples with respect to primary secondary cell (PSCell), primary cell (PCell), and secondary cell (SCell). The following will use the terminology used herein to outline features of PSCell in relation to 5G New Radio. However, it should be understood that the presently described principles are not limited to these terms and can be applied to other systems having similar architectures. For example, in Multi-Radio Dual Connectivity (MR-DC), the primary cell (PCell) can be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell (e.g., Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access - New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC)).

[0103] A PSCell is a type of cell currently defined in 5G New Radio, along with a primary cell (PCell), a secondary cell (SCell), and a special cell (SpCell). A PCell can be used as part of initial access between a UE and an access network, and is considered a primary cell in a master cell group (MCG). A PSCell can be included as part of a secondary cell group (SCG). A SpCell and a SCell can be in at least one of the MCG and the SCG.

[0104] A cell can be controlled by a network node. There are at most two different types of network nodes in 5G New Radio: a master node (which provides a control plane connection to a core network); and a secondary node (which does not have a control plane connection to a core network). It should be understood that not all 5G system deployments can include master and secondary nodes. For example, master and secondary nodes can exist in a master node-dual connectivity deployment, but not in a standalone deployment. Both master and secondary nodes can provide a user plane (e.g., data) connection to a core network. A master node can control a PCell. In addition to a PCell, a master node can control at least one PSCell, although this is not always the case. A secondary node can control at least one PSCell.

[0105] 3GPP has released multiple versions (Rel) for defining operational communication protocols related to communication networks. Currently, objectives and work related to Release 18 (Rel. 18) are being developed.

[0106] When a UE moves from the coverage area of one cell to another, at some point a serving cell change needs to be performed. The current serving cell change is implemented by L3 (Layer 3 - network layer) measurement triggered, and RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling triggered reconfiguration with synchronization for PCell (primary cell) and PSCell (primary secondary cell) change, and release of SCell (secondary cell) when available.

[0107] All cases involve full L2 or Layer 2: MAC (Media Access Control), RLC (Radio Link Control), and PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol) layers (and LI or Layer 1, physical layer) reset, resulting in longer delays, greater overhead, and longer interruption times than beam switching mobility.

[0108] The purpose of L1 / L2 mobility enhancements is to enable serving cell change via L1 / L2 signaling to reduce delay, overhead, and interruption time.

[0109] In Rel. 17, conditional PSCell change (CPC) / conditional PSCell addition (CPA), the UE configured with CPC / CPA is configured to release the CPC / CPA configuration upon completion of random access to the target PSCell. Therefore, the UE does not have the opportunity to perform subsequent CPC / CPA without prior reconfiguration and re-initialization of CPC / CPA from the network.

[0110] This increases the delay of cell change and increases the signaling overhead, especially in the case of frequent SCG (secondary cell group) change when operating FR2 (frequency range 2).

[0111] Multi-Radio Access Technology - Dual Connectivity (MR-DC) with selective activation of cell groups has been investigated with the objective to enable subsequent CPC / CPA after SCG change without reconfiguration and re-initialization of CPC / CPA preparation from the network. This would result in reduction of signaling overhead and further reduction of any interruption time for implementing SCG change.

[0112] Currently, conditional handover (CHO) and MR-DC cannot be configured simultaneously. This limits the usefulness of both features when MR-DC is configured.

[0113] The impact of FR2 RRM mobility measurement acquisition and reporting on FR2 SCell / SCG setup / resume delay for UEs connecting from idle / inactive mode is currently being investigated.

[0114] In addition, improvements to FR2 SCell / SCG setup delay based on defining new UE measurement procedures and RRM core requirements are being investigated. This investigation is examining whether additional information from the network would help the UE to efficiently perform these measurements.

[0115] In these investigations, the following sequence of events is: when requesting RRC connection setup / resume, the UE initiates and performs improved measurements, and after acquiring these improved measurements, the UE subsequently reports these measurements to the network to support SCell / SCG setup.

[0116] In addition, the reuse of idle / inactive mode measurements to be reported during and / or after RRC connection setup / resume has been investigated to improve SCell / SCG setup delay. These investigations include: examining the availability and effectiveness of idle / inactive mode measurements to be reported; and the definition of corresponding RRM requirements; and, if necessary, based on the results, defining corresponding signaling support.

[0117] FR2 RRM mobility measurement acquisition and reporting impacts the FR2 SCell / SCG setup / resume delay for UEs connecting from idle / inactive mode. The results show that enabling fast DC (dual connectivity) / CA (carrier aggregation) recovery / setup enables the use of data DC / CA to have lower latency, higher throughput, enhanced load balancing, and enables lower UE energy consumption and can significantly improve UE, network, and system performance.

[0118] Research has been devoted to the issue of enhanced CA and DC setup delay in Rel-15 (enhanced CA utilization (euCA)) for LTE, which enables early reporting of inter-LTE frequency carriers / cells measured in idle mode when the UE enters connected mode.

[0119] Enhanced measurement reporting (EMR) defined in Rel-16 includes setup enhancements when the UE operates in NR (and includes intra-NR and NR-LTE inter-RAT measurements). However, the results are mainly beneficial for NR FR1 (frequency range 1) and LTE-inter-RAT performance, while the setup delay for NR FR2 (frequency range 2) CA / DC setup can be further enhanced.

[0120] Rel-18 regulations still continue to use the EMR terminology, or use eEMR or enhanced EMR or measurement verification or similar terminology. In the following, the description of the delay components is not limited to EMR UEs only, but also includes UEs that do not support EMR. Therefore, such UEs can also support these measurements. This means that it does not matter whether the UE is using (any) idle mode measurements or it has already performed measurements from connected mode when verifying the delay from RRC setup / resume.

[0121] In other words, in the examples provided below, where the delay “xx_emr_xx” is mentioned, this can also generally be applied to any UE, including UEs that do not support EMR.

[0122] This study has aimed at reducing the setup delay for FR2 CA and FR2 SCG. An example scenario where embodiments can yield large gains in terms of reduced setup delay is: a UE camping in idle and / or inactive mode in e.g. FR1 (for the master cell group - MCG) while the potential target SCell / PSCell is in e.g. FR2 (secondary cell group - SCG and CA); in one example, the serving cell PCell is in FR1 while the potential target for offloading can be a target cell PSCell as a hotspot in FR2. Another example would have possible CA target cells in FR2 and thus add SCells in FR2 as CA. These are examples and the serving cell (listed here as PCell) can be in FR1 or FR2 while the target cell (PSCell and / or SCell) can be in FR1 and / or FR2.

[0123] This scenario (target cell in FR2 while serving cell in FR1) has higher delay because the UE in idle mode needs to first detect, measure and report the possible PSCell in FR2 or possible SCell in FR2 before the cell is configured. This results in delay in setup because of the need for measurements to see which cells / beams are in the vicinity of the UE.

[0124] A possible source of delay is that the UE needs to detect the cell and measure the cell and possibly read the SSB index (synchronization signal block index) before the cell is reported to the network. Furthermore, it is assumed that beamforming is applied in NR FR2 on both the UE and network side. This use of beamforming (and the need for the UE to scan between multiple Tx / Rx panels) extends the cell detection and measurement procedure compared to FR1 where it is assumed that the UE receives in an omni-directional manner (thus, no beam sweeping is needed on the UE side). Furthermore, the UE can need time for further UE beam refinement which further increases the setup delay.

[0125] Figure 4 An example scenario such as indicated above is shown, i.e. with respect to transitioning from connected mode 400 to another connected mode 402 via idle / inactive mode 404 and RRC setup 406. It should be noted that this is one example and the scenario can also originate from a UE in idle or inactive mode without any information from connected mode or recently being in connected mode.

[0126] In other words, Figure 4An example is shown where the UE is transitioning from connected mode 400 to idle / inactive mode 404 and back to connected mode 402. It is the intent of the embodiments described herein to include any measurements performed at the UE side and available at the time of or prior to RRC setup 406 resume occurrence, as well as the measurement validation phase 407, which can start from the time the UE initiates or receives the RRC setup / resume 406, and can continue in connected mode 402.

[0127] Changes to existing idle mode and EMR measurement procedures are not in scope, but existing measurements can be used and / or validated during RRC connection setup / resume and connected mode 402, e.g., measurements performed due to the UE being configured for EMR, or any other available measurements due to UE idle mode measurements. It is understood that there is no strict end point for the measurements or measurement validation.

[0128] In Figure 4 The upper half 440 in the example shown demonstrates UE mode of operation. In this example, the UE starts in connected mode 400, and then transitions to idle / inactive mode 404 at time 401. While in idle / inactive mode 404, the UE receives an RRC setup / resume message at point 405, which triggers RRC setup 406 mode. At some point 409, the UE then transitions to connected mode 402.

[0129] In addition, non-enhanced measurement reporting UE measurements are shown in Figure 4 FR2 portion 460. This shows that any available measurements performed during period 420 can be performed during the first connected mode 400 and idle / inactive mode 404, and then validation operation 426 is implemented after receiving the RRC setup / resume message, which can use available measurements from 420, which continues into the second connected mode 402.

[0130] In addition, Figure 4 An enhanced measurement reporting UE operating on a frequency range 2 (FR2) portion 450 is shown. This shows that during the first connected mode 400, then connected mode measurements 410 are performed, and at the start of idle / inactive mode 404, then enhanced measurement reporting measurements are performed, such as described in TS 38.111 4.4.2.1. After (if) timer T331 expires 403, the UE can stop performing measurements related to EMR, and will perform normal idle / inactive mode measurements during 414. Then, after receiving the RRC setup / resume message, validation operation 416 is implemented, which can continue into the second connected mode 402.

[0131] For UEs in idle mode, no measurement gap is needed to perform measurements, e.g. on FR2 inter-frequency carriers. The UE performs measurements according to the minimum requirements defined for idle mode. Similar for UEs in inactive mode (the requirements for UEs in this mode are the same as for UEs in idle mode).

[0132] For UEs in connected mode, a UE camped on FR1 and performing e.g. NR inter- frequency measurements on one or more FR2 carriers, e.g. for establishing CA / DC, can perform such measurements using gap-assisted measurements or non-gap-assisted measurements.

[0133] For UEs in connected mode requiring gaps for performing inter-frequency measurements, the UE can support per-UE measurement gaps or per-FR UE measurement gaps. If the UE supports per-UE gaps, the measurement gaps are applicable for both FR1 and FR2 at the same time. A UE supporting per-FR gaps supports separate gap patterns per FR (FR1 and FR2) and these can be the same or different gap patterns.

[0134] However, for UEs transitioning to connected mode 402 (from idle or inactive 404 mode), there are several aspects regarding how the UE should perform measurements during the validation phase. For example, it is not defined how the UE (which can require gaps) can perform measurements before receiving the gap configuration. Also, it is not clear how to assume the UE performs such measurements in case the UE does not require measurement gaps. Or how to define the UE behavior and requirements.

[0135] For idle mode, inactive mode and connected mode, the measurement performance and requirements as well as gap assistance are clearly defined, without defining measurement requirements in or during the transition phase between idle / inactive mode and connected mode.

[0136] For example, in Figure five is shown, where the UE mode 599 is followed. An initial connected mode 500 transitions to idle / inactive mode 502. In turn, RRC setup / resume 504 is implemented, before transitioning to connected mode 506. As Figure 5 is shown, no requirements are defined for the RRC setup / resume 504 time or for connected mode 506 until the measurement configuration point 503.

[0137] Accordingly, the following embodiments aim to provide a clear definition of UE behavior when the UE is configured to perform measurements for reduced CA / DC setup delay. In the following embodiments and examples, the UE behavior is defined in a way that aims to result in an efficient and low-latency UE operation. The purpose of these embodiments can be to enable FR2 CA / DC setup based on an improved baseline inter- frequency measurement behavior.

[0138] Therefore, the following describes defining and optimizing UE behavior, measurement requirements and delays at some time during the transition phase from idle / inactive mode to connected mode, and possibly during the initial phase of connected mode, with the aim of enabling better, faster and more robust CA / DC setup for 5G / NR FR2 target cells (SCell or PSCell).

[0139] As mentioned earlier, during the establishment / resume or validation phase, there is no UE behavior description or defined UE requirements related to the measurements performed by the UE. The legacy UE requirements are defined for idle mode, inactive mode and connected mode. However, these requirements are defined separately.

[0140] In addition, for the inter-frequency cell detection time for a UE in connected mode, the following applies (from TS 38.133, https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / Specs / archive / 38_series / 38.133 / 38133-i00.zip):

[0141] The UE shall be able to identify a new detectable inter-frequency cell within T identify_inter_with_index The UE shall be able to identify a new detectable inter-frequency SS block for a cell that has already been detected within T identify_inter_without_index

[0142] T identify_inter_without_index = (T PSS / SSS_sync_inter + T SSB_measurement_period_inter ) ms

[0143] T identify_inter_with_index = (T PSS / SSS_sync_inter + T SSB_measurement_period_inter + T SSB_time_index_inter ) ms

[0144] Where

[0145] M pss / sss_sync_inter :

[0146] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 1 or 5, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 64 samples.

[0147] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 40 samples.

[0148] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 3, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 40 samples.

[0149] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 4, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 40 samples.

[0150] M​SSB_index_inter :

[0151] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 1 or 5, M SSB_index_inter = 40 samples.

[0152] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, M SSB_index_inter = 24 samples.

[0153] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 3, M SSB_index_inter = 24 samples.

[0154] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 4, M SSB_index_inter = 24 samples.

[0155] M meas_period_inter :

[0156] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 1 or 5, M meas_period_inter = 64 samples.

[0157] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, M meas_period_inter = 40 samples.

[0158] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 3, M meas_period_inter = 40 samples.

[0159] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 4, M meas_period_inter = 40 samples.

[0160] where:

[0161] T PSS / SSS_sync_inter = Max(600ms, Ceil(Kgap x M pss / sss_sync_inter ) x Max(MGRP, SMTCperiod)) x CSSF inter

[0162] T SSB_time_index_inter = Max(200ms, Ceil(Kgap x M SSB_index_inter ) x Max(MGRP, SMTCperiod)) x CSSF inter

[0163] T SSB_measurement_period_inter = Max(400ms, Ceil(Kgap x M meas_period_inter ) x Max(MGRP, SMTCperiod)) x CSSF inter

[0164] For UEs requiring gaps for performing inter-frequency measurements: assuming gaps are allocated and only one carrier is measured, the multiple scaling factors in the delay can be ignored. For the use of FR2 SCell and PSCell, the network will need to know the index to be able to know the location of arrival at the UE in the DL. Thus, in this case:

[0165] In the worst case, only 1 carrier is measured and assuming MGRP = 40ms, T identify_inter_with_index = (40+24+40)* SMTC period. Thus, in all cases, 104*40 = 4160ms.

[0166] For UEs supporting inter-frequency measurements without gaps for that specific carrier, the specification captures the following:

[0167] For UEs with per-FR measurement gap capability in NR standalone operation (with single carrier, NR CA and NR-DC configurations), for per-FR gap based measurements, when there is no serving cell in the specific FR where the measurement object is configured, the effective MGRP in that FR is used to determine the requirements [e.g., as specified in TS 38.133, section 9.1.2] regardless of whether an explicit per-FR measurement gap is configured in that FR;

[0168] 20ms for FR2 NR measurements

[0169] 40ms for FR1 NR measurements

[0170] 40ms for LTE measurements

[0171] 40ms for FR1+LTE measurements

[0172] Thus, for FR2, if there is no serving cell in the FR, the requirement covers the gapless assistance measurements.

[0173] In this case:

[0174] In the worst case scenario, only 1 carrier is measured, T identify_inter_with_index = (40+24+40)* 20ms. Thus, in total 104*20 = 2080ms.

[0175] Furthermore, gap assisted and non-gap assisted inter-frequency measurements have been defined in TS 38.133.

[0176] However, for connected mode, the UE (only) needs to perform measurements in connected based on explicit network configuration (measurement configuration). Thus, the UE does not need to perform measurements in connected mode on carriers other than the serving carrier until the UE has received the explicit configuration.

[0177] In the following examples, the methods and apparatus are configured to employ FR2 target carriers / cells. However, the methods and apparatus are not limited to FR2. For example, the methods and the following examples can be applicable to carriers / cells in FR1 and / or FR2-2.

[0178] In the following examples, it is assumed that the UE is capable of performing measurements independently in FR1 and FR2 (in other words, the UE supports carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity as one of the frequency band combinations supported by the UE for measured carriers / cells). In these examples, the UE is equipped with at least two independent RF chains and baseband processing modules, or the UE is capable of receiving two carriers simultaneously. In other words, the measurements can be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0179] In the following examples, it is assumed that the UE supports the Rel-16 early measurement reporting feature, EMR. For example, a UE that supports the Rel-16 EMR flags idleModeMeasurementsNR, idleModeMeasurementsEUTRA.

[0180] However, the embodiments can be extended to other UEs, such as those that support some of the EMR features proposed independently of the Rel-16 EMR framework. If explicitly mentioned, these requirements apply to “non-EMR UEs”. In other words, for UEs that support Rel-18 or later features but do not support the Rel-15 or Rel-16 EMR framework.

[0181] In the following examples, a verification phase is shown, which can be fast and beneficial for both the UE and the network, where the UE can not perform measurements, perform one or more measurements.

[0182] The type of measurements, the number of samples, the carriers to be measured, the carrier priorities, the number of active receive chains, and the details of the measurements are not defined in detail herein. In general, the verification phase delay should be as short as possible, because if the time interval between the measurements and the reporting is too long, the FR2 measurement results can easily become outdated.

[0183] A concept further expressed in detail in the embodiments herein is to define a new UE measurement behavior starting from RRC setup-resume (switch from idle -> active UE state, and where the UE starts e.g. based on receiving a paging message or initiating a random access procedure to the serving cell) and continuing for a period of time during connected mode. The UE behavior aims to make a significant difference to the FR2 CA / DC setup / resume delay, e.g. relative to SCell setup.

[0184] In some cases, this does not require the UE to perform measurements during RRC setup / resume. In some cases, the UE can start trying to perform measurements during RRC setup / resume, but can also start measurements from connected mode. In both cases, the measurements do not need to stop after RRC setup / resume complete is sent.

[0185] It is worth highlighting that during idle mode, the UE is required to take DRX into account. From RRC setup / resume, the UE will not or is not assumed to use DRX in the serving cell where the connection is setup, at least until the UE receives DRX configuration in connected mode.

[0186] Therefore, as a purpose to improve the delay, the following embodiments define new UE behavior and related measurement requirements for reduced FR2 SCell / SCG setup. The improvement of the behavior starts when the UE knows the RRC setup / resume. The example shows a use case scenario when the UE is camping in FR1 (e.g., in idle mode) when connection setup is initiated. However, the embodiments can be applied to other scenarios, e.g., FR2-FR2 inter-band scenarios.

[0187] Since the UE is assumed to have separate RF chains and is able to measure FR1 and FR2 bands separately at least, the UE does not need measurement gaps for performing the target NR FR2 inter-frequency measurements. Therefore, when the PCell is idle and the UE is going to switch to active, then the UE is configured to perform measurements based on the PCell configuration, which can include measurements on FR2 frequencies on separate RF chains. Moreover, when the second RF chain is not active (or the whole UE is idle / inactive), then it can be used for measurements on other frequencies (or same frequencies) to speed up the measurements.

[0188] This is clear in the following scenario, where the UE is assumed to measure only the target carrier / cell, the UE can use the target carrier / cell in combination with the serving carrier / cell (where the access is initiated) for CA and / or DC. Therefore, the embodiments focus on defining requirements for non-gap assisted measurement scenario(s).

[0189] The following embodiments define UE measurement requirements or verification delay requirements for verification when:

[0190] The UE is able to measure the target carrier without gaps;

[0191] The UE is able to measure the target carrier as an inter-frequency carrier;

[0192] Some measurements can be available at the UE when the UE knows the RRC setup / resume.

[0193] As such embodiments, the UE is configured to perform measurements on the target carrier(s) within a defined time T identify_emr_interIntra-reporting frequency cell. This is based on inter-frequency requirements, and the UE is also configured to report the cell that computes the current status of the target cell measurement:

[0194] Identifying a new detectable inter-frequency cell; and / or

[0195] Identifying a SS block of a cell that has already been detected; and / or

[0196] Performing a measurement.

[0197] Thus, within the defined time T identify_emr_inter , the UE is configured to measure the target cell. In total:

[0198] T identify_emr_inter = (T PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter + T SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter + T SSB_time_index_emr_inter ) ms

[0199] Where:

[0200] T PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter = 0 if the target cell is detected and can be reported to the network (e.g. as part of EMR), otherwise it can be but is not limited to 24, the value is defined in the table below as G1.

[0201] T SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter = Y1 if the cell has been measured and can be reported to the network (e.g. as part of EMR), otherwise Y2, where Y1 can be but is not limited to 24 and Y2 can be but is not limited to 0.

[0202] T SSB_time_index_emr_inter = 0 if the cell index has been acquired and can be reported to the network together with the index (e.g. as part of early measurement report), otherwise Z1, where Z1 is a value such as e.g. 40.

[0203] As previously discussed, references to “emr” such as T identify_emr_inter may relate or apply to implementations of eEMR.

[0204] Suitable values can be

[0205]

[0206] In the table above, TC is an abbreviation for target cell, CI is an abbreviation for cell index, TM is an abbreviation for target measurement, and S is an abbreviation for sample.

[0207] In some embodiments, when the UE does not know the target carrier / cell (no cell information) and can not report to the network as part of the procedure, for this example, TPSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter is undefined.

[0208] In such embodiments, a flexible approach is provided for defining the UE requirements based on the currently available measurements in the UE when initiating the procedure, e.g. at setup / resume.

[0209] By using step-based requirements, then in some embodiments, an improved UE behavior and implementation can be observed.

[0210] Furthermore, as shown in the table above, in some embodiments, the above is combined with reporting to allow the network to have better knowledge about the expected UE delay, instead of relying on worst case scenario requirements (UE minimum requirements).

[0211] In some embodiments, a new UE capability indicator for this new behavior is sent from the UE to the network / base station.

[0212] Thus, for example, as shown in Figure 6 , it is shown that a UE 600 that has determined that it is able to support the embodiments described herein is configured to generate a suitable capability indicator as shown in 601.

[0213] The UE 600 is then able to send the capability indicator to the RAN (or suitable network function) as shown in 603.

[0214] The RAN, e.g. NG-RAN 602, is then configured to receive the indicator and activate the measurement reporting / state switching based on the indicator as shown in 605. In other words, if the UE is indicated to support this feature, then the network / base station activates the improved measurement reporting / state switching.

[0215] With respect to Figure 7 , a flowchart is shown that outlines the operation according to some embodiments.

[0216] Thus, for example, as shown in 701, a first operation is to acknowledge the start of RRC setup / resume at the UE (one of the UE knows that RRC setup / resume).

[0217] Then, as shown in 703, the UE behavior is started.

[0218] Then, as shown in 705, a report (e.g. inter-frequency cell report) is generated and delivered to the RAN within a defined time T identify_emr_inter .

[0219] With respect to Figures 8 to 11 , a series of behaviors are shown that are defined to be implemented by the UE according to some embodiments.

[0220] In these examples, there are different UE conditions (available measurements at the UE side when the UE knows the connection setup / resume) for the following scenarios:

[0221] The UE has not detected a cell in FR2 (as shown, e.g., in 801); Figure 8

[0222] The UE has detected at least one cell in FR2 (as shown, e.g., in 802); Figure 9

[0223] The UE has valid measurements related to the FR2 cell (as shown, e.g., in 803); Figure 10

[0224] The UE has invalid / incomplete measurements on FR2 and the UE performs validation of measurements (as shown, e.g., in 804). Figure 11

[0225] Regarding Figure 8 , the UE behavior is shown for the scenario when the UE has not detected a cell in FR2.

[0226] Thus, for example, as shown in 801, the UE is configured to determine that it has not detected a cell in FR2.

[0227] Then, as shown in 803, since the UE is capable of performing FR1 and FR2 measurements simultaneously, if the UE is configured to measure, e.g., one FR2 carrier, the UE is configured to search without DRX according to the inter- frequency requirements:

[0228] T PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter :

[0229] Period for PSS / SSS detection for FR2 EMR:

[0230] M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps x SMTC period

[0231] where:

[0232] M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps :

[0233] For a UE supporting power class 2, if the cell is not reported to the network, e.g., as part of EMR, then M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps = 24 (or another suitable value, e.g., as shown in the previous table).

[0234] The SMTC period in the requirement is the period used by the cell being identified, which can alternatively also be the SSB repetition period of the cell.

[0235] In some embodiments, the delay is applicable if the UE has not detected a cell of FR2 on the FR2 carrier at connection setup. ​​​​

[0236] With respect to Figure 9 , UE behavior is shown with respect to scenarios when the UE has at least one cell detected in FR2.

[0237] Thus, for example, as shown at 901, the UE is configured to determine that the UE has one or more detected cells in FR2.

[0238] Then, as shown at 903, since the UE already has one or more detected cells in FR2 (on a particular carrier or on the FR2 band), no cell detection (PSS / SSS detection) is needed. For scenarios where the UE already has a detected cell on a given FR2 carrier at connection setup, only measurement rounds will be needed.

[0239] As an example, for the above scenario example, the measurement delay can be expressed as:

[0240] T SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter :

[0241] Measurement period for FR2 EMR (FR2):

[0242] M meas_period_w / o_gaps x SMTC period

[0243] where

[0244] M meas_period_w / o_gaps :

[0245] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, if the cell is not reported to the network, e.g., as part of EMR, then M meas_period_w / o_gaps =Y1 (= 24 or other suitable value), otherwise Y2 (which can be 0, but can also be different from 0, depending on whether more measurements are needed).

[0246] With respect to Figure 10 , UE behavior is shown with respect to scenarios when the UE has valid measurements related to a FR2 cell.

[0247] Thus, for example, as shown at 1001, the UE is configured to determine that the UE has valid measurements related to a FR2 cell.

[0248] Then, as shown at 1003, since the UE has valid measurements, no measurement rounds (e.g., if the cell needs to be detected or has been recently measured) and no index reading are needed.

[0249] In some embodiments, at least one round of measurements (validation measurements) and possibly index reading can need additional delay.

[0250] T SSB_time_index_emr_inter :

[0251] Index reading period for FR2 EMR (FR2):

[0252] M index_period_w / o_gaps x SMTC period

[0253] wherein:

[0254] M index_period_w / o_gaps :

[0255] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, if the cell is reported with index as part of EMR, M index_period_w / o_gaps = 0, otherwise M index_period_w / o_gaps = Z1 (with a value such as indicated earlier).

[0256] As an example, it is understood that the measurement period (M meas_period_w / o_gaps ) can be significantly reduced. For example, in case the UE has prior information (such as from earlier measurements). The index reading is similar.

[0257] Regarding Figure 11 , the UE behavior is shown regarding the scenario when the UE has invalid or incomplete measurements related to the FR2 cell.

[0258] Thus, for example, as shown at 1101, the UE is configured to determine that the UE has invalid or incomplete measurements related to the FR2 cell.

[0259] Then, as shown at 1103, since the UE has invalid / incomplete measurements on FR2 and the UE performs verification of the measurements.

[0260] T SSB_time_index_emr_inter :

[0261] In another alternative embodiment, for at least one round of measurements and possible index reading, additional delay can be needed to perform the incomplete and / or invalid measurements.

[0262] Index reading period for FR2 EMR (FR2):

[0263] M index_period_w / o_gaps x SMTC period

[0264] wherein:

[0265] M index_period_w / o_gaps :

[0266] For a UE supporting FR2 power class 2, if the cell is reported with index as part of EMR, M index_period_w / o_gaps= 0, otherwise G1. G1 is a variable identifying another unique value. The above variable labels are example labels and can differ between implementations or embodiments in a similar way as the example variable values.

[0267] In one example, UE behavior can be specified by the following standard specification addition. The addition can be part of, for example, SCell and / or PSCell addition or activation requirements (and similar to PSCell addition). Using SCell activation delay as an example, then a new standard specification section for defining a direct SCell activation delay for EMR carriers (in FR2) can be introduced:

[0268] 8.3.x Direct SCell activation for EMR target SCell

[0269] The requirements in this clause apply to UEs configured in RRC reconfiguration message TS 38.331 where at least one SCell has been provided to the network in an EMR report and the parameter sCellState is set to activated.

[0270] Upon successful completion of the RRC reconfiguration procedure within the specified delay, the UE configures the SCell to the activated state. The UE shall be able to transmit a valid CSI report and apply actions on the directly activated SCell no later than in the slot n + T

[0271] where:

[0272] Slot n is the last slot overlapping with the PDSCH containing the RRC reconfiguration message.

[0273] N direct = T RRC_process + T activation_time + T CSI_Reporting - 3 ms for the case where the TCI state is not indicated within T activation_time ; otherwise,

[0274] N direct = T RRC_process + T HARQ + T activation_time + T CSI_Reporting

[0275] where:

[0276] T RRC_process : RRC procedure delay as specified in TS 36.331 clause 11.2 if the corresponding RRC message is embedded in an E-UTRA RRC message, otherwise RRC procedure delay defined in clause 12 of TS 38.331,

[0277] T HARQ : is the timing between DL data transmission and acknowledgement as specified in TS 38.213 in ms,

[0278] T activation_time : is the SCell activation delay in milliseconds and is defined as:

[0279] T activation_time = Tactivation_time + Tactivation_time_diff

[0280] (M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps_emr × SMTC period) + (M

[0281] (M meas_period_w / o_gaps_emr × SMTC period) + (M

[0282] (M SSB_time_index_emr_inter × SMTC period),

[0283] where

[0284] M PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter = 0 if the cell is reported to the network, otherwise 24.

[0285] M SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter = Y1 if the cell is reported to the network, otherwise 24

[0286] M SSB_time_index_emr_inter = 0 if the cell with index is reported to the network, otherwise 24

[0287] and clause 8.3.2 specifies T CSI_Reporting , where T FirstSSB and T FirstSSB_MAX the following definitions shall override existing definitions:

[0288] T FirstSSB : is the time after slot when the first complete SSB burst indicated by SMTC ends

[0289] T FirstSSB_MAX : is the time after slot when the first complete SSB burst indicated by SMTC ends

[0290] In FR2, when all activated serving cells and SCells are activated or released, the SSB burst is transmitted in the same slot.

[0291] In addition to the CSI reporting defined above, after the SCell is activated, the UE shall also apply other actions related to the activation command for SCell as specified in TS 38.321 in the first opportunity of the corresponding action.

[0292] This is an illustrative example. Further, the values of X, Y1 and Y2, Z1, G1 can be equal to 24 if the current parameters are assumed (but can also be different or further checked, e.g. using the values provided in the table above).

[0293] It should be noted that as an important aspect, the requirement is not to distinguish between known and unknown EMR SCell / PSCell, but only to distinguish whether the configured cell was reported as part of an EMR before configuration or not.

[0294] Such embodiments described above will aim at providing a significant reduction in FR2 SCell or SCG setup delay. Assuming a delay of 4160 ms for inter-frequency measurements and reporting in connected mode (up to 2080 ms is shown above) and being able to reduce the delay to below 500 ms (or close to 0 or 20 ms from the time of RRC setup complete measurement), the activation time can be reduced by more than 3 seconds.

[0295] Further, implementation of embodiments described herein can also help reduce the power consumption of the UE in connected mode. This is because one way for the network to get faster measurements from the UE is to not allow the UE to go into DRX in connected mode (allowing the UE to go into DRX typically increases detection and measurement of neighboring cells). Not allowing the UE to go into DRX to ensure faster UE measurements will increase UE consumption compared to scenarios where the UE can go into DRX.

[0296] Figure 12 The example shown shows a plot of user throughput in Mbps for a range of delays and offered load. Assuming that the activated SCell has been detected in idle mode and EMR information is provided to the network, only one round of measurements is needed and thus the worst case delay time is: 480 ms. From Figure 12 It can be clearly seen from that even with the additional reporting and SCell configuration delay, the setup delay can be significantly reduced compared to relying on inter-frequency measurements and reporting. Thus, it is clear that the delay can be pushed to the performance of 760 ms shown in the following figure:

[0297] The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting example a full and informative description of the exemplary embodiments. However, various modifications and adaptations can become apparent to those skilled in the relevant arts in view of the foregoing description, when read, not in isolation, but in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. However, all such and similar modifications and adaptations will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0298] In the foregoing, as an example of an access architecture to which the techniques can apply, different examples are described using Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-Advanced, LTE-A) or New Radio (NR, 5G) as an example, however, the examples are not limited to such an architecture. By suitable adaptation of the parameters and procedures, the examples are also applicable to other types of communication networks with suitable components. Some examples of other options for suitable systems are Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN or Wi-Fi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Global Positioning System (GPS), Personal Communications Service (PCS), Bluetooth®, ZigBee, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) or any combination thereof. Personal Communications Service (PCS), (ZigBee), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), systems using Ultra-Wide Band (UWB) technology, sensor networks, Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks (MANETs) and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) or any combination thereof.

[0299] As provided herein, various aspects are described in the detailed description of examples and in the claims. Generally, some examples can be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software code, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while other aspects can be implemented in software code or firmware code that is executed by a controller, microprocessor or other computing devices, although the examples are not limited thereto. While various examples can be illustrated or described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it is well understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software code, firmware code, special-purpose circuits or logic, general purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof, as non-limiting examples.

[0300] Examples can be implemented by computer software code stored in memory and executable by at least one data processor of the involved entities or by hardware or by a combination of software code and hardware.

[0301] Memory as referred to herein can be of any type suitable to the local technical environment and can 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.

[0302] Processor as referred to herein can be of any type suitable to the local technical environment, and can include one or more of general purpose computers, special purpose computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architectures, as non-limiting examples.

[0303] Furthermore, in this regard, it should be noted that any process (e.g. Figure 11 and / or Figure 12 may represent operations by a computer program (where the computer program comprises instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least one action, the instructions being represented as software code stored on at least one memory) deployed by at least one processor comprised in the apparatus, or a combination of logic circuits, blocks and functions interconnected, or a combination of operations by a computer program and logic circuits, blocks and functions deployed by at least one processor comprised in the apparatus. The software code can be stored on a memory, such as a physical medium (a memory chip, or a memory block implemented within a processor), a magnetic medium (such as a hard disk or floppy disk), and an optical medium (such as e.g. a DVD and data variants thereof, a CD, etc.).

[0304] The memory can be of any type appropriate for the local technical environment and can 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 can be of any type appropriate for the local technical environment, and can be implemented using one or more of as non-limiting examples: a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a gate level circuit and a processor based on multi-core processor architecture.

[0305] Additionally or alternatively, some examples can be implemented using circuitry. The circuitry can be configured to perform one or more of the previously described functions and / or method steps. The circuitry can be provided in a base station and / or a communication device and / or a core network entity.

[0306] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" can refer to one or more or all of the following:

[0307] (a) hardware-only circuitry implementations (such as implementations in only analog and / or digital circuitry) ;

[0308] (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software other than the software code described above (such as, for example:

[0309] (i) analog and / or (one or more) digital hardware circuits with software and / or firmware code;

[0310] (ii) hardware (one or more) processors with software and / or firmware code, including digital signal processor(s), software code, and any portions thereof, working together to cause an apparatus, such as a communication device or base station, to perform various functions described above; and

[0311] (c) (one or more) hardware circuits and / or (one or more) processors (such as (one or more) microprocessors or portions of (one or more) microprocessors) that require software code (e.g., firmware) for operation, but may be absent when not required for operation.

[0312] This definition of circuit system applies to all uses of the term in this application, including in any claim. As another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also covers an implementation of hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware code. The term circuit system also covers, for example, integrated devices.

[0313] Implementations of this disclosure can be practiced in various components such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is largely a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools can be used to translate logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs, ready for etching and formation on semiconductor substrates.

[0314] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, wherein a list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or” to indicate at least any one element, or at least any two or more elements, or at least all elements.

[0315] The term “non-transient” as used in this article refers to the limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not signal), rather than the limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0316] The scope of protection sought by the various examples in this disclosure is defined by the independent claims. Examples and features (if any) described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims shall be construed as useful examples for understanding this disclosure.

[0317] The foregoing description has provided a complete and informative description of exemplary implementations of this disclosure by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and appended claims, given the foregoing description. Nevertheless, all such modifications and similar alterations to the teachings of this disclosure will still fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, another implementation exists that includes combinations of one or more of the foregoing implementations with any other of the foregoing implementations.

Claims

1. A method for an apparatus, the method comprising: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communications network, components for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communications network being capable of performing simultaneous measurements for a service and another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; determining to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive mode of operation; and implementing a measurement behavior from the determining, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce an establishment delay in relation to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein implementing a measurement behavior from the determining, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any establishment delay in relation to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprises: determining that the apparatus does not have a detected cell in relation to a second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; measuring the second carrier based on at least a determined time period for primary or secondary synchronization signal detection.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least one frequency range comprises: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communications network capable of performing simultaneous measurements for at least two frequency ranges, and the second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation employing a second frequency range.

4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the determined time period is a gapless synchronization integer multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration or a synchronization signal block period for a cell being measured.

5. The method of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein implementing a measurement behavior from the determining, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any establishment or resume delay in relation to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprises: determining that the apparatus has one or more detected cells in relation to a second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; measuring on the second link based on a measurement time period.

6. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein implementing a measurement behavior from the determining, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any establishment or resume delay in relation to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprises: determining that the apparatus has a valid measurement in relation to a second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting the valid measurement without a measurement time period delay.

7. The method of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein implementing a measurement behavior from the determining, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any establishment or resume delay in relation to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprises: determining that the apparatus has a valid measurement in relation to a second link of the dual connectivity; and measuring on the second link based on a measurement time period.

8. The method of claim 5 or 7, wherein the determined measurement time period is a gapless measurement integer multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration or a synchronization signal block period for a cell being measured.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the gapless measurement integer is a first value when the cell being measured is reported and a second value otherwise. ​ 10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the implementing measurement behavior from the determining is configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprising: determining that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements with respect to a second link of the dual connectivity; and verifying the invalid or incomplete measurements within a verification period.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the implementing measurement behavior from the determining is configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprising: determining that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements with respect to a second link of the dual connectivity; and performing measurements on the second link based on an indexed reading period.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the indexed reading period is an integer number of gapless indexed reading periods multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for a cell being measured, or a signal block based.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the integer number of gapless indexed reading periods is a first value when the cell being measured is reported, and a second value otherwise.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the implementing measurement behavior from the determining is configured to reduce any setup or resume delay with respect to the implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, further comprising: determining that the apparatus has measurements with respect to a second link of the dual connectivity; and further measuring another set of measurements on the second link based on an indexed reading period, and verifying the other set of measurements within a verification period.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the indexed reading period is an integer number of gapless indexed reading periods multiplied by a synchronization signal block based measurement timing configuration period for a cell being measured, the integer number of gapless indexed reading periods being a first value. Means for performing the method of any one of claims 1 to 15 17. An apparatus comprising at least one processor, and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 15. ​ 16. An apparatus comprising: ​ ​

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