Wireless communication device and method for processing communication with two or more networks

Abstract

The wireless communication device registers (401) with a first wireless communication network associated with the first SIM by providing one or more first capabilities. When connected to the first wireless communication network, the wireless communication device sends (403) a first request to the first network node to disable a set of one or more first capabilities. The wireless communication device connects (404) to a second network node of a second wireless communication network associated with the second SIM such that the wireless communication device connects to the first network node using a reduced capability that does not have the set capability and the wireless communication device connects to the second network node using the set capability. When the wireless communication device has been disconnected from the second network node, the wireless communication device manages (405) a reactivation process of these capabilities by triggering a second request to the first network node to reactivate the set of capabilities based on whether a first condition triggering reactivation is satisfied, or the second request is not triggered based on whether a second condition that reactivation is not triggered is satisfied.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments herein relate to a wireless communication device and a method for wireless communication performed therein. Furthermore, computer program products and computer-readable storage media are also provided herein. Specifically, the embodiments herein relate to processing communications with two or more networks, such as processing operations of a Multiple Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) user equipment. Background Technology

[0002] In a typical wireless communication network, user equipment (UE) (also referred to as wireless communication device, mobile station, site (STA), and / or wireless device) communicates with one or more core networks (CN) via a radio access network (RAN). RAN coverage is divided into geographical areas of service or cell areas, each of which is served by a radio network node, such as an access node (e.g., a Wi-Fi access point or radio base station (RBS)). In some networks, radio network nodes may also be referred to as, for example, NodeB, gNodeB, or eNodeB. A service area or cell area is a geographical area covered by radio coverage provided by a radio network node. Radio network nodes operate on radio frequency to communicate with UEs within their range via an air interface. Radio network nodes communicate with UEs via a downlink (DL), and UEs communicate with radio network nodes via an uplink (UL).

[0003] Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) is a third-generation telecommunications network evolved from the second-generation (2G) Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). The UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN) is essentially a RAN that uses Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA) and / or High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA) to communicate with user equipment. In a forum known as the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), telecommunications vendors propose and agree on standards for current and future networks, particularly for UTRAN, and investigate enhanced data rates and radio capacity. In some RANs, such as those in UMTS, several radio network nodes can connect (e.g., via terrestrial lines or microwave) to a controller node (e.g., a Radio Network Controller (RNC) or Base Station Controller (BSC)). The controller node monitors and coordinates the various activities of the multiple radio network nodes connected to it. The RNC is typically connected to one or more core networks.

[0004] The Evolved Packet System (EPS) specification has been completed in 3GPP, and this work continues in future 3GPP releases (e.g., the development of 6G networks and 5G, such as New Radio (NR)). EPS comprises the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) (also known as the Long Term Evolution (LTE) Radio Access Network) and the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) (also known as the System Architecture Evolution (SAE) Core Network). E-UTRAN / LTE is a 3GPP radio access technology in which radio network nodes are directly connected to the EPC core network. Thus, the EPS radio access network (RAN) has a essentially "flat" architecture, consisting of radio network nodes directly connected to one or more core networks.

[0005] Emerging 5G technologies, such as New Radio (NR), are particularly interested in the extensive use of transmit and receive antenna elements because this allows for the utilization of beamforming, such as transmit-side beamforming and receive-side beamforming. Transmit-side beamforming means that the transmitter can amplify the transmitted signal in one or more selected directions while suppressing transmitted signals in other directions. Similarly, on the receiver side, the receiver can amplify signals from one or more selected directions while suppressing unwanted signals from other directions.

[0006] Next-generation systems are expected to support a wide range of use cases with varying requirements, ranging from fully mobile devices to stationary Internet of Things (IoT) or fixed wireless broadband devices. The business patterns associated with many use cases can be anticipated to consist of short or long data traffic bursts, interspersed with varying periods of inactivity. Licensed assisted access and independent unlicensed operation will be supported in NR. Therefore, the procedures for Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) transmissions and / or Scheduling Request (SR) transmissions in unlicensed spectrum can be studied within 3GPP.

[0007] A multi-subscriber identity module (SIM) (or “multi-SIM” or “multi-USIM”) device is a device capable of using multiple subscriptions within a single device using more than one universal subscriber identity module (SIM or USIM). A multi-SIM UE supports simultaneous registration to more than one network, and, for example, if the UE implements two different radios (e.g., dual receive (Rx) and dual transmit (Tx) capabilities), the UE can act as two independent UEs and communicate with two networks simultaneously. There are also UEs that support dual SIM or multi-SIM but have only one radio front-end and baseband processing.

[0008] Therefore, a single UE capable of having two or more subscription credentials can function as two UEs within a single device / hardware entity. The ability of a UE to support multiple USIMs (MUSIMs) has become a mainstream feature. For example, a user can have a work SIM, a private SIM, and other SIMs that can be used in one or more UEs for other purposes. As another example, mobile devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and other wearable devices require multi-SIM capability to connect to the same mobile number. Multi-SIM capability for voice calls means that the user can reach them via these devices using the same mobile number without needing to connect through a smartphone.

[0009] MUSIM devices (e.g., UEs with more than one receiver (Rx) and / or transmitter (Tx)) can connect to more than one network simultaneously, such as a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN). Factors such as different possible network configurations and evolving needs for different types of operations (e.g., multi-carrier) can influence the complexity of this framework. For example, for a UE with dual Rx and dual Tx radios, certain services on one network may require two radios to meet Quality of Service (QoS) requirements, leaving no resources for the other network.

[0010] Some traditional multi-SIM UEs support Dual SIM Dual Standby (DSDS) operation. DSDS operation means that only one USIM can actively connect to its PLMN in RRC_Connected mode to receive data, while the other USIM is in RRC_Idle / RRC_inactive mode waiting for a request to actively connect to the PLMN. This is based on a UE architecture with a single Rx or dual Rx combined with a single Tx, and is considered a traditional UE architecture, supporting up to 3GPP version 17.

[0011] Managing and supporting UEs that can simultaneously have two or more subscriptions with more than one network remains a challenge. For example, even if mobile terminals with multi-SIM capabilities exist, there is no specific standardized support for multi-USIM devices, resulting in various UE implementations and behaviors. For instance, a UE may not be able to use one subscription to receive and / or send data while simultaneously using another subscription for continuous service.

[0012] The single-Tx capability limits multi-SIM operation, resulting in one USIM being active (sending and / or receiving data) in connected mode while the other USIM is in idle mode. This is because if the single Tx is occupied by the UL transmission of the first USIM in active mode, it is impossible to provide UL feedback to the network side to make the other USIM active.

[0013] For UEs with dual Tx and dual Rx that use static UE auxiliary information, available resources may not be fully utilized. Furthermore, when UE capabilities change (e.g., downgrade or recovery), it may be necessary to control the quality of service at the network. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The purpose of this paper is to provide improved processing for the operation of multi-SIM wireless communication devices (e.g., multi-SIM UEs). Currently, 3GPP is working on an architecture based on wireless communication devices with dual Rx and dual Tx (i.e., two independent receivers and two independent transmitters). For example, the work being carried out is to provide enhancements to the MUSIM process to operate simultaneously in the RRC_CONNECTED state in both the first and second networks.

[0015] The hardware capabilities of MUSIM wireless communication devices are shared by the SIMs, and to use the hardware efficiently and economically, relevant capabilities need to be dynamically allocated between the two SIMs. This can lead to temporary hardware conflicts for the wireless communication devices, which may require the wireless communication devices to release some resources from one SIM, such as a secondary cell (SCell) or secondary cell group (SCG). For example, when the first SIM of a wireless communication device is in an RRC connected state in the first network, while the second SIM of the wireless communication device is in an RRC idle or RRC inactive state in the second network, both receivers and transmitters will be used for communication in the first network by the first SIM. Hereinafter, the receiver and the corresponding transmitter may also be referred to as the radio frequency (RF) chain. Once the second SIM enters an RRC connected state, one of the RF chains needs to be switched to the second SIM. In this case, if the first network is unaware of the reduced capability changes in the RF chain, data loss may occur due to demodulation failure, and radio resources in the first network may be wasted. To avoid this situation, it may be beneficial for the wireless communication device to provide assistance to the first network in terms of temporary capability limitations.

[0016] Specifically, wireless communication devices may be able to disable some of these capabilities to communicate with wireless communication networks. Disabling some of these capabilities allows the wireless communication device to communicate with at least a second wireless communication network while maintaining communication with the first wireless communication network. Therefore, a wireless communication device can connect to multiple wireless communication networks simultaneously (e.g., in RRC_CONNECTED mode) to adapt the configuration of available radio resources to the current needs and / or conditions of the wireless communication device. When the capabilities of a wireless communication device change (e.g., they are degraded or restored), the wireless communication device can trigger a request to the network to disable the capability, which has control over the quality of service level negotiated for the ongoing service. Furthermore, when the service of a wireless communication device is restored after a temporary degradation, the network will know whether there are sufficient radio and / or network resources to restore the service of the wireless communication device.

[0017] More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure provide a method in which a wireless communication device triggers an instruction to a wireless communication network to re-enable certain capabilities for communication with a first wireless communication network, for example, when communication with at least a second wireless communication network has ended. However, instructing a wireless communication device to re-enable certain capabilities for communication increases signaling, thereby increasing the power consumption of the wireless communication device. Furthermore, if the wireless communication device always triggers an instruction to re-enable these capabilities for communication when communication with at least a second wireless communication network has ended, network resources may not be fully utilized.

[0018] Embodiments of this disclosure describe when and / or under what conditions the UE will trigger or will not trigger the process to indicate a preference for re-enabling UE capabilities when a MUSIM wireless communication device changes from two USIMs to one USIM.

[0019] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the object is achieved by providing a method performed by a wireless communication device for processing communications with two or more networks, the wireless communication device comprising at least two SIMs, at least two independent receiver chains, and at least two independent transmitter chains. The RF chains (e.g., receiver chains or transmitter chains) can be cascaded electronic components and sub-units, which may include amplifiers, filters, mixers, attenuators, and detectors.

[0020] The wireless communication device registers with the first wireless communication network by providing one or more first capabilities of the wireless communication device associated with at least two independent receiver chains and at least two independent transmitter chains to a first network node associated with the first wireless communication network, which is associated with a first SIM of the wireless communication device.

[0021] The wireless communication device registers with the second wireless communication network by providing one or more second capabilities of the wireless communication device associated with at least two independent receiver chains and at least two independent transmitter chains to a second network node associated with the second wireless communication network, which is associated with the second SIM of the wireless communication device.

[0022] When connected to a first wireless communication network and using one or more first capabilities for service, the wireless communication device sends a first request to a first network node to disable a set of capabilities from one or more first capabilities provided to the first network node.

[0023] Once the first network node accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities, the wireless communication device connects to the second network node and uses the set of capabilities for services in the second wireless communication network, such that the wireless communication device connects to the first network node using reduced capabilities without the set of capabilities, and the wireless communication device uses the set of capabilities to connect to the second network node.

[0024] When a wireless communication device disconnects from a second network node and continues to use reduced capabilities to connect to a first network node, the wireless communication device manages the reactivation process of these capabilities by triggering a second request to the first network node to reactivate the set of capabilities for communication with the first network node, based on whether a first condition for triggering reactivation is met.

[0025] Based on whether the second condition for not triggering reactivation is met, a second request to reactivate the set of capabilities for communicating with the first network node is not triggered.

[0026] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the objective is achieved by providing a wireless communication device for communicating with two or more wireless communication networks, wherein the wireless communication device is configured to perform the method according to the first aspect described above.

[0027] This document also provides a computer program including instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of this document executed by a wireless communication device.

[0028] This document also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program thereon containing instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method of this document executed by a wireless communication device.

[0029] The embodiments described herein enable dual connectivity for wireless communication devices in more than one wireless communication network. The wireless communication device can simultaneously operate in RRC_CONNECTED mode on two or more networks for multi-SIM purposes. Furthermore, capability coordination between the wireless communication device and the wireless communication network is achieved by switching some capabilities (e.g., frequencies and / or Tx or Rx chains) from or to the wireless communication network. Therefore, the embodiments described herein enable multi-SIM UEs to communicate efficiently within the wireless communication network, thereby improving the overall performance of the wireless communication network and / or enhancing the user experience.

[0030] More specifically, the embodiments herein provide implementation solutions for wireless communication devices to determine under what conditions a process is triggered to reactivate a shared capability on both a first and a second wireless communication network into a capability reactivated on the first wireless communication network, and under what conditions a process is not triggered to reactivate the capability.

[0031] When a wireless communication device decides to trigger the process of re-enabling this capability, it helps the wireless communication device prioritize the first wireless communication network, thereby optimizing network resources based on this priority to support the user's needs.

[0032] Furthermore, when a wireless communication device decides not to trigger the process of re-enabling the capability, it provides the possibility of reducing signaling, thereby reducing the power consumption of the wireless communication device. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The embodiments will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1A This is a schematic overview depicting some embodiments of a wireless communication network according to the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 1B This is a combined signaling scheme and flowchart according to some embodiments, which illustrates the communication between a wireless communication device and a first network node and a second network node;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method performed by a wireless communication device according to some reference methods;

[0037] Figure 3 is a combined signaling scheme and flowchart based on some reference methods, which illustrates the communication between the wireless communication device and the first and second network nodes;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method performed by a wireless communication device according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0039] Figure 5This is a schematic flowchart illustrating a method performed by a wireless communication device according to some embodiments disclosed herein;

[0040] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is a block diagram depicting a wireless communication device according to some embodiments;

[0041] Figure 7 A telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network is illustrated according to some embodiments;

[0042] Figure 8 A host computer is shown communicating with a user equipment via a base station through a partially wireless connection, according to some embodiments;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments;

[0044] Figure 10 This is another flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments;

[0045] Figure 11 This is another flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments; and

[0046] Figure 12 This is another flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The embodiments described herein generally relate to wireless communication networks. Figure 1A This is a schematic overview depicting a wireless communication network 10. The wireless communication network 10 includes one or more RANs and one or more CNs. The wireless communication network 10 may use one or more different technologies. The embodiments described herein relate to recent technology trends of particular interest in the New Radio (NR) environment; however, the embodiments are also applicable to further developments of existing wireless communication systems, such as LTE or Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA).

[0048] In the wireless communication network 10, user equipment (UE) 102 (e.g., mobile station, wireless device, non-access point (non-AP) STA, STA and / or wireless terminal) communicates with one or more core networks (CN) via, for example, one or more access networks (AN) (e.g., RAN). Those skilled in the art will understand that "UE" is a non-limiting term, meaning any terminal, wireless communication terminal or device, user equipment, NB-IoT device, machine-type communication (MTC) device, device-to-device (D2D) terminal, or node (e.g., smartphone, laptop, mobile phone, sensor, relay, mobile tablet, or even a small base station capable of communicating with a radio network node using radio communication within an area served by that radio network node).

[0049] The wireless communication network 10 includes one or more first network nodes.

[0050] Wireless communication network 10 includes a first network node 104, such as an access node, access controller, base station, such as a radio base station, such as a gNodeB (gNB), evolved NodeB (eNB, eNodeB), NodeB, base transceiver station, radio remote unit, access point base station, base station router, wireless local area network (WLAN) access point or access point station (AP STA), MME, AMF, stand-alone access point, or any other network element or node capable of communicating with wireless devices within a service area 14 served by the radio network node (depending on, for example, the radio access technology and terminology used). Service area 14 may also be referred to as a beam or beam group of a first radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc.). The first network node 104 may be associated with and provide radio communication within a first wireless communication network 140 (e.g., a first public land mobile network (PLMN) or a first non-public network (NPN)). In some embodiments, the first wireless communication network 140 may be implemented as a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

[0051] The wireless communication network 10 also includes a second network node 106, such as an access node, access controller, base station, such as a radio base station, such as a gNodeB (gNB), evolved NodeB (eNB, eNodeB), NodeB, base transceiver station, radio remote unit, access point base station, base station router, wireless local area network (WLAN) access point or access point station (AP STA), MME, AMF, stand-alone access point, or any other network element or node capable of communicating with wireless devices within the service area 16 served by the radio network node (depending on, for example, the wireless access technology and terminology used). The service area 16 may also be referred to as a beam or beam group of a first radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, etc.). The second network node 106 may be associated with and provide radio communication within a second wireless communication network 160 (e.g., a second PLMN or a second NPN). In some embodiments, the second wireless communication network 160 may be implemented as a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

[0052] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to multi-SIM or MUSIM devices that enable users to register to multiple networks, such as PLMNs, NPNs, or combinations thereof. For example, a UE equipped with dual radio capabilities can connect to two wireless communication networks simultaneously.

[0053] like Figure 1A As shown, UE 102 can therefore be a multi-SIM UE, and it can have a first SIM (shown as SIM1) and a second SIM (shown as SIM2), but it should be understood that UE 102 can have more than two SIMs. In the illustrated embodiment, a first wireless communication network 140 (e.g., a first PLMN or NPN) is associated with the first SIM of UE 102, and a second wireless communication network 160 (e.g., a second PLMN or NPN) is associated with the second SIM of the wireless communication device.

[0054] UE 102 can register to both a first wireless communication network 140 and a second wireless communication network 160, which can be corresponding PLMNs, NPNs, combinations of PLMNs and NPNs, or any other wireless communication networks of the same or different types. As used herein, a PLMN is defined as a wireless communication network that provides a combination of wireless communication services offered by an operator. As used herein, an NPN is defined as a private network deployed by an entity such as a government, a company, or another entity for private use. In some embodiments, when UE 102 has multiple SIMs, different SIMs are associated with different PLMNs or NPNs. In some embodiments, UE 102 can have more than one SIM associated with the same network (e.g., PLMN and / or NPN), for example, UE 102 can have two SIMs from the same operator.

[0055] Some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with the Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol.

[0056] In some embodiments, aspects of this disclosure may be implemented in a cloud environment.

[0057] UE 102 has more than one radio, such as both dual receive (Rx) and dual transmit (Tx) capabilities. This means that there are at least two independent Rx receiver chains supported by the UE for DL ​​data reception, and at least two independent Tx transmitter chains supported by the UE for UL data transmission. The radio can support RRC connection mode in a network (e.g., one of the first wireless communication network 140 and the second wireless communication network 160) without interrupting the service of the other network (e.g., the other of the first wireless communication network 140 and the second wireless communication network 160).

[0058] The number of Rx / Tx radio chains can influence how multi-SIM UEs are managed. Furthermore, different possible network configurations and evolving requirements for different types of operation can affect the complexity of handling communications for multi-SIM UEs capable of communicating with multiple wireless communication networks. For example, a UE might be able to implement NR Independent (SA) with carrier aggregation (CA) or NR Dual Connectivity (DC) on at least one of the USIMs associated with at least one PLMN.

[0059] CA was standardized for 4G / LTE in 3GPP Release 10. CA can be used to achieve higher throughput or improved robustness.

[0060] With 5G Release 15, 3GPP introduced dual connectivity / multi-connectivity. This makes the use of multiple transceivers more flexible, where different transceivers can be used for:

[0061] It connects to multiple cells; for example, one cell is used for NR on one frequency band, while another cell is used for NR on a different frequency band. This is similar to how CA / DC can be used in LTE.

[0062] Connecting different RATs, for example, using one NR cell and another LTE cell. This differs from the way CA / DC can be used in LTE.

[0063] For example, this can be used for:

[0064] To improve coverage, for example, a Tx / Rx uses a high-frequency band to connect to one cell and a low-frequency band to connect to another cell to achieve wide-area coverage.

[0065] Higher throughput, using two connections instead of one.

[0066] Robustness is improved, where data is received / sent in one cell and repeated in another.

[0067] Load balancing is a technique where different services distribute the load across different cells when some cells become congested while other cells still have available resources.

[0068] Operators can use both 4G / LTE and 5G / NR in small areas where increased capacity is needed (indoors, hotspots), while still using 4G / LTE for general purposes throughout the system. This allows for the phased deployment of 5G / NR.

[0069] When UE 102 registers only with network A, UE 102 can provide its capability information to network A, which corresponds to the case where UE 102 uses only one of the SIMs. This means that it corresponds to a single-SIM UE, and all capabilities available in the UE (e.g., frequency, carrier combination, functions, processing, etc.) are available to network A.

[0070] According to the embodiments described herein, UE 102 can communicate with two different wireless communication networks simultaneously. Therefore, for example, when UE 102 registers with PLMN1 and PLMN2 or other types of wireless communication networks, UE 102 can provide full capabilities to both network A and network B as if UE 102 were only registered with one network.

[0071] Figure 1B This document describes combined flowcharts and signaling schemes for several reference methods used to indicate preferences such as releasing UE capabilities when moving from one USIM to two USIMs (e.g., by indicating temporary UE capability restrictions) and re-enabling UE capabilities when moving from two USIMs to one USIM. These reference methods can be improved through embodiments herein.

[0072] Action 1010: UE 102 registers with a first network node 104 associated with a first SIM. UE 102 can register by providing first information, including one or more first capabilities of UE 102, to the first network node 104.

[0073] Action 1020: UE 102 registers with the second network node 106 associated with the second SIM. UE 102 can register by providing the second network node 106 with second information including one or more second capabilities of UE 102.

[0074] Action 1030 UE 102 sends a first request to the first network node 104 to disable a set of capabilities from one or more first capabilities in the first information provided to the first network node 104.

[0075] Action 1040: First network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities to communicate with UE 102.

[0076] Action 1050 Then, UE 102 can use this set of capabilities to connect to the second network node 106.

[0077] Action 1060UE 102 can later disconnect from the second network node 106.

[0078] Action 1070 When UE 102 disconnects from the second network node 106 and can continue to use reduced capabilities to connect to the first wireless communication network 140, UE 102 may send a second request to the first network node 104 to re-enable the set of capabilities for communicating with the first wireless communication network 140.

[0079] Action 1080 Then, the first network node 104 can accept the second request.

[0080] Action 1090: First network node 104 may update and re-enable the set of capabilities to communicate with UE 102, thereby allowing UE 102 to resume connection to the first wireless communication network 140 using at least a portion of the re-enabled set of capabilities from first information, the first information including one or more first capabilities of UE 102.

[0081] Figure 2An example of a reference method performed by a multi-SIM-enabled UE (e.g., UE 102) is shown, which indicates a preference to release UE capabilities when moving from one USIM to two USIMs (e.g., by indicating a temporary UE capability restriction), and to re-enable UE capabilities when moving from two USIMs to one USIM. UE 102 has a first SIM and a second SIM. However, a UE may have, for example, three, four, five, six, or more than six SIMs.

[0082] Optional actions are shown using dashed lines. Figure 2 The actions can be performed in any suitable order.

[0083] Action 202UE 102 directs to the first wireless communication network 140 associated with the first SIM (e.g., Figure 1A The UE 102 registers with the first wireless communication network 140. The UE 102 can register with the first wireless communication network 140 by providing first information, including one or more first capabilities of the UE 102, to a first network node (e.g., first network node 104) associated with the first wireless communication network 140. The one or more first capabilities of the UE 102 in the first information include UE capabilities associated with the first wireless communication network 140. In some embodiments, the first information includes information about all capabilities of the UE 102.

[0084] The first information (which may include information about all capabilities of UE 102) may include information about one or more of the following: a) the number of carriers supported by the UE; b) one or more carrier combinations supported by the UE; c) one or more processing capabilities of the UE; d) one or more features supported by the UE; e) the number of radio front-ends the UE has; f) the bandwidth supported by the UE; g) the buffer or memory size supported by the UE; h) the number of PDN connections or PDU connections supported by the UE; i) one or more carrier aggregation capabilities of the UE; and j) one or more dual connectivity capabilities of the UE. In some embodiments, registration with the first wireless communication network 140 includes configuration by the first network node 104 based on the first information including one or more first capabilities of the UE. The first network node 104 configures UE 102 according to one or more first capabilities of UE 102 provided to the first network node 104.

[0085] Action 204UE 102 can send to the second wireless communication network associated with the second SIM (e.g., Figure 1AThe UE 102 registers with the second wireless communication network (160). The UE 102 registers with the second wireless communication network by providing second information, including one or more second capabilities of the UE 102, to a second network node (e.g., second network node 106) associated with the second wireless communication network. The one or more second capabilities of the UE 102 in the second information include UE capabilities associated with the second wireless communication network. In some embodiments, the second information includes information about all capabilities of the UE 102.

[0086] The second information (which may include information about all the capabilities of UE 102) may include information about one or more of the following: a) the number of carriers supported by the UE; b) one or more carrier combinations supported by the UE; c) one or more processing capabilities of the UE; d) one or more features supported by the UE; e) the number of radio front-ends the UE has; f) the bandwidth supported by the UE; g) the buffer or memory size supported by the UE; h) the number of PDN connections or PDU connections supported by the UE; i) one or more carrier aggregation capabilities of the UE; and j) one or more dual connectivity capabilities of the UE.

[0087] One or more first abilities may be the same as, partially the same as, or different from one or more second abilities.

[0088] In some embodiments, registration with the second network includes configuration by the second network node 106 based on second information including one or more second capabilities of the UE 102. The second network node 106 configures the UE 102 according to one or more second capabilities provided to the second network node 106.

[0089] In some embodiments, since the network node knows that UE 102 is a multi-USIM UE, UE 102 can be configured by the network node (e.g., one or both of the first and second network nodes or any other network node) to provide the network node with UE assistance information and other relevant information.

[0090] Therefore, UE 102 can register with both the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network simultaneously. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication network 140 and the second wireless communication network are different networks. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication network 140 and the second wireless communication network are the same network.

[0091] In some embodiments, the first wireless communication network 140 is NR, and the second wireless communication network is LTE or NR.

[0092] For example, information regarding one or more of UE behavior, service modes, and UE assistance information (UAI) can be transmitted from a first wireless communication network 140 to a second wireless communication network and vice versa. For instance, this information can be included in a transparent container and transmitted from one network to another via a CN. Upon receiving this information, the wireless communication network can make more informed decisions regarding pre-configuration and prediction.

[0093] The first wireless communication network 140 may be a first PLMN or a first NPN, and the second wireless communication network may be a second PLMN or a second NPN. In some embodiments, both the first and second wireless communication networks may be PLMNs or NPNs. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication network 140 is a PLMN, and the second wireless communication network is an NPN. In some embodiments, the first wireless communication network 140 is an NPN, and the second wireless communication network is a PLMN. In some embodiments, one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks are a combination of a PLMN and an NPN.

[0094] As used herein, UE 102 registering with a wireless communication network (e.g., with a PLMN or NPN) means that UE 102 receives and / or transmits signals with that wireless communication network when in connected mode. UE 102 may also register with a wireless communication network when in idle mode, in which case UE 102 is at least prepared to receive some signals (e.g., paging signals) from that wireless communication network.

[0095] After UE 102 has registered in the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network and the corresponding relevant UE capabilities have been provided to the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network, UE 102 can disconnect from the first wireless communication network and the second wireless communication network.

[0096] At some point, UE 102 may initiate service in the first wireless communication network 140. Therefore, UE 102 becomes connected to the first wireless communication network 140 and may disconnect from the second wireless communication network. UE 102 may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode in the first wireless communication network 140, while UE 102 may be in RRC_IDLE mode or state, or RRC_INACTIVE mode or state, in the second wireless communication network.

[0097] Action 206: UE 102 triggers a first request to the first wireless communication network 140 to disable the set of capabilities. The first request can be triggered when UE 102 needs to connect to the second wireless communication network. In some embodiments, when connected to the first wireless communication network 140 and using one or more first capabilities for service, UE 102 triggers a first request to the first network node 104 to disable one or more first capabilities, such as those provided to the first network node 104 in first information, or a set of capabilities from one or more first capabilities configured by the first network. Therefore, UE 102 indicates to the first network node 104 that some of these one or more first capabilities (which may be capabilities previously provided to the first network node 104 by UE 102) are temporarily disabled. For example, it may be necessary to disable certain carrier frequencies to allow UE 102 to also connect to the second wireless communication network.

[0098] The set of capabilities that UE 102 requests the first wireless communication network 140 to disable may be one or more capabilities from the first information provided by UE 102 to the first network node 104. The first wireless communication network 140 may disable the capabilities based on the requested set of capabilities it receives, so that UE 102 communicates with the first network node 104 using reduced capabilities.

[0099] The first information may include one or more carrier frequencies, wherein the set of capabilities in one or more first capabilities in the first information includes at least one carrier frequency among the one or more carrier frequencies.

[0100] The first request may include UE assistance information, enabling UE 102 to provide UE assistance information to the first network node 104.

[0101] UE assistance information may include one or more of the following: indications in In-Device Coexistence (IDC) assistance information; indications in a combination of IDC assistance information and MUSIM indications; and MUSIM assistance information. In some embodiments, MUSIM assistance information is separate from IDC assistance information, and the IDC assistance information is not modified by MUSIM.

[0102] A first request to the first network node 104 may be provided in response to a change in at least one condition of UE 102 in at least one of the first and second wireless communication networks, wherein the change in at least one condition includes a change in channel conditions and / or data requirements. When one or more conditions change on the wireless communication network to which UE 102 is connected (e.g., the first wireless communication network 140 or the second wireless communication network), depending on different aspects related to the wireless communication network, UE 102 may decide to trigger a UE assistance information report or trigger the transmission of an activation request for one or more elements provided in the UE assistance information.

[0103] At least one condition may include channel conditions. For example, the channel conditions of one of the wireless communication networks (e.g., the first wireless communication network 140) may have deteriorated, while the channel conditions of another wireless communication network (e.g., the second wireless communication network) have improved; therefore, UE 102 may report a preference for a reduced configuration to the first wireless communication network 140, while UE 102 may report a preference for a configuration that provides improved conditions (e.g., higher bandwidth, more component carriers, etc.) for communication between UE 102 and the second wireless communication network to the second wireless communication network.

[0104] The at least one condition may include a change in data demand in at least one of the first and second wireless communication networks. For example, when the data demand for one of the wireless communication networks (e.g., the first wireless communication network 140) may be low, UE 102 may report a preference for a reduced configuration to the first wireless communication network 140, while UE 102 may report a preference for a configuration that provides improved conditions (e.g., higher bandwidth, more component carriers, etc.) for communication between UE 102 and the second wireless communication network to the second wireless communication network.

[0105] The first request to the first network node 104 can be provided in response to the expiration of a timer that determines when UE 102 can send a request to the first network node and / or the second network node. For example, the timer could be a timer used to prevent frequent reporting by UE 102, so that when the timer expires, UE 102 can only send another report, such as UE assistance information or a trigger. The timer can operate at any suitable frequency, and the timer can be adjustable. The timer can be reset once the UE assistance information or trigger indication is set.

[0106] The first request to the first network node 104 can be provided in response to one or more of the following:

[0107] The availability of information to be sent in the first request, which is different from the information about a set of reduced capabilities sent in the previous request to the first network node 104.

[0108] The occurrence of the event;

[0109] The occurrence of network configuration conditions;

[0110] UE 102 switches from the source cell to the target cell;

[0111] Aside from the reconfiguration process in addition to switching;

[0112] Connection established;

[0113] Reconstruction process;

[0114] The recovery process; and

[0115] The UE will be suspended.

[0116] The first request can be provided based on the availability of information to be sent in the first request, which differs from the information regarding a set of reduced capabilities previously sent in a previous request to the first network node 104. Providing different information can be a condition for sending a subsequent report; that is, if UE 102 has already sent a report regarding reduced UE configuration for multi-USIM purposes, then UE 102 can only send another report if such a report involves information different from the previous report. This report can be UE assistance information and / or trigger indications.

[0117] The first request can be provided based on the occurrence or cause value of an event. For example, if the report is triggered by an event or cause (e.g., low battery, a certain service level, etc.), UE 102 can send a report about a reduction in UE configuration for multiple USIM purposes.

[0118] The first request can be provided during the handover of UE 102 from the source cell to the target cell. For example, the first request can be provided immediately after the handover to the target cell (synchronous reconfiguration). UE 102 can indicate to the target cell a preference for degraded UE configuration for multi-USIM purposes.

[0119] A first request may be provided to the first network node 104 in response to sending a UE assistance information message, which no longer includes indications of certain UE preferences that reduce UE configuration / capabilities for MUSIM purposes.

[0120] When UE 102 initiates an RRC connection re-establishment procedure or an RRC recovery procedure, it may provide a first request to the first network node 104. Configuration related to auxiliary information concerning reduced UE configuration for multi-USIM purposes may be released by UE 102.

[0121] If UE assistance information is sent (which no longer includes indications of certain reduced UE configuration / capabilities for multi-USIM purposes), a first request can be provided to the first network node 104. For example, if UE 102 has already sent UE assistance information to the network node with an indication of a reduced MIMO layer, then the transmission of a new UE assistance information message (where the indication of the reduced MIMO layer UE preference is absent) corresponds to no longer having a preference for a reduced MIMO layer.

[0122] UE assistance information may be provided to UE 102 in the first request, or provided as part of the first request.

[0123] UE assistance information can be provided to the first network node 104 before triggering the first request to the first network node 104. In other words, UE 102 can send UE assistance information related to reduced capabilities of UE 102 for MUSIM purposes to the first network node 104 in advance. In this embodiment, a trigger indication (also referred to herein as an activation request) (e.g., a lower-level trigger indication) can be used to activate UE assistance information that can be stored in the first network node 104, and UE 102 can send the trigger indication to the first network node 104. Therefore, UE assistance information related to this set of capabilities can be stored in the first network node 104, and triggering the first request includes sending a lower-level trigger indication to the first network node 104 to activate the UE assistance information to disable the set of capabilities. In this embodiment, the first request may include a trigger indication, such as a lower-level trigger indication.

[0124] The lower-layer trigger indication may include a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) trigger indication or an Uplink Control Information (UCI) trigger indication. In some embodiments, one or both of the MAC CE trigger indication and the UCI trigger indication may be a single bit or a bitmap.

[0125] UE assistance information may include one or more carrier frequencies, such as a list of carrier frequencies and / or combinations thereof, which will not be used compared to the carrier frequencies in one or more capabilities of UE 102 provided to the first network node 104. For example, if UE 102 indicates to the first wireless communication network 140 that carriers f2, f3, f4, and f5 are carriers that may be affected, the configuration may include four entries. Corresponding fields are also defined for MAC CE or UCI, i.e., four bits can be reserved to indicate these carriers, so the first bit corresponds to f2, the second bit to f3, the third bit to f4, and the fourth bit to f5. Therefore, if some service in the second wireless communication network requires the use of f4, a MAC CE or UCI can be sent to the first network node 104 (and thus to the first wireless communication network 140), where the third bit corresponding to carrier f4 is set to 1 or another suitable value. In this way, UE 102 informs the first network node 104 that f4 should not be configured for communication between UE 102 and the first network node 104.

[0126] UE 102 can receive RRC reconfiguration for all capabilities from the first network node 104. Some parts of the capabilities may be affected by the upgraded / downgraded UE configuration and are therefore indicated as, for example, the configuration of carriers f2, f3, f4, and f5 or the MIMO layer. These configurations also provide an indication of whether to apply them immediately. If the configuration is not applied immediately, UE 102 only obtains information about the RRC reconfiguration and waits for a trigger indication (e.g., a lower-layer indication) to apply the RRC reconfiguration, and then applies the configurations for f2, f3, f4, and f5.

[0127] When the first network node 104 receives from the UE 102 UE auxiliary information that f4 is an affected carrier and a lower layer trigger indication, the first network node 104 may send MAC CE or downlink control information (DCI), wherein the third bit corresponding to f4 is set to 1 or another suitable value, so that the UE 102 will deconfigure and no longer use the carrier.

[0128] When the first network node 104 uses DCI to instruct the UE to (re)configure, a new field can be introduced to reference the index in the MUSIM-related RRC reconfiguration message. As an example, a new MAC CE or DCI that sets the third bit back to 0 after the third bit is set to 1 indicates that the UE 102 can resume deconfiguration, i.e., the UE 102 uses the upgraded RRC configuration.

[0129] Action 208: UE 102 can receive reconfiguration messages. When the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the group of capabilities, UE 102 can receive RRC reconfiguration messages and / or lower-layer instructions from the first network node 104.

[0130] Action 210: UE 102 may receive a rate adjustment instruction. When the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities, UE 102 may receive a rate adjustment instruction from the first network node 104. The rate adjustment instruction may include a suggestion to UE 102 to temporarily reduce the bit rate in the uplink and / or downlink.

[0131] Action 212 When the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the group of capabilities, UE 102 may trigger the adjustment or downgrade of the ongoing service to a lower quality of service.

[0132] Once the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the group of capabilities, the UE 102 can connect to the second network node 106 and use the group of capabilities for service, so that the UE 102 can connect to the first network node 104 with reduced capabilities without the group of capabilities, and the UE 102 can connect to the second network node 106 with the group of capabilities (e.g., including reduced capabilities of the group of capabilities).

[0133] Once the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities (which are reduced capabilities compared to the capabilities in the first message sent to the first network node 104), the UE 102 can be configured with these reduced capabilities. The UE 102 can then use certain capabilities (which are released for connecting to the second network node 106) to connect to the second network node 106. Therefore, at this point, the UE 102 is connected to both the first and second wireless communication networks, such that the UE 102 is now in RRC_CONNECTED mode in both networks. Service between the UE 102 and the first network node 104 continues with reduced capabilities, and the UE 102 uses one or more services at the second network node 106. When a UE is connected to two wireless communication networks, the capabilities used can be reduced in both networks.

[0134] After a period of time, one or more services between UE 102 and the second network node 106 may terminate, causing UE 102 to disconnect from the second network node 106. Therefore, UE 102 may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode in the first wireless communication network 140, and UE 102 may be in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode in the second wireless communication network.

[0135] Furthermore, in some embodiments, it may be desirable not to remove the second network node 106, but rather to disconnect from the second network node 106 and enter RRC_INACTIVE mode in the second wireless communication network. Instead, a half / dormant dual connectivity (DC) can be created, allowing the UE 102 to avoid the network node establishment process when it later reconnects to the second network node 106. In this way, latency can be reduced. As another variation, the UE 102 can instruct the second network node 106 to deactivate the second network node 106 (e.g., a secondary cell group (SCG)) and enter half RRC_INACTIVE mode.

[0136] Action 216: UE 102 may trigger a second request to the first wireless communication network 140 to reactivate the group of capabilities or a portion thereof. In some embodiments, when UE 102 disconnects from the second network node 106 and continues to use reduced capabilities to connect to the first network node 104, UE 102 triggers a second request to the first network node 104 to reactivate at least a portion of the group of capabilities for communicating with the first network node 104. It should be noted that throughout this disclosure, the description of reactivating the group of capabilities includes reactivating at least a portion of the group of capabilities.

[0137] The second request may include UE assistance information, which may be similar to the UE assistance information discussed above in conjunction with the first request. The second request may include UE assistance information, enabling UE 102 to provide UE assistance information to the second network node 106.

[0138] UE assistance information may include one or more of the following: indications in IDC assistance information, indications in combination of IDC assistance information and multiple SIM (MUSIM) indications, and MUSIM assistance information.

[0139] UE assistance information can be provided to the second network node 106 in advance and can be stored in the second network node 106. The UE assistance information can then be activated, for example, in response to a trigger indication. In this embodiment, the second request may include a trigger indication, such as a lower-layer trigger indication.

[0140] Action 218: UE 102 may receive a reconfiguration message, such as a second reconfiguration message. When the first network node 104 accepts the second request and reactivates at least a portion of the group of capabilities, UE 102 may receive an RRC reconfiguration message and / or a lower-layer indication from the first network node 104. The lower-layer indication may include a MAC CE indication or a DCI / Uplink Control Information (UCI) indication.

[0141] Action 220: UE 102 may receive a second rate adjustment instruction. UE 102 may receive the second rate adjustment instruction from the first network node 104 when the first network node 104 accepts the second request and re-enables at least a portion of the set of capabilities. In some embodiments, the second rate adjustment instruction may include a suggestion to UE 102 to increase the bit rate in the uplink and / or downlink.

[0142] Action 222 When the first network node 104 accepts the second request, UE 102 can trigger the adjustment or upgrade of the ongoing service to a higher quality of service.

[0143] Once the first network node 104 accepts the second request and re-enables at least a portion of the group of capabilities, the UE 102 can also resume using at least a portion of the (re-enabled) group of capabilities from one or more of the first capabilities in the first information to connect to the first network node 104.

[0144] When the first network node 104 accepts the second request, the first network node 104 may re-enable the entire set of previously disabled capabilities, or may re-enable a portion or subset of the previously disabled capabilities.

[0145] Dynamic activation / deactivation of the UE 102's connection to one or both of the first and second wireless communication networks can be performed to achieve desired network resource utilization. This can be enhanced to support dynamic updates due to, for example, UE notifications in the MAC layer.

[0146] Figure 3 illustrates a signaling scheme for communication between UE 102 and a first network node and a second network node according to some reference methods. For illustrative purposes only, the first network node and the second network node (e.g., first network node 104 and second network node 106) are associated with network A and network B, respectively, and the method is described with reference to networks A and B. In the example shown, network A and network B may be referred to as two networks, where multiple USIM UEs are simultaneously in the RRC_CONNECTED state. However, it should be understood that the communication shown in Figure 3 and as described elsewhere herein is also applicable to situations where the UE is connected to more than two wireless communication networks. Those skilled in the art will understand how to perform the methods according to embodiments of this disclosure in scenarios with more than two wireless communication networks.

[0147] As shown in Figure 3, a UE (e.g., UE 102) may have multiple USIMs. In some embodiments, different USIMs are associated with different wireless communication networks, wherein the wireless communication network may be a PLMN or a non-public network (NPN). Furthermore, in some embodiments, a UE has more than one USIM associated with the same wireless communication network; for example, a UE may have two SIMs from the same operator. In the example of Figure 3, multiple SIMs (e.g., USIM1 and USIM2) are associated with different wireless communication networks, but the method according to embodiments of this disclosure can also be applied to implementations where multiple USIMs are associated with the same wireless communication network.

[0148] The exemplary actions shown in Figure 3, numbered as they are, are described below:

[0149] 1. UE 102 registers to network A (“Register (UecapA has been uploaded)”).

[0150] a. UE 102 uploads the UE capabilities (UecapA) associated with network A to network A.

[0151] b. Network A configures UE 102 based on the provided UE capabilities.

[0152] 2. UE 102 registers to network B (“Register (UecapB has been uploaded)”).

[0153] a. UE 102 uploads the UE capabilities (UecapB) associated with Network B to Network B.

[0154] b. Network B configures UE 102 based on the UE capabilities provided.

[0155] UE 102 is registered in two networks and has already provided the relevant UE capabilities.

[0156] It should be understood that action (2) can be performed before action (1).

[0157] Before the connection is established, UE 102 is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state in both network A and network B.

[0158] 3. UE 102 can start services in network A.

[0159] a. UE 102 is in RRC_CONNECTED mode only in network A (while UE 102 is in RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE state in network B).

[0160] It should be understood that action (3) can be performed before action (2).

[0161] Network A is performing a service, as shown in Figure 3.

[0162] After some time, UE 102 may need to connect to network B.

[0163] 4. UE 102 can connect to network B.

[0164] 5. UE 102 sends a request to network A (in this example, the request includes UE Assistance Information (“UEAssistanceInformation(NEW: Reduce Capabilities)”)) to request the (temporary) disabling of certain capabilities.

[0165] 6. Network A can accept the request and (possibly temporarily) disable certain capabilities.

[0166] a. Network A may use the RRC reconfiguration procedure or lower-layer means (e.g., MAC CE / DCI indication) to configure reduced capabilities for UE102 ("NW-A configures reduced capabilities for UE").

[0167] b. Network A or UE 102 can trigger an adjustment (degradation) of an ongoing service in Network A ("Adjustment (Degradation) of an ongoing service").

[0168] 7. UE 102 can use certain capabilities to connect to Network B ("Connection to NW-B").

[0169] a. UE 102 is now in RRC_CONNECTED mode in both networks.

[0170] 8. Services between UE 102 and Network A can continue to be performed using reduced capabilities (“Services with NW-B” and “Services with NW-A (using reduced capabilities)”).

[0171] After some time, service between UE 102 and Network B may end.

[0172] 9. Service between UE 102 and Network B may be terminated, and UE 102 may be disconnected from Network B (“Released from NW-B”).

[0173] a. UE 102 is now in RRC_CONNECTED mode in network A, and in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode in network B.

[0174] 10. UE 102 can also send UE Assistance Information to Network A to request the reactivation of certain capabilities ("UEAssistanceInformation(NEW: Reactivate Capabilities)").

[0175] 11. Network A may accept a UE request and re-enable previously disabled capabilities, or may re-enable a subset of these capabilities, such as at least some of them.

[0176] a. Network A can use RRC reconfiguration or lower-layer means (e.g., MAC CE / DCI indication) to reconfigure the re-enabled capabilities of UE 102. "NW-A Configures Re-enabled Capabilities for UE".

[0177] b. Network A or UE 102 can trigger an adjustment (upgrade) to an ongoing service in Network A (“Adjustment (upgrade) to an ongoing service”).

[0178] 12. Then UE 102 and Network A can continue with full capabilities ("Service with NW-A (with reactivated capabilities)").

[0179] UE 102 is in RRC_CONNECTED mode in network A, and in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode in network B.

[0180] Figure 3 illustrates the process when UE 102 remains in RRC_CONNECTED mode in network A and may connect to network B for a short period. It should be understood that the same or similar process applies to the following situation: the UE starts up in RRC_CONNECTED mode in network B and then connects to network A. It should be apparent that the same process applies to the following UE: the UE is in RRC_CONNECTED mode in both wireless communication networks and then leaves network A instead of leaving network B.

[0181] Embodiments of this disclosure describe when and / or under what conditions a wireless communication device (e.g., UE 102) will trigger or will not trigger the process to indicate a preference for re-enabling the capability when moving from two SIMs to one SIM. For example, a MUSIM UE may indicate a preference for re-enabling the UE capability when moving from two USIMs to one USIM. That is, embodiments of this disclosure further describe when and / or under what conditions action 216 is performed. In the following, the terms wireless communication device and UE will be used interchangeably.

[0182] In the embodiments herein, the wireless communication device 102 manages indication capabilities regarding preferences for temporary capabilities by utilizing the possibility of releasing and reactivating the capability. Reactivating the capability is based on the process managed by the wireless communication device 102, which is implemented by triggering or not triggering the process based on different parameters that meet different conditions. In the embodiments herein, the term "capability" may be used interchangeably with the expression "UE capability".

[0183] In some embodiments herein, releasing UE capabilities means releasing UE capabilities supporting NR SA or NR DC from the first wireless communication network 140 and changing them into shared UE capabilities where the first UL is used for the first wireless communication network 140 and the second UL is used for the second wireless communication network 160, while re-enabling UE capabilities means re-enabling UE capabilities for the first wireless communication network 140 from shared UE capabilities.

[0184] In one set of embodiments, UE 102 supports NR SA or NR DC with CA on the first wireless communication network 140 before releasing the capability from the first wireless communication network 140 to share the UE capability between the first and second wireless communication networks 160. To utilize this capability, UE 102 may include: a first UL transceiver for the first wireless communication network 140, including a UL Tx antenna and a data channel chain; and a second UL transceiver for the second wireless communication network 160. In these embodiments, UE 102 may not support NR SA or NR DC with CA on the second wireless communication network 160.

[0185] In another set of embodiments, releasing UE capabilities from the first wireless communication network 140 is equivalent to releasing NR SA or NR DC capabilities with CA to the first wireless communication network 140.

[0186] The following solutions describe a UE using dual connectivity within a single network. However, these solutions are equally applicable to UEs using carrier aggregation. When a UE has more than two transmitters and / or receivers, these solutions are also applicable to UEs using DC or CA in two or more networks.

[0187] Figure 4 A method for processing communications with two or more wireless communication networks, performed by a wireless communication device (e.g., a multi-SIM-enabled UE 102), is illustrated according to embodiments disclosed herein. The wireless communication device 102 includes at least two SIMs, at least two independent receiver chains, and at least two independent transmitter chains. In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 has more than two SIMs, such as three, four, five, six, or more than six SIMs.

[0188] In the following description, when the wireless communication device 102 is connected to the first network and disconnected from the second network, the wireless communication device 102 may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode in the first network and may be in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode in the second network. When the wireless communication device 102 is connected to both the first and second networks, the wireless communication device 102 may be in RRC_CONNECTED mode in both networks.

[0189] Method actions can be performed in any suitable order (e.g., in an order different from the order listed below).

[0190] Action 401: Wireless communication device 102 registers with first wireless communication network 140 by providing one or more first capabilities of wireless communication device 102 associated with at least two independent receiver chains and at least two independent transmitter chains to a first network node 104 associated with first wireless communication network 140. First wireless communication network 140 is associated with a first SIM of wireless communication device 102.

[0191] Action 402: Wireless communication device 102 registers with a second wireless communication network by providing one or more second capabilities of wireless communication device 102 associated with at least two independent receiver chains and at least two independent transmitter chains to a second network node 106 associated with the second wireless communication network, the second wireless communication network being associated with a second SIM of wireless communication device 102.

[0192] In action 403, when connected to the first wireless communication network 140 and using one or more first capabilities for service, the wireless communication device 102 sends a first request to the first network node 104 to disable a set of capabilities from the one or more first capabilities provided to the first network node 104. In embodiments herein, disabling the set of capabilities is equivalent to releasing those capabilities.

[0193] In some embodiments, releasing the capability of the wireless communication device 102 from the first wireless communication network 140 is equivalent to releasing the NR SA or NR DC capability with CA to the first wireless communication network 140.

[0194] In some embodiments, releasing UE capabilities from the first wireless communication network 140 is equivalent to restricting the UE capabilities on the first wireless communication network 140 from having NR SA (with CA) or NR DC capabilities to not supporting NR SA (with CA) or NR DC, and sharing the UE capabilities with the second wireless communication network 160. Sharing UE capabilities with the second wireless communication network 160 may mean enabling the UE capabilities for the second wireless communication network 160.

[0195] Once the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities, the wireless communication device 102 connects to the second network node 106 and uses the set of capabilities for services in the second wireless communication network, such that the wireless communication device 102 connects to the first network node 104 with reduced capabilities without the set of capabilities, and the wireless communication device 102 uses the set of capabilities to connect to the second network node 106.

[0196] In action 405, when the wireless communication device 102 disconnects from the second network node 106 and continues to use reduced capabilities to connect to the first network node 104, the wireless communication device 102 manages the reactivation process of these capabilities in the following ways: based on whether a first condition for triggering reactivation is met, it triggers a second request to the first network node 104 to reactivate the group of functions for communicating with the first network node 104; or based on whether a second condition for not triggering reactivation is met, it does not trigger a second request to the first network node 104 to reactivate the group of capabilities for communicating with the first network node 104.

[0197] In some embodiments, triggering a second request to the first network node 104 is based on whether a first property of the wireless communication device 102, the first wireless communication network 140, or the second wireless communication network 160 satisfies a first condition.

[0198] Furthermore, the failure to trigger the second request may be based on whether the second property of the wireless communication device 102, the first wireless communication network 140, or the second wireless communication network 160 satisfies the second condition.

[0199] The first and second properties may each relate to parameters, states, or conditions of the first wireless communication network 140 or the second wireless communication network 160. For example, triggering a second request to the first network node 104 to reactivate the set of capabilities for communicating with the first network node 104 may be based on whether a first parameter meets a first condition for triggering reactivation. Not triggering a second request to reactivate the set of capabilities for communicating with the first network node 104 may be based on whether a second parameter meets a second condition for not triggering reactivation. The second parameter may be different from the first parameter.

[0200] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 121 manages the reactivation process of these capabilities by further triggering a second request based on whether a second condition for not triggering reactivation is met.

[0201] For example, wireless communication device 121 can manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by triggering a second request based on the following conditions: a first condition for triggering reactivation is met and a second condition for not triggering reactivation is not met. In other words, in some embodiments, wireless communication device 102 triggers the capability reactivation process only when the conditions for triggering the process are met and the conditions for not triggering the process are not met.

[0202] In some embodiments of this document, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities by triggering a second request may be based on: a first property or parameter satisfying a first condition for triggering reactivation and a second property or parameter not satisfying a second condition for not triggering reactivation. For example, if the data demand on the first wireless communication network 140 is high, for example, meaning it needs to use two receiver chains and / or two transmitter chains, such as applying NR DC to achieve high throughput, and the condition for triggering the reactivation of the capability for NR DC for the first wireless communication network 140 is satisfied, while no condition for not triggering the reactivation of the capability for NR DC for the first wireless communication network 140 is satisfied, then the combination of these two factors may result in triggering the reactivation of the capability for NR DC.

[0203] In some embodiments of this document, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities without triggering a second request is also based on whether a first condition for triggering reactivation is met.

[0204] For example, the process of reactivating these capabilities can be managed without triggering a second request, or it can be based on whether a first property or parameter meets a first condition that triggers reactivation.

[0205] In some other embodiments, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities without triggering a second request is based on: a first condition for triggering reactivation not being met and a second condition for not triggering reactivation being met. For example, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities without triggering a second request could be based on: a first property or parameter not meeting the first condition for triggering reactivation and a second property or parameter meeting the second condition for not triggering reactivation.

[0206] In some other embodiments, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities by not triggering a second request is based on: satisfying a first condition for triggering reactivation and satisfying a second condition for not triggering reactivation. For example, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities by not triggering a second request may be based on: a first property or parameter satisfying the first condition for triggering reactivation and a second property or parameter satisfying the second condition for not triggering reactivation. In other words, in some embodiments, if both the condition for triggering the process and the condition for not triggering the process are satisfied, the wireless communication device 102 does not trigger the capability reactivation process. For example, if the data demand for the first wireless communication network 140 is high (which requires the application of NR DC to achieve high throughput), and based on this high data demand, the condition for triggering the reactivation of the capability for the first wireless communication network 140 is satisfied, but at the same time, one of the conditions for not triggering the reactivation of the capability for the first wireless communication network 140 is valid, then the combined result of these two conditions may be that the capability is not triggered.

[0207] In some other embodiments, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities without triggering a second request is based on the fact that a first condition for triggering reactivation is not met and a second condition for not triggering reactivation is not met. For example, the process of managing the reactivation of these capabilities without triggering a second request is based on the fact that a first property or parameter does not meet the first condition for triggering reactivation and a second property or parameter does not meet the second condition for not triggering reactivation.

[0208] As described above, the first condition can be related to a first property or a first parameter. The second condition can be related to a second property or a second parameter. The following disclosure will provide detailed examples of the first and second conditions, as well as the first property or parameter and the second property or parameter.

[0209] The first condition that triggers this process can be based on one or more of the following:

[0210] a. Data requirements from wireless communication device 102 to the first wireless communication network 140;

[0211] b. User preference for one of the wireless communication networks 140 and 160;

[0212] c. Service type of the first wireless communication network 140;

[0213] d. Emergency situations in the first wireless communication network 140. For example, if an emergency occurs, a first condition for triggering may be met. The wireless communication device 102 may, for example, receive an indication of an emergency from the first wireless communication network 140.

[0214] e. Configure parameters for the idle or inactive mode operation of the second wireless communication network 160;

[0215] f. The movement mode or speed of the wireless communication device 102; and

[0216] g. No scheduled uplink (UL) transmission in the second wireless communication network 160.

[0217] The first condition can be based on several of the properties a) through g) above, for example, on several first sub-conditions. These sub-conditions can be combined with some weights of the first sub-conditions. For example, if more first conditions are met, the likelihood of triggering a request to re-enable these capabilities is greater. In some embodiments, the first condition is met if all first sub-conditions are met. In some embodiments, the first condition is met if more than a certain number of first sub-conditions are met.

[0218] Data requirements

[0219] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 has a high data demand on the first wireless communication network 140. For example, the wireless communication device 102 needs to download a large amount of data, which requires NR DC to achieve higher throughput. This can trigger a reactivation process. For example, if the data demand from the wireless communication device 102 to the first wireless communication network 140 exceeds a data demand threshold, the wireless communication device 102 can trigger a reactivation process.

[0220] User preferences

[0221] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers the reactivation process based on the user's selection of the primary USIM (i.e., the USIM with the highest priority). Therefore, the wireless communication device 102 can, for example, obtain priority processing information for two wireless communication networks 140 and 160 from the user. One benefit of this is that the network for the user-preferred USIM can be further optimized for better performance.

[0222] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers the reactivation process based on the user's selection of a preferred operator for a region / area. One benefit of doing so is that the network of the user's preferred operator can be further optimized for better performance.

[0223] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers a reactivation process based on user software or applications or tools (e.g., the interface type of the user's software or applications), which constitute a list of USIMs with different priorities. One benefit is that it provides users with greater flexibility, where USIM usage can be optimized based on the current network status.

[0224] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers a reactivation process based on an indication that the USIM is used as the primary or secondary wireless communication network, for example, depending on the physical layout of the USIM in the terminal or whether the user has selected a wireless communication network as the primary (or preferred or preferred) wireless communication network. The secondary wireless communication network may have a lower priority than the primary wireless communication network. User indication can be automatic; for example, based on user preference, a company USIM may be considered the primary USIM during working hours, while a personal USIM may be considered the primary USIM outside of working hours. The primary and secondary USIMs can be automatically switched based on user preferences, such as time of day, weekday or weekend / holiday, geographic location, etc.

[0225] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers the reactivation process based on a priority list of wireless communication networks. One benefit is that higher-priority networks can be further optimized for better performance.

[0226] Service types of wireless communication networks

[0227] In one set of embodiments, if the wireless communication device 102 has a high-priority service (e.g., Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) service), the wireless communication device 102 triggers a reactivation process for the first wireless communication network 140.

[0228] Different wireless communication networks can have different requirements associated with different services. For example, a RedCap UE is a lower version of an NR UE that supports most NR features but has lower requirements; for instance, a RedCap UE can support fewer Rx chains than the maximum number supported. As an example, in some frequency bands, a full NR UE can support 4 Rx antenna ports and 4 layers of MIMO as its maximum capability, but a RedCap UE may only support 2 Rx antenna ports and 2 layers of MIMO in the same frequency band. Therefore, the maximum throughput of a RedCap UE is significantly lower compared to a UE with full NR capability. Depending on the different UE types with the maximum throughput to be achieved, different wireless communication networks can provide different types of services. In one set of embodiments, wireless communication device 102 selects a wireless communication network with higher requirements for one or more of the following: fast connection establishment, higher throughput, or higher maintainability. One benefit is that networks with higher priority or higher requirements for service types can be further optimized for better performance.

[0229] Emergency Situation of the First Wireless Communication Network

[0230] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers the reactivation process based on an emergency call or natural disaster indication. One benefit of doing so is that the first wireless communication network 140 can remain more robust to the wireless communication device 102 and avoid losing connectivity in such an emergency.

[0231] Parameters for configuring the idle or inactive mode operation of the second wireless communication network

[0232] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers a reactivation process based on the configuration of the RAN notification area. A larger area means a lower likelihood of triggering a RAN-based notification area update (RNAU), i.e., a lower demand for UL in USIM2. The wireless communication device 102 triggers a process to reactivate its ability to use a RAN notification area larger than a threshold RAN notification area.

[0233] For longer measurement or paging cycles in the second wireless communication network 160, the wireless communication device 102 is more likely to trigger a reactivation process because it is less likely to need to share these capabilities again during the upcoming time period.

[0234] Mobile mode or speed of wireless communication devices

[0235] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers a reactivation process based on its speed. For example, if the speed of the wireless communication device 102 is below a threshold speed, the wireless communication device 102 may trigger a reactivation of the capability. If the speed is above the threshold, the risk of releasing the connection to the second wireless communication network 160 or releasing some of these capabilities again is higher. Therefore, at high speeds, there is a risk of unnecessary signaling if a reactivation process is triggered.

[0236] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 triggers a reactivation process based on the UE mobility mode. The UE mobility mode may include several speed levels, for example, low speed <5 km / h, medium speed >= 5 km / h and <70 km / h, and high speed >= 70 km / h. In some embodiments, triggering the reactivation process only applies when the speed of the wireless communication device 102 is in the low speed range.

[0237] Unscheduled UL transmission in the second wireless communication network

[0238] In one set of embodiments, wireless communication device 102 may trigger a re-enabling process based on unscheduled UL transmissions in the second wireless communication network 160. Wireless communication device 102 does not trigger re-enabling capabilities when it knows it expects to transition back to a connected state in the second wireless communication network 160 (e.g., due to scheduled UL transmissions, such as UL data).

[0239] Or in other words, when the wireless communication device 102 does not expect to quickly switch back to a connected state in the second wireless communication network 160, it can trigger the re-enabling of these capabilities.

[0240] The second condition for not triggering the process can be based on one or more of the following:

[0241] h. Updated information is needed from wireless communication device 102 to the second wireless communication network 160;

[0242] i. The state of the wireless communication device 102 or the first wireless communication network 140, in which it is impossible or disadvantageous to configure a measurement gap or MUSIM gap for the first wireless communication network 140;

[0243] j. Configure parameters for the idle or inactive mode operation of the second wireless communication network 160;

[0244] k. The state of the wireless communication device 102, in which the wireless communication device 102 does not operate according to its full capabilities; and

[0245] 1. Channel condition of the channel between the first network node 104 and the wireless communication device 102, as measured by the wireless communication device 102.

[0246] The second condition can be based on several of the properties h) to l) above, for example, on several second sub-conditions. Such sub-conditions can be combined with some weights of the second sub-conditions. For example, if more second conditions are met, the likelihood of not triggering a request to re-enable these capabilities is greater. In some embodiments, the second condition is met if all second sub-conditions are met. In some embodiments, the second condition is met if more than a certain number of second sub-conditions are met.

[0247] Updated information is needed in the second wireless communication network 160.

[0248] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 performs a location update or other periodic process in the second wireless communication network 160 before triggering the re-enabling of the capability to the UE for the first wireless communication network 140. That is, if the wireless communication device 102 performs a location update or other periodic process in the second wireless communication network 160, the wireless communication device 102 may decide not to trigger the re-enabling of the capability to the first wireless communication network 140. The benefit is that it provides the possibility of reducing connection and reconnection signaling or processes, thereby reducing the power consumption of the wireless communication device 102.

[0249] It is impossible or unfavorable to configure measurement gaps or MUSIM gaps for the first wireless communication network.

[0250] In one set of embodiments, when the first wireless communication network 140 cannot configure a measurement gap, the wireless communication device 102 does not trigger a re-enablement capability for the first wireless communication network 140. For example, if the first wireless communication network 140 does not support measurement gaps (e.g., for paging to measure another USIM), the wireless communication device 102 may decide to keep the transceiver in the second wireless communication network 160.

[0251] URLLC services are more sensitive to gaps, so if a URLLC service is in progress in the first wireless communication network 140, the wireless communication device 102 can keep the transceiver in the second wireless communication network 160.

[0252] If the wireless communication device 102 is in a poor coverage area within the first wireless communication network 140, there is a risk that reconfiguration of the setup interval may lead to connection interruption. This could also be a common reason why the re-enablement capability is not triggered.

[0253] Parameters for configuring the idle or inactive mode operation of the second wireless communication network

[0254] In one set of embodiments, based on the early RNA configuration of the second wireless communication network 160, the wireless communication device 102 does not trigger the re-enabling of UE capabilities for the first wireless communication network 140. For example, when the wireless communication device 102 has been configured to perform idle measurements on one or more carriers not configured for the first wireless communication network 140, the wireless communication device 102 needs to use more resources on the second wireless communication network 160, even though it is in an idle / inactive mode.

[0255] Wireless communication devices do not operate according to their full capabilities.

[0256] In one set of embodiments, based on limitations of the wireless communication device 102, the wireless communication device 102 does not trigger the reactivation of the UE capability for the first wireless communication network 140. For example, if the remaining battery power of the wireless communication device 102 is low, the wireless communication device 102 may decide not to trigger the reactivation process to avoid depleting the battery power of the wireless communication device 102 due to the reactivation process.

[0257] This limitation may be related to the battery level of the wireless communication device 102 or the temperature of the wireless communication device 102. For example, under extreme conditions of extreme cold or heat, the wireless communication device 102 may decide not to trigger the reactivation process.

[0258] Channel conditions between the first network node and the wireless communication device

[0259] In one set of embodiments, based on poor channel conditions detected for the first wireless communication network 140, such as by parameters like signal-to-interference-and-noise ratio (SINR), channel quality indicator (CQI), reference signal received power (RSRP), or reference signal received quality (RSRQ), the wireless communication device 102 does not trigger a re-enabling process.

[0260] For example, when the first wireless communication network 140 is in poor channel conditions and the wireless communication device 102 reports a radio link failure, the wireless communication device 102 should not attempt to re-enable the UE capability from the second wireless communication network 160 and should avoid reconfiguration. One benefit is that the first wireless communication network 140 can remain more robust to the wireless communication device 102 and avoid connection loss.

[0261] In one set of embodiments, the wireless communication device 102 continuously checks whether the conditions for triggering the capability reactivation process are met and the conditions for not triggering the process, until the capability reactivation process is triggered.

[0262] In one set of embodiments, changing the shared UE capability between a first wireless communication network and a second wireless communication network to re-enabling UE capabilities for the first wireless communication network 140 includes removing capability restrictions on the first wireless communication network 140. For example, the restriction could be that the wireless communication device 140 does not support NR SA or NR DC with CA. Then, removing the restriction can include regaining the capability to support NR SA or NR DC with CA.

[0263] Figure 5 A flowchart illustrating some embodiments herein is depicted. This flowchart describes optional details of action 405 described above. For example, as part of action 405, the wireless communication device 102 may determine whether one or more first conditions for triggering the re-enabling of the UE capability are met. If one or more first conditions are met, the wireless communication device 102 may trigger the re-enabling process.

[0264] As part of action 405, wireless communication device 102 may determine whether one or more second conditions are met to prevent the re-enabling of the UE capability from being triggered.

[0265] These two deterministic actions can be combined or performed without performing the other action. When combined, the two deterministic actions can be performed in any order. For example, wireless communication device 102 can first determine whether one or more first conditions are met, and then determine whether one or more second conditions are met.

[0266] The embodiments herein provide implementation schemes for wireless communication device 102 to determine under what conditions a process is triggered to reactivate shared capabilities from both a first wireless communication network 140 and a second wireless communication network 160 for the first wireless communication network 140, and under what conditions a process is not triggered to reactivate these capabilities.

[0267] When the wireless communication device 102 decides to trigger the process of re-enabling these capabilities, it helps the wireless communication device 102 prioritize the first wireless communication network 140, so that network resources are optimized based on this priority to support the user's needs.

[0268] Furthermore, when the wireless communication device 102 decides not to trigger the process of re-enabling these capabilities, it provides the possibility of reducing signaling, thereby reducing the power consumption of the wireless communication device 102.

[0269] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An example of a wireless communication device (e.g., UE 102) according to embodiments of this document is depicted. The wireless communication device 102 may have at least a first SIM and a second SIM.

[0270] The wireless communication device 102 may include processing circuitry 511, such as one or more processors, configured to perform the methods described herein.

[0271] The wireless communication device 102 may include a registration unit 512. The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or registration unit 512 are configured to register with a first wireless communication network 140 by providing first information, including one or more first capabilities of the wireless communication device 102, to a first network node 104 associated with the first wireless communication network 140, which is associated with a first SIM. The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or registration unit 512 are also configured to register with a second wireless communication network by providing second information, including one or more second capabilities of the wireless communication device 102, to a second network node 106 associated with the second wireless communication network, which is associated with a second SIM.

[0272] One or more first capabilities of the wireless communication device 102 in the first information include UE capabilities associated with the first wireless communication network 140. In some embodiments, the first information includes information about all capabilities of the wireless communication device 102.

[0273] The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or registration unit 512 can be configured to register with the first wireless communication network 140, such that the first network node 104 configures the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or registration unit 512 based on first information including one or more first capabilities of the wireless communication device 102. The first network node 104 can configure the wireless communication device 102 according to the first capabilities of the wireless communication device 102 provided to the first network node 104.

[0274] The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or registration unit 512 are configured to register with a second network, such that a second network node 106 configures the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or registration unit 512 based on second information including one or more second capabilities of the wireless communication device 102. The second network node 106 can configure the wireless communication device 102 according to the second capabilities provided to the second network node 106.

[0275] The wireless communication device 102 may include a transmission unit 514, such as a transmitter or transceiver. The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 may be configured to: when connected to the first wireless communication network 140 and using one or more first capabilities in the first information for service, trigger or provide a first request to the first network node 104 to disable a set of capabilities provided to the first network node 104, including one or more first capabilities in the first information.

[0276] The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 can provide a first request including UE assistance information. This can be in response to the occurrence of various events and in combination with those events. Figure 2 (Action 206) In the various cases discussed elsewhere in this document, a first request may be provided, which may include UE assistance information.

[0277] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 may provide UE assistance information to the first network node 104 prior to triggering a first request to the first network node 104. Therefore, the wireless communication device 102 may send UE assistance information related to reduced capabilities of the wireless communication device 102 for MUSIM purposes to the first network node 104 in advance. In this embodiment, the UE assistance information may be stored in the first network node 104, and the UE assistance information may be activated using a trigger indication (e.g., a lower-level trigger indication), which the wireless communication device 102 may send to the first network node 104 when the wireless communication device 102 connects to another network node. Therefore, in some embodiments, the UE assistance information related to this set of capabilities is stored in the first network node 104, and the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 may trigger a first request by sending a lower-level trigger indication to the first network node 104 to activate the previously stored UE assistance information to disable the set of capabilities.

[0278] The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 can be configured to trigger or provide a second request to the first network node 104 to re-enable the set of capabilities for communication with the first network node 104 when the wireless communication device 102 disconnects from the second network node 106 and continues to use reduced capabilities to connect to the first network node 104.

[0279] The second request may include UE assistance information. In some embodiments, the UE assistance information includes one or more of the following: indications in IDC assistance information, indications in a combination of IDC assistance information and multiple SIM (MUSIM) indications, and MUSIM assistance information.

[0280] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 may be configured to provide UE assistance information to the second network node 106 in advance, such that the UE assistance information can be stored in the second network node 106. The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or transmission unit 514 may be configured to subsequently activate the UE assistance information, for example, in response to a trigger indication. Therefore, the second request may include a trigger indication, such as a lower-layer trigger indication.

[0281] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, the processing circuitry 511, and / or the transmission unit 514 may be configured to trigger an ongoing service adjustment or downgrade to a lower quality of service when the first network node 104 accepts a first request and disables the set of capabilities.

[0282] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, the processing circuit 511, and / or the transmission unit 514 may be configured to trigger an ongoing service adjustment or upgrade to a higher quality of service when the first network node 104 accepts a second request.

[0283] The wireless communication device 102 may include a connection unit 516, such as a transmitter or transceiver. The wireless communication device 102, the processing circuitry 511, and / or the connection unit 516 may be configured to connect to network nodes (e.g., a first network node 104, a second network node 106, and / or any other network node associated with the wireless communication network associated with the SIM in the wireless communication device 102) and disconnect from the network nodes.

[0284] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, the processing circuitry 511, and / or the connection unit 516 may be configured to connect to the first network node 104.

[0285] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or connection unit 516 may be configured to connect to the second network node 106 and use the set of capabilities for service once the first network node 104 accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities. Therefore, the wireless communication device 102 becomes connected to the first network node 104 using reduced capabilities without the set of capabilities, and the wireless communication device 102 connects to the second network node 106 using reduced capabilities including the set of capabilities. Thus, at this point, the wireless communication device 102 is connected to both the first and second networks, such that the wireless communication device 102 is now in RRC_CONNECTED mode in both the first and second networks. Service between the wireless communication device 102 and the first network node 104 continues with reduced capabilities, and the wireless communication device 102 uses one or more services at the second network node 106.

[0286] In some embodiments, the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or connection unit 516 may be configured to restore the use of at least a portion of the set of capabilities (re-enabled and previously disabled) from the capabilities in the first information, so as to connect to the first network node 104 once the first network node 104 accepts the second request and re-enabled at least a portion of the set of capabilities. Therefore, the wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or connection unit 516 may be configured to enable the wireless communication device 102 to connect to the first network node 104 using a set of capabilities or a portion thereof that were previously disabled to allow the wireless communication device 102 to connect to the second network node 106.

[0287] The wireless communication device 102, processing circuit 511 and / or connection unit 516 can be configured to receive (re)configuration instructions from at least one of the first network node and the second network node.

[0288] The wireless communication device 102 may include a reactivation unit 518. The wireless communication device 102, processing circuitry 511, and / or reactivation unit 518 may be configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities in such a way as to trigger a second request to the first network node 104 to reactivate the set of capabilities for communication with the first network node 104 based on whether a first condition for triggering reactivation is met; or to not trigger a second request to the first network node 104 to reactivate the set of capabilities for communication with the first network node 104 based on whether a second condition for not triggering reactivation is met.

[0289] In some embodiments herein, the wireless communication device 102 is also configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by being configured to further trigger a second request based on whether a second condition for not triggering reactivation is met.

[0290] The wireless communication device 102 can also be configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by being configured to further trigger a second request based on the satisfaction of a first condition for triggering reactivation and the failure to satisfy a second condition for not triggering reactivation.

[0291] In some embodiments herein, the wireless communication device 102 is also configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by being configured to further refrain from triggering a second request based on whether a first condition for triggering reactivation is met.

[0292] The wireless communication device 102 can also be configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by being configured to further not trigger a second request based on the failure to meet a first condition for triggering reactivation and the fulfillment of a second condition for not triggering reactivation.

[0293] In some embodiments herein, the wireless communication device 102 is also configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by being configured to further not trigger a second request based on satisfying a first condition for triggering reactivation and satisfying a second condition for not triggering reactivation.

[0294] The wireless communication device 102 can also be configured to manage the reactivation process of these capabilities by being configured to not trigger a second request based on the failure to meet a first condition for triggering reactivation and the failure to meet a second condition for not triggering reactivation.

[0295] The wireless communication device 102 can also be configured to manage the reactivation process based on whether a first property meets a first condition and whether a second property meets a second condition.

[0296] The wireless communication device 102 also includes a memory 515. The memory 515 includes one or more units for storing data relating to, for example, indications, context, measurements, thresholds, node-related data, and applications that perform the methods disclosed herein when executed. Furthermore, the wireless communication device 102 may include a communication interface 520, such as including a transmitter, a receiver, and / or a transceiver. In embodiments herein, the communication interface 520 may include dual Rx radios and dual Tx radios, such as at least two independent receiver chains and at least two independent transmitter chains. In some embodiments, the communication interface 520 includes more than two radios.

[0297] The methods described herein with respect to embodiments of wireless communication device 102 are implemented using, for example, a computer program product 526 or a computer program, which includes instructions, i.e., software code portions, that, when executed on at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform the actions described herein performed by wireless communication device 102. Computer program product 526 may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 527 (e.g., a disk, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) disk, etc.). The computer-readable storage medium 527 storing the computer program product may include instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the actions described herein performed by wireless communication device 102. In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium may be temporary or non-temporary. Therefore, embodiments herein may disclose a wireless communication device for processing communications in a wireless communication network, wherein the wireless communication device includes processing circuitry and a memory including instructions executable by the processing circuitry, thereby enabling the wireless communication device to perform any of the methods herein.

[0298] In some embodiments, the more general term "network node" is used, which can correspond to any type of radio network node or any network node that communicates with wireless devices and / or with another network node. Examples of network nodes are NodeB, MeNB, SeNB, network nodes belonging to a primary cell group (MCG) or secondary cell group (SCG), base station (BS), multi-standard radio (MSR) radio node (e.g., MSR BS), eNodeB, network controller, radio network controller (RNC), base station controller (BSC), relay, donor node of control relay, base transceiver station (BTS), access point (AP), transmitting point, transmitting node, remote radio unit (RRU), remote radio headend (RRH), node in distributed antenna system (DAS), etc.

[0299] In some embodiments, the non-limiting term wireless device or user equipment (UE) is used, and it refers to any type of wireless device that communicates with a network node in a cellular or mobile communication system and / or with another wireless device. Examples of UEs are IoT-enabled devices, target devices, device-to-device (D2D) UEs, proximity-enabled UEs (aka ProSe UEs), machine-type UEs or UEs capable of machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, tablet computers, mobile terminals, smartphones, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, etc.

[0300] The embodiments are applicable to any RAT or multi-RAT system in which wireless devices receive and / or transmit signals (e.g., data), such as New Radio (NR), Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Advanced, 5G, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Global System for Mobile Communications / Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (GSM / EDGE), Global Microwave Interoperability Access (WiMax), or Ultra Mobile Broadband (UMB), and the above are only some of the possible implementations.

[0301] Those skilled in communication design will readily understand that functional devices or circuits can be implemented using digital logic and / or one or more microcontrollers, microprocessors, or other digital hardware. In some embodiments, some or all of the various functions may be implemented together, such as in a single application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or in two or more separate devices having suitable hardware and / or software interfaces. For example, several functions may be implemented on a processor shared with other functional components of a wireless device or network node.

[0302] Alternatively, some functional elements in the processing apparatus discussed may be provided using dedicated hardware, while other functional elements may be provided using hardware for executing software in combination with suitable software or firmware. Therefore, the terms "processor" or "controller" as used herein do not exclusively refer to hardware capable of executing software and may implicitly include, but are not limited to, digital signal processor (DSP) hardware and / or program or application data. Other conventional and / or custom hardware may also be included. Designers of communication equipment will understand the trade-offs in cost, performance, and maintenance among these design options.

[0303] This disclosure also includes, according to Figure 1A , Figure 1B , Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B Any one or more of the embodiments, and any combination of these embodiments.

[0304] Figure 7 A telecommunications network connected to a host computer via an intermediate network is illustrated according to some embodiments. References Figure 7 According to an embodiment, the communication system includes a telecommunications network 3210 (e.g., a 3GPP-type cellular network), which includes an access network 3211 (e.g., a radio access network) and a core network 3214. The access network 3211 includes multiple base stations 3212a, 3212b, and 3212c, such as NB, eNB, gNB, or other types of wireless access points, which serve as examples of the network nodes described above. Each base station defines a corresponding coverage area 3213a, 3213b, or 3213c. Each base station 3212a, 3212b, or 3212c can be connected to the core network 3214 via a wired or wireless connection 3215. A first UE 3291 located in coverage area 3213c is configured to wirelessly connect to or be paged by the corresponding base station 3212c. A second UE 3292 located in coverage area 3213a can wirelessly connect to the corresponding base station 3212a. Although multiple UEs 3291 and 3292 are shown in this example as examples of the aforementioned UE 102, the disclosed embodiments are equally applicable to situations where a single UE is located in the coverage area or a single UE is connected to the corresponding base station 3212.

[0305] Telecommunications network 3210 is itself connected to host computer 3230, which may be embodied in the hardware and / or software of a standalone server, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server, or as processing resources in a server cluster. Host computer 3230 may be owned by or under the control of a service provider, or may be operated by or on behalf of a service provider. Connections 3221 and 3222 between telecommunications network 3210 and host computer 3230 may extend directly from core network 3214 to host computer 3230, or may pass through optional intermediate network 3220. Intermediate network 3220 may be one or more of public, private, or hosted networks; intermediate network 3220 (if any) may be a backbone network or the Internet; specifically, intermediate network 3220 may include two or more subnetworks (not shown).

[0306] Figure 7 The communication system as a whole implements the connection between connected UEs 3291 and 3292 and host computer 3230. This connection can be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 3250. Host computer 3230 and connected UEs 3291 and 3292 are configured to transmit data and / or signaling via OTT connection 3250 using access network 3211, core network 3214, any intermediate network 3220, and possibly other intermediate infrastructure (not shown). The participating communication devices through which OTT connection 3250 passes are unaware of the routes of uplink and downlink communications; in this sense, OTT connection 3250 can be transparent. For example, base station 3212 may not be informed or need not be informed of the past routes of incoming downlink communications containing data originating from host computer 3230 and to be forwarded (e.g., handed over) to connected UE 3291. Similarly, base station 3212 does not need to know the future routes of uplink communications originating from UE 3291 and outputting toward host computer 3230.

[0307] Figure 8 A host computer is shown that communicates with a user equipment via a base station through a partially wireless connection, according to some embodiments.

[0308] Now refer to Figure 8Example implementations of the UE, base station, and host computer according to embodiments discussed in the preceding paragraphs are described. In the communication system 3300, the host computer 3310 includes hardware 3315, which includes a communication interface 3316 configured to establish and maintain wired or wireless connections with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 3300. The host computer 3310 also includes processing circuitry 3318, which may have storage and / or processing capabilities. In particular, the processing circuitry 3318 may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations of such devices (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. The host computer 3310 also includes software 3311, which is stored in or accessible by the host computer 3310 and can be executed by the processing circuitry 3318. The software 3311 includes a host application 3312. Host application 3312 is operable to provide services to remote users, such as UE 3330 connected via OTT connection 3350, which terminates between UE 3330 and host computer 3310. When providing services to remote users, host application 3312 can provide user data sent using OTT connection 3350.

[0309] The communication system 3300 also includes a base station 3320 installed in the telecommunications system. The base station 3320 includes hardware 3325 that enables it to communicate with the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330. Hardware 3325 may include: a communication interface 3326 for establishing and maintaining wired or wireless connections with interfaces of different communication devices of the communication system 3300; and a radio interface 3327 for establishing and maintaining connections with the coverage area served by the base station 3320 (within...). Figure 8 At least one wireless connection 3370 of UE 3330 (not shown in the diagram). Communication interface 3326 can be configured to facilitate connection 3360 with host computer 3310. Connection 3360 can be direct, or it can be via the core network of the telecommunications system (…). Figure 8 (Not shown) and / or via one or more intermediate networks outside the telecommunications system. In the illustrated embodiment, the hardware 3325 of base station 3320 also includes processing circuitry 3328, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations thereof (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Base station 3320 also has software 3321 stored internally or accessible via an external connection.

[0310] The communication system 3300 also includes the previously mentioned UE 3330. The hardware 3333 of the UE 3330 may include a radio interface 3337 configured to establish and maintain a wireless connection 3370 with a base station serving the coverage area currently occupied by the UE 3330. The hardware 3333 of the UE 3330 also includes processing circuitry 3338, which may include one or more programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits, field-programmable gate arrays, or combinations of such devices (not shown) suitable for executing instructions. The UE 3330 also includes software 3331, which is stored in or accessible to the UE 3330 and is executable by the processing circuitry 3338. The software 3331 includes a client application 3332. The client application 3332 may be operable to provide services to human or non-human users via the UE 3330, with the support of the host computer 3310. In host computer 3310, the executing host application 3312 can communicate with the executing client application 3332 via OTT connection 3350, which terminates between UE 3330 and host computer 3310. When providing services to a user, client application 3332 can receive request data from host application 3312 and provide user data in response to the request data. OTT connection 3350 can transmit both request data and user data. Client application 3332 can interact with the user to generate the user data it provides.

[0311] Notice, Figure 8 The host computer 3310, base station 3320, and UE 3330 shown can respectively interact with Figure 7 The host computer 3230, base stations 3212a, 3212b, and 3212c, and UEs 3291 and 3292 are similar to or identical to each other. That is, the internal workings of these entities can be as follows: Figure 8 As shown, and independently, the surrounding network topology can be Figure 7 The network topology.

[0312] exist Figure 8 The OTT connection 3350 has been abstractly depicted to illustrate communication between the host computer 3310 and the UE 3330 via the base station 3320, but no intermediate devices or the exact routing messages via these devices are explicitly mentioned. The network infrastructure can determine the route, which can be configured to be hidden from the UE 3330 or the service provider operating the host computer 3310, or both. When the OTT connection 3350 is active, the network infrastructure can further make dynamic decisions to change the route (e.g., based on load balancing considerations or network reconfiguration).

[0313] The wireless connection 3370 between UE 3330 and base station 3320 is consistent with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve the performance of OTT services provided to UE 3330 using OTT connection 3350, in which wireless connection 3370 forms the final part. More specifically, the teachings of these embodiments enable efficient communication using UEs with multiple SIMs. This allows for efficient communication, resulting in better responsiveness.

[0314] Measurement procedures may be provided for monitoring data rates, latency, and other factors that are the subject of improvement in one or more embodiments. Optional network functions may also be available for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 between host computer 3310 and UE 3330 in response to changes in measurement results. The measurement procedures and / or network functions for reconfiguring the OTT connection 3350 may be implemented using software 3311 and hardware 3315 of host computer 3310, software 3331 and hardware 3333 of UE 3330, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed in or associated with communication devices traversed by the OTT connection 3350; the sensors may participate in the measurement procedures by providing values ​​of the monitored quantities exemplified above, or by providing values ​​of other physical quantities from which software 3311, 3331 can calculate or estimate the monitored quantities. Reconfiguration of the OTT connection 3350 may include message formats, retransmission settings, preferred routing, etc.; the reconfiguration does not need to affect base station 3320, and the reconfiguration may be unknown or imperceptible to base station 3320. Such processes and functions can be those known and practiced in the art. In some embodiments, the measurement may involve proprietary UE signaling, which facilitates the host computer 3310 in measuring throughput, propagation time, latency, etc. The measurement can be achieved by software 3311 and 3331 using OTT connection 3350 to send messages (especially empty messages or "virtual" messages) while monitoring propagation time, errors, etc.

[0315] Figure 9 Methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments, are illustrated.

[0316] Figure 9 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The host computer, base station, and UE are described. For the sake of simplicity, only... Figure 9Reference numerals will be included in this section. In step 3410, the host computer provides user data. In sub-step 3411 of step 3410 (which may be optional), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In step 3420, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying user data to the UE. In step 3430 (which may be optional), in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the base station sends the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the host computer to the UE. In step 3440 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a client application associated with the host application executed by the host computer.

[0317] Figure 10 Methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments, are illustrated.

[0318] Figure 10 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The computer, base station, and UE are described. For the sake of simplicity, only... Figure 10 Reference numerals will be included in this section. In step 3510 of the method, the host computer provides user data. In an optional sub-step (not shown), the host computer provides user data by executing a host application. In a second step 3520, the host computer initiates a transmission to the UE carrying user data. According to the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the transmission can be carried out via a base station. In step 3530 (which may be optional), the UE receives the user data carried in the transmission.

[0319] Figure 11 Methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments, are illustrated.

[0320] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The computer, base station, and UE are described. For the sake of simplicity, only... Figure 11Reference numerals will be included in this section. In step 3610 (which may be optional), the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionally or alternatively, in step 3620, the UE provides user data. In sub-step 3621 of step 3620 (which may be optional), the UE provides user data by executing a client application. In sub-step 3611 of step 3610 (which may be optional), the UE executes a client application that provides user data in response to the received input data provided by the host computer. When providing user data, the executed client application may also consider user input received from the user. Regardless of the specific manner in which user data is provided, in sub-step 3630 (which may be optional), the UE initiates the transmission of user data to the host computer. In step 3640 of the method, in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure, the host computer receives user data sent from the UE.

[0321] Figure 12 Methods implemented in a communication system including a host computer, a base station, and a user equipment, according to some embodiments, are illustrated.

[0322] Figure 12 This is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in a communication system according to an embodiment. The communication system includes a host computer, a base station, and a UE, which may be referenced... Figure 7 and Figure 8 The host computer, base station, and UE are described. For the sake of simplicity, only... Figure 12 Reference numerals will be included in this section. In step 3710 (which may be optional), the base station receives user data from the UE in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure. In step 3720 (which may be optional), the base station initiates a transmission of the received user data to the host computer. In a third step 3730 (which may be optional), the host computer receives the user data carried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

[0323] Any suitable steps, methods, features, functions, or benefits disclosed herein can be performed by one or more functional units or modules of one or more virtual devices. Each virtual device may include multiple such functional units. These functional units may be implemented by processing circuitry, which may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers and other digital hardware (including digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific digital logic, etc.). The processing circuitry may be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which may include one or more types of memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc. The program code stored in memory includes program instructions for executing one or more telecommunications and / or data communication protocols and instructions for executing one or more techniques described herein. In some implementations, the processing circuitry may be used to cause corresponding functional units to perform corresponding functions according to one or an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0324] It should be understood that the foregoing description and figures represent non-limiting examples of the methods and apparatus taught herein. Therefore, the apparatuses and techniques taught herein are not limited to the foregoing description and figures. Rather, the embodiments herein are limited only by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

1. A method performed by a wireless communication device (102) for processing communication with two or more wireless communication networks, said wireless communication device (102) comprising at least two subscriber identification modules (SIMs), at least two independent receiver chains, and at least two independent transmitter chains, said method comprising: - Register (401) with the first wireless communication network (140) by providing one or more first capabilities of the wireless communication device (102) associated with the at least two independent receiver chains and the at least two independent transmitter chains to a first network node (104) associated with the first wireless communication network (140), the first wireless communication network (140) being associated with a first SIM of the wireless communication device (102); - Register (402) with the second wireless communication network (160) by providing one or more second capabilities of the wireless communication device (102) associated with the at least two independent receiver chains and the at least two independent transmitter chains to a second network node (106) associated with the second wireless communication network (160), the second wireless communication network (160) being associated with a second SIM of the wireless communication device (102); - When connected to the first wireless communication network (140) and using the one or more first capabilities for service, send (403) a first request to the first network node (104) to disable a set of the one or more first capabilities provided to the first network node (104); - Once the first network node (104) accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities, it connects (404) to the second network node (106) and uses the set of capabilities for services in the second wireless communication network (160), such that the wireless communication device (102) connects to the first network node (104) with reduced capabilities without the set of capabilities, and the wireless communication device (102) connects to the second network node (106) using the set of capabilities; and When the wireless communication device (102) has disconnected from the second network node (106) and continues to use the reduced capability to connect to the first network node (104), the capability reactivation process (405) is managed in the following manner: Based on whether the first condition for triggering the reactivation is met, a second request is triggered to the first network node (104) to reactivate the set of capabilities for communicating with the first network node (104), or Based on whether the second condition for not triggering the reactivation is met, a second request to reactivate the set of capabilities for communicating with the first network node (104) is not triggered.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The process of managing the reactivation of capabilities by triggering the second request is also based on whether a second condition is met so that the reactivation is not triggered.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, The process of managing the reactivation of capabilities by triggering the second request is based on: satisfying a first condition for triggering the reactivation and not satisfying a second condition for not triggering the reactivation.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The process of managing the reactivation of capabilities by not triggering the second request is also based on whether the first condition for triggering the reactivation is met.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The process of managing the reactivation of capabilities by not triggering the second request is based on: the first condition for triggering the reactivation is not met and the second condition for not triggering the reactivation is met.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The process of managing the reactivation of capabilities without triggering the second request is based on: satisfying a first condition for triggering the reactivation and satisfying a second condition for not triggering the reactivation.

7. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The process of managing the reactivation of capabilities by not triggering the second request is based on: the first condition for triggering the reactivation is not met and the second condition for not triggering the reactivation is not met.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The second request to the first network node (104) is triggered based on whether a first property of the wireless communication device (102) or the first wireless communication network (140) or the second wireless communication network (160) satisfies the first condition, and wherein not triggering the second request is based on whether a second property of the wireless communication device (102) or the first wireless communication network (140) or the second wireless communication network (160) satisfies the second condition.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, The first condition that triggers the process is based on one or more of the following: a. Data requirements from the wireless communication device (102) to the first wireless communication network (140); b. The user's preference for one of the first wireless communication network (140) and the second wireless communication network (160); c. The service type of the first wireless communication network (140); d. Emergency situations of the first wireless communication network (140); e. Configure parameters for the idle or inactive mode operation of the second wireless communication network (160); f. The movement mode or speed of the wireless communication device (102); and g. No uplink UL transmission is scheduled in the second wireless communication network (160).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The second condition for not triggering the process is based on one or more of the following: a. Information needs to be updated from the wireless communication device (102) to the second wireless communication network (160); b. The state of the wireless communication device (102) or the first wireless communication network (140), in which it is impossible or disadvantageous to configure a measurement gap or a multi-purpose SIM "MUSIM" gap for the first wireless communication network (140); c. Configure parameters for the idle or inactive mode operation of the second wireless communication network (160); d. The state of the wireless communication device (102), in which the wireless communication device (102) does not operate according to its full capabilities; and e. Channel condition of the channel between the first network node (104) and the wireless communication device (102), as measured by the wireless communication device (102).

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, When the wireless communication device (102) is connected to the first wireless communication network (140) and disconnected from the second wireless communication network (160), the wireless communication device (102) is in RRC_CONNECTED mode in the first wireless communication network (140) and in RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode in the second wireless communication network (160); and / or When the wireless communication device (102) is connected to the first wireless communication network (140) and the second wireless communication network (160), the wireless communication device (102) is in RRC_CONNECTED mode in the first wireless communication network (140) and the second wireless communication network (160).

12. A wireless communication device (102) comprising at least two subscriber identification modules (SIMs), at least two independent receiver chains, and at least two independent transmitter chains, the wireless communication device (102) being configured to handle communication with two or more wireless communication networks, the wireless communication device (102) further being configured to: - Register the wireless communication device (102) with the first wireless communication network (140) by providing one or more first capabilities of the wireless communication device (102) associated with the at least two independent receiver chains and the at least two independent transmitter chains to a first network node (104) associated with the first wireless communication network (140), the first wireless communication network (140) being associated with a first SIM of the wireless communication device (102); - Register the wireless communication device (102) with the second wireless communication network (160) by providing one or more second capabilities of the wireless communication device (102) associated with the at least two independent receiver chains and the at least two independent transmitter chains to a second network node (106) associated with the second wireless communication network (160), the second wireless communication network (160) being associated with a second SIM of the wireless communication device (102); - When connected to the first wireless communication network (140) and using the one or more first capabilities for service, a first request is sent to the first network node (104) to disable a set of the one or more first capabilities provided to the first network node (104); - Once the first network node (104) accepts the first request and disables the set of capabilities, it connects to the second network node (106) and uses the set of capabilities for services in the second wireless communication network (160), such that the wireless communication device (102) connects to the first network node (104) using reduced capabilities without the set of capabilities, and the wireless communication device (102) connects to the second network node (106) using the set of capabilities; and When the wireless communication device (102) disconnects from the second network node (106) and continues to use the reduced capabilities to connect to the first network node (104), the capability reactivation process is managed by being configured to perform the following operations: based on whether a first condition for triggering the reactivation is met, trigger a second request to the first network node (104) to reactivate the set of capabilities for communication with the first network node (104), or Based on whether the second condition for not triggering the reactivation is met, a second request to reactivate the set of capabilities for communicating with the first network node (104) is not triggered.

13. The wireless communication device (102) according to claim 12 is further configured to perform any of the methods according to claims 2 to 11.

14. A computer program (1003) comprising computer-readable code units, which, when executed on a wireless communication device (102), cause the wireless communication device (102) to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

15. A carrier (1005) comprising a computer program according to the preceding claim, wherein, The carrier (1005) is one of electrical signals, optical signals, radio signals, and computer-readable media.

Images