Method and apparatus for UE assistance based network energy saving in wireless network system

Abstract

A method and apparatus for UE assistance based network energy saving in a wireless network system. The CU of the first RAN node receives, from the DU of the first RAN node, a configuration update message including an activation request for the cell from the wireless device, where the configuration update message includes an ID of the cell; and determining whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request. On the basis of determining to activate the cell: the CU of the first RAN node transmits a configuration update acknowledgement message including activation permission and an ID of the cell to the DU of the first RAN node; and the CU of the first RAN node sends information informing that the cell is activated to the second RAN node.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to methods and devices for UE-assisted network power saving in wireless network systems. Background Technology

[0002] The 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) Long Term Evolution (LTE) is a technology that enables high-speed packet communication. Many proposals have been put forward for LTE objectives, including those aimed at reducing costs for users and vendors, improving quality of service, and expanding and improving coverage and system capacity. As upper-layer requirements, 3GPP LTE needs to reduce cost per bit, increase service availability, allow flexible use of frequency bands, have a simple architecture, open interfaces, and appropriate power consumption for terminals.

[0003] The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and 3GPP have begun developing requirements and specifications for New Radio (NR) systems. 3GPP must identify and develop the technical components needed for the successful standardization of the new RAT (Radio Access Technology) to meet both urgent market demands and the longer-term requirements outlined in the ITU Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R) International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT)-2020 process. Furthermore, NR should be able to utilize any spectrum band, at least up to 100 GHz, that can be used for wireless communication even in the more distant future.

[0004] The goal of NR is a single technology framework that addresses all use cases, requirements, and deployment scenarios, including enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and more. NR should be inherently backward compatible. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Technical issues

[0006] In NR, several discussions were made regarding Network Energy Saving (NES). For example, NES based on Wake-up Signals (WUS) was discussed.

[0007] For example, consider signaling used by the UE-based WUS to transition a gNB from an inactive state to an active state. After receiving the corresponding signaling from the UE, the gNB can change from an inactive state to an active state. However, if neighboring base stations do not recognize the state change of the corresponding gNB, they may send erroneous signaling to the gNB whose state has changed.

[0008] Additionally, if the gNB receiving the UE's WUS is split into CU and DU, the gNB-CU may not recognize the UE's request, and the gNB's state may not change.

[0009] Therefore, research is needed on UE-assisted network energy saving in wireless network systems.

[0010] Technical solution

[0011] In one aspect, a method is provided performed by a central unit (CU) of a first radio access network (RAN) node in a wireless communication system. The method includes the following steps: receiving from a distributed unit (DU) of the first RAN node a configuration update message including an activation request for a cell from a wireless device, wherein the configuration update message includes a cell identifier (ID); determining whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request; based on determining the cell is activated: - sending a configuration update confirmation message including activation permission and the cell ID to the DU of the first RAN node; and - sending information notifying a second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

[0012] On the other hand, an apparatus for implementing the above method is provided.

[0013] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0014] This disclosure can have various beneficial effects.

[0015] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the network can provide an efficient solution for UE-assisted network power saving.

[0016] For example, by changing the base station from an inactive to an active state based on a UE's request, the base station can manage energy efficiently. Furthermore, the UE can receive the desired service regardless of the base station's inactive / active state.

[0017] In other words, according to some implementations of this disclosure, RAN nodes can efficiently transition from an inactive state to an active state.

[0018] The beneficial effects obtainable through specific embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, various technical effects may exist that can be understood and / or derived by those skilled in the art based on this disclosure. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 An example of a communication system that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0020] Figure 2 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0021] Figure 3 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0022] Figure 4An example of a UE that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0023] Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example of a protocol stack in a 3GPP-based wireless communication system applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0024] Figure 7 An example of the overall architecture of NG-RAN to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0025] Figure 8 An F1-C interface protocol structure in which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0026] Figure 9 An example of a successful operation of an NG-RAN node configuration update applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0027] Figure 10 An example of a successful gNB-DU configuration update operation applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0028] Figure 11 An example of a successful operation of the gNB-CU configuration update process applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 12 Examples of UE-assisted network power saving methods in wireless network systems according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0030] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating the activation of a gNB via a request from an idle or inactive UE, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following technologies, devices, and systems can be applied to a variety of wireless multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, and Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (MC-FDMA) systems. CDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Universal Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE). OFDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or Evolved UTRA (E-UTRA). UTRA is part of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS). The 3GPP Long Term Evolution (LTE) is part of the Evolved UMTS (E-UMTS) using E-UTRA. 3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in DL and SC-FDMA in UL. The evolution of 3GPP LTE includes LTE-A (Advanced), LTE-A Pro, and / or 5G NR (New Radio).

[0032] For ease of description, the implementation of this disclosure is primarily described with respect to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems. However, the technical features of this disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, although the following detailed description is based on a mobile communication system corresponding to a 3GPP-based wireless communication system, the aspects of this disclosure that are not limited to 3GPP-based wireless communication systems are applicable to other mobile communication systems.

[0033] For terms and techniques used in this disclosure that are not specifically described in this disclosure, please refer to wireless communication standards documents published prior to this disclosure.

[0034] In this disclosure, "A or B" may mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". In other words, in this disclosure, "A or B" can be interpreted as "A and / or B". For example, in this disclosure, "A, B or C" may mean "A only", "B only", "C only", or "any combination of A, B and C".

[0035] In this disclosure, a forward slash ( / ) or a comma (,) can mean "and / or". For example, "A / B" can mean "A and / or B". Therefore, "A / B" can mean "A only", "B only", or "both A and B". For example, "A, B, C" can mean "A, B, or C".

[0036] In this disclosure, "at least one of A and B" can mean "only A", "only B" or "both A and B". Furthermore, the expressions "at least one of A or B" or "at least one of A and / or B" in this disclosure can be interpreted as the same as "at least one of A and B".

[0037] Additionally, in this disclosure, "at least one of A, B, and C" may mean "A only", "B only", "C only" or "any combination of A, B, and C". Furthermore, "at least one of A, B, or C" or "at least one of A, B, and / or C" may mean "at least one of A, B, and C".

[0038] Furthermore, the brackets used in this disclosure may mean "for example". Specifically, when shown as "Control Information (PDCCH)", "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information". In other words, "Control Information" in this disclosure is not limited to "PDCCH", and "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information". Additionally, even when shown as "Control Information (i.e., PDCCH)", "PDCCH" can be cited as an example of "Control Information".

[0039] The technical features described individually in a single figure in this disclosure can be implemented individually or simultaneously.

[0040] Although not limited thereto, the various descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein can be applied to various fields requiring wireless communication and / or connectivity between devices (e.g., 5G).

[0041] In the following description, this disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise stated, the same reference numerals in the following drawings and / or description may refer to the same and / or corresponding hardware blocks, software blocks and / or functional blocks.

[0042] Figure 1 An example of a communication system that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0043] exist Figure 1 The 5G use cases shown are merely exemplary, and the technical features of this disclosure can be applied to scenarios not described herein. Figure 1 Other 5G use cases are shown in the diagram.

[0044] The three main demand categories for 5G include: (1) enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), (2) massive machine-type communications (mMTC), and (3) ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC).

[0045] Some use cases may require multiple categories for optimization, while others can focus on just one key performance indicator (KPI). 5G supports a wide variety of such use cases using flexible and reliable methods.

[0046] eMBB goes far beyond basic mobile internet access and covers a wealth of two-way work, media, and entertainment applications in the cloud and augmented reality. Data is one of the core driving forces of 5G, and for the first time in the 5G era, dedicated voice services may not be provided. In 5G, voice is expected to be simply processed as an application using the data connection provided by the communication system. The main reason for the increased service capacity is the increase in content size and the increase in the number of applications requiring high data transmission rates. As more and more devices connect to the internet, streaming services (audio and video), conversational video, and mobile internet access will be used more widely. These many applications require always-on connectivity to push real-time information and alerts to users. Cloud storage and applications are rapidly increasing in mobile communication platforms and can be applied to both work and entertainment. Cloud storage is a special use case for accelerating the growth of uplink data transmission rates. 5G is also used for remote work in the cloud. When using haptic interfaces, 5G requires much lower end-to-end latency to maintain a good user experience. Entertainment, such as cloud gaming and video streaming, is another core element increasing the demand for mobile broadband capabilities. Entertainment is essential for smartphones and tablets anywhere, including in highly mobile environments such as trains, vehicles, and airplanes. Other use cases include augmented reality for entertainment and information retrieval. In this case, augmented reality requires very low latency and instantaneous data capacity.

[0047] Additionally, one of the most anticipated 5G use cases involves the ability to seamlessly connect embedded sensors across all sectors, namely mMTC. The number of potential Internet of Things (IoT) devices is expected to reach 204 billion by 2020. Industrial IoT is one of the key categories performing key roles in enabling smart cities, asset tracking, smart utilities, agriculture, and security infrastructure through 5G.

[0048] URLLC encompasses new services that will transform industry, such as autonomous vehicles, through remote control of the main infrastructure and ultra-reliable / available low-latency links. Levels of reliability and latency are essential for controlling smart grids, automating industry, enabling robotics, and controlling and adapting drones.

[0049] 5G is the means to deliver streams assessed at hundreds of megabits per second to gigabits per second and can complement fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) and wired broadband (or DOCSIS). Such speeds are needed to deliver TVs at 4K or higher resolutions (6K, 8K, and more), as well as virtual reality and augmented reality. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) applications include almost immersive motion games. Specific applications may require special network configurations. For example, for VR games, game companies need to integrate their core servers into the network operator's edge network servers to minimize latency.

[0050] The automotive industry, along with numerous use cases for mobile communications in vehicles, is expected to be a significant new driving force in 5G. For example, passenger entertainment requires high concurrent capacity and highly mobile broadband. This is because future users continue to expect high-quality connectivity regardless of their location and speed. Another use case in the automotive sector is AR dashboards. AR dashboards allow drivers to identify objects in the dark in addition to those seen through the windshield and display distances and movement of objects by overlaying information spoken to the driver. In the future, wireless modules will enable communication between vehicles, information exchange between vehicles and supporting infrastructure, and information exchange between vehicles and other connected devices, such as pedestrian-accompanied devices. Safety systems will guide alternative routes, allowing drivers to drive more safely and thus reducing the risk of accidents. The next stage will be remotely controlled or self-driving vehicles. This requires very high reliability and very fast communication between different self-driving vehicles and between vehicles and infrastructure. In the future, self-driving vehicles will perform all driving activities, and drivers will only focus on abnormal traffic that the vehicle cannot recognize. The technological requirements for self-driving vehicles necessitate ultra-low latency and ultra-high reliability, increasing traffic safety to levels that cannot be achieved by humans.

[0051] Smart cities and smart homes / buildings, touted as part of a smart society, will be embedded in high-density wireless sensor networks. These distributed networks of smart sensors will identify conditions for cost- and energy-efficient maintenance in cities or homes. Similar configurations can be implemented for specific homes. All temperature sensors, window and heating controllers, burglar alarms, and home appliances will be wirelessly connected. Many of these sensors are typically low in terms of data transmission rates, power consumption, and cost. However, certain types of devices may require real-time HD video for monitoring.

[0052] The consumption and distribution of energy, including heat and gases, at a higher level necessitates automated control of distribution sensor networks. Smart grids collect information and use digital information and communication technologies to connect sensors to each other, thereby enabling actions based on the collected information. Because this information can include the behavior of supply companies and consumers, smart grids can improve the distribution of fuels such as electricity through methods that are efficient, reliable, economically feasible, production sustainable, and automated. Smart grids can also be considered as another type of sensor network with low latency.

[0053] Mission-critical applications, such as e-health, are one of the use cases for 5G. The health component includes many applications that can benefit from mobile communications. Communication systems can support telemedicine, enabling the delivery of clinical care in remote locations. Telemedicine can help reduce barriers of distance and improve access to healthcare services that are not readily available in remote rural areas. Telemedicine is also used to administer vital treatments and save lives in emergency situations. Mobile communication-based wireless sensor networks can provide remote monitoring and sensing of parameters such as heart rate and blood pressure.

[0054] Wireless and mobile communications are becoming increasingly important in industrial applications. Cabling is costly in terms of installation and maintenance. Therefore, the possibility of replacing cables with reconfigurable wireless links presents an attractive opportunity in many industrial sectors. However, to achieve this replacement, wireless connections need to have similar latency, reliability, and capacity to cables, and simplified wireless connection management is required. When connecting to 5G, low latency and a very low error probability become new requirements.

[0055] Logistics and freight tracking are important use cases for mobile communications, allowing inventory and packages to be tracked anywhere using location-based information systems. Logistics and freight tracking use cases typically require low data rates but demand location information with wide coverage and reliability.

[0056] Reference Figure 1 The communication system 1 includes wireless devices 100a to 100f, a base station (BS) 200, and a network 300. Although Figure 1 An example of a 5G network as a network for communication system 1 is illustrated, but the implementation of this disclosure is not limited to 5G systems and can be applied to future communication systems other than 5G systems.

[0057] BS 200 and Network 300 can be implemented as wireless devices, and a particular wireless device can operate as a BS / network node relative to other wireless devices.

[0058] Wireless devices 100a to 100f represent devices that use radio access technology (RAT) (e.g., 5G New RAT (NR) or LTE) to perform communication, and may be referred to as communication / wireless / 5G devices. Wireless devices 100a to 100f may include, but are not limited to, robots 100a, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2, extended reality (XR) devices 100c, handheld devices 100d, home appliances 100e, IoT devices 100f, and artificial intelligence (AI) devices / servers 400. For example, vehicles may include vehicles with wireless communication capabilities, autonomous vehicles, and vehicles capable of performing communication between vehicles. Vehicles may include unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) (e.g., drones). XR devices may include AR / VR / mixed reality (MR) devices and may be implemented in the form of head-mounted displays (HMDs), head-up displays (HUDs) installed in vehicles, televisions, smartphones, computers, wearable devices, home appliance devices, digital signage, vehicles, robots, etc. Handheld devices may include smartphones, smart tablets, wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches or smart glasses), and computers (e.g., laptops). Home appliances may include TVs, refrigerators, and washing machines. IoT devices may include sensors and smart meters.

[0059] In this disclosure, wireless devices 100a to 100f may be referred to as user equipment (UE). For example, a UE may include a cellular phone, smartphone, laptop computer, digital broadcasting terminal, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), navigation system, tablet PC, ultrabook, vehicle, vehicle with autonomous driving capability, connected car, UAV, AI module, robot, AR device, VR device, MR device, hologram device, public safety device, MTC device, IoT device, medical device, Fintech device (or financial device), security device, weather / environment device, device related to 5G services, or device related to the fourth industrial evolution.

[0060] UAVs can be, for example, aircraft that are driven by wireless control signals without any human passengers.

[0061] VR devices may include, for example, means for realizing objects or backgrounds in a virtual world. AR devices may include, for example, means for connecting objects or backgrounds in a virtual world to objects or backgrounds in the real world. MR devices may include, for example, means for incorporating objects or backgrounds in a virtual world into objects or backgrounds in the real world. Holographic devices may include, for example, means for realizing 360-degree stereoscopic images by recording and reproducing stereoscopic information, which utilizes the interference phenomenon of light generated when two lasers, known as holographic imaging, meet.

[0062] Public safety devices may include, for example, image relay devices or image devices that can be worn on a user's body.

[0063] MTC devices and IoT devices can be, for example, devices that do not require direct human intervention or manipulation. For example, MTC devices and IoT devices can include smart meters, vending machines, thermometers, smart light bulbs, door locks, or various sensors.

[0064] Medical devices can be, for example, devices used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, curing, or preventing disease. For example, a medical device can be a device used for the purpose of diagnosing, treating, alleviating, or correcting an injury or lesion. For example, a medical device can be a device used for the purpose of examining, replacing, or modifying a structure or function. For example, a medical device can be a device used for regulating pregnancy. For example, medical devices can include devices for treatment, devices for operation, devices for (in vitro) diagnosis, hearing aids, or devices for surgery.

[0065] Safety devices can be, for example, devices installed to prevent potential hazards and maintain safety. Safety devices can be cameras, closed-circuit television (CCTV), recorders, or black boxes.

[0066] Fintech devices can be, for example, devices capable of providing financial services such as mobile payments. For instance, a fintech device can include a payment device or a point-of-sale (POS) system.

[0067] Weather / environment devices may include, for example, devices for monitoring or predicting weather / environment.

[0068] Wireless devices 100a to 100f can connect to network 300 via BS 200. AI technology can be applied to wireless devices 100a to 100f, and wireless devices 100a to 100f can connect to AI server 400 via network 300. Network 300 can be configured using 3G networks, 4G (e.g., LTE) networks, 5G (e.g., NR) networks, and super 5G networks. Although wireless devices 100a to 100f can communicate with each other via BS 200 / network 300, wireless devices 100a to 100f can also perform direct communication with each other without going through BS 200 / network 300 (e.g., sidelink communication). For example, vehicles 100b-1 and 100b-2 can perform direct communication (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) / vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication). IoT devices (e.g., sensors) can perform direct communication with other IoT devices (e.g., sensors) or other wireless devices 100a to 100f.

[0069] Wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c can be established between wireless devices 100a to 100f and / or between wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200 and / or between BS 200. In this document, wireless communication / connections can be established via various RATs (e.g., 5G NR) such as uplink / downlink communication 150a, sidelink communication (or device-to-device (D2D) communication) 150b, and inter-base station communication 150c (e.g., relay, integrated access and backhaul (IAB)). Wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200 / wireless devices 100a to 100f can transmit / receive radio signals to each other via wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c. For example, wireless communication / connections 150a, 150b, and 150c can transmit / receive signals via various physical channels. Therefore, at least a portion of various configuration information configuration processes, various signal processing processes (e.g., channel coding / decoding, modulation / demodulation, and resource mapping / demapping), and resource allocation processes for transmitting / receiving radio signals can be performed based on various proposals of this disclosure.

[0070] AI refers to the field of studying artificial intelligence or the methodologies that can create it, while machine learning refers to the field that defines the various problems solved within AI and the methodologies for solving these problems. Machine learning is also defined as an algorithm that improves the performance of a task through stable experience with that task.

[0071] A robot is a machine that automatically processes or operates a given task using its own capabilities. Specifically, a robot capable of recognizing its environment and autonomously deciding to perform actions can be called an intelligent robot. Based on their purpose or field of application, robots can be categorized into industrial, medical, domestic, and military types. Robots can perform various physical operations, such as moving robot joints using actuators or motors. Mobile robots also include wheels, brakes, propellers, etc., on their drive systems, enabling them to travel on the ground or fly in the air.

[0072] Autonomous driving refers to a technology that allows a vehicle to drive itself, while an autonomous vehicle is a vehicle that operates with minimal or no user control. For example, autonomous driving can include lane keeping while moving, automatic speed adjustment such as adaptive cruise control, automatic driving along a set route, and automatic route planning when a destination is set. Vehicles encompass vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines, hybrid vehicles equipped with both internal combustion engines and electric motors, and electric vehicles equipped with electric motors, and can include trains, motorcycles, and automobiles. An autonomous vehicle can be viewed as a robot with autonomous driving capabilities.

[0073] Extended reality is collectively referred to as VR, AR, and MR. VR technology provides real-world objects and backgrounds solely through computer graphics (CG) images. AR technology provides virtual CG images on top of real-world object images. MR technology is a CG technology that combines virtual objects with and integrates them into the real world. MR technology is similar to AR technology in that it displays real and virtual objects together. However, the difference lies in that in AR technology, virtual objects serve as a complementary form to real objects, while in MR technology, virtual and real objects serve as equal entities.

[0074] NR supports multiple parameter sets (and / or multiple subcarrier spacings (SCS)) to support a variety of 5G services. For example, if the SCS is 15kHz, it can support wide-area coverage of traditional cellular bands; and if the SCS is 30kHz / 60kHz, it can support dense urban areas, lower latency, and wider carrier bandwidth. If the SCS is 60kHz or higher, it can support bandwidths greater than 24.25GHz to overcome phase noise.

[0075] NR bands can be defined as two types of frequency ranges, namely FR1 and FR2. The numerical values ​​of the frequency ranges can be varied. For example, the frequency ranges of the two types (FR1 and FR2) can be shown in Table 1 below. For ease of explanation, in the frequency ranges used in NR systems, FR1 can represent the "sub-6 GHz range", FR2 can represent the "range above 6 GHz", and can be referred to as millimeter wave (mmW).

[0076] [Table 1]

[0077] As mentioned above, the frequency range of the NR system can be varied. For example, FR1 can include a frequency band from 410MHz to 7125MHz, as shown in Table 2 below. That is, FR1 can include a frequency band of 6GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925MHz, etc.) or larger. For example, the 6GHz (or 5850, 5900, 5925MHz, etc.) or larger frequency band included in FR1 can include unlicensed frequency bands. Unlicensed frequency bands can be used for various purposes, such as for vehicle communications (e.g., autonomous driving).

[0078] [Table 2]

[0079] Here, the radio communication technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may include narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technologies for low-power communication, as well as LTE, NR, and 6G. For example, NB-IoT technology may be an example of low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) technology, implemented in specifications such as LTE Cat NB1 and / or LTE Cat NB2, and may not be limited to the aforementioned names. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio technologies implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may communicate based on LTE-M technology. For example, LTE-M technology may be an example of LPWAN technology and may be referred to by various names such as enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC). For example, LTE-M technology may be implemented in at least one of various specifications such as 1) LTE Cat 0, 2) LTE Cat M1, 3) LTE Cat M2, 4) LTE non-bandwidth limited (non-BL), 5) LTE-MTC, 6) LTE machine-type communication, and / or 7) LTE M, and may not be limited to the aforementioned names. Additionally and / or alternatively, the radio communication technology implemented in the wireless devices of this disclosure may include at least one of ZigBee, Bluetooth, and / or LPWAN, which take into account low-power communication, and may not be limited to the names mentioned above. For example, ZigBee technology may generate personal area networks (PANs) associated with small / low-power digital communication based on various specifications such as IEEE 802.15.4, and may be referred to by various names.

[0080] Figure 2 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0081] Reference Figure 2 The first wireless device 100 and the second wireless device 200 can send / receive radio signals to / from external devices via various RATs (e.g., LTE and NR).

[0082] exist Figure 2 In this context, {the first wireless device 100 and the second wireless device 200} can correspond to the attached... Figure 1 At least one of {wireless devices 100a to 100f and BS 200}, {wireless devices 100a to 100f and wireless devices 100a to 100f} and / or {BS 200 and BS200}.

[0083] The first wireless device 100 may include at least one transceiver (such as transceiver 106), at least one processing chip (such as processing chip 101), and / or one or more antennas 108.

[0084] The processing chip 101 may include at least one processor (such as processor 102) and at least one memory (such as memory 104). Figure 2 The image exemplarily illustrates that memory 104 is included in processing chip 101. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory 104 may be located external to processing chip 101.

[0085] Processor 102 can control memory 104 and / or transceiver 106, and can be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts described in this disclosure. For example, processor 102 can process information in memory 104 to generate first information / signal, and then transmit a radio signal including the first information / signal via transceiver 106. Processor 102 can receive a radio signal including a second information / signal via transceiver 106, and then store the information obtained by processing the second information / signal in memory 104.

[0086] Memory 104 may be operatively connected to processor 102. Memory 104 may store various types of information and / or instructions. Memory 104 may store software code 105 that implements instructions, when executed by processor 102, to execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 105 may implement instructions, when executed by processor 102, to execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 105 may control processor 102 to execute one or more protocols. For example, software code 105 may control processor 102 to execute one or more layers of a radio interface protocol.

[0087] In this document, processor 102 and memory 104 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). Transceiver 106 may be connected to processor 102 and transmit and / or receive radio signals via one or more antennas 108. Each of transceivers 106 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceivers 106 may be used interchangeably with radio frequency (RF) units. In this disclosure, first wireless device 100 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0088] The second wireless device 200 may include at least one transceiver (such as transceiver 206), at least one processing chip (such as processing chip 201), and / or one or more antennas 208.

[0089] The processing chip 201 may include at least one processor (such as processor 202) and at least one memory (such as memory 204). Figure 2 The image exemplarily illustrates that memory 204 is included in processing chip 201. Additionally and / or alternatively, memory 204 may be located external to processing chip 201.

[0090] Processor 202 can control memory 204 and / or transceiver 206, and can be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts described in this disclosure. For example, processor 202 can process information in memory 204 to generate third information / signal, and then transmit a radio signal including the third information / signal via transceiver 206. Processor 202 can receive a radio signal including a fourth information / signal via transceiver 106, and then store the information obtained by processing the fourth information / signal in memory 204.

[0091] Memory 204 may be operatively connected to processor 202. Memory 204 may store various types of information and / or instructions. Memory 204 may store software code 205 that implements the instructions, which, when executed by processor 202, execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 205 may implement instructions that, when executed by processor 202, execute the descriptions, functions, procedures, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. For example, software code 205 may control processor 202 to execute one or more protocols. For example, software code 205 may control processor 202 to execute one or more layers of a radio interface protocol.

[0092] In this document, processor 202 and memory 204 may be part of a communication modem / circuit / chip designed to implement RAT (e.g., LTE or NR). Transceiver 206 may be connected to processor 202 and transmit and / or receive radio signals via one or more antennas 208. Each of transceivers 206 may include a transmitter and / or a receiver. Transceivers 206 may be used interchangeably with RF units. In this disclosure, second wireless device 200 may represent a communication modem / circuit / chip.

[0093] The hardware elements of wireless devices 100 and 200 will be described in more detail below. One or more protocol layers can be implemented by, but are not limited to, one or more processors 102 and 202. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 can implement one or more layers (e.g., functional layers such as the Physical (PHY) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, and Service Data Adaptive Protocol (SDAP) layer). Based on the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure, one or more processors 102 and 202 can generate one or more Protocol Data Units (PDUs) and / or one or more Service Data Units (SDUs). One or more processors 102 and 202 can generate messages, control information, data, or information according to the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. One or more processors 102 and 202 may generate signals (e.g., baseband signals) including PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information, in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure, and provide the generated signals to one or more transceivers 106 and 206. One or more processors 102 and 202 may receive signals (e.g., baseband signals) from one or more transceivers 106 and 206, and acquire PDUs, SDUs, messages, control information, data, or information in accordance with the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure.

[0094] One or more processors 102 and 202 may be referred to as controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, or microcomputers. One or more processors 102 and 202 may be implemented by hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. As an example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), one or more digital signal processing devices (DSPDs), one or more programmable logic devices (PLDs), or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) may be included in one or more processors 102 and 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be implemented using firmware or software, and the firmware or software may be configured to include modules, processes, or functions. Firmware or software configured to perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be included in one or more processors 102 and 202, or stored in one or more memories 104 and 204, thereby being driven by one or more processors 102 and 202. The descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure may be implemented in the form of firmware or software in the form of code, commands and / or sets of commands.

[0095] One or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 and store various types of data, signals, messages, information, programs, code, instructions, and / or commands. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be configured using read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk drive, registers, cache memory, computer-readable storage media, and / or combinations thereof. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be located internally and / or externally to one or more processors 102 and 202. One or more memories 104 and 204 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 via various technologies such as wired or wireless connections.

[0096] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may transmit user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein to one or more other devices. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein from one or more other devices. For example, one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to one or more processors 102 and 202 and transmit and receive radio signals. For example, one or more processors 102 and 202 may perform control such that one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may transmit user data, control information, or radio signals to one or more other devices. One or more processors 102 and 202 may perform control such that one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may receive user data, control information, or radio signals from one or more other devices.

[0097] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be connected to one or more antennas 108 and 208, and one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may be configured to transmit and receive user data, control information, and / or radio signals / channels mentioned in the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein via one or more antennas 108 and 208. In this disclosure, one or more antennas 108 and 208 may be multiple physical antennas or multiple logical antennas (e.g., antenna ports).

[0098] One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can convert received user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., from RF band signals to baseband signals for processing. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can also convert user data, control information, radio signals / channels, etc., processed by one or more processors 102 and 202 from baseband signals to RF band signals. For this purpose, one or more transceivers 106 and 206 may include (analog) oscillators and / or filters. For example, one or more transceivers 106 and 206, under the control of one or more processors 102 and 202, can up-convert OFDM baseband signals to OFDM signals using their (analog) oscillators and / or filters, and transmit the up-converted OFDM signals at the carrier frequency. One or more transceivers 106 and 206 can receive OFDM signals at a carrier frequency and, under the control of one or more processors 102 and 202, downconvert the OFDM signals to OFDM baseband signals via their (analog) oscillators and / or filters.

[0099] In the implementation of this disclosure, the UE can operate as a transmitting device in the uplink (UL) and as a receiving device in the downlink (DL). In the implementation of this disclosure, the BS can operate as a receiving device in the UL and as a transmitting device in the DL. For ease of description, it is primarily assumed below that the first wireless device 100 acts as the UE and the second wireless device 200 acts as the BS. For example, a processor 102 connected to, installed on, or started in the first wireless device 100 can be configured to perform UE actions according to the implementation of this disclosure, or to control the transceiver 106 to perform UE actions according to the implementation of this disclosure. A processor 202 connected to, installed on, or started in the second wireless device 200 can be configured to perform BS actions according to the implementation of this disclosure, or to control the transceiver 206 to perform BS actions according to the implementation of this disclosure.

[0100] In this disclosure, BS is also referred to as Node B (NB), eNodeB (eNB), or gNB.

[0101] Figure 3 An example of a wireless device that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0102] Wireless devices can be implemented in various forms depending on the use case / service (see reference). Figure 1 ).

[0103] Reference Figure 3 Wireless devices 100 and 200 can correspond to Figure 2 The wireless devices 100 and 200 can be configured from various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules. For example, each of the wireless devices 100 and 200 may include a communication unit 110, a control unit 120, a memory unit 130, and an additional component 140. The communication unit 110 may include a communication circuit 112 and a transceiver 114. For example, the communication circuit 112 may include... Figure 2 One or more processors 102 and 202 and / or Figure 2 One or more memories 104 and 204. For example, transceiver 114 may include... Figure 2 One or more transceivers 106 and 206 and / or Figure 2One or more antennas 108 and 208. Control unit 120 is electrically connected to communication unit 110, memory unit 130, and add-on components 140, and controls the overall operation of each of wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, control unit 120 can control the electrical / mechanical operation of each of wireless devices 100 and 200 based on programs / code / commands / information stored in memory unit 130. Control unit 120 can transmit information stored in memory unit 130 to an external source (e.g., other communication devices) via communication unit 110 through a wireless / wired interface, or store information received from an external source (e.g., other communication devices) via communication unit 110 in memory unit 130.

[0104] The additional component 140 can be configured differently depending on the type of wireless devices 100 and 200. For example, the additional component 140 may include at least one of a power supply unit / battery, an input / output (I / O) unit (e.g., an audio I / O port, a video I / O port), a drive unit, and a computing unit. Wireless devices 100 and 200 can be, but are not limited to, robots ( Figure 1 100a), vehicles ( Figure 1 100b-1 and 100b-2), XR device ( Figure 1 100c), handheld device ( Figure 1 100d), home appliances ( Figure 1 100e), IoT devices ( Figure 1 100f), digital broadcasting terminals, holographic devices, public safety devices, MTC devices, medical devices, Fintech devices (or financial devices), security devices, climate / environmental devices, AI servers / devices ( Figure 1 400), BSS ( Figure 1 This can be achieved in the form of wireless devices 100 and 200, network nodes, etc. Wireless devices 100 and 200 can be used in mobile or fixed locations depending on the usage example / service.

[0105] exist Figure 3In wireless devices 100 and 200, the various elements, components, units / parts, and / or modules as a whole can be connected to each other via a wired interface, or at least a portion thereof can be wirelessly connected via communication unit 110. For example, in each of wireless devices 100 and 200, control unit 120 and communication unit 110 can be wired connected, and control unit 120 and first units (e.g., 130 and 140) can be wirelessly connected via communication unit 110. Each element, component, unit / part, and / or module within wireless devices 100 and 200 may also include one or more elements. For example, control unit 120 may be configured by a group of one or more processors. As an example, control unit 120 may be configured by a group of communication control processors, application processors (APs), electronic control units (ECUs), graphics processing units, and memory control processors. As another example, memory unit 130 may be configured with RAM, DRAM, ROM, flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, and / or combinations thereof.

[0106] Figure 4 An example of a UE that applies the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0107] Reference Figure 4 UE 100 can correspond to Figure 2 The first wireless device 100 and / or Figure 3 Wireless devices 100 or 200.

[0108] The UE 100 includes a processor 102, a memory 104, a transceiver 106, one or more antennas 108, a power management module 110, a battery 112, a display 114, a keypad 116, a subscriber identification module (SIM) card 118, a speaker 120, and a microphone 122.

[0109] Processor 102 may be configured to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. Processor 102 may be configured to control one or more other components of UE 100 to implement the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed in this disclosure. A layer of the radio interface protocol may be implemented in processor 102. Processor 102 may include an ASIC, other chipsets, logic circuits, and / or data processing means. Processor 102 may be an application processor. Processor 102 may include at least one of a digital signal processor (DSP), a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), and a modem (modulator and demodulator). Examples of processor 102 can be found in Qualcomm... ® SNAPDRAGON manufactured TM Series processors, Samsung® EXYNOS manufactured TM Series processors, Apple ® A-series processors manufactured by MediaTek ® HELIO manufactured TM Series processors, Intel ® Manufactured ATOM TM This series of processors or the corresponding next-generation processors.

[0110] Memory 104 is operatively coupled to processor 102 and stores various information to operate processor 102. Memory 104 may include ROM, RAM, flash memory, memory card, storage medium, and / or other storage devices. When the implementation is software-based, the techniques described herein can be implemented using modules (e.g., processes, functions, etc.) that perform the descriptions, functions, processes, suggestions, methods, and / or operation flowcharts disclosed herein. Modules may be stored in memory 104 and executed by processor 102. Memory 104 may be implemented within or outside processor 102, in which case memory 104 may be communicatively coupled to processor 102 via various means known in the art.

[0111] Transceiver 106 is operatively coupled to processor 102 and transmits and / or receives radio signals. Transceiver 106 includes a transmitter and a receiver. Transceiver 106 may include baseband circuitry for processing radio frequency signals. Transceiver 106 controls one or more antennas 108 to transmit and / or receive radio signals.

[0112] The power management module 110 manages the power of the processor 102 and / or transceiver 106. The battery 112 supplies power to the power management module 110.

[0113] Display 114 outputs the results processed by processor 102. Keypad 116 receives input to be used by processor 102. Keypad 116 can be displayed on display 114.

[0114] The SIM 118 is an integrated circuit designed to securely store the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) number and its associated keys, used for identifying and authenticating subscribers on mobile devices such as mobile phones and computers. Contact information can also be stored on many SIM cards.

[0115] Speaker 120 outputs sound-related results processed by processor 102. Microphone 122 receives sound-related inputs to be used by processor 102.

[0116] Figure 5 and Figure 6An example of a protocol stack in a 3GPP-based wireless communication system applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0117] Specifically, Figure 5 An example of the user plane protocol stack for the radio interface between the UE and the BS is shown, and Figure 6 An example of a radio interface control plane protocol stack between the UE and the BS is illustrated. The control plane refers to the path that transmits control messages used to manage calls made by the UE and the network. The user plane refers to the path that transmits data generated in the application layer (e.g., voice data or Internet packet data). See reference... Figure 5 The user plane protocol stack can be divided into Layer 1 (i.e., the PHY layer) and Layer 2. (See reference...) Figure 6 The control plane protocol stack can be divided into Layer 1 (i.e., the PHY layer), Layer 2, Layer 3 (e.g., the RRC layer), and the Non-Access Layer (NAS). Layers 1, 2, and 3 are called the Access Layer (AS).

[0118] In 3GPP LTE systems, Layer 2 is divided into the following sublayers: MAC, RLC, and PDCP. In 3GPP NR systems, Layer 2 is divided into the following sublayers: MAC, RLC, PDCP, and SDAP. The PHY layer provides transport channels to the MAC sublayer, the MAC sublayer provides logical channels to the RLC sublayer, the RLC sublayer provides RLC channels to the PDCP sublayer, and the PDCP sublayer provides radio bearers to the SDAP sublayer. The SDAP sublayer provides Quality of Service (QoS) streams to the 5G core network.

[0119] In 3GPP NR systems, the main services and functions of the MAC sublayer include: mapping between logical channels and transport channels; multiplexing MAC SDUs belonging to one or different logical channels into transport blocks (TBs) / demultiplexing from TBs, which are delivered to or from the physical layer on the transport channel; scheduling information reporting; error correction via Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) (one HARQ entity per cell in the case of carrier aggregation (CA)); priority handling between UEs via dynamic scheduling; priority handling between logical channels of a UE via logical channel priority ordering; and padding. A single MAC entity can support multiple parameter sets, transmission timings, and cells. Mapping constraints in logical channel priority ordering control which parameter sets, cells, and transmission timings a logical channel can use.

[0120] The MAC provides different types of data transmission services. To accommodate these different services, various types of logical channels are defined, each supporting the transmission of a specific type of information. Each logical channel type is defined by the type of information it transmits. Logical channels are divided into two groups: control channels and traffic channels. Control channels are used only for transmitting control plane information, and traffic channels are used only for transmitting user plane information. The Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) is a downlink logical channel used for broadcasting system control information. The Paging Control Channel (PCCH) is a downlink logical channel that transmits paging information, system information change notifications, and indications of ongoing Public Warning Service (PWS) broadcasts. The Common Control Channel (CCCH) is a logical channel used to transmit control information between the UE and the network and is used by UEs that do not have an RRC connection with the network. The Dedicated Control Channel (DCCH) is a point-to-point bidirectional logical channel used by UEs with an RRC connection to transmit dedicated control information between the UE and the network. The Dedicated Traffic Channel (DTCH) is a point-to-point logical channel dedicated to a single UE for transmitting user information. DTCHs can exist in both the uplink and downlink. In the downlink, the following connections exist between logical channels and transport channels: BCCH can be mapped to the broadcast channel (BCH); BCCH can be mapped to the downlink shared channel (DL-SCH); PCCH can be mapped to the paging channel (PCH); CCCH can be mapped to DL-SCH; DCCH can be mapped to DL-SCH; and DTCH can be mapped to DL-SCH. In the uplink, the following connections exist between logical channels and transport channels: CCCH can be mapped to the uplink shared channel (UL-SCH); DCCH can be mapped to UL-SCH; and DTCH can be mapped to UL-SCH.

[0121] The RLC sublayer supports three transmission modes: Transparent Mode (TM), Unacknowledged Mode (UM), and Acknowledged Node (AM). RLC configuration is per logical channel and does not depend on parameter sets and / or transmission duration. In 3GPP NR systems, the main services and functions of the RLC sublayer depend on the transmission mode and include: transmission of upper-layer PDUs; sequence numbering independent of sequence numbers in PDCP (UM and AM); error correction via ARQ (AM only); RLC SDU segmentation (AM and UM) and resegmentation (AM only); SDU (AM and UM) reassembly; duplicate detection (AM only); RLC SDU dropping (AM and UM); RLC reconstruction; and protocol error detection (AM only).

[0122] In the 3GPP NR system, the main services and functions of the PDCP sublayer for the user plane include: sequence numbering; header compression and decompression using robust header compression (ROHC); transmission of user data; reordering and deduplication detection; ordered delivery; PDCP PDU routing (in the case of separate bearers); retransmission of PDCP SDUs; encryption, decryption, and integrity protection; PDCP SDU discarding; PDCP reconstruction and data recovery for RLC AM; PDCP status reporting for RLC AM; and PDCP PDU deduplication and deduplication indication to lower layers. The main services and functions of the PDCP sublayer for the control plane include: sequence numbering; encryption, decryption, and integrity protection; transmission of control plane data; reordering and deduplication detection; ordered delivery; and PDCP PDU deduplication and deduplication indication to lower layers.

[0123] In the 3GPP NR system, the main services and functions of SDAP include: mapping between QoS flows and data radio bearers; marking QoS flow IDs (QFIs) in DL and UL packets; and configuring a single protocol entity for SDAP for each individual PDU session.

[0124] In the 3GPP NR system, the main services and functions of the RRC sublayer include: broadcasting system information related to AS and NAS; paging initiated by 5GC or NG-RAN; establishment, maintenance, and release of RRC connections between UE and NG-RAN; security functions including key management; establishment, configuration, maintenance, and release of signaling radio bearers (SRB) and data radio bearers (DRB); mobility functions (including: handover and context delivery, UE cell selection and reselection, and control of cell selection and reselection, and inter-RAT mobility); QoS management functions; control of UE measurement reports and notifications; detection and recovery of radio link failures; and NAS message delivery from UE to NAS / from NAS to UE.

[0125] Figure 7 An example of the overall architecture of NG-RAN to which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0126] Reference Figure 7 A gNB may include a gNB-CU (hereinafter referred to as CU) and at least one gNB-DU (hereinafter referred to as DU).

[0127] The gNB-CU is a logical node that hosts the RRC, SDAP, and PDCP protocols of the gNB or the en-gNB. The gNB-CU controls the operation of at least one gNB-DU.

[0128] A gNB-DU is a logical node that hosts the RLC, MAC, and physical layers of a gNB or en-gNB. The operation of a gNB-DU is partially controlled by a gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A cell is supported by only one gNB-DU.

[0129] gNB-CU and gNB-DU are connected via the F1 interface. The gNB-CU is terminated to the F1 interface of the gNB-DU. The gNB-DU is terminated to the F1 interface of the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU is connected to only one gNB-CU. However, a gNB-DU can be connected to multiple gNB-CUs through appropriate implementation. The F1 interface is a logical interface. For NG-RAN, the NG and Xn-C interfaces of the gNB consisting of gNB-CU and gNB-DU are terminated to the gNB-CU. For E-UTRAN-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC), the S1-U and X2-C interfaces of the gNB consisting of gNB-CU and gNB-DU are terminated to the gNB-CU. The gNB-CU and the connected gNB-DU are only visible to other gNBs and the 5GC acting as a gNB.

[0130] The F1 interface includes the following F1 control (F1-C) functions.

[0131] (1) F1 interface management function

[0132] The error indication function is used by gNB-DU or gNB-CU to indicate to gNB-CU or gNB-DU that an error has occurred.

[0133] The reset function is used to initialize peer entities after node setup and after a failure event. This procedure can be used by both gNB-DU and gNB-CU.

[0134] The F1 setup function allows the exchange of application-level data required by the gNB-DU and gNB-CU for proper interoperability on the F1 interface. The F1 setup is initiated by the gNB-DU.

[0135] The gNB-CU configuration update and gNB-DU configuration update functions allow updating the application-level configuration data required between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU to properly interoperate via the F1 interface, and can activate or deactivate cells.

[0136] The F1 setup and gNB-DU configuration update functionality allows notification of individual network slice selection assistance information (S-NSSAI) supported by gNB-DU.

[0137] The F1 resource coordination function is used to transmit information about frequency resource sharing between gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0138] (2) System information management function

[0139] The scheduling of system broadcast messages is performed in gNB-DU. gNB-DU is responsible for sending system messages based on available scheduling parameters.

[0140] gNB-DU is responsible for encoding the NR Master Information Block (MIB). If it is necessary to broadcast System Information Block Type 1 (SIB1) and other SI messages, then gNB-DU is responsible for encoding SIB1 and gNB-CU is responsible for encoding the other SI messages.

[0141] (3) F1 UE Context Management Function

[0142] The F1 UE context management function supports the creation and modification of the necessary overall UE context.

[0143] The establishment of the F1 UE context is initiated by the gNB-CU and accepted or rejected by the gNB-DU based on admission control criteria (e.g., resource unavailability).

[0144] Modification of the F1 UE context can be initiated by either the gNB-CU or the gNB-DU. The receiving node can accept or reject the modification. The F1 UE context management function also supports the release of contexts previously established in the gNB-DU. Context release is triggered directly by the gNB-CU or upon receiving a request from the gNB-DU. When the UE enters RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE, the gNB-CU requests the gNB-DU to release the UE context.

[0145] This function can also be used to manage DRBs and SRBs, that is, to create, modify, and release DRB and SRB resources. The creation and modification of DRB resources are triggered by the gNB-CU and accepted / rejected by the gNB-DU based on the resource reservation information and QoS information to be provided to the gNB-DU. For each DRB to be set or modified, S-NSSAI can be provided by the gNB-CU to the gNB-DU during the UE context setting process and the UE context modification process.

[0146] The mapping between QoS flows and radio bearers is performed by the gNB-CU, and the granularity of bearer-related management on F1 is at the radio bearer level. For NG-RAN, the gNB-CU provides the gNB-DU with aggregated DRB QoS profiles and QoS flow profiles, and the gNB-DU accepts requests or rejects them with appropriate reason values. To support packet replication of carrier aggregation (CA) within the gNB-DU, a data radio bearer should have two GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP)-U tunnels configured between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU.

[0147] Using this function, the gNB-CU requests the gNB-DU to set or change a special cell (SpCell) for the UE, and the gNB-DU accepts the request or rejects the request with an appropriate reason value.

[0148] Using this function, the gNB-CU requests the setup of a secondary cell (SCell) on the gNB-DU side, and the gNB-DU accepts all, some, or none of the SCells and replies to the gNB-CU. The gNB-CU then requests the removal of the UE's SCell.

[0149] (4) RRC message passing function

[0150] This feature allows the transmission of RRC messages between the gNB-CU and gNB-DU. RRC messages are transmitted via F1-C. The gNB-CU is responsible for encoding the dedicated RRC messages using auxiliary information provided by the gNB-DU.

[0151] (5) Paging function

[0152] gNB-DU is responsible for sending paging information based on the provided scheduling parameters.

[0153] The gNB-CU provides paging information so that the gNB-DU can calculate the accurate paging opportunity (PO) and paging frame (PF). The gNB-CU determines the paging assignment (PA). The gNB-DU merges all paging records for a specific PO, PF, and PA, encodes the final RRC message, and broadcasts the paging message on the corresponding PO and PF in the PA.

[0154] (6) Warning message transmission function

[0155] This feature allows for coordination with the warning message transmission process via the NG interface. The gNB-CU is responsible for encoding the warning-related SI messages and sending them along with other warning-related information from the gNB-DU for broadcast via the radio interface.

[0156] Figure 8 An F1-C interface protocol structure in which the technical features of this disclosure can be applied is shown.

[0157] The Transport Network Layer (TNL) is based on Internet Protocol (IP) transmission and includes the Flow Control Transport Protocol (SCTP) layer above the IP layer. The application layer signaling protocol is called the F1 Application Protocol (E1AP).

[0158] The technical features related to setup operations are described below. Refer to the sections in 3GPP TS 38.423v17.5.0 and 3GPP TS 38.473v17.5.0 for details.

[0159] Figure 9 An example of a successful operation of an NG-RAN node configuration update applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0160] The purpose of the NG-RAN node configuration update process is to update the application-level configuration data required for two NG-RAN nodes to interoperate correctly on the Xn-C interface.

[0161] This process uses non-UE associated signaling.

[0162] NG-RAN node 1 initiates the process by sending an NG-RAN node configuration update message to its peer NG-RAN node 2.

[0163] If a supplementary uplink is configured at NG-RAN node 1, then NG-RAN node 1 should include the configuration update message for the supplementary uplink. To add the NR cell to be served In IE and in The NR cell to be modified Each cell added in IE SUL Information IE and Supported SUL band list IE.

[0164] If a supplementary uplink is configured at NG-RAN node 2, then NG-RAN node 2 should include the configuration update confirmation message for the supplementary uplink in the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message. Served NR cell Add each cell in IE (if available) SUL Information IE and Supported SUL band list IE.

[0165] if TAI Support List If the IE is included in the NG-RAN node configuration update message, the receiving node should use the received information. TAI Support List IE replaces the previously provided TAI Support List IE.

[0166] If it exists Cellular Auxiliary Information (NR) In the case of IE, NG-RAN node 2 should use it to generate, if supported. Served NR cell IE, and include the list in the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message.

[0167] If it exists Community Auxiliary Information E-UTRA In the case of IE, NG-RAN node 2 should use it to generate, if supported. E-UTRA Served Community IE, and include the list in the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message.

[0168] if Partial list indicator NR If the IE is included in the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message and is set to "partial", then NG-RAN node 1 should assume, where supported, that the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message contains the IE. Served NR cell IE includes a partial list of NR cells.

[0169] if Partial list indicator E-UTRA If the IE is included in the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message and is set to "partial", then NG-RAN node 1 should assume, where supported, that the NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message contains the IE. E-UTRA Served Community IE includes a partial list of NR cells.

[0170] Figure 10 An example of a successful gNB-DU configuration update operation applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0171] The purpose of the gNB-DU configuration update procedure is to update the application-level configuration data required for proper interoperability between the gNB-DU and gNB-CU on the F1 interface. This procedure does not affect existing UE-related context (if any). The procedure uses non-UE-associated signaling.

[0172] The gNB-DU initiates this process by sending a GNB-DU configuration update message to the gNB-CU, which includes the appropriate updated configuration dataset that the gNB-DU has just entered into operation. The gNB-CU responds with a GNB-DU configuration update acknowledgment message to confirm that it has successfully updated the configuration data. If the GNB-DU configuration update message does not include informational elements, the gNB-CU should interpret the corresponding configuration data as unchanged and should continue to operate the F1-C interface using the existing relevant configuration data.

[0173] As long as an operational TNL association exists, or until any further updates are performed, the updated configuration data should be stored in both nodes and used.

[0174] If the GNB-DU configuration update message used for the newly established SCTP association contains gNB-DU ID If IE, then gNB-CU will associate this association with the relevant gNB-DU.

[0175] If the GNB-DU configuration update message contains To add the served community project IE, then gNB-CU should be based on quilt Community Information Add cell information to the IE interface. For NG-RAN, gNB-DU should include... gNB-DU System Information IE.

[0176] If the GNB-DU configuration update message contains The served community project to be modified IE, then gNB-CU should be based on quilt Community Information Information modification in IE is by Original NR CGIThe IE indicates the cell information and overwrites the served cell information for the affected served cells. Additionally, if there is... gNB-DU System Information In the case of IE, gNB-CU should store and replace any previously received information.

[0177] If the GNB-DU configuration update message contains Served community projects to be deleted In IE, gNB-CU should be removed. Old NR CGI Information about the cell indicated by IE.

[0178] Figure 11 An example of a successful operation of the gNB-CU configuration update process applying the implementation of this disclosure is shown.

[0179] The purpose of the gNB-CU configuration update procedure is to update the application-level configuration data required for proper interoperability between the gNB-DU and gNB-CU on the F1 interface. This procedure does not affect existing UE-related context (if any). The procedure uses non-UE-associated signaling.

[0180] The gNB-CU initiates this process by sending a GNB-CU configuration update message to the gNB-DU, which includes the appropriate updated configuration data. The gNB-DU responds with a GNB-CU configuration update acknowledgment message to confirm that the configuration data has been successfully updated. If the GNB-CU configuration update message does not include information elements, the gNB-DU should interpret the corresponding configuration data as unchanged and should continue to operate the F1-C interface using the existing relevant configuration data.

[0181] As long as an operational TNL association exists, or until any further updates are performed, the updated configuration data should be stored in the appropriate node and used.

[0182] If the GNB-CU configuration update message contains List of cell items to be activated In IE, gNB-DU should be activated by NR CGI IE indicates the cell and reconfigures including NR PCI The physical cell identifier in Internet Explorer.

[0183] If the GNB-CU configuration update message contains List of communities to be activated For IE, gNB-DU should be deactivated by NR CGI The cell indicated by IE.

[0184] If the GNB-CU configuration update message contains List of cell items to be activated If the IE indicates that the cell has been activated, then the gNB-DU should be updated. List of cell items to be activated Cell information received in IE.

[0185] If the GNB-CU configuration update message includes List of cell items to be activated IE, and for those by NR CGI The information about the cell indicated by IE includes IAB Info IAB-donor-CU For IE, gNB-DU should include it if supported. IAB STC Info IE is applied to the indicated cell.

[0186] If the gNB-CU configuration update message contains gNB-CU System Information For IE, the gNB-DU should include in the gNB-CU configuration update confirmation message for UEs that cannot receive system information from the broadcast. List of UEs required for dedicated SI delivery IE.

[0187] If the GNB-CU configuration update confirmation message contains List of UEs required for dedicated SI delivery In the case of IE, gNB-CU should consider it when notifying the UE of updated system information via a dedicated RRC message.

[0188] The technical features related to energy-saving support are described below. See section 15.4 of GPP TS38.300 v17.4.0 for details.

[0189] The purpose of this feature is to reduce operating costs through energy conservation.

[0190] This feature allows for optimization of energy consumption, for example in deployments where capacity boosters can be distinguished from cells providing basic coverage, enabling E-UTRA or NR cells that provide additional capacity via single or dual connectivity to be shut down when their capacity is no longer needed and reactivated as needed.

[0191] -In-system energy saving

[0192] This solution is based on the possibility that NG-RAN nodes with capacity booster cells can autonomously decide to shut down such cells to reduce energy consumption (inactive state). This decision is typically based on cell load information, consistent with the configured information. Shutdown decisions can also be made by the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) department.

[0193] NG-RAN nodes can initiate handover actions to offload a closed cell and can indicate the reason for the handover with an appropriate reason value to support the target node in taking subsequent actions, such as when selecting a target cell for subsequent handover.

[0194] All adjacent NG-RAN nodes are notified of the shutdown action on the Xn interface by the NG-RAN node with the relevant cell through the NG-RAN node configuration update process.

[0195] All notified nodes also maintain cell configuration data (e.g., neighbor relationship configuration) when a cell is inactive. If basic coverage is ensured by the NG-RAN node cell, an NG-RAN node with a non-capacity booster cell can request reactivation on the Xn interface (if the capacity in those cells requires it). This is achieved via the cell activation process. During the off-time of the booster cell, the NG-RAN node can prevent idle-mode UEs from camping on that cell and can prevent incoming handovers to the same cell.

[0196] The NG-RAN node receiving the request should act accordingly. The decision to activate can also be made by the O&M (Output and Management) team. The NG-RAN node with the cell of interest notifies all peer NG-RAN nodes of reactivation via an instruction on the Xn interface.

[0197] - Inter-system energy saving

[0198] This solution is based on the possibility that NG-RAN nodes with capacity booster cells can autonomously decide to shut down such cells into a dormant state. This decision is typically based on cell load information, consistent with the configured information. Shutdown decisions can also be made by the O&M (Operation and Maintenance) team. NG-RAN nodes indicate shutdown actions to the eNB via the NG and S1 interfaces. NG-RAN nodes can also indicate enable actions to the eNB via the NG and S1 interfaces.

[0199] The eNB providing basic coverage can request cell reactivation from the NG-RAN node based on its own cell load information or neighboring cell load information. The decision to activate the cell can also be made by the O&M (Optical and Mobile Services). The eNB requests cell reactivation from the NG-RAN node and receives the NG-RAN node's cell reactivation response via the S1 and NG interfaces. Upon receiving the reactivation request, the NG-RAN node's cell should remain activated at least until the minimum activation time expires. The minimum activation time can be configured by the O&M or depends on the implementation of the NG-RAN node.

[0200] - O&M requirements

[0201] Operators should be able to configure energy-saving features.

[0202] The configuration information should include: - The ability of NG-RAN nodes to perform autonomous cell shutdown; - The ability of an NG-RAN node to request the reactivation of a list of configurations of inactive cells owned by a peer NG-RAN node.

[0203] O&M can also be configured as follows: - The strategy used by NG-RAN nodes for cell shutdown decisions; - A strategy used by peer NG-RAN nodes to request the reactivation of inactive cells; - The NG-RAN node's cell should remain active for a minimum period of time when it receives a reactivation request from the eNB.

[0204] The technical features related to the UE wake-up signal (WUS) for gNB are described below. Refer to the section in 3GPPTS 38.864 v18.1.0 for details.

[0205] This technology enables a UE to send an uplink wake-up signal to request the cell to switch from no transmit / receive activity or reduced transmit / receive activity to active transmit or receive on the channel / signal. This technology can be applied to UEs in one or more RRC states. The UE wake-up signal (WUS) can be used to trigger SSB / SIB transmissions. The UE wake-up signal (WUS) can be used to trigger SSB / SIB1 transmissions. The UE wake-up signal (WUS) can also be used to trigger gNB wake-up.

[0206] When WUS is supported, the gNB may be inactive (e.g., when it is not transmitting or receiving signals / channels, or when it is only transmitting and receiving limited signals). The gNB can be converted to become active to transmit or receive channels / signals when it receives uplink signals from the UE.

[0207] In addition, several discussions were made in NR regarding Network Energy Saving (NES). For example, NES based on Wake-up Signals (WUS) was discussed.

[0208] For example, the technologies related to the UE wake-up signal (WUS) for gNB are as follows.

[0209] The UE can send an uplink wake-up signal to request the cell to switch from no transmit / receive activity or reduced transmit / receive activity to active transmit or receive of channels / signals.

[0210] This technology can be applied to UEs in one or more RRC states. The UE Wake-up Signal (WUS) can be used to trigger SSB / SIB transmissions. The UE Wake-up Signal (WUS) can be used to trigger SSB / SIB1 transmissions. The UE Wake-up Signal (WUS) can also be used to trigger gNB wake-up.

[0211] When WUS is supported, the gNB may be inactive (e.g., when it is not transmitting or receiving signals / channels, or when it is only transmitting and receiving limited signals). The gNB can be converted to become active to transmit or receive channels / signals when it receives uplink signals from the UE.

[0212] The description of this technology may include: - Design of uplink wake-up signal / channel - Signaling details of the wake-up signal / channel, and (if necessary) the downlink signal / channel design / process for carrying information about the wake-up configuration. - Conditions for triggering WUS - Mechanisms for DL ​​synchronization and UE measurement required before WUS transmission. - Assistance information for the UE to assist the gNB wake-up operation. - UE behavior / processes after sending WUS - Mechanism for notifying UEs of cell activity or lack of activity.

[0213] Based on the above, we considered the signaling used by the UE-based WUS to transition a gNB from an inactive state to an active state. After receiving the corresponding signaling from the UE, the gNB can change from an inactive state to an active state. However, if neighboring base stations do not recognize the state change of the corresponding gNB, they may send erroneous signaling to the gNB whose state has changed.

[0214] Additionally, if the gNB receiving the UE's WUS is split into CU and DU, the gNB-CU may not recognize the UE's request, and the gNB's state may not change.

[0215] Therefore, research is needed on UE-assisted network energy saving in wireless network systems.

[0216] In the following description, a UE-assisted network power saving method in a wireless network system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0217] The following figures are provided to illustrate specific embodiments of this disclosure. The names of particular devices or signals / messages / fields shown in the figures are provided by way of example, and therefore the technical features of this disclosure are not limited to the specific names used in the following figures. In this document, a wireless device may be referred to as a user equipment (UE).

[0218] Figure 12 Examples of UE-assisted network power saving methods in wireless network systems according to some embodiments of the present disclosure are shown.

[0219] Specifically, Figure 12 An example of a method performed by the central unit (CU) of the first radio access network (RAN) node is shown.

[0220] In step S1201, the CU of the first RAN node can receive a configuration update message, including an activation request for the cell from the radio device, from the distributed unit (DU) of the first RAN node.

[0221] Configuration update messages can include the cell's identifier (ID).

[0222] For example, an activation request for a cell from a wireless device may include a wake-up signal from the wireless device.

[0223] In step S1202, the CU of the first RAN node can determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request.

[0224] In step S1203, based on the determination of the activated cell, the CU of the first RAN node can (i) send a configuration update confirmation message including activation permission and the cell ID to the DU of the first RAN node, and (ii) send a notification to the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

[0225] For example, information notifying the cell that it has been activated can be included in the RAN node configuration update message.

[0226] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, based on determining the activated cell, the CU of the first RAN node can determine at least one neighboring cell that has activated the cell in response to the activation request.

[0227] For example, at least one neighboring cell can be served by the DU of the first RAN node. In this case, the configuration update confirmation message may also include information notifying that at least one neighboring cell has been activated. The configuration update confirmation message may also include the ID of the at least one activated neighboring cell.

[0228] For example, at least one neighboring cell can be served by a DU of a third RAN node. The third RAN node may be different from the first RAN node. In this case, the CU of the first RAN node can send a notification to the third RAN node that at least one neighboring cell has been activated.

[0229] For example, at least one neighboring cell can be served by another DU of the first RAN node. In this case, the CU of the first RAN node can send a notification to the other DUs of the first RAN node that at least one neighboring cell has been activated.

[0230] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the CU of the first RAN node can determine that a cell is not activated. Based on the determination that the cell is not activated, the CU of the first RAN node can send a configuration update confirmation message including an activation rejection indication to the DU of the first RAN node. In this case, the activation rejection indication may include information about the cell ID. The activation rejection indication may include a reason value that notifies the reason why the cell is not activated.

[0231] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the wireless device can communicate with at least one of a user device, a network, or an autonomous vehicle, other than the wireless device itself.

[0232] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the following method is proposed: based on a request from a UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the CU-DU separation base station is changed from an inactive state to an active state and the state change is notified to neighboring base stations.

[0233] The gNB-CU can receive activation requests from the gNB-DU, requesting a change in state from inactive to active.

[0234] The gNB-CU can determine whether to change an inactive state to an active state. Based on this determination, it can send an activation response or activation rejection to the gNB-DU.

[0235] If the change to an active state is determined, the gNB-CU can send an activation indication to notify neighboring base stations that the state has changed to an active state.

[0236] The gNB-CU can receive responses to activation indications from neighboring base stations.

[0237] For example, an activation request may include the cell ID of the cell of the UE that requests a status change.

[0238] For example, the activation response may include the cell ID of the activated cell or a list of cells including the cell ID of the activated cell.

[0239] For example, activation denial can include the cell ID of the cell that does not allow state changes and / or a reason value indicating why state changes are not allowed.

[0240] For example, the activation indication may include the cell ID of the activated cell or a list of cells including the cell ID of the activated cell.

[0241] The following describes an implementation of a UE-assisted network power saving method.

[0242] In order to change the CU-DU separation base station from an inactive state to an active state, the DU of the base station in the inactive state can receive a wake-up request from the UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0243] The DU can send a status change request, including information about the cell to which the requesting UE belongs, to the CU of the base station that manages the DU.

[0244] Taking into account the received state change request and the surrounding environment, the base station's CU can decide to change its state to active. The base station's CU can notify the DU that it has changed to active. The DU can broadcast information indicating that the base station's state has changed to active to the cell to which the UE requesting wake-up belongs.

[0245] Based on the cell information received from the DU, the CU can decide to activate only a specific cell or activate the neighboring cells of a specific cell. In this case, the CU can provide the DU with the activated cell information.

[0246] If multiple cells are activated, and if the multiple cells belong to a DU other than the DU that received the request, information about the cells to be activated can be sent to the DU to which the cell belongs.

[0247] Additionally, the following problem may exist: neighboring base stations may fail to recognize that the corresponding base station's state has changed, leading to erroneous signaling for the base station whose state has changed. To prevent this, neighboring base stations can be notified that their state has become active.

[0248] Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating the activation of a gNB via a request from an idle or inactive UE, according to some embodiments of this disclosure, is shown.

[0249] Specifically, in Figure 13 Based on a request from a UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state, the CU-DU separate base station (i.e., gNB1) can change from an inactive state to an active state. Additionally, a method for notifying the neighboring base station gNB2 of the state change of gNB1 is described.

[0250] In step S1301, a UE in the RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state can send a wake-up request message to gNB1.

[0251] The UE can be a UE that is already within the coverage area of ​​gNB1. Alternatively, the UE can be a UE that has moved from a base station adjacent to gNB1 to the coverage area of ​​gNB1.

[0252] In step S1302, after receiving the request message, gNB1-DU recognizes that the UE has requested to change the state of the base station (gNB1) from inactive to active. Additionally, gNB1-DU sends an existing F1AP message (e.g., a gNB-DU configuration update message) or a new F1AP message including an activation request to gNB1-CU to notify gNB1-CU of this.

[0253] Here, the activation request may include the cell ID of the cell from which the request message was received from the UE.

[0254] In step S1303, after receiving the message from gNB1-DU, gNB1-CU determines whether to change the state of the base station (gNB1) to an active state. At this time, based on the cell ID included in the activation request, it can be decided to activate only the cell corresponding to the received cell ID; otherwise, it can be decided to activate the neighboring cells of the cell corresponding to the received cell ID.

[0255] After the state change is confirmed, in order to notify the requesting UE that the base station (gNB1) has changed to an active state, gNB1-CU sends an existing F1AP message (e.g., a gNB-DU configuration update confirmation message) or a new F1AP message including an activation response to gNB1-DU.

[0256] Here, the activation response may include the cell ID of the activated cell. If the gNB1-CU decides to activate multiple cells, when a cell managed by another DU (other than the gNB1-DU) belonging to the gNB1-CU is activated, the gNB1-CU may send an existing F1AP message (e.g., a gNB-CU configuration update message) or a new F1AP message including the cell ID of the cell to be activated to the corresponding DU.

[0257] If gNB1-CU decides not to change the state to active, then in order to notify the requesting UE that the base station (gNB1) has not yet changed to active, gNB1-CU sends an existing F1AP message (e.g., gNB-DU configuration update confirmation) or a new F1AP message including activation rejection to gNB1-DU.

[0258] In this case, activation denial can include the cell ID of the cell for which a state change has been requested and / or a reason value indicating why the state change should not be permitted.

[0259] In step S1304, after receiving the message from gNB1-CU, gNB1-DU broadcasts a wake-up completion message to notify that the cell has been activated for each cell ID included in the received activation response. The UE receiving this (i.e., the UE requesting a state change to gNB1) and / or UEs in the cell with RRC_IDLE and / or RRC_INACTIVE can request an RRC connection to the base station (gNB1). Additionally, UEs requesting a state change to gNB1 and / or UEs in the corresponding cell with RRC_IDLE and / or RRC_INACTIVE do not need to send a wake-up request message, as in subsequent steps such as S1301.

[0260] If an activation rejection is received from the gNB1-CU, the gNB1-DU can broadcast a wake-up rejection message to notify the base station that its state has not changed based on the cell ID included in the activation rejection. Alternatively, the gNB1-DU may not send a wake-up completion message.

[0261] In step S1305, after deciding to change to an active state, in order to avoid triggering erroneous signaling from neighboring base stations (e.g., cell activation request message), the gNB1-CU of the base station sends an existing XnAP message (e.g., NG-RAN node configuration update message) or a new XnAP message including an activation indication to gNB2.

[0262] Here, the activation instruction may include the cell ID of the activated cell or a list of cells including the cell ID of the activated cell.

[0263] For example, after receiving the activation request in step S1302, if gNB1-CU decides to change to an active state, it can send the activation instruction from step S1305 to gNB2. Conversely, if gNB1-CU decides not to change to an active state, it does not send an activation instruction to gNB2.

[0264] In step S1306, after receiving the message from gNB1-CU, gNB2 sends an existing XnAP message (e.g., an NG-RAN node configuration update confirmation message) or a new XnAP message to gNB1-CU in response.

[0265] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Some of the detailed steps shown in the examples may not be necessary and may be omitted. Besides... Figure 12 and Figure 13 In addition to the steps shown, other steps can be added, and the order of the steps can be changed. Some of the steps above may have their own technical meaning.

[0266] In the following, an apparatus for UE-assisted network power saving in a wireless network system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0267] In this article, the first RAN node can be Figure 7 The gNB in ​​the RAN. The first RAN node may include a central unit (CU) and at least one distributed unit (DU).

[0268] The CU of the first RAN node may include memory and at least one processor. At least one processor may be operatively coupled to memory.

[0269] At least one processor may be adapted to receive from a distributed unit (DU) of a first RAN node a configuration update message including an activation request for a cell from a radio device. The configuration update message may include a cell identifier (ID). At least one processor may be adapted to determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request. Based on determining that the cell is activated, at least one processor may be adapted to send a configuration update confirmation message including activation permission and the cell ID to the DU of the first RAN node; and to send information to a second RAN node notifying that the cell has been activated.

[0270] For example, based on the determination that a cell is not active, at least one processor may be adapted to send a configuration update confirmation message, including an activation rejection indication, to the DU of the first RAN node.

[0271] For example, an activation denial indication may include information about the cell's ID.

[0272] For example, an activation rejection indication may include a reason value that informs the cell why it is not being activated.

[0273] For example, based on determining the active cell, at least one processor may be adapted to determine at least one neighboring cell that is activated in response to an activation request.

[0274] For example, at least one neighboring cell may be served by the DU of the first RAN node. The configuration update confirmation message may also include information notifying that at least one neighboring cell has been activated. The configuration update confirmation message may also include the ID of the at least one activated neighboring cell.

[0275] For example, at least one neighboring cell is served by a DU of a third RAN node. At least one processor may be adapted to send information to the third RAN node notifying that at least one neighboring cell is active.

[0276] For example, an activation request for a cell from a wireless device may include a wake-up signal from the wireless device.

[0277] For example, information notifying the cell that it has been activated can be included in the RAN node configuration update message.

[0278] For example, a wireless device can communicate with at least one of the following: a user device, a network, or an autonomous vehicle, other than a wireless device.

[0279] In the following, a processor for a central unit (CU) of a first RAN for UE-assisted network power saving in a wireless network system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0280] The processor can be configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to receive a configuration update message from the distributed unit (DU) of the first RAN node, including an activation request for a cell from a radio device. The configuration update message may include the cell's identifier (ID). The processor can be configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request. Based on the determination of cell activation, the processor can be configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to send a configuration update confirmation message including activation permission and the cell's ID to the DU of the first RAN node; and to send information notifying the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

[0281] For example, based on the determination that a cell is not active, the processor can be configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to send a configuration update confirmation message including an activation rejection indication to the DU of the first RAN node.

[0282] For example, an activation denial indication may include information about the cell's ID.

[0283] For example, an activation rejection indication may include a reason value that informs the cell why it is not being activated.

[0284] For example, based on determining the active cell, the processor can be configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to determine at least one neighboring cell that is activated in response to an activation request.

[0285] For example, at least one neighboring cell may be served by the DU of the first RAN node. The configuration update confirmation message may also include information notifying that at least one neighboring cell has been activated. The configuration update confirmation message may also include the ID of the at least one activated neighboring cell.

[0286] For example, at least one neighboring cell is served by a DU of a third RAN node. The processor can be configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to send a notification to the third RAN node that at least one neighboring cell has been activated.

[0287] For example, an activation request for a cell from a wireless device may include a wake-up signal from the wireless device.

[0288] For example, information notifying the cell that it has been activated can be included in the RAN node configuration update message.

[0289] For example, a wireless device can communicate with at least one of the following: a user device, a network, or an autonomous vehicle, other than a wireless device.

[0290] In the following, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions for UE-assisted network power saving in a wireless network system will be described according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0291] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the technical features of this disclosure can be directly implemented in hardware, in software executed by a processor, or a combination of both. For example, a method executed by a wireless device in wireless communication can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. For example, software can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other storage medium.

[0292] Some examples of storage media are coupled to a processor, allowing the processor to read information from the storage media. Alternatively, the storage media can be integrated into the processor. The processor and storage media can reside in an ASIC. Yet another example is that the processor and storage media can exist as discrete components.

[0293] Computer-readable media can include tangible and non-transitory computer-readable storage media.

[0294] For example, non-transitory computer-readable media may include random access memory (RAM), such as synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), read-only memory (ROM), non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, magnetic or optical data storage media, or any other media that can be used to store instructions or data structures. Non-transitory computer-readable media may also include combinations of the above.

[0295] Furthermore, the methods described herein can be implemented at least in part by a computer-readable communication medium that carries or transmits code in the form of instructions or data structures and can be accessed, read, and / or executed by a computer.

[0296] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium has a plurality of instructions stored thereon. The plurality of instructions stored can be executed by a processor of a central unit (CU) of a first RAN node.

[0297] The stored instructions enable the CU of the first RAN node to receive a configuration update message from the distributed unit (DU) of the first RAN node, including an activation request for a cell from a radio device. The configuration update message may include the cell's identifier (ID). The stored instructions enable the CU of the first RAN node to determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request. Based on the determination of cell activation, the stored instructions enable the CU of the first RAN node to send a configuration update confirmation message, including activation permission and the cell's ID, to the DU of the first RAN node; and to send a notification to the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

[0298] For example, based on the determination that a cell is not activated, multiple stored instructions can cause the CU of the first RAN node to send a configuration update confirmation message, including an activation rejection indication, to the DU of the first RAN node.

[0299] For example, an activation denial indication may include information about the cell's ID.

[0300] For example, an activation rejection indication may include a reason value that informs the cell why it is not being activated.

[0301] For example, based on determining the active cell, multiple stored instructions can enable the CU of the first RAN node to determine at least one neighboring cell that has activated the cell in response to the activation request.

[0302] For example, at least one neighboring cell may be served by the DU of the first RAN node. The configuration update confirmation message may also include information notifying that at least one neighboring cell has been activated. The configuration update confirmation message may also include the ID of the at least one activated neighboring cell.

[0303] For example, at least one neighboring cell is served by a DU of a third RAN node. Multiple stored instructions can cause a CU of a first RAN node to send a notification to the third RAN node that at least one neighboring cell has been activated.

[0304] For example, an activation request for a cell from a wireless device may include a wake-up signal from the wireless device.

[0305] For example, information notifying the cell that it has been activated can be included in the RAN node configuration update message.

[0306] For example, a wireless device can communicate with at least one of the following: a user device, a network, or an autonomous vehicle, other than a wireless device.

[0307] In the following, a wireless device for UE-assisted network power saving in a wireless network system according to some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described.

[0308] A wireless device may include a transceiver, memory, and a processor operatively coupled to the transceiver and memory. For example, a wireless device may be... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first wireless device 100 or the second wireless device 200, or Figure 4 UE100.

[0309] The processor may be adapted to send an activation request for a cell to the central unit (CU) of the first RAN node via the distributed unit (DU) of the first radio access network (RAN) node, wherein the activation request includes the cell identifier (ID).

[0310] The processor may be adapted to receive a wake-up completion message from the CU of the first RAN node via the DU of the first RAN node. The wake-up completion message includes an activation permission indication and the cell ID.

[0311] Hereinafter, a method for UE-assisted network power saving in a wireless network system, performed by a wireless device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, will be described.

[0312] The wireless device can send an activation request for a cell to the central unit (CU) of the first RAN node via the distributed unit (DU) of the first radio access network (RAN) node, wherein the activation request includes the cell identifier (ID).

[0313] The wireless device can receive a wake-up completion message from the CU of the first RAN node via the DU of the first RAN node. The wake-up completion message includes an activation permission indication and the cell ID.

[0314] This disclosure can have various beneficial effects.

[0315] According to some embodiments of this disclosure, the network can provide an efficient solution for UE-assisted network power saving.

[0316] For example, by changing the base station from an inactive to an active state based on a UE's request, the base station can manage energy efficiently. Furthermore, the UE can receive the desired service regardless of the base station's inactive / active state.

[0317] In other words, according to some implementations of this disclosure, RAN nodes can efficiently transition from an inactive state to an active state.

[0318] The beneficial effects obtainable through specific embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to those listed above. For example, various technical effects may exist that can be understood and / or derived from this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Therefore, the specific effects of this disclosure are not limited to those explicitly described herein, but may include various effects that can be understood or derived from the technical features of this disclosure.

[0319] The claims in this disclosure can be combined in various ways. For example, the technical features in the method claims of this disclosure can be combined to implement or perform in a device, and the technical features in the device claims can be combined to implement or perform in a method. Furthermore, the technical features in the method claims and device claims can be combined to implement or perform in a device. Other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method performed by a central unit (CU) of a first radio access network (RAN) node in a wireless communication system, the method comprising the following steps: The first RAN node receives a configuration update message from its Distributed Unit (DU) that includes an activation request for a cell from a radio device, wherein the configuration update message includes the cell's identifier ID; and Determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request; Based on determining that the cell is activated: - Send a configuration update confirmation message, including activation permission and the ID of the cell, to the DU of the first RAN node; and - Send a notification to the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: Based on the determination that the cell will not be activated: - Send a configuration update confirmation message, including an activation rejection indication, to the DU of the first RAN node.

3. The method according to claim 2, in, The activation rejection indication includes information about the cell's ID.

4. The method according to claim 2, in, The activation rejection indication includes a reason value that indicates why the cell is not activated.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: Based on determining that the cell is activated: - Identify at least one neighboring cell that is activated in response to the activation request.

6. The method according to claim 5, in, The at least one neighboring cell is served by the DU of the first RAN node.

7. The method according to claim 6, in, The configuration update confirmation message also includes information notifying the activation of at least one neighboring cell.

8. The method according to claim 6, in, The configuration update confirmation message also includes the ID of the at least one activated neighboring cell.

9. The method according to claim 5, in, The at least one neighboring cell is served by the DU of the third RAN node.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein, The method further includes the following steps: The third RAN node sends a notification that at least one neighboring cell has been activated.

11. The method according to claim 1, in, The activation request for a cell from the wireless device includes a wake-up signal from the wireless device.

12. The method according to claim 1, in, The information notifying the cell that it has been activated is included in the RAN node configuration update message.

13. The method according to claim 1, in, The wireless device communicates with at least one of the following: user equipment, network, or autonomous vehicle, other than the wireless device itself.

14. A central unit (CU) of a first radio access network (RAN) node in a wireless communication system, the CU comprising: Memory; as well as At least one processor, operatively coupled to the memory, and the at least one processor is adapted to: The first RAN node receives a configuration update message from its Distributed Unit (DU) that includes an activation request for a cell from a radio device, wherein the configuration update message includes the cell's identifier ID; and Determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request; Based on determining that the cell is activated: - Send a configuration update confirmation message, including activation permission and the ID of the cell, to the DU of the first RAN node; and - Send a notification to the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

15. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one processor is also adapted to: Based on the determination that the cell will not be activated: - Send a configuration update confirmation message, including an activation rejection indication, to the DU of the first RAN node.

16. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 15, in, The activation rejection indication includes information about the cell's ID.

17. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 15, in, The activation rejection indication includes a reason value that indicates why the cell is not activated.

18. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 14, wherein, The at least one processor is also adapted to: Based on determining that the cell is activated: - Identify at least one neighboring cell that is activated in response to the activation request.

19. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 18, in, The at least one neighboring cell is served by the DU of the first RAN node.

20. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 19, in, The configuration update confirmation message also includes information notifying the activation of at least one neighboring cell.

21. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 19, in, The configuration update confirmation message also includes the ID of the at least one activated neighboring cell.

22. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 18, in, The at least one neighboring cell is served by the DU of the third RAN node.

23. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 22, wherein, The at least one processor is also adapted to: The third RAN node sends a notification that at least one neighboring cell has been activated.

24. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 14, in, The activation request for a cell from the wireless device includes a wake-up signal from the wireless device.

25. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 14, in, The information notifying the cell that it has been activated is included in the RAN node configuration update message.

26. The CU of the first RAN node according to claim 14, in, The wireless device communicates with at least one of the following: user equipment, network, or autonomous vehicle, other than the wireless device itself.

27. A processor for a central unit (CU) of a first radio access network (RAN) node in a wireless communication system, wherein, The processor is configured to control the CU of the first RAN node to perform operations, the operations including: The first RAN node receives a configuration update message from its Distributed Unit (DU) that includes an activation request for a cell from a radio device, wherein the configuration update message includes the cell's identifier ID; and Determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request; Based on determining that the cell is activated: - Send a configuration update confirmation message, including activation permission and the ID of the cell, to the DU of the first RAN node; and - Send a notification to the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

28. A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions, the plurality of instructions performing operations based on execution by a processor of a central unit (CU) of a first radio access network (RAN) node, the operations including: The first RAN node receives a configuration update message from its Distributed Unit (DU) that includes an activation request for a cell from a radio device, wherein the configuration update message includes the cell's identifier ID; and Determine whether to activate the cell in response to the activation request; Based on determining that the cell is activated: - Send a configuration update confirmation message, including activation permission and the ID of the cell, to the DU of the first RAN node; and - Send a notification to the second RAN node that the cell has been activated.

29. A method for a wireless device in a wireless communication system, the method comprising the steps of: An activation request for a cell is sent from the distributed unit (DU) of the first radio access network (RAN) node to the central unit (CU) of the first RAN node, wherein the activation request includes the cell's identifier ID; and The wake-up completion message is received from the CU of the first RAN node via the DU of the first RAN node. The wake-up completion message includes an activation permission indication and the ID of the cell.

30. A wireless device in a wireless communication system, the wireless device comprising: transceiver; Memory; as well as A processor, operatively coupled to the transceiver and the memory, and adapted to: An activation request for a cell is sent from the distributed unit (DU) of the first radio access network (RAN) node to the central unit (CU) of the first RAN node, wherein the activation request includes the cell's identifier ID; and The wake-up completion message is received from the CU of the first RAN node via the DU of the first RAN node. The wake-up completion message includes an activation permission indication and the ID of the cell.

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