User equipment assisted early paging indicator clustering

Abstract

Various aspects of the present disclosure generally relate to wireless communications. In some aspects, a user equipment (UE) may send a subgroup preference indication that indicates a UE preferred subgroup for an early paging indicator (EPI). The UE may receive an EPI subset assignment for the I. Numerous other aspects are also described.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 499,982, filed November 1, 2023, entitled “USER EQUIPMENT AIDED EARLYPAGING INDICATOR CLUSTERING”, assigned to the assignee of this application. The disclosure of the earlier application is considered part of this patent application and is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] All aspects of this disclosure relate to wireless communication in general, and to techniques and apparatus for early paging indicator clustering for user equipment assistance. Background Technology

[0003] Wireless communication systems are widely deployed to provide a variety of telecommunications services, such as telephone, video, data, messaging, and broadcasting. Typical wireless communication systems employ multiple access technologies that enable communication with multiple users by sharing available system resources (e.g., bandwidth, transmit power, etc.). Examples of such multiple access technologies include Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) systems, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) systems, Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA) systems, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) systems, Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) systems, Time Division Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access (TD-SCDMA) systems, and Long Term Evolution (LTE). LTE / LTE-Advanced is an enhancement set of the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) mobile standard issued by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP).

[0004] A wireless network may include one or more network nodes that support communication for wireless communication devices, such as user equipment (UE) or multiple UEs. A UE may communicate with network nodes via downlink and uplink communication. A "downlink" (or "DL") refers to the communication link from the network node to the UE, and an "uplink" (or "UL") refers to the communication link from the UE to the network node. Some wireless networks may support device-to-device communication, such as via local links (e.g., sidelinks (SL), wireless local area network (WLAN) links, and / or wireless personal area network (WPAN) links, etc.).

[0005] The aforementioned multiple access technologies have been adopted in various telecommunications standards to provide a common protocol that enables different UEs to communicate at the city, country, region, and / or global levels. New Radio (NR) (which may be referred to as 5G) is a set of enhancements to the LTE mobile standard issued by 3GPP. NR is designed to better support mobile broadband internet access by: improving spectrum efficiency; reducing costs; improving service; utilizing new spectrum; and better integrating with other open standards by using Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) with Cyclic Prefix (CP) on the downlink (CP-OFDM), and CP-OFDM and / or Single Carrier Frequency Division Multiplexing (SC-FDM) (also known as Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM)) on the uplink; and supporting beamforming, Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) antenna technologies and carrier aggregation. Further improvements to LTE, NR, and other radio access technologies remain useful as the demand for mobile broadband access continues to increase. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In some specific implementations, a method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE) includes: transmitting a subgroup preference indication that indicates a UE-preferred subgroup of an early paging indicator (EPI); and receiving an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI.

[0007] In some specific implementations, a method of wireless communication performed by a network node includes: receiving a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup of an EPI; and transmitting an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

[0008] In some specific implementations, an apparatus for wireless communication at a UE includes: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the UE to: transmit a subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup for an EPI; and receive an EPI subgroup assignment for the EPI.

[0009] In some specific implementations, an apparatus for wireless communication at a network node includes: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories and configured to cause the network node to: receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup of an EPI; and transmit an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

[0010] In some implementations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication includes one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a UE, cause the UE to: send a subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup for an EPI; and receive an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI.

[0011] In some implementations, a non-transitory computer-readable medium stores a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions including one or more instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a network node, cause the network node to: receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE-preferred subgroup of an EPI; and send an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

[0012] In some specific implementations, an apparatus for wireless communication includes: a component for transmitting a subgroup preference indication, the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup for an EPI; and a component for receiving an EPI subgroup assignment for the EPI.

[0013] In some specific implementations, an apparatus for wireless communication includes: a component for receiving a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup of an EPI; and a component for transmitting an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

[0014] The entirety of the terms includes methods, apparatus, systems, computer program products, non-transitory computer-readable media, user equipment, base stations, network entities, network nodes, wireless communication devices and / or processing systems as fully described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and description and illustrated as illustrated in the drawings and description.

[0015] The features and technical advantages of the examples according to this disclosure have been summarized rather extensively above in order to better understand the detailed description below. Additional features and advantages will be described below. The disclosed concepts and specific examples can be readily utilized as the basis for modifying or designing other structures for achieving the same purpose of this disclosure. Such equivalent constructions do not depart from the scope of the appended claims. The characteristics of the concepts disclosed herein, in both their organization and manner of operation, and the associated advantages, will be better understood by considering the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each drawing provided in the drawings is for illustrative and descriptive purposes and not as a limitation of the definitions in the claims.

[0016] While aspects are described herein by way of example, those skilled in the art will understand that such aspects can be implemented in many different arrangements and scenarios. The techniques described herein can be implemented using different platform types, devices, systems, shapes, sizes, and / or package arrangements. For example, some aspects can be implemented via integrated chip implementations or other devices based on non-modular components (e.g., end-user equipment, vehicles, communication equipment, computing devices, industrial equipment, retail / shopping devices, medical devices, and / or artificial intelligence devices). Aspects can be implemented in chip-level components, modular components, non-modular components, non-chip-level components, device-level components, and / or system-level components. Devices incorporating the described aspects and features may include additional components and features for implementing and practicing the claimed and described aspects. For example, the transmission and reception of wireless signals may include one or more components for analog and digital purposes (e.g., hardware components including antennas, radio frequency (RF) chains, power amplifiers, modulators, buffers, processors, interleavers, adders, and / or summers). The aspects described herein are intended to be practiced in a wide variety of devices, components, systems, distributed arrangements, and / or end-user equipment of various sizes, shapes, and configurations. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To gain a full understanding of the foregoing features of this disclosure, a more specific description of the invention, briefly outlined above, can be obtained by referring to various aspects, some of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only certain typical aspects of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope, as other equally valid aspects are permissible in this description. The same reference numerals in different drawings may identify the same or similar elements.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network according to the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of communication between a network node and a user equipment (UE) in a wireless network according to the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example decomposed base station architecture according to this disclosure.

[0021] Figure 4A and Figure 4B These are diagrams illustrating a first example and a second example of a paging configuration according to this disclosure.

[0022] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are illustrations of a first example and a second example of early paging indicator clustering according to this disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless communication process between a UE, a network node, and a core network node according to this disclosure, wherein the core network node is shown as an Access and Mobility Function (AMF).

[0024] Figure 7 This is an example of the provisions of this disclosure regarding Figure 6 A diagram illustrating an example of the wireless communication process between the UE, network node, and AMF.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at the UE or a device of the UE, according to this disclosure.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example process performed, for example, at a network node or a device of a network node, according to the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a diagram of an example device for wireless communication according to the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a diagram of an example device for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The wireless network can support Early Paging Indicator (EPI) to improve power efficiency associated with paging reception at the User Equipment (UE). In some aspects, an EPI is a signal sent by a network node to the UE prior to the paging opportunity (PO) associated with the UE, and the EPI can indicate whether the UE should wake up to receive a paging message. In this way, the UE can monitor the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) for an EPI indicating that it should wake up to receive a paging message. In some aspects, the UE can be configured to monitor the PDCCH using less hardware and / or less power compared to monitoring and / or decoding the Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH). If an EPI is not sent and / or the EPI indicates that there is no paging intended for the UE in the associated PO, the UE can return to a low-power state. Alternatively, when an EPI is sent and / or the EPI indicates that there is a pending paging message, the UE can power on additional hardware and / or enable the decoding process to receive the PDSCH carrying the paging message. Therefore, using EPI allows the UE to reduce power consumption by initially monitoring the PDCCH against the EPI.

[0030] "EPI clustering" refers to a network node selecting UE clusters and / or UE subgroups and assigning those subgroups to the same EPI timing (EPI O) and / or EPI subgroup indication. For example, a group of UEs sharing and / or assigned to the same PO can be divided into one or more UE subgroups by a network node, and each UE subgroup can be assigned to a corresponding monitoring timing (MO) within the PO. The ability to group and / or cluster multiple UEs into subgroups allows network nodes to paging at subgroup resolution rather than by PO level indication. Using EPI clustering allows UEs excluded from a subgroup to remain in idle and / or inactive modes, conserving power resources.

[0031] In some respects, network nodes may randomly cluster and / or select UEs to be included in a subgroup. Typically, the random selection process allows network nodes to select UE clusters and / or UE subgroups without considering grouping efficiency or preference. For example, the random selection process may cause related subsets of UEs (e.g., subsets of UEs located on the same production line) to be clustered into distinct subgroups. Therefore, production line-related paging (e.g., fault paging) may cause network nodes to send an EPI to each subgroup that includes UEs from that subset, resulting in unnecessary power consumption for other UEs that are not part of that subset. That is, random clustering of UEs for EPI subgroups may result in unrelated UEs being grouped together in one subgroup, and therefore, some UEs may unnecessarily consume power to monitor (e.g., at a given time) POs that are unlikely to include paging requests to that UE.

[0032] The various aspects described herein generally relate to UE-assisted EPI clustering. Some aspects more specifically involve network nodes selecting an EPI subgroup for a UE based at least in part on UE preferred subgroup information. In some aspects, the UE may send a subgroup preference indication that indicates the UE preferred subgroup for the EPI. For example, the UE may be programmed with a value indicating the UE preferred subgroup, and / or this value may be stored in memory. As an example, the UE may be programmed with this value during and / or shortly after installation, as described below. In some aspects, the UE may receive an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI, and this EPI subgroup assignment may be based at least in part on the UE preferred subgroup.

[0033] In some aspects, a network node may receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, and this subgroup preference indication may indicate a UE-preferred subgroup of an EPI. The network node may select an EPI subgroup for clustering two or more UEs that have the same and / or common UE-preferred subgroups. In some aspects, the network node may (e.g., to the UE) send an EPI subgroup assignment associated with that EPI, and this EPI subgroup assignment may indicate the EPI subgroup to the UE.

[0034] Indicating a preferred subgroup of UEs to a network node enables the network node to select a better subgroup of UEs for EPI transmission relative to random selection. UE-assisted selection of UEs in a subgroup (e.g., through UE preferred subgroup indication) reduces the likelihood of the network node sending EPIs to UEs that are unlikely to receive paging at a given time, reduces power consumption at the UE (e.g., by reducing unnecessary wake-ups during PO), and increases power savings in the wireless network.

[0035] Various aspects of this disclosure are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any particular structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the scope of protection of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of this disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently or in combination with any other aspect of this disclosure. For example, any number of aspects set forth herein may be used to implement an apparatus or method of practice. Furthermore, the scope of this disclosure is intended to cover such apparatuses or methods implemented using structures, functions, or structures and functions other than or different from the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. It should be understood that any aspect of the disclosure herein may be embodied by one or more elements of the claims.

[0036] Various devices and techniques will now be used to illustrate several aspects of a telecommunications system. These devices and techniques will be described in detail below and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, or algorithms (collectively, “elements”). These elements may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Whether these elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and the design constraints imposed on the system as a whole.

[0037] Although terms generally associated with 5G or New Radio (NR) Radio Access Technology (RAT) may be used herein to describe aspects, aspects of this disclosure may be applied to other RATs, such as 3G RAT, 4G RAT and / or 5G and later (e.g., 6G) RATs.

[0038] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of a wireless network 100 according to the present disclosure. The wireless network 100 may be a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, or may include elements of a 5G (e.g., NR) network and / or elements of a 4G (e.g., LTE) network, etc. The wireless network 100 may include one or more network nodes 110 (shown as network node 110a, network node 110b, network node 110c, and network node 110d), one or more UEs 120 (shown as UE 120a, UE 120b, UE 120c, UE 120d, and UE 120e), and / or other entities. Network node 110 is a network node that communicates with UE 120. As shown, network node 110 may include one or more network nodes. For example, network node 110 can be an aggregated network node, meaning that an aggregated network node is configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single radio access network (RAN) node (e.g., within a single device or unit). As another example, network node 110 can be a decomposed network node (sometimes referred to as a decomposed base station), meaning that network node 110 is configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed among two or more nodes (such as one or more central units (CUs), one or more distributed units (DUs), or one or more radio units (RUs)).

[0039] In some examples, network node 110 is or includes network nodes such as RU that communicate with UE 120 via a radio access link. In some examples, network node 110 is or includes network nodes such as DU that communicate with other network nodes 110 via a fronthaul or midhaul link. In some examples, network node 110 is or includes network nodes such as CU that communicate with other network nodes 110 via a midhaul link or with the core network via a backhaul link. In some examples, network node 110 (such as aggregated network node 110 or decomposed network node 110) may include multiple network nodes, such as one or more RUs, one or more CUs, and / or one or more DUs. Network node 110 may include, for example, NR base stations, LTE base stations, Node Bs, eNBs (e.g., in 4G), gNBs (e.g., in 5G), access points, Transmit / Receive Points (TRPs), DUs, RUs, CUs, network mobility elements, core network nodes, network elements, network equipment, RAN nodes, or combinations thereof. In some examples, network nodes 110 can interconnect with each other or with one or more other network nodes 110 in the wireless network 100 using any suitable transport network through various types of fronthaul interfaces, midhaul interfaces, and / or backhaul interfaces (such as direct physical connections, air interfaces, or virtual networks).

[0040] In some examples, network node 110 may provide communication coverage for a specific geographic area. In the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), depending on the context of terminology use, the term "cell" may refer to the coverage area of ​​network node 110 and / or the network node subsystem serving that coverage area. Network node 110 may provide communication coverage for macrocells, picocells, femtocells, and / or another type of cell. A macrocell may cover a relatively large geographic area (e.g., with a radius of several kilometers) and may allow unrestricted access by UE 120 with a service subscription. A picocell may cover a relatively small geographic area and may allow unrestricted access by UE 120 with a service subscription. A femtocell may cover a relatively small geographic area (e.g., a home) and may allow restricted access by UE 120 associated with the femtocell (e.g., UE 120 in a Closed Subscriber Group (CSG)). Network node 110 used for macrocells may be referred to as a macro network node. Network node 110 used for picocells may be referred to as a pico network node. The network node 110 used for femtocells can be referred to as a femtocell network node or a home network node. Figure 1 In the example shown, network node 110a may be a macro network node for macro cell 102a, network node 110b may be a pico network node for pico cell 102b, and network node 110c may be a femto network node for femto cell 102c. Network nodes may support one or more (e.g., three) cells. In some examples, the cells may not necessarily be stationary, and the geographical area of ​​the cells may move depending on the location of the mobile network node 110 (e.g., a mobile network node).

[0041] In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to an aggregated base station, a decomposed base station, an integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, a relay node, or one or more components thereof. For example, in some aspects, "base station" or "network node" may refer to a CU, DU, RU, a near real-time (near RT) RAN intelligent controller (RIC), or a non-real-time (non-RT) RIC, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to a device configured to perform one or more functions (such as those described herein in conjunction with network node 110). In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to multiple devices configured to perform one or more functions. For example, in some distributed systems, each of multiple different devices (which may be located in the same geographical location or different geographical locations) may be configured to perform at least a portion of a function, or to repeatedly perform at least a portion of that function, and the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to any one or more of these different devices. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to one or more virtual base stations or one or more virtual base station functions. For example, in some aspects, two or more base station functions can be instantiated on a single device. In some aspects, the term "base station" or "network node" may refer to one base station function rather than another. In this way, a single device can include more than one base station.

[0042] Wireless network 100 may include one or more relay stations. A relay station is a network node that can receive data transmissions from upstream nodes (e.g., network node 110 or UE 120) and transmit data to downstream nodes (e.g., UE 120 or network node 110). A relay station may be a UE 120 that can relay transmissions to other UE 120s. Figure 1 In the example shown, network node 110d (e.g., a relay network node) can communicate with network node 110a (e.g., a macro network node) and UE 120d to facilitate communication between network node 110a and UE 120d. The network node 110 for relay communication may be referred to as a relay station, relay base station, relay network node, relay node, repeater, etc.

[0043] Wireless network 100 can be a heterogeneous network, comprising different types of network nodes 110, such as macro network nodes, pico network nodes, femto network nodes, relay network nodes, etc. These different types of network nodes 110 may have different transmit power levels, different coverage areas, and / or different effects on interference in wireless network 100. For example, macro network nodes may have high transmit power levels (e.g., 5 watts to 40 watts), while pico network nodes, femto network nodes, and relay network nodes may have lower transmit power levels (e.g., 0.1 watts to 2 watts).

[0044] Network controller 130 may be coupled to or communicate with network node set 110, and may provide coordination and control for these network nodes 110. Network controller 130 may communicate with network nodes 110 via a backhaul or midhaul link. Network nodes 110 may also communicate directly with each other, or indirectly via a wireless or wired backhaul link. In some aspects, network controller 130 may be a CU or core network device, or may include a CU or core network device.

[0045] UE 120 may be distributed throughout the wireless network 100, and each UE 120 may be stationary or mobile. UE 120 may include, for example, access terminals, terminals, mobile stations, and / or subscriber units. UE 120 may be a cellular phone (e.g., a smartphone), a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wireless modem, a wireless communication device, a handheld device, a laptop computer, a cordless phone, a wireless local loop (WLL) station, a tablet computer, a camera, a gaming device, a netbook, a smartbook, an ultrabook, a medical device, a biometric device, a wearable device (e.g., a smartwatch, smart clothing, smart glasses, a smart wristband, smart jewelry (e.g., a smart ring or smart bracelet)), an entertainment device (e.g., a music device, a video device, and / or a satellite radio), a vehicle component or sensor, a smart meter / sensor, industrial manufacturing equipment, a GPS device, a UE function of a network node, and / or any other suitable device configured to communicate via wireless or wired media.

[0046] Some UEs 120 may be considered Machine-Type Communication (MTC) or Evolved or Enhanced Machine-Type Communication (eMTC) UEs. MTC UEs and / or eMTC UEs may include, for example, robots, unmanned aerial vehicles, remote devices, sensors, instruments, monitors, and / or location tags that can communicate with network nodes, another device (e.g., a remote device), or some other entity. Some UEs 120 may be considered Internet of Things (IoT) devices and / or may be implemented as NB-IoT (Narrowband IoT) devices. Some UEs 120 may be considered customer premises equipment. UEs 120 may be housed within a housing containing components such as processor components and / or memory components. In some examples, the processor components and memory components may be coupled together. For example, the processor components (e.g., one or more processors) and memory components (e.g., memory) may be operatively coupled, communicatively coupled, electronically coupled, and / or electrically coupled.

[0047] Generally, any number of wireless networks 100 can be deployed in a given geographical area. Each wireless network 100 can support a specific RAT and can operate on one or more frequencies. A RAT may be referred to as a radio technology, air interface, etc. A frequency may be referred to as a carrier, frequency channel, etc. Each frequency in a given geographical area can support a single RAT to avoid interference between wireless networks using different RATs. In some cases, NR or 5G RAT networks can be deployed.

[0048] In some examples, two or more UEs 120 (e.g., shown as UE 120a and UE 120e) may communicate directly using one or more sidelink channels (e.g., without using network node 110 as an intermediary device to communicate with each other). For example, UE 120 may communicate using peer-to-peer (P2P) communication, device-to-device (D2D) communication, vehicle-to-everything (V2X) protocols (e.g., which may include vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) protocols, vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) protocols, or vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) protocols) and / or mesh networks. In such examples, UE 120 may perform scheduling operations, resource selection operations, and / or other operations described elsewhere herein as being performed by network node 110.

[0049] Devices in Wireless Network 100 can communicate using the electromagnetic spectrum, which can be subdivided into various categories, bands, channels, etc., based on frequency or wavelength. For example, devices in Wireless Network 100 can communicate using one or more operating frequency bands. In 5G NR, two initial operating frequency bands have been designated as frequency ranges FR1 (410MHz to 7.125GHz) and FR2 (24.25GHz to 52.6GHz). It should be understood that although a portion of FR1 is greater than 6GHz, FR1 is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “sub-6GHz” band in various documents and articles. Similar naming issues sometimes occur with FR2, which is generally (interchangeably) referred to as the “millimeter wave” band in documents and articles, although this is different from the Extremely High Frequency (EHF) band (30GHz to 300GHz) designated as a “millimeter wave” band by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

[0050] The frequencies between FR1 and FR2 are generally referred to as mid-band frequencies. Recent 5G NR studies have identified the operating bands used for these mid-band frequencies as the frequency range designation FR3 (7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz). Bands falling within FR3 can inherit FR1 and / or FR2 characteristics, thus effectively extending the features of FR1 and / or FR2 to mid-band frequencies. Furthermore, higher frequency bands are currently being explored to extend 5G NR operation beyond 52.6 GHz. For example, three higher operating frequency bands have been identified as the frequency range designations FR4a or FR4-1 (52.6 GHz to 71 GHz), FR4 (52.6 GHz to 114.25 GHz), and FR5 (114.25 GHz to 300 GHz). Each of these higher frequency bands falls within the EHF band.

[0051] Considering the examples above, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if the term "below 6 GHz" is used herein, it can broadly refer to frequencies below 6 GHz, within FR1, or including intermediate frequency bands. Furthermore, unless otherwise specifically stated, it should be understood that if the term "millimeter wave" is used herein, it can broadly refer to frequencies that can include intermediate frequency bands, within FR2, FR4, FR4-a, or FR4-1 and / or FR5, or within the EHF band. Modifications to frequencies included in these operating frequency bands (e.g., FR1, FR2, FR3, FR4, FR4-a, FR4-1, and / or FR5) are contemplated, and the techniques described herein are applicable to those modified frequency ranges.

[0052] In some aspects, the UE (e.g., UE 120) may include a communication manager 140. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 140 may send a subgroup preference indication that indicates the UE's preferred subgroup for the EPI; and receive an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 140 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0053] In some aspects, a network node (e.g., network node 110) may include a communication manager 150. As described in more detail elsewhere herein, the communication manager 150 may receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, which indicates the UE-preferred subgroup of an EPI; and send an EPI subgroup assignment associated with that EPI. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 150 may perform one or more other operations described herein.

[0054] As indicated above, Figure 1 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 1 The examples described are different.

[0055] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating example 200 of communication between network node 110 and UE 120 in a wireless network 100 according to this disclosure. Network node 110 may be equipped with antenna sets 234a to 234t, such as T antennas (T≥1). UE 120 may be equipped with antenna sets 252a to 252r, such as R antennas (R≥1). Network node 110 of example 200 includes one or more radio frequency components, such as antenna 234 and modem 232. In some examples, network node 110 may include an interface, communication components, or another component facilitating communication with UE 120 or another network node. Some network nodes 110 may not include radio frequency components facilitating direct communication with UE 120, such as one or more CUs or one or more DUs.

[0056] At network node 110, transmitting processor 220 can receive data from data source 212 intended for use by UE 120 (or UE set 120). Transmitting processor 220 can select one or more modulation and decoding schemes (MCS) for UE 120 based at least in part on one or more channel quality indicators (CQIs) received from UE 120. Network node 110 can process (e.g., encode and modulate) the data for UE 120 based at least in part on the MCS selected for UE 120 and can provide data symbols for UE 120. Transmitting processor 220 can process system information (e.g., semi-static resource partitioning information (SRPI)) and control information (e.g., CQI requests, grants, and / or upper-layer signaling) and provide overhead symbols and control symbols. Transmitting processor 220 can generate reference symbols for reference signals (e.g., cell-specific reference signals (CRS) or demodulation reference signals (DMRS)) and synchronization signals (e.g., primary synchronization signal (PSS) or secondary synchronization signal (SSS)). The transmit (TX) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) processor 230 can perform spatial processing (e.g., pre-decoding) on ​​data symbols, control symbols, overhead symbols, and / or reference symbols, where applicable, and can provide a set of output symbol streams (e.g., T output symbol streams) to a set 232 of corresponding modems (e.g., T modems) (shown as modems 232a to 232t). For example, each output symbol stream can be provided to a modulator component (shown as MOD) of modem 232. Each modem 232 can use a corresponding modulator component to process the corresponding output symbol stream (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain an output sample stream. Each modem 232 can also use a corresponding modulator component to process the output sample stream (e.g., convert to analog, amplify, filter, and / or up-convert) to obtain a downlink signal. Modems 232a to 232t can transmit a set of downlink signals (e.g., T downlink signals) via a set 234 of corresponding antennas (e.g., T antennas) (shown as antennas 234a to 234t).

[0057] At UE 120, an antenna set 252 (shown as antennas 252a to 252r) can receive downlink signals from network node 110 and / or other network nodes 110 and can provide a set of received signals (e.g., R received signals) to a modem set 254 (e.g., R modems) (shown as modems 254a to 254r). For example, each received signal can be provided to a demodulator component (shown as DEMOD) of modem 254. Each modem 254 can use a corresponding demodulator component to condition (e.g., filter, amplify, downconvert, and / or digitize) the received signal to obtain an input sample. Each modem 254 can use the demodulator component to further process the input sample (e.g., for OFDM) to obtain a received symbol. A MIMO detector 256 can obtain the received symbols from modem 254, perform MIMO detection on the received symbols where applicable, and provide the detected symbols. The receiver processor 258 can process (e.g., demodulate and decode) the detected symbols, provide the decoded data for UE 120 to data sink 260, and provide the decoded control information and system information to controller / processor 280. The term "controller / processor" can refer to one or more controllers, one or more processors, or a combination thereof. The channel processor can determine Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP) parameters, Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) parameters, Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ) parameters, and / or CQI parameters, etc. In some examples, one or more components of UE 120 may be included in housing 284.

[0058] Network controller 130 may include communication unit 294, controller / processor 290, and memory 292. Network controller 130 may include one or more devices, for example, in a core network. Network controller 130 may communicate with network node 110 via communication unit 294.

[0059] One or more antennas (e.g., antennas 234a to 234t and / or antennas 252a to 252r) may include one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more collections of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, etc., or may be included within one or more antenna panels, one or more antenna groups, one or more collections of antenna elements, and / or one or more antenna arrays, etc. Antenna panels, antenna groups, collections of antenna elements, and / or antenna arrays may include one or more antenna elements (within a single housing or multiple housings), collections of coplanar antenna elements, collections of non-coplanar antenna elements, and / or coupled to one or more transmitting and / or receiving components (such as...). Figure 2 One or more antenna elements (one or more components in a )

[0060] On the uplink, at UE 120, the transmit processor 264 can receive and process data from data source 262 and control information from controller / processor 280 (e.g., for reporting including RSRP, RSSI, RSRQ, and / or CQI). The transmit processor 264 can generate reference symbols for one or more reference signals. The symbols from the transmit processor 264 can be pre-decoded by the TX MIMO processor 266 where applicable, further processed by the modem 254 (e.g., for DFT-s-OFDM or CP-OFDM), and transmitted to network node 110. In some examples, the modem 254 of UE 120 may include a modulator and demodulator. In some examples, UE 120 includes a transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antenna 252, modem 254, MIMO detector 256, receive processor 258, transmit processor 264, and / or TX MIMO processor 266. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., controller / processor 280) and memory 282 to execute this document (e.g., reference). Figures 5A to 11 ( ) any aspect of the methods described in the method.

[0061] At network node 110, uplink signals from UE 120 and / or other UEs may be received by antenna 234, processed by modem 232 (e.g., demodulator component of modem 232 (shown as DEMOD)), detected by MIMO detector 236, and further processed by receiver processor 238 to obtain decoded data and control information transmitted by UE 120. Receiver processor 238 may provide the decoded data to data sink 239 and the decoded control information to controller / processor 240. Network node 110 may include communication unit 244 and may communicate with network controller 130 via communication unit 244. Network node 110 may include scheduler 246 to schedule one or more UEs 120 for downlink and / or uplink communication. In some examples, modem 232 of network node 110 may include modulator and demodulator. In some examples, network node 110 includes transceiver. The transceiver may include any combination of antenna 234, modem 232, MIMO detector 236, receive processor 238, transmit processor 220, and / or TX MIMO processor 230. The transceiver may be used by a processor (e.g., controller / processor 240) and memory 242 to execute this document (e.g., reference). Figures 5A to 11 ( ) any aspect of the methods described in the method.

[0062] The controller / processor 240 of network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of UE 120 and / or Figure 2 Any other component may perform one or more techniques associated with UE-assisted EPI clustering, as described in more detail elsewhere herein. For example, the controller / processor 240 of network node 110, the controller / processor 280 of UE 120, and / or Figure 2 Any other component that can execute or direct, for example Figure 8 The process 800 Figure 9 The operation of process 900 and / or other processes as described herein. Memory 242 and memory 282 may store data and program code for network node 110 and UE 120, respectively. In some examples, memory 242 and / or memory 282 may include a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing one or more instructions (e.g., code and / or program code) for wireless communication. For example, the one or more instructions may cause the one or more processors, UE 120 and / or network node 110 to perform or direct, for example, when executed by one or more processors of network node 110 and / or UE 120 (e.g., directly, or after compilation, transformation and / or interpretation). Figure 8 The process 800 Figure 9 The operation of process 900 and / or other processes as described herein. In some examples, the execution instructions may include run instructions, transform instructions, compile instructions and / or interpret instructions, etc.

[0063] In some aspects, the UE (e.g., UE 120) includes: components for transmitting a subgroup preference indication that indicates a UE-preferred subgroup for the EPI; and / or components for receiving an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI. Components for the UE to perform the operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of the following: a communication manager 140, an antenna 252, a modem 254, a MIMO detector 256, a receive processor 258, a transmit processor 264, a TX MIMO processor 266, a controller / processor 280, or a memory 282.

[0064] In some aspects, a network node (e.g., network node 110) includes: components for receiving a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE-preferred subgroup of an EPI; and / or components for transmitting an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI. Components for the network node to perform the operations described herein may include, for example, one or more of the following: a communication manager 150, a transmit processor 220, a TX MIMO processor 230, a modem 232, an antenna 234, a MIMO detector 236, a receive processor 238, a controller / processor 240, a memory 242, or a scheduler 246.

[0065] In some respects, a single processor can perform all the functions described as being performed by that one or more processors. In other respects, the one or more processors can jointly perform a set of functions. For example, a first group(s) of the one or more processors can perform a first function described as being performed by that one or more processors, and a second group(s) of the one or more processors can perform a second function described as being performed by that one or more processors. The first group and the second group of processors can be the same group of processors or can be different groups of processors. The reference to "one or more processors" should be understood as referring to a combination of functions. Figure 2 Any one or more processors described. The reference to "one or more memories" should be understood to refer to any one or more memories of the corresponding device, such as those in conjunction with... Figure 2 The memory described. For example, a function described as being performed by one or more memories can be performed by the same subset of the one or more memories or by different subsets of the one or more memories.

[0066] Although Figure 2 The boxes in the diagram are illustrated as different components, but the functions described above with respect to these boxes may be implemented in a single hardware, software, or combined component, or in various combinations of components. For example, the functions described with respect to transmit processor 264, receive processor 258, and / or TX MIMO processor 266 may be performed by or under the control of controller / processor 280.

[0067] As indicated above, Figure 2 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 2 The examples described are different.

[0068] The deployment of communication systems such as 5G NR systems can be arranged in a variety of ways using various components or parts. In a 5G NR system or network, network nodes, network entities, network mobility elements, RAN nodes, core network nodes, network elements, base stations, or network equipment can be implemented in either a converged or decomposed architecture. For example, a base station (such as a Node B (NB), evolved NB (eNB), NR base station, 5G NB, access point (AP), TRP, or cell, etc.) or one or more units (or components) performing base station functionality can be implemented as a converged base station (also known as a standalone base station or monolithic base station) or a decomposed base station. A "network entity" or "network node" can refer to a decomposed base station or one or more units of a decomposed base station (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, one or more RUs, or combinations thereof).

[0069] Aggregated base stations (e.g., aggregated network nodes) can be configured to utilize a radio protocol stack that is physically or logically integrated within a single RAN node (e.g., within a single device or cell). Decomposed base stations (e.g., decomposed network nodes) can be configured to utilize a protocol stack that is physically or logically distributed across two or more cells (such as one or more CUs, one or more DUs, or one or more RUs). In some examples, the CU may be implemented within a network node, and one or more DUs may be co-located with the CU, or alternatively, may be geographically or virtually distributed across one or more other network nodes. DUs may be implemented to communicate with one or more RUs. Each of the CU, DU, and RU can also be implemented as a virtual cell, such as a Virtual Central Unit (VCU), a Virtual Distributed Unit (VDU), or a Virtual Radio Unit (VRU), etc.

[0070] Base station type operation or network design can take into account the aggregation characteristics of base station functionality. For example, decomposed base stations can be utilized in IAB networks, Open Radio Access Networks (O-RAN (such as network configurations initiated by the O-RAN Alliance)), or Virtualized Radio Access Networks (vRAN, also known as Cloud Radio Access Networks (C-RAN)) to facilitate the scaling of communication systems by separating base station functionality into one or more units that can be deployed individually. Decomposed base stations can include functionality implemented across two or more units at various physical locations, as well as functionality virtually implemented for at least one unit, which enables flexibility in network design. Each unit of a decomposed base station can be configured for wired or wireless communication with at least one other unit of the decomposed base station.

[0071] Figure 3 This is an illustration of an example disaggregated base station architecture 300 according to the present disclosure. The disaggregated base station architecture 300 may include a CU 310, which may communicate directly with the core network 320 via a backhaul link, or indirectly with the core network 320 via one or more disaggregated control units (such as near-RT RIC 325 via an E2 link, or a non-RT RIC 315 associated with a Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) framework 305, or both). The CU 310 may communicate with one or more DUs 330 via a corresponding midhaul link (such as via an F1 interface). Each DU 330 may communicate with one or more RUs 340 via a corresponding fronthaul link. Each RU 340 may communicate with one or more UEs 120 via a corresponding radio frequency (RF) access link. In some implementations, a UE 120 may be served simultaneously by multiple RUs 340.

[0072] Each unit in the cells (including CU 310, DU 330, RU 340), as well as the near-RT RIC 325, non-RT RIC 315, and SMO frame 305, may include or be coupled to one or more interfaces configured to receive or transmit signals, data, or information (collectively, signals) via wired or wireless transmission media. Each unit in the cell, or an associated processor or controller providing instructions to one or more communication interfaces of the corresponding unit, may be configured to communicate with one or more units in other cells via transmission media. In some examples, each unit in the cell may include a wired interface and a wireless interface configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more units in other cells via a wired transmission media, and the wireless interface may include a receiver, transmitter, or transceiver (such as an RF transceiver) configured to receive signals or transmit signals to one or more units in other cells via a wireless transmission media, or both.

[0073] In some aspects, the CU 310 can host one or more higher-level control functions. Such control functions may include Radio Resource Control (RRC) functions, Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) functions, or Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) functions, etc. Each control function can be implemented using an interface configured to signal to other control functions managed by the CU 310. The CU 310 can be configured to handle user plane functions (e.g., Central Unit-User Plane (CU-UP) functions), control plane functions (e.g., Central Unit-Control Plane (CU-CP) functions), or combinations thereof. In some implementations, the CU 310 can be logically divided into one or more CU-UP units and one or more CU-CP units. When implemented in an O-RAN configuration, the CU-UP units can communicate bidirectionally with the CU-CP units via an interface such as an E1 interface. The CU 310 can be implemented to communicate with the DU 330 for network control and signaling purposes, as needed.

[0074] Each DU 330 may correspond to a logical unit comprising one or more base station functions for controlling the operation of one or more RU 340s. In some aspects, the DU 330 may host one or more of the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and one or more high physical (PHY) layers, at least in part, according to functional splits (such as those defined by 3GPP). In some aspects, the one or more high PHY layers may be implemented by one or more modules for forward error correction (FEC) encoding and decoding, scrambling, and modulation and demodulation, etc. In some aspects, the DU 330 may also host one or more low PHY layers, such as those implemented by one or more modules for Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), Inverse FFT (iFFT), Digital Beamforming, or Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) extraction and filtering, etc. Each layer (which may also be referred to as a module) may be implemented using an interface configured to communicate signals with other layers (and modules) hosted by the DU 330 or with control functions hosted by the CU 310.

[0075] Each RU 340 can implement low-level functionality. In some deployments, an RU 340 controlled by a DU 330 can correspond to a logical node that hosts RF processing functions or low-PHY layer functions, such as performing FFT, performing iFFT, digital beamforming, or PRACH extraction and filtering, based on function splitting (e.g., function splitting defined by 3GPP) (such as low-level function splitting). In such architectures, each RU 340 can be operated to handle over-the-air (OTA) communications with one or more UEs 120. In some specific implementations, the real-time and non-real-time aspects of control plane and user plane communications with the RU 340 can be controlled by the corresponding DU 330. In some scenarios, this configuration allows each DU 330 and CU 310 to be implemented in a cloud-based RAN architecture, such as a vRAN architecture.

[0076] The SMO framework 305 can be configured to support RAN deployment and provisioning of both non-virtualized and virtualized network elements. For non-virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 can be configured to support the deployment of dedicated physical resources for RAN coverage requirements, which can be managed via operation and maintenance interfaces such as the O1 interface. For virtualized network elements, the SMO framework 305 can be configured to interact with cloud computing platforms such as the Open Cloud (O-Cloud) platform 390 to perform network element lifecycle management (such as instantiating virtualized network elements) via cloud computing platform interfaces such as the O2 interface. Such virtualized network elements may include, but are not limited to, CU 310, DU 330, RU 340, non-RT RIC 315, and near-RTTRIC 325. In some specific implementations, the SMO framework 305 may communicate with 4G RAN hardware aspects such as the Open eNB (O-eNB) 311 via the O1 interface. Additionally, in some implementations, the SMO framework 305 can communicate directly with each of one or more RUs 340 via a corresponding O1 interface. The SMO framework 305 may also include a non-RT RIC 315 configured to support the functionality of the SMO framework 305.

[0077] The non-RT RIC 315 can be configured to include logical functions that enable non-real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources, including artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) workflows for model training and updates, or policy-based guidance for applications / features in the near-RT RIC 325. The non-RT RIC 315 can be coupled to or communicate with the near-RT RIC 325, such as via an A1 interface. The near-RT RIC 325 can be configured to include logical functions that enable near real-time control and optimization of RAN elements and resources via an interface, such as an E2 interface, through data collection and actions, connecting one or more CU 310s, one or more DU 330s, or both, and O-eNBs to the near-RT RIC 325.

[0078] In some implementations, to generate AI / ML models to be deployed in the near-RT RIC 325, the non-RT RIC 315 may receive parameters or external enrichment information from an external server. This information can be utilized by the near-RT RIC 325 and may be received from non-network data sources or network functions at the SMO framework 305 or the non-RT RIC 315. In some examples, the non-RT RIC 315 or near-RT RIC 325 may be configured to tune RAN behavior or performance. For example, the non-RT RIC 315 may monitor long-term trends and patterns in performance and employ AI / ML models to perform corrective actions via the SMO framework 305 (such as reconfiguration via the O1 interface) or via the creation of RAN management policies (such as A1 interface policies).

[0079] As indicated above, Figure 3 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 3 The examples described are different.

[0080] Figures 4A to 4B These are illustrations of a first example 400 and a second example 450 of paging configurations according to this disclosure. Figure 4A The first example 400 shown includes a paging reception configuration that can be used by a UE (e.g., UE 120) operating in idle or inactive mode. In the first example 400, the UE monitors the control channel (e.g., PDCCH) during the PO within a paging frame, and the UE determines whether a paging is scheduled for the UE during the PO. For example, the UE may identify a paging frame 402 within a discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle 404 configured for the UE. Paging frame 402 may typically represent a reference frame or start frame for a PO associated with the UE, and the PO associated with paging frame 402 may begin in or after the paging frame, at least in part, based on multi-beam operation and / or PO repetition.

[0081] A network node (e.g., network node 110) can configure paging reception for a UE by indicating the number of radio frames in a DRX cycle (e.g., DRX cycle 404) that may have cell-specific or UE-specific values. Typically, a DRX cycle can be configured to include 32, 64, 128, or 256 radio frames, and the network node can configure the interval between adjacent paging frames (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 radio frames) and the time-domain offset within the paging frame (e.g., from zero to N frames, where N is an integer less than the interval between adjacent paging frames). In some aspects, the number of paging frames in each DRX cycle may be based at least in part on the number of radio frames and the interval between adjacent paging frames.

[0082] exist Figure 4AIn this process, DRX cycle 404 comprises 32 radio frames, each lasting 10 milliseconds, and adjacent paging frames have a paging interval 406 of 8 radio frames (or 80 milliseconds). Therefore, DRX cycle 404 comprises four (4) paging frames (shown as dotted patterns). The UE may (e.g., from the four paging frames in DRX cycle 404) identify a specific paging frame associated with the UE, such as by using an identifier assigned to the UE (e.g., paging frame 402).

[0083] like Figure 4A As further shown, the UE can determine the PO 408 associated with the UE in paging frame 402, and the UE can monitor the control channel for the paging indication associated with the UE during PO 408. The network node can configure the number of POs included in each paging frame (e.g., 1, 2, or 4 POs per paging frame). In some aspects, the UE can determine the index of the PO associated with the UE based on the identifier assigned to the UE (…). For illustration, each PO may contain a set of A series of continuous PDCCH monitoring opportunities, among which This refers to the number of synchronization signal blocks (SSBs) actually transmitted, indicated in the system information block (SIB) (e.g., SIB1) that carries information to enable access to the cell provided by the network node, and This is the number of PDCCH monitoring opportunities per SSB in the PO (e.g., 1, 2, 3, or 4). In Example 400, S = 4 (e.g., SSB1 shown with diagonal stripes, SSB2 shown with vertical stripes, SSB3 shown with cross-shading pattern, and SSB4 shown with horizontal stripes), and X = 2. For example, SSB1 can be transmitted twice in PO 408 during the first monitoring opportunity 410 and the second monitoring opportunity 412. Each SSB can be transmitted via a corresponding beam and / or a corresponding beam configuration, as indicated by reference numeral 414. The starting PDCCH monitoring opportunity number of the PO. It can be configured by network nodes, or based on The value of PO used for paging, where the [ The timing of PDCCH monitoring corresponds to the first The SSB sent, of which , and among them .

[0084] In some respects, and at least in part based on the operating idle or inactive mode, the UE may wake up once in each DRX cycle during the PO (Program Point) associated with that UE (e.g., determined in the manner described above). When the UE wakes up from the idle or inactive mode, the UE may not be aware whether a paging session for that UE will be available during the PO. Therefore, when the UE wakes up during the PO associated with that UE, the entire receive chain is activated to enable the UE to receive and decode the paging that can be carried on the PDSCH. This may increase power consumption at the UE, because if no paging is scheduled for the UE, it may not be necessary to activate the components required to receive and decode the paging PDSCH.

[0085] Therefore, in some cases, wireless networks may support EPIs (sometimes referred to as Wake-up Signals (WUS) and / or Early Paging Indicators (PEI)) to improve power efficiency associated with paging reception at the UE. For example, Figure 4B The second example 450 shown is an example paging configuration that includes the use of an EPI. In some aspects, the EPI (shown as vertical stripes) is a special signal sent by a network node (e.g., network node 110) to the UE (e.g., UE 120) before the PO (shown as diagonal stripes) associated with the UE, and the EPI can indicate whether the UE should wake up to receive a paging message. In this way, the UE can determine whether the network node has sent an EPI to indicate that the UE should wake up to receive a paging message by monitoring only the PDCCH, and can return to a low-power state if the EPI is not sent and / or the EPI indicates that there is no paging intended for the UE in the associated PO. Alternatively, when an EPI is sent to indicate that the UE should wake up to receive a paging message, the UE can fully wake up to receive the PDSCH carrying the paging message. In such cases, after the UE receives an EPI indicating that the UE has paging capabilities, the UE may additionally measure one or more reference signals (e.g., one or more SSBs, tracking reference signals (TRS), and / or channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS)) to synchronize with the network node and improve the decoding of the PDSCH carrying the paging message.

[0086] For example, as shown by reference numeral 452 in the attached figure, when the channel between the network node and the UE has good link quality, EPI 454 can be relatively close in time to the next PO (which time is within) Figure 4BThe first gap (shown as 456) is placed because the remaining time after the UE processes the reference signal transmission may not be long enough to warrant transitioning to deep sleep (e.g., a single reference signal sample may be sufficient to reliably decode the paging PDSCH). Alternatively, as indicated by reference numeral 458, the EPI 454 may be placed further away from the PO in time, as shown by the second gap 460, which is longer than the first gap 456. A longer gap and / or duration, as shown by the second gap 460, can be set between the EPI 454 and the next PO to allow the UE to obtain multiple reference signal samples between the EPI 454 and the next PO when the channel quality between the network node and the UE is poor.

[0087] In this way, EPI enables the UE to wake up in two phases, which include: a first phase in which the UE activates only a portion of the receive chain to monitor the PDCCH for the EPI; and a second phase in which, if the EPI indicates that there is a paging for the UE in the associated PO, the UE activates the remainder of the receive chain to receive and decode the paging PDSCH (and / or measure or sample the reference signal).

[0088] As indicated above, Figures 4A to 4B This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figures 4A to 4B The examples described are different.

[0089] Figure 5A and Figure 5B These are illustrations of a first example 500 and a second example 550 illustrating EPI clustering according to this disclosure. "EPI clustering" can mean that a network node selects a UE cluster and / or UE subgroup and assigns that UE subgroup to the same EPI 0 and / or EPI subgroup indication, as described below. That is, a network node can cluster and / or group multiple UEs into K subgroups for one or more POs covered by an EPI, where K is an integer. For illustration, a group of UEs sharing and / or assigned to the same PO can be divided into one or more UE subgroups by a network node, and each UE subgroup can be assigned to a corresponding MO within the PO. The ability to group and / or cluster multiple UEs into subgroups allows the network node to paging at subgroup resolution rather than by PO level indication. That is, the network node can signal EPI to a subset of UEs sharing the same PO, rather than signaling EPI to all UEs sharing the same PO. This allows UEs unrelated to the EPI to remain in idle and / or inactive modes to conserve power resources. In some respects, “subset” and / or “subgroup” may refer to an appropriate subset and / or a smaller number of entities than the entire group in which the entities are selected (e.g., UE).

[0090] The first example 500 includes an EPI O frame 502, which may include one or more EPI O frames 504 instructing one or more UEs to perform paging monitoring for one or more POs. Figure 5A As shown, PO can occur as per the information provided. Figure 4A During one or more instances of the paging frame 402 described (by Figure 5A This is illustrated as the first paging frame 402-1 and the second paging frame 402-2. In some aspects, each EPI 0 in EPI 0 504 can be used to transmit and / or receive one or more EPIs (e.g., to transmit one or more EPIs to one or more UEs and / or one or more subgroups), as described below. An example duration 506 (e.g., an EPI 0 frame-level offset) between the start of EPI 0 frame 502 and the start of the first paging frame 402-1 has a length equal to two frame lengths, but other examples may utilize durations of different lengths, as per [reference to...]. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described, the initial EPI O of EPI O 504 can occur at an N-symbol-level offset relative to the start of the EPI O frame (as indicated by reference numeral 508) (where N is an integer).

[0091] For illustration, a network node may send an EPI during EPI 0, which informs one or more UEs and / or one or more corresponding UE subgroups to monitor paging. For illustration, a network node may send, during one EPI 0 in EPI 0 504, information such as regarding... Figure 4B The EPI 454 is described. In some respects, the EPI 454 can be divided into K bits (by... Figure 5A The EPI is shown as four (4) bits, and each bit in the EPI can be mapped to a corresponding UE subgroup. Therefore, a network node can use the corresponding bits to signal the corresponding UE subgroup. For example, the EPI can be configured as a bitmap, and each bit of the EPI can be used as an indication of the corresponding EPI subgroup. For illustration, the first bit, shown as a diagonal stripe, can be mapped to the first subgroup, the second bit, shown as a horizontal stripe, can be mapped to the second subgroup, the third bit, shown as solid white, can be mapped to the third subgroup, and / or the fourth bit, shown as a dense dot pattern, can be mapped to the fourth subgroup. A network node can signal each UE subgroup via the corresponding bits, such as by sending a trigger value (e.g., "1") in the corresponding bit position mapped to a particular subgroup to indicate pending paging for that particular subgroup. Alternatively or additionally, a network node can send a corresponding inactivity value (e.g., "0") to indicate that there is no pending paging for a particular subgroup. Although Figure 5A K is shown as having the value 4, but other examples may use different values ​​for K.

[0092] In some respects, a network node may select UEs clustered together in a subgroup, for example, by dividing a group of UEs assigned to the same PO into two or more subgroups. Based at least in part on the selection of UEs included in each subgroup, the network node may indicate the appropriate subgroup assignment to each UE. For example, a network node may divide a group of 16 UEs assigned to the same PO into four subgroups (e.g., subgroup 1, subgroup 2, subgroup 3, and subgroup 4) that include four UEs.

[0093] EPI 454 can indicate the presence (or absence) of paging in the first paging frame 402-1 and the second paging frame 402-2. For example, as shown by reference numeral 510, a network node can send a trigger value in the first bit of EPI 454, and the UE subgroup assigned to the first bit can monitor a first monitoring moment 410 of the first paging frame 402-1, a second monitoring moment 412 of the first paging frame 402-1, a first monitoring moment 410 of the second paging frame 402-2, and a second monitoring moment 412 of the second paging frame 402-2 for one or more paging messages. Therefore, each subgroup that receives an EPI indication (e.g., a corresponding trigger value) in EPI 454 can wake up, enable additional hardware, and / or remain awake to monitor paging during specified moments (shown in diagonal patterns) within the two POs of the first paging frame 402-1 and the two POs of the second paging frame 402-2. Each subgroup that does not receive an EPI indication and / or receives a corresponding inactivity trigger in EPI 454 may operate in sleep mode during the first paging frame 402-1 and the second paging frame 402-2.

[0094] In some respects, network nodes may randomly cluster and / or select UEs to be included in a subgroup. Random clustering and / or grouping of UEs can result in additional power consumption at one or more UEs. For example, Figure 5B The second example 550 illustrates an example of EPI clustering performed by a network node. In example 550, the network node can divide a group of 16 UEs (shown as UE 1 to UE 16) into four subgroups associated with four EPI clusters and / or four EPI subgroups of the UEs, and each UE in the subgroup can be assigned to the same EPI timing, as per the relevant information. Figure 5A As described.

[0095] In Example 550, the network node selects UE subgroups in a pseudo-random manner by sequentially selecting UEs and assigning them to subgroups. That is, the network node assigns UEs to the next subgroup sequentially. For example, the network node may assign UE 1 to subgroup 1, UE 2 to subgroup 2, UE 3 to subgroup 3, and UE 4 to subgroup 4. The network node may repeat the assignment process by assigning UE 5 to subgroup 1, UE 6 to subgroup 2, UE 7 to subgroup 3, and UE 8 to subgroup 4. Therefore, and by iteratively following the assignment process, subgroup 1 includes UE 1, UE 5, UE 9, and UE 13, and subgroup 2 includes UE 2, UE 6, UE 10, and UE 14. Subgroup 3 includes UE 3, UE 7, UE 11, and UE 15, and subgroup 4 includes UE 4, UE 8, UE 12, and UE 16. While Example 550 includes UE partitioning and / or UE clustering based at least in part on a pseudo-random process that is at least in part based on ordinal ordering, other examples may utilize other random processes.

[0096] Typically, a random selection process may involve network nodes selecting UE clusters and / or UE subgroups without regard to grouping efficiency or preference. For illustration, consider an example where a service provider installs a large number of devices (e.g., IoT devices and / or IoT UEs) (such as a collection of wireless sensor devices in an industrial production plant). In some aspects, this collection of wireless sensors (e.g., Figure 5B The group of 16 UEs shown may share the same PO at least in part based on network configuration (e.g., number of POs per frame) and / or latency conditions (e.g., idle DRX (IDRx) cycle and / or extended DRX (EDRx) cycle).

[0097] Sometimes, service providers may have information indicating that subgroups of devices sharing the same Product ID (PO) (such as a subset of sensors positioned to monitor the same production line) can be paged together (e.g., before paging). In some aspects, a subset of sensors positioned on the same production line may be paged together at least in part based on fault detection for that line. However, and at least in part based on a random clustering process, network nodes may cluster subsets of devices on the same production line into different EPI subgroups. For example, UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4 may be located on the same production line, but may be randomly placed into different subgroups by network nodes, such as... Figure 5BAs shown. Therefore, in order to page UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4, the network node can indicate the corresponding EPI for each EPI subgroup that includes at least one of UE 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4. That is, the network node can indicate the EPI for subgroup 1 at least in part based on the fact that UE 1 is included in subgroup 1, the EPI for subgroup 2 at least in part based on the fact that UE 2 is included in subgroup 2, the EPI for subgroup 3 at least in part based on the fact that UE 3 is included in subgroup 3, and / or the EPI for subgroup 4 at least in part based on the fact that UE 4 is included in subgroup 4. For example, and as per the information regarding... Figure 5A As described, network nodes can send corresponding trigger values ​​in each EPI 0 mapped to subgroup 1, subgroup 2, subgroup 3, and subgroup 4 in EPI 0 504. Triggering each subgroup may cause unnecessary power consumption for UEs that are unlikely to receive paging in a PO (such as UE 5, UE 9, and UE 13 in subgroup 1). That is, random clustering of UEs for EPI subgroups may result in unrelated UEs being grouped together in a subgroup, and therefore, some UEs unnecessarily consume power to monitor (e.g., at a given time) POs that are unlikely to include paging directed to that UE. For example, UE 5 may be located on a different production line that has not experienced a fault, but may be unnecessarily instructed to monitor paging based at least in part on clustering and / or grouping with UE 1, resulting in UE 5 consuming additional power to monitor POs that are unlikely to include paging for UE 5.

[0098] Some of the techniques and apparatus described herein provide UE-assisted EPI clustering. In some aspects, the UE may send a subgroup preference indication that indicates the UE's preferred subgroup of the EPI. For example, the UE may be programmed with a value indicating the UE's preferred subgroup, and / or this value may be stored in memory. For example, the UE may be programmed with this value during and / or shortly after installation, as described below. In some aspects, the UE may receive an EPI subgroup assignment for the EPI, and the EPI subgroup assignment may be at least partially based on the UE's preferred subgroup.

[0099] In some aspects, a network node may receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a UE, and this subgroup preference indication may indicate a UE-preferred subgroup of an EPI. The network node may select an EPI subgroup for clustering two or more UEs that have the same and / or common UE-preferred subgroups. In some aspects, the network node may (e.g., to the UE) send an EPI subgroup assignment associated with that EPI, and this EPI subgroup assignment may indicate the EPI subgroup to the UE.

[0100] Indicating a preferred subgroup of UEs to a network node allows the network node to select a better subgroup of UEs for EPI transmission compared to random selection. For example, based at least in part on UEs 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4 indicating the same preferred subgroup, the network node can form an EPI subgroup including UEs 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4 (shown as a dotted pattern) that is more advantageous for power savings in the wireless network compared to random subgroup selection. For instance, UEs 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4 can be located on the same production line as described above, and the network node can instruct paging for UEs 1, UE 2, UE 3, and UE 4 without instructing other UEs to monitor paging. Accordingly, UE-assisted selection of UEs in the subgroup (e.g., through UE preferred subgroup indication) reduces the likelihood of the network node sending EPIs to UEs that are unlikely to receive paging at a given time, reduces power consumption at the UE (e.g., by reducing unnecessary wake-ups during PO), and increases power savings in the wireless network.

[0101] As indicated above, Figure 5A and Figure 5B This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The examples described are different.

[0102] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example 600 of a wireless communication process between a UE 602 (e.g., UE 120), a network node 604 (e.g., network node 110), and a core network node (e.g., network controller 130) according to this disclosure, the core network node being shown as AMF 606. In some aspects, example 600 may include one or more actions that can be used for EPI subgrouping based on the core network node.

[0103] As shown by reference numeral 610, UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606 can establish a connection. For illustration, UE 602 can power on within a cell coverage area provided by network node 604, and UE 602 and network node 604 can perform one or more procedures (e.g., a Random Access Channel (RACH) procedure and / or an RRC procedure) to establish a radio connection. As another example, UE 602 can move to a cell coverage area provided by network node 604 and can perform a handover from a source network node (e.g., another network node 110) to network node 604. In some aspects, and as part of establishing a connection with UE 602, network node 604 can communicate with a core network node (e.g., AMF 606). For illustration, and as described below with respect to reference numeral 620, UE 602 can communicate with the Non-Access Stratum (NAS) protocol layer at AMF 606 via network node 604.

[0104] Network node 604 and UE 602 may communicate via the connection based at least in part on any combination of Layer 1 signaling (e.g., downlink control information (DCI) and / or uplink control information (UCI)), Layer 2 signaling (e.g., MAC control element (CE)), and / or Layer 3 signaling (e.g., RRC signaling). For example, network node 604 may request UE capability information via RRC signaling, and / or UE 602 may send such UE capability information via RRC signaling. Some non-limiting examples of UE capability information may include information indicating capabilities for core network-based subgrouping (e.g., EPI subgrouping) as described with respect to example 600 and / or support for such core network-based subgrouping, and / or information indicating capabilities as described below with respect to... Figure 7 The described capability for subgrouping based on UE identifier (ID) and / or information on support for such subgrouping based on UE identifier (ID).

[0105] As part of establishing a connection, and / or prior to establishing a connection, network node 604 may broadcast information received by UE 602 and / or used by UE 602 to communicate with network node 604. For example, network node 604 may broadcast network node capabilities and / or configurations of network node 604 capabilities, such as network node capabilities supporting UE preferred subgroup indications (e.g., selecting UE preferred EPI subgroups), UE preferred subgroup configuration information (e.g., the number of EPI subgroups supported by network node 604 and / or the maximum number of supported subgroups), and / or support for core network-based EPI subgroup partitioning (as described with respect to reference numeral 640). For illustration, network node 604 may send a subgroup size indication in a broadcast message (e.g., SIB), such as specifying that network node 604 supports K EPI subgroups (as described with respect to reference numeral 640). Figure 5A and Figure 5B The subgroup size indication is described as follows. Although described as being sent in a broadcast message, other examples may include network nodes sending the subgroup size indication in multicast and / or unicast messages.

[0106] As part of communication via this connection, network node 604 may send configuration information via Layer 3 signaling (e.g., RRC signaling) and activate and / or deactivate specific configurations via Layer 2 signaling (e.g., MAC CE) and / or Layer 1 signaling (e.g., DCI). For example, network node 604 may send configuration information via Layer 3 signaling at a first time point associated with UE 602 tolerating communication delays, and network node 604 may send activation of the configuration via Layer 2 signaling and / or Layer 1 signaling at a second time point associated with UE 602 not tolerating communication delays.

[0107] As shown by reference numeral 620, UE 602 can transmit and network node 604 can receive indications of subgroup preferences. Alternatively or additionally, network node 604 can transmit and core network node (e.g., AMF 606) can receive indications of subgroup preferences, as shown by reference numeral 630. For clarity, the transmission and / or reception of indicated subgroup preferences are... Figure 6The connection establishment is shown to be performed separately from that of UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606 as described with respect to reference numeral 610. However, in some examples, the transmission and reception of the indicated subgroup preference may occur as at least part of the connection establishment of UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606. For example, as at least part of the connection establishment as described with respect to reference numeral 610, UE 602 may transmit a subgroup preference indication, such as by transmitting a subgroup preference indication as part of the NAS registration process and / or in a message directed to the NAS protocol layer at the core network node. Alternatively or additionally, UE 602 may transmit the subgroup preference indication in any of L1 signaling (e.g., UCI), L2 signaling (e.g., MAC CE), and / or L3 signaling (e.g., RRC signaling).

[0108] In some aspects, UE 602 may send a subgroup preference indication based at least in part on receiving an indication of the capability of a designated network node 604 to support UE preferred subgroup partitioning and / or at least in part on receiving a subgroup size indication (e.g., a subgroup size indication specifying K EPI subgroups) of the number of EPI subgroups supported by the designated network node 604. The subgroup preference indication may specify the UE preferred subgroup, for example, by specifying a value and / or a subgroup ID. For example, the service provider may store this value and / or the subgroup ID at UE 602 (e.g., in memory at UE 602) during installation and / or as part of the setup process, and UE 602 may retrieve this value and / or the subgroup ID from memory. For example, the UE may receive the UE preferred subgroup via external input (e.g., application input, wireless input mechanism, and / or wired input mechanism). In some aspects, this value and / or the subgroup ID may be a specific value selected by the service provider (e.g., not a value assigned by network node 604). For illustration, the service provider may form a UE subgroup based at least in part on programming that particular value and / or subgroup ID into each UE in the preferred EPI subgroup, and the network node 604 may identify the UE to be selected for the EPI subgroup based at least in part on each UE indicating the same value and / or subgroup ID.

[0109] Alternatively or additionally, UE 602 may send a subgroup preference indication based at least in part on a subgroup size indication received from network node 604. For example, UE 602 may select a value within the range of 1-K values, and / or may avoid selecting a value outside the range of 1-K.

[0110] As indicated by reference numeral 640, AMF 606 can select one or more subgroups (e.g., EPI subgroups) by selecting one or more UEs to be included in each respective subgroup. In some aspects, AMF 606 may support UE-preferred subgroup partitioning and may select subgroups at least in part based on received subgroup preference indications, as described with respect to reference numerals 620 and 630. Alternatively or additionally, AMF 606 may select subgroups at least in part based on UE 602's indication of support for (e.g., selected by AMF 606) EPI subgroup partitioning based on core network nodes.

[0111] As an example, AMF 606 may receive a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE (e.g., before or after receiving the subgroup preference indication from UE 602), and this second subgroup preference indication may specify the same UE preferred subgroup indicated by UE 602. Therefore, AMF 606 may form a subgroup at least in part based on grouping UE 602 and the second UE into the same EPI subgroup. That is, AMF 606 may group the two UEs together at least in part based on UE 602 and the second UE specifying the same UE preferred subgroup and / or the same EPI subgroup preference.

[0112] As another example, the second UE may be assigned a different UE preferred subgroup than UE 602. Therefore, based at least in part on the fact that UE 602 and the second UE are assigned different UE preferred subgroups, AMF 606 may assign UE 602 to the first EPI subgroup and / or assign the second UE to a second EPI subgroup different from the first EPI subgroup. Thus, the EPI subgroup assignment selected by AMF 606 may be based at least in part on one or more indicated UE preferred subgroups.

[0113] In some respects, AMF 606 may not select EPI subgroup assignments based at least in part on UE preferred subgroups. For example, AMF 606 may be a legacy AMF lacking support for UE preferred subgroup division. Therefore, EPI subgroup assignment may not be based at least in part on UE preferred subgroups. For example, AMF 606 may instead form subgroups and / or select EPI subgroup assignments for UE 602 by using a random selection process as described above.

[0114] As indicated by reference numeral 650 in the attached diagram, AMF 606 can send, and network node 604 can receive, instructions for subgroup assignment. That is, AMF 606 can send instructions for EPI subgroup assignment. Figure 6As shown, EPI subgroup assignment can be a core network-based assignment that is at least partially based on AMF 606 to select subgroups and / or assign EPI subgroups to one or more UEs. Therefore, and as indicated by reference numeral 660, network node 604 can send and UE 602 can receive instructions for subgroup assignment.

[0115] As indicated by reference numeral 670, AMF 606 can send and network node 604 can receive a subgroup ID. For example, AMF 606 can send an indication of an EPI subgroup assigned to UE 602 to indicate the existence of pending paging for UE 602 and / or for one or more UEs included in that EPI subgroup. Based at least in part on the received subgroup ID, and as indicated by reference numeral 680, network node 604 can send and UE 602 can receive a subgroup EPI. For example, network node 604 can use a bitmap to send the EPI, and this bitmap can indicate pending paging by setting bits mapped to the EPI subgroup assignment (e.g., assigned to UE 602) to trigger values, as described above. Thus, UE 602 can receive the EPI from a bitmap based at least in part on the EPI subgroup assignment.

[0116] Indicating a preferred subgroup of UEs to a network node enables the network node to select a better subgroup of UEs for EPI transmission compared to random selection. For example, a network node may select a preferred subgroup of UEs (e.g., indicated by one or more UEs) that reduces the likelihood of the network node indicating irrelevant UEs to monitor paging. Therefore, UE-assisted selection of UEs within a subgroup (e.g., through a preferred subgroup indication) reduces the likelihood of the network node sending EPIs to UEs that are unlikely to receive paging at a given time, resulting in reduced power consumption at some UEs (e.g., by reducing unnecessary wake-ups during PO) and increased power savings in the wireless network.

[0117] As indicated above, Figure 6 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 6 The examples described are different.

[0118] Figure 7 This is an example of the provisions of this disclosure regarding Figure 6 A diagram of Example 700 of the wireless communication process between UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606. In some aspects, Example 600 may include one or more actions that can be used for EPI subgrouping based on UE identifiers.

[0119] As shown by reference numeral 610 in the attached figure, UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606 can establish the following relationship: Figure 6The described connection. For illustration, network node 604 may send a subgroup size indication in a broadcast message (e.g., SIB), such as a subgroup size indication specifying that network node 604 supports K EPI subgroups (as described). However, in other examples, network node 604 may not send a subgroup size indication, such as in scenarios where network node 604 does not support core network-based EPI subgroup partitioning as described with respect to reference numeral 640. In some aspects, and as shown by reference numeral 620, UE 602 may send and network node 604 may receive an indication of subgroup preference. Alternatively or additionally, network node 604 may send and core network node (e.g., AMF 606) may receive an indication of subgroup preference, as shown by reference numeral 630. For clarity, the sending and / or receiving of the indicated subgroup preference is... Figure 7 The connection establishment is shown to be performed separately from that of UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606. However, in some examples, the transmission and reception of the indicated subgroup preferences may occur as at least part of the connection establishment between UE 602, network node 604, and AMF 606, such as in the context of... Figure 6 This occurs during the described NAS registration process.

[0120] As shown by reference numeral 710 in the attached figure, the AMF 606 can send and the network node 604 can receive an indication of the UE ID, and the UE ID can indicate a subgroup assignment, such as an EPI subgroup assignment. Therefore, the UE ID can indicate an assignment based on a UE identifier, which in turn indicates a subgroup assignment. As an example, the subgroup assignment can be indicated at least in part based on the Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI) assigned to UE 602 by the Mobility and Management Entity (MME) at the core network. In some aspects, the MME can assign the S-TMSI to UE 602 as an identifier for UE 602 in the serving cell, at least in part by the network node 604. The MME can communicate the S-TMSI to the AMF 606, and the AMF 606 can forward the S-TMSI to UE 602. In some scenarios, the MME can assign a common S-TMSI to UE 602, and this common S-TMSI can be shared and / or assigned to a UE group. For example, UE 602 and one or more other UEs may transition to an idle state, an inactive state, and / or a DRX mode, and the MME may assign a common S-TMSI to a group of UEs operating in the idle state, inactive state, and / or DRX mode. In some aspects, the MME may assign a common S-TMSI to one or more UEs that have already been assigned the same preferred UE subgroup, as described with respect to reference numerals 620 and 630. Thus, the MME may enable UE preferred EPI subgrouping based at least in part on assigning a common S-TMSI to UEs included in the preferred UE subgroup. Thus, and as indicated by reference numeral 720, network node 604 may send, and UE 602 may receive, an indication of subgroup assignment based at least in part on UE ID (e.g., S-TMSI).

[0121] As shown by reference numeral 670 in the attached figure, AMF 606 can send and network node 604 can receive the subgroup ID. Based at least in part on the received subgroup ID, and as shown by reference numeral 660 in the attached figure, network node 604 can send and UE 602 can receive the subgroup EPI.

[0122] Indicating a preferred subgroup of UEs to a network node enables the network node to select a better subgroup of UEs for EPI transmission compared to random selection. For example, a network node may select a preferred subgroup of UEs (e.g., indicated by one or more UEs) that reduces the likelihood of the network node indicating irrelevant UEs to monitor paging. Therefore, UE-assisted selection of UEs within a subgroup (e.g., through a preferred subgroup indication) reduces the likelihood of the network node sending EPIs to UEs that are unlikely to receive paging at a given time, resulting in reduced power consumption at some UEs (e.g., by reducing unnecessary wake-ups during PO) and increased power savings in the wireless network.

[0123] As indicated above, Figure 7 This is provided as an example. Other examples are available with reference to [the relevant information]. Figure 7 The examples described are different.

[0124] Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating an example process 800 performed, for example, at a UE or a device of a UE, according to this disclosure. Example process 800 is an example in which a device or UE (e.g., UE 120) performs operations associated with UE-assisted EPI clustering.

[0125] like Figure 8 As shown, in some aspects, process 800 may include receiving an indication of a preferred subgroup of the UE for the EPI (block 810). For example, the UE (e.g., using...) Figure 10 The receiving component 1002 and / or communication manager 1006 depicted herein may receive a subgroup preference indication that indicates the UE preferred subgroup of the EPI, as described above. For example, the UE may receive the UE preferred subgroup via an external input.

[0126] like Figure 8 As further shown, in some aspects, process 800 may include sending a subgroup preference indication that indicates the UE's preferred subgroup for the EPI (box 820). For example, the UE (e.g., using...) Figure 10 The transmitting component 1004 and / or the communication manager 1006 described herein may transmit a subgroup preference indication that indicates the UE's preferred subgroup for the EPI, as described above.

[0127] like Figure 8 As further shown, in some aspects, process 800 may include receiving an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI (box 830). For example, the UE (e.g., using...) Figure 10 The receiving component 1002 and / or communication manager 1006 described herein can receive EPI subgroup assignments for that EPI, as described above.

[0128] Process 800 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere in this document.

[0129] In the first aspect, sending the subgroup preference indication includes sending the subgroup preference indication as part of the NAS registration process.

[0130] In a second aspect, process 800 includes receiving a subgroup size indication that a specified network node supports K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer, and the subgroup preference indication is based at least in part on the subgroup size indication.

[0131] In the third aspect, receiving the subgroup size indication includes receiving the subgroup size indication in a broadcast message.

[0132] In the fourth aspect, broadcast messages include system information blocks.

[0133] In the fifth aspect, EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

[0134] In the sixth aspect, assignment based on the core network includes assignment based on AMF.

[0135] In the seventh aspect, EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on UE identifiers.

[0136] In the eighth aspect, assignment based on UE identifiers is at least partially based on S-TMSI.

[0137] In the ninth aspect, the subgroup preference indication includes the value stored at the UE.

[0138] In the tenth aspect, process 800 includes receiving the value as input before sending the subgroup preference indication.

[0139] In the eleventh aspect, sending the subgroup preference indication includes: sending the subgroup preference indication in the MAC CE.

[0140] In the twelfth aspect, receiving an EPI includes: receiving the EPI using a bitmap at least partially based on the assignment of the EPI subgroup.

[0141] although Figure 8 An example box of process 800 is shown, but in some respects, process 800 may include... Figure 8 The boxes depicted in the diagram may be fewer, different, or arranged differently than additional boxes. Alternatively, two or more boxes in the process 800 may be executed in parallel.

[0142] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating an example process 900 performed, for example, at a network node or a device of a network node, according to the present disclosure. Example process 900 is an example in which a device or network node (e.g., network node 110) performs operations associated with UE-assisted EPI clustering.

[0143] like Figure 9 As shown, in some aspects, process 900 may include receiving a subgroup preference indication associated with the UE, which indicates the UE's preferred subgroup for the EPI (box 910). For example, a network node (e.g., using...) Figure 11The receiving component 1102 and / or communication manager 1106 described herein may receive a subgroup preference indication associated with the UE, which indicates the UE preferred subgroup of the EPI as described above.

[0144] like Figure 9 As further shown, in some aspects, process 900 may include sending an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI (box 920). For example, a network node (e.g., using...) Figure 11 The transmitting component 1104 and / or communication manager 1106 described herein can transmit EPI subgroup assignments associated with the EPI, as described above.

[0145] Process 900 may include additional aspects, such as any single aspect or any combination of aspects described below and / or in conjunction with one or more other processes described elsewhere in this document.

[0146] In the first aspect, receiving the subgroup preference indication includes receiving the subgroup preference indication in the MAC CE.

[0147] In the second aspect, process 900 includes sending EPI using at least in part based on a bitmap assigned using an EPI subgroup.

[0148] In the third aspect, EPI subgroup assignment is based at least in part on UE preferred subgroups.

[0149] In the fourth aspect, the UE is a first UE, the subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE, and the process 900 includes: receiving a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying a preferred UE subgroup indicated by the first subgroup preference indication; and grouping the first UE and the second UE into the same EPI subgroup based at least in part on specifying the same EPI subgroup preference based on the first subgroup preference indication and the second subgroup preference indication.

[0150] Fifthly, EPI subgroup assignment is not based on UE preferred subgroups.

[0151] In the sixth aspect, the UE is a first UE, the subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE, the UE preferred subgroup is the first UE preferred subgroup, and the process 900 includes: receiving a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying a second UE preferred subgroup different from the first UE preferred subgroup; assigning the first UE to the first EPI subgroup; and assigning the second UE to the second EPI subgroup different from the first EPI subgroup, at least in part based on the fact that the first UE preferred subgroup is different from the second UE preferred subgroup.

[0152] In the seventh aspect, sending the subgroup preference indication includes receiving the subgroup preference indication as part of the NAS registration process.

[0153] In the eighth aspect, process 900 includes sending a subgroup size indication specifying support for K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer.

[0154] In the ninth aspect, receiving the subgroup size indication includes sending the subgroup size indication in a broadcast message.

[0155] In the tenth aspect, broadcast messages include system information blocks.

[0156] In the eleventh aspect, EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

[0157] In the twelfth aspect, assignment based on the core network includes assignment based on access and mobility functions.

[0158] In aspect thirteen, EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on UE identifier.

[0159] In the fourteenth aspect, the UE identifier includes S-TMSI.

[0160] although Figure 9 An example box of process 900 is shown, but in some respects, process 900 may include... Figure 9 The boxes depicted in the diagram may be compared to additional boxes, fewer boxes, different boxes, or boxes arranged in a different manner. Alternatively, two or more boxes in the process 900 may be executed in parallel.

[0161] Figure 10 This is a diagram of an example device 1000 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Device 1000 may be a UE, or a UE may include device 1000. In some aspects, device 1000 includes a receiving component 1002, a transmitting component 1004, and / or a communication manager 1006 that can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, communication manager 1006 is combined with... Figure 1 The described communication manager 140. As shown, device 1000 can communicate with another device 1008 (such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, DU, RU or base station)) using receiving component 1002 and transmitting component 1004.

[0162] In some respects, device 1000 can be configured to perform the functions described herein. Figures 5A to 7 One or more operations as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the apparatus 1000 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein (such as...). Figure 8 The process 800) or a combination thereof. In some respects, Figure 10 The illustrated device 1000 and / or one or more components may include a combination Figure 2 One or more components of the described UE. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 10 One or more components shown can be combined Figure 2 Implementation within one or more components described. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be implemented at least partially as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion thereof) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the function or operation of the component.

[0163] Receiver 1002 may receive communications from device 1008, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof. Receiver 1002 may provide the received communications to one or more other components of device 1000. In some aspects, receiver 1002 may perform signal processing on the received communications (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, etc.) and may provide the processed signals to one or more other components of device 1000. In some aspects, receiver 1002 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described UE includes one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more demodulators, one or more MIMO detectors, one or more receiver processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or combinations thereof.

[0164] Transmitting component 1004 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, to device 1008. In some aspects, one or more other components of device 1000 may generate communications and provide the generated communications to transmitting component 1004 for transmission to device 1008. In some aspects, transmitting component 1004 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, etc.) on the generated communications and transmit the processed signals to device 1008. In some aspects, transmitting component 1004 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described UE may include one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more modulators, one or more transmit MIMO processors, one or more transmit processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the transmit component 1004 may co-located with the receive component 1002 in one or more transceivers.

[0165] The communication manager 1006 may support the operation of the receiving component 1002 and / or the transmitting component 1004. For example, the communication manager 1006 may receive information associated with configuring communication reception by the receiving component 1002 and / or communication transmission by the transmitting component 1004. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1006 may generate control information and / or provide such control information to the receiving component 1002 and / or the transmitting component 1004 to control communication reception and / or communication transmission.

[0166] The transmitting component 1004 may transmit a subgroup preference indication, which indicates the UE-preferred subgroup for the EPI. The receiving component 1002 may receive an EPI subgroup assignment for that EPI. Alternatively or additionally, the receiving component 1002 may receive a subgroup size indication specifying that the network node supports K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer, and the subgroup preference indication is at least partially based on the subgroup size indication. In some aspects, the receiving component 1002 may receive a value of the UE-preferred subgroup as input before transmitting the subgroup preference indication.

[0167] Figure 10 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In practice, different arrangements may exist. Figure 10 The components shown are compared to additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. Furthermore, Figure 10 The two or more components shown can be implemented within a single component, or Figure 10 The single component shown can be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 10 The set (one or more) components shown are executable and described as being composed of Figure 10 The other set of components shown performs one or more functions.

[0168] Figure 11 This is a diagram of an example device 1100 for wireless communication according to the present disclosure. Device 1100 may be a network node, or a network node may include device 1100. In some aspects, device 1100 includes a receiving component 1102, a transmitting component 1104, and / or a communication manager 1106 that can communicate with each other (e.g., via one or more buses and / or one or more other components). In some aspects, the communication manager 1106 is combined with... Figure 1 The described communication manager 150. As shown, device 1100 can communicate with another device 1108 (such as a UE or a network node (such as a CU, DU, RU or base station)) using receiving component 1102 and transmitting component 1104.

[0169] In some respects, device 1100 can be configured to perform the functions described herein. Figures 5A to 7One or more operations as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, device 1100 may be configured to perform one or more processes described herein (such as...). Figure 9 The process 900) or a combination thereof. In some respects, Figure 11 The device 1100 and / or one or more components shown may include a combination Figure 2 One or more components of the described network node. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 11 One or more components shown can be combined Figure 2 Implementation within one or more of the described components. Additionally or alternatively, one or more components in the set of components may be implemented at least partially as software stored in one or more memories. For example, a component (or a portion thereof) may be implemented as instructions or code stored in a non-transitory computer-readable medium and executable by one or more controllers or one or more processors to perform the function or operation of the component.

[0170] Receiver 1102 may receive communications from device 1108, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof. Receiver 1102 may provide the received communications to one or more other components of device 1100. In some aspects, receiver 1102 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, demodulation, analog-to-digital conversion, demultiplexing, deinterleaving, demapping, equalization, interference cancellation, or decoding, etc.) on the received communications, and may provide the processed signals to one or more other components of device 1100. In some aspects, receiver 1102 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described network node may include one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more demodulators, one or more MIMO detectors, one or more receiver processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, receiver component 1102 and / or transmitter component 1104 may include or be included in a network interface. The network interface may be configured to acquire and / or output signals for device 1100 via one or more communication links, such as backhaul links, midhaul links, and / or fronthaul links.

[0171] Transmitting component 1104 may transmit communications, such as reference signals, control information, data communications, or combinations thereof, to device 1108. In some aspects, one or more other components of device 1100 may generate communications and provide the generated communications to transmitting component 1104 for transmission to device 1108. In some aspects, transmitting component 1104 may perform signal processing (such as filtering, amplification, modulation, digital-to-analog conversion, multiplexing, interleaving, mapping, or encoding, etc.) on the generated communications and may transmit the processed signals to device 1108. In some aspects, transmitting component 1104 may include combinations of... Figure 2 The described network node includes one or more antennas, one or more modems, one or more modulators, one or more transmit MIMO processors, one or more transmit processors, one or more controllers / processors, one or more memories, or combinations thereof. In some aspects, the transmit component 1104 may co-located with the receive component 1102 in one or more transceivers.

[0172] The communication manager 1106 may support the operation of the receiving component 1102 and / or the transmitting component 1104. For example, the communication manager 1106 may receive information associated with configuring the reception of communications by the receiving component 1102 and / or the transmission of communications by the transmitting component 1104. Additionally or alternatively, the communication manager 1106 may generate control information and / or provide control information to the receiving component 1102 and / or the transmitting component 1104 to control the reception and / or transmission of communications.

[0173] Receiving component 1102 may receive a subgroup preference indication associated with the UE, which indicates the UE-preferred subgroup of the EPI. Transmitting component 1104 may transmit an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI. In some aspects, transmitting component 1104 may transmit the EPI using at least in part a bitmap based on the EPI subgroup assignment. Alternatively or additionally, transmitting component 1104 may transmit a subgroup size indication specifying support for K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer.

[0174] Figure 11 The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In practice, different arrangements may exist. Figure 11 The components shown are compared to additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged in a different manner. Furthermore, Figure 11 The two or more components shown can be implemented within a single component, or Figure 11 The single component shown can be implemented as multiple distributed components. Additionally or alternatively, Figure 11 The set (one or more) components shown are executable descriptions by Figure 11 The other set of components shown performs one or more functions.

[0175] The following provides an overview of some aspects of this disclosure:

[0176] Aspect 1: A method of wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: transmitting a subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup of an early paging indicator (EPI); and receiving an EPI subgroup assignment for the EPI.

[0177] Aspect 2: According to the method of aspect 1, sending the subgroup preference indication includes: sending the subgroup preference indication as part of the non-access tier (NAS) registration process.

[0178] Aspect 3: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 2, the method further comprising: receiving a subgroup size indication for a specified network node supporting K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer, wherein the subgroup preference indication is at least partially based on the subgroup size indication.

[0179] Aspect 4: According to the method of aspect 3, receiving the subgroup size indication includes: receiving the subgroup size indication in a broadcast message.

[0180] Aspect 5: According to the method of aspect 4, the broadcast message includes a system information block.

[0181] Aspect 6: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 5, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

[0182] Aspect 7: According to the method of aspect 6, the core network-based assignment includes assignment based on access and mobility functions (AMF).

[0183] Aspect 8: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the UE identifier.

[0184] Aspect 9: According to the method of aspect 8, wherein the assignment based on the UE identifier is based at least in part on the Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI).

[0185] Aspect 10: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the subgroup preference indication includes a value stored at the UE.

[0186] Aspect 11: The method according to aspect 10, the method further comprising: receiving the value as input before sending the subgroup preference indication.

[0187] Aspect 12: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein sending the subgroup preference indication includes: sending the subgroup preference indication in a media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0188] Aspect 13: The method according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein receiving the EPI comprises: receiving the EPI using a bitmap at least partially based on the assignment of the EPI subgroup.

[0189] Aspect 14: A method of wireless communication performed by a network node, the method comprising: receiving a subgroup preference indication associated with a user equipment (UE), the subgroup preference indication indicating a UE preferred subgroup of an early paging indicator (EPI); and transmitting an EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

[0190] Aspect 15: The method according to aspect 14, wherein receiving the subgroup preference indication includes: receiving the subgroup preference indication in a media access control (MAC) control element (CE).

[0191] Aspect 16: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 15, the method further comprising: transmitting the EPI using at least in part based on a bitmap assigned using the EPI subgroup.

[0192] Aspect 17: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 16, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment is based at least in part on the UE preferred subgroup.

[0193] Aspect 18: The method according to any one of Aspects 14 to 17, wherein the UE is a first UE, wherein the subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE, and wherein the method further comprises: receiving a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying a preferred subgroup of the UE indicated by the first subgroup preference indication; and grouping the first UE and the second UE in the same EPI subgroup based at least in part on specifying the same EPI subgroup preference based on the first subgroup preference indication and the second subgroup preference indication.

[0194] Aspect 19: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 18, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment is not based on the UE preferred subgroup.

[0195] Aspect 20: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 19, wherein the UE is a first UE, wherein the subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE, wherein the preferred UE subgroup is a first preferred UE subgroup, and wherein the method further comprises: receiving a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying a second preferred UE subgroup different from the first preferred UE subgroup; assigning the first UE to a first EPI subgroup; and assigning the second UE to a second EPI subgroup different from the first EPI subgroup, at least in part based on the fact that the first preferred UE subgroup is different from the second preferred UE subgroup.

[0196] Aspect 21: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 20, wherein sending the subgroup preference indication includes: receiving the subgroup preference indication as part of a non-access tier (NAS) registration process.

[0197] Aspect 22: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 21, the method further comprising: sending a subgroup size indication specifying support for K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer.

[0198] Aspect 23: According to the method of aspect 22, receiving the subgroup size indication includes: sending the subgroup size indication in a broadcast message.

[0199] Aspect 24: The method according to aspect 23, wherein the broadcast message includes a system information block.

[0200] Aspect 25: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 24, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

[0201] Aspect 26: According to the method of aspect 25, the core network-based assignment includes assignment based on access and mobility functions (AMF).

[0202] Aspect 27: The method according to any one of aspects 14 to 26, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the UE identifier.

[0203] Aspect 28: The method according to aspect 27, wherein the UE identifier includes a Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI).

[0204] Aspect 29: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to one or more aspects of aspects 1 to 13.

[0205] Aspect 30: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 13.

[0206] Aspect 31: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 13.

[0207] Aspect 32: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code including instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to one or more aspects 1 to 13.

[0208] Aspect 33: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects 1 to 13.

[0209] Aspect 34: A device for wireless communication, the device including a processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects 1 to 13.

[0210] Aspect 35: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being individually or collectively configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more of aspects 1 to 13.

[0211] Aspect 36: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more processors; one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors; and instructions stored in the one or more memories and executable by the one or more processors to cause the apparatus to perform the method according to one or more aspects of aspects 14 to 28.

[0212] Aspect 37: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects of aspects 14 to 28.

[0213] Aspect 38: An apparatus for wireless communication, the apparatus comprising at least one component for performing the method according to one or more of aspects 14 to 28.

[0214] Aspect 39: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing code for wireless communication, the code including instructions executable by one or more processors to perform the method according to one or more aspects 14 to 28.

[0215] Aspect 40: A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions for wireless communication, the set of instructions comprising one or more instructions which, when executed by one or more processors of a device, cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects of aspects 14 to 28.

[0216] Aspect 41: A device for wireless communication, the device including a processing system comprising one or more processors and one or more memories coupled to the one or more processors, the processing system being configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects of aspects 14 to 28.

[0217] Aspect 42: An apparatus for wireless communication at a device, the apparatus comprising: one or more memories; and one or more processors coupled to the one or more memories, the one or more processors being individually or collectively configured to cause the device to perform the method according to one or more aspects of aspects 14 to 28.

[0218] While the foregoing disclosure provides examples and descriptions, it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit aspects to the precise forms disclosed. Modifications and variations can be made based on the foregoing disclosure, or from various aspects of practice.

[0219] As used herein, the term "component" is intended to be interpreted broadly as hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. Whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or other names, "software" should be interpreted broadly as meaning instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subroutines, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executable files, threads of execution, procedures, and / or functions, etc. As used herein, a "processor" is implemented in hardware and / or a combination of hardware and software. It will be apparent that the systems and / or methods described herein can be implemented through various forms of hardware and / or combinations of hardware and software. The actual dedicated control hardware or software code used to implement these systems and / or methods is not limiting in any way. Therefore, no specific software code is referred to in this document to describe the operation and behavior of the systems and / or methods, as those skilled in the art will understand that the software and hardware can be designed, at least in part, based on the descriptions herein, to implement the systems and / or methods.

[0220] Hardware and data processing means for implementing the various exemplary logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described herein can be implemented or executed using general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic components, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some aspects, specific processes and methods can be performed by circuitry dedicated to a given function.

[0221] As used in this article, depending on the context, "meeting the threshold" can mean a value greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, etc.

[0222] Although specific combinations of features are set forth in the claims and / or disclosed in the specification, these combinations are not intended to limit the disclosure of various aspects. Many of these features may be combined in ways not specifically set forth in the claims and / or not disclosed in the specification. The disclosure of various aspects includes each dependent claim in combination with each other claim in the set of claims. As used herein, the phrase “at least one of” in the list of items refers to any combination of these entries, including a single member. As an example, “at least one of a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c, a+b, a+c, b+c, and a+b+c, as well as any combination having multiple identical elements (e.g., a+a, a+a+a, a+a+b, a+a+c, a+b+b, a+c+c, b+b, b+b+b, b+b+c, c+c, and c+c+c, or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

[0223] No element, action, or instruction used herein should be construed as essential or necessary unless explicitly stated otherwise. Furthermore, as used herein, the articles “a” and “an” are intended to include one or more items and are interchangeable with “one or more.” Similarly, as used herein, the article “the” is intended to include one or more items mentioned in connection with the article “the” and is interchangeable with “one or more.” Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “group” and “cluster” are intended to include one or more entries and are interchangeable with “one or more.” If only one item is desired, the phrase “only one” or similar terminology will be used. Additionally, as used herein, the terms “having” and the like are intended to be open-ended terms that do not limit the elements they modify (e.g., an element “having” A may also have B). Furthermore, the phrase “based on” is intended to mean “at least partially based on” unless otherwise explicitly stated. Additionally, as used herein, the term “or” is intended to be open-ended when used in a series and is interchangeable with “and / or” unless otherwise explicitly stated (e.g., if used in conjunction with “any” or “only one”).

Claims

1. An apparatus for wireless communication at a user equipment (UE), the apparatus comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, said one or more processors coupled to said one or more memories, said one or more processors being configured to cause the UE to: Send a subgroup preference indication, which indicates the UE's preferred subgroup for the Early Paging Indicator (EPI); and Receive EPI subgroup assignments for the EPI.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in order for the UE to send the subgroup preference indication, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: As part of the Non-Access Hierarchy (NAS) registration process, the subgroup preference indication is sent.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the UE to: Receive a subgroup size indication for the specified network node, which supports K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer. The subgroup preference indication is at least in part based on the subgroup size indication.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein, in order for the UE to receive the subgroup size indication, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: Receive the subgroup size indication in the broadcast message.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the broadcast message includes a system information block.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the core network-based assignment includes assignment based on Access and Mobility Functions (AMF).

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the UE identifier.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the assignment based on the UE identifier is based at least in part on the Serving Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (S-TMSI).

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in order for the UE to receive the EPI, the one or more processors are configured to cause the UE to: The EPI is received using a bitmap that is at least partially based on the assignment of the EPI subgroup.

11. An apparatus for wireless communication at a network node, the apparatus comprising: One or more memory units; and One or more processors, said one or more processors coupled to said one or more memories, said one or more processors being configured to cause the network node to: Receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a user equipment (UE), the subgroup preference indication indicating the UE preferred subgroup of the Early Paging Indicator (EPI); and Send the EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to: The EPI is sent using at least in part based on the bitmap assigned using the EPI subgroup.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment is at least partially based on the UE preferred subgroup.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the UE is a first UE. The subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE, and The one or more processors thereon are further configured to enable the network node to: Receive a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying the preferred subgroup of the UE indicated by the first subgroup preference indication; and The first UE and the second UE are grouped into the same EPI subgroup, at least in part, based on the same EPI subgroup preference specified by the first subgroup preference indication and the second subgroup preference indication.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment is not based on the UE preferred subgroup.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the UE is a first UE. The subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE. The preferred UE subgroup is the first preferred UE subgroup, and The one or more processors thereon are further configured to enable the network node to: Receive a second subgroup preference indication associated with the second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying a second UE preferred subgroup that is different from the first UE preferred subgroup; Assign the first UE to the first EPI subgroup; and The second UE is assigned to a second EPI subgroup that is different from the first EPI subgroup, at least in part, based on the fact that the first UE preferred subgroup is different from the second UE preferred subgroup.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein, in order for the network node to send the subgroup preference indication, the one or more processors are configured to cause the network node to: As part of the Non-Access Hierarchy (NAS) registration process, the subgroup preference indication is received.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more processors are further configured to cause the network node to: Send a subgroup size indication specifying the support for K EPI subgroups, where K is an integer.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the UE identifier.

21. A method for wireless communication performed by a user equipment (UE), the method comprising: Send a subgroup preference indication, which indicates the UE preferred subgroup for the Early Paging Indicator (EPI); as well as Receive EPI subgroup assignments for the EPI.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein sending the subgroup preference indication comprises: As part of the Non-Access Hierarchy (NAS) registration process, the subgroup preference indication is sent.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the core network.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment includes assignment based on the UE identifier.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein receiving the EPI comprises: The EPI is received using a bitmap that is at least partially based on the assignment of the EPI subgroup.

26. A method for wireless communication performed by a network node, the method comprising: Receive a subgroup preference indication associated with a user equipment (UE), the subgroup preference indication indicating the UE preferred subgroup of the early paging indicator (EPI); as well as Send the EPI subgroup assignment associated with the EPI.

27. The method according to claim 26, further comprising: The EPI is sent using at least in part based on the bitmap assigned using the EPI subgroup.

28. The method of claim 26, wherein the EPI subgroup assignment is at least partially based on the UE preferred subgroup.

29. The method of claim 26, wherein the UE is a first UE. The subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE, and The method further includes: Receive a second subgroup preference indication associated with a second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying the preferred subgroup of the UE indicated by the first subgroup preference indication; as well as The first UE and the second UE are grouped into the same EPI subgroup, at least in part, based on the same EPI subgroup preference specified by the first subgroup preference indication and the second subgroup preference indication.

30. The method of claim 26, wherein the UE is a first UE. The subgroup preference indication is a first subgroup preference indication associated with the first UE. The preferred UE subgroup is the first preferred UE subgroup, and The method further includes: Receive a second subgroup preference indication associated with the second UE, the second subgroup preference indication specifying a second UE preferred subgroup that is different from the first UE preferred subgroup; Assign the first UE to the first EPI subgroup; and The second UE is assigned to a second EPI subgroup that is different from the first EPI subgroup, at least in part, based on the fact that the first UE preferred subgroup is different from the second UE preferred subgroup.

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