Method and apparatus for transmitting in a cell active window in mobile communications

Abstract

Various solutions are described for a device in a mobile communication to transmit within a cell activity window. The device can receive a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the device and a network node. The device can transceive messages with the network node within the cell activity window.

Description

[0001] Cross-referencing

[0002] This disclosure is part of a non-provisional application and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 595,783, filed November 3, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to mobile communications, and more specifically, to transmissions within a cell activity window of a device in mobile communications. Background Technology

[0004] Unless otherwise stated, the methods described in this section are not prior art as claimed in the following claims, and are not considered prior art simply because they are included in this section.

[0005] Energy-saving technologies have been developed for Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and New Radio (NR) mobile communications. In particular, various features have been introduced to enhance the energy efficiency of networks and user equipment (UEs) across multiple domains, including time, frequency, spatial, and power domains.

[0006] For example, the discontinuous reception (DRX) feature helps reduce UE power consumption by allowing the device to periodically enter sleep mode, avoiding continuous monitoring of the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). More specifically, DRX has two modes: idle mode for paging message monitoring; and connected mode, where the UE periodically wakes up to check downlink / uplink data. DRX also improves network efficiency and frees up resources for other UEs by reducing unnecessary transmission of channel state information (CSI) and sounding reference signal (SRS) during sleep.

[0007] However, most of the energy-saving features currently developed were not part of the original network communication design, leading to increased complexity in network and UE behavior. Furthermore, in some cases, energy-saving features designed for the UE may increase network processing load, while in others, energy-saving features designed for the network may increase the UE's processing load.

[0008] Therefore, designing an energy-efficient framework for the network and UE has become a crucial issue in the development of new wireless communication networks. Consequently, it is necessary to provide appropriate solutions for designing energy-efficient frameworks for both the network and UE. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The following abstract is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. That is, the abstract aims to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described herein. Detailed descriptions of specific embodiments will follow. Therefore, the following abstract is not intended to identify the essential features of the subject matter of the claims, nor to determine the scope of the subject matter.

[0010] The objective of this disclosure is to provide a solution or method for addressing the aforementioned problems related to transmission by a device within a cell activity window in mobile communications.

[0011] In one aspect, a method may include a device receiving a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the device and a network node. The method may also include the device sending and receiving messages with the network node within the cell activity window.

[0012] In one aspect, a method may include a device sending a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the device and at least one user equipment (UE). The method may also include the device sending and receiving messages with the at least one UE within the cell activity window.

[0013] In one aspect, an apparatus may include a transceiver that wirelessly communicates with a wireless network during operation. The apparatus may also include a processor communicatively connected to the transceiver. The processor may perform operations during operation, including receiving signals from the transceiver indicating a cell activity window applicable to the apparatus and network nodes. The processor may further perform operations including sending and receiving messages with the network node via the transceiver within the cell activity window.

[0014] In one aspect, an apparatus may include a transceiver that wirelessly communicates with a wireless network during operation. The apparatus may also include a processor communicatively connected to the transceiver. The processor may perform operations during operation, including transmitting via the transceiver a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the apparatus and at least one UE. The processor may further perform operations including sending and receiving messages with the at least one UE via the transceiver within the cell activity window.

[0015] It is worth noting that although the content described herein may be presented in the context of certain wireless access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, LTE-Advanced Pro, 5th Generation (5G), New Radio (NR), Internet-of-Things (IoT), Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and 6th Generation (6G), the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variations / derivatives thereof can be implemented, used, and implemented by other types of wireless access technologies, networks, and network topologies. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The accompanying drawings are intended to further understand this disclosure and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this disclosure. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, in conjunction with the description, are used to explain the principles of the disclosure. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to the actual dimensions in order to clearly illustrate the concepts of the disclosure.

[0017] Figure 1 This is an example scenario diagram illustrating the solution under the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 2 This is an example scenario diagram illustrating the solution under the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 3 This is an example scenario diagram illustrating the solution under the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0020] Figure 4 This is an example scenario diagram illustrating the solution under the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 5 This is an example scenario diagram illustrating the solution under the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a block diagram of an example communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 7 This is an example flowchart of an implementation method based on the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 8 This is an example flowchart of an implementation method based on the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Detailed embodiments and implementations of the subject matter of the claims are disclosed herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are for illustrative purposes only and may be implemented in various forms. This disclosure may take many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are intended to make the description of this disclosure exhaustive and complete, and to adequately convey the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

[0026] Overview

[0027] The present disclosure relates to various technologies, methods, schemes, and / or solutions related to transmission by a device within a cell activity window in mobile communications. According to the present disclosure, several possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions are described separately below, two or more of them can be implemented in one or another combination.

[0028] Regarding the contents of this disclosure, a network node can send a signal to user equipment (UE). This signal can indicate a cell activity window applicable to both the UE and the network node. The cell activity window can be an active period for the UE and the network node to send and receive messages. Therefore, after the UE receives this signal, the network node and the UE can send and receive messages to each other.

[0029] Therefore, an energy-saving framework can be applied to the network node and the UE to ensure that they share the same active time period (i.e., cell active window). This alignment enables scalable energy consumption, optimizing the energy efficiency of the network node and the UE without involving significant processing complexity or increased signaling overhead.

[0030] Figure 1Example scenario 100 is shown, illustrating a solution implemented according to this disclosure. Scenario 100 involves at least one network node and one UE, which may be part of a wireless communication network (e.g., an LTE network, a 5G / new radio (NR) network, an Internet of Things (IoT) network, or a 6G network). Scenario 100 illustrates a current network framework. The UE may be connected to the network side. The network side may include one or more network nodes.

[0031] Figure 2 Example scenario 200 of a solution implemented according to this disclosure is illustrated. In some embodiments, the network node can send a signal to the UE. This signal can indicate a cell activity window applicable to both the UE and the network node. The cell activity window can be an active period of a cycle during which the UE and the network node can send and receive messages. In some cases, the cycle can include a cell inactivity window, which can be an inactivity period during which the UE and the network node cannot send or receive messages.

[0032] Therefore, after the network node configures the UE via this signal, both the network node and the UE can enter an active state within the cell's active window (i.e., active period) and send and receive messages to each other within that window. Conversely, both the network node and the UE can enter an inactive state within the cell's inactive window (i.e., inactive period) and cannot send or receive messages to each other within that window.

[0033] In some implementations, the community activity window of this disclosure can be on a community-by-community basis. Specifically, based on Figure 3 The example scenario 300, implemented according to this disclosure, shows that the cell activity window can be applied to network nodes associated with the cell and UE cross-component carriers (CCs) (e.g., Figure 3 (CCs #1 to #3 in the document). In some implementations, the cell activity window of this disclosure may be group-based. Specifically, the cell activity window may apply to the network nodes associated with the cell and a group of UEs spanning one or more CCs.

[0034] In some implementations, the network node can send downlink data to the UE within the cell's activity window. In specific implementations, based on... Figure 2The UE can monitor the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) within the cell activity window. When the network node sends the PDCCH to the UE within the cell activity window, the UE can decode and process the PDCCH accordingly. In some implementations, the network node can receive uplink data from the UE within the cell activity window. Specifically, the UE can send uplink data (e.g., scheduling request (SR), physical random access channel (PRACH), etc.) to the network node within the cell activity window.

[0035] In some implementations, the signal can indicate one or more sub-active windows of the cell active window. Specifically, each sub-active window can be UE-specific. The network node can send downlink data to the UE within at least one specific sub-active window. More specifically, the UE can monitor the PDCCH within at least one specific sub-active window. When the network node sends the PDCCH to the UE within at least one specific sub-active window, the UE can decode and process the PDCCH accordingly. In some implementations, the network node can receive uplink data from the UE within the cell active window. Specifically, the UE can send uplink data (e.g., SR, PRACH, etc.) to the network node within the cell active window. In some cases, the sub-active window can be selected based on the UE identification (UE-ID), beam (e.g., transmission configuration indication (TCI state)), or UE wake-up time capability after sleep.

[0036] Figure 4 An example scenario 400 of a scheme implemented according to this disclosure is illustrated. For example, the signal indicates four sub-active windows SW #1 to SW #4 of the cell active window. In this example, sub-active windows SW #1 and #2 are UE-specific. The network node sends PDCCH to the UE within sub-active windows SW #1 and #2. The UE monitors and decodes the PDCCH within sub-active windows SW #1 and #2. The UE sends uplink data (e.g., SR, PRACH, etc.) to the network node within the cell active window, and the transmission of uplink data is not limited to sub-active windows SW #1 and #2.

[0037] In some implementations, the network node can send the UE a configuration for the UE to monitor the signal. Specifically, the configuration may include at least the following: (1) the frequency location of the signal; (2) the time location of the signal; (3) the periodicity of the signal; (4) the start time slot offset of the signal; and (5) the payload size of the signal. Therefore, the UE can monitor the signal based on this configuration. In some cases, the configuration may be included in radio resource control (RRC) signaling. In some cases, the configuration may be included in a system information block (SIB).

[0038] In some cases, when the signal contains a PDCCH, a control resource set (CORESET) and a search space set can be configured in this configuration to provide time location information and frequency location information.

[0039] In some cases, when the signal contains sequence-based signals, the time location information may include the start symbol and duration, and the frequency location information may include the start physical resource block and the number of resource blocks (RBs).

[0040] In some cases, the periodicity of this signal can be further configured to a UE-specific monitoring periodicity via UE-specific RRC signaling. When a UE-specific monitoring periodicity is provided, the UE can monitor the signal based on the UE-specific monitoring periodicity. When a UE-specific monitoring periodicity is not provided, the UE can monitor the signal based on the default periodicity.

[0041] In some implementations, the signal includes at least one of the following: (1) a wake-up indication associated with the cell activity window; (2) time-domain information associated with the cell activity window; (3) spatial-domain information associated with the cell activity window; and (4) frequency-domain information associated with the cell activity window.

[0042] In some cases, the wake-up indication can be cell-specific, group UE-specific, or UE-specific, and can indicate whether the UE is to wake up during the cell activity window to monitor the downlink control channel (e.g., PDCCH).

[0043] In some cases, time-domain information may include at least one of the following: (1) the periodicity of the cell activity window; (2) the periodicity of the monitored signal; (3) the activity duration of the cell activity window; (4) the initial offset of the cell activity window relative to the signal; (5) the number of sub-activity window groups; (6) the sub-activity window configuration; (7) the activity duration of the sub-activity window; and (8) a transmission timer. The transmission timer may include an inactive timer triggered after the UE receives a UE-specific downlink control channel for a new transmission or retransmission. The transmission timer may be a timer triggered after the UE transmits or receives data. The cell activity window and / or sub-activity window may be extended based on resetting the transmission timer.

[0044] In some cases, spatial information may include at least one of the following: (1) the number of transceiver units (TxRUs); (2) the number of antenna elements; (3) the channel state information (CSI) report configuration; and (4) the number of maximum multi-input multi-output (MIMO) layers.

[0045] In some cases, frequency domain information may include at least one of the following: (1) the number of active carriers; and (2) the bandwidth and center frequency location.

[0046] In some implementations, the UE may receive multiple signals as disclosed herein. The UE may apply configurations and parameters based on the last received signal. In other words, adaptation to wake-up indications, time-domain information, spatial-domain information, and frequency-domain information may be based on the most recently received signal.

[0047] In some implementations, the signal may instruct the UE to change the bandwidth part (BWP). Specifically, upon receiving the signal, the UE may determine to change the BWP from the current BWP to the indicated BWP. Figure 5 An example scenario 500 is illustrated under a scheme according to an embodiment of this disclosure. For example, signal #A may indicate a BWP index associated with BWP#1 that is different from the current BWP index associated with BWP#0. Upon receiving signal #A, the UE determines to change the BWP from BWP#0 to BWP#1. In some cases, when the change of BWP involves frequency domain or spatial domain adaptation, a handover gap may be required. During the handover gap, the UE does not expect to receive or transmit any signals.

[0048] Example Implementation

[0049] Figure 6An example communication system 600 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated, including an example communication device 610 and an example network device 620. The communication device 610 and the network device 620 are capable of performing various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described herein for in-cell transmission related to a UE and a network device in mobile communication, including the aforementioned scenarios / schemes and processes 700 and 800 described below.

[0050] The communication device 610 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a user interface (UE), such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, the communication device 610 may be implemented in a smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, digital camera, or computing device (such as a tablet, laptop, or mobile phone). The communication device 610 may also be part of a machine-type device, such as an Internet of Things (IoT), narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), or industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) device, such as a non-movable or fixed device, a home device, a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, the communication device 610 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. Alternatively, the communication device 610 may be implemented in the form of one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more reduced-instruction-set computing (RISC) processors, or one or more complex-instruction-set computing (CISC) processors. The communication device 610 may include... Figure 6 The communication device 610 may include at least some of the components shown, such as processor 612. It may also include one or more other components unrelated to the present disclosure (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device), and therefore, these components of the communication device 610 are... Figure 6 This is not shown in the text and is not described below, in order to simplify and refine the content.

[0051] Network device 620 may be part of a network device, which may be a network node, such as a satellite, base station, cell, router, or gateway. For example, network device 620 may be implemented in an eNodeB in an LTE network, a gNB in ​​a 5G / NR, IoT, NB-IoT, or IIoT network, or a satellite or base station in a 6G network. Alternatively, network device 620 may be implemented in the form of one or more IC chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more RISC or CISC processors. Network device 620 may include... Figure 6 The network device 620 may include at least some of the components shown, such as processor 622. It may also include one or more other components unrelated to the present disclosure (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device), and therefore, these components of the network device 620 are... Figure 6 This is not shown in the text and is not described below, in order to simplify and refine the content.

[0052] On one hand, processors 612 and 622 can both be implemented as one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC processors. That is, although the singular term "processor" is used herein to refer to processors 612 and 622, each of processors 612 and 622 may include multiple processors according to certain embodiments of this disclosure, or may be a single processor in other embodiments. On the other hand, each of processors 612 and 622 can be implemented in hardware (and optionally firmware) and includes, for example, but not limited to, one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more transformers, these electronic components being configured and arranged to achieve the specific purposes of this disclosure. In other words, in at least some embodiments, each of processor 612 and processor 622 is a dedicated machine specifically designed, arranged, and configured to perform a particular task, including transmission within a cell activity window implemented in a device (e.g., represented by communication device 610) and a network (e.g., represented by network device 620) according to various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0053] In some embodiments, the communication device 610 may further include a transceiver 616 coupled to the processor 612, capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In other words, the processor 612 can transmit and receive data, such as configurations, messages, signals, information, and instructions, through the transceiver 616. In some embodiments, the communication device 610 may further include a memory 614 coupled to the processor 612, in which the processor 612 can access and store data. In some embodiments, the network device 620 may further include a transceiver 626 coupled to the processor 622, capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In other words, the processor 622 can transmit and receive data, such as configurations, messages, signals, information, and instructions, through the transceiver 626. In some embodiments, the network device 620 may further include a memory 624 coupled to the processor 622, in which the processor 622 can access and store data. Therefore, the communication device 610 and the network device 620 can communicate wirelessly through the transceiver 616 and transceiver 626, respectively. For ease of understanding, the following descriptions of the operation, functions and capabilities of the communication device 610 and the network device 620 are provided in the context of a mobile communication environment, wherein the communication device 610 is implemented as a communication device or UE, and the network device 620 is implemented as a network node of a communication network.

[0054] In some embodiments, each of memories 614 and 624 may include a random-access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and / or zero-capacitor RAM (Z-RAM). Alternatively, or additionally, each of memories 614 and 624 may include a read-only memory (ROM), such as a mask ROM, a programmable ROM (PROM), an erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or an electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, each of memories 614 and 624 may include a non-volatile random-access memory (NVRAM), such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and / or phase-change memory.

[0055] Explanatory process

[0056] Figure 7 An example flow 700 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Flow 700 may be an example implementation of the above-described scenario / solution, whether partially or entirely, for transmission within the cell activity window of this disclosure. Flow 700 may represent one aspect of a characteristic embodiment of communication device 610. Flow 700 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in blocks 710 to 720. Although shown in discrete blocks, the individual blocks of flow 700 may be divided into more blocks, merged into fewer blocks, or omitted depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of flow 700 may be arranged according to... Figure 7 The process can be executed in the order shown, or in a different order. Process 700 can be implemented by communication device 610 or any suitable user equipment or machine type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, the following process 700 is described in the context of communication device 610. Process 700 may begin with block 710.

[0057] In block 710, process 700 may involve the processor 612 of communication device 610 receiving a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the device and network nodes. Process 700 may proceed from block 710 to block 720.

[0058] In block 720, process 700 may involve the processor 612 of communication device 610 sending and receiving messages with the network node within the cell activity window.

[0059] In some implementations, the signal may indicate one or more sub-active windows of the cell's active window.

[0060] In some implementations, process 700 involves the processor 612 of the communication device 610 receiving downlink data from the network node within at least one of the one or more sub-activity windows. Process 700 also involves the processor 612 of the communication device 610 sending uplink data to the network node within the cell activity window.

[0061] In some implementations, process 700 involves the processor 612 of the communication device 610 receiving downlink data from the network node within the cell activity window. Process 700 also involves the processor 612 of the communication device 610 sending uplink data to the network node within the cell activity window.

[0062] In some implementations, the signal may include at least one of the following: a wake-up indication associated with the cell activity window; time-domain information associated with the cell activity window; spatial-domain information associated with the cell activity window; and frequency-domain information associated with the cell activity window.

[0063] In some implementations, the time-domain information may include at least one of the following: the periodicity of the cell activity window; the periodicity of monitoring the signal; the activity duration of the cell activity window; the start offset of the cell activity window relative to the signal; the number of sub-activity window groups; the sub-activity window configuration; the activity duration of the sub-activity windows; and a transmission timer.

[0064] In some implementations, process 700 involves the processor 612 of the communication device 610 determining a change in bandwidth based on the signal.

[0065] In some implementations, the signal can indicate a bandwidth portion index that is different from the current bandwidth portion index.

[0066] In some implementations, process 700 involves the processor 612 of the communication device 610 receiving a configuration for monitoring the signal.

[0067] In some implementations, the configuration may include at least one of the following: the frequency position of the signal; the time position of the signal; the periodicity of the signal; the start time slot offset of the signal; and the payload size of the signal.

[0068] Figure 8 An example flow 800 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Flow 800 may be an example implementation of the above-described scenario / solution, whether partially or entirely, for transmission within the cell activity window of this disclosure. Flow 800 may represent one aspect of a characteristic embodiment of network device 620. Flow 800 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in blocks 810 to 820. Although shown in discrete blocks, the individual blocks of flow 800 may be divided into more blocks, merged into fewer blocks, or omitted depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the blocks of flow 800 may be arranged according to... Figure 8 The process can be executed in the order shown, or in a different order. Process 800 can be implemented by network device 620 or any suitable network device or machine type device. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, the following process 800 is described in the context of network device 620. Process 800 may begin at block 810.

[0069] In block 810, process 800 may involve the processor 622 of network device 620 sending a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the device and at least one user equipment. Process 800 may proceed from block 810 to block 820.

[0070] In block 820, process 800 may involve the processor 622 of network device 620 sending and receiving messages with the at least one user equipment within the cell activity window.

[0071] In some implementations, the signal may indicate one or more sub-active windows of the cell's active window.

[0072] In some implementations, process 800 relates to the processor 622 of network device 620 sending downlink data to the at least one user equipment within one or more sub-activity windows. Process 800 relates to the processor 622 of network device 620 receiving uplink data from the at least one user equipment within the cell activity window.

[0073] In some implementations, process 800 involves the processor 622 of network device 620 sending downlink data to the at least one user equipment within the cell activity window. Process 800 also involves the processor 622 of network device 620 receiving uplink data from the at least one user equipment within the cell activity window.

[0074] In some implementations, the signal may include at least one of the following: a wake-up indication associated with the cell activity window; time-domain information associated with the cell activity window; spatial-domain information associated with the cell activity window; and frequency-domain information associated with the cell activity window.

[0075] In some implementations, the time-domain information may include at least one of the following: the periodicity of the cell activity window; the periodicity of monitoring the signal; the activity duration of the cell activity window; the start offset of the cell activity window relative to the signal; the number of sub-activity window groups; the sub-activity window configuration; the activity duration of the sub-activity windows; and a transmission timer.

[0076] In some implementations, the signal is also used to determine changes in the bandwidth portion.

[0077] In some implementations, the signal can indicate a bandwidth portion index that is different from the current bandwidth portion index.

[0078] In some implementations, process 800 involves the processor 622 of network device 620 sending configurations for monitoring the signal.

[0079] In some implementations, the configuration may include at least one of the following: the frequency position of the signal; the time position of the signal; the periodicity of the signal; the start time slot offset of the signal; and the payload size of the signal.

[0080] Additional notes

[0081] The topics described herein sometimes illustrate different components contained within or connected to other components. It should be understood that such illustrated architectures are merely examples, and many other architectures can actually be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components to achieve the same functionality is effectively “associated” to achieve the desired function. Therefore, any two components combined in this document to achieve a specific function can be considered “associated” to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two components so associated can also be considered “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be so associated can also be considered “operably coupled” to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of operable coupling include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0082] Furthermore, regarding the use of almost all plural and / or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art can appropriately convert plural to singular and / or singular to plural depending on the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural arrangements are explicitly listed herein.

[0083] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that terms commonly used herein, particularly in appended claims, such as the body portion of appended claims, are generally considered "open-ended" terms. For example, the word "comprising" should be interpreted as "comprising but not limited to," the word "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," and the word "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," etc. Those skilled in the art will also further understand that if a specific quantity introduced in a claim has an explicit intent, that intent will be explicitly stated in the claim; if no such statement is made, then such intent does not exist. For example, for ease of understanding, the appended claims described below may contain the use of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce the content of the claim. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as meaning that when the content of a claim is introduced by the indefinite article "a" or "a," any specific claim containing that content is limited to containing only one of that content, even if the same claim contains the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "a," for example, "a" and / or "a" should be interpreted as "at least one" or "one or more"; the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce the content of a claim. Furthermore, even if a specific number of the introduced content is explicitly stated in the claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should be interpreted as at least the stated number. For example, stating "two contents" alone, without further modification, means at least two contents, or two or more contents. Additionally, when using conventions such as "at least one A, B, and C," such structures should generally be interpreted in the way that those skilled in the art understand the convention. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, and C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and systems having both A, B, and C. Similarly, when using conventions such as "at least one A, B, or C," such structures should generally be interpreted in the way that those skilled in the art understand the convention. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, or C" includes, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and systems having both A, B, and C. Those skilled in the art will further understand that virtually any extractive term and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims, or drawings should be understood to include the possibility of containing one, any, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibility of “A” or “B” or “A and B”.

[0084] As can be seen from the foregoing, this document describes various embodiments of the present disclosure for illustrative purposes, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure. Therefore, the various embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The device's processor receives a signal indicating the cell activity window applicable to the device and network nodes; as well as The processor sends and receives messages with the network node within the cell's activity window.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal indicates one or more sub-active windows of the cell active window.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of sending and receiving the message with the network node within the cell activity window further comprises at least one of the following: The processor receives downlink data from the network node within at least one of the one or more sub-active windows; and The processor sends uplink data to the network node within the cell's active window.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of sending and receiving the data with the network node within the cell activity window further comprises at least one of the following: The processor receives downlink data from the network node within the cell's active window; and The processor sends uplink data to the network node within the cell's active window.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the signal comprises at least one of the following: Wake-up instructions related to the activity window of this community; Temporal information related to the activity window of this community; Airspace information related to the activity window of this community; and Frequency domain information related to the activity window of this cell.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the time-domain information comprises at least one of the following: The periodicity of activity windows in this community; Monitor the periodicity of this signal; The activity duration of the activity window in this community; The cell's active window is offset relative to the start of the signal; The number of child activity window groups; Child activity window configuration; The activity duration of the sub-activity window; and Transmission timer.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The processor determines the bandwidth portion to be changed based on this signal.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the signal indicates a bandwidth portion index different from the current bandwidth portion index.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: The processor receives the configuration used to monitor the signal.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: The frequency position of the signal; The time and location of the signal; The periodicity of the signal; The initial time slot offset of the signal; and The effective payload size of the signal.

11. A method comprising: The processor of the device sends a signal indicating a cell activity window applicable to the device and at least one user equipment; as well as The processor sends and receives messages with at least one user equipment within the cell's activity window.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the signal indicates one or more sub-active windows of the cell active window.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of sending and receiving the message with the at least one user equipment within the cell activity window further comprises at least one of the following: The processor transmits downlink data to the at least one user equipment within at least one of the one or more sub-active windows; and The processor receives uplink data from at least one user equipment within the cell's active window.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of sending and receiving the message with the network node within the cell activity window further comprises at least one of the following: The processor sends downlink data to at least one user equipment within the cell's active window; and The processor receives uplink data from at least one user equipment within the cell's active window.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the signal comprises at least one of the following: Wake-up instructions related to the activity window of this community; Temporal information related to the activity window of this community; Airspace information related to the activity window of this community; and Frequency domain information related to the activity window of this cell.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the time-domain information comprises at least one of the following: The periodicity of activity windows in this community; Monitor the periodicity of this signal; The activity duration of the activity window in this community; The cell's active window is offset relative to the start of the signal; The number of child activity window groups; Child activity window configuration; The activity duration of the sub-activity window; and Transmission timer.

17. The method of claim 11, wherein the signal is further used to determine a change in bandwidth.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal indicates a bandwidth portion index different from the current bandwidth portion index.

19. The method of claim 11, further comprising: The processor sends the configuration for monitoring the signal.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: The frequency position of the signal; The time and location of the signal; The periodicity of the signal; The initial time slot offset of the signal; and The effective payload size of the signal.

Images