Enhanced ue measurement behavior during idle mode or inactive mode

Abstract

This application relates to enhanced UE measurement behavior during idle or inactive mode. A method includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from a serving cell, a configuration while the UE is in a radio resource control (RRC) connected mode, the configuration including settings for how to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions; switching, by the UE, to an idle mode or an inactive mode; determining, based on a length of time of RRC connected mode measurements, that the RRC connected mode measurements are still valid; and performing, prior to the RRC connected mode measurements becoming invalid, one or more measurement actions selected based on the determination of the RRC connected mode measurements.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Various example implementations generally relate to wireless networking, and more specifically to the configuration of UE measurement behavior during idle or inactive modes. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless networking offers significant advantages to user mobility. The ability to maintain connectivity while on the move not only benefits users but also contributes to greater efficiency and productivity across society. As users' expectations for connection reliability, data speed, and device battery life increase, wireless networking technologies must keep pace. Therefore, improving wireless networking technologies remains a focus of ongoing attention. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The subject matter of the independent claims is provided in several respects. Other aspects are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a method includes: when a user equipment (UE) is in a Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode, the UE receiving configuration from a serving cell, the configuration including settings for how to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions; the UE switching to an idle mode or inactive mode; determining, based on the duration of the RRC connectivity mode measurement, that the RRC connectivity mode measurement is still valid; and performing one or more measurement actions selected based on the determination of the RRC connectivity mode measurement before the RRC connectivity mode measurement becomes invalid.

[0005] In one aspect of the method, the method may further include: before the UE receives the configuration for idle mode or inactive mode measurements, the UE sends a message to the serving cell indicating the UE's ability to store and evaluate RRC connection mode measurements during idle mode or inactive mode.

[0006] In one aspect of the method, the indication of the UE state during the measurement can provide an indication of the RRC connection state when the measurement is performed.

[0007] In one aspect of the method, the configuration may further include UE capability information. The UE capability information may indicate the storage range of RRC connection mode measurements. The UE capability information may include the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, the number of cells, or the number of reference signals.

[0008] In one aspect of this method, the UE capability information may indicate: the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, and / or the number of cells for which the UE is capable of performing determinations and one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0009] In one aspect of this method, the UE can receive configurations for measurement behavior in idle or inactive modes from the serving cell via an RRC release message, an RRC reconfiguration message, and / or a system information block (SIB).

[0010] In one aspect of the method, the configuration may include information about the validity of RRC connection mode measurements and / or UE measurement behavior based on the evaluation results.

[0011] In one aspect of the method, the configuration may further include an enhanced idle mode or inactive mode frequency inter-frequency measurement (FEIM) configuration.

[0012] In one aspect of this method, the UE can begin performing one or more measurement actions during a time period before the validity period of the RRC connection measurement has expired. The time period can be based on the UE's timer and / or mobility state.

[0013] In one aspect of this method, the UE can be configured to initiate a measurement after the validity of an already performed RRC connection mode measurement has expired. The measurement may include cell reselection measurements or inter-frequency measurements.

[0014] In one aspect of the method, the method may further include: evaluating the measurement report based on the measurement of the adjusted UE.

[0015] In one aspect of the method, the evaluated measurement report may include effective RRC connection mode measurements and / or measurements between idle / inactive frequencies.

[0016] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a user equipment (UE) device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE device to perform at least the method described according to any one of the foregoing methods.

[0017] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a processor-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a UE device, cause the UE device to perform at least one of the methods described above.

[0018] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a method includes: receiving a message from the UE in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode by the serving cell prior to sending a first configuration for idle mode or inactive mode measurements to the user equipment (UE); the message instructing the UE on its ability to store and evaluate Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode measurements with the serving cell during idle mode or inactive mode; and sending a second configuration from the UE by the serving cell for evaluating the RRC connectivity mode measurements. The second configuration includes instructions for performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0019] In one aspect of the method, the method may further include: receiving an inter-frequency measurement report from the serving cell, the inter-frequency measurement report including an indication of the UE state at the time the measurement was performed.

[0020] In one aspect of the method, the indication of the UE state during the measurement may include: a combination of RRC connected, RRC idle / inactive, RRC connected and / or RRC idle / inactive measurements.

[0021] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a network device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to perform at least one of the methods described above.

[0022] According to various aspects of this disclosure, a processor-readable medium stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a network device, cause the network device to perform at least one of the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] Figure 1 This is a diagram of an example embodiment of wireless networking between a network system and a user equipment (UE) according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a diagram of an example component of a network system according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example embodiment of signals and operations between a UE, serving cell, candidate node, and Access and Mobility Function (AMF) according to one aspect of this disclosure; and Figure 4 This is a diagram of an example block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., a network node (such as a gNodeB (gNB)), a user node or UE, a relay node or other node) according to one aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0025] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed aspects. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the aspects can be practiced without one or more of these specific details or using other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures associated with transmitters, receivers, or transceivers are not shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the aspects.

[0026] Throughout this specification, references to "an aspect" or "an aspect" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that aspect is included in at least one aspect. Therefore, the phrases "in an aspect" or "in a particular aspect" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same aspect. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in one or more aspects in any suitable manner.

[0027] The embodiments described in this disclosure can be implemented in wireless networking devices, such as, but not limited to, devices utilizing Global Microwave Access Interoperability (WiMAX), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM, 2G), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), General Packet Radio Service (GRPS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System based on Basic Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (UMTS, 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Advanced LTE, Enhanced LTE (eLTE), 5G New Radio (5GNR), 5G Advanced, 6G (and higher), and 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), and other wireless networking systems. Here, the term "eLTE" refers to LTE evolution connected to a 5G core. LTE is also known as Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access (EUTRA) or Evolved UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network (EUTRAN).

[0028] This disclosure may use the term "serving network device" to refer to a network node or network device (or part thereof) serving a UE. As used herein, the terms "send to," "receive from," and "cooperate with" (and variations thereof) include communication, with or without involving communication through one or more intermediate devices or nodes. The term "acquire" (and variations thereof) includes acquiring in a first instance or re-acquiring after a first instance. The term "connection" may refer to a physical connection or a logical connection.

[0029] This disclosure uses 5G NR as an example of a wireless network, and may use smartphones and / or extended reality headsets as examples of user equipment (UE). It is intended and should be understood that such examples are merely illustrative, and this disclosure applies to other wireless networks and user equipment.

[0030] Figure 1This is a diagram illustrating an example of wireless networking between network system 100 and user equipment (UE) 150. Network system 100 may include one or more network nodes 120, one or more servers 110, and / or one or more network devices 130 (e.g., test equipment). Network node 120 will be described in more detail below. As used herein, the term "network apparatus" may refer to any component of network system 100, such as server 110, network node 120, network device 130, any of the foregoing components, and / or any other component of network system 100. Examples of network apparatus include, but are not limited to, apparatuses for implementing various aspects of 5G NR. This disclosure describes embodiments relating to 5G NR and embodiments relating to aspects defined by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). However, embodiments relating to other wireless networking technologies are contemplated to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0031] The following description provides further details of examples of network nodes. In a 5G NR network, a gNodeB (also known as a gNB) may include, for example, a node that provides the UE with New Radio (NR) user plane and control plane protocol termination and connects to the 5G core (5GC) via an NG interface, such as according to Section 3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.300 V 16.6.0 (2021-06), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0032] gNB supports various protocol layers, such as Layer 1 (L1) - the physical layer, Layer 2 (L2) and Layer 3 (L3).

[0033] NR's Layer 2 (L2) is divided into the following sublayers: Media Access Control (MAC), Radio Link Control (RLC), Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP), and Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), among which, for example: ○ The physical layer provides the transmission channel for the MAC sublayer; ○ The MAC sublayer provides logical channels to the RLC sublayer; ○ The RLC sublayer provides the RLC channel to the PDCP sublayer; ○ The PDCP sublayer provides radio bearers to the SDAP sublayer; ○ The SDAP sublayer provides 5GC Quality of Service (QoS) streams; ○ The control channels include the Broadcast Control Channel (BCCH) and the Physical Control Channel (PCCH).

[0034] Layer 3 (L3) includes, for example, Radio Resource Control (RRC), as per Section 6 of 3GPP TS 38.300 V 16.6.0 (2021-06), which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] The gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU) comprises logical nodes that host the gNB's Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) protocols, or the en-gNB's RRC and PDCP protocols, and controls the operation of one or more gNB Distributed Units (gNB-DUs). The gNB-CU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. The gNB-CU may also be referred to herein as a CU, Central Unit, Centralized Unit, or Control Unit.

[0036] A gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU) comprises a logical node that hosts the radio link control (RLC), media access control (MAC), and physical (PHY) layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A unit is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-CU. The gNB-DU may also be referred to herein as a DU or Distributed Unit.

[0037] As used herein, the term "network node" can refer to any one or any combination of gNB, gNB-CU, or gNB-DU. RAN (Radio Access Network) nodes or network nodes (such as gNB, gNB-CU, or gNB-DU or portions thereof) can be implemented using, for example, means having at least one processor and / or at least one memory having processor-readable instructions (programs) configured to support and / or provide and / or process CU and / or DU related functions and / or features and / or at least one protocol (sub)layer (e.g., layer 2 and / or layer 3) of the RAN (Radio Access Network). Different functional divisions between central and distributed units are possible. Examples of such means and components will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] The gNB-CU and gNB-DU portions can be co-located or physically separated, for example. The gNB-DU can even be further divided into two parts, for example, one part including processing equipment and the other including antennas. The Central Unit (CU) can also be referred to as a Baseband Unit / Radio Equipment Controller / Cloud RAN / Virtual RAN (BBU / REC / C-RAN / V-RAN), Open RAN (O-RAN), or a portion thereof. The Distributed Unit (DU) can also be referred to as a Remote Radio Head / Remote Radio Unit / Radio Equipment / Radio Unit (RRH / RRU / RE / RU), or a portion thereof. In the various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure below, a network node supporting at least one of the Central Unit functions or Layer 3 protocols of a radio access network can be, for example, a gNB-CU. Similarly, a network node supporting at least one of the Distributed Unit functions or Layer 2 protocols of a radio access network can be, for example, a gNB-DU.

[0039] A gNB-CU can support one or more gNB-DUs. A gNB-DU can support one or more cells, thus supporting the serving cell for a user equipment (UE) or candidate cells for handover, dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation and other procedures.

[0040] User equipment (UE) 150 may be or include wireless or mobile devices, devices having a radio interface for interacting with a RAN (Radio Access Network), smartphones, in-vehicle devices, IoT devices, or machine-to-machine (M2M) devices, and other types of user equipment. Such a UE 150 may include: at least one processor; and at least one memory including program code; wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, together with the at least one processor, to enable the device to perform at least certain operations, such as an RRC connection to the RAN. Figure 4 Examples of components describing the UE are provided. In an embodiment, UE 150 may be configured to generate messages (e.g., including a cell ID) to be transmitted via radio to the RAN (e.g., to reach and communicate with the serving cell). In an embodiment, UE 150 may generate, transmit, and receive RRC messages containing one or more RRC PDUs (Packet Data Units). Those skilled in the art will understand the RRC protocol and other processes that the UE may perform.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 1In an example of a 5G NR network, network system 100 provides one or more cells that define the coverage area of ​​network system 100. As described above, network system 100 may include a gNB of the 5G NR network, or may include any other means configured to control radio communications and manage radio resources within the cell. As used herein, the term "resource" may refer to radio resources such as resource blocks (RBs), physical resource blocks (PRBs), radio frames, subframes, time slots, subbands, frequency regions, subcarriers, beams, etc. In embodiments, network node 120 may be referred to as a base station.

[0042] Figure 1 Examples are provided, and are merely illustrative of network system 100 and UE 150. Those skilled in the art will understand that network system 100 includes... Figure 1 Components not shown in the diagram, and it will be understood that other user equipment may communicate with network system 100.

[0043] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A block diagram of example components of network system 100. A 5G NR network can be described as an example of network system 100, and the aspects described below are intended to apply to other types of network systems as well. The network system can be configured according to... Figure 1 The signals and connections shown operate to enable UE 150 to communicate with network system 100 via radio access network 225. Additionally, the network system can be divided into user plane components and functions and control plane components and functions, as shown and described herein. Unless otherwise stated, the terms “component,” “function,” and “service” are used interchangeably herein and can refer to instructions executed by and implemented by one or more processors.

[0044] The following describes example functionality of the components. This example functionality is merely illustrative, and it should be understood that additional operations and functions can be performed by the components described herein. Furthermore, connections between components can be virtual connections based on service interfaces, allowing any component to communicate with any other component. In this way, any component can act as a service "producer" for any other component acting as a service "consumer" to provide services for network functionality.

[0045] For example, a core network 210 is described in the control plane of the network system. The core network 210 may include an Authentication Server Function (AUSF) 211, an Access and Mobility Function (AMF) 212, and a Session Management Function (SMF) 213. The core network 210 may also include a Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF) 214, a Network Open Function (NEF) 215, a Network Repository Function (NRF) 216, and a Unified Data Management Function (UDM) 217, which may include a Unified Data Repository (UDR) 224.

[0046] Additional components and functions of the core network 210 may include application functions 218, policy control functions (PCF) 219, network data analysis functions (NWDAF) 220, analytical data repository functions (ADRF) 221, management data analysis functions (MDAF) 222, and operation and management functions (OAM) 223.

[0047] The user plane includes UE 150, Radio Access Network (RAN) 225, User Plane Function (UPF) 226, and Data Network (DN) 227. RAN 225 may include a combination of Figure 1 The RAN 225 describes one or more components, such as one or more network nodes. However, the RAN 225 may not be limited to such components. The UPF 226 provides connectivity for data transmitted through the RAN 225. For example, the DN 226 identifies services from service providers, internet access, and third-party services.

[0048] AMF 212 handles connectivity and mobility tasks. AUSF 211 receives authentication requests from AMF 212 and interacts with UDM 217 to authenticate and verify network responses to determine successful authentication. SMF 213 performs Packet Data Unit (PDU) session management and manages session context with UPF 226.

[0049] NSSF 214 can select a Network Slice Instance (NSI) and determine the allowed Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI). This selection and determination are used to configure AMF 212 to provide services to UE 150. NEF 215 protects access to third-party network services to create private network services. NRF 216 acts as a repository for storing network functions to allow functions to register and discover each other.

[0050] UDM 217 generates authentication vectors for use by AUSF 211 and ADM 212 and provides user identity processing. UDM 217 can connect to UDR 224, which stores data associated with authentication, applications, etc. AF 218 provides application services (e.g., streaming media services) to users. PCF 219 provides policy control functions. For example, PCF 219 can assist in network slicing and mobility management, and provide Quality of Service (QoS) and accounting functions.

[0051] NWDAF 220 collects data (e.g., from UE 150 and network systems) to perform network analytics and provides insights into the capabilities that leverage analytics when providing services. ADRF 221 allows consumers to store, retrieve, and remove data and analytics. MDAF 222 provides additional data analytics services for network functions. OAM 223 provides provisioning and management processing capabilities for managing components in or connected to the network (e.g., UE 150, network nodes, etc.).

[0052] Figure 2 These are merely examples of components of a network system, and variations are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments, the network system may include... Figure 2 Other components not shown. In embodiments, the network system may not include... Figure 2 Each component is shown. In an embodiment, components and connections can be used with... Figure 2 The connections shown are implemented using different connections. These and other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0053] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of signaling and operation between a UE, serving cell, candidate node, and Access and Mobility Functions (AMF) according to one exemplary aspect of this disclosure. In various embodiments, Figure 3 An example method is shown, according to one illustrated aspect of this disclosure, for enhancing idle or inactive mode (inter-frequency) measurement (FEIM) operations to relax / delay idle or inactive mode measurements based on verification of already performed (inter-frequency) RRC-connection (e.g., "RRC connection" or "RRC link") measurements. In various embodiments, Figure 3 The components described above can correspond to those in the above. Figure 1 and 2 Similar components as described herein. It should be understood that the described signals may have associated operations, and the described operations may have associated signals.

[0054] Once switched to idle or inactive mode (if the defined measurement conditions / thresholds are met), the UE can initiate Enhanced Measurement Reporting (EMR) behavior. UE behavior after a timer (e.g., T331 timer) expires is undefined (until the UE implements it). There may be a gap between the time the UE has performed DCCA-related measurements (e.g., EMR or during connected mode before entering idle or inactive mode) and the time the UE switches back to connected mode and reports the measurements.

[0055] Enhanced Early Measurement Reporting (eEMR) is a time-based validity check for idle or inactive mode measurements (e.g., EMR, cell reselection measurements) performed in idle or inactive mode. The UE verifies the recentity of available measurements before reporting these results to the network upon transition to RRC-connected mode. During RRC connection establishment or recovery, the UE must verify that its idle or inactive mode measurements were performed within a specified time period initiated from Msg1 during the RRC connection establishment process. This time-based validity check is independent of the timer (T331 timer) operation used for EMR measurements.

[0056] As long as the RRC-connected mode measurement is valid, a UE configured with inter-frequency measurements in idle or inactive mode (e.g., EMR) can postpone performing measurements during idle / inactive mode. In this case, the UE initiates the EMR measurement only after the connected mode measurement becomes invalid. This approach introduces a potential delay in reporting measurement results. During the time required for the UE to collect sufficient measurement samples after the previous measurement becomes invalid, no measurement results are available for reporting. This can lead to situations where, for example, a paging message is received during this period and the UE cannot provide immediate measurement results.

[0057] This disclosure addresses a technical problem of saving UE energy by reducing / limiting measurements during idle / inactive modes.

[0058] For UEs in idle or inactive mode, based on the published FEIM, for a period of time, as long as the RRC-connected mode measurement is valid (or reliable), the UE is allowed to postpone or limit (e.g., by relaxing or making it less frequent) idle / inactive measurements, which helps reduce UE energy consumption.

[0059] refer to Figure 3At operation 301, the UE sends a message to the serving cell indicating its Advanced Enhanced Measurement Reporting (EMR) capabilities. For example, when in RRC-connected mode, the UE performs measurements (intra-frequency and / or inter-frequency) and reports the results to the network. The UE indicates to the network its capabilities to: 1) store and evaluate RRC-connected mode measurements in idle or inactive mode, and 2) perform verification and FEIM measurements during idle or inactive mode. As used herein, validity can be based on the duration of the measurement, UE mobility, and / or RSRP / RSRQ variations of a cell, beam, or carrier frequency. For example, measurements older than a predetermined time period can be considered invalid, while measurements within a time window can be considered valid. This will also apply to earlier measurements performed in idle / inactive mode, as those earlier measurements should also have expired.

[0060] The UE may indicate to the network its ability to store and evaluate the validity of RRC-connected mode measurements during idle or inactive modes. Evaluation may also be performed during RRC-connected mode (at the end of RRC-connected mode) before the UE enters idle or inactive mode. This capability includes (implicitly or explicitly) indications regarding: (1) storage duration, where the UE will indicate the duration for which it can store RRC-connected mode measurements, which may include options such as measurements performed during the last 'Y' seconds, the last reported measurement, the last 'Z' measured samples, and / or the last measurement value (which may be a combination of multiple samples); and (2) storage range, where the UE will indicate the range of RRC-connected mode measurements that can be stored, which may include options such as the number of frequency bands for which measurements can be stored, the number of carrier frequencies for which measurements can be stored, the number of cells for which measurements can be stored, and / or the number of reference signals or beams for which measurements can be stored.

[0061] The UE can indicate to the network its ability to perform measurement verification and FEIM measurements during idle or inactive modes. This capability indication includes the number of frequency bands, carrier frequencies, number of reference signals, or the number of cells the UE can verify and perform FEIM measurements on. Additionally, the UE can provide information about the methods used for measurement verification, the maximum duration for storing and verifying RRC-connected mode measurements, and / or the maximum duration and conditions under which FEIM measurements can be performed.

[0062] At operation 302, the network sends a configuration to the UE for measurement behavior in idle or inactive modes (inter-frequency and / or intra-frequency). This configuration can be delivered via RRC-Release / RRC Reconfiguration messages and / or broadcast messages (such as System Information Blocks (SIBs)). The configuration may include: cell reselection measurement configuration; EMR measurement configuration; eEMR measurement and validity configuration, which defines the measurement and validity criteria in the eEMR; and FEIM configuration, settings, and conditions.

[0063] The Cell Reselection Measurement Configuration defines how the UE should measure the quality of neighboring cells / carriers for potential cell reselection. The EMR Measurement Configuration specifies the measurements for EMR. The eEMR Measurement and Validity Configuration defines the measurement and validity criteria for eEMR. The FEIM configuration, settings, and conditions allow the UE to optimize its measurement behavior during idle or inactive modes based on the validity of RRC-connected mode measurements.

[0064] Cell reselection measurements may include configurations relating to determining the validity of RRC-connectivity mode measurements during idle or inactive modes, where the network can define the validity of RRC-connectivity measurements when the UE is in idle or inactive mode. In various aspects, some conditions / definitions and configurations may be provided in 3GPP specifications (e.g., 3GPP TS 38.133). This validity may be based on a timer similar to an eEMR (e.g., x1 seconds). The network may also specify the start and end points of this validity period. The start point may be specified in the 3GPP specification (e.g., at the beginning of RRC idle or inactive mode). Additionally, factors such as UE mobility, signal strength variations, UE location, and location relative to the serving cell (e.g., cell edge or cell center) may affect validity or be considered valid conditions. In one embodiment, validity settings from the eEMR may be applied to the FEIM. In another embodiment, the validity definition for RRC-connectivity mode measurements may differ from the eEMR. Additionally, during the validity period of RRC-connected mode measurements, the UE can postpone idle / inactive measurements (no measurement). This allows the UE to delay measurements such as EMR and / or cell reselection and to perform different idle / inactive measurements, such as lenient or less frequent measurements. The duration of the FEIM no-measurement / lenient measurement period can be shorter than or equal to the validity period of the RRC-connected measurement. The FEIM also specifies the UE's behavior during idle or inactive modes when an RRC-connected mode measurement is invalid or about to become invalid. In one embodiment, the UE can be configured to initiate inter-frequency measurements (e.g., EMR) after the validity of an already performed RRC-connected mode measurement has expired. For example, suppose the validity period for an RRC-connected mode measurement is, for example, about 50 seconds. The UE can be configured to initiate inter-frequency measurements after the validity of a connected mode measurement has expired (e.g., after about 50 seconds). In another embodiment, the UE can be configured to adjust its measurement behavior to (always) have valid measurements to report (valid RRC-connected mode measurements or fresh idle / inactive inter-frequency (e.g., EMR) measurements). The UE can be configured to initiate an inter-frequency measurement Z1 seconds before the connected-mode measurement becomes invalid. Alternatively, in another embodiment: (1) the UE first assesses the validity of the RRC-connected-mode measurement; (2) estimates the time required to perform the inter-frequency measurement and collects sufficient measurement samples for potential reporting; and (3) initiates the inter-frequency measurement to make the measurement ready once the RRC-connected-mode measurement becomes invalid. In this case, the UE always has available valid measurements for the cost of triggering the measurement earlier.

[0065] At operation 303, the UE receives an RRC-Release message from the serving cell. In response to receiving the RRC-Release message, the UE switches to idle mode or inactive mode.

[0066] At operation 304, when in idle or inactive mode, the UE checks whether it needs to perform a measurement. If a measurement is required, the UE verifies whether it can perform the FEIM using a validated RRC-connectivity mode measurement. For example, the UE checks whether the same RRC-connectivity mode measurement object is also configured to be measured during idle or inactive mode. For the measurement object, the UE monitors and evaluates the validity of the performed RRC-connectivity measurement. If the measurement is valid, the UE postpones triggering the inter-frequency measurement (or performs the inter-frequency measurement in a lenient manner). As described in previous operations, the duration for which the UE postpones the EMR measurement depends on A) network configuration, B) UE capabilities, and C) the estimated time required to perform the initial inter-frequency measurement. The UE estimates the time required to perform and prepare the measurement results during idle or inactive mode. This duration depends on the UE capabilities; for example, a UE with simultaneous multi-panel reception can perform measurements faster than a UE with single-panel reception. Depending on the FEIM configuration, multiple validity assessments may be required during idle or inactive mode. For example, if a UE moves to a new cell, it may need to update its FEIM behavior based on the FEIM configuration broadcast as part of the SIB information of the new cell.

[0067] At operation 305, depending on the inter-frequency measurement requirements, the UE initiates a measurement (e.g., EMR) before or when the RRC-connected mode measurement becomes invalid.

[0068] In embodiments where the UE is configured with EMR, EMR timer T331 can start from the beginning of idle or inactive mode, allowing UEs with FEIM capability to benefit from performing shorter measurements. Alternatively, EMR timer T331 can start when the UE triggers an EMR measurement. Knowing the UE's FEIM capability, the network can then configure the UE using the shorter T331 timer. The UE continues EMR measurements at least until timer T331 expires (or until the EMR measurement condition is met). After timer T331 expires, whether measurements continue depends on the UE implementation.

[0069] At operations 306-311, when UL traffic is present, the UE initiates an RRC-establishment or recovery procedure. Based on the provided configuration and conditions, the UE begins verifying inter-frequency measurement results, for example, based on eEMR. If DL packets are present, the network triggers the UE using a paging message, and the UE can initiate validity after receiving the DL paging, depending on when the UL and / or DL ​​triggering occurs.

[0070] At operation 306, the UE can check the validity of the measurement if necessary.

[0071] At operation 307, the UE sends a PRACH preamble to the serving cell.

[0072] At operation 308, the UE receives a random access response from the serving cell. At operation 309, the UE sends an RRC establishment or recovery request to the serving cell. The RRC establishment or recovery request may include an indication that effective inter-frequency measurements are available.

[0073] At operation 310, the UE receives an RRC establishment complete message from the serving cell. The RRC establishment complete message may include an inter-frequency measurement request. At operation 311, the UE sends an RRC establishment complete message to the serving cell.

[0074] At operation 312, the UE sends an inter-frequency measurement report to the serving cell. For example, the UE and the serving cell can continue with RRC-connection establishment, and the UE provides the network with the inter-frequency measurement results. The UE can provide further indication of the UE status when performing measurements (e.g., a combination of RRC-connection, RRC-idle / inactive, and RRC-connection and RRC-idle / inactive measurements), for example by including the measurement configuration ID.

[0075] At operation 313, based on a detailed validity report, the current network selects Pscell / scell and initiates the CA / DC setup process.

[0076] Figure 3 The operations described are merely illustrative, and various variations are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. In embodiments, the operations may include... Figure 3 Other operations not shown. In this embodiment, operations may not include... Figure 3 Each operation is shown. In an embodiment, the operation can be in conjunction with... Figure 3 The different orders shown are implemented. These and other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that although various example components are described as performing various functions, other components may perform... Figure 3 The functions described in [the document].

[0077] The operation is described below from the UE's perspective. From this perspective, a method may include: when the user equipment (UE) is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode, the UE receives configuration from the serving cell, which includes settings for how to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions; the UE switches to idle mode or inactive mode; determines that the RRC connectivity mode measurement is still valid based on the duration of the RRC connectivity mode measurement; and performs one or more measurement actions selected based on the determination of the RRC connectivity mode measurement before the RRC connectivity mode measurement becomes invalid.

[0078] The operation is described below from the perspective of the serving cell. From this perspective, a method may include: before sending a first configuration for idle mode or inactive mode measurements to the user equipment (UE), the serving cell receives a message from the UE in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode, the message instructing the UE on its ability to store and evaluate Radio Resource Control (RRC) connectivity mode measurements with the serving cell during idle mode or inactive mode; and the serving cell sends a second configuration from the UE to evaluate the RRC connectivity mode measurements. This second configuration may include instructions for performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0079] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a wireless station or node (e.g., UE, user equipment, AP, BS, eNB, gNB, RAN node, network node, TRP, or other node) 400 according to one aspect of this disclosure. The wireless station 400 may include, for example, one or more (e.g., such as...) Figure 4 The two RF (radio frequency) or wireless transceivers 402A and 402B shown herein include a transmitter for transmitting signals and a receiver for receiving signals. The wireless station also includes a processor or control unit / entity (controller) 404 for executing instructions or software and controlling the transmission and reception of signals, and a memory 406 for storing data and / or instructions.

[0080] Processor 404 can also make decisions or determinations, generate frames, packets, or messages for transmission, decode received frames or messages for further processing, and perform other tasks or functions described herein. For example, processor 404 (which may be a baseband processor) can generate messages, packets, frames, or other signals for transmission via wireless transceiver 402 (402A or 402B). Processor 404 can control the transmission of signals or messages on a wireless network and can control the reception of signals or messages via a wireless network (e.g., after down-conversion by wireless transceiver 402). Processor 404 may be programmable and capable of executing software or other instructions stored in memory or other computer media to perform the various tasks and functions described above, such as one or more of the tasks or methods described above. Processor 404 may be (or may include) hardware, programmable logic, a programmable processor executing software or firmware, and / or any combination of these. For example, using other terms, processor 404 and transceiver 402 together may be considered a wireless transmitter / receiver system.

[0081] Additionally, refer to Figure 4 The controller (or processor) 408 can execute software and instructions, and can provide overall control for station 400, and can provide... Figure 4 Other systems, not shown, provide control, such as controlling input / output devices (e.g., a display, a keypad), and / or can execute software for one or more applications that may be available on the wireless station 400, such as email programs, audio / video applications, word processors, VoIP applications, or other applications or software.

[0082] In addition, a storage medium may be provided that includes stored instructions, which, when executed by a controller or processor, may cause processor 404 or other controllers or processors to perform one or more of the functions or tasks described above.

[0083] According to another example embodiment, the RF or wireless transceiver 402A / 402B can receive signals or data and / or transmit or send signals or data. The processor 404 (and possibly the transceiver 402A / 402B) can control the RF or wireless transceiver 402A or 402B to receive, transmit, broadcast, or send signals or data.

[0084] Example embodiments are provided or described for each example method, including: an apparatus (e.g., Figure 4 (400 in the text), including components for performing any one of the methods (e.g., Figure 4 The processor 404, RF transceiver 402A and / or 402B and / or memory 406; non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., Figure 4 The memory 406 in the memory includes instructions stored thereon, which are processed by at least one processor. Figure 4 The processor 404 in the system is configured to cause the computing system (e.g., Figure 4 (400) executes any of the example methods; and the device (e.g., Figure 4 (400 in the middle), including at least one processor (e.g., Figure 4 The processor 404 in the memory and at least one memory (e.g., Figure 4 The at least one memory (406) includes computer program code, and the at least one memory (406) and the computer program code are configured together with at least one processor (404) to cause the device (e.g., 400) to perform at least one of the example methods.

[0085] Other embodiments of this disclosure include the following examples.

[0086] Example 1.1. A user equipment (UE) includes: Components for receiving configuration from the serving cell by the user equipment (UE) when it is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection mode, the configuration including settings for how to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions; Components used for switching from idle mode to inactive mode by the UE; Components used to determine the validity of RRC connection mode measurements based on the duration of the measurement; and A component for performing one or more measurement actions selected based on the determination of the RRC connection mode measurement before the RRC connection mode measurement becomes invalid.

[0087] Example 1.2. The UE according to Example 1.1 further includes: Before the UE receives the configuration for the idle mode or inactive mode measurements, the UE sends a message to the serving cell indicating the UE's ability to store and evaluate RRC connectivity mode measurements during the idle mode or inactive mode.

[0088] Example 1.3. The UE according to Example 1.2, wherein the indication of the UE state when a measurement is performed provides an indication of the RRC connection state when the measurement is performed.

[0089] Example 1.4. The UE according to Example 1.1, wherein the configuration further includes UE capability information, wherein the UE capability information indicates the storage range of RRC connection mode measurement, and wherein the UE capability information includes the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, the number of cells, or the number of reference signals.

[0090] Example 1.5. The UE according to Example 1.4, wherein the UE's capability information indicates at least one of the following: the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, or the number of cells to which the UE is capable of performing determination and is capable of performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0091] Example 1.6. The UE according to Example 1.1, wherein the UE receives configuration for measurement behavior in idle mode or inactive mode from the serving cell via at least one of an RRC release message, an RRC reconfiguration message or a system information block (SIB).

[0092] Example 1.7. The UE according to Example 1.6, wherein the configuration includes at least one of the following: information about the validity of RRC connection mode measurements; or UE measurement behavior based on evaluation results.

[0093] Example 1.8. The UE according to Example 1.1, wherein the configuration further includes an enhanced idle mode or inactive mode frequency inter-frequency measurement (FEIM) configuration.

[0094] Example 1.9. The UE according to Example 1.1, wherein the UE begins to perform one or more measurement actions during a time period before the validity period of the RRC connection measurement has expired, wherein the time period is based on at least one of the following: the UE's timer or mobility state.

[0095] Example 1.10. A UE according to Example 1.1, wherein the UE is configured to initiate a measurement after the validity of an already performed RRC connection mode measurement has expired, wherein the measurement includes a cell reselection measurement or an inter-frequency measurement.

[0096] Example 1.11. The UE according to Example 1.1 further includes: A component used to evaluate measurement reports based on measurements of the adjusted UE.

[0097] Example 1.12. The UE according to Example 1.11, wherein the evaluated measurement report includes at least one of effective RRC connection mode measurement or idle / inactive frequency measurement.

[0098] Example 1.13. A serving cell, comprising: Components for receiving a message from the serving cell in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection mode before sending a first configuration for idle mode or inactive mode measurements to the user equipment (UE), the message instructing the UE on its ability to store and evaluate RRC connection mode measurements with the serving cell during idle mode or inactive mode; and A component for transmitting a second configuration from the UE by the serving cell to evaluate RRC connection mode measurements, wherein the second configuration includes an indication for performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0099] Example 1.14. The serving cell according to Example 1.13 further includes: A component for receiving inter-frequency measurement reports from the serving cell, the inter-frequency measurement reports including indications about the UE state at the time of measurement.

[0100] Example 1.15. The serving cell according to Example 1.13, wherein the indication of UE state when performing a measurement includes at least one of the following: RRC connected, RRC idle / inactive, a combination of RRC connected or RRC idle / inactive measurements.

[0101] The embodiments and aspects disclosed herein are examples of this disclosure and may be embodied in various forms. For example, although some embodiments herein are described as separate embodiments, each embodiment herein may be combined with one or more other embodiments herein. The specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting, but rather serve as the basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to employ this disclosure differently with virtually any suitable detailed structure. Throughout the description of the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals may refer to similar or identical elements.

[0102] The phrases “in one respect,” “in all respects,” “in all aspects,” “in some respects,” or “in other respects” may each refer to one or more of the same or different respects under this disclosure. The phrase “multiple” may refer to two or more.

[0103] In various embodiments, the terms "first message" and "second message," as well as any subsequent messages, may refer to any messages sent or received in sequence, and are not necessarily limited to any particular message.

[0104] The phrases “in an embodiment,” “in multiple embodiments,” “in various embodiments,” “in some embodiments,” or “in other embodiments” may each refer to one or more of the same or different embodiments according to this disclosure. A phrase of the form “A or B” means “(A), (B), or (A and B).” A phrase of the form “at least one of A, B, or C” means “(A); (B); (C); (A and B); (A and C); (B and C); or (A, B, and C).”

[0105] Any method, program, algorithm, or code described herein can be translated into or expressed in a programming language or computer program. As used herein, the terms "programming language" and "computer program" each include any language used to specify instructions to a computer, and include (but are not limited to) the following languages ​​and their derivatives: assembler, Basic, batch files, BCPL, C, C++, Delphi, Fortran, Java, JavaScript, machine code, operating system command languages, Pascal, Perl, PL1, Python, scripting languages, Visual Basic, meta-languages ​​that specify their own programs, and all first, second, third, fourth, fifth, or next-generation computer languages. Databases and other data schemas, and any other meta-languages, are also included. There is no distinction between languages ​​that are interpreted, compiled, or use both compilation and interpretation. There is no distinction between compiled and source versions of a program. Therefore, a reference to a program in which a programming language may exist in more than one state (such as source, compiled, object, or linked) is a reference to any and all such states. A reference to a program may encompass the actual instructions and / or the intent of those instructions.

[0106] While various aspects of this disclosure have been shown in the accompanying drawings, they are not intended to be limited thereto, as this disclosure is intended to be as broad as permitted in the art, and the specification is read in the same manner. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as restrictive, but merely as an example of particular aspects. Other modifications within the scope and spirit of the appended claims will be contemplated by those skilled in the art.

[0107] Furthermore, the various implementations of this disclosure can be described with reference to the following terms, and their features can be combined in any reasonable manner.

[0108] Clause 1. A method comprising: when a user equipment (UE) is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection mode, the UE receiving configuration from a serving cell, the configuration including settings for how to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions; the UE switching to idle mode or inactive mode; determining, based on the duration of the RRC connection mode measurement, that the RRC connection mode measurement is still valid; and performing one or more measurement actions selected based on the determination of the RRC connection mode measurement before the RRC connection mode measurement becomes invalid.

[0109] Clause 2. The method according to Clause 1 further comprises: before the UE receives the configuration for the idle mode or inactive mode measurement, the UE sending a message to the serving cell indicating the UE's ability to store and evaluate RRC connection mode measurements during the idle mode or inactive mode.

[0110] Clause 3. The method according to Clause 2, wherein the indication of the UE state when the measurement is performed provides an indication of the RRC connection state when the measurement is performed.

[0111] Clause 4. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the configuration further includes capability information of the UE, wherein the capability information of the UE indicates the storage range of the RRC connection mode measurement, and wherein the capability information of the UE includes the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, the number of cells, or the number of reference signals.

[0112] Clause 5. The method according to Clause 4, wherein the capability information of the UE indicates at least one of the following: the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, or the number of cells to which the UE is capable of performing the determination and is capable of performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0113] Clause 6. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the UE receives the configuration for measurement behavior in idle mode or inactive mode from the serving cell via at least one of an RRC release message, an RRC reconfiguration message, or a System Information Block (SIB).

[0114] Clause 7. The method described in Clause 6, wherein the configuration includes at least one of the following: information regarding the validity of the RRC connection mode measurement; and UE measurement behavior based on the evaluation results.

[0115] Clause 8. The method described in Clause 1, wherein said configuration further includes an enhanced idle mode or inactive mode frequency measurement FEIM configuration.

[0116] Clause 9. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the UE begins performing the one or more measurement actions during a time period prior to the expiration of the validity period of the RRC connection measurement, wherein the time period is based on at least one of the following: the UE's timer and mobility state.

[0117] Clause 10. The method according to Clause 1, wherein the UE is configured to initiate a measurement after the validity of an already performed RRC connection mode measurement has expired, wherein the measurement includes a cell reselection measurement or an inter-frequency measurement.

[0118] Clause 11. The method described in Clause 1 further includes: evaluating the measurement report based on the measurement of the adjusted UE.

[0119] Clause 12. The method according to Clause 11, wherein the evaluated measurement report includes at least one of effective RRC connection mode measurement and idle / inactive frequency measurement.

[0120] Clause 13. A user equipment (UE) apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE apparatus to perform at least one method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12.

[0121] Clause 14. A processor-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a UE device, cause the UE device to perform at least the method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12.

[0122] Clause 15. A method for communication, comprising: receiving a message from the UE in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection mode by a serving cell prior to sending a first configuration for idle mode or inactive mode measurements to a user equipment (UE), the message instructing the UE to store and evaluate RRC connection mode measurements with the serving cell during idle mode or inactive mode; and sending a second configuration from the UE by the serving cell for evaluating the RRC connection mode measurements, wherein the second configuration includes instructions for performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

[0123] Clause 16. The method according to Clause 15 further includes: receiving an inter-frequency measurement report by the serving cell, the inter-frequency measurement report including an indication of the UE state at the time the measurement is performed.

[0124] Clause 17. The method described in Clause 15, wherein the indication of UE state when performing the measurement includes at least one of the following: RRC connected, RRC idle / inactive, RRC connected or RRC idle / inactive measurement.

[0125] Clause 18. A network device comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the network device to perform at least one method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17.

[0126] Clause 19. A processor-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by at least one processor of a network device, cause the network device to perform at least the method according to any one of Clauses 15 to 17.

Claims

1. A method for communication, comprising: When the user equipment (UE) is in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection mode, the UE receives configuration from the serving cell, the configuration including settings for how to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions; The UE is switched to idle mode or inactive mode; The validity of the RRC connection mode measurement is determined based on the duration of the RRC connection mode measurement. as well as Before the RRC connection mode measurement becomes invalid, perform one or more measurement actions selected based on the determination of the RRC connection mode measurement.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: Before the UE receives the configuration for the idle mode or inactive mode measurements, the UE sends a message to the serving cell indicating the UE's ability to store and evaluate RRC connection mode measurements during the idle mode or inactive mode.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the indication of the UE state during the measurement is provided as an indication of the RRC connection state at the time the measurement is performed.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration further includes capability information of the UE, wherein the capability information of the UE indicates the storage range of the RRC connection mode measurement, and wherein the capability information of the UE includes the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, the number of cells, or the number of reference signals.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the capability information of the UE indicates at least one of the following: the number of frequency bands, the number of carrier frequencies, or the number of cells to which the UE is capable of performing the determination and performing one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE receives the configuration for measurement behavior in idle mode or inactive mode from the serving cell via at least one of an RRC release message, an RRC reconfiguration message, or a System Information Block (SIB).

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the configuration comprises at least one of the following: Information regarding the validity of the RRC connection mode measurement; and UE measurement behavior based on evaluation results.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the configuration further comprises an enhanced idle mode or inactive mode frequency measurement FEIM configuration.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the UE begins performing the one or more measurement actions during a time period prior to the expiration of the RRC connection measurement validity period, wherein the time period is based on at least one of the following: the UE's timer and mobility state.

10. A method for communication, comprising: Before sending the first configuration for the idle mode or inactive mode measurement to the user equipment (UE), the serving cell receives a message from the UE in Radio Resource Control (RRC) connection mode, the message indicating the UE's ability to store and evaluate the RRC connection mode measurement with the serving cell during the idle mode or inactive mode. as well as The serving cell sends a second configuration from the UE to evaluate RRC connection mode measurements, wherein the second configuration includes instructions to perform one or more idle mode or inactive mode measurement actions.

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