Apparatus and method for performing a paging procedure

Abstract

Embodiments of this disclosure provide a scheme for performing a paging process. In one scheme, a first network device sends a paging message to a second network device, the first indication instructing the second network device to perform a first type of paging process. In this way, the likelihood of a terminal device receiving a paging message from the second network device can be increased.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to the field of communication technology, and more particularly to devices and methods for performing a paging process. Background Technology

[0002] Satellite-to-user-equipment (UE) transmissions typically have very limited power margins and often require line-of-sight (LOS) communication for optimal performance. For mobile-initiated calls, users are aware of channel quality and can achieve LOS communication by consciously adjusting their signal transmission / reception points. For mobile-terminated calls, users are unaware of their channel conditions and may miss important paging messages even within LOS coverage areas.

[0003] When the UE is in a pocket or backpack and / or in a car, or when obstructed by buildings and / or foliage, additional path loss results in a very low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. According to the 3GPP 5G New Radio (NR) Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) standard, UEs in Radio Resource Connection Idle (RRC_IDLE) or Radio Resource Connection Inactive (RRC_INACTIVE) states periodically wake up to check for paging signals. When a UE wakes up, it first attempts to detect the SSB for synchronization purposes and extract the MIB. Then, it attempts to detect the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) and Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) and checks the paging message.

[0004] Typically, there are two types of paging in 5G NR. The first type is about paging to trigger RRC establishment, RRC request, or RRC recovery. The second type is about system information modification and Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) / Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) indications (SMS) completed by PDCCH downlink control information (DCI) 1_0 with a Paging Radio Network Temporary Identifier (P_RNTI) and a short message. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In a first aspect, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising: a processor configured to cause the first network device to: send a paging message to a second network device including a first indication, the first indication being used to instruct the second network device to perform a first type of paging process.

[0006] In a second aspect, a second network device is provided, the second network device comprising: a processor configured to cause the second network device to: receive a paging message from a first network device, the paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure.

[0007] In a third aspect, a first network device is provided, the first network device comprising: a processor configured to cause the first network device to: determine whether the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device in response to receiving a first message from the second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that a terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and in response to determining that the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device, send a second message to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0008] In a fourth aspect, a terminal device is provided, the terminal device comprising: a processor configured to cause the terminal device to: send a seventh message to a second network device, the seventh message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and receive an eighth message from the second network device, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0009] In a fifth aspect, a first communication device is provided, comprising: a processor configured to cause a terminal device to: send first capability information to a second communication device instructing the first communication device to support a first type of paging process.

[0010] In a sixth aspect, a communication method performed by a first network device is provided. The method includes: sending a paging message to a second network device, the first indication being used to instruct the second network device to perform a paging procedure of a first type.

[0011] In a seventh aspect, a communication method performed by a second network device is provided. The method includes: receiving a paging message from a first network device, the paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure.

[0012] In an eighth aspect, a communication method performed by a first network device is provided. The method includes: in response to receiving a first message from a second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that a terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure, determining whether the first indication is supported by a first network device and a second network device; and in response to determining that the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device, sending a second message to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0013] In a ninth aspect, a communication method performed by a terminal device is provided. The method includes: sending a seventh message to a second network device, the seventh message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and receiving an eighth message from the second network device, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that both the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0014] In a tenth aspect, a communication method performed by a first communication device is provided. The method includes: sending first capability information to a second communication device, indicating that the first communication device supports a first type of paging procedure.

[0015] In the eleventh aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon is provided, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform the method according to the sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, or tenth aspect.

[0016] Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings, which describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure in more detail, wherein: Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 The signaling flow of a paging process associated with a specific notification according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 3 The signaling flow of a paging process associated with a robust notification (RN) according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 4 The signaling flow of a paging process associated with robust notification according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 5A Another example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented is shown; Figure 5B The signaling flow of a paging process associated with robust notification according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated; Figure 6 The signaling flow of shared capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 7 The signaling flow of shared capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 8A The signaling flow of shared capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 8B The signaling flow of shared capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 9 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first network device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 12 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a terminal device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 13 A flowchart illustrating a method implemented at a first communication device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 14 A simplified block diagram of an apparatus suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0018] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0020] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0021] As used herein, the term "terminal device" refers to any device with wireless or wired communication capabilities. Examples of terminal devices include, but are not limited to, user equipment (UE), personal computers, desktop computers, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, tablets, wearable devices, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, ultra-reliable and low-latency communication (URLLC) devices, Internet of Everything (IoE) devices, machine-type communication (MTC) devices, devices on vehicles used for V2X communications (where X signifies a pedestrian, vehicle, or infrastructure / network), devices used for integrated access and backhaul (IAB), including satellites and encompassing unmanned aerial vehicles. Terminal devices (Terminal Devices) can refer to space vehicles or air vehicles in the High Altitude Platform (HAP) of a User-Available System (UAS) and its Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN); extended reality (XR) devices, including different types of reality such as augmented reality (AR), mixed reality (MR), and virtual reality (VR); unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often referred to as drones (aircraft without any human pilots); devices on high-speed trains (HSTs); or image capture devices (such as digital cameras, sensors, gaming devices, music storage and playback devices); or internet devices that enable wireless or wired internet access and browsing. Terminal devices can also have "multicast / broadcast" characteristics to support public safety and mission-critical applications, V2X applications, transparent IPv4 / IPv6 multicast delivery, IPTV, smart TV, radio services, software delivery over wireless, group communications, and IoT applications. They can also incorporate one or more Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs), such as multi-SIMs. The term "terminal device" can be used interchangeably with UE, mobile station, user station, mobile terminal, user terminal, or wireless device.

[0022] The term "network device" refers to a device that provides or hosts a cell or coverage area that terminal devices can communicate with. Examples of network devices include, but are not limited to, NodeB (or NB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), next-generation NodeB (gNB), Transmit / Receive Point (TRP), Remote Radio Unit (RRU), Radio Head (RH), Remote Radio Head (RRH), IAB node, low-power nodes such as femtonodes, piconodes, reconfigurable smart surfaces (RIS), etc.

[0023] Terminal devices or network devices can have artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning capabilities. It typically includes a model that has been trained from a large amount of data collected for a specific function and can be used to predict some information.

[0024] The terminal or network device can operate on several frequency ranges, such as FR1 (e.g., 450 MHz to 6000 MHz), FR2 (e.g., 24.25 GHz to 52.6 GHz), bands greater than 100 GHz, and terahertz (THz). It can also operate on licensed / unlicensed / shared spectrum. In multiple radio dual connectivity (MR-DC) applications, the terminal device can have more than one connection to the network device. The terminal or network device can operate in full-duplex, flexible-duplex, and cross-division duplex modes.

[0025] The embodiments of this disclosure can be executed in test equipment, such as a signal generator, signal analyzer, spectrum analyzer, network analyzer, test terminal device, test network device, or channel simulator. In some embodiments, the terminal device can be connected to a first network device and a second network device. One of the first network device and the second network device can be a master node, and the other can be a slave node. The first network device and the second network device can use different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In some embodiments, the first network device can be a first RAT device, and the second network device can be a second RAT device. In some embodiments, the first RAT device is an eNB, and the second RAT device is a gNB. Information related to different RATs can be sent from at least one of the first network device or the second network device to the terminal device. In some embodiments, first information can be sent from the first network device to the terminal device, and second information can be sent directly from the second network device to the terminal device, either via the first network device. In some embodiments, information related to the configuration of the terminal device configured by the second network device can be sent from the second network device via the first network device. Information related to the reconfiguration of the terminal device configured by the second network device can be sent directly from the second network device to the terminal device, either via the first network device.

[0026] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. The term “comprising” and its variations should be understood as open-ended terms meaning “including, but not limited to.” The term “based on” should be understood as “at least partially based on.” The terms “one embodiment” and “embodiment” should be interpreted as “at least one embodiment.” The term “another embodiment” should be understood as “at least one other embodiment.” The terms “first,” “second,” etc., can refer to different or the same objects. Further explicit and implicit definitions may be included below.

[0027] In some examples, values, processes, or devices are referred to as “best,” “lowest,” “highest,” “smallest,” “maximum,” etc. It should be understood that such descriptions are intended to indicate that a choice can be made among many functional alternatives used, and that such a choice does not need to be better, smaller, higher, or more preferred than other choices.

[0028] As used herein, the terms "resource," "transmission resource," "uplink resource," or "downlink resource" can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or any other resource used to implement communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0029] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, “responding to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, and one or more intermediate steps may be included.

[0030] In some cases, when a UE is under very poor SNR conditions that prevent it from receiving normal paging messages, it is almost undesirable to notify the UE of a call that has been terminated. Therefore, it is necessary to improve the chances that the UE can receive calls.

[0031] To address this problem and other potential issues, embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution for performing a paging procedure. In this solution, a paging request including a specific notification (e.g., a robust notification (RN)) is sent to the radio access network (RAN) to trigger the RAN to perform a specific paging procedure. This increases the chances of the UE successfully receiving a paging signal from the RAN. In this way, the rate of successful paging procedures is improved.

[0032] The principles and implementation methods of this disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an example communication environment 100 in which example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is shown.

[0034] In the communication environment 100, multiple communication devices, including but not limited to terminal device 110, second network device 120 and first network device 130, can communicate with each other.

[0035] The communications in the communication environment 100 can conform to any suitable standard, including but not limited to Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE Evolution, LTE-A Advanced, New Radio (NR), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), GSM EDGE Radio Access Network (GERAN), Machine Type Communication (MTC), etc. Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented according to any generation of communication protocols currently known or developed in the future. Examples of communication protocols include, but are not limited to, first generation (1G), second generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth generation (5G) communication protocol 5.5G, 5G Advanced Network, or sixth generation (6G) network.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In an example embodiment, terminal device 110 may be a UE, and second network device 120 may be a base station serving the UE and may be located in a radio access network (RAN). First network device 130 may be implemented at an access and mobility management function (AMF) node in the core network (CN).

[0037] AMF nodes play a crucial role in managing control plane functions related to user access and mobility. Specifically, AMF nodes act as anchor points for control plane signaling of connected communication devices (e.g., UEs) in environment 100, ensuring smooth and secure user access while managing their mobility throughout the network.

[0038] It should be understood that the AMF node is merely an example of the first network device 130. In other embodiments of this disclosure, the first network device 130 may be implemented at other suitable devices / nodes or implemented as other suitable devices / nodes.

[0039] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and their connections shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Although not shown, it should be understood that one or more additional devices may be located in a cell served by the second network device 120, and one or more additional cells may be deployed in communication environment 100. Note that although shown as a network device, the second network device 120 may be another device besides a network device. Although shown as a terminal device, terminal device 110 may be another device besides a terminal device.

[0040] In some example embodiments, the link from network device 120 to terminal device 110 may be referred to as a downlink (DL), while the link from terminal device 110 to network device 120 may be referred to as an uplink (UL). In the DL, network device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and terminal device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, terminal device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and network device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0041] In the following examples, for illustrative purposes, in some exemplary embodiments, terminal device 110 is described as a UE and second network device 120 is described as a base station, such as a gNB. However, it should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the operations described in connection with the terminal device can be implemented at the network device or other devices, and the operations described in connection with the network device can be implemented at the terminal device or other devices.

[0042] As described above, the UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode periodically wakes up to check the paging signal. When the UE wakes up, it first attempts to detect the SSB for synchronization purposes and extract the MIB. Then, it attempts to detect the PDCCH and PDSCH and check the paging message.

[0043] It is important to ensure that paging messages are successfully received by the designated user. However, when the core network (CN) or gNB pages such a UE in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE mode, the UE may be in very poor channel conditions and may miss 5G NR paging messages due to very low SNR, even if it is still within the beam coverage of the NTN system.

[0044] When a UE wakes up from sleep, there are two scenarios for paging failure. In scenario 1, the UE can still successfully detect the synchronization signal (SSB). Specifically, the UE successfully decodes the PDCCH but fails to decode the PDSCH. The UE then sends a HARQ NACK to the gNB, and the UE remains awake, waiting for the gNB to retransmit the paging message accordingly in the PDSCH until it finally receives its paging message with a certain delay. No further discussion is needed. Alternatively, even at the highest allowed PDCCH aggregation level or the most allowed redundancy in the PDCCH, the UE fails to decode the PDCCH scheduling used for paging. When no data is received, no HARQ NACK is sent, and the UE returns to sleep. The gNB waits for the UE to wake up again to retransmit the paging message. When the paging process is repeated repeatedly, PDCCH scheduling failure can lead to very long delays and waste downlink resources.

[0045] In Scenario 2, the UE fails to detect the synchronization signal (SSB) originally designed for terrestrial communication. There are several ways to extend the downlink received SNR of NTN communication in Scenario 2. For example, the transmit power (TX power) on the satellite can be increased; doubling the transmit power, for instance, can increase the received SNR by 3 dB. In another example, the TX antenna gain on the satellite can be increased, where doubling the antenna diameter can increase the received SNR, for example, by 6 dB. In yet another example, the RX antenna gain on the UE can be increased. In yet another example, the number of repetitions of the physical layer waveform can be increased, where doubling the number of repetitions can achieve a gain of up to 3 dB.

[0046] Because satellite communication systems are power-constrained, it is difficult to achieve an additional 18 dB by increasing airborne transmission power and TX antenna size due to limitations in satellite size, weight, and cost. Therefore, increasing TX power or increasing TX antenna gain is not a feasible solution to enhance received SNR. Similarly, increasing RX antenna gain on the UE is constrained by the size, weight, and cost of the UE and is therefore considered infeasible. Increasing the number of repetitions of the physical layer waveform only requires a modem change. However, at least 26 or 64 repetitions would be needed to achieve the additional 18 dB, resulting in longer transmit and receive times. The UE would also use 64 times more power and time / frequency resources for handshaking, which is also undesirable.

[0047] The following observations are offered in this regard.

[0048] Observation 1: Approximately 10% of users experience very poor downlink reception within NTN coverage areas, with receiver SNR potentially up to 18 dB lower than expected. Due to the poor reception SNR, these users may miss or be unable to receive downlink paging calls or paging messages in a timely manner. These paging calls and messages are important to all users, especially for public safety purposes.

[0049] Observation 2: Paging calls and paging short messages are user-terminated calls and may experience lower SNR due to lower user cooperation. Even with enhanced PDCCH and PDSCH channels, paging calls or paging messages may still fail to be delivered in time because the SSB cannot be detected at the UE.

[0050] Observation 3: It is very difficult to extend the downlink channel to improve the reliability of downlink paging calls and messages.

[0051] To improve the reliability of paging message reception and / or resolve the issues described in paging failures in Scenario 2, a dedicated Paging Alarm Channel (PAC) is allocated in the current 5G NTN downlink spectrum. A very low code rate or low MCS, coupled with a large amount of repetition, can be applied to the downlink Paging Alarm Channel to extend the received SNR by up to 18 dB without affecting the remaining physical downlink channels, including the PBCH, PDCCH, and PDSCH used for the SSB, thus maintaining system efficiency. Additionally, the PAC can also help maintain synchronization with the network, which can accelerate UE reacquisition when the UE is moved to a better reception location.

[0052] PAC can be used to notify the UE when normal paging calls and messages cannot be successfully delivered to the UE in the 5G NR paging channel. PAC is only a downlink function and does not require acknowledgment from the UE under poor channel conditions for two reasons: The power consumption at the receiver is much lower than that at the transmission. Only the downlink paging alarm channel will use the repetition of the physical waveform to extend the received SNR at the UE, and the increase in power consumption at the UE receiver is not as significant as requesting a large number of repetitions at the UE transmitter.

[0053] The UE only periodically wakes up to monitor the paging alarm channel and check for paging alarm messages when it cannot detect the NR SSB at all. UEs are grouped to wake up in a designated time slot according to certain rules (e.g., the least significant bit (LSB) of the UE's identifier (ID)). If a paging alarm message is available for the UE, the user can be notified to move to a better receiving location to respond to a normal paging message, resulting in a simpler and more efficient system.

[0054] In short, the paging alarm channel can further extend downlink operational coverage with the help of user cooperation and better serve the 10% of users experiencing poor channel conditions. This will help improve paging channel reliability while maintaining UE power efficiency. On the other hand, depending on the operator's choice, more power can be allocated to the paging alarm channel as an option, which will improve reception reliability or reduce the number of repetitions to increase paging capacity. Through one or more of the above measures, the UE can be alerted to move to a better signal reception location for communication.

[0055] refer to Figure 2 ,Should Figure 2 Signaling flow 200 of a paging process according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. For purposes of discussion, reference will be made, for example, by using terminal device 110 and second network device 120, as well as first network device 130. Figure 1 Discuss signaling flow 200.

[0056] In signaling stream 200, the first network device 130 sends (201) a paging message including a first indication to the second network device 120. The first indication is used to instruct the second network device 120 to perform a first type of paging procedure. In some embodiments, the first indication may be a robust notification (RN). In some embodiments, the RN may be an indication or function used to alert the UE (e.g., terminal device 110) to move to a better signal reception location for communication.

[0057] The first type of paging process can be a specific paging process or an enhanced paging process, which can be performed by the second network device 120 using increased transmission power or a specific channel for the paging process.

[0058] The second network device 120 receives (202) a paging message from the first network device 130 and may perform (203) a first-type paging process based on increased transmit power for performing the paging process, an additional or new channel for the paging process, and / or other measurements. The additional channel may be, for example, a Paging Alarm Channel (PAC) or another suitable channel. When performing (203) the paging process, the second network device 120 may use increased transmit power or transmit the paging message or paging signal via a specific channel that may be newly allocated to the paging process. The terminal device 110 may receive (204) the paging message with a higher probability, even under very poor SNR conditions.

[0059] In some example embodiments, a paging message may be sent based on the paging status of the terminal device 110. The paging status may indicate that the terminal device requires a first type of paging process.

[0060] In some example embodiments, the paging status may be included in the context information of the terminal device 110. Additionally or alternatively, the context information may include capability information of the terminal device 110. In some cases, the context information of the terminal device 110 may be stored at the first network device 130 or a suitable storage device / appliance accessible to the first network device 130. In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may store the capability information of the terminal device in the context information of the terminal device. The capability information may be obtained in various ways as described below.

[0061] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may receive from the second network device 120 a first message including capability information (also referred to as "first capability information" for the purposes of discussion) indicating that the terminal device supports the first indication. In some embodiments, the first network device 130 may store the first capability information of the terminal device 110 in the context information of the terminal device. The first capability information stored in the context information may be updated, modified, or deleted later as needed.

[0062] In response to the first message, the first network device 130 can determine whether the first network device and the second network device support the first indication. If both the first network device 130 and the second network device 120 support the first indication (e.g., RN), the first network device 130 can send a second message to the second network device 120. The second message may include capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication (also referred to as "second capability information" for the purposes of discussion).

[0063] In some example embodiments, the second message may include information about a timer for the terminal device 110 to detect synchronization signal blocks related to the paging process. That is, the first network device 130 may send the timer information to the second network device 120 in the same message as the capability information. It should be understood that this is merely an example and not intended to imply any limitation. In alternative embodiments, the first network device 130 may send the timer information to the second network device 120 in a separate message or a new message.

[0064] As described above, in some cases, the paging status in the context information of the terminal device can be updated. For example, the first network device 130 may receive a third message from the second network device 120 indicating that the terminal device 110 failed to detect a synchronization signal block associated with the paging process during the duration of a timer. In such cases, the first network device 130 may update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device 110 to include a second indication that the terminal device 110 requires a paging process associated with the first indication. The first network device 130 may then send a fourth message to the second network device 120 indicating that the first indication has been set for the terminal device 110.

[0065] Alternatively, the paging status in the context information of the terminal device can be updated in the following manner. The first network device 130 may receive a fifth message from the second network device 120, indicating that the terminal device 110 has detected a synchronization signal block associated with a paging process related to the terminal device 110 during the duration of a timer. Then, the first network device 130 may update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device 110 to exclude a second indication that indicates the terminal device 110 needs a paging process associated with a first indication. Therefore, the first network device 130 may send a sixth message to the second network device 120 including updated timer information for the terminal device 110.

[0066] In some implementations, the updated timer can be implemented as a new timer with a longer duration than the previous timer. Alternatively, an indicator, such as a 1-bit indicator, can be used to indicate whether the timer is enabled or disabled, and thus to indicate the updated timer.

[0067] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may perform a first type of paging procedure (also known as an enhanced paging procedure) based on service priority. For example, the first network device 130 may send a paging message including a first indication to the second network device 120 only if the current service has a high priority (e.g., above a priority threshold). That is, if the current service has a low priority, the enhanced paging procedure may not be performed. In this way, resources and / or energy may be saved to some extent.

[0068] Alternatively, the first network device 130 may perform a first type of paging procedure based on the service type. For example, if the current service is of a certain type, such as MPS or MCS service, an enhanced paging procedure may be initiated. The service type may be determined based on a metric of service quality (e.g., Quality of Service (QoS) or Channel Quality Indicator (CQI)).

[0069] Figure 3 Signaling flow 300 of a paging process associated with robust notification according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. References Figure 3 The embodiments discussed are references Figure 2 Implementation of the discussed embodiments. For discussion purposes, in Figure 3 In this embodiment, the first indication included in the paging message from the first network device 130 is an RN. For discussion purposes, reference will also be made to... Figure 1 Let's discuss signaling flow 300, for example, by using terminal device 110, second network device 120, and first network device 130.

[0070] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, terminal device 110 (e.g., also referred to as UE 110) sends a registration request to first network device 130 (e.g., also referred to as AMF node 130) via a second network device 120 (e.g., also referred to as gNB 120) in the RAN. When UE 110 cannot detect NR SSB at all for a certain period of time (e.g., based on a timer from AMF 130), UE 110 may report to AMF node 130 that it needs RN paging.

[0071] Based on the timer received during registration acceptance, if terminal device 110 cannot detect the NR SSB at all, and after the timer expires, terminal device 110 may execute an RN request to the first network device 130 to require an RN in paging.

[0072] like Figure 3 As shown, terminal device 110 sends a registration request 311 to second network device 120 to request an RN, and second network device 120 sends a registration request 312 to first network device 130 to request an RN. In some embodiments, registration request 312 may be included in an N2 message from second network device 120 to first network device 130. In this way, the request for an RN is indicated from terminal device 110 to first network device 130 via second network device 120.

[0073] In some embodiments, the terminal device 110 may set an RN request indicator in the registration request 311 to indicate that an RN has been requested. Similarly, the registration request 312 may also include an RN request indicator to request an RN.

[0074] Based on the received registration request, the first network device 130 sets up the terminal device 110 that requires an RN and stores it in the terminal device 110 context within the first network device 130. The first network device 130 then sends a registration acceptance message 313 to the second network device 120, which includes an RN setup success indicator.

[0075] In response to receiving the registration acceptance message 313, the second network device 120 sends a registration acceptance message 314 to the terminal device 110, for example, in an RRC message. Therefore, the terminal device 110 receives the registration acceptance 314, which includes an RN setup success indicator. Then, the terminal device 110 disables the RN request timer.

[0076] Figure 4 Signaling flow 400 of a paging process associated with robust notification according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. References Figure 4 The embodiments discussed are references Figure 2 Implementation of the discussed embodiments. For discussion purposes, in Figure 4 In this embodiment, the first indication included in the paging message from the first network device 130 is an RN. For discussion purposes, reference will also be made to... Figure 1 Let's discuss signaling flow 400, for example, by using terminal device 110, second network device 120, and first network device 130.

[0077] Based on the RN request timer received from the first network device 130, if the terminal device 110 cannot detect the NR SSB at all and before the timer expires, and if the terminal device 110 is in a CM idle state, it may initiate a service request procedure to send uplink signaling messages, user data to request emergency service rollback, or as a response to a network paging request. For example, the terminal device 110 may send a service request 411 to the second network device 120.

[0078] Then, the second network device 120 sends a service request 412 to the first network device 130, which can be included in the N2 message from the second network device 120 to the first network device 130.

[0079] Based on the received service request 412, the first network device 130 can delete information about the terminal device 110 requiring an RN from the context information of the terminal device 110, or update the information in the context information of the terminal device 110 to "RN not needed in terminal device 110". The first network device 130 can send a deletion instruction to the terminal device 110 via the second network device 120 to delete information about the terminal device 110 requiring an RN. Figure 4 As shown, the first network device 130 sends a service acceptance message 413, which includes a deletion indicator, to the second network device 120.

[0080] An RN request timer can be provided from the first network device 130 to the terminal device 110 via the second network device 120. For example, the RN request timer can be included in a service acceptance message 413 sent from the first network device 130 to the second network device 120. The second network device 120 can send a service acceptance message 414 including the RN request timer to the terminal device 110, for example, in an RRC message. Based on the received RN request timer, the terminal device 110 can activate the RN request timer even when the terminal device 110 cannot detect the NR SSB at all.

[0081] Figure 5A Another example communication environment 500A in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. Communication environment 500A can be as follows: Figure 1 The implementation of the communication environment 100 shown.

[0082] In the communication environment 500A, multiple communication devices (including but not limited to terminal device 110, second network device 120, first network device 130 (e.g., AMF node), session management function (SMF) node 140 and user plane function (UPF) node 150) can communicate with each other.

[0083] The terminal device 110, the second network device 120, and the first network device 130 or AMF node 130 in the communication environment 500A are similar to those in the communication environment 100. Therefore, details related to them are omitted here.

[0084] AMF node 130 can coordinate initial access and subsequent mobility-related processes, while also coordinating with SMF node 140 for session establishment. SMF node 140 can act as a bridge between the control plane and user plane, guiding UPF node 150 on how to process user data based on the service requirements and network policies of terminal device 110. UPF node 150 can execute data plane actions specified by SMF node 140, ensuring that user data packets are forwarded correctly and efficiently throughout the network.

[0085] Figure 5B Signaling flow 500B of a paging process associated with robust notification according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. For discussion purposes, reference will also be made, for example, by using terminal device 110 and second network device 120, first network device 130 (AMF node 130), SMF node 140 and UPF node 150. Figure 5A Discuss signaling flow 500B.

[0086] When UPF node 150 receives downlink data of (511) PDU session and does not store AN tunnel information of PDU session in UPF node 150, UPF node 150 may buffer downlink data (512A and 512B) or forward downlink data to SMF node 140 (512C) based on instructions from SMF node 140.

[0087] Specifically, UPF node 150 sends a (512A) data notification (N4 session ID, information used to identify the QoS flow of the DL data packet, Differential Service Code Point (DSCP)) to SMF node 140. SMF node 140 sends a (512B) data notification acknowledgment to UPF node 150. If SMF node 140 instructs UPF node 150 to do so (i.e., SMF node 140 buffers the data packet), then UPF node 150 forwards a (512C) downlink data packet to SMF node 140.

[0088] In some embodiments, SMF node 140 sends a (513A) message to AMF node 130, such as a Namf_Communication_N1N2MessageTransfer message.

[0089] AMF node 130 responds to SMF node 140 (513B). SMF node 140 then responds to UPF node 150 with a failure notification (513C), and notifies UPF node 150 that the user plane establishment failed.

[0090] At 514A, if terminal device 110 is in a CM connected state in access associated with the PDU session ID received from SMF node 140 at 513A, the steps in the service request process triggered by terminal device 110 (i.e., establishing radio resources and, if the user plane will be activated, establishing an N3 tunnel) are performed for that PDU session, without sending paging messages to the second network device 120 (e.g., the RAN node) and terminal device 110. In some cases, AMF node 130 does not send a NAS service acceptance message to terminal device 110.

[0091] If an RN request is set and stored in AMF node 130, AMF node 130 sends (514B) a paging message including robust notification to second network device 120. Second network device 120 performs (514C) paging with robust notification, for example, using a specific Paging Alarm Channel (PAC) or other suitable channel or measurement. Terminal device 110 sends (515) a message to AMF node 130, including, for example, Namf_Communication_N1N2TransferFailureNotification.

[0092] In some embodiments, AMF node 130 may send a paging message including robust notification to the second network device 120 only when sending paging priorities (e.g., MPS, MCS).

[0093] In service request process 516, AMF node 130 executes... Figure 4 Step 413. An RN request timer can be provided from the first network device 130 to the terminal device 110 via the second network device 120.

[0094] AMF 130 sends message (517) to SMF 140, including, for example, Namf_Communication_N1N2TransferFailureNotification. Then, the UE configuration update procedure (518) can be performed.

[0095] Next, UPF node 150 sends downlink data (519) to second network device 120, and second network device 120 sends downlink data (520) to terminal device 110.

[0096] Based on reference Figures 1 to 5BThe discussion covers the paging process involving the RN. In some cases, the registration request is sent from terminal device 110 (e.g., UE 110) to AMF node 130. When UE 110 fails to detect the NR SSB for a period of time (from a timer of AMF node 130), UE 110 sends an RN request to AMF node 130.

[0097] In some cases, a service request is sent from UE 110 to AMF node 130. AMF removes the RN request from the UE context and resets the RN request timer in UE 110.

[0098] Regarding the paging process, if an RN request is set and stored in AMF node 130, AMF node 130 sends a paging request to the RAN including a robust notification. If paging of other UEs can be detected during the timer period, the UE should reset the timer locally, and AMF node 130 considers UE 110 to be normal.

[0099] In some embodiments, the RN capabilities of the UE and the network (e.g., RAN and AMF nodes) are exchanged and stored in the UE and / or AMF. Sometimes, a timer can be sent from the AMF node to the UE for a duration during which the UE cannot detect the NR SSB at all. Figure 6 Signaling flow 600 for sharing capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is illustrated. Reference will also be made to other sources for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Let's discuss signaling flow 600, for example, by using terminal device 110 and second network device 120 and first network device 130.

[0100] In signaling flow 600, terminal device 110 sends (605) a seventh message to second network device 120 including first capability information, which instructs terminal device 110 to support a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure.

[0101] The second network device 120 receives (610) a seventh message including first capability information from the terminal device 110, and sends (615) another message (also called the first message) including the first capability information to the first network device 130.

[0102] In response to receiving (620) a first message including first capability information indicating that terminal device 110 supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging process, the first network device 130 determines (625) whether the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device.

[0103] If the first instruction is supported by the first network device 130 and the second network device 120, then the first network device 130 sends (630) a second message including second capability information to the second network device 120. The second capability information indicates that the first network device 130 and the second network device 120 support the first instruction.

[0104] The second network device 120 receives (635) the second capability information and sends (640) an eighth message including the second capability information to the terminal device 110.

[0105] Terminal device 110 receives an eighth message (645) from second network device 120, which includes second capability information.

[0106] In this way, the RN-related capabilities (also known as RN capabilities) on the terminal device 110 side and the RN-related capabilities on the network side are exchanged and / or stored on both sides.

[0107] In some specific implementations, the RN capabilities of the UE and the network (second network device 120 (also referred to as RAN 120) and first network device 130 (also referred to as AMF node 130)) are exchanged and stored at the terminal device 110 (also referred to as UE 110) and AMF node 130. In this case, when UE 110 cannot detect NR SSB at all, a timer can be sent from AMF node 130 to UE 110 for a period of time.

[0108] For the purposes of discussion, refer to Figure 3 Describe an implementation related to the exchanged RN capabilities.

[0109] UE 110 sends a registration request 311, including its ID, to AMF node 130 via RAN 120, for example, for initial registration. The registration request is a NAS message and is included in the RRC message from UE 110 to RAN 120. If UE 110 supports Robust Notification (RN), UE 110 will set the RN support indicator in the registration request.

[0110] RAN 120 sends a registration request 312 to AMF node 130, which is included in the N2 message from RAN 120 to AMF node 130.

[0111] AMF node 130 authenticates and authorizes UE 110. Based on the received registration request, if AMF node 130 is pre-configured by the operator to support RN in the network including AMF node 130 and RAN 120, AMF node 130 sets the network supporting RN indicator in registration acceptance 313 and sends it to UE 110 via RAN 120. An RN request timer may be included in registration acceptance 313, which is the duration in UE 110 when UE 110 cannot detect NR SSB at all. When the timer is reached, UE 110 will make an RN request to AMF node 130 to request RN in paging. AMF node 130 stores UE 110 RN capability in the UE 110 context in AMF node 130.

[0112] For example, RAN 120 sends a registration acceptance 314 to UE 110 in an RRC message, including a network that supports the RN indicator.

[0113] Figure 7 Signaling flow 700 for sharing capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. For example... Figure 7 As shown, the first communication device 710 sends (701) first capability information to the second communication device 720, indicating that the first communication device 710 supports a first type of paging process. Upon receiving (702) the first capability information, the second communication device 720 will know the RN capability of the first communication device.

[0114] The second communication device 720 may then send (703) second capability information to the first communication device. The second capability information indicates that the second communication device supports the first type of paging process. Similarly, upon receiving (704) the second capability information, the first communication device 710 will know the RN capability of the second communication device.

[0115] In this way, the RN capabilities of the first communication device 710 and the second communication device 720 are exchanged and / or stored.

[0116] Similar to the embodiments discussed above, a first-type paging process can be initiated by a paging message including a first indication. The first indication can be, for example, a robust notification. The first-type paging process can be performed using increased transmit power or an additional channel for the paging process. These are similar to the references. Figures 1 to 6 The above-described embodiments will not be repeated here.

[0117] In some embodiments, the first communication device 710 may be an AMF node, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 5A The first network device 130. The second communication device 720 can be a terminal device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 5A Terminal device 110 in the network. Alternatively, the first communication device 710 may be a terminal device, such as terminal device 110, and the second communication device 720 may be an AMF node, such as the first network device 130.

[0118] Figure 8A A signaling flow 800A for sharing capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. References Figure 8A The embodiments discussed are references Figure 7 Implementations of the discussed embodiments. For the purposes of discussion, reference will also be made to... Figure 1 Let's discuss signaling flow 800A, for example, by using terminal device 110, second network device 120, and first network device 130.

[0119] In signaling flow 800A, terminal device 110 sends (811) first capability information to second network device 120, and second network device 120 sends (812) first capability information to first network device 130. The first capability information indicates that terminal device 110 supports a first type of paging procedure. Therefore, first network device 130 may have the capability information of terminal device 110.

[0120] Similarly, the first network device 130 sends (821) second capability information to the second network device 120, and the second network device 120 sends (822) second capability information to the terminal device 110. The second capability information indicates that the first network device 130 and / or the second network device 120 support the first type of paging procedure. In this way, the terminal device 110 can have the capability information of the first network device 130 and / or the second network device 120.

[0121] It should be understood that whether the first capability information or the second capability information is sent first is not important. That is, the second capability information can be sent before the first capability information, such as... Figure 8B As shown.

[0122] Figure 8B Signaling flow 800B for sharing capability information according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown. References Figure 8B The embodiments discussed are also referenced. Figure 7 Implementations of the discussed embodiments. For the purposes of discussion, reference will also be made to... Figure 1 Let's discuss signaling flow 800B, for example, by using terminal device 110 and second network device 120 and first network device 130.

[0123] In signaling flow 800B, firstly, the first network device 130 sends (851) second capability information to the second network device 120, and the second network device 120 sends (852) second capability information to the terminal device 110. In this way, the terminal device 110 can have the capability information of the first network device 130 and / or the second network device 120.

[0124] Then, terminal device 110 sends (861) first capability information to second network device 120, and second network device 120 sends (862) first capability information to first network device 130. Therefore, after terminal device 110 can have the capability information of first network device 130 and / or second network device 120, first network device 130 can have the capability information of terminal device 110.

[0125] Table 1 below shows some of the modifications to TS 23.501.

[0126] Table 1

[0127] Regarding TS 23.502, it is proposed to add an RN during the registration request, the UE-initiated service request, and the network-initiated service request processes, as described above.

[0128] Figure 9 A flowchart of a communication method 900 implemented at a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 900 is described from the perspective of the first network device 130 in the middle.

[0129] At box 910, the first network device 130 sends a paging message to the second network device, including a first instruction, which instructs the second network device to perform a first type of paging process.

[0130] In some example embodiments, paging messages are sent based on the paging status of the terminal device, which indicates that the terminal device requires a first type of paging process.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the paging status is included in the context information of the terminal device.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0133] In some example embodiments, a first network device 130 responds to receiving a first message from a second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that a terminal device supports the first indication, determining whether the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device; and responds to determining that the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device, sends a second message to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the second message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect synchronization signal blocks related to the paging process.

[0135] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may store the first capability information of the terminal device in the context information of the terminal device.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may send information to the second network device about a timer for the terminal device to detect a synchronization signal block related to the paging process.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may receive a third message from the second network device indicating that the terminal device failed to detect a synchronization signal block associated with the paging process during the duration of a timer; update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device to include a second indication indicating that the terminal device needs a paging process associated with the first indication; and send a fourth message to the second network device indicating that the first indication has been set for the terminal device.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the first network device is further configured to: receive a fifth message from the second network device, the fifth message indicating that the terminal device has detected a synchronization signal block associated with a paging process related to the terminal device during the duration of a timer; update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device to exclude a second indication, the second indication indicating that the terminal device needs a paging process associated with a first indication; and send a sixth message to the second network device, the sixth message including updated timer information for the terminal device.

[0139] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may send a paging message including a first indication to the second network device in response to the current service having a priority higher than a priority threshold.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0141] Figure 10A flowchart of a communication method 1000 implemented at a second network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 1000 is described from the perspective of the second network device 120 in the middle.

[0142] At box 1010, the second network device 120 receives a paging message from the first network device, the paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure.

[0143] In some example embodiments, the second network device 120 may perform a first type of paging process based on at least one of increased transmit power for performing the paging process or a new channel for performing the paging process.

[0144] Figure 11 A flowchart of a communication method 1100 implemented at a first network device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 1100 is described from the perspective of the first network device 130 in the middle.

[0145] At block 1110, the first network device 130 responds to receiving a first message from the second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure, and determines whether the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device.

[0146] At box 1120, in response to determining that a first indication is supported by a first network device and a second network device, a first network device 130 sends a second message to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0147] In some example embodiments, the second message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect a synchronization signal block associated with the first type of paging process.

[0148] In some example embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0149] In some example embodiments, the first network device 130 may store the first capability information of the terminal device in the context information of the terminal device.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0151] Figure 12 A flowchart of a communication method 1200 implemented at a terminal device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Angle description method 1200 for terminal device 110 in the middle.

[0152] At frame 1210, terminal device 110 sends a seventh message to the second network device, the seventh message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and At frame 1220, terminal device 110 receives an eighth message from a second network device, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the eighth message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect synchronization signal blocks related to the paging process.

[0154] In some example embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0156] Figure 13 A flowchart of a communication method 1300 implemented at a first communication device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 7 Method 1300 is described from the perspective of the first communication device 710.

[0157] At frame 1310, the first communication device 710 sends first capability information to the second communication device 720, indicating that the first communication device supports a first type of paging process.

[0158] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 710 may receive second capability information from the second communication device that indicates the second communication device supports a first type of paging process.

[0159] In some example embodiments, the first type of paging process is triggered by a paging message including a first indication.

[0160] In some example embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the first communication device 710 includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node in the core network, and the second communication device 720 includes a terminal device. Alternatively, the first communication device 710 includes a terminal device, and the second communication device 720 includes an AMF node in the core network.

[0163] Figure 14 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1400 suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Device 1400 can be considered as follows: Figure 1 or Figure 5A Another example implementation of any of the devices shown. Thus, device 1400 may be implemented or at least a portion thereof at terminal device 110, second network device 120, or first network device 130.

[0164] As shown, device 1400 includes a processor 1410, a memory 1420 coupled to the processor 1410, a suitable transceiver 1440 coupled to the processor 1410, and a communication interface coupled to the transceiver 1440. The memory 1420 stores at least a portion of a program 1430. The transceiver 1440 can be used for required bidirectional or unidirectional communication. The transceiver 1440 may include at least one of a transmitter 1442 and a receiver 1444. The transmitter 1442 and receiver 1444 may be functional modules or physical entities. The transceiver 1440 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication; however, in practice, the access node mentioned in this application may have several antennas. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements, such as the X2 / Xn interface for bidirectional communication between eNBs / gNBs, the S1 / NG interface for communication between the Mobility Management Entity (MME) / Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) / SGW / UPF and the eNB / gNB, the Un interface for communication between the eNB / gNB and the Relay Node (RN), or the Uu interface for communication between the eNB / gNB and the terminal equipment.

[0165] Assume that program 1430 includes program instructions that, when executed by the associated processor 1410, enable device 1400 to operate according to embodiments of this disclosure, as referenced herein. Figures 1 to 13 The embodiments discussed herein may be implemented by computer software executable by the processor 1410 of device 1400, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. The processor 1410 may be configured to implement various embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, a combination of the processor 1410 and memory 1420 may form a processing unit 1450 suitable for implementing various embodiments of this disclosure.

[0166] Memory 1420 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and can be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as, as non-limiting examples, non-transitory computer-readable storage media, semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory, and removable memory. Although only one memory 1420 is shown in device 1400, several physically different memory modules may exist in device 1400. As a non-limiting example, processor 1410 can be of any type suitable for a local technology network and may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1400 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with a main processor.

[0167] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device including a circuit system is provided. The circuit system is configured to send a paging message including a first indication to a second network device, the first indication being used to instruct the second network device to perform a first type of paging procedure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit system can be configured to perform any method implemented by the first network device as described above.

[0168] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second network device including a circuit system is provided. The circuit system is configured to receive a paging message from a first network device, the paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the circuit system can be configured to perform any method implemented by the second network device as described above.

[0169] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a first network device including a circuit system is provided. The circuit system is configured to: determine whether the first indication is supported by a first network device and a second network device in response to receiving a first message from a second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that a terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and in response to determining that the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device, send a second message to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuit system may be configured to perform any method implemented by the first network device as described above.

[0170] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a terminal device including a circuitry system is provided. The circuitry system is configured to: send a seventh message to a second network device, the seventh message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and receive an eighth message from the second network device, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that both the first network device and the second network device support the first indication. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the circuitry system can be configured to perform any method implemented by the terminal device as described above.

[0171] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first communication device including a circuit system is provided. The circuit system is configured to send first capability information to a second communication device, indicating that the first communication device supports a first type of paging procedure. According to embodiments of this disclosure, the circuit system can be configured to perform any method implemented by the first communication device as described above.

[0172] As used herein, the term "circuit system" can refer to hardware circuitry and / or a combination of hardware circuitry and software. For example, a circuit system can be a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware. As another example, a circuit system can be any part of a hardware processor with software, including digital signal processors, software, and memory, which work together to enable a device, such as a terminal device or network device, to perform various functions. In yet another example, a circuit system can be hardware circuitry and / or a processor that requires software / firmware to operate, such as a microprocessor or a portion thereof, but which may be absent when software is not required to operate. As used herein, the term circuit system also encompasses only hardware circuitry or (one or more) processors, or a portion thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementation.

[0173] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first network apparatus is provided. The first network apparatus includes: components for sending a paging message including a first indication to a second network device, the first indication instructing the second network device to perform a paging procedure of a first type. In some embodiments, the first apparatus may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 900. In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 900. This component can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component can be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0174] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a second network device is provided. The second network device includes components for receiving a paging message from a first network device, the paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure. In some embodiments, the second device may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 1000. In some example embodiments, the second device may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 1000. This component can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component can be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0175] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first network apparatus is provided. The first network apparatus includes: components for determining whether a first network device and a second network device support the first indication in response to receiving a first message from a second network device, including first capability information indicating that a terminal device supports a first type of paging procedure; and components for sending a second message to the second network device, including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication, in response to determining that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication. In some embodiments, a third apparatus may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 1100. In some example embodiments, the third apparatus may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 1100. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0176] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a terminal device is provided. The terminal device includes: components for sending a seventh message to a second network device, the seventh message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and components for receiving an eighth message from the second network device, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that both the first and second network devices support the first indication. In some embodiments, a fourth component may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 1200. In some example embodiments, the fourth component may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 1200. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0177] According to embodiments of this disclosure, a first communication device is provided. The first communication device includes components for transmitting first capability information to a second communication device, indicating that the first communication device supports a first type of paging process. In some embodiments, a fifth device may include components for performing corresponding operations of method 1300. In some example embodiments, the fifth device may also include components for performing other operations in some example embodiments of method 1300. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit system or a software module.

[0178] In summary, the embodiments of this disclosure provide the following aspects.

[0179] In one aspect, a first network device is proposed, comprising: a processor configured to cause the first network device to: send a paging message to a second network device including a first indication for instructing the second network device to perform a first type of paging process.

[0180] In some embodiments, the paging message is sent based on the paging status of the terminal device, which indicates that the terminal device requires a first type of paging process.

[0181] In some embodiments, the paging status is included in the context information of the terminal device.

[0182] In some embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0183] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to: determine whether the first network device and the second network device support the first indication in response to receiving a first message from the second network device including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports the first indication; and send a second message to the second network device including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication in response to determining that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0184] In some embodiments, the second message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect synchronization signal blocks related to the paging process.

[0185] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to store first capability information of the terminal device in the context information of the terminal device.

[0186] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to send information to the second network device about a timer for the terminal device to detect a synchronization signal block related to the paging process.

[0187] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to: receive a third message from the second network device indicating that the terminal device failed to detect a synchronization signal block associated with the paging process during the duration of a timer; update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device to include a second indication indicating that the terminal device requires a paging process associated with the first indication; and send a fourth message to the second network device indicating that the first indication has been set for the terminal device.

[0188] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to: receive a fifth message from the second network device, the fifth message indicating that the terminal device has detected a synchronization signal block associated with a paging process related to the terminal device during the duration of a timer; update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device to exclude a second indication, the second indication indicating that the terminal device needs a paging process associated with the first indication; and send a sixth message to the second network device, the sixth message including information about the updated timer for the terminal device.

[0189] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to send a paging message including a first indication to the second network device in response to the current service having a priority higher than a priority threshold.

[0190] In some embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0191] In one aspect, a second network device is proposed, comprising: a processor configured to cause the second network device to: receive from a first network device a paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure.

[0192] In some embodiments, the second network device is further configured to perform a first type of paging process based on at least one of increased transmission power for performing the paging process or a new channel for performing the paging process.

[0193] In one aspect, a first network device is proposed, the first network device comprising: a processor configured to cause the first network device to: determine whether the first network device and the second network device support the first indication in response to receiving a first message from a second network device including first capability information indicating that a terminal device supports a first type of paging procedure; and in response to determining that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication, send a second message to the second network device including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0194] In some embodiments, the second message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect a synchronization signal block associated with the first type of paging process.

[0195] In some embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0196] In some embodiments, the first network device is further configured to store first capability information of the terminal device in the context information of the terminal device.

[0197] In some embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0198] In one aspect, a terminal device is proposed, the terminal device comprising: a processor configured to cause the terminal device to: send a seventh message to a second network device, the seventh message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and receive an eighth message from the second network device, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

[0199] In some embodiments, the eighth message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect synchronization signal blocks related to the paging process.

[0200] In some embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0201] In some embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0202] In one aspect, a first communication device is proposed, the first communication device comprising: a processor configured to cause the terminal device to: send first capability information to a second communication device indicating that the first communication device supports a first type of paging process.

[0203] In some embodiments, the first communication device is further configured to receive second capability information from the second communication device, indicating that the second communication device supports a first type of paging process.

[0204] In some embodiments, the first type of paging process is triggered by a paging message including a first indication.

[0205] In some embodiments, the first instruction includes a robust notification.

[0206] In some embodiments, the first type of paging process is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

[0207] In some embodiments, the first communication device includes an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) node in the core network, and the second communication device includes a terminal device. Alternatively, the first communication device includes a terminal device, and the second communication device includes an AMF node in the core network.

[0208] In one aspect, a first network device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the methods implemented by the first network device discussed above.

[0209] In one aspect, a second network device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform the methods implemented by the second network device discussed above.

[0210] In one aspect, a terminal device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor and storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform a method implemented by the terminal device, as described above.

[0211] In one aspect, a first communication device includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to and storing instructions thereon, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform a method implemented by the first communication device, as discussed above.

[0212] In one aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method implemented by the first network device discussed above.

[0213] In one aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method implemented by the second network device discussed above.

[0214] On one hand, there is a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method implemented by a terminal device, as discussed above.

[0215] In one aspect, a computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method discussed above implemented by the first communication device.

[0216] In one aspect, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method implemented by the first network device discussed above.

[0217] In one aspect, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the method implemented by the second network device discussed above.

[0218] In one aspect, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause at least one processor to perform a method implemented by the terminal device as described above.

[0219] In one aspect, a computer program includes instructions that, when executed on at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method implemented by the first communication device as described above.

[0220] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0221] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions that execute in a device on a target real or virtual processor, such as those included in a program module, to perform the above-referenced... Figures 1 to 14 The process or method described herein. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions used in a program module can be executed locally or on a distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0222] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0223] The aforementioned program code may be embodied on a machine-readable medium, which may be any tangible medium that can contain or store a program used by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The machine-readable medium may be a machine-readable signal medium or a machine-readable storage medium. The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0224] Furthermore, although the operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that these operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all the operations shown be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific embodiment details are contained in the above discussion, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments. Certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0225] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

Claims

1. A first network device, comprising: The processor is configured to cause the first network device to: Send a paging message to a second network device, the first instruction being used to instruct the second network device to perform a first type of paging process.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the paging message is sent based on the paging status of the terminal device, the paging status indicating that the terminal device requires the paging process of the first type.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the paging status is included in the context information of the terminal device.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the paging process of the first type is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the first network device is further configured to: In response to receiving a first message from the second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports the first indication, determining whether the first indication is supported by both the first network device and the second network device; and In response to determining that the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device, a second message is sent to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the second message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect a synchronization signal block related to the paging process.

7. The device of claim 5, wherein the first network device is further configured to: The first capability information of the terminal device is stored in the context information of the terminal device.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first network device is further configured to: Information about a timer for the terminal device to detect synchronization signal blocks related to the paging process is sent to the second network device.

9. The device according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the first network device is further configured to: The terminal device receives a third message from the second network device, the third message indicating that the terminal device failed to detect a synchronization signal block related to the paging process during the duration of the timer; The paging status in the context information of the terminal device is updated to include a second indication, the second indication being used to indicate that the terminal device needs a paging process associated with the first indication; as well as A fourth message is sent to the second network device, the fourth message indicating that the first instruction has been set for the terminal device.

10. The device according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the first network device is further configured to: The terminal device receives a fifth message from the second network device, the fifth message indicating that the terminal device has detected a synchronization signal block related to the paging process during the duration of the timer, the paging process being related to the terminal device; Update the paging status in the context information of the terminal device to exclude the second indication, which is used to indicate that the terminal device needs a paging process associated with the first indication; as well as A sixth message is sent to the second network device, the sixth message including information about a timer for updating the terminal device.

11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first network device is further configured to: In response to the current service having a priority higher than a priority threshold, the paging message including the first indication is sent to the second network device.

12. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first instruction includes robust notification.

13. A second network device, comprising: The processor is configured to cause the second network device to: A paging message is received from a first network device, the paging message including a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second network device is further configured to: The first type of paging process is performed based on at least one of either increased transmission power for performing the paging process or a new channel for performing the paging process.

15. A first network device, comprising: The processor is configured to cause the first network device to: In response to receiving a first message from a second network device, the first message including first capability information indicating that the terminal device supports a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure, determining whether the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device; as well as In response to determining that the first indication is supported by the first network device and the second network device, a second message is sent to the second network device, the second message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the first network device is further configured to: The first capability information of the terminal device is stored in the context information of the terminal device.

17. A terminal device, comprising: The processor is configured to cause the terminal device to: Send a seventh message to the second network device, the seventh message including first capability information instructing the terminal device to support a first indication associated with a first type of paging procedure; and The second network device receives an eighth message, the eighth message including second capability information indicating that the first network device and the second network device support the first indication.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the eighth message includes information about a timer for the terminal device to detect a synchronization signal block related to the paging process, or The paging process of the first type is performed using increased transmission power or an additional channel for the paging process, or The first instruction includes a robust notification.

19. A first communication device, comprising: The processor is configured to cause the terminal device to: Send first capability information to the second communication device, indicating that the first communication device supports the first type of paging process.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first communication device is further configured to: Receive second capability information from the second communication device that indicates the second communication device supports the first type of paging process.

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