Apparatus, method, and computer program for carrier aggregation

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and computer program for carrier aggregation are disclosed herein. A UE (110) is configured to: switch (301) between operating in a first mode (311) of connected mode and operating in a second mode (312) of connected mode; wherein the connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having a first carrier and a second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to a first cell (122_1) via the first carrier and simultaneous reception of signals from the first cell (122_1), and wherein the second mode supports reception of signals from a second cell (122_2) via the second carrier; receive (302) an indication (313) while operating in the first mode; perform a measurement (315) of signals (314) received from the second cell via the second carrier based on receiving the at least one indication and while operating in the second mode.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Examples of this disclosure relate to apparatus, methods, and computer programs for carrier aggregation (CA). Some examples (though not affecting the foregoing) relate to network-triggered measurements of a secondary cell (SCell) triggered by a user equipment (UE) using low-band (LB) carrier aggregation handover (LBC-sw). Some examples (though not affecting the foregoing) relate to network-triggered measurements of a SCell triggered by a UE using frequency division duplex (FDD) band-supplementary downlink (SDL) band CA handover. Background Technology

[0002] The conventional apparatus and procedures used for CA are not optimal. In some cases, reducing power consumption can be expected when employing CA. In some cases, reducing signaling overhead can be expected when employing CA. In some cases, enabling network-triggered measurements of the SCell by the UE using LBC-sw can be expected. In some cases, enabling network-triggered measurements of the SCell by the UE using FDD band / SDL band CA handover can be expected.

[0003] Any previously disclosed documentation or background listing or discussion in this specification should not be construed as an admission that such documentation or background is part of the prior art or common general knowledge. One or more aspects / examples of this disclosure may or may not solve one or more of the background problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention is defined in the independent claims.

[0005] Based on various, but not necessarily all, examples provided in this disclosure are examples as claimed in the appended claims. Any examples and features described in this specification that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims should be interpreted as examples that help to understand various embodiments of the invention.

[0006] Based on various, but not necessarily all, examples, a method is provided that is performed by a user equipment (UE), wherein the method includes:

[0007] Switch between at least the following operations:

[0008] The first mode of the connected mode, and

[0009] The second mode of the connected mode;

[0010] The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least a first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier.

[0011] Receive at least one instruction while operating in the first mode;

[0012] At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier.

[0013] According to at least some examples of this disclosure, an apparatus is provided that includes components for performing at least a portion of one or more methods described herein.

[0014] According to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments, an apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0015] At least one processor; and

[0016] At least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least a portion of one or more methods described herein.

[0017] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform at least a portion of one or more methods described herein.

[0018] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure, a non-transient computer-readable medium is provided that, when executed by a device, causes the device to perform at least a portion of one or more methods described herein.

[0019] Based on various, but not necessarily all, examples provided in this disclosure, the following are offered: Modules, circuit systems, chipsets including processing circuit systems, devices and / or systems configured to perform at least a portion of one or more methods described herein (or include components for performing at least a portion of one or more methods described herein).

[0020] Examples as claimed in the appended claims are provided according to various, but not necessarily all, embodiments.

[0021] The following sections of this “Summary of the Invention” section describe various features that may be any features that are slightly modified from the examples described in the preceding sections of this “Summary of the Invention” section.

[0022] In some, but not all, examples, performing at least one measurement includes performing at least one measurement when the UE will subsequently operate in a second mode, after receiving at least one indication while operating in a first mode.

[0023] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, at least one indication indicates at least one of the following: At least one signal will be transmitted from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode; or When the UE is to operate in the second mode, the UE will perform one or more measurements on at least one second carrier.

[0024] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, at least one instruction includes information indicating at least one of the following: The periodicity of transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell; When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell begin? When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell be stopped? The UE will perform periodic measurements of at least one signal; When should at least one measurement of at least one signal begin; or When should at least one measurement of at least one signal be stopped?

[0025] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the first carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the frequency division duplex (FDD) band; In a frequency band different from the frequency band where the second carrier is located; In a frequency band that at least overlaps with the frequency band containing the second carrier; and At least one of the second carriers is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the supplementary downlink SDL band; or In the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band.

[0026] In some, but not necessarily all, examples of operating in the second mode include at least one of the following: Activate at least one second cell; or Monitor at least one second cell.

[0027] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the UE is at least one of the following: Configured to not be in the first mode and the second mode simultaneously; or You cannot be in both the first and second modes at the same time.

[0028] In some, but not necessarily all, examples include at least one memory storage instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, also causes the UE to execute: Receive configuration information from the network, which is used to configure switching between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.

[0029] In some, but not necessarily all, examples show that switching between operating in at least the first mode and the second mode is performed based on configuration information.

[0030] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: Information used to configure the timing of multiple switches between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation; Information indicating when the UE should switch between operating in at least the first mode and operating in the second mode; Information indicating one or more durations of one or more cycles in operation in the second mode; Information used to control multiple switching between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation within a time period; or Information indicating the mode switching.

[0031] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration information is configured such that: Operating in the first mode has a higher priority than operating in the second mode.

[0032] Enabling reception of signals transmitted from the first cell is given priority over enabling reception of signals transmitted from the second cell; or

[0033] Enabling the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the first cell is given priority over enabling the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the second cell.

[0034] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, operation in the first mode is associated with a first set of one or more measurement requirements, and the configuration information is configured such that the first set of one or more measurement requirements is at least one of the following:

[0035] Always satisfied;

[0036] Basically always satisfied; or

[0037] It is satisfied in priority over a second set that satisfies one or more measurement requirements, which is associated with operation in a second mode.

[0038] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the configuration information is configured such that the UE is instructed to operate in a first mode such that the UE is in the first mode when at least one of the following occurs: One or more signals are scheduled for reception by the UE; One or more reference signals are periodically transmitted by the first cell for reception by the UE; or One or more Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) bursts are sent by the first cell for reception by the UE.

[0039] In some, but not necessarily all, examples include at least one memory-stored instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, also causes the UE to execute: Send capability information to the network indicating at least one of the following: At least one capability of the UE to operate in connected mode; The UE has at least one capability to receive at least one indication while operating in the first mode; The UE operates in a second mode while relying at least in part on at least one capability to perform at least one measurement based on receiving at least one instruction.

[0040] Although the examples and optional features of this disclosure are described separately, it should be understood that all possible combinations and arrangements thereof are included within this disclosure. It should be understood that various examples of this disclosure may include any or all features described with respect to other examples of this disclosure, and vice versa. Furthermore, it should be understood that any one or more features in any combination may be implemented / included / performed by means of means, methods, and / or instructions as needed and where appropriate.

[0041] A description of a feature (such as a device or a component of a device) configured to perform a function or for performing a function shall also be deemed to disclose a method for performing that function. For example, a description of a device configured to perform one or more actions or for performing one or more actions shall also be deemed to disclose a method for performing one or more actions with or without using the device.

[0042] The description of the function and / or action should also be considered as disclosing any components suitable for performing the function and / or action. The function and / or action described herein can be performed using any suitable method and in any suitable manner. The description of the function and / or action should also be considered as disclosing any instructions stored in at least one memory that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to perform the function. Attached Figure Description

[0043] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0044] Figure 1 Examples of the topics described in this article are shown;

[0045] Figure 2 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0046] Figure 3 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0047] Figure 4 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0048] Figure 5 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0049] Figure 6 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0050] Figure 7 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0051] Figure 8 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0052] Figure 9 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0053] Figure 10 This article presents another example of the topic described in it;

[0054] Figure 11 Another example of the subject described in this article is shown; and

[0055] Figure 12 Another example of the topic described in this article is shown.

[0056] These figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For clarity and simplicity, some features and views in these figures may be shown schematically or enlarged to scale. For example, to aid explanation, the dimensions of some parts in these figures may be enlarged relative to other parts. The same reference numerals are used in these figures to refer to similar features. For clarity, not all reference numerals are necessarily shown in all figures.

[0057] In the specification and figures, reference numerals without subscripts (e.g., 123) can be used as general references to features or classes / sets of features. Reference numerals with subscripts (e.g., 123_1) can be used as specific references, for example, to distinguish different instances of a feature or class / set of features. Subscripts may include two numbers, including a first number marking a group of instances and a second number marking different instances within that group. Numeric type subscript indices (e.g., 123_1) can be used to indicate a specific instance / set member of a class; and non-specific instances of a class (members of a set) can be referenced using reference numerals with variable type subscript indices (e.g., 123_i).

[0058] Abbreviations / Definitions

[0059] Some abbreviations that may be found in this disclosure are defined herein as follows:

[0060] CA carrier aggregation

[0061] DCI Downlink Control Information

[0062] FDD (Frequency Division Duplex)

[0063] L1 Floor 1

[0064] L3 Floor 3

[0065] LB low frequency band

[0066] LBCA (Low-band Carrier Aggregation)

[0067] LBCA-sw LB-LB CA switching

[0068] MAC-CE Media Access Control Element

[0069] NES Network Energy Saving

[0070] NW Network

[0071] OD-SSB On-Demand SSB

[0072] PCell main cell

[0073] PDCCH (Physical Downlink Control Channel)

[0074] RRC Radio Resource Control

[0075] RS reference signal

[0076] SCell Auxiliary Community

[0077] SDL supplements downlink

[0078] SMTC SSB Measurement Timing Configuration

[0079] SSB Synchronization Signal / PBCH Block

[0080] UE User Equipment

[0081] UL uplink Detailed Implementation

[0082] Figure 1 An example of a network 100 suitable for use with the examples of this disclosure is schematically illustrated. This network (which may be referred to as NW) includes a plurality of nodes 101 (which may be referred to as network nodes or nodes of a network), which include:

[0083] • Terminal node 110 (which may be referred to as: terminal device, terminal equipment or user equipment UE).

[0084] • Access Node 120 (which may be referred to as: access device, gNodeB, gNB, or base station BS); and

[0085] • One or more core nodes 130 (which may be referred to as: core device, core function, core entity, core network node or core network entity - one of the core nodes / functions / entities is the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF)).

[0086] Access node 120 and core node 130 can be referred to as network entity NE 102.

[0087] Terminal node 110 and access node 120 communicate with each other. Access node 120 communicates with core node 130. In some, but not all, examples, one or more access nodes 120 may communicate with each other. In some, but not all, examples, one or more core network nodes 130 may communicate with each other.

[0088] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated example, network 100 includes a radio communication network in which at least some of the terminal nodes 110 and access nodes 120 communicate with each other using the transmission / reception of radio waves. In this respect, network 100 includes a radio access network RAN, such as a cellular network comprising multiple cells 122 each served by access node 120. Access node 120 includes a cellular radio transceiver. Terminal node 110 includes a cellular radio transceiver.

[0089] In the examples illustrated and discussed below, Network 100 is the 3GPP New Radio NR network and its fifth-generation 5G New Radio NR technology. However, it should be recognized that in other examples, Network 100 could be a network beyond 5G, such as the next-generation (i.e., sixth-generation, 6G) radio network currently under development (i.e., the NR network and its evolution into 5G technology).

[0090] The interface between terminal node 110 and access node 120 is radio interface 124 (e.g., Uu interface). The interface between access node 120 and one or more core nodes 130 is backhaul interface 128 (e.g., S1 interface and / or next-generation NG interface).

[0091] Depending on the specific deployment scenario, access node 120 can be a RAN node, such as an NG-RAN node. An NG-RAN node can be a gNodeB (gNB) that provides NG user plane and control plane protocol termination towards the UE. The gNB connects to the 5G core 5GC via an NG interface, specifically, for example, to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) via the NG control plane NG-C interface, and to the User Plane Function (UPF) via the NG user plane NG-U interface. The AMF can connect to the UE (not shown) via an N1 interface. Access nodes 120 can interconnect with each other via an Xn interface 126.

[0092] Cellular network 100 can be configured to operate in licensed or unlicensed frequency bands, especially unlicensed frequency bands that rely on the transmitting device to sense radio resources / mediums before transmission begins, such as via the Listen-Before-Speak (LBT) process; and 60 GHz unlicensed frequency bands that may require beamforming to achieve the desired coverage.

[0093] Access node 120 can be deployed in NG standalone operation / scenarios. Access node 120 can be deployed in NG non-standalone operation / scenarios. Access node 120 can be deployed in carrier aggregation (CA) operation / scenarios. Access node 120 can be deployed in dual-connectivity DC operation / scenarios (i.e., multi-radio access technology - dual-connectivity MR-DC or NR-DC). Access node 120 can be deployed in multi-connectivity MC operation / scenarios.

[0094] In this non-standalone / dual connectivity deployment, access nodes 120 can interconnect with each other via X2 or Xn interfaces and connect to the Evolved Packet Core (EPC) via the S1 interface or to the 5GC via the NG interface.

[0095] One or more terminal nodes 110 can be configured to communicate directly with one or more other terminal nodes, in addition to communicating via access node 120 of network 100 (i.e., with other terminal nodes). In this regard, terminal nodes can be able to and configured to perform device-to-device (D2D) communication—which may be referred to as sidelink (SL) communication. This D2D / SL communication can use the PC5 interface. PC5 refers to the reference point through which a terminal node communicates directly with another terminal node via a direct channel (i.e., communication without access node). D2D communication can be short-range, network-free, and direct communication. SL in New Radio (NR) is defined in 3GPP Release 16 of 5G NR.

[0096] exist Figure 1In the example, core node 130 (i.e., 5GC) is shown as a single entity. In some examples, core node 130 may be distributed across multiple entities. For example, core node 130 may be cloud-based or distributed in any other suitable manner. A core node / core entity can provide one or more functionalities, specifically such as: User Plane Function (UPF), Session Management Function (SMF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Application Function (AF), Location Management Function (LMF), and Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF).

[0097] Access node 120 is a network component responsible for radio transmission and reception to or from terminal node 110 in one or more cells 122. Access node 120 is a network terminal of a radio link. Each access node may be a Transmitter-Receiver Point (TRP) or may host one or more TRPs.

[0098] Access node 120 can be implemented as a single network device, or it can have a split architecture that uses different functional split architectures and different interfaces to be decoupled / distributed on two or more access nodes, such as a centralized / control unit CU, a distributed unit DU, or a remote radio head end RRH.

[0099] Terminal node 110 is a user-side network component in the network that terminates the radio link. These are devices that allow access to network services. The functions of terminal node 110 can also be performed by the mobile termination (MT) portion of the integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node. Terminal node 110 may be referred to as user equipment (UE), mobile device, mobile terminal, or mobile station.

[0100] The term "user equipment" can be used to refer to a mobile device that includes components for authentication / encryption (such as a smart card) or a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM). The SIM / SIM card can be a memory chip, module, or Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). In some examples, the term "user equipment" can be used to refer to location / orientation tags, super / smart sensors, or mobile devices that include circuitry embedded as part of the user equipment for authentication / encryption (such as a software SIM).

[0101] In the following description:

[0102] • The terminal node of the network (i.e., where the network includes RAN / cellular networks, especially next-generation RAN such as 5G or 6G) is simply referred to as UE 110;

[0103] • The network access nodes can be interchangeably referred to as BS 120 or gNB 120;

[0104] • In the CA scenario, the primary and secondary cells can be abbreviated as PCell 122_1 and SCell122_2, respectively.

[0105] The following is a brief discussion of On-Demand SSB (OD-SSB).

[0106] 3GPP Release 19 discusses OD-SSB and the procedures and signaling methods supporting OD-SSB SCell operation for a UE in connected mode, configured with a CA (both intra-band CA and inter-band CA). It envisions certain triggering methods (i.e., selected from: UE uplink wake-up signal using existing signals / channels, cell on / off indication via backhaul, or SCell activation / deactivation signaling). OD-SBB transmissions can be used by the UE for at least: SCell time / frequency synchronization, L1 / L3 measurements, and SCell activation. OD-SBB transmissions are supported for frequency bands FR1 and FR2 in the non-shared spectrum.

[0107] Primarily, a UE in connected mode with an SCell having intra-band / inter-band CA can be used by the UE for at least: SCell time / frequency synchronization, as well as L1 / L3 measurement and SCell activation.

[0108] The following is a brief discussion of low-frequency band carrier aggregation (LB-LBCA).

[0109] Frequency band combinations applicable to LB-LB CA include, by way of non-limiting examples, CA_n12A-n29A, CA_n26A-n106A, CA_n28A-n67A, CA_n5A-n29A, CA_n14A-n29A, and CA_n29A-n71A.

[0110] Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) face challenges in supporting LB-LB CA, particularly due to the lack of mid-band frequencies with uplink UL.

[0111] To support LB-LB CA in the SDL band, the device will need to support inter-carrier scheduling. In this regard, the UE will need to monitor the PCell on the FDD carrier for the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) DCI, which contains scheduling information for both the FDD and SDL bands. The device will also need to support Transmission Time Interval (TTI) level switching. When scheduling a SCell, the UE will need to switch to the SCell filter, and during the scheduling period, there will be no simultaneous Tx / Rx between the PCell and SCell. After the SCell scheduling reception interval / period is completed, the device will need to switch back to the PCell duplexer.

[0112] In this regard, it has been proposed that the UE can switch between two states in its radio frequency (RF) front-end configuration: one state for transmitting and receiving signals via an FDD carrier, and another state for receiving signals via an SDL carrier. These two states can be defined as Case 1 and Case 2 by means of non-limiting examples:

[0113] Case 1: 1 Tx / 2 Rx on FDD carrier 1; and 0 Tx / Rx on SDL carrier 2.

[0114] Case 2: Two Rx values ​​on SDL carrier 2; and zero Tx / zero Rx values ​​on FDD carrier 1.

[0115] This switching when operating in this CA mode can be referred to as FDD-SDL LB-LB switching operation or LB-LB CA switching LBCA-sw.

[0116] A handover mode has been proposed in Rel-19 to define two carriers (e.g., the first carrier in the FDD band of PCell and the second carrier in the SDL band of SCell). In this scenario, the UE can only activate one carrier at a time, including receiving / transmitting data and performing measurements (while current 5G NR requirements are specified with reference to the UE performing measurements on all serving cells, and these measurements are typically performed without measurement gaps).

[0117] The definition of network-triggered OD-SSB has already been proposed in Rel.19 to provide network energy-saving NES. In this regard, a relevant scenario could be a cell where the SCell of LBCA-sw is a cell that sends OD-SSB to the UE, rather than sending an "always-on" SSB or sending an infrequent SSB with the maximum possible SSB periodicity (which could be, for example, approximately greater than or equal to 160ms).

[0118] Some examples of this disclosure may attempt to define NW and UE behavior to facilitate UE measurements of SCell (in the SDL band) in connected mode using LBCA-sw with network-triggered OD-SSB, while attempting to minimize the impact on existing measurement requirements (e.g., measurements of PCell (in the FDD band)).

[0119] The following will discuss this in more detail, especially regarding Figures 3 to 5 In some examples of this disclosure, where the SCell (operating in the SDL band) employs LBCA-sw with a network-triggered OD-SSB, the NW can prioritize PCell SSB measurements. The NW can:

[0120] 1) Define the switching mode for LBCA-sw that considers only PCell measurement requirements; and

[0121] 2) Send SCell OD-SSB during SCell activity between PCell SSB bursts.

[0122] The following will discuss this in more detail, especially regarding Figures 6 to 11 In some examples of this disclosure, the NW can extend the SCell activity duration for the UE by using the coverage indication of MAC-CE to accommodate SCell OD-SSB bursts by reducing the upcoming PCell activity duration intended only for data transmission (i.e., instances of PCell activity duration where the PCell is not scheduled to send an SSB to enable the UE to perform PCell measurements). This can be achieved in two ways:

[0123] a. SCell activity time extension configured via RRC (according to...) Figures 6 to 8 )

[0124] b. Explicit indications via SCell activity time extension (according to) Figures 9 to 11 )

[0125] Advantageously, by utilizing the various examples of this disclosure, this can ensure minimal impact on existing measurement requirements / relaxed requirements for SCell measurements using LBCA-sw with network-triggered OD-SSB, since PCell measurements are unlikely to be hindered.

[0126] Figure 2 An example of handover mode 216 that can be used for LBCA-sw is illustrated schematically. The handover mode is configured such that it allows the UE to be active on the SSB slot of PCell 122_1, thus ensuring that no PCell SSB measurements are missed. SCell 122_2, however, does not have a consistently active SSB, or has an infrequent SSB with the maximum possible SSB periodicity (which can typically be, for example, equal to or greater than 160 ms). In this respect, LBCA-sw mode 216 is configured to prioritize PCell SSB (i.e., relative to SCell activity duration).

[0127] exist Figure 2 In the example, the switching mode is provided as a bitmap. However, other forms of representing / encoding the switching mode can be used.

[0128] exist Figure 2In the example, the switching mode is signaled as a bitmap covering a predefined duration. This duration can be determined based on the periodicity of UE measurements, for example, matching M times the SSB / SSB Measurement Timing Configuration (SMTC) period of the PCell. Figure 2 In example bit diagram 216, bit "0" indicates a time slot occupied by the PCell, and bit "1" indicates a time slot occupied by the SCell. A transition time slot is considered each time the bit indication is changed. A transition time slot is defined as a time slot with empty symbols, taking into account the amount of time required for the UE to switch from one cell to another. A transition time slot may include symbols for the PCell, SCell, or both.

[0129] Figure 3 An example of process 300 and signaling framework between UE 110 and NW is illustrated schematically, wherein NW includes at least one first cell (e.g., PCell) 122_1 and at least one second cell (e.g., at least one SCell) 122_2 to support the process.

[0130] As indicated in box 301, the UE operates in a network-connected mode, wherein the UE switches between at least the following operations: The first mode 311 of the connected mode, and The second mode 312 of the connected mode.

[0131] The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having a first carrier (e.g., an FDD carrier) and a second carrier (e.g., an SDL carrier).

[0132] In some examples, the first carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the frequency division duplex (FDD) band; In a frequency band different from the frequency band where the second carrier is located (i.e., where inter-band CA is being used); In a frequency band that overlaps with at least the frequency band of the second carrier (i.e., where CA is being used within that frequency band).

[0133] In some examples, at least one second carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the supplementary downlink SDL band; or In the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band.

[0134] In some examples, the connected mode is LBCA-sw mode.

[0135] The first mode 311 supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and reception of signals from the first cell via the first carrier. In some examples, the first mode is an FDD band operation mode, in which the UE is configured to receive / transmit data via an FDD carrier in the FDD band and perform measurements on the PCell.

[0136] The second mode 312 supports the reception of signals from the second cell via at least a second carrier. In some examples, the second mode is an SDL band operation mode, in which the UE is configured to receive data via an SDL carrier in the SDL band and perform measurements on the SCell.

[0137] In some examples, the UE is at least one of the following: Configured so that it cannot be in both the first and second modes simultaneously; or It cannot be in both the first and second modes at the same time (i.e., the UE does not support or have the ability to be in both the first and second modes at the same time).

[0138] In some examples, such as when the second carrier is an SDL carrier that only supports downlink transmission and not uplink transmission, the second mode can only support the reception of signals and data from the second cell via the second carrier. In other examples, such as when the second carrier is an FDD carrier that supports both uplink and downlink transmission, the second mode can support the simultaneous transmission of signals to and from the second cell via the second carrier.

[0139] In the example where the first carrier and the second carrier are respectively an FDD carrier and an SDL carrier, the switching of block 301 may include at least one of the following: The UE switches between activating PCell and activating SCell; The UE switches between monitoring PCell and monitoring SCell; The UE switches between the PCell duplexer and the SCell filter; or The UE switches between the FDD and SDL bands to retune its RF front end.

[0140] In block 302, while the UE is operating in a first mode (schematically illustrated as 311), the UE receives at least one indication 313. In some examples, this at least one indication is an OD-SSB indication received via MAC-CE.

[0141] In block 302, while the UE is operating in a second mode (schematically illustrated as 312), the UE performs at least one measurement 315 on at least one signal 314 received from the second cell 122_2 via at least one second carrier, based at least in part on receiving at least one instruction (e.g., initiated / triggered by receiving at least one instruction or in response to receiving at least one instruction).

[0142] In some examples, signal 314 includes at least one of the following: At least one reference signal; At least one synchronization signal; At least one synchronization signal block (SSB); At least one SSB burst; or At least one on-demand SSB OD-SSB burst.

[0143] In some examples, the at least one instruction is received via at least one of the following: Layer 2 (L2) signaling; or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling.

[0144] In some examples, measurements may be performed for the purpose of performing at least one of the following: time synchronization, frequency synchronization, L1 measurement, or L1 / L3 measurement.

[0145] In some examples, the execution of at least one measurement occurs when the UE next operates / switches to the second mode, i.e., after receiving at least one indication while operating / switching to the first mode.

[0146] In some examples, at least one indication received while the UE is operating in the first mode indicates at least one of the following: At least one signal 314 will be transmitted from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier when the UE next operates / switches to the second mode; or

[0147] The UE will perform one or more measurements on at least one second carrier when the UE next operates in second mode / switches to second mode.

[0148] In some examples, at least one indication received while the UE is operating in the first mode indicates at least one of the following: The periodicity of transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell; When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell begin (e.g., the start time slot / frame of an OD-SSB transmission). When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell stop (e.g., at the end of the OD-SSB transmission slot / frame). The UE will perform periodic measurements of at least one signal; When should at least one measurement of at least one signal begin (e.g., the start time slot / frame of an OD-SSB measurement); or When should at least one measurement of at least one signal stop (e.g., at the end of the OD-SSB measurement slot / frame).

[0149] In some examples ( Figure 3 Not shown in the text but Figure 5 As shown in step 1), the UE sends capability information to the network indicating at least one of the following: The UE has at least one capability to operate in a connected mode (e.g., LBCA-sw mode); The UE receives at least one capability of at least one indication while operating in the first mode (according to box 302). The UE has at least one capability, based at least in part on receiving at least one indication, to perform at least one measurement while operating in a second mode (according to box 303).

[0150] In some examples ( Figure 3 Not shown in the text but Figure 5 (As shown in step 2), the UE receives configuration information from the network for configuring switching between at least a first mode and a second mode.

[0151] In some examples, the configuration information is received from the network based at least in part on the aforementioned capability information sent by the UE to the network.

[0152] In some examples, switching between at least the first mode and the second mode is performed based on configuration information.

[0153] In some examples, the configuration information includes at least one of the following: Information used to configure the timing of multiple switches between at least a first mode and a second mode; Information indicating when the UE should switch between at least the first mode and the second mode; Information indicating the duration of one or more switches / instances operating in the second mode; Information used to control multiple switching between at least a first mode and a second mode within a time period; Indicates mode switching (e.g., based on) Figure 2 (The bitmap of switching modes covering a predefined duration); or Information in one or more time slots instructing the UE to perform one or more handovers between operating in a first mode and operating in a second mode; Information indicating that the UE will be in one or more time slots of the first mode; and Information indicating one or more time slots for the UE to operate in the second mode.

[0154] In some examples, the configuration information is configured such that: Operating in the first mode has a higher priority than operating in the second mode. Enabling reception of signals transmitted by a first cell (e.g., PCell) (e.g., SSB) is given priority over enabling reception of signals transmitted by a second cell; and / or

[0155] Enabling the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the first cell (e.g., PCell) is given priority over enabling the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the second cell.

[0156] In some examples, operating in a first mode is associated with a first set of one or more measurement requirements (e.g., such as the UE needing to be active on a periodic SSB slot of the PCell), and the configuration information is configured such that the first set of one or more measurement requirements is at least one of the following: Always satisfied; Basically always satisfied; or It is satisfied in priority over a second set that satisfies one or more measurement requirements, which is associated with operation in a second mode.

[0157] In some examples, the configuration information is configured to instruct the UE to switch to a first mode such that the UE is in the first mode when at least one of the following occurs: One or more signals are scheduled for reception by the UE; One or more reference signals are periodically transmitted by the first cell for reception by the UE; or One or more Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) bursts are sent by the first cell for reception by the UE.

[0158] Figure 4 This illustration schematically shows an example where the NW sends an OD-SSB indication 413 to the UE during the active PCell duration (via MAC-CE) before handing over to the SCell, and where the NW ensures that the SCell OD-SSB burst is sent between PCell SSB bursts through the active SCell. In this way, the OD-SSB burst of the SCell does not hinder / affect the UE's ability to receive SSB bursts from the PCell.

[0159] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates LBCA switching with OD-SSB and Figure 4 Examples of signaling diagrams for the method (between UE 110 and network 100, where network 100 includes at least PCell and SCell) and process 500.

[0160] In step 1, the UE indicates its capabilities related to LBCA handover.

[0161] In step 2, the network configures the UE with LBCA handover mode 516. This handover mode can be generated to take into account the SSB bursts of the PCell required for UE measurements, such that PCell measurements have higher priority than SCell measurements. In this regard, the NW can generate / determine the handover mode such that the time slots for PCell SSB bursts are aligned with the time slots when the PCell is activated (i.e., the UE is handed over to the PCell). In this example, the handover mode adopts a similar approach to... Figure 4 The switching bitmap is in the form of 416.

[0162] Steps 3 through 15 illustrate how the UE operates according to the configured LBCA switching mode.

[0163] Steps 5-8 indicate the transition from PCell to SCell, which is related to the transition time slot. The transition time slot begins with the PCell symbol in step 6. In step 7, these are followed by unused symbols, which precede the symbols used for SCell in step 8.

[0164] Steps 9 and 10 indicate the instance slot ("1" on the bitmap) on the SCell. It is important to recognize that in... Figure 5 Not all slot instances on SCell are shown ("1" on the bitmap).

[0165] Steps 11-14 indicate the transition from SCell to PCell.

[0166] Step 15 indicates the instance slot ("0" on the bitmap) on PCell.

[0167] In step 16, NW sends OD-SSB instruction 513 via PCell.

[0168] Steps 17-20 indicate the transition from PCell to SCell, similar to the case of steps 5-8.

[0169] In steps 21-24, the NW sends an OD-SSB burst 516 to the UE during the next SCell activity duration.

[0170] Figure 6An example of a process 600 and signaling framework between UE 110 and NW is illustrated schematically, wherein the NW includes at least one first cell (e.g., PCell) 122_1 and at least one second cell (e.g., at least one SCell) 122_2 to support the process.

[0171] In process 600, the NW can extend the duration of the second mode (e.g., change how long the timing of operation in SCell-activated mode lasts). As will be further elaborated below, this is achieved via the use of an indication received while the UE is operating in the first mode, which instructs the UE to adjust the duration of the period of operation in the second mode (i.e., the length of time the UE is switched to or operates in the second mode for at least one instance / time when the UE is switched to or operates in the second mode), and to adjust the measurement duration (i.e., the length of time the UE performs measurements during at least one instance / time when the UE is switched to or operates in the second mode). In practice, examples could allow the NW to extend the duration of the period of operation in the second mode via an indication that triggers the UE to override a previously configured (e.g., default) duration (such as a previously configured bit pattern (not shown)) of the period of operation in the second mode.

[0172] In this regard, the NW can extend the duration of the period during which the UE operates in the second mode (e.g., SCell activity duration) via an indication (e.g., using MAC-CE) to accommodate measurements of signals from the second cell (e.g., SCell OD-SSB bursts). This indication can be referred to as a coverage indication.

[0173] In various examples, this extension / overlap of duration can be achieved in the following ways:

[0174] • First method (reference) Figure 7 and Figure 8 (Shown and described), SCell activity time extension configured via RRC, and wherein the overlay indicator indicates the configured SCell activity time extension; or

[0175] • The second method (see reference) Figure 9 and Figure 10 (Shown and described), via coverage indication including / explicitly indicating SCell activity time extension.

[0176] As indicated in box 601, the UE receives configuration information 616 to configure the UE to switch between at least the following operations: The first mode 611 of the connected mode, and The second mode 612 of the connected mode.

[0177] The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having a first carrier (e.g., an FDD carrier) and a second carrier (e.g., an SDL carrier). In some examples, the connected mode is LBCA-sw mode.

[0178] The first mode 611 supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and reception of signals from the first cell via the first carrier. In some examples, the first mode is an FDD band operation mode, in which the UE is configured to receive / transmit data via an FDD carrier in the FDD band and perform measurements on the PCell.

[0179] The second mode 612 at least supports the reception of signals from the second cell via a second carrier. In some examples, the second mode is an SDL band operation mode, in which the UE is configured to receive data via an SDL carrier in the SDL band and perform measurements on the SCell. In other examples, the second mode is an FDD band operation mode, in which the UE is configured to receive / transmit data via an FDD carrier in the FDD band and perform measurements on the PCell.

[0180] Configuration information 616 includes information 618 indicating the duration 618 of one or more switches / instances of operation in the second mode / occurrence of operation in the second mode, i.e., information indicating how long each switch / transition to the second mode should last. This duration may be referred to as the default duration.

[0181] For example, through non-restrictive examples (and such as) Figure 8 As shown in step 2), configuration information 616 may include: Indicates the (default) duration of 2 time slots: 618 “OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID_0:SCell activity time=2 time slots”.

[0182] By another non-restrictive example (and such as) Figure 10 As shown in step 2), configuration information 616 may include switching modes similar to those described above, such as mode bitmap = 001110... which indicates / represents / encodes the switching to the second mode / an instance of operation in the second mode / the duration of occurrence 618.

[0183] In block 602, while the UE is operating in a first mode (schematically illustrated as 611), the UE receives at least one indication 619, wherein the at least one indication indicates a time period 620.

[0184] The at least one time period 620 can indicate different durations of extension of the duration 618 of the UE for at least one instance / occurrence of being switched to the second mode / operating in the second mode (especially, for example, the extended duration of the next UE switch to the second mode / operating in the second mode).

[0185] The at least one instruction 619 may be received via at least one of the following: Layer 2 (L2) signaling; or Media Access Control (MAC) signaling.

[0186] In block 603, when the UE is operating in a second mode (schematically illustrated as 612) (especially when it subsequently operates in the second mode), the UE performs at least one measurement 615 on at least one signal 614, which is received from the second cell 122_2 via at least one second carrier. The at least one measurement is performed for at least one duration period 621, and the at least one duration period 621 is at least partially based on at least one time period 620.

[0187] In this respect, the execution of at least one measurement is based at least in part on receiving at least one instruction 619. Specifically, the duration 621 of the measurement is based at least in part on the time period 620 indicated by the instruction 619. In this way, the duration 621 of the measurement is no longer based on the duration 618 of the configuration information 616; in fact, the duration 618 of the configuration information is overridden / rejected and replaced with the duration based on the time period 620 indicated by the instruction 619.

[0188] In some examples, at least one time period 620 indicated by indication 619 indicates at least one duration (i.e., at least one duration is or is based on at least one time period 620). In this respect, time period 620 can be regarded as an overlay duration, i.e., the duration used to replace the (default) duration 618 of configuration information 616. The overlay duration can correspond to how long the UE should operate in the second mode when at least one occurs / switches to the second mode, and / or how long the execution of at least one measurement (of box 303) should continue while operating in the second mode.

[0189] In some examples, at least one time period 620 indicated by indication 619 indicates an extension of the (default) duration 618 of switching to / operating in the second mode to the second mode as defined by configuration information 616.

[0190] In some examples, the UE performs at least one of the following:

[0191] At least one duration 621 (based on the time period 620 indicated by indication 619) is used to cover at least one duration 618 of one or more instances of switching to / operating in the second mode as indicated in configuration information 616, wherein the coverage is at least partially based on receiving at least one indication 619; or

[0192] Replace at least one duration of one or more durations 618 of one or more instances of switching to / operating in the second mode as indicated in the configuration information 616 with at least one duration 621 (which is based on the time period 620 indicated by the indication 619), wherein the replacement is at least partially based on receiving at least one indication 619.

[0193] In some examples, the UE determines / evaluates at least one duration 621, wherein the determination process includes modifying (e.g., increasing) at least one duration 618 of one or more instances of handover to / operation in the second mode indicated in the configuration information. In some examples, such modification is at least partially based on receiving at least one indication 619. In this respect, the modification may be triggered / initiated in response to the receipt of indication 619. Furthermore, the amount of modification to the duration may be based on the time period indicated by indication 619.

[0194] In some examples, the UE switches between a first mode and a second mode based on first configuration information.

[0195] In some examples, the UE switches to a second mode / operates in the second mode for at least a duration.

[0196] In some examples, performing at least one switch is based at least in part on receiving at least one instruction.

[0197] In some examples, at least one indication also indicates at least one of the following: At least one signal will be transmitted from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode; or The UE will perform one or more measurements on at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode.

[0198] In some examples, at least one indication is received while the UE is operating in a first mode, and the at least one indication specifies at least one of the following: The periodicity of transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell; When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell begin (e.g., the start time slot / frame of an OD-SSB transmission). When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell stop (e.g., at the end of the OD-SSB transmission slot / frame). The UE will perform periodic measurements of at least one signal; When should at least one measurement of at least one signal begin (e.g., the start time slot / frame of an OD-SSB measurement); or When should at least one measurement of at least one signal stop (e.g., at the end of the OD-SSB measurement slot / frame).

[0199] Process 600 and Figure 3 Process 300 has many similarities (and can actually be used in conjunction with Process 300). It will be recognized that the above references... Figure 3 Many of the details and additional features described can be slightly modified to apply equally well. Figure 6 (Especially characteristics such as: first and second: cell, carrier, frequency band, etc.).

[0200] In this regard, in some examples, the first carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the frequency division duplex (FDD) band; In a frequency band different from the frequency band where the second carrier is located; In a frequency band that at least overlaps with the frequency band of the second carrier.

[0201] In some examples, at least one second carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the supplementary downlink SDL band; or In the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band.

[0202] In some examples, the first cell is the primary cell PCell, while at least one second cell is at least one secondary cell SCell.

[0203] In some examples, operating in the second mode includes at least one of the following: Activate at least one second cell; or Monitor at least one second cell.

[0204] In some examples, the UE is at least one of the following: Configured to not be in the first mode and the second mode simultaneously; or It cannot be in both the first and second modes at the same time.

[0205] In some examples, at least one signal received from the second cell via the second carrier includes at least one of the following: At least one reference signal; At least one synchronization signal; At least one synchronization signal block (SSB); At least one SSB burst; or At least one on-demand SSB OD-SSB burst.

[0206] Time period 620 can be, for example, indicated by instruction 619 in a first manner (see below for reference). Figure 7 and Figure 8 (shown and described) or a second method (see below for reference) Figure 9 and Figure 10 As indicated by (shown and described).

[0207] In the first method, the UE receives further configuration information 617 (this is in Figure 6 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 8 (As shown in step 2). Further configuration information 617 includes information indicating, for example, a time period 620 that represents or explicitly indicates it.

[0208] For example, through non-restrictive examples (and such as) Figure 8 (As shown in step 2), further configuration information 617 may include: The time period 620 indicates 4 time slots: “OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID_0:SCell activity time = 2 time slots”.

[0209] Further configuration information can be received via at least one of the following: Layer 3 (L3) signaling; or Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling.

[0210] In the first approach, at least one indication 619 may include an indication of received further configuration information. In this regard, at least one time period 620 is indicated by at least one indication 619 at least in part based on at least one indication indicating further configuration information 617. This is in Figure 6 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 10 Step 16 shows that the indication 619_1 includes an identifier (OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configId_1) for further configuration information 617, wherein the identified further configuration information 617 (which is received in step 2) itself includes a time period 620 (i.e. Figure 10 (4 time slots in the example).

[0211] For example, by a non-limiting example, at least one indication 619_1 (which may be received via MAC-CE) may include OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID_x (i.e., an identifier of a configuration in the configuration, which is also used to identify the time period associated with / included in the identified configuration and further configuration information). In some examples, at least one indication 619_1 may further be used, included, or as part of indication 313 (such as OD-SSB indication 413 or 513) to trigger the UE to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB sent by the SCell, for example, when the UE next switches to / operates in the second mode.

[0212] In the second approach, instead of receiving (e.g., via RRC) further configuration information 617 including time period 620, the UE receives (e.g., via MACCE) an indication of this further configuration information; instead, the UE receives time period 620 within the indication 619 itself. In this respect, indication 619 includes / represents / explicitly indicates time period 620. This is in Figure 6 Not shown in the image, but... Figure 10 As shown in step 16, the indication 619_2 is or includes a switching mode bitmap, wherein the switching mode bitmap encodes / represents a time period 620.

[0213] For example, by way of a non-restrictive example, at least with SCell activity time extension mode: 11111.

[0214] In some examples, at least one indication 619_2 may be further used, included, or as part of indication 313 (such as OD-SSB indication 413 or 513) to trigger the UE to perform a measurement of the OD-SSB sent by the SCell, for example when the UE next switches to / operates in the second mode.

[0215] Figure 7 An example is illustrated schematically, which is related to Figure 4 Similarly, but where the NW can further extend the SCell activity duration by overriding a previously configured switching mode (e.g., 616). The NW can choose to do this if the OD-SSB burst does not match the SCell activity duration determined according to the previously configured switching mode. In this respect, the NW has the ability to dynamically control / override the following: The previously configured switching mode activates (i.e. deactivates) PCell and deactivates (i.e. activates) SCell so that the UE can measure SCell OD-SSB.

[0216] In this regard, the UE is configured by the NW via RRC to extend the SCell activity time / duration to a specific number of slots (620) (when needed), i.e., to accommodate OD-SSB bursts of a specific duration 614. This configuration information 616 is referred to as OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-config (See) Figure 8 Step 2). Subsequently, the NW uses MAC-CE to send a message indicating / identifying the corresponding... OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID Coverage instruction 619_1 and OD-SSB instruction 613 (see Figure 8 Step 16). In practice, the coverage indication 619_1 received during the PCell activity period is used to trigger the UE to extend the duration of the next SCell activity period and to measure the OD-SSB sent by the SCell. In this respect, the coverage indication causes the UE to cover the default handover mode 616 configured by the NW. The coverage indication 619_1 is only valid for the upcoming SCell activity duration following the PCell activity period after the OD-SSB indication is received (i.e., the next instance / occurrence, such as when the UE is next switched to the second mode and operates in the second mode).

[0217] like Figure 7 As shown, the OD-SSB indication 613 (sent to the UE by the NW via MAC-CE during the active PCell duration) itself includes coverage indication 619_1, namely the SCell active time extension indicator, which is referred to as OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID-x (i.e., the previously received...). OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-config The indicator / identifier, OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-config itself, configures the extension of the SCell activity duration by extending the time period—such a time period is defined in OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-config).

[0218] according to Figure 4 The OD-SSB indication 613 (and its OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID-x indication 619_1) is sent simultaneously with the UE being switched to the PCell / operating in the first operating mode, and then switched to the SCell. In this way, the NW can thus ensure that the SCell OD-SSB burst is sent during the active SCell duration, and also between PCell SSB bursts. In this way, the SCell OD-SSB burst does not impede / affect the UE's ability to receive SSB bursts from the PCell.

[0219] Figure 8 An example of a signaling diagram is illustrated, which shows the signaling diagram used to support Figure 7The signaling method (between UE 110 and network 100, network 100 including at least PCell and SCell) and procedure 800, the method employs LBCA handover, which has OD-SSB and SCell active time extension.

[0220] Process 800 and Figure 5 The process 500 has many similarities. However, in process 800, the NW is able to extend the SCell activity duration (e.g., dynamically change how long the UE switches to / operates in the second / SCell active mode). As will be further elaborated below, this is achieved through the use of an indication (which may be referred to as an overriding indicator) that instructs the UE to override / adjust the default duration of the UE's operation in the second / SCell active mode.

[0221] Given Figure 8 Signaling and procedures 800 and Figure 5 The similarity between the signaling and process 500 will make it clear that the above regarding Figure 5 The numerous discussions and details described, involving various boxes and additional features, can be slightly modified to apply equally well. Figure 8 Therefore, the discussion and details of this framework and additional features are important. Figure 8 It will no longer be repeated or described.

[0222] In step 1, the UE indicates its capabilities related to LBCA handover.

[0223] In step 2, NW configures the UE with LBCA handover mode (considering the PCell SSB burst required for the UE's measurement of the PCell) and OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-config .

[0224] Steps 3 through 15 illustrate how the UE operates according to the configured LBCA handover mode received in step 2.

[0225] Steps 5-8: This indicates the transition from PCell to SCell, which involves the use of transition time slots. The transition time slots begin with the PCell symbols from Step 6. In Step 7, these are followed by unused symbols, preceding the symbols used for SCells starting in Step 8.

[0226] Steps 11-14, 17-20, and 25-28 illustrate similar transitions between cells.

[0227] In step 16, NW sends OD-SSB instruction 613 and via MAC-CE. OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID-1(i.e., coverage indication) 619. The coverage indication tells the UE that the duration of the SCell activity should be 4 time slots (because the time period received in step 2 associated with OD-SSB-LBCA-sw-configID-1 is a time period including 4 time slots). This time period is used for the duration of the next instance of the SCell activity period, which covers the switching mode of the configuration, such as the default duration of 2 activity time slots for the next instance of the SCell activity period.

[0228] In steps 21-24, following the transition from PCell to SCell in steps 17-20, the NW sends an OD-SSB burst to the UE for a 4-slot SCell activity duration. The increased duration (compared to the default 2-slot duration) can be used to facilitate the UE's measurement of the SCell. It should be noted that because the SCell activity duration is extended by 2 slots, the subsequent / following PCell activity duration will be reduced by 2 slots. However, this will not affect any UE measurement of the PCell, as the NW can ensure that no SSBs are scheduled to be sent during the subsequent / following PCell activity duration and is therefore intended solely for data communication.

[0229] Figure 9 An example is illustrated schematically, which is related to Figure 7 The example is somewhat similar, where the NW is further able to extend the SCell activity duration by overriding the previously configured handover mode. However, instead of receiving the time period 620 in the further configuration information 617 (e.g., via RRC) [but subsequently receiving the overriding indication 619_1 indicating the further configuration information and therefore the time period 620] (e.g., via MAC CE), the UE receives the time period 620 in the overriding indication 619_2 itself.

[0230] like Figure 9 As shown, along with the OD-SSB indication 613, the NW also sends a SCell activity time extension mode using MAC-CE: 111111 (i.e., overlay indication 619_2), which explicitly provides an overlay on the SCell activity time 620 of the default switching mode 613 configured by the NW. This overlay indication can be valid only for the upcoming SCell activity duration of the OD-SSB indication to be received. This allows the NW to provide a more dynamic way to handle OD-SSB bursts.

[0231] Specifically, the NW transmits Coverage Instruction 619_2 via MAC CE, which includes a portion of the handover bitmap to be used, replacing a portion of the handover bitmap previously configured by the UE via RRC. In effect, Coverage Instruction 619_2, when received during a PCell activity period, triggers the UE to extend the duration of the next SCell activity period and measures the OD-SSB from the SCell during the extended duration. In this respect, the Coverage Instruction causes the UE to cover an earlier / default handover mode configured by the NW. Coverage Instruction 619_2 is only valid for the upcoming SCell activity duration (i.e., the next instance / occurrence / when the UE is next switched to the second mode) after the OD-SSB instruction has been received.

[0232] like Figure 7 As shown, the OD-SSB indication 613 (sent to the UE by the NW via MAC-CE) during the active PCell duration includes coverage indication 619_2 and its handover mode portion, namely "SCell active time extended mode: 11111", where bitmap encoding / represents the extended duration.

[0233] OD-SSB indication 613 and its coverage indication 19_2 are sent when the UE is switched to PCell / is operating in the first operating mode, and then switched to SCell. NW can then ensure that SCell OD-SSB bursts are sent during the active SCell duration, between PCell SSB bursts. In this way, SCell OD-SSB bursts do not hinder / affect the UE's ability to receive SSB bursts from PCell.

[0234] Figure 10 An example of a signaling diagram is illustrated, which shows the signaling diagram used to support Figure 6 The signaling of the method (between UE 110 and network 100, network 100 including at least PCell and SCell) and procedure 1000, the method employs LBCA handover, which has OD-SSB and SCell active time extension.

[0235] Process 1000 and Figure 5Procedure 500 has many similarities to procedure 1000. However, in procedure 1000, the NW is able to extend the duration of SCell activity (e.g., dynamically change how long the UE switches to / operates in the second / SCell active mode). As will be further elaborated below, this is achieved through the use of an indication (which may be referred to as an overriding indicator) that instructs the UE to override / adjust the default duration of the UE's operation in the second / SCell active mode.

[0236] Given Figure 10 Signaling and procedures 1000 and Figure 5 The similarity between the signaling and process 500 will make it clear that the above regarding Figure 5 The numerous discussions and details described, involving various boxes and additional features, can be slightly modified to apply equally well. Figure 8 Therefore, the discussion and details of this framework and additional features are important. Figure 10 It will no longer be repeated or described.

[0237] In step 1, the UE indicates its capabilities related to LBCA handover.

[0238] In step 2, NW configures the UE with LBCA handover mode (considering the PCell SSB burst required for the UE to measure the PCell).

[0239] Steps 3 through 15 illustrate how the UE operates according to the configured LBCA handover mode received in step 2.

[0240] Steps 5-8: This indicates the transition from PCell to SCell, which involves the use of transition slots. The transition slots begin with the PCell symbols from Step 6. In Step 7, these are followed by unused symbols, preceding the symbols used for SCells starting in Step 8.

[0241] Steps 11-14, 17-20, and 25-28 illustrate similar transitions between cells.

[0242] In step 16, the NW transmits an OD-SSB indication 613 via MAC-CE with an explicit SCell activity time extension mode (e.g., 11111), which serves as an overlay indication 619_1. This overlay indication includes a time period 620, i.e., four time slots as represented by bitmap 11111 (it should be recognized that the first bitmap will be the transition time slot). This overlay indication thus indicates to the UE that the SCell activity duration should be four time slots. This time period is used for the duration of the next instance of the SCell activity period, which overlays the configured handover mode, such as its default duration of two activity time slots for the next instance of the SCell activity period.

[0243] In steps 21-24: The NW sends an OD-SSB burst to the UE via SCell activity duration mode 11111, which is used to facilitate UE measurements. It should be noted that due to the extension of the SCell activity duration, the subsequent / following PCell activity duration will be reduced by 2 slots. However, this will not affect any UE's PCell measurements, as the NW can ensure that the subsequent / following PCell activity duration has no SSBs and is therefore intended for data communication only.

[0244] Advantageously, Process 1000 can provide a flexible and dynamic approach to handling OD-SSB bursts.

[0245] Figures 3 to 10 The process and signaling diagrams in the diagram can be viewed as illustrating multiple methods, because each process and signaling diagram can be viewed as illustrating one or more actions or processes performed by multiple actors / entities (e.g., UE and network / network entity) at multiple actors / entities (e.g., UE and network / network entity). Therefore, these process and signaling diagrams can be viewed as illustrating multiple individual methods performed by each corresponding actor / entity among multiple actors / entities.

[0246] Figures 3 to 10 The boxes and steps shown may represent actions in a method, functions performed by a device, and / or instructions, program or code snippets. The illustration of a specific order of boxes does not necessarily imply a necessary or preferred order for the boxes, and the order and arrangement of the boxes can vary. Furthermore, some boxes may be omitted.

[0247] Will understand, Figures 3 to 10 Each box and combination of boxes shown, as well as the further functions described herein, can be implemented by various components, such as hardware, firmware, and / or software comprising one or more computer program instructions. For example, one or more of the functions described above can be implemented by appropriately configured devices (such as [e.g. Figure 11 The device shown includes components for performing the above-described functions. One or more of the above-described functions / functionalities can be performed by a properly configured computer program (such as...). Figure 12 The [shown] includes computer programs that embody the above-described functions / functionality and can be stored in a storage device and executed by a processor.

[0248] As will be appreciated, any such computer program instructions can be loaded onto a computer or other programmable device (i.e., hardware) to produce a machine such that, when executed on the programmable device, these instructions create parts for implementing the function / functionality specified in the box. These computer program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct the programmable device to operate in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of writing including instruction parts that implement the function specified in the box. These computer program instructions can also be loaded onto the programmable device to cause a series of operational actions to be performed on the programmable device to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, when executed on the programmable device, provide actions for implementing the function / functionality specified in the box.

[0249] (For example, the signaling diagram) The above component blocks and steps are functional, and these functions, together with the other functions / functionalities mentioned above, can be provided by a single physical entity (such as reference). Figure 11 The described apparatus can be implemented in / be implemented as a UE or NE, particularly such as a PCell or SCell. Figure 12 The described program (which can be executed by the processor of the UE or NE) is implemented.

[0250] Figure 11 A block diagram schematically illustrates an apparatus 10 (i.e., controller 11) for performing the methods, processes, flows, and signaling described in this disclosure, particularly as Figures 3 to 10 As shown in the diagram. In this respect, the device can perform the functions of entities (such as: UE or NE, especially such as PCell or SCell) in the illustrated and described methods.

[0251] Figure 11 The component box is functional, and the described function can be performed by a single physical entity, such as a UE or NE.

[0252] The device includes a controller 11, which can be provided within a device / entity (especially such as a UE or NE).

[0253] The controller 11 can be implemented by a computing device (especially those mentioned above). In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the device can be implemented as a chip, chipset, circuit system, or module, i.e., for use in any of the foregoing. As used herein, “module” refers to a unit or device that does not include certain parts / components that will be added by the end manufacturer or user.

[0254] The controller 11 can be implemented as a controller circuit system. The controller 11 can be implemented in hardware only, have some aspects in software form (including firmware only), or be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0255] The controller 11 can be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functions, for example, by using executable instructions, programs, or code 14 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 12, which can be stored on a computer-readable storage medium 13 (such as a memory or disk) for execution by such processor 12.

[0256] Processor 12 is configured to read from and write to memory 13. Processor 12 may further include: an output interface through which data and / or commands are output by processor 12; and an input interface through which data and / or commands are input to processor 12. The device may be coupled to or include one or more other components 15 (especially, for example, radio transceivers, sensors, input / output user interface elements, and / or other modules / devices / components for inputting and outputting data / commands).

[0257] Memory 13 stores instructions, such as computer programs or code 14, including instructions (e.g., computer program instructions or computer program code) that control the operation of device 10 when loaded into processor 12. The instructions, programs, or code 14 provide logic and routines that enable the device to perform the operations described herein and... Figures 3 to 10 The methods, processes, and flows illustrated in the diagram. Processor 12 can load and execute instructions, programs, or code 14 by reading from memory 13.

[0258] These instructions can be included in computer programs, non-transient computer-readable media, computer program products, and machine-readable media. As used herein, the term "non-transient" refers to a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile) rather than on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM). In some, but not necessarily all, examples, computer program instructions may be distributed across more than one computer program.

[0259] Although memory 13 is shown as a single component / circuit system, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuit systems, some or all of which can be integrated / removable and / or can provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0260] Although processor 12 is illustrated as a single component / circuit system, it can be implemented as one or more separate components / circuit systems, some or all of which can be integrated / removable. Processor 12 can be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0261] The apparatus may include tools for implementing the features described herein. Figures 3 to 10 The diagram illustrates one or more components of a method, process, or flow. It is anticipated that the functionality of these components may be combined within one or more components, or performed by other components with equivalent functionality. The description of the functionality should also be considered as disclosing any parts suitable for performing that functionality.

[0262] Where a structural feature has been described, it may be replaced by a component that performs one or more functions to perform that structural feature, whether or not the function or those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0263] Although examples of devices have been described above in terms of including various components, it should be understood that these components may be implemented as corresponding controllers or circuit systems (such as one or more processing elements or processors of the device) or controlled by corresponding controllers or circuits (such as one or more processing elements or processors of the device). In this regard, each of the above-described components may be one or more of any device, component, or circuit system implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software configured to perform the corresponding functions of the corresponding components as described above.

[0264] The device can be, for example, a user equipment, network entity, base station, or network node of a mobile cellular telecommunications system. The device can be implemented by computing devices (especially those mentioned above). However, in some examples, the device can be implemented as a chip, chipset, circuit system, or module, i.e., for use in any of the foregoing.

[0265] In one example, the device is implemented on a client device, UE, mobile cellular phone, handheld portable electronic device, mobile communication device, wearable computing device, or personal digital assistant, which may additionally provide one or more audio / text / video communication functions (e.g., telephone communication, video communication, and / or text transmission (SMS / MMS / email) functions), interactive / non-interactive viewing functions (e.g., web browsing, navigation, TV / program viewing functions), music recording / playback functions (e.g., Mobile Picture Experts Group-1 Audio Layer 3 (MP3) or other formats and / or (FM / AM) radio broadcast recording / playback), data download / send functions, image capture functions (e.g., using a (e.g., built-in) digital camera), and gaming functions, or any combination thereof.

[0266] In some examples (such as where the device is provided within UE 110), the device 10 includes: At least one processor 12; and At least one memory 13 stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 12, cause the device to at least: Switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier. Receive at least one instruction while operating in the first mode; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier.

[0267] In some examples (such as where the device is provided within UE 110), the device 10 includes: At least one processor 12; and At least one memory 13 stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 12, cause the device to at least: Receive configuration information for configuring the UE to switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier, and wherein the configuration information includes information indicating one or more durations of one or more time periods operating in the second mode. While operating in the first mode, receive at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction indicates at least one time period; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier, wherein at least one measurement is performed for at least one duration, and wherein at least one duration is at least in part based on at least one time period indicated by at least one indication.

[0268] The examples above are applied as enabling components for: telecommunications systems; tracking systems; automotive systems; electronic systems, including consumer electronics; distributed computing systems; media systems for generating or rendering media content (including audio, video, and audiovisual content, as well as mixed reality, mediated reality, virtual reality, and / or augmented reality); personal systems, including personal health systems or personal fitness systems; navigation systems; user interfaces, also known as human-machine interfaces; networks, including cellular networks, non-cellular networks, and optical networks; self-organizing networks; the Internet of Things (IoT); vehicle-to-everything (V2X); virtualized networks; and related software and services.

[0269] According to the examples of this disclosure, the device can be provided in an electronic device (e.g., a mobile terminal). However, it should be understood that the mobile terminal merely illustrates examples of electronic devices that would benefit from implementations of this disclosure, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure to that. While in some implementation examples the device can be provided in a mobile terminal, other types of electronic devices, such as, but not limited to: mobile communication devices, handheld portable electronic devices, wearable computing devices, portable digital assistants (PDAs), pagers, mobile computers, desktop computers, televisions, gaming devices, laptop computers, cameras, video recorders, GPS devices, and other types of electronic systems, can readily adopt the examples of this disclosure. Furthermore, the device can readily adopt the examples of this disclosure regardless of whether it is intended to provide mobility.

[0270] Figure 12 The illustration depicts instructions, programs, or code 14 that can be transmitted via delivery mechanism 20. Delivery mechanism 20 can be any suitable delivery mechanism, such as a machine-readable medium, computer-readable medium, non-transient computer-readable storage medium, computer program product, memory device, solid-state memory, recording medium, or article of manufacture that includes or tangibly embodies the instructions, programs, or code 14. The delivery mechanism can be a signal configured to reliably transmit the instructions 14. The apparatus can receive, propagate, or send the instructions 14 as a data signal.

[0271] In some embodiments of this disclosure, instruction 14 causes the apparatus (e.g., UE 110) to perform at least the following, or is used to cause at least the following to be performed: Switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier. Receive at least one instruction while operating in the first mode; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier.

[0272] In some embodiments of this disclosure, instruction 14 causes the apparatus (e.g., UE 110) to perform at least the following, or is used to cause at least the following to be performed: Receive configuration information for configuring the UE to switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier, and wherein the configuration information includes information indicating one or more durations of one or more time periods operating in the second mode.

[0273] While operating in the first mode, receive at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction indicates at least one time period; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier, wherein at least one measurement is performed for at least one duration, and wherein at least one duration is at least in part based on at least one time period indicated by at least one indication.

[0274] References to “instructions,” “computer program,” “computer-readable storage medium,” “computer program product,” “tangible embodiment of a computer program,” or “controller,” “computer,” “processor,” etc., should be understood to encompass not only computers with different architectures (such as single-processor / multi-processor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) / parallel architectures) but also special-purpose circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuit systems, including quantum processing circuit systems. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to encompass software used in programmable processors or firmware, such as the programmable content of hardware devices, whether processor instructions or configuration settings for fixed-function devices, gate arrays, or programmable logic devices.

[0275] As used in this application, the term "circuit system" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in the form of analog, digital and / or quantum circuit systems) and (b) A combination of (multiple) hardware circuits and software, such as (where applicable): i. A combination of (multiple) analog, digital, and / or quantum hardware circuits and software / firmware, and ii. (a) Any or all portions of (multiple) hardware processors (including (multiple) digital and / or quantum processors) having software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile device, computing device, or server) to perform various functions; and (c) Any or all of a (multiple) hardware circuitry (such as (multiple) microprocessors and / or quantum processors) that requires software (e.g. firmware) to operate, but where the software is not required to operate, the software may be absent.

[0276] This definition of circuit system applies to the term in this application and in all uses thereof, including in any claim. As yet another example, as used herein, the term circuit system also encompasses only hardware circuitry or a processor (or processors) or portions thereof, and its accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, and if applicable to a particular claim element, the term circuit system also encompasses baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits in mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0277] Although various examples of this disclosure have been described in the preceding paragraphs, it should be recognized that modifications may be made to the given examples without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.

[0278] The various, but not all, examples disclosed herein may take the form of methods, apparatus, or computer programs. Therefore, the various, but not all, examples may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

[0279] Various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure are described using flowchart illustrations and schematic block diagrams. It will be understood that each box (in the flowchart illustrations and block diagrams) and combinations of boxes can be implemented by computer program instructions of a computer program. These program instructions can be provided to one or more processors, processing circuitry systems, or controllers(s) such that instructions executing thereon create components for implementing the functions specified in the box(s), thus making the method computer-implemented. The computer program instructions can be executed by the processor(s) such that the processor(s) perform a series of operation boxes / steps / actions to produce a computer-implemented process, such that instructions executing on the processor(s) provide boxes / steps for implementing the functions specified in the box(s).

[0280] Therefore, these boxes support: combinations of components for performing a specified function; combinations of actions for performing a specified function; and computer program instructions / algorithms for performing a specified function. It will also be understood that each box and combination of boxes can be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer program instructions, that performs the specified function or action.

[0281] Various, but not necessarily all, examples of this disclosure provide both methods and corresponding apparatus, which include various modules, components, or circuit systems that provide functionality for performing / applying the actions of the method. These modules, components, or circuit systems may be implemented as hardware or as software or firmware to be executed by a computer processor. In the case of firmware or software, examples of this disclosure may be provided as a computer program product including a computer-readable storage structure on which computer program instructions (i.e., software or firmware) are implemented for execution by a computer processor.

[0282] Although specific terms are used in this article, they are used only in their general and descriptive sense, and not for restrictive purposes.

[0283] The features described above can be used in combinations other than those explicitly described.

[0284] Although some features have been described with reference to certain characteristics, these functions may be performed by other features (whether or not they are described).

[0285] Although features have been described with reference to certain examples, these features may also exist in other examples (whether or not they are described). Therefore, a feature described with respect to one example / aspect of this disclosure may include any or all of the features described with respect to another example / aspect of this disclosure, and vice versa, provided that they are not inconsistent with each other.

[0286] In this document, the term "including" is used in a inclusive rather than exclusive sense. That is, any reference to X including Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y. If "including" is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be clearly stated in the context by using "including only one..." or by using "constituting".

[0287] In this specification, the terms “connection” and “communication” and their derivatives mean operational connection / communication. It should be understood that any number or combination of intermediate components (including no intermediate components) may be present to provide direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Any such intermediate component may include hardware and / or software components.

[0288] As used herein, the term "determine" (and its grammatical variations) can include, but is not limited to: evaluation, calculation, processing, derivation, measurement, investigation, identification, lookup (e.g., searching in a table, database, or other data structure), ascertainment, etc. Furthermore, "determine" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), retrieving / accessing (e.g., retrieving / accessing data in memory), obtaining, etc. Moreover, "determine" can include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, inferring, etc.

[0289] As used herein, a description of an action should also be considered as disclosing enabling, and / or causing, and / or controlling the action. For example, a description of transmitting information should also be considered as disclosing enabling, and / or causing, and / or controlling the transmission of information. Similarly, for example, a description of a device transmitting information should also be considered as disclosing at least one component or controller that enables, and / or causes, and / or controls the device to transmit information.

[0290] As used in the specification and claims, the term "component" can refer to one or more individual elements configured to perform a corresponding recounted function or feature, or it can refer to several elements performing such functions. Furthermore, the several functions recounted in the claims can be performed by the same individual components or the same combination of components. For example, performing one or more such functions can be caused in a device by a processor executing instructions stored in the device's memory.

[0291] References to parameters or parameter values ​​should be understood as "data indicating the relevant parameter / parameter value," "data defining the relevant parameter / parameter value," or "data representing the relevant parameter / parameter value" (unless the context requires otherwise). Data can indicate the relevant parameter / parameter value in any way, and can indicate it directly or indirectly.

[0292] Various examples have been referenced in this specification. Descriptions of features or functions of an example indicate that such features or functions exist in that example. Whether explicitly stated or not, the use of the terms "example," "for example," "can," or "may" in the text indicates that such features or functions exist at least in the described example (whether or not they are described as examples), and that they may, but not necessarily, exist in some or all other examples. Therefore, "example," "for example," "can," or "may" refers to a specific instance within a class of examples. An instance's attribute can be an attribute of only that instance, an attribute of the class, or an attribute of a subclass of the class (which includes some, but not all, instances within the class).

[0293] In this specification, references to “a / an / that” [feature, element, component, part…] are used in an inclusive rather than exclusive sense and, unless explicitly stated otherwise, should be interpreted as “at least one” [feature, element, component, part…]. That is, any reference to X including a / that Y indicates that X may contain only one Y or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If “a” or “that” is intended to be used in an exclusive sense, it will be clearly stated in the context. In some cases, “at least one” or “one or more” may be used to emphasize an inclusive meaning, but the omission of these terms should not be construed as inferring any exclusive meaning.

[0294] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least one of these elements, or at least two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0295] As used herein, the terms “at least one” and “one or more” mean “any one of at least one” and “any one of one or more”, respectively.

[0296] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature (or combination of features) itself, and also a reference to a feature (equivalent feature) that achieves substantially the same technical effect. Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variations and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same manner. Equivalent features also include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve substantially the same result.

[0297] Throughout this specification, various examples have been described using adjectives or adjective phrases. Such descriptions of the characteristics of the examples indicate that the characteristics exist precisely as described in some examples and substantially as described in others.

[0298] In the above description, the described apparatus may alternatively or additionally include an apparatus that, in some examples, comprises a distributed system of apparatuses, such as a client / server apparatus system. In examples where the provided apparatus constitutes (or the method is implemented as) a distributed system, each apparatus constituting a component and / or part of the system provides (or implements) one or more features that collectively implement the examples of this disclosure. In some examples, the apparatus is reconfigured by an entity other than its original manufacturer to implement the examples of this disclosure by being provided with additional software, such as by a user downloading such software, which, when executed, causes the apparatus to implement the examples of this disclosure (this implementation is either entirely by the apparatus or as part of a system of apparatuses as mentioned above).

[0299] The foregoing description illustrates some examples of this disclosure, but those skilled in the art will recognize possible alternative structural and methodological features that provide equivalent functionality to specific examples of such structures and features described above, and which have been omitted from the foregoing description for the sake of brevity and clarity. Nevertheless, unless such alternative structural or methodological features are explicitly excluded in the foregoing description of examples of this disclosure, the foregoing description should be understood to implicitly include references to such alternative structural and methodological features that provide equivalent functionality.

[0300] While the foregoing specification has sought to highlight those features deemed particularly important in the examples of this disclosure, it should be understood that the applicant may seek protection by means of any licensurable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not they have been specifically emphasized.

[0301] The examples and appended claims of this disclosure may be appropriately combined in any manner that will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. Individual references to “example,” “in some examples,” and / or, etc., in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same examples, and are not mutually exclusive unless so stated and / or otherwise apparent to a person skilled in the art from the specification. For example, a feature, structure, process, block, step, action, etc., described in one example may be included in other examples, but is not necessarily included in other examples.

[0302] Each claim is incorporated herein as further disclosure, and these claims are embodiments of this disclosure. Furthermore, while the claims herein are provided to include specific dependencies, it is foreseeable that any claim may be dependent on any other claim, and any alternative embodiments may arise by combining, integrating, and / or omitting features of claims and / or altering the dependencies of claims; any such alternative embodiments and their equivalents are also within the scope of this disclosure.

[0303] Support paragraphs

[0304] Now follow the different sets of numbered paragraphs: A.1.1 to A1.3 and B1.1 to B1.6. The first paragraph in each set of paragraphs can form the basis of an independent claim. Features present in one set of paragraphs can be combined with features present in other sets of paragraphs, with slight modifications.

[0305] A1.1

[0306] 1. A user equipment (UE) (110) of a network (100), the UE including components (11) for the following: Switch between operating modes (301) at least the following: The first mode of the connected mode (311), and The second mode of the connected mode (312);

[0307] The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from the first cell (122_1) via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell (122_2) via at least one second carrier. While operating in the first mode, receive (302) at least one instruction (313); At least in part based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing (303) at least one measurement (315) of at least one signal (314) received from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier.

[0308] 2. The UE according to paragraph 1, wherein performing at least one measurement comprises: after receiving at least one indication while operating in a first mode, performing at least one measurement when the UE subsequently operates in a second mode.

[0309] 3. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 above, wherein at least one indication indicates at least one of the following: At least one signal will be transmitted from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode; or The UE will perform one or more measurements on at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode.

[0310] 4. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 3 above, wherein at least one indication includes information indicating at least one of the following: The periodicity of transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell; When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell begin? When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell cease? The periodicity of the measurement of at least one signal to be performed by the UE; When should at least one measurement of at least one signal begin; or When should at least one measurement of at least one signal be stopped?

[0311] 5. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 4 above, wherein the first carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the frequency division duplex (FDD) band; In a frequency band different from the frequency band where the second carrier is located; In a frequency band that at least overlaps with the frequency band containing the second carrier; and At least one of the second carriers is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the supplementary downlink SDL band; or In the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band.

[0312] 6. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 5 above, wherein operating in the second mode includes at least one of the following: Activate at least one second cell; or Monitor at least one second cell.

[0313] 7. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 6 above, wherein the UE satisfies at least one of the following: Configured to not be in the first mode and the second mode simultaneously; or It cannot be in both the first and second modes at the same time.

[0314] 8. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7 above further includes components for: Receive configuration information from the network for configuring switching between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation.

[0315] 9. The UE according to paragraph 8, wherein the switching between operating in at least a first mode and operating in a second mode is performed based on configuration information.

[0316] 10. The UE according to paragraph 8 or paragraph 9, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following: Information for configuring timing of multiple switches between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation; Information indicating when the UE should switch between operating in at least the first mode and operating in the second mode; Information indicating one or more durations of one or more cycles in operation in the second mode; Information used to control multiple switching between at least a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation within a time period; or Information indicating the mode switching.

[0317] 11. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 8 to 10 above, wherein the configuration information is configured such that: Operating in the first mode has a higher priority than operating in the second mode. Enabling reception of signals transmitted from the first cell is given priority over enabling reception of signals transmitted from the second cell; or Enabling the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the first cell is given priority over enabling the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the second cell.

[0318] 12. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 8 to 11 above, wherein operating in a first mode is associated with a first set of one or more measurement requirements, and wherein configuration information is configured such that the first set of one or more measurement requirements is at least one of the following: Always satisfied; Basically always satisfied; or It is satisfied in priority over a second set that satisfies one or more measurement requirements, which is associated with operation in a second mode.

[0319] 13. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 8 to 12 above, wherein the configuration information is configured such that the UE is instructed to operate in a first mode such that the UE is in the first mode when at least one of the following occurs: One or more signals are scheduled for reception by the UE; One or more reference signals are periodically transmitted by the first cell for reception by the UE; or

[0320] One or more Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) burst signals are sent by the first cell for reception by the UE.

[0321] 14. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13 above, wherein the UE further includes components for transmitting capability information to the network indicating at least one of the following: At least one capability of the UE to operate in connected mode; The UE has at least one capability to receive at least one indication while operating in the first mode; The UE operates in a second mode while relying at least in part on at least one capability to perform at least one measurement based on receiving at least one instruction.

[0322] A1.2

[0323] 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) of a network, the method comprising: Switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier. Receive at least one instruction while operating in the first mode; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier.

[0324] A1.3

[0325] 1. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a user equipment (UE) of a network, cause the UE to perform at least the following: Switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier. Receive at least one instruction while operating in the first mode; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier.

[0326] B1.1

[0327] 1. A user equipment (UE) for a network, the UE comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least the following: Receive configuration information for configuring the UE to switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier, and wherein the configuration information includes information indicating one or more durations of one or more time periods operating in the second mode. While operating in the first mode, receive at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction indicates at least one time period; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier, wherein at least one measurement is performed for at least one duration, and wherein at least one duration is at least in part based on at least one time period indicated by at least one indication.

[0328] 2. The UE according to paragraph 1, wherein at least one memory stores an instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, further causes the UE to perform at least one of the following: Receive further configuration information that explicitly indicates the at least one time period.

[0329] 3. The UE according to paragraph 2, wherein at least one indication includes at least one of the following: Instructions for further configuration information; or Identifiers for further configuration information.

[0330] 4. The UE according to paragraph 2 or paragraph 3, wherein at least one time period is at least partially based on at least one indication indicating further configuration information, indicated by at least one indication.

[0331] 5. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 2 to 4 above, wherein at least a duration based at least in part on at least a time period indicated by at least one indication includes: at least in part on at least a duration based on at least a time period received in further configuration information.

[0332] 6. The UE according to paragraph 1, wherein at least one indication includes information that explicitly indicates at least one time period.

[0333] 7. The UE according to paragraph 6, wherein at least a duration based at least in part on at least a time period indicated by at least one indication includes: at least in part on at least a duration based on at least a time period received in at least one indication.

[0334] 8. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 7 above, wherein at least one memory stores an instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, also causes the UE to perform at least one of the following: The at least one duration is used to cover at least one duration of one or more time periods indicated in the configuration information for operation in the second mode, wherein the coverage is at least partially based on receiving at least one indication; or Replace at least one duration of one or more durations of one or more time periods indicated in the configuration information as operating in the second mode with at least one duration, wherein the replacement is at least partially based on receiving at least one indication.

[0335] 9. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 8 above, wherein at least one memory stores an instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, also causes the UE to perform: Determine at least one duration, wherein the determination includes: Modify at least one duration of one or more time periods that are operated in the second mode as indicated in the configuration information.

[0336] 10. The UE as described in paragraph 9, wherein the modification is at least in part based on receiving at least one instruction.

[0337] 11. The UE according to paragraph 9 or paragraph 10, when paragraph 2 is included, wherein the modification is at least partially based on at least one time period indicated in further configuration information.

[0338] 12. The UE according to paragraph 9 or 10, when paragraph 6 is included, wherein the modification is at least in part based on at least one time period indicated in at least one indication.

[0339] 13. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 12 above, wherein at least one memory stores instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, also cause the UE to switch between operating in a first mode and operating in a second mode based on configuration information.

[0340] 14. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 13 above, wherein at least one memory stores an instruction that, when executed by at least one processor, also causes the UE to operate in a second mode for at least a duration.

[0341] 15. The UE according to paragraph 14, wherein operating in the second mode for at least one duration is based at least in part on receiving at least one instruction.

[0342] 16. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 15 above, wherein at least one time period indicates at least one of the following: At least one duration of time; or An extension of at least one duration of one or more time periods operating in the second mode, as indicated in the configuration information.

[0343] 17. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 16 above, wherein at least one duration includes at least one of the following: At least one time period; At least one duration of one or more time periods operating in the second mode as indicated in the configuration information, plus a time amount at least partially based on that time period.

[0344] 18. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 17 above, wherein performing at least one measurement comprises: after receiving at least one indication while operating in a first mode, performing at least one measurement when the UE subsequently operates in a second mode.

[0345] 19. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 16 above, wherein at least one indication indicates at least one of the following: At least one signal will be transmitted from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode; or The UE will perform one or more measurements on at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode.

[0346] 20. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 19 above, wherein at least one indication includes information indicating at least one of the following: The periodicity of transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell; When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell begin? When should at least one transmission of at least one signal from at least one second cell cease? The UE will perform periodic measurements of at least one signal; When should at least one measurement of at least one signal begin; or When should at least one measurement of at least one signal be stopped?

[0347] 21. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 20 above, wherein the first carrier is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the frequency division duplex (FDD) band; In a frequency band different from the frequency band where the second carrier is located; In a frequency band that at least overlaps with the frequency band containing the second carrier; and At least one of the second carriers is at least one of the following: In low-frequency band LB; In the supplementary downlink SDL band; or In the Frequency Division Duplex (FDD) band.

[0348] 22. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 21 above, wherein operating in the second mode includes at least one of the following: Activate at least one second cell; or Monitor at least one second cell.

[0349] 23. The UE according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 22 above, wherein the UE is at least one of the following: Configured to not be in the first mode and the second mode simultaneously; or You cannot be in both the first and second modes at the same time.

[0350] B1.2

[0351] 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) of a network, the method comprising: Receive configuration information for configuring the UE to switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least one first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via at least one second carrier, and wherein the configuration information includes information indicating one or more durations of one or more time periods operating in the second mode.

[0352] While operating in the first mode, receive at least one instruction, wherein the at least one instruction indicates at least one time period; At least in part, based on receiving at least one indication and while operating in a second mode, performing at least one measurement on at least one signal received from at least one second cell by at least one second carrier, wherein at least one measurement is performed for at least one duration, and wherein at least one duration is at least in part based on at least one time period indicated by at least one indication.

[0353] B1.3

[0354] 1. An apparatus comprising components for performing the method of B1.2.

[0355] B1.4

[0356] 1. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by a device, cause the device to perform the method of B1.2.

[0357] B1.5

[0358] 1. A non-transient computer-readable medium that, when executed by a device, causes the device to perform the method of B1.2.

[0359] B1.6

[0360] 1. A module, circuit system, chipset including processing circuitry, device, and / or system: It is configured to perform the method of B1.2 (or include components for performing the method of B1.2).

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE) for a network, the UE comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the UE to perform at least the following: Switch between at least the following operations: The first mode of the connected mode, and The second mode of the connected mode; The connected mode is configured with carrier aggregation having at least a first carrier and at least one second carrier, wherein the first mode supports simultaneous transmission of signals to and from a first cell via the first carrier, and wherein the second mode supports at least reception of signals from at least one second cell via the at least one second carrier. Receive at least one instruction while operating in the first mode; At least in part, based on receiving the at least one instruction and while operating in the second mode, performing at least one measurement of at least one signal, which is received from the at least one second cell via the at least one second carrier.

2. The UE of claim 1, wherein performing the at least one measurement comprises: After receiving the at least one indication while operating in the first mode, the at least one measurement is performed when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode.

3. The UE according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one indication indicates at least one of the following: The at least one signal will be transmitted from the at least one second cell via the at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode; or The UE will perform one or more measurements of the at least one second carrier when the UE subsequently operates in the second mode; or The at least one indication includes information indicating at least one of the following: The periodicity of the transmission of the at least one signal from at least one second cell; When should at least one transmission of the at least one signal from at least one second cell begin? When should at least one transmission of the at least one signal from at least one second cell cease? The periodicity of the measurement of the at least one signal to be performed by the UE; When should the at least one measurement of the at least one signal begin; or When should the at least one measurement of the at least one signal be stopped? 4. The UE according to claim 1 or 2, wherein operating in the second mode includes at least one of the following: Activate at least one second cell; or Monitor at least one second cell.

5. The UE according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the UE is at least one of the following: Configured to not be in the first mode and the second mode simultaneously; or It is not possible to be in both the first mode and the second mode at the same time.

6. The UE according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to perform: Receive configuration information from the network for configuring the switching between at least the first mode and the second mode.

7. The UE according to claim 6, wherein the configuration information includes at least one of the following: Information for configuring the timing of multiple switches between at least the first mode and the second mode; Information indicating when the UE should switch between at least operating in the first mode and operating in the second mode; Information indicating one or more cycles of operation in the second mode, or one or more durations; Information used to control multiple switching between at least the first mode and the second mode during a time period; or Information indicating the mode switching.

8. The UE according to claim 6, wherein the configuration information is configured such that: Operating in the first mode has a higher priority than operating in the second mode; Enabling reception of signals transmitted by the first cell is given priority over enabling reception of signals transmitted by the second cell; or The execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the first cell is given priority over the execution of measurements of signals transmitted by the second cell.

9. The UE of claim 6, wherein operation in the first mode is associated with a first set of one or more measurement requirements, and wherein the configuration information is configured such that the first set of one or more measurement requirements is at least one of the following: Always satisfied; Basically always satisfied; or A second set of requirements, which is satisfied over one or more measurement requirements, is associated with operation in the second mode; or The configuration information is configured to instruct the UE to operate in the first mode, such that the UE is in the first mode when at least one of the following occurs: One or more signals are scheduled for reception by the UE; One or more reference signals are periodically transmitted by the first cell for reception by the UE; or One or more Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) bursts are sent by the first cell for reception by the UE.

10. The UE according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one memory stores instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, further cause the UE to perform: Send capability information to the network indicating at least one of the following: The UE has at least one capability to operate in the connected mode; The UE can receive at least one capability of the at least one indication while operating in the first mode; While operating in the second mode, the UE performs at least one capability of the at least one measurement based at least in part on the reception of the at least one indication.

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