System and method for energy saving in a wireless communication system

Abstract

Power requirements of user equipment (UE) are expected to increase with its capabilities. Some power saving methods have been proposed before, but are limited by the radio resource control (RRC) protocol and cannot reduce the power consumption associated with the transitions between different RRC states that must be made. In some embodiments described herein, there are no different RRC states, but only a single RRC state. In the single RRC state, there are different modes of operation, such as a default low power mode of operation and an enhanced power mode of operation. In some embodiments, the UE switches from the default mode of operation to the enhanced mode of operation as needed (e.g., based on the communication capabilities needed by the UE) and then back to the default mode of operation.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application. The original application has the application number 202180038403.3 and the original application date is April 30, 2021. The entire contents of the original application are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] priority This application claims the benefit of U.S. non-provisional application No. 17 / 237,601, filed April 22, 2021, entitled "Systems and Methods for Power Saving in a Wireless Communication System," and the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 63 / 029,771, filed May 26, 2020, entitled "Systems and Methods for Power Saving in a Wireless Communication System," which are incorporated herein by reference as if reproduced in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This application relates to wireless communication, and more specifically, to energy saving in wireless communication systems. Background Technology

[0004] In some wireless communication systems, user equipment (UE) communicates wirelessly with the network through one or more base stations. Wireless communication from the UE to the base station is called uplink communication. Wireless communication from the base station to the UE is called downlink communication.

[0005] A UE has a set of communication parameters used to perform wireless communication. These communication parameters are sometimes referred to as transmission parameters when the UE is transmitting. Examples of communication parameters may include: the number of antennas and / or panels used by the UE, the bandwidth used by the UE for communication, the decoding method used by the UE, etc. Communication parameters can also be referred to as communication settings.

[0006] In some wireless communication systems, the UE and the network operate according to the radio resource control (RRC) protocol. The RRC protocol has different states, sometimes referred to as modes. For example, in new radio (NR), the RRC protocol includes: an RRC idle state where no RRC connection has been established with the network; an RRC connected state where an RRC connection has been established; and an RRC inactive state where an RRC connection is still established but UE functionality may be reduced, for example, to help save power.

[0007] The RRC protocol involves transitions between different states, such as from RRC idle to RRC connected, back and forth between RRC connected and RRC inactive, and back to RRC idle. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The power requirements of the UE are expected to increase as its capabilities improve. For example, next-generation UEs may have more antennas and beams, higher maximum device power (e.g., 26 dBm), larger available channel bandwidth (e.g., 100 MHz), higher operating frequencies (leading to higher path loss), and may monitor control channels more frequently (e.g., more frequently the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH)). Power savings are desired where possible.

[0009] Several energy-saving methods for operating within the RRC protocol have been previously proposed. For example, energy-saving settings that can be configured in RRC idle and / or RRC connected and / or RRC inactive states have been proposed. For instance, the RRC protocol has proposed "Active Time On" and "Active Time Off," where the UE "sleeps" during Active Time Off. As another example, discontinuous reception (DRX) has been proposed for different RRC states. As yet another example, "sleep" signaling has been proposed for RRC connected and RRC inactive states. As yet another example, dynamic bandwidth part (BWP) handover and other mechanisms have been proposed for RRC connected states.

[0010] However, these energy-saving methods are limited by operating within the RRC protocol and are therefore constrained by it. Furthermore, these methods do not address the power consumption associated with transitions between different RRC states, such as the power required for signaling and message exchange to transition from one RRC state (e.g., RRC connected state) to another (e.g., RRC inactive state).

[0011] In some embodiments described below, systems and methods for wireless communication are disclosed, wherein there are no different RRC states, but only a single RRC state, which may be referred to as a "single RRC state" or a "single RRC mode." Within this single RRC state, there are different operating modes consuming different amounts of power, such as a default operating mode and an enhanced operating mode. In some embodiments, after completing initial access to connect to the network or upon connecting to the network, the UE enters the default operating mode associated with lower power consumption. The UE remains in the default operating mode by default and only temporarily enters the enhanced operating mode as needed (e.g., when data of a specific service type (e.g., low-latency data) needs to be sent to or from the UE). There is no switching between different RRC states.

[0012] In some embodiments, in the default operating mode, the UE uses a first set of communication parameters associated with a first communication capability, and in the enhanced operating mode, the UE uses a second set of communication parameters associated with a second communication capability. The first communication capability consumes less power than the second communication capability.

[0013] As a simple example, the first set of communication parameters defining the first communication capability may include: two transmit antennas, one receive antenna, a 5 MHz communication bandwidth, monitoring downlink control information once every 256 frames, one beam for beam tracking, performing radio resource management (RRM) measurements only on one neighboring cell or not performing any RRM measurements at all, unscheduled (“unlicensed”) resources for transmitting / receiving data, one supported subcarrier spacing, and basic HARQ processing time capability (e.g., 7 OFDM symbols for decoding data and receiving DCI). The second set of communication parameters defining the second communication capability may include: eight transmit antennas, two receive antennas, a 100 MHz communication bandwidth, monitoring downlink control information once every two frames, one or more beams for beam tracking, RRM measurements performed on multiple neighboring cells, transmitting / receiving data on additional or scheduled resources in the downlink control information (DCI), two different supported subcarrier spacings, and advanced HARQ processing time capability (e.g., 3.5 OFDM symbols for decoding data and receiving DCI). Operating with the second set of communication parameters consumes more power than operating with the first set, but communication capability is increased. By default, the UE can conduct wireless communication in the default low-power operating mode using the first set of communication parameters. In response to a trigger (e.g., in response to the arrival of data to be transmitted), the UE switches to an enhanced power operating mode (using the second set of communication parameters) as needed.

[0014] This provides the following technical benefits: it consumes less power by default, but when it is necessary to temporarily increase the UE's communication capabilities, the UE can temporarily switch to an enhanced power operation mode with increased communication capabilities.

[0015] In one embodiment, a method performed by a device (e.g., a UE) may include operating in a default operating mode, in which the device wirelessly communicates with a network device (e.g., a base station) using a first set of communication parameters. The default operating mode may also be referred to as a first operating mode. Operation in the default operating mode may occur after or upon completion of the initial access procedure. In some embodiments, the default operating mode is one of at least two operating modes. In some embodiments, the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode. In some embodiments, the second operating mode consumes more power than the default operating mode. In some embodiments, the default operating mode consumes less power than any other operating mode used by the device to communicate with the network device after initial access. In some embodiments, switching from operating in the default operating mode to operating in the second operating mode, and switching back from operating in the second operating mode to operating in the default operating mode, is performed without switching RRC states. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The embodiments are described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a network diagram of an exemplary communication system.

[0018] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary electronic device.

[0019] Figure 3 A block diagram of another exemplary electronic device.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of an exemplary component module.

[0021] Figure 5 A block diagram of an exemplary user equipment and base station.

[0022] Figures 6 to 8 Different exemplary operating modes and associated communication parameters are shown.

[0023] Figures 9 to 11 This refers to the method performed according to various embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0024] For the purpose of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments are explained in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] Exemplary communication systems and devices Figure 1 An exemplary communication system 100 is illustrated. Typically, the communication system 100 enables multiple wireless or wired components to transmit data and other content. The purpose of the communication system 100 may be to provide content, such as voice, data, video, and / or text, via broadcast, narrowcast, user equipment to user equipment, etc. The communication system 100 may operate by sharing resources such as bandwidth.

[0026] In this example, the communication system 100 includes electronic devices (EDs) 110a to 110c, radio access networks (RANs) 120a and 120b, a core network 130, a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 140, the Internet 150, and other networks 160. Although Figure 1 A certain number of these components or elements are shown, but the communication system 100 may include any reasonable number of these components or elements.

[0027] EDs 110a to 110c are used for operation and / or communication in communication system 100. For example, EDs 110a to 110c are used for transmitting and / or receiving via wireless or wired communication channels. Each of EDs 110a to 110c represents any suitable end-user equipment for wireless operation and may include (or be referred to as) devices such as: user equipment (UE), wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU), mobile station, fixed or mobile subscriber unit, cellular telephone, station (STA), machine type communication (MTC) device, personal digital assistant (PDA), smartphone, laptop computer, computer, tablet computer, wireless sensor, or consumer electronic device.

[0028] exist Figure 1In this configuration, RAN 120a and 120b include base stations 170a and 170b, respectively. Each of base stations 170a and 170b is used to establish a wireless connection with one or more of ED 110a to 110c to enable access to any other base stations 170a and 170b, core network 130, PSTN 140, Internet 150, and / or other networks 160. For example, base stations 170a and 170b may include (or may be) one or more of several well-known devices, such as a base transceiver station (BTS), Node-B (NodeB), evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), home eNodeB, gNodeB, transmission point (TP), site controller, access point (AP), or wireless router. Alternatively, any ED 110a to 110c can be used to connect, access, or communicate with any other base stations 170a and 170b, the Internet 150, the core network 130, the PSTN 140, other networks 160, or any combination thereof. Communication system 100 may include a RAN, for example, RAN 120b, wherein the corresponding base station 170b accesses the core network 130 via the Internet 150.

[0029] EDs 110a to 110c and base stations 170a and 170b are examples of communication devices that can be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, base station 170a constitutes part of RAN 120a, which may include other base stations, one or more base station controllers (BSCs), one or more radio network controllers (RNCs), relay nodes, components, and / or devices. Any base station 170a, 170b may be a single component, as shown, or multiple components distributed within the corresponding RAN, etc. Furthermore, base station 170b forms part of RAN 120b, which may include other base stations, components, and / or devices. Each base station 170a and 170b transmits and / or receives radio signals within a specific geographical area or region (sometimes referred to as a "cell" or "coverage area"). Cells may be further divided into cell sectors; for example, base stations 170a and 170b may employ multiple transceivers to provide services to multiple sectors. In some embodiments, there may be established pico or femto cells, supported by radio access technologies. In some embodiments, multiple transceivers may be used for each cell, for example, using multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology for each cell. The number of RANs 120a and 120b shown is merely exemplary. Any number of RANs can be considered when designing the communication system 100.

[0030] Base stations 170a and 170b use radio frequency (RF), microwave, infrared (IR), or other wireless communication links to communicate with one or more of ED 110a to 110c via one or more air interfaces 190. Air interface 190 can use any suitable wireless access technology. For example, communication system 100 can implement one or more channel access methods in air interface 190, such as code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), frequency division multiple access (FDMA), orthogonal FDMA (OFDMA), or single-carrier FDMA (SC-FDMA).

[0031] Base stations 170a and 170b can implement Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS) Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (UTRA) to establish an air interface 190 using wideband CDMA (WCDMA). In this way, base stations 170a and 170b can implement protocols such as HSPA, HSPA+, and optionally HSDPA, HSUPA, or both. Optionally, base stations 170a and 170b can use LTE, LTE-A, and / or LTE-B to establish an air interface 190 with Evolved UTTS Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA). This is considering that communication system 100 can use multi-channel access capabilities, including those schemes described above. Other wireless technologies used for air interface implementation include IEEE 802.11, 802.15, 802.16, CDMA2000, CDMA2000 1X, CDMA2000 EV-DO, IS-2000, IS-95, IS-856, GSM, EDGE, and GERAN. Other multiple access schemes and wireless protocols can also be used.

[0032] RANs 120a and 120b communicate with core network 130 to provide various services, such as voice, data, and other services, to EDs 110a through 110c. RANs 120a and 120b and / or core network 130 may communicate directly or indirectly with one or more other RANs (not shown), which may (or may not) be directly served by core network 130 and may (or may not) employ the same radio access technology as RANs 120a, RAN 120b, or both. Core network 130 may also act as a gateway access between (i) RANs 120a and 120b and / or EDs 110a through 110c, and (ii) other networks (e.g., PSTN 140, Internet 150, and other networks 160). Additionally, some or all of EDs 110a through 110c may include the ability to communicate with different wireless networks via different radio links using different radio technologies and / or protocols. Instead of wireless communication (or other than wireless communication), the ED can also communicate with a service provider or exchange (not shown) via a wired communication channel and with the Internet 150. The PSTN 140 may include a circuit-switched telephone network for providing plain old telephone service (POTS). The Internet 150 may include a computer network, a subnet (intranet), or both, combined with protocols such as IP, TCP, and UDP. EDs 110a to 110c may be multimode devices capable of operating according to various wireless access technologies and include multiple transceivers required to support these technologies.

[0033] Figure 2 and Figure 3 Exemplary devices are shown that can implement the methods and teachings provided in this application. In particular, Figure 2 An example ED 110 is shown. Figure 3 An exemplary base station 170 is shown. These components can be used in communication system 100 or any other suitable system.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown, ED 110 includes at least one processing unit 200. The processing unit 200 implements various processing operations of ED 110. For example, the processing unit 200 may perform signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other function that enables ED 110 to operate within communication system 100. The processing unit 200 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments detailed herein. Each processing unit 200 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 200 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit, etc.

[0035] ED 110 also includes at least one transceiver 202. Transceiver 202 is used to modulate data or other content for transmission by at least one antenna 204 or a network interface controller (NIC). Transceiver 202 is also used to demodulate data or other content received through at least one antenna 204. Each transceiver 202 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission and / or for processing wirelessly or wired received signals. Each antenna 204 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals. One or more transceivers 202 may be used in ED 110. One or more antennas 204 may be used in ED 110. Although transceiver 202 is shown as a single functional unit, it can also be implemented using at least one transmitter and at least one separate receiver.

[0036] ED 110 also includes one or more input / output devices 206 or interfaces (such as a wired interface connected to the Internet 150). Input / output devices 206 support interaction with users or other devices on the network. Each input / output device 206 includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from a user, such as a speaker, microphone, keypad, keyboard, display, or touchscreen, including network interface communication.

[0037] In addition, ED 110 includes at least one memory 208. Memory 208 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by ED 110. For example, memory 208 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described herein, and executed by one or more processing units 200. Each memory 208 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices. Any suitable type of memory can be used, such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard disk, optical disk, subscriber identity module (SIM) card, memory stick, secure digital (SD) memory card.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, base station 170 includes at least one processing unit 250, at least one transmitter 252, at least one receiver 254, one or more antennas 256, at least one memory 258, and one or more input / output devices or interfaces 266. Transmitters 252 and receivers 254 may be used instead of transceivers (not shown). Scheduler 253 may be coupled to processing unit 250. Scheduler 253 may be included within base station 170 or may operate separately from base station 170. Processing unit 250 implements various processing operations of base station 170, such as signal encoding, data processing, power control, input / output processing, or any other functions. Processing unit 250 may also be used to implement some or all of the functions and / or embodiments detailed herein. Each processing unit 250 includes any suitable processing or computing device for performing one or more operations. Each processing unit 250 may include a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, field-programmable gate array, or application-specific integrated circuit, etc.

[0039] Each transmitter 252 includes any suitable structure for generating signals for wireless or wired transmission to one or more EDs or other devices. Each receiver 254 includes any suitable structure for processing signals received wirelessly or wiredly from one or more EDs or other devices. Although shown as separate components, at least one transmitter 252 and at least one receiver 254 may be combined into a transceiver. Each antenna 256 includes any suitable structure for transmitting and / or receiving wireless or wired signals. Although a shared antenna 256 is shown herein coupled to transmitter 252 and receiver 254, one or more antennas 256 may be coupled to one or more transmitters 252, and one or more individual antennas 256 may be coupled to one or more receivers 254. Each memory 258 includes any suitable one or more volatile and / or non-volatile storage and retrieval devices, such as those described above in conjunction with ED 110. Memory 258 stores instructions and data used, generated, or collected by base station 170. For example, memory 258 may store software instructions or modules for implementing some or all of the functions and / or embodiments described above, and be executed by one or more processing units 250.

[0040] Each input / output device 266 supports interaction with users or other devices in the network. Each input / output device 266 includes any suitable structure for providing or receiving information from users, including network interface communication.

[0041] One or more steps of the methods in the embodiments provided herein can be based on Figure 4 The corresponding unit or module is executed. Figure 4Units or modules in devices such as ED 110 or base station 170 are shown. For example, signals can be transmitted by a transmitting unit or transmitting module. Signals can be received by a receiving unit or receiving module. Signals can be processed by a processing unit or processing module. The processing module may include the units / modules described later, particularly processor 210 or processor 260. Other units / modules may be included in... Figure 4 The corresponding units / modules may be hardware, software, or a combination thereof. For example, one or more of the units / modules described above may be integrated circuits, such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) or application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). It should be understood that if these modules are software, they may be retrieved by the processor, in whole or in part, individually or collectively, for processing, or in one or more instances as needed, and these modules themselves may include instructions for further deployment and instantiation.

[0042] Further details regarding ED 110 and base station 170 are known to those skilled in the art. Therefore, for clarity, these details are omitted herein.

[0043] Figure 5 Another example of ED 110 and base station 170 is shown. ED 110 is referred to below as user equipment (UE) 110 or device 110.

[0044] In some implementations, base station 170 may have other names, such as transmit and receive point (TRP), base transceiver station, wireless base station, network node, network device, transmit / receive node, NodeB, evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), gNB, relay station, or remote radio head. In some embodiments, the various parts of base station 170 may be distributed. For example, some modules of base station 170 may be located remotely from the device housing the antenna of base station 170 and may be coupled to the device housing the antenna via a communication link (not shown). Therefore, in some embodiments, the term base station 170 may also refer to modules on the network side that perform processing operations such as resource allocation (scheduling), message generation, and encoding / decoding, which are not necessarily part of the device housing the antenna of base station 170. These modules may also be coupled to other base stations. In some embodiments, base station 170 may actually be multiple base stations that operate together to serve UE 110 through cooperative multicast and other means. Furthermore, the term "base station" is used herein to refer to a network device, i.e., a device on the network side.

[0045] Base station 170 includes a transmitter 252 and a receiver 254 coupled to one or more antennas 256. Only one antenna 256 is shown. One, some, or all of the antennas may also be panels. The transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be integrated as a transceiver. Base station 170 also includes a processor 260 for performing operations related to transmission preparation for downlink transmission to UE 110 and operations related to processing uplink transmission received from UE 110. Processing operations related to transmission preparation for downlink transmission include operations such as encoding, modulation, precoding (e.g., MIMO precoding), and generating symbols for downlink transmission. Processing operations related to processing uplink transmission include demodulating and decoding the received symbols. Processor 260 may also perform operations related to initial access, such as generating the contents of a synchronization signal, generating system information, processing random access requests, etc. In some embodiments, processor 260 may generate signaling to configure one or more communication parameters of UE 110, for example, to configure UE communication parameters used in the default operating mode and / or enhanced operating mode described herein. In some embodiments, processor 260 may generate signaling to instruct the UE to switch between operating modes. The signaling may be UE-specific or common to all UEs or a group of UEs, for example, if more than one UE switches operating modes simultaneously. Any signaling generated by processor 260 is transmitted by transmitter 252. It should be noted that the term "signaling" used herein may also be referred to as control signaling.

[0046] Base station 170 also includes a scheduler 253 that can schedule uplink and downlink transmissions, including scheduling authorization and / or configuring un-scheduled (“un-authorized” resources. In some embodiments, scheduler 253 can generate some or all of the signaling described by processor 260. Base station 100 also includes a memory 258 for storing information and data.

[0047] Although not shown, processor 260 may be part of transmitter 252 and / or receiver 254. Furthermore, although not shown, processor 260 may implement scheduler 253.

[0048] The processor 260, scheduler 253, and processing components of transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may each be implemented by the same or different one or more processors for executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 258). Alternatively, some or all of the processing components of processor 260, scheduler 253, and transmitter 252 and receiver 254 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as a programmable field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a graphics processing unit (GPU), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0049] UE 110 also includes a transmitter 201 and a receiver 203 coupled to one or more antennas 204. Only one antenna 204 is shown. One, some, or all of the antennas may also be panels. The transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be integrated as a transceiver, for example, Figure 2The transceiver 202. UE 110 also includes a processor 210 for performing operations related to preparing for uplink transmission to base station 170 and operations related to processing downlink transmissions received from base station 170. Processing operations related to preparing for uplink transmission include operations such as encoding, modulation, and generating symbol blocks as described herein. Processing operations related to processing downlink transmission include demodulating and decoding received symbols. According to embodiments, downlink transmissions may be received by receiver 254, and processor 210 may extract signaling from the downlink transmissions (e.g., by decoding signaling) to determine one or more communication parameters configured for a default operating mode and / or an enhanced operating mode. In some embodiments, processor 210 may, for example, instruct UE 110 to switch between operating modes based on triggers, such as for the arrival of transmitted data and / or receiving, for example, signaling indicating an operating mode switch from base station 170. In some embodiments, processor 210 may perform operations related to initial access, such as operations related to synchronization, decoding and reading system information, generating random access requests for transmission, etc. In some embodiments, the processor 210 may determine the scheduling of uplink and downlink transmissions based on the signaling received by the UE 110 from the scheduler 253 of the base station 170.

[0050] Although not shown, processor 210 may be part of transmitter 201 and / or receiver 203. UE 110 also includes memory 208 for storing information and data.

[0051] The processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may each be implemented by one or more processors, which may be the same or different processors, for executing instructions stored in memory (e.g., memory 208). Alternatively, some or all of the processor 210 and the processing components of the transmitter 201 and receiver 203 may be implemented using dedicated circuitry, such as an FPGA, GPU, or ASIC.

[0052] Base station 170 and UE 110 may include other components, but for clarity these components are omitted.

[0053] Multi-level operation mode The following describes embodiments in which UE 110 can operate in different operating modes associated with different power consumption levels, such as a default low-power operating mode and an enhanced power operating mode. In some embodiments, there are no different RRC states, but only a single RRC state in which the different operating modes exist. In some embodiments, UE 110 enters the default low-power operating mode after completing initial access to connect to the network or upon connecting to the network. The UE remains in the low-power operating mode by default and, in response to a trigger, only temporarily enters different operating modes (e.g., enhanced power operating mode) as needed.

[0054] Figure 6 An example of different operating modes of UE 110 and their associated communication parameters is shown. In some embodiments, Figure 6 The information can be stored in the memory 208 of the UE 110.

[0055] UE 110's capabilities Figure 6 As indicated in column 302. In some embodiments, this capability may be reported to base station 170 during or after initial access. Figure 6 In the example, UE 110 has one or more of the following capabilities: The UE 110 has eight receive antennas and two transmit antennas for operation in the low-frequency band.

[0056] The UE 110 has two panels for operation at high frequencies.

[0057] UE 110 is capable of communicating in the bandwidth part (BWP) of the low-frequency band with a bandwidth of 100 MHz and the high-frequency band with a bandwidth of 400 MHz.

[0058] UE 110 can be used to monitor downlink notification information at a frequency of once every 0.5 radio frames. Examples of downlink notification information may include paging information and / or other information indicating downlink transmissions of UE 110. Downlink notification information may be present in downlink control information (DCI).

[0059] UE 110 can perform specific functions related to connection maintenance and beam tracking, and RRM measurements can be performed for multiple neighboring cells.

[0060] UE 110 can support both: (i) unauthorized (“unauthorized”) resources, where time-frequency resources are pre-configured (e.g., via higher-layer signaling such as RRC signaling), and these resources are then used for uplink transmission of data from UE 110 without requiring explicit dynamic scheduling authorization; and (ii) dynamically scheduled uplink transmission, where scheduling authorization is sent from base station 170 in the DCI, and UE 110 decodes the DCI to obtain scheduling authorization that indicates the uplink time-frequency resources that UE 110 will use to transmit its uplink data. Dynamic scheduling may require more power consumption from UE 110, for example, due to the work of monitoring and decoding the DCI.

[0061] UE 110 can support multiple subcarrier spacings (SCS): 15 kHz SCS and 30 kHz SCS for low-frequency operation, and 60 kHz SCS and 120 kHz SCS for high-frequency operation.

[0062] Even though UE 110 has all the capabilities listed above, communicating at maximum capacity consumes more power. Therefore, as Figure 6 As shown in column 304, a low-power default operating mode is defined. In this exemplary default operating mode: UE 110 operates in the low-frequency band using two receive antennas and one transmit antenna, and operates in the high-frequency band using a single panel.

[0063] UE 110 communicates via a 5 MHz BWP in the low-frequency band and via a 100 MHz BWP in the high-frequency band. In some embodiments, the bandwidth of the BWP used by UE 110 for communication in the default operating mode may be the same as the bandwidth of the BWP used by UE 110 during initial access.

[0064] UE 110 monitors downlink notification information every 256 radio frames.

[0065] UE 110 uses a single beam for beam tracking and performs RRM measurements only on one neighboring cell, or may not perform RRM measurements on neighboring cells at all.

[0066] UE 110 only supports unscheduled (“unlicensed”) resources for uplink communication.

[0067] UE 110 only supports 15 kHz or 30 kHz SCS for operation in the low frequency band, and 60 kHz or 120 kHz SCS for operation in the high frequency band.

[0068] Although Figure 6 While not shown in the example, some or all communication parameters in the default operating mode can be configurable. As an example, the number of receive and transmit antennas used in the default operating mode can be fixed, but the bandwidth of the BWP on which UE 110 can communicate in the low-frequency band can be configured to a maximum of 5 MHz. For example, in the default operating mode, the low-frequency band can be selected as either a 1.25 MHz BWP or a 5 MHz BWP. In some embodiments, one or more communication parameters of the default operating mode can be modified / overridden by UE-specific signaling. For example, the number of antenna ports and / or bandwidth and / or the number of beams can be overridden by UE-specific signaling.

[0069] In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters in the default operating mode may be based on the UE type. The UE type may also be referred to as a UE category / class or UE classification. For example, during initial access, the UE may identify its type to the base station 170. Depending on the capabilities associated with the UE type, the communication parameters in the default operating mode may be configured to have different values. For example, a relatively uncomplex UE (e.g., a wireless sensor) may be configured to communicate on a 1.25 MHz BWP in the default operating mode, while a more complex UE (e.g., a mobile phone) may be configured to communicate on a 5 MHz BWP in the default operating mode.

[0070] In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters in the default operating mode can be based on the application scenario. Different application scenarios may have different requirements. For example, if data transmission involves applications associated with low latency and high reliability (e.g., autonomous vehicle communication), different UE capabilities may be required compared to applications involving latency tolerance (e.g., downloading web pages from the internet). The same UE may have different data associated with different application scenarios; for example, the UE may be a smartwatch used for monitoring heart rate and video chatting. Depending on the capabilities required by the application scenario, one or more communication parameters in the default operating mode can be configured to have different values. For example, for latency-tolerant applications (e.g., downloading web pages from the internet), in the default operating mode, UE 110 can be configured to receive over a narrow bandwidth and use two receiving antennas. While for high-reliability, low-latency applications (e.g., autonomous vehicle communication), in the default operating mode, UE 110 can be configured to receive over a wide bandwidth and use four receiving antennas.

[0071] In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters in the default operating mode may be based on the service type. The service type may also be referred to as a service category / class or service classification. The service type is associated with a specific capability level and / or quality of service, such as limited service (e.g., the UE can only perform emergency communications such as emergency calls), normal service, high reliability service, low latency service, etc. Depending on the capabilities required by the service type, the communication parameters in the default operating mode may be configured to have different values. For example, for a service type with low quality of service, UE 110 may be configured to use one transmit antenna and one receive antenna in the default operating mode, while for a service type with high quality of service, UE 110 may be configured to use two transmit antennas and two receive antennas in the default operating mode.

[0072] like Figure 6 As indicated in column 306, an enhanced power operating mode is also defined for UE 110. In enhanced power operating mode: The UE 110 operates in the low-frequency band using all eight receive antennas and two transmit antennas, and in the high-frequency band using two panels.

[0073] UE 110 communicates via a 100 MHz BWP in the low-frequency band and via a 400 MHz BWP in the high-frequency band.

[0074] UE 110 monitors downlink notification information at a configurable period, but this period can be once every 0.5 radio frames. For example, UE 110 in enhanced operating mode can monitor downlink notification information once every 16, 8, 4, 2, 1, or 0.5 radio frames.

[0075] UE 110 performs beam tracking in a variety of possible different ways (e.g., using multiple beams), up to the maximum capability of UE 110, such as using 12 beams, 24 beams, or 48 beams.

[0076] UE 110 can be used to perform RRM measurements on one or more neighboring cells, up to the maximum capacity of UE 110.

[0077] UE 110 supports unmanaged (“unlicensed”) resources and dynamically scheduled resources (in DCI) for uplink communication.

[0078] UE 110 supports 15 kHz and 30 kHz SCS for operation in the low-frequency band, and 60 kHz and 120 kHz SCS for operation in the high-frequency band.

[0079] exist Figure 6 In the example, some communication parameters are configurable in enhanced power operation mode, while others are not. For example, the number of transmit and receive antennas is not configurable, but the period at which UE 110 monitors downlink notification information is configurable. This is just one example. In enhanced operation mode, some or all communication parameters may be configurable. In some embodiments, configuration may be based on UE type. For example, a relatively uncomplicated UE (e.g., a wireless sensor) may be configured to transmit uplink information using only undistributed (“unlicensed”) resources, while a more complex UE (e.g., a mobile phone) may be configured to support both undistributed resources and resources dynamically scheduled via DCI. In some embodiments, configuration may be based on application scenario. For example, for latency-tolerant applications, UE 110 may be configured to monitor downlink notification information every 16 radio frames in enhanced operation mode, while for low-latency applications, UE 110 may be configured to monitor downlink notification information every 0.5 radio frames in enhanced operation mode. In some embodiments, configuration may be based on service type. For example, for service types with low quality of service, UE 110 can be configured to use one transmit antenna and four receive antennas in enhanced operating mode, while for service types with high quality of service, UE 110 can be configured to use two transmit antennas and eight receive antennas in enhanced operating mode. In some embodiments, one or more communication parameters of the enhanced operating mode can be modified / overridden by UE-specific signals. For example, the number of antenna ports and / or bandwidth and / or the number of beams can be overridden by UE-specific signaling.

[0080] During operation, UE 110 can operate in the default operating mode 304, thereby consuming less power. UE 110 can, for example, temporarily switch to the enhanced operating mode 306 as needed in response to a trigger, as described in detail below.

[0081] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The variants include one or more operating modes. Operating mode 1 (i.e., the first operating mode) is the default operating mode and consumes the least power. Operating mode 2 (i.e., the second operating mode) is associated with increased UE capabilities and consumes more power. Operating mode 3 (i.e., the third operating mode) is associated with further increased UE capabilities and consumes the most power. UE 110 can operate in operating mode 1 by default and switch to operating mode 2 and / or operating mode 3 as needed, for example, in response to a trigger.

[0082] Figure 7 The diagram shows that only some communication parameters are configurable. Typically, for each of the three operating modes, the values ​​of the communication parameters may be unconfigurable, partially configured, or fully configured. In some embodiments, configuration may be based on UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. In some embodiments, one or more parameters of an operating mode (e.g., one or more parameters of an enhanced operating mode) may be modified / overridden by UE-specific signals. For example, the number of antenna ports and / or bandwidth and / or the number of beams may be overridden by UE-specific signaling.

[0083] In some embodiments, base station 170 may instruct UE 110 to switch to an operating mode when UE 110 switches out of the default operating mode. For example, in some cases, base station 170 may send a signal to UE 110 instructing UE 110 to switch from operating mode 1 to operating mode 2; in other cases, base station 170 may send a signal to UE 110 instructing UE 110 to switch from operating mode 1 to operating mode 3. In other embodiments, UE 110 determines whether to switch from operating mode 1 to operating mode 2 or to operating mode 3 based on triggers, such as the presence of specific data to be transmitted from UE 110 to base station 170. For example, if data associated with a low-latency, high-reliability application arrives in UE 110's buffer for uplink transmission, UE 110 may switch from operating mode 1 to operating mode 3 to transmit the data. After the data transmission is complete, UE 110 may switch back to operating mode 1. If data associated with a latency-tolerant application arrives in the buffer of UE 110 for uplink transmission, UE 110 can switch from operating mode 1 to operating mode 2 to send the data, and then switch back to operating mode 1 when the transmission is complete.

[0084] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 The variations of UE 110 include more than one default operating mode. The default operating mode of UE 110 depends on the UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. For example, UE 110 associated with latency-tolerant applications can operate in default operating mode 1, while UE 110 associated with low-latency applications can operate in default operating mode 2. Although Figure 8 Not shown, but alternatively or otherwise, various enhanced operating modes may exist, which may depend on the UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. Furthermore, Figure 8The diagram shows that only some communication parameters are configurable. Typically, for each of the three operating modes, the values ​​of the communication parameters may be unconfigurable, partially configured, or fully configured. In some embodiments, configuration may be based on UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. In some embodiments, one or more parameters of the operating mode may be modified / overridden by UE-specific signals.

[0085] It should be noted that the above description, combined with... Figures 6 to 8 The communication parameters shown are merely exemplary. The UE can have the parameters described above and combine them with... Figures 6 to 8 The communication parameters shown may include fewer, more, or different parameters. As an example, if UE 110 communicates only on the low-frequency band, then UE 110 may not have a panel. As another example, additional communication parameters that UE110 may have, not described above, may include: the number of component carriers used by UE110 (e.g., UE110 in enhanced mode can communicate on more component carriers); the decoding algorithm used by UE110 (e.g., UE110 in enhanced mode can implement a more robust error correction decoding algorithm); HARQ processing time capability (e.g., UE110 in default mode can support 7 OFDM symbols for decoding data and receiving DCI, while UE110 in enhanced mode can support 3.5 OFDM symbols for decoding data and receiving DCI); the transmission power used by UE (e.g., UE110 in enhanced mode can communicate with more transmission power); the type and / or number of measurements performed by UE110; the level of synchronization maintenance performed by UE110 (e.g., for timing, frequency, and / or beam synchronization); the level at which UE110 monitors and decodes dynamic control signaling; the type of control channel monitored by UE (e.g., monitoring higher-layer signaling, such as RRC signaling, or additionally monitoring signaling in DCI); UE The search space used by UE 110; the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme implemented by UE 110; and so on. In some embodiments, the values ​​of one, some, or all of the communication parameters for one or more operating modes may be: Predefined (e.g., fixed in a standard) and stored in memory. For example, Figures 6 to 8 One or more example tables may be stored in the memory 208 of the UE 110. In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters for one or more operating modes may be predefined based on the UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type (e.g., fixed in a standard). In other embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters for one or more operating modes are predefined and independent of the UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type.

[0086] For example, signals may be transmitted via higher-layer signaling (e.g., RRC signaling) and / or via DCI signaling. In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters for one or more operating modes may be transmitted via signals during initial access. In some embodiments, different communication parameter values ​​may be transmitted via signals based on UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. In some embodiments, signaling may be UE-specific signaling, broadcast signaling, or multicast / multicast signaling.

[0087] In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters may be predefined (e.g., fixed in a standard), while the values ​​of other communication parameters may be configured using signaling (e.g., RRC signaling and / or in DCI, or MAC CE). For example, the number of antennas and the bandwidth of the BWP that UE 110 can communicate on may be predefined, and other communication parameters may be configured using signaling.

[0088] In some embodiments, the values ​​of one or more communication parameters of one or more operating modes may be selected by the UE 110, for example, possibly based on the UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type.

[0089] Switch operating modes In some embodiments, the switch from the lower power default operating mode to the higher power enhanced operating mode can be performed by the UE 110 in response to a trigger. An example of a trigger is the arrival of data to be transmitted by the UE 110. For instance, the buffer state of the UE 110's transmission buffer can indicate that data has arrived for uplink transmission to the network, triggering the switch from the default operating mode to the enhanced operating mode in order to transmit the data. In some embodiments, the UE 110 will only switch to the enhanced operating mode when the data to be transmitted is associated with specific service requirements and / or specific application scenarios (e.g., the data is associated with a high-reliability, low-latency application or service).

[0090] Another example of a trigger that could cause UE 110 to switch from a lower power default operating mode to a higher power enhanced operating mode is receiving signaling from base station 170, where the signaling explicitly or implicitly instructs UE 110 to switch to enhanced operating mode. For example, the network may determine that data is to be transmitted from base station 170 to UE 110, and / or UE 110 is associated with a specific UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. In response, base station 170 may send an instruction to UE 110 explicitly instructing UE 110 to enter enhanced operating mode. In some embodiments, if the data intended for downlink transmission to UE 110 is associated with a specific service requirement and / or a specific application scenario (e.g., the data is associated with a high-reliability, low-latency application or service), base station 170 may only instruct UE 110 to switch to enhanced operating mode. In some embodiments, UE 110 may monitor and receive downlink signaling indicating that data has been or will be transmitted from the network to UE 110. In response to receiving downlink signaling, UE 110 may switch to enhanced operating mode. For example, downlink signaling could be a scheduling grant for downlink data transmission scheduled to UE 110 in the DCI. Receiving the downlink scheduling grant can act as a trigger for UE 110 to switch to enhanced operating mode. As another example, downlink signaling could be a paging signal, and receiving the paging signal can act as a trigger for UE 110 to switch to enhanced operating mode.

[0091] Another example of a trigger that could cause UE 110 to switch from the lower power default operating mode to the higher power enhanced operating mode is channel quality, such as the channel quality between UE 110 and base station 170. For example, if a measurement of channel quality indicates that the channel quality has degraded below a certain threshold, UE 110 may switch to the higher power enhanced operating mode. The value of the specific threshold may be predefined (e.g., fixed in a standard) or configured by UE 110 and / or base station 170.

[0092] In some embodiments, the UE 110 can switch from a default operating mode to one of a variety of different operating modes, each with its own associated power consumption (e.g., ...). Figure 7 (Example in the text). In some embodiments, the mode that UE 110 switches to can be based on UE type and / or application scenario and / or service type. For example, if the switch is to send or receive data associated with a low-latency, high-reliability service, UE 110 can switch to an operating mode with the highest UE capability (and associated with the highest power consumption).

[0093] In some embodiments, UE 110 switches back to the default operating mode in response to another trigger. For example, UE 110 may have switched to an enhanced operating mode to send or receive data, and the trigger causing the switch back to the default operating mode could be that data has been sent or received. For example, the trigger could be that the data is not present, and / or that the planned duration for sending or receiving the data has ended.

[0094] Another example of a trigger that could lead to a return to the lower-power default operating mode could be a timer expiration. For example, UE 110 could start a timer when switching to enhanced operating mode. When the timer expires, UE 110 returns to the default operating mode. The duration of the timer (from its start to its expiration) can be set to a value that ensures UE 110 does not remain in the default operating mode for too long. The timer duration can be set by UE 110 or the network (e.g., via signaling from base station 170). The timer duration is configurable.

[0095] Another example of a trigger that could cause UE 110 to return to the lower power default operating mode is receiving signaling from base station 170, where the signaling implicitly or explicitly instructs UE 110 to switch back to the default operating mode. For example, upon completion of a downlink transmission to UE 110, base station 170 may send signaling to UE 110 instructing UE 110 to return to the default operating mode. An example of an implicit instruction to switch back to the default operating mode could be receiving an ACK for data transmitted in enhanced operating mode.

[0096] Another example of a trigger that could cause UE 110 to return to the lower power default operating mode is channel quality, such as the channel quality between UE 110 and base station 170. For example, if a measurement of the channel quality indicates that the channel quality is above a certain threshold, UE 110 may switch back to the lower power default operating mode. The value of the specific threshold may be predefined (e.g., fixed in a standard) or configured by UE 110 and / or base station 170.

[0097] In some embodiments, switching out of and / or back to the default operating mode can be based on timed triggering, such as starting based on a frame, subframe, time slot, etc. In some embodiments, the switching can be based on a predefined or configured switching mode.

[0098] In some embodiments, when UE 110 has data to send to base station 170 and UE 110 wishes to enhance its capabilities by switching to an enhanced operating mode, UE 110 performs the following actions: UE 110 does not immediately switch to enhanced operating mode, but instead (in default operating mode) initially sends some data to base station 170, along with an indication of one or more values ​​for communication parameters for enhanced operating mode. UE 110 then waits for a response from base station 170 (e.g., signaling from base station 170) acknowledging receipt of the indication of communication parameter values ​​for enhanced operating mode. The response can be an explicit acknowledgment or an implicit acknowledgment (e.g., an instruction to switch to enhanced operating mode). The response serves as a trigger to switch to enhanced operating mode to send re-mined data to base station 170. In this way, before UE 110 switches to enhanced operating mode, UE 110 can choose and indicate to base station 170 the communication parameter values ​​that UE 110 will use in enhanced operating mode. This allows UE 110 to select among multiple possible communication parameter values ​​and notify base station 170 accordingly.

[0099] In some embodiments, when UE 110 has data to send to base station 170 and UE 110 wishes to enhance its capabilities by switching to an enhanced operating mode, UE 110 performs the following actions: UE 110 does not immediately switch to enhanced operating mode but remains in the default operating mode and first sends a request to base station 170. This request authorizes UE 110 to switch to enhanced operating mode. The request can be implicit (e.g., a scheduling request). Base station 170 responds with a response indicating that UE 110 is authorized to switch to enhanced operating mode. The response can be implicit (e.g., a scheduling authorization). The response acts as a trigger: upon receiving the response, UE 110 switches from the default operating mode to enhanced operating mode. Once UE 110 has entered enhanced operating mode, UE 110 then begins sending data. In some embodiments, the request indicates the values ​​of one or more communication parameters that UE 110 will use in enhanced operating mode, for example, if UE 110 has the ability to choose among multiple possible communication parameter values. In some embodiments, a response from base station 170 indicates the values ​​of one or more communication parameters that UE 110 will use in enhanced operation mode, for example, if the network is capable of configuring multiple possible communication parameter values. In some embodiments, the response starts a timer, and the timer expiration acts as a trigger for UE 110 to switch back from enhanced operation mode to default operation mode. In some embodiments, the timer may be implemented at UE 110, for example, the response triggers a timer at UE 110 to start counting, and when the timer expires, UE 110 switches back to default operation mode. In some embodiments, the timer may be implemented by base station 170, for example, the response triggers a timer at base station 170 to start counting, and when the timer expires, base station 170 sends a message to UE 110 to indicate that UE 110 switches back to default operation mode. In some embodiments, the timers on the network side and the UE side may count and expire synchronously, for example, so that UE 110 can switch back to default operation mode without base station 170 sending an explicit instruction to UE 110, and so that base station 170 knows when UE 110 switches back to default operation mode.

[0100] Exemplary methods Figure 9 An exemplary method performed by UE 110 is shown in one embodiment.

[0101] In step 402, UE 110 determines an operating mode in which it will operate to perform initial access to connect to the network. Step 402 is optional because UE 110 can be pre-configured to always use the same operating mode to perform initial access, for example, always using the default operating mode or always using an enhanced operating mode with full communication capabilities. However, in some embodiments, UE 110 can select an operating mode in which it will operate to perform initial access. In some embodiments, the selection of the operating mode can be based on the UE type and / or the expected or known application scenario and / or service type. For example, if it is known or expected that UE 110 is associated with a low-latency application or service, UE 110 can operate in an enhanced operating mode to perform initial access faster and / or more reliably (e.g., using multi-carrier access, broadband, etc.). On the other hand, if it is known or expected that UE 110 is associated with a latency-tolerant best-effort application scenario and / or application type, UE 110 may perform initial access in the default operating mode to save power (e.g., using narrowband communication, lower transmission power, etc.). In some embodiments, the amount of power available to the UE upon power-up can determine the operating mode in which UE 110 operates to perform initial access. In some embodiments, a user of UE 110 can configure UE 110 to use a specific operating mode to perform initial access.

[0102] In step 404, UE 110 performs an initial access procedure to connect to the network. Initial access is a process that performs initial steps, such as synchronization, system information derivation, and random access, before UE 110 receives or transmits user data. The initial access procedure can be implementation-specific, but in some embodiments, it may be performed as follows: UE 110 searches for one or more synchronization signals, such as a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS); UE 110 decodes the physical broadcast channel (PBCH) to read the master information block (MIB) to obtain necessary system information; it also reads information from the system information block (SIB); UE 110 performs a random access procedure.

[0103] In step 406, after completing the initial access procedure, UE 110 enters a default operating mode. In some embodiments, the communication parameter values ​​for the default operating mode are predefined (e.g., fixed in a standard). In other embodiments, some or all of the communication parameter values ​​for the default operating mode are obtained during or after the initial access in step 404. For example, during the initial access, base station 170 may send signaling to UE 110 configuring one or more values ​​of communication parameters for the default operating mode and / or enhanced operating mode. For example, the signaling for configuring one or more values ​​of communication parameters may be carried in the MIB, SIB, or RAR (RACH response) during the initial access procedure.

[0104] In some embodiments, when the UE is connected to the network (or in the default operating mode), signaling for configuring or updating one or more values ​​of one or more communication parameters may be carried in RRC signaling or DCI.

[0105] In the default operating mode, UE 110 uses communication parameters associated with the default operating mode (e.g., Figure 6 (The parameters in column 304 of the example) communicate wirelessly with base station 170. In some embodiments, the default operating mode consumes less power than any other operating mode used by UE 110 to communicate with base station 170 after initial access.

[0106] In step 408, UE 110 determines whether it needs to increase its communication capabilities. If not, UE 110 remains in its default operating mode and repeats step 408. However, if it needs to increase UE 110's communication capabilities, the method proceeds to step 410. UE 110 determines that its communication capabilities need to be increased based on a trigger, as described above (e.g., based on the arrival of data to be sent to base station 170 or in response to specific downlink signaling from base station 170).

[0107] In step 410, UE 110 switches to enhanced operating mode in response to a trigger. In enhanced operating mode, UE 110 uses a different set of communication parameters associated with higher power consumption but also higher UE communication capabilities (e.g., Figure 6 (The parameters in column 306 of the example) enable wireless communication with network devices.

[0108] In step 412, UE 110 determines whether the current session in enhanced operation mode has completed. If not, UE 110 remains in enhanced operation mode and repeats step 412. However, if UE 110 determines that the current session in enhanced operation mode has completed, the method proceeds to step 414. UE 110 determines the completion of the current session in enhanced operation mode based on triggers, as described above (e.g., data transmission completion, or in response to a timer expiration, or in response to specific downlink signaling from base station 170).

[0109] In step 414, UE 110 returns to its default operating mode.

[0110] Figure 10 An exemplary method performed by base station 170 is shown in one embodiment.

[0111] In step 452, base station 170 sends a configuration of communication parameters to UE 110, which will be used by UE 110 in a default operating mode. For example, step 452 may be performed during initial access or immediately after initial access. Step 452 is optional because in some embodiments, the communication parameters may be predefined (e.g., fixed in a standard) and therefore known in advance to both base station 170 and UE 110. In some embodiments, additionally or alternatively, optional step 452 may include configuring one or more operating modes, including possibly configuring one or more communication parameter values ​​for one or more enhanced and / or default operating modes.

[0112] In step 454, base station 170 initially wirelessly communicates with UE 110 based on UE 110's default communication capabilities, i.e., based on UE 110 being in its default operating mode. Wireless communication with UE 110 may include scheduling uplink and / or downlink data transmissions. Uplink and / or downlink transmissions are based on UE 110's capabilities in its default operating mode. For example, if UE 110 uses only a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing and communicates only in a narrowband in its default operating mode, base station 170 will communicate with UE 110 on this basis, for example, in that narrowband and using a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0113] In step 456, the base station determines whether it is necessary to increase the communication capabilities of UE 110, i.e., whether it is necessary to switch UE 110 to an enhanced operating mode. Step 456 is repeated until the base station determines that it is necessary to increase the communication capabilities of UE 110, in which case the method proceeds to step 458. Base station 170 may determine that it is necessary to increase the communication capabilities of UE 110 based on one of the events / triggers described above. For example, because base station 170 has received a request from UE 110 requesting permission to switch to enhanced operating mode, base station 170 may determine that it is necessary to increase the communication capabilities of UE 110. In some embodiments, the permission request may be implicit, for example, in the form of a scheduling request. As another example, because base station 170 has received uplink data transmission from UE 110 in default operating mode, but the uplink data transmission also explicitly or implicitly requests permission to switch to enhanced operating mode, base station 170 may determine that it is necessary to increase the communication capabilities of UE 110. The request may optionally indicate one or more communication parameter values ​​for enhanced operating mode. As another example, since the data used for downlink transmission to UE 110 has already arrived at base station 170, base station 170 can determine that it is necessary to increase the communication capabilities of UE 110. The downlink data may be associated with a specific application scenario and / or service type (e.g., the downlink data is low-latency data).

[0114] In step 458, base station 170 sends an instruction to UE 110 to switch UE 110 to an enhanced operating mode. In some embodiments, the instruction may include configuration of one or more communication parameter values ​​for UE 110 in enhanced operating mode, for example, if the communication parameter values ​​can be configured by base station 110.

[0115] In step 460, base station 170 wirelessly communicates with UE 110 based on UE 110's enhanced communication capabilities, i.e., based on UE 110 being in enhanced operating mode. Wireless communication with UE 110 may include scheduling uplink and / or downlink data transmission. The uplink and / or downlink transmissions are based on UE 110's capabilities in enhanced operating mode. For example, if UE 110 communicates over broadband and supports 15 kHz and 30 kHz subcarrier spacing in enhanced operating mode, then base station 170 will, on this basis, communicate with UE 110 over broadband using either 15 kHz or 30 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0116] In step 462, the base station determines whether UE 110 should return to the default operating mode. Step 462 is repeated until the base station determines that UE 110 should return to the default operating mode. Base station 170 may determine that UE 110 should return to the default operating mode based on any of the methods described above. For example, when instructing UE 110 to enter enhanced operating mode, a timer may have already started, and base station 170 may determine that UE 110 should return to the default operating mode in response to the timer expiring. As another example, in response to the completion of a specific data transmission, such as the end of a specific downlink transmission (which may have been dynamically scheduled or exists in unscheduled resources), or in response to the end of a specific uplink data transmission from UE 110 (which may have been dynamically scheduled or exists in unscheduled resources), base station 170 may determine that UE 110 should return to the default operating mode. As another example, in response to UE 110 sending a message to base station 170 requesting permission to return to the default operating mode, base station 170 may determine that UE 110 should return to the default operating mode.

[0117] In step 464, base station 170 instructs UE 110 to return to the default operating mode.

[0118] Steps 462 and 464 can be optional, for example, if UE 110 knows to switch back to the default operating mode without needing explicit indication from base station 170, for example, if UE 110 automatically returns to the default operating mode when a timer at UE 110 expires, or automatically returns to the default operating mode when a specific data transmission to or from base station 170 is completed.

[0119] Figure 11 An exemplary method performed by a network device (e.g., base station 170) and an apparatus (e.g., UE 110) is shown in another embodiment.

[0120] In step 482, an initial access procedure is performed, enabling the device to connect to the network. Step 482 is optional if the method has already initiated initial access. In step 484, the device and the network device communicate wirelessly based on the device's default operating mode. The default operating mode is also referred to as the first operating mode and is a lower power mode, associated with the device's reduced power capability. The device has a set of default communication parameters used by the device in the default operating mode (e.g., ...). Figure 6 (Default communication parameters in column 304). The network device stores indications of one, some, or all of the default communication parameters in its memory and communicates wirelessly with the device based on those indicated default communication parameters. For example, if the device communicates only via a 5 MHz bandwidth BWP in its default operating mode, the network device communicates with the device on that BWP.

[0121] In response to the first trigger, in step 486, the network device and apparatus initiate wireless communication based on the apparatus's second operating mode. Examples of the first trigger described herein may include: the presence of data for uplink transmission to the network device, wherein the data may or may not be associated with a specific application scenario or service requirement; the presence of data for downlink transmission to the apparatus, wherein the data may or may not be associated with a specific application scenario or service requirement; the presence of specific downlink signaling (e.g., an explicit instruction or scheduling authorization to switch to the second operating mode); and so on.

[0122] The second operating mode is a higher power mode and is associated with enhanced device capabilities. The device has a second set of communication parameters used by the device in the second operating mode (e.g., Figure 6 (Communication parameters in column 306). The network device stores indications of one, some, or all of the second set of communication parameters in its memory and communicates wirelessly with the device based on those indicated communication parameters. For example, if the device communicates via a 100 MHz bandwidth BWP in a second operating mode, the network device communicates with the device on that BWP.

[0123] In response to the second trigger, in step 488, the network device and apparatus return to wireless communication based on the apparatus's default operating mode. Examples of the second trigger described herein may include: completing an uplink transmission of specific data to the network device, wherein the data may or may not be associated with a specific application scenario or service requirement; completing a downlink transmission of specific data to the apparatus, wherein the data may or may not be associated with a specific application scenario or service requirement; the presence of specific downlink signaling (e.g., an instruction to switch to the default operating mode); a timer expiring; and so on.

[0124] So far, the embodiments described above have been presented in the context of the UE operating in different operating modes, each associated with a different set of UE capabilities and a corresponding different power consumption. However, alternatively, the methods described herein can be applied to the operation of network devices. For example, base station 170 may have different operating modes, such as a lower power default operating mode and an enhanced power operating mode, which may complement the operating mode of UE 110. If UE 110 does not switch between RRC states, then base station 170 also does not have an associated RRC state. In some embodiments, the network device and UE 110 may operate with joint power consumption optimization in mind; for example, UE 110 and base station 170 may operate together in corresponding default operating modes, which are generally designed to reduce or minimize power consumption when considering both devices.

[0125] In view of and to supplement the foregoing, other embodiments are described.

[0126] In some embodiments, a method performed by a device is disclosed. For example, the method may be performed by a UE 110. The method may include operating in a default operating mode, in which the device wirelessly communicates with a network device (e.g., base station 170) using a first set of communication parameters. The default operating mode may be referred to as a first operating mode. The first set of communication parameters may be default communication parameters. An example of default communication parameters is... Figure 6 The communication parameters are shown in column 304. Operation in the default operating mode can begin after or upon completion of the initial access procedure (e.g., before the device operates in any other possible operating mode, or immediately after initial access). In some embodiments, the default operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, wherein the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode. An example of a second operating mode could be the enhanced operating mode described above. The second operating mode consumes more power than the default operating mode. It should be noted that when discussing whether one operating mode consumes more or less power than another, it is assumed that a direct comparison is made, for example, for the same communication function, behavior, and / or duration.

[0127] In some embodiments, the operating mode can be an operating mode that is entirely within a single RRC state or a single RRC state.

[0128] In some embodiments, the default operating mode consumes less power than any other operating mode used by the device to communicate with network devices after initial access.

[0129] In some embodiments, switching from operation in the default operating mode to operation in the second operating mode, and / or switching back from operation in the second operating mode to operation in the default operating mode, is performed without switching RRC states. For example, as described above, the device can operate in a single, identical RRC state, which indicates energy savings associated with not switching between different RRC states.

[0130] In some embodiments, the method includes operating in a second operating mode instead of a default operating mode in response to a first trigger. In the second operating mode, the device wirelessly communicates with a network device using a second set of communication parameters. The second set of communication parameters differs from the first set of communication parameters. One example is... Figure 6 The second set of communication parameters is shown in column 306. These communication parameters differ from... Figure 6 The first group (default) of communication parameters is shown in column 304.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first trigger is at least one of the following: arrival of data to be transmitted by the device (wherein the data may or may not be associated with a specific service requirement and / or a specific application scenario); a channel measurement value greater than or less than a specific threshold (e.g., channel quality between the device and a network device deteriorates, causing the channel measurement to indicate channel quality below a specific threshold); or signaling is received from the network device. The signaling may be signaling instructing the device to switch to a second operating mode. This instruction may be explicit or implicit. Examples of implicit instructions include: scheduling authorization for uplink or downlink transmissions; notification that downlink data is to be transmitted to the device; and acknowledgment. Examples of acknowledgment may include: HARQ ACK / NACK acknowledgment (e.g., if the original data transmission in the default operating mode fails, the network device sends a NACK, triggering a retransmission in the second operating mode); acknowledging a request issued by the device, such as a request to switch to the second operating mode; acknowledging one or more communication parameters indicated by the device; and so on.

[0132] In some embodiments, the first trigger includes receiving signaling from a network device, and the signaling also configures at least one communication parameter in a second set of communication parameters.

[0133] In some embodiments, the method further includes, in response to a second trigger, returning to operation in the default operating mode.

[0134] In some embodiments, the second trigger is at least one of the following: no data is available for transmission from the device (e.g., the device has already transmitted data that will be transmitted in the second operating mode); a timer expires; a channel measurement is greater than or less than a specific threshold (e.g., channel improvement between the device and a network device causes the channel measurement to indicate channel quality above the specific threshold); or second signaling is received from the network device. In some embodiments, the second signaling instructs the device to return to the default operating mode. The second signaling can be explicit or implicit. Examples of implicit signaling include: HARQ feedback (e.g., an ACK for received data may trigger the device to switch back to the default operating mode); a new configuration that may be associated with returning to the default operating mode.

[0135] In some embodiments, in response to a first trigger, the method includes operating in a default operating mode to send an indication of at least one communication parameter from a first set of communication parameters to a network device. The method may also include operating in the default operating mode to receive a signaling acknowledgment of receipt of the indication of at least one communication parameter from the network device. In some embodiments, after receiving the signaling acknowledgment, the method includes operating in a second operating mode to send second data to the network device.

[0136] In some embodiments, in response to a first trigger, the method includes operating in a default operating mode to send a request to the network device to operate in a second operating mode. The method may also include operating in the default operating mode to receive signaling authorization for operating in the second operating mode from the network device. In some embodiments, after receiving the signaling authorization for operating in the second operating mode, the method includes operating in the second operating mode to send data to the network device. In some embodiments, in response to receiving the signaling authorization for operating in the second operating mode, the method further includes starting a timer. The second trigger may then be a timer expiration.

[0137] In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a message from a network device, the message configuring at least one communication parameter in a first set of communication parameters and / or at least one communication parameter in a second set of communication parameters. In some embodiments, the message is received during an initial access procedure. In some embodiments, at least one communication parameter in the first set of communication parameters and / or at least one communication parameter in the second set of communication parameters is configured using RRC signaling and / or DCI. In some embodiments, at least one communication parameter in the first set of communication parameters and / or at least one communication parameter in the second set of communication parameters depends on the service type and / or application scenario and / or device type.

[0138] The apparatus is also used to perform any of the apparatus methods described above. For example, the apparatus may include a processor and a memory. The memory may include processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the apparatus to perform these methods. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include memory to store indications of a first set of communication parameters associated with a default operating mode and / or to store indications of a second set of communication parameters associated with a second operating mode. In some embodiments, the processor instructs the apparatus to perform method steps performed by the apparatus. For example, the processor may instruct the apparatus to operate in a default operating mode in which the apparatus wirelessly communicates with a network device using the first set of communication parameters. As another example, the processor may instruct the apparatus to operate in a second operating mode in which the apparatus wirelessly communicates with a network device using the second set of communication parameters. The processor 'instructs' the apparatus by issuing one or more instructions to control the apparatus to perform method steps. For example, to instruct the apparatus to operate in the default operating mode, the processor controls the apparatus to communicate (using a transmitter and a receiver) according to the first set of communication parameters, for example, if the transmitter transmits only on one transmit antenna, the processor prepares for communication on this basis and instructs the transmitter to transmit only on one transmit antenna. Similarly, in order to instruct the device to operate in the second operating mode, the processor controls the device to communicate based on a second set of communication parameters (using the transmitter and receiver). For example, if the transmitter is to transmit on two transmit antennas, the processor prepares for communication based on this and instructs the transmitter to transmit on both transmit antennas.

[0139] In some embodiments, a method performed by a network device is disclosed. For example, the method may be performed by a base station 170. The method may include wirelessly communicating with a device (e.g., UE 110) based on a default operating mode of the device. The default operating mode may be associated with the device's default communication capabilities. The device's default communication capabilities are associated with a set of default communication parameters used by the device to communicate with the network device in the default operating mode. For example, the set of default communication parameters may be... Figure 6 The parameters shown in column 304. A default operating mode can be associated with lower power consumption (e.g., the power consumption of the device, network device, or both). Wireless communication with a device based on a default operating mode means communicating wirelessly in the default operating mode according to at least some of the device's capabilities. For example, if in the default operating mode the device uses only a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing and communicates only on a single BWP with a 20 MHz bandwidth, then the network device communicates with the device on the same basis, for example, on a single BWP with a 20 MHz bandwidth and using a 15 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0140] In some embodiments, wireless communication with the device based on the device's default operating mode can be performed after or upon completion of the initial access process (e.g., immediately after initial access, before the device operates in any other possible operating mode).

[0141] In some embodiments, in response to a first trigger, the method includes wirelessly communicating with the device based on a second operating mode. The second operating mode may be associated with a second communication capability of the device. The second communication capability of the device is associated with a second set of communication parameters used by the device to communicate with a network device in the second operating mode. For example, the second set of communication parameters may be… Figure 6 The parameters shown in column 306. The second operating mode may be associated with higher power consumption (e.g., the power consumption of the device, the network device, or both). Wireless communication with the device based on the second operating mode means wireless communication in the second operating mode according to at least some capabilities of the device. For example, if in the second operating mode the device uses a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing and communicates on a single BWP with a 100 MHz bandwidth, then the network device communicates with the device on this basis, for example, on a BWP with a 100 MHz bandwidth and using a 30 kHz subcarrier spacing.

[0142] In some embodiments, in response to a second trigger, the method may further include returning to the device's default operating mode and communicating wirelessly with the device.

[0143] In some embodiments, the switch from wireless communication with the device based on a default operating mode to wireless communication with the device based on a second operating mode, and / or the switch from wireless communication with the device based on a second operating mode to wireless communication with the device based on a default operating mode, is performed without an RRC state switch.

[0144] In some embodiments, the first trigger is at least one of the following: data for transmission to the device arrives; a channel measurement is greater than or less than a specific threshold (e.g., channel quality between the device and a network device degrades, causing the channel measurement to indicate channel quality below the specific threshold); or a request is received from the device. The request from the device can be explicit or implicit. An example of an explicit request is a request to allow the device to operate in a second operating mode. Examples of implicit requests include: uplink transmission of data from the device (which may or may not include an indication of the configuration of one or more communication parameters from a second set of communication parameters); a scheduling request; or HARQ feedback (e.g., NACK, which may act as a trigger for retransmission based on the second operating mode). In some embodiments, in response to receiving the request, a response is sent to a device instructing the device to operate in the second operating mode. The response can be explicit or implicit (e.g., acknowledgment, scheduling authorization, or HARQ feedback, etc.). In some embodiments, the response includes the configuration of one or more communication parameters to be used by the device in the second operating mode. In some embodiments, the request from the device includes an indication of one or more communication parameters that the device uses (or will use) in the second operating mode. In some embodiments, the request is sent along with uplink data transmission from the device. In some embodiments, the data is associated with specific service requirements and / or specific application scenarios.

[0145] In some embodiments, the second trigger is at least one of the following: no data is available to be sent to / from the device (e.g., uplink or downlink data transmission in the second operating mode needs to be completed); a timer expires; a channel measurement is greater than or less than a specific threshold (e.g., channel improvement between the device and a network device such that the channel measurement indicates channel quality above the specific threshold); or a request is received from the device. The request may request permission for the device to operate in the default operating mode. The request may be explicit or implicit. Examples of implicit requests include: HARQ feedback (e.g., receiving an ACK triggering a switch back to the default operating mode); a new configuration that may be associated with returning to the default operating mode.

[0146] In some embodiments, the method further includes sending a message to the device, wherein the message configures at least one communication parameter from a first set of communication parameters used by the device in a default operating mode and / or at least one communication parameter from a second set of communication parameters used by the device in a second operating mode. The message may or may not be sent during the initial access procedure. The message may or may not be sent in RRC signaling or DCI.

[0147] In some embodiments, at least one communication parameter in the first set of communication parameters and / or at least one communication parameter in the second set of communication parameters depends on the service type and / or application scenario and / or device type.

[0148] The network device is also used to perform any of the methods described above. For example, the network device may include a processor and memory. The memory may include processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the network device to perform these methods. In some embodiments, the network device may include memory for storing indications of at least one communication parameter from a first set of communication parameters used by the device in a default operating mode and / or storing indications of at least one communication parameter from a second set of communication parameters used by the device in a second operating mode. In some embodiments, the processor instructs the network device to perform method steps performed by the network device. For example, the processor may instruct the network device to wirelessly communicate with the device based on a default operating mode (e.g., after the device has completed an initial access procedure). As another example, in response to a first trigger, the processor may instruct the network device to wirelessly communicate with the device based on a second operating mode. As another example, in response to a second trigger, the processor may instruct the network device to return to wirelessly communicating with the device based on the default operating mode. The processor 'instructs' the network device by issuing one or more instructions to control the network device to perform method steps. For example, to instruct a network device to wirelessly communicate with a device based on a default operating mode, the processor controls the network device to communicate (using a transmitter and receiver) according to at least one of the device's communication parameters associated with the default operating mode. For instance, if the device uses communication on a 5 MHz BWP in the default operating mode, the processor controls the network device's transmitter and receiver to communicate on a 5 MHz BWP. Similarly, to instruct a network device to wirelessly communicate with a device based on a second operating mode, the processor controls the network device to communicate (using a transmitter and receiver) according to at least one of the device's communication parameters associated with the second operating mode. For instance, if the device uses communication on a 100 MHz BWP in the default operating mode, the processor controls the network device's transmitter and receiver to communicate on a 100 MHz BWP.

[0149] In view of the foregoing, and in addition to the foregoing, the following embodiments are disclosed.

[0150] Example 1: A method performed by a device, the method comprising: after completing an initial access procedure: operating in a default operating mode, wherein the device wirelessly communicates with a network device using a first set of communication parameters; wherein the default operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, wherein the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode, and the second operating mode consumes more power than the default operating mode.

[0151] Example 2: According to the method of Example 1, the default operating mode consumes less power than any other operating mode used by the device to communicate with the network device after the initial access.

[0152] Example 3: According to the method of Example 1 or Example 2, the switching from operating in the default operating mode to operating in the second operating mode, and the switching from operating in the second operating mode back to operating in the default operating mode are performed without switching the radio resource control (RRC) state.

[0153] Example 4: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the method further comprises: in response to a first trigger: operating in the second operating mode instead of the default operating mode, wherein in the second operating mode, the device wirelessly communicates with the network device using a second set of communication parameters; in response to a second trigger: returning to operating in the default operating mode.

[0154] Example 5: According to the method of Example 4, wherein the first trigger is at least one of the following: data sent by the device arrives; signaling is received from the network device, the signaling instructing the device to switch to the second operating mode; a channel measurement value is greater than or less than a specific threshold.

[0155] Example 6: According to the method described in Example 5, the data is associated with specific service requirements and / or specific application scenarios.

[0156] Example 7: According to the method of Example 5, wherein the first trigger includes receiving the signaling from the network device, and the signaling further configures at least one communication parameter in the second set of communication parameters.

[0157] Example 8: The method according to any one of Examples 4 to 7, wherein the second trigger is at least one of the following: no data is available for transmission from the device; a timer expires; a second signaling is received from the network device, the second signaling instructing the device to return to the default operating mode.

[0158] Example 9: A method according to any one of Examples 4 to 8, wherein, in response to the first trigger, the method includes: operating in the default operating mode to send first data and an indication of at least one communication parameter of the second set of communication parameters to the network device; operating in the default operating mode to receive a signaling acknowledgment of receipt of the indication of the at least one communication parameter of the second set of communication parameters from the network device; and after receiving the signaling acknowledgment of receipt: operating in the second operating mode to send second data to the network device.

[0159] Example 10: A method according to any one of Examples 4 to 8, wherein, in response to the first trigger, the method includes: operating in the default operating mode to send a request to the network device to operate in the second operating mode; operating in the default operating mode to receive signaling grant permission from the network device to operate in the second operating mode; and after receiving the signaling grant permission to operate in the second operating mode: operating in the second operating mode to send data to the network device.

[0160] Example 11: According to the method of Example 10, wherein, in response to receiving the signaling grant permission for operation in the second operating mode, the method further includes starting a timer, and the second trigger is the timer expiring.

[0161] Example 12: The method according to any one of Examples 4 to 11, wherein during the initial access process, a message is received from the network device, the message configuring at least one communication parameter in the second set of communication parameters.

[0162] Example 13: The method according to any one of Examples 4 to 12, wherein at least one of the communication parameters in the second set of communication parameters uses RRC signaling or is configured using DCI.

[0163] Example 14: The method according to any one of Examples 4 to 13, wherein at least one of the communication parameters in the second set of communication parameters depends on the service type and / or application scenario and / or device type.

[0164] Example 15: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein during the initial access process, a message is received from the network device, the message configuring at least one communication parameter in the first set of communication parameters.

[0165] Example 16: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the communication parameters in the first set of communication parameters uses RRC signaling or is configured using DCI.

[0166] Example 17: The method according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein at least one of the communication parameters in the first set of communication parameters depends on the service type and / or application scenario and / or device type.

[0167] Example 18: An apparatus for performing the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 17.

[0168] Example 19: An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the apparatus to perform the method according to any one of Examples 1 to 17.

[0169] Example 20: An apparatus comprising: a memory for storing an indication of a first set of communication parameters associated with a default operating mode; and a processor for: after completing an initial access procedure, instructing the apparatus to operate in the default operating mode, wherein the apparatus wirelessly communicates with a network device using the first set of communication parameters; wherein the default operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, wherein the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode, and the second operating mode consumes more power than the default operating mode.

[0170] Example 21: A method performed by a network device, the method comprising: after the device completes an initial access procedure: wirelessly communicating with the device based on a default operating mode of the device; in response to a first trigger: wirelessly communicating with the device based on a second operating mode of the device; in response to a second trigger: returning to wirelessly communicating with the device based on the default operating mode of the device.

[0171] Example 22: The method according to Example 21, wherein the default operating mode is associated with the default communication capability of the device, and the second operating mode is associated with the second communication capability of the device.

[0172] Example 23: According to the method of Example 22, the second communication capability is associated with higher power consumption than the default communication capability.

[0173] Example 24: The method according to any one of Examples 21 to 23, wherein switching from wireless communication with the device based on the default operating mode to wireless communication with the device based on the second operating mode, and switching from wireless communication with the device based on the second operating mode to wireless communication with the device based on the default operating mode, are performed without radio resource control (RRC) state switching.

[0174] Example 25: The method according to any one of Examples 21 to 24, wherein the first trigger is at least one of the following: data sent to the device arrives; a request is received from the device, the request requesting permission for the device to operate in the second operating mode.

[0175] Example 26: According to the method of Example 25, wherein, after receiving the request, the network device sends a response to the device, the response instructing the device to operate in the second operating mode.

[0176] Example 27: The method according to Example 26, wherein the response includes a configuration of one or more communication parameters used by the device in the second operating mode.

[0177] Example 28: The method according to Example 25 or Example 26, wherein the request includes an indication of one or more communication parameters used by the device in the second operating mode.

[0178] Example 29: The method according to any one of Examples 25 to 28, wherein the request is sent together with uplink data transmission from the device.

[0179] Example 30: The method described in Example 25, wherein the data is associated with a specific service requirement and / or a specific application scenario.

[0180] Example 31: The method according to any one of Examples 21 to 30, wherein the second trigger is at least one of the following: no data is available for transmission to the device; a timer expires; a request is received from the device, the request requesting permission for the device to operate in the default operating mode.

[0181] Example 32: The method according to any one of Examples 21 to 31, further comprising: sending a message to the device, the message configuring at least one communication parameter in a first set of communication parameters used by the device in the default operating mode and / or configuring at least one communication parameter in a second set of communication parameters used by the device in the second operating mode.

[0182] Example 33: The method according to Example 32, wherein the message is sent during the initial access procedure.

[0183] Example 34: The method described in Example 32 or Example 33, wherein the message is sent in RRC signaling or DCI.

[0184] Example 35: The method according to any one of Examples 32 to 34, wherein at least one communication parameter in the first set of communication parameters and / or at least one communication parameter in the second set of communication parameters depends on the service type and / or application scenario and / or device type.

[0185] Example 36: A method performed by a network device, wherein the method includes: after the device completes an initial access procedure: wirelessly communicating with the device based on a default operating mode of the device; wherein the default operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modes including a second operating mode, and the second operating mode consumes more power than the default operating mode.

[0186] Example 37: A network device for performing the method according to any one of Examples 21 to 36.

[0187] Example 38: A network device includes a processor and a memory, the memory including processor-executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the network device to perform the method according to any one of Examples 21 to 36.

[0188] Example 39: A network device includes: a memory for storing the following indications: a first set of communication parameters used by the device in a default operating mode of the device, and a second set of communication parameters used by the device in a second operating mode of the device; a processor for: after the device completes an initial access procedure: instructing the network device to wirelessly communicate with the device based on the default operating mode; in response to a first trigger: instructing the network device to wirelessly communicate with the device based on the second operating mode; and in response to a second trigger: instructing the network device to return to wirelessly communicating with the device based on the default operating mode.

[0189] Although this application has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, various modifications and combinations thereof may be made without departing from this application. Therefore, the description and drawings are to be regarded only as illustrations of some embodiments of this application as defined by the appended claims, and are intended to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents falling within the scope of this application. Thus, while this application and its advantages have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be made herein without departing from the application as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the scope of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments of the processes, machines, articles of manufacture, material components, modules, methods, and steps described in the specification. Those skilled in the art will readily understand from the disclosure of this application that processes, machines, articles of manufacture, material components, modules, methods, or steps (including those currently existing or later developed) can be used to perform or achieve substantially the same function or result as the corresponding embodiments described herein. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to include such processes, machines, articles of manufacture, material components, modules, methods, or steps within their scope.

[0190] Furthermore, any module, component, or device executing instructions illustrated herein may include or otherwise access one or more non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media to store information, such as computer / processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and / or other data. A non-exhaustive list of examples of non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media includes magnetic tape cassettes, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc or digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray Disc™ and other optical storage devices, volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other storage technologies. Any such non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage medium may be part of a device or may access or be connected to a device. Any application or module described herein may be implemented using computer / processor-readable / executable instructions that may be stored by such non-transitory computer / processor-readable storage media or otherwise preserved.

Claims

1. A communication method, characterized in that, include: During the initial access process: Receive first information from a network device, the first information indicating a first set of communication parameters used in a first operating mode, wherein the first set of communication parameters indicates a first number of operating carriers used in the first operating mode. After completing the initial access process: Communicating with the network device using at least one of the first number of operating carriers. Wherein, the first operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode, the second operating mode consumes more power than the first operating mode, the second operating mode is used to communicate with the network device using at least one of a second number of operating carriers, the second number of operating carriers is used in the second operating mode and is indicated by a second set of communication parameters, and the second number of operating carriers is greater than the first number of operating carriers.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the system information SI.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second set of communication parameters is received through at least one of the following: System Information SI, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the first set of communication parameters and the second set of communication parameters includes one or more of the following: One or more operating carriers; Decoding algorithm; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processing time capability; Transmission power; The level of dynamic control signaling to be monitored or decoded; The type of control channel to be monitored; Search space; Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme; Antenna port configuration; Bandwidth portion BWP; Or the number of beams.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one of the following is used to determine: device type, application scenario, or business type One or more parameters in the first set of communication parameters; One or more parameters in the second set of communication parameters; The first operating mode to be used; or The second operating mode to be used.

6. An apparatus, characterized in that, include: The device includes at least one processor and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, the at least one processor being coupled to the non-transitory memory, wherein when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device causes the following operations: During the initial access process: Receive first information from a network device, the first information indicating a first set of communication parameters used in a first operating mode, wherein the first set of communication parameters indicates a first number of operating carriers used in the first operating mode. After completing the initial access process: Communicating with the network device using at least one of the first number of operating carriers. Wherein, the first operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode, the second operating mode consumes more power than the first operating mode, the second operating mode is used to communicate with the network device using at least one of a second number of operating carriers, the second number of operating carriers is used in the second operating mode and is indicated by a second set of communication parameters, and the second number of operating carriers is greater than the first number of operating carriers.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the system information SI.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second set of communication parameters is received through at least one of the following: System Information SI, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, Each of the first set of communication parameters and the second set of communication parameters includes one or more of the following: One or more operating carriers; Decoding algorithm; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processing time capability; Transmission power; The level of dynamic control signaling to be monitored or decoded; The type of control channel to be monitored; Search space; Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme; Antenna port configuration; Bandwidth portion BWP; Or the number of beams.

10. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, At least one of the following is used to determine: device type, application scenario, or business type One or more parameters in the first set of communication parameters; One or more parameters in the second set of communication parameters; The first operating mode to be used; or The second operating mode to be used.

11. A communication method performed by a network device, characterized in that, include: During the initial access process: Send first information to user equipment (UE), the first information indicating a first set of communication parameters used in a first operating mode, wherein the first set of communication parameters indicates a first number of operating carriers used by the UE in the first operating mode; After the UE completes the initial access procedure: The device communicates with the UE using at least one of the first number of operating carriers. Wherein, the first operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode, the second operating mode consumes more power than the first operating mode, the second operating mode is used by the UE to communicate with the network device using at least one of a second number of operating carriers, the second number of operating carriers is used by the UE in the second operating mode and is indicated by a second set of communication parameters, and the second number of operating carriers is greater than the first number of operating carriers.

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the system information SI.

13. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, The second set of communication parameters is sent via at least one of the following: System Information SI, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

14. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, Each of the first set of communication parameters and the second set of communication parameters includes one or more of the following: One or more operating carriers; Decoding algorithm; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processing time capability; Transmission power; The level of dynamic control signaling to be monitored or decoded; The type of control channel to be monitored; Search space; Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme; Antenna port configuration; Bandwidth portion BWP; Or the number of beams.

15. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that, At least one of the following is used to determine: device type, application scenario, or business type One or more parameters in the first set of communication parameters; One or more parameters in the second set of communication parameters; The first operating mode to be used; or The second operating mode to be used.

16. An apparatus, characterized in that, include: The device includes at least one processor and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, the at least one processor being coupled to the non-transitory memory, such that when the instructions are executed by the at least one processor, the device causes the following operations: During the initial access process: Send first information to user equipment (UE), the first information indicating a first set of communication parameters used in a first operating mode, wherein the first set of communication parameters indicates a first number of operating carriers used by the UE in the first operating mode. After the UE completes the initial access procedure: The device communicates with the UE using at least one of the first number of operating carriers. Wherein, the first operating mode is one of at least two operating modes, the at least two operating modes include a second operating mode, the second operating mode consumes more power than the first operating mode, the second operating mode is used by the UE to communicate with the device using at least one of a second number of operating carriers, the second number of operating carriers is used by the UE in the second operating mode and is indicated by a second set of communication parameters, and the second number of operating carriers is greater than the first number of operating carriers.

17. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The first information is carried in the system information SI.

18. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, The second set of communication parameters is sent via at least one of the following: System Information SI, Radio Resource Control (RRC) signaling, or Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE.

19. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, Each of the first set of communication parameters and the second set of communication parameters includes one or more of the following: One or more operating carriers; Decoding algorithm; Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request (HARQ) processing time capability; Transmission power; The level of dynamic control signaling to be monitored or decoded; The type of control channel to be monitored; Search space; Multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) scheme; Antenna port configuration; Bandwidth portion BWP; Or the number of beams.

20. The apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that, At least one of the device type, application scenario, or service type is used to determine one or more parameters in the first set of communication parameters; One or more parameters in the second set of communication parameters; The first operating mode to be used; or The second operating mode to be used.

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