Carrier aggregation configuration

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to carrier aggregation (CA) configuration. In one method, a first device transmits, to a second device, information of a set of frequency resources supported by the first device for a secondary cell serving the first device. The first device receives, from the second device, configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell. The at least one frequency resource is determined from the set of frequency resources. In this way, the efficiency of carrier aggregation can be improved.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 791791, filed April 21, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are generally related to the telecommunications field, and more specifically to methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer-readable storage media for carrier aggregation (CA) configuration. Background Technology

[0003] Carrier aggregation (CA) is a key technology in modern telecommunications that enhances network performance by combining multiple frequency bands (or component carriers) into a single, wider channel. By achieving backward compatibility and dynamic resource allocation, CA ensures scalable mobile networks. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: transmit to a second apparatus information about a set of frequency resources supported by the first apparatus for serving the first apparatus; and receive from the second apparatus configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

[0005] In a second aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: at least one processor; and at least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to at least: receive from a first apparatus information about a set of frequency resources supported by the first apparatus for serving a secondary cell of the first apparatus; determine from the set of frequency resources at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell; and transmit to the first apparatus configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource.

[0006] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: transmitting to a second device information about a set of frequency resources supported by a first device for serving a secondary cell; and receiving from the second device configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

[0007] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving from a first device information of a set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving a secondary cell; determining from the set of frequency resources at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell; and transmitting configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource to the first device.

[0008] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: components for transmitting to a second apparatus information on a set of frequency resources supported by the first apparatus for serving a secondary cell of the first apparatus; and components for receiving configuration information from the second apparatus, the configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

[0009] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: components for receiving from a first apparatus information on a set of frequency resources supported by the first apparatus for serving a secondary cell of the first apparatus; components for determining from the set of frequency resources at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell; and components for transmitting configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource to the first apparatus.

[0010] In a seventh aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to a third aspect.

[0011] In an eighth aspect of this disclosure, a computer-readable medium is provided. The computer-readable medium includes instructions stored thereon for causing a device to at least execute the method according to the fourth aspect.

[0012] It should be understood that the summary portion is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this disclosure, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Other features of this disclosure will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Some exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 An example communication environment in which example embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented is shown; Figure 2 A block diagram illustrating an example of user equipment (UE) radio frequency hardware is shown; Figure 3 The signaling flow of a carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of this disclosure is shown; Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5A schematic diagram illustrating an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 7A A schematic diagram illustrating an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 7B A schematic diagram illustrating an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 8 Example signaling flows of carrier aggregation configurations according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 9 Example signaling flows of carrier aggregation configurations according to some embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 10 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 12 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 13 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The principles of this disclosure will now be described with reference to some exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and to assist those skilled in the art in understanding and implementing this disclosure, and do not imply any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0016] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0017] References to "an embodiment," "embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Additionally, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is believed that incorporating other embodiments, whether explicitly described or not, to affect such a feature, structure, or characteristic is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0018] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., preceding nouns may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, and they do not restrict the order of the nouns. For example, without departing from the scope of the exemplary embodiments, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0019] As used herein, “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and “at least one of the following: a list of two or more elements” and similar wording (where the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”) means at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0020] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the execution step “in response to A” does not indicate that the step is performed immediately after “A” occurs, and may include one or more intermediate steps.

[0021] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated features, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0022] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (such as implementation in analog and / or digital circuits only) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry with software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including digital signal processors(s)), software, and memory, which work together to enable a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions), and (c) (Multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or a portion thereof, which require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but may be absent when the software is not required to operate.

[0023] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application (including in any claim). As another example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers implementations of hardware circuitry or processors (or processors in general) and their accompanying software and / or firmware. The term "circuit" also covers, for example and if applicable to a particular claim element, baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0024] As used herein, the term "communication network" refers to a network that conforms to any suitable communication standard, such as New Radio (NR), Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-A Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), etc. Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices in a communication network can be performed according to any suitable generation of communication protocol, including but not limited to first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G, sixth-generation (6G) communication protocols and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will certainly be future types of communication technologies and systems that embody the future types of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure should not be construed as limited to the aforementioned systems.

[0025] As used herein, the term "network device" refers to a node in a communications network through which terminal devices access the network and receive services. Depending on the terminology and technology applied, a network device can refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), an NR NB (also known as a gNB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Header End (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as a femtosecond or picosecond), a non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network device (such as a satellite network device), a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite and a geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellite, a spacecraft network device, etc. In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) split architecture includes a centralized unit (CU) and a distributed unit (DU) at the IAB donor node. The IAB node includes a mobile terminal (IAB-MT) portion that behaves as a UE toward the parent node, and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves as a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0026] The term "terminal device" refers to any terminal device capable of wireless communication. By way of example and not limitation, a terminal device may also be referred to as a communication device, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, Voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable terminal devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture terminal devices such as digital cameras, gaming terminal devices, music storage and recycle bins, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearable devices, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of industrial and / or automated processing chains), consumer electronics devices, devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks, etc. The terminal equipment may also correspond to the mobile termination (MT) portion of an IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal equipment," "communication equipment," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0027] As used herein, the terms “resource,” “transmission resource,” “resource block,” “physical resource block” (PRB), “uplink resource,” or “downlink resource” can refer to any resource used to perform communication, such as communication between a terminal device and a network device, including resources in the time domain, frequency domain, spatial domain, code domain, or any other combination of time, frequency, spatial, and / or code domain resources used to enable communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. Note that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0028] The core network functionality described herein can be implemented as a core network entity comprising a combination of hardware processing circuitry and software and / or firmware including machine-readable instructions, or software including machine-readable instructions executable by at least one processor of the hardware processing circuitry of the device. The hardware processing circuitry includes at least one processor and at least one memory storing machine-readable instructions executable by at least one processor of the hardware processing circuitry. The processor includes any one or a combination of accelerators, microprocessors, cores of multi-core microprocessors, microcontrollers, programmable integrated circuits, programmable gate arrays, digital signal processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, and tensor processing units. The memory includes any or a combination of volatile or non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory, cache, random access memory (RAM), and / or read-only memory (ROM)). The memory stores machine-readable instructions for the software and / or firmware executed by at least one processor of the hardware processing circuitry. The machine-readable instructions are executable by at least one processor of the hardware processing circuitry, causing the hardware processing circuitry to perform the actions or operations of the methods described herein. For example, the session management function described in this paper can be implemented as a session management entity, and the session management policy control function described in this paper can be implemented as a session management policy control entity.

[0029] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented is illustrated. Communication environment 100 relates to a first device 110 and a second device 120. The first device 110 and the second device 120 may communicate with each other. The first device 110 may be implemented as a terminal device (e.g., a UE) or included in a terminal device. The second device 120 may be implemented as a network device (e.g., a gNB or a base station) or included in a network device.

[0030] exist Figure 1In the example, communication between the first device 110 and the second device 120 can be achieved via a primary cell (Pcell) and at least one secondary cell (Scell). In this case, carrier aggregation can be used for communication. In some example embodiments, configuration information for carrier aggregation can indicate resources (e.g., frequency resources, time resources, etc.) configured for the Pcell and Scell. Frequency resources can include, for example, a frequency band or a portion of a frequency band. Frequency resources can correspond to at least one carrier of a cell (e.g., Pcell or Scell).

[0031] It should be understood that Figure 1 The number of devices and their connections shown are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. Communication environment 100 may include any suitable number of devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure.

[0032] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are described in which the first device 110 operates as a terminal device (e.g., a UE) and the second device 120 operates as a network device (e.g., a gNB, a base station, etc.). However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in connection with the terminal device can be implemented at the network device or other devices, and the operations described in connection with the network device can be implemented at the terminal device or other devices.

[0033] In some example embodiments, the transmission direction from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as the downlink (DL), and the transmission direction from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as the uplink (UL). In the DL, the second device 120 is a transmitting (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receiving (RX) device (or receiver). In the UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0034] Communication in communication environment 100 may be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols, wireless local network communication protocols such as IEEE 802.11, and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0035] Mechanisms that allow for faster and better utilization of multiple spectrum resources need to be studied. For example, 6G CA could be studied based on simplifications / optimizations from 5G CA and considerations of the relationship between DL CA and UL CA.

[0036] Terminal devices (e.g., UEs) can support CA based on radio frequency (RF) hardware (HW). (See reference) Figure 2 , Figure 2 Block diagram 200 shows an example of UE radio frequency hardware.

[0037] exist Figure 2 In the example, the UE may have one or more transceivers, which have two important components. The UE may have m local oscillators (LOs) that serve the receiver (up to n) at the necessary down-conversion frequencies to move the radio frequency allocation from the RF domain to the baseband domain (down-conversion).

[0038] The UE may not have as many LOs as the receivers, so a multiplexing system can be used to route LO signals to the receivers required for the active front-end modules and antennas. In CA and dual connectivity (DC), the number of simultaneously active carriers can be determined based on the number of LOs that can serve the most receivers. Digital transmission of data allows for sufficient bandwidth for all active receivers.

[0039] The activation of multiple LOs and receivers can depend on the operator's support and requirements for CA and DC configurations. The UE can notify the network of the supported combinations, which are then communicated via... Figure 2 The system shown maps operating frequency bands to supported frequency band combinations within a set. Multiple combinations can activate the same antenna, front-end module, receiver, and Loss. Each combination can be unique. Because the network (NW) receives a list of radio configurations supported in the UE, the NW can map UE hardware functions to operator-available operating frequency bands and channels within the network.

[0040] Transitions between radio configuration states can be achieved via Radio Resource Control (RRC) messages (e.g., RRC reconfiguration). RRC messages can be used to add or remove carriers relative to NW procedures and purposes. Each such reconfiguration can result in reprogramming and handover within the UE hardware, ensuring that the hardware state transition does not interfere with the radio link.

[0041] Hardware state transitions can include permitted reconfiguration interrupts or settling times. Reconfiguration can take into account the reprogramming of the receiver and the loop receiver, which can also have settling times associated with electrical operation.

[0042] CA configuration can be used for carrier substitution. There is no concept of a UE capability list for removing CA combination information. The significant overhead of UE capability switching needs to be addressed. Mechanisms for including band substitution and addition in the CA used for runtime configuration need to be investigated. Additionally, mechanisms for including in-band CA and bandwidth categories for band substitution concepts need to be investigated. Specifically, in-band CA can involve in-band frequency resources that can be in the same frequency band as the carrier of the Scell.

[0043] Embodiments of this disclosure propose a solution for CA configuration. In this solution, a set of frequency resource information is sent from a terminal device to a network device. The terminal device supports this set of frequency resources for the Scell ​​serving the terminal device. The network device determines at least one frequency resource from the set of frequency resources to be configured for the secondary cell. Then, configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource is sent from the network device to the terminal device.

[0044] In this way, at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell ​​can be determined from the set of frequency resources reported by the terminal device. This reduces the signaling overhead associated with information about the frequency resources supported by the terminal device used for the Scell. Therefore, the efficiency of carrier aggregation can be improved.

[0045] The following will refer to the attached diagram. Figures 3 to 13 The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are described in detail.

[0046] It should be understood that Figures 3 to 13 The sequence of actions shown is for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation. Actions can be performed in any suitable manner. Reference Figures 3 to 13 The described example embodiments can be implemented individually or in any combination. For example, one or more example embodiments shown in a single figure can be combined with one or more example embodiments shown in one or more other figures. Additionally, Figures 3 to 13 The process described is merely an example and not a limitation.

[0047] Now for reference Figure 3 This illustrates a signaling stream 300 with a carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Discuss signaling flow 300. Regarding... Figure 3 The example embodiments discussed involve two devices, for example, Figure 1 The first device 110 and the second device 120.

[0048] In some example implementations, the first device 110 may be implemented as or include a terminal device, such as a UE. The second device 120 may be implemented as or include a network device, such as an NB or a base station.

[0049] In operation, the first device 110 transmits (301) information about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device 110 for serving the Scell ​​to the second device 120. Accordingly, the second device 120 receives (302) the information about the set of frequency resources.

[0050] In some example implementations, the first device 110 may transmit capability information of multiple frequency resources supported by the first device 110 to the second device 120, without transmitting information on the combination of frequency resources for Pcell and one or more Scells.

[0051] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include a first subset of frequency resources for Scell ​​addition. Based on Scell ​​addition, frequency resources in the first subset of frequency resources may also be used for Scell ​​in addition to the frequency resources currently used for Scell. Furthermore, the frequency resources in the frequency resource set for Scell ​​addition may be determined based on the frequency resources currently used for Scell. The frequency resources for Scell ​​addition may be in a frequency band different from the frequency band that includes the frequency resources currently used for Scell.

[0052] Additionally, the frequency resource set may include a second subset of frequency resources for Scell ​​substitution. Based on Scell ​​substitution, frequency resources in the second subset can be used for Scell, instead of the frequency resources currently used for Scell.

[0053] For example, the frequency resources currently used for the Scell ​​can be deactivated, and frequency resources in a second subset of frequency resources can be activated for the Scell. In this case, the carrier of the Scell ​​can be replaced by another carrier that is not included in the current configuration of the Scell.

[0054] In some example implementations, the frequency resource set may include a third subset of in-band frequency resources used for Scell ​​addition (e.g., in-band Scell ​​addition). In-band frequency resources can be determined based on the frequency resources currently used for the Scell. In-band frequency resources can be in the same frequency band as the frequency resources currently used for the Scell.

[0055] In addition to the frequency resources currently used for Scell ​​based on Scell ​​additions, the in-band frequency resources in the third in-band frequency resource subset can also be used for Scell.

[0056] It should be understood that the subset of frequency resources mentioned herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. The set of frequency resources may include any suitable type and any suitable number of subsets of frequency resources.

[0057] Additionally, the frequency resource set may include a frequency resource set supported by the first device 110 for uplink transmission and / or a frequency resource set supported by the first device 110 for downlink reception.

[0058] In some example embodiments, before the first device 110 transmits (301) information about the set of frequency resources, the second device 120 may transmit a request to the first device 110 for the frequency resources supported by the Scell. In this case, after receiving the request, the first device 110 transmits (301) information about the set of frequency resources.

[0059] Additionally, the request may include multiple candidate frequency resources for the Scell. For example, the multiple candidate frequency resources may include frequency resources configured for the Scell ​​by the second device 120. In this case, the first device 110 can determine a set of frequency resources from the multiple candidate frequency resources.

[0060] In some example embodiments, before transmitting the request, the second device 120 may determine that the frequency resources of the first device 110 configured for the secondary cell will be changed.

[0061] In some example implementations, the information of the frequency resource set may include the power level of each frequency resource in the set. Additionally, the information of the frequency resource set may include the antenna port of each frequency resource in the set. The information of the frequency resource set may include the multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rank of each frequency resource in the set.

[0062] It should be understood that the data for each frequency resource in the frequency resource set mentioned herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. Information about the frequency resource set may include any suitable data for the frequency resource set.

[0063] After receiving the information of the frequency resource set (302), the second device 120 determines (303) at least one frequency resource configured for Scell ​​from the frequency resource set.

[0064] The frequency resources configured for Scell ​​may include frequency resources in a first subset of frequency resources, frequency resources in a second subset of frequency resources, and in-band frequency resources in a third subset of in-band frequency resources.

[0065] For example, the second device 120 can select frequency resources for adding Scells from a first subset of frequency resources. The second device 120 can select frequency resources for replacing Scells from a second subset of frequency resources. The second device 120 can select frequency resources for adding in-band Scells from a third subset of in-band frequency resources.

[0066] Additionally, at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell ​​may include a set of frequency resources supported by the first device for uplink transmission and / or a set of frequency resources supported by the first device for downlink reception. Specifically, the set of frequency resources for uplink transmission may include frequency resources for adding to the Scell, frequency resources for replacing the Scell, frequency resources for adding to the in-band Scell, etc.

[0067] It should be understood that the frequency resources mentioned herein as being configured for Scell ​​at least one frequency resource are for illustrative purposes only and do not impose any limitations. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. At least one frequency resource may include any suitable type and any suitable number of frequency resource subsets.

[0068] After determining (303) at least one frequency resource configured for Scell, the second device 120 transmits (304) configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource to the first device 110. Accordingly, the first device 110 receives (305) the configuration information.

[0069] In some example embodiments, configuration information may be transmitted via RRC messages (e.g., RRC reconfiguration messages) or Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) messages.

[0070] In some example implementations, before transmitting the (304) configuration information, the second device 120 may transmit a reference signal to the first device 110 using at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell. The first device 110 may determine a measurement report of the reference signal.

[0071] Then, the first device 110 can send a measurement report to the second device 120. Subsequently, the second device 120 can determine, based on the measurement report, whether to send configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource to the first device 110.

[0072] For example, if the measurement result in the measurement report is below a threshold, at least one frequency resource may be considered unsuitable for the Scell. In this case, the second device 120 may determine that at least one frequency resource has not been configured for the Scell. The second device 120 may then determine another frequency resource for the Scell. Alternatively, if at least one frequency resource is considered suitable for the second device 120 according to the measurement report, the second device 120 sends (304) configuration information to the first device 110.

[0073] After receiving the configuration information (305), the first device 110 can apply the configuration information. For example, the first device 110 can perform Scell ​​addition, Scell ​​replacement, and in-band Scell ​​addition based on the configuration information.

[0074] Specifically, in some example embodiments, the first device 110 may activate at least one frequency resource configured for Scell ​​addition based on configuration information.

[0075] The first device 110 can perform Scell ​​replacement based on at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell. In some example embodiments, based on configuration information, the first device 110 can deactivate the frequency resource currently used for the Scell. Then, the first device 110 can activate a frequency resource from the at least one frequency resource for Scell ​​replacement.

[0076] The first device 110 can activate at least one in-band additional resource configured for adding at least one frequency resource to the Scell ​​based on configuration information.

[0077] Furthermore, if the configuration information includes frequency resources for Scell ​​replacement, the deactivated frequency resources can be released. Specifically, the second device 120 can send a message to the first device 110 to release the deactivated frequency resources. In response to receiving this message, the first device 110 can release the frequency resources replaced based on the Scell ​​replacement.

[0078] In some example implementations, the frequency resource set may include frequency resources for adding an Scell ​​(also referred to as "first frequency resources" for the purposes of discussion) and another frequency resource for adding an Scell ​​(also referred to as "second frequency resources" for the purposes of discussion), and configuration information may indicate that the first frequency resource is configured for the secondary cell. In this case, the first device 110 may send further information to the second device 120 including another set of frequency resources for replacing the Scell.

[0079] Upon receiving further information about another set of frequency resources, for example, if the first frequency resource is currently used for Scell ​​due to HW limitations, the second device 120 can determine that the second frequency resource may not be suitable for Scell ​​addition.

[0080] Then, the second device 120 can send another configuration information to the first device 110, indicating a second frequency resource configured for the Scell. This other configuration information can indicate that the first frequency resource is not used for the secondary cell. For example, the other configuration information can indicate that, based on Scell ​​replacement, the first frequency resource will be replaced by the second frequency resource.

[0081] Based on another configuration information, the first device 110 can deactivate the first frequency resource and activate the second frequency resource for Scell.

[0082] In some example embodiments, after sending (304) configuration information, the second device 120 may store and / or update the information of the first device 110 for frequency resources of Pcell and Scell ​​based on the configuration information.

[0083] Additionally, in some example implementations, the second device 120 may determine whether capability information for multiple frequency resources supported by the first device 110 is available based on the identifier of the first device 110 (e.g., the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) of the first device 110). In this case, if the capability information is available, the second device 120 may transmit configuration information to the first device 110.

[0084] In this way, the second device 120 can obtain information about the frequency resources supported by the first device 110 for the Scell. The first device 110 and the second device 120 can communicate regarding the frequency resources to be configured for the Scell. Therefore, the signaling overhead for configuring frequency resources for the Scell ​​can be reduced in a flexible and efficient manner. The efficiency of carrier aggregation can be improved.

[0085] The network can explore, learn, and adapt the UE's CA configuration as needed, thus replacing the need for information on the frequency band combinations supported by the UE. (Reference) Figure 4 The diagram 400 illustrates an example process of carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0086] exist Figure 4 In the diagram, the vertical axis can indicate the downlink and uplink respectively. The horizontal axis can represent time. Additionally, events that change the configuration state of the CA can be indicated on the horizontal axis.

[0087] This series of events may include request messages from the NW for a specific group of frequency resources (requests for all groups are not excluded). The event may also include response messages determined by the UE. In the response message, information (e.g., data) for each group of frequency resources is reported according to the request. For example, data for each group of frequency resources may include power level, antenna port, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) rank, etc.

[0088] It should be understood that the information regarding each set of frequency resources mentioned herein is for illustrative purposes only and does not imply any limitation. Embodiments of this disclosure are not limited thereto. This information may include any suitable data.

[0089] Additionally, the event may include measurements, such as Scell ​​measurements scheduled by the NW prior to CA combination updates in the event of a DL carrier configuration change. The event may include configurations determined by the NW based on UE measurement results. Configurations can be determined based on Scell ​​changes determined from group information that extends NW insights to CA configurations supported by the UE.

[0090] Each downlink and uplink configuration section first includes the cell type. The cell type indicates the allocation of carriers (Pcell or Scell). Below the cell type is the carrier configuration, which is unique for both downlink and uplink. For DL ​​or UL, three sets of frequency resources can cover carrier-related variations.

[0091] The first set of frequency resources may include Scell ​​added bands, which allow NW to identify inter-band carriers supported in higher CA combinations.

[0092] The second group can be alternative frequency bands. Alternative frequency bands can be used to replace associated Scell ​​carriers in a CA combination. Each Scell ​​can have its own set of alternative frequency bands. Alternative frequency bands can replace Scell ​​carriers through the process of deactivating the configured Scell ​​carrier, replacing the carrier, and activating the replacement carrier. In this way, the number of required RRC reconfigurations can be reduced, and service interruptions on Scells other than the replaced Scell ​​can be avoided.

[0093] The third set of frequency resources may include a set of additional in-band carriers, which can be used for adding in-band Scells to the CA combination of the Pcell configuration. The in-band carriers can be determined based on the frequency resources currently used for the Scell. The in-band carriers can be located in the same frequency band as the carriers currently used for the Scell.

[0094] exist Figure 4 In the examples, CA configuration can include configuration status. Table 1 shows an example of CA configuration.

[0095] Table 1

[0096] Note that all configuration states in Table 1 are of the "Add" type, therefore NW can include band combinations (e.g., by using RRC commands). In Table 1, "αnA" can represent the portion "A" of band "α". Similarly, "βnC" can represent the portion "C" of band "β", and "βnA" can represent the portion "A" of band "β".

[0097] From the Scell ​​add group, when the Pcell is configured in state 1 (radio link), all backoffs are known. It may be impossible to switch to any band other than those in the Scell ​​add group because the bands in the Scell ​​add group may not include carriers for the current Pcell.

[0098] exist Figure 4 In the example, the UE can send information to the NW regarding carriers supported by the UE for the Scell. For example, the UE can send information to the NW regarding carriers in Scell ​​Addition Group 401, Scell ​​Replacement Group 403, and / or In-Band Supplement Group 404. The NW can then determine one or more carriers (e.g., band "βnA") to be used by the UE for the Scell ​​based on the received information. The NW can then send the UE a CA configuration indicating the carriers used for the Pcell (e.g., band "αnA") and the carriers used for the Scell ​​(e.g., band "βnA"). The UE can then apply the CA configuration.

[0099] Because the UE's carrier allocation has been changed, the information regarding the carriers supported by the UE for the Scell ​​can be altered. If the NW determines to change the UE's CA configuration, it can send information about the changes to the carriers supported by the UE to the NW. For example, the UE can send information about carriers in Scell ​​Addition Group 405, Scell ​​Replacement Group 402, and / or In-Band Supplement Group 406 to the NW.

[0100] In some example embodiments, if a frequency band is switched from the Scell ​​Addition group to the Replacement group for Scell ​​Replacement, it indicates that the frequency band shares HW and therefore cannot be configured simultaneously with the previous Scell ​​Addition.

[0101] For example, in Figure 4 In this context, the frequency band "γnA" is in Scell ​​Addition group 401. After the RRC reconfiguration message, the UE's frequency band combination may include the frequency band "αnA" for Pcell and the frequency band "βnA" for Scell, and the frequency band "γnA" is in Scell ​​Replacement group 402.

[0102] In this case, band "γnA" can share the HW with band "βnA", so that when band "βnA" is used for Scell, band "γnA" does not need to be used for Scell ​​addition. Based on the information from Scell ​​addition group 401 and Scell ​​replacement group 402, the relationship between band "γnA" and band "βnA" can be notified to the NW.

[0103] In this way, the NW can be notified of the carriers supported by the UE for the Scell. The CA configuration can be determined in a flexible and efficient manner, reducing the signaling overhead required to determine the CA configuration.

[0104] In some example embodiments, in order to replace the frequency band in the CA configuration, the NW may use information about the carriers supported by the UE (e.g., carriers in the Scell ​​Addition Group, Scell ​​Replacement Group, and / or In-Band Supplement Group) in the response message from the UE.

[0105] refer to Figure 5 The diagram 500 illustrates an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Regarding... Figure 5 The example embodiments discussed may correspond to and correspond to the aspects related to Figure 4 The process associated with the process of the example embodiments discussed.

[0106] exist Figure 5 In the example, band reconfiguration for a frequency band of an alternative group previously found in the Scell ​​add group can trigger the NW to previously learn of an additional carrier. Scell ​​substitution can request further Scell ​​deactivation to ensure a fallback state for the supported carrier. In this state, a request can be used to determine whether to support activation or not to read the Scell ​​add group in the new configuration.

[0107] Specifically, in Figure 5 In this configuration, the CA can be a 5-carrier configuration "CA_αnA-βnC-δnA-θnA". In this case, carriers "βnC", "δnA", and "θnA" can be used for the Scell. The NW can then determine that the UE will move to a cell covered by a different CA, where the frequency band "γnA" is used instead of the frequency band "βnC".

[0108] The CA configuration "CA_αnA-βnC-δnA-θnA" fallback to pick up the frequency band "γnA" means that one of the frequency bands "δnA", "εnA", or "θnA" can remain active, because... Figure 4 In the second state of the example, the carrier “δnA”, “εnA”, or “θnA” is declared as an additional frequency band, where the frequency band “γnA” is used as an alternative frequency band in the CA configuration “CA_αnA-βnA”.

[0109] The UE can deactivate band "θnA" and replace band "βnC" with band "γnA". New request messages can trigger response messages indicating that Scell ​​additions are no longer supported. Band "θnA" can be converted to an alternative group. By using band "γnA" for Scells, the band combination can be reduced to 3CA in the DL.

[0110] Since band "θnA" is configured to be inactive, the NW may need to apply RRC reconfiguration to remove inactive and / or unsupported carriers from the risk of reactivation. Even if the HW may be able to support higher DL carrier configurations, the reason for losing more carriers in the Scell ​​add-in group may be that these combinations may not be supported.

[0111] The NW can identify whether carriers “δnA,” “εnA,” and “θnA” can be combined with the PCell band “αnA” to form a 4CA, because all 3CA combinations are known after the trajectory of the ending band “γnA.” Furthermore, these decisions indicate that the UE can also support the band “εnA.” The band “εnA” can exist in bands not supported by the NW, which may explain why the band “εnA” is added or configured for Scell ​​replacement.

[0112] Additionally, for other UEs, if the UE type and the information about the carriers supported by the UE have already been communicated to the NW, the NW can skip further request messages. The NW may have already learned the configuration of UEs with UE types that support the frequency bands supported by the NW. Therefore, the NW can learn UE capabilities across UEs of the same type / model.

[0113] Table 2 shows Figure 5 The example provided is a sample of CA configuration for the UE.

[0114] Table 2

[0115] In this way, the NW can use information from the UE regarding the carriers supported by the Scell ​​to determine the CA configuration. The UE's capability information can be used for the CA configuration of other UEs with the same UE type / model. The signaling overhead used to determine the CA configuration can be reduced.

[0116] In some example embodiments, the choice of Pcell can depend on what other frequency bands can be supported. Figure 4 In the example, the frequency bands "αnA" and "γnA" can be combined (Scell ​​adds a group). In some example implementations, when selecting the frequency band "γnA" for Pcell, Scell ​​adds-overrides and in-band groups can include Figure 5The frequency band in the example.

[0117] refer to Figure 6 The diagram 600 illustrates an example process for carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Regarding... Figure 6 The example embodiments discussed may correspond to and correspond to the aspects related to Figure 4 and 5 The process associated with the process of the example embodiments discussed.

[0118] exist Figure 6 In the example, if band "γnA" is combined with the new band "λnA", as indicated by the dashed line in time, then the new band and combination become available. Therefore, the band combination "CA_γnA-λnA" can result in a new set of combinations that the UE also supports. The NW can learn the new set of combinations through different Pcell allocations and use the new set of combinations to minimize handover, while planning the Scell ​​band based on two different combination groups associated with band "αnA" and band "γnA" used for Pcell operation.

[0119] This configuration can evolve from the frequency band "γnA" in the extended frequency band combination "CA_γnA-σnA-λnA". The NW has learned the new frequency band composition of the UE through different Pcell allocations. Therefore, the NW can know from the configuration where a switchover may be needed. Deployments serving different frequency bands can exist between Pcell allocations. The NW can also learn which Scells have been added and replaced and become obsolete, further building NW insights into the UE's CA capabilities.

[0120] In this way, carrier allocation can be used to determine the UE's CA configuration. The NW can learn about Scell ​​additions and / or Scell ​​replacements from the frequency bands supported by the UE. The efficiency of determining the CA configuration can be improved.

[0121] refer to Figure 7A The diagram 700A illustrates an example process of carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0122] exist Figure 7A The diagram illustrates the process of exchanging configuration information via RRC reconfiguration. Messages can include in-band configuration substitutions (e.g., band group 701 or band group 703) and bandwidth categories (e.g., band group 702), allowing the NW to know which carrier can be substituted or a band added. The message size for in-band configuration substitutions and the bandwidth categories embedded in the RRC_Reconfiguration completion message can grow significantly.

[0123] The NW may have already read all UE configurations from the UE registration process, thus knowing which maximum inter-band carrier count the configuration can be extended to. Figure 7A In the example, NW can begin at the Scell ​​used for in-band addition. Then, in contrast to Scell ​​substitution, in-band addition can also be applied to Pcell.

[0124] exist Figure 7A In the example, in-band substitution can become carrier addition, or it can be an in-band carrier addition. The UE can be configured to use an inter-band combination of band "αnA" and band "βnA". Upon receiving the RRC_Reconfiguration complete message, the UE can notify the NW of the band substitution (e.g., band group 701 or band group 703) and the in-band addition (e.g., band group 702 or band group 704). The NW can know that the in-band addition can be added to band "βnA" to form band "βn(2A)", and that other variations of "βn" can be implemented after the next RRC_Reconfiguration procedure.

[0125] In this way, CA configuration can include frequency bands for in-band Scell ​​addition. This can reduce the overhead of information added by in-band Scells.

[0126] At the UE, tracking of used / available radio hardware paths can be maintained. Carrier addition for in-band combinations can be supported. As the UE carrier count increases, the UE can utilize resource status to update the RRC reconfiguration completion message. (Reference) Figure 7B The diagram 700B illustrates an example process of carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0127] exist Figure 7B In the example, adding CA combinations can eliminate alternative and additional in-band carriers because more carriers can be activated through radio configuration. Updated reports for both alternative bands (e.g., band group 706) and additional in-bands (e.g., band group 705) can be used for CA combinations. In the alternative group, a backoff (e.g., CA combination with a smaller carrier count) can be added as band "βnA". Simultaneously, the additional segment of βn(2A) can be removed.

[0128] In band group 707, the effect of adding inter-band Scells may have removed the maximum carrier count (e.g., letters and numbers) because the inter-band carriers used to add band “δnA” may have already consumed more UE HW resources. At the final configuration point, the UE can be configured with a total of 5 carriers in 4 different inter-bands, and there are no more resources to add, so the in-band box can be omitted based on the UE determination at the CA configuration “CA_αnA-βn(2A)-δnA-εnA”, thus allowing only the substitution at this point.

[0129] As part of the enhanced CA configurability, these additions can also carry information about Rx (Rx antenna port number) as well as bandwidth class and bandwidth combination set (if supported in 6G). Configurable messages can be formatted to move NWs between band substitutions and / or intra-band additions in the downlink. Pcell frequencies can be changed to add Scells within a band.

[0130] This method allows for flexible indication of the frequency bands added for in-band Scells, reducing message overhead.

[0131] refer to Figure 8 This illustrates an example signaling stream 800 of a carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Regarding... Figure 8 The example embodiments discussed may be referenced. Figure 3 The implementation of the example embodiment discussed. Flowchart 800 relates to UE 801 and NB 802. UE 801 may be... Figure 1 The implementation of the first device 110 in NB 802. Figure 1 The implementation of the second device 120 in the process.

[0132] exist Figure 8 In the example, UE 801 may not need to send a list of UE capabilities for band combinations, which could be very large. The list of UE capabilities for band combinations can be learned by NB 802, rather than repeatedly requesting information about band combination groups from UE 801, for example, during radio reconfiguration.

[0133] At 8010, UE 801 can send its capability information to NB 802. The capability information can indicate the frequency bands supported by UE 801.

[0134] At 8020, NB 802 can send cell configuration, for example, an indication of the starting frequency band for UE 801. In this case, frequency resources can be allocated to UE 801. Additionally, UE 801 can connect at the Pcell.

[0135] In some example implementations, the procedures at 8010 and 8020 can be performed based on the initial RRC configuration.

[0136] At 8030, NB 802 can determine the progress of CA configuration for UE 801. For example, NB 802 can determine how to change the frequency band combination at UE 801. In some example embodiments, the progress of CA configuration can be determined by one or more reports from UE 801, including combined UL and / or DL ​​reports. This progress can include Scell ​​addition, Scell ​​replacement, and in-band Scell ​​addition.

[0137] For example, NB 802 can determine the cell configuration of UE 801 to be changed (e.g., for DL ​​and / or UL) based on the frequency resources used for Scell ​​addition, Scell ​​replacement, and in-band Scell ​​addition. In this case, the frequency resource group used for Scell ​​addition can be the Scell ​​addition group, the frequency resource group used for Scell ​​replacement can be the replacement group, and the frequency resource group used for in-band Scell ​​addition can be the in-band addition group.

[0138] At 8040, NB 802 can send a request message for group information to UE 801 to change the radio resource assignment at UE 801. The group information may include information by UE 801 for frequency resource groups (e.g., for DL ​​and / or UL) supported by the Scell ​​serving UE 801.

[0139] In some example implementations, the request message may include information about the frequency bands supported by NB 802. In this case, UE 801 can filter groups based on the information about the frequency bands supported by NB 802. Specifically, UE 801 can report which frequency resource in the supported frequency bands of NB 802 is supported by Scell.

[0140] At 8050, UE 801 can determine information about the requested group. UE 801 can prepare to send information to NB 802. For example, UE 801 can determine the set of frequency resources supported by UE 801 for the Scell ​​in the uplink and / or downlink. The set of frequency resources may include a frequency resource group for Scell ​​addition (e.g., referred to as the Scell ​​addition group), a frequency resource group for Scell ​​replacement (e.g., referred to as the replacement group), and a frequency resource group for in-band Scell ​​addition (e.g., referred to as the in-band addition group).

[0141] At 8060, UE 801 can send a response message to NB 802. The response message may include information about the requested frequency resource group.

[0142] At 8070, NB 802 can determine how to change the radio resource assignment of UE 801 (e.g., for DL ​​and / or UL) based on the received information of the frequency resource group supported by UE 801. For example, NB 802 can determine at least one frequency resource configured for Scell.

[0143] In some example embodiments, if the Scell ​​of its frequency resource is to be changed for DL ​​reception, then at 8080, NB 802 can send a reference signal to UE 801. For example, if the frequency resource of the Scell ​​currently used for DL ​​is to be changed (e.g., based on Scell ​​addition, Scell ​​replacement, or in-band Scell ​​addition), a reference signal can be sent. The reference signal can be sent via the Scell, wherein at least one frequency resource is configured for the Scell ​​to measure channel quality. Then, at 8090, UE 801 can send a measurement report of the reference signal to NB 802.

[0144] In some example implementations, NB 802 can determine, based on measurement reports, whether to send configuration information to UE 801 indicating at least one frequency resource configured for Scell. If so, NB 802 can send the configuration information in various ways (e.g., via RRC signaling or MAC CE). Both methods are... Figure 8 As shown in the image.

[0145] In an example of applying RRC signaling, at 8100, NB 802 can send an RRC reconfiguration message to UE 801. This RRC reconfiguration message includes configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell. The at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell ​​may include an Scell ​​supplementary group, an Scell ​​alternative group, and an in-band supplementary group for the frequency resource.

[0146] Alternatively, in another example of applying MAC CE, at 8110, NB 802 may send MAC CE to UE 801 including configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for Scell.

[0147] After receiving the configuration information, UE 801 can apply the frequency resources indicated by the configuration information to the Scell. For example, UE 801 can activate frequency resources in the Scell ​​Alternate Group and the In-Band Add-on Group. Alternatively or additionally, UE 801 can deactivate the frequency resources currently used for the Scell ​​based on the configuration information and activate the frequency resources in the Scell ​​Alternate Group used for the Scell.

[0148] Then, at 8120, NB 802 can update the CA configuration for UE 801. In some example embodiments, the CA configuration of UE 801 can be used for other UEs of the same type / model as UE 801. In this case, the request can be saved. If UE capability information is not stored in NB 802, NB 802 can use IMEI information to identify the UE type / model of UE 801.

[0149] In this way, information about the set of frequency resources supported by the Scell ​​by the UE 801 can be communicated to the NB 802 in a flexible and efficient manner. This reduces the signaling overhead for CA configuration.

[0150] In some example embodiments, the NB may store the UE's capability information. In this case, the NB may not need to request information about the frequency resources supported by the UE from the UE. (See reference...) Figure 9 This illustrates an example signaling stream 900 of a carrier aggregation configuration according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0151] about Figure 9 The example embodiments discussed may be referenced. Figure 3 The implementation of the example embodiment discussed. Flowchart 900 relates to UE 901 and NB 902. UE 901 may be... Figure 1 The implementation of the first device 110 in NB 902. Figure 1 The implementation of the second device 120 in the process.

[0152] Figure 9 The initial RRC configuration process is first illustrated, which may involve steps 9010 and 9020. Specifically, at 9010, UE 901 may send its capability information to NB 902. In some example embodiments, UE 901 may send its IMEI at 9010. The capability information may indicate the frequency bands supported by UE 901. At 9020, NB 902 may send cell configuration to UE 901, for example, indicating the starting frequency band for UE 901.

[0153] At 9030, NB 902 can determine that UE 901 is known to NB 902 based on UE 901's capability information or IMEI. For example, NB 902 can determine that UE 901's CA configuration is stored in NB 902.

[0154] At 9040, NB 902 can determine the progress of UE 901's CA configuration. For example, NB 902 can determine changes to UE 901's CA configuration. At 9050, NB 902 can determine how to change UE 901's frequency resources for Scells based on the CA configuration stored in NB 902. This progress can include Scell ​​addition, Scell ​​replacement, and in-band Scell ​​addition.

[0155] In some example embodiments, if the Scell ​​of its frequency resource to be changed for DL ​​reception is to be changed, then at 9060, NB 902 can send a reference signal to UE 901. For example, if the frequency resource of the Scell ​​currently used for DL ​​is to be changed (e.g., based on Scell ​​addition, Scell ​​replacement, or in-band Scell ​​addition), a reference signal can be sent. This step is similar to... Figure 8 The step 8080 is already defined, so it will not be repeated here. At 9070, UE 901 can send a measurement report of the reference signal to NB 902. This step is similar to... Figure 8 The 8090 is mentioned, so it will not be repeated here.

[0156] In an example of applying RRC signaling, at 9080, NB 902 can send an RRC reconfiguration message to UE 901. This RRC reconfiguration message includes configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell. This step is similar to... Figure 8 The 8100 in the example will not be repeated here. Alternatively, in another example of applying MAC CE, at 9090, NB 902 can send a MAC CE to UE 901 including configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the Scell. This step is similar to... Figure 8 The number 8110 is mentioned, so it will not be repeated here.

[0157] In this way, NB 902 can determine whether information about the frequency resources supported by UE 901 is already stored in NB 902. If so, NB 902 does not need to request this information again. Therefore, the overhead of CA configuration can be reduced, and the efficiency of CA can be improved.

[0158] Figure 10 A flowchart of an example method 1000 implemented at a first device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 1000 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0159] In frame 1010, the first device 110 transmits information about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell to the second device.

[0160] In block 1020, the first device 110 receives configuration information from the second device, which indicates at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell. The at least one frequency resource is determined from a set of frequency resources.

[0161] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit capability information of multiple frequency resources supported by the first device to the second device, without transmitting information on the combination of frequency resources for the primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

[0162] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a first subset of frequency resources for secondary cell addition, a second subset of frequency resources for secondary cell replacement, or a third subset of in-band frequency resources for secondary cell addition.

[0163] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: frequency resources in a first subset of frequency resources, frequency resources in a second subset of frequency resources, or in-band frequency resources in a third subset of in-band frequency resources.

[0164] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: a first set of frequency resources configured for uplink transmission for the first device, or a second set of frequency resources configured for downlink reception for the first device.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: the first device supports a third frequency resource set for uplink transmission, or the first device supports a fourth frequency resource set for downlink reception.

[0166] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may transmit to the second device additional information including another set of frequency resources for secondary cell substitution. The first device 110 may receive additional configuration information from the second device, indicating second frequency resources configured for secondary cells. This additional configuration information may also indicate that first frequency resources are not used for secondary cells. The first device 110 may deactivate the first frequency resources. The first device 110 may activate the second frequency resources for secondary cells.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may perform at least one of the following based on configuration information: activating at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell for secondary cell addition, performing secondary cell replacement based on at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell, or activating at least one in-band additional resource of at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell for secondary cell addition.

[0168] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may deactivate a third frequency resource currently used for a secondary cell. The first device 110 may also activate a fourth frequency resource from at least one frequency resource for secondary cell replacement.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a message from the second device for releasing deactivated frequency resources. The first device 110 may then release a third frequency resource based on this message.

[0170] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition determined based on the fifth frequency resource currently used for secondary cells. The at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition may be in a frequency band different from the frequency band including the fifth frequency resource.

[0171] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one in-band frequency resource determined based on the sixth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one in-band frequency resource is in the same frequency band as the sixth frequency resource.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may receive a request for frequency resources for a secondary cell supported by the first device from the second device. The first device 110 may transmit information about the set of frequency resources to the second device.

[0173] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may determine a set of frequency resources from a plurality of candidate frequency resources.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 can receive a reference signal from the second device using at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell. The first device 110 can transmit a measurement report of the reference signal to the second device.

[0175] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may receive configuration information from the second device via at least one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the information of the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: the power level of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, the antenna port of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, or the multiple-input multiple-output rank of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0178] Figure 11A flowchart of an example method 1100 implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. For the purposes of discussion, [the following will be discussed]. Figure 1 Method 1100 is described by the angle of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0179] In box 1110, the second device 120 receives information from the first device about a set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell of the first device.

[0180] In frame 1120, the second device 120 determines at least one frequency resource from the set of frequency resources to be configured for the secondary cell.

[0181] In box 1130, the second device 120 transmits configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource to the first device.

[0182] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may receive capability information of multiple frequency resources supported by the first device from the first device, but may not receive information on the combination of frequency resources for the primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

[0183] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may determine that the frequency resources of the first device configured for the secondary cell will be changed.

[0184] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a first subset of frequency resources for secondary cell addition, a second subset of frequency resources for secondary cell replacement, or a third subset of in-band frequency resources for secondary cell addition.

[0185] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: frequency resources in a first subset of frequency resources, frequency resources in a second subset of frequency resources, or in-band frequency resources in a third subset of in-band frequency resources.

[0186] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: a first set of frequency resources configured for uplink transmission by a first device, or a second set of frequency resources configured for downlink reception by a first device.

[0187] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a third frequency resource set supported by the first device for uplink transmission, or a fourth frequency resource set supported by the first device for downlink reception.

[0188] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may receive from the first device additional information including another set of frequency resources for secondary cell substitution. The second device 120 may transmit to the first device additional configuration information indicating that the second frequency resources are configured for the secondary cell. This additional configuration information indicates that the first frequency resources are not used for the secondary cell.

[0189] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit a message to the first device for releasing deactivated frequency resources.

[0190] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition determined based on the third frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition is located in a frequency band different from the frequency band including the third frequency resource.

[0191] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one in-band frequency resource determined based on the fourth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one in-band frequency resource is in the same frequency band as the fourth frequency resource.

[0192] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit a request to the first device for frequency resources for secondary cells supported by the first device. The second device 120 may receive information about the set of frequency resources from the first device.

[0193] In some example embodiments, the request may include multiple candidate frequency resources for the secondary cell, and a set of frequency resources may be determined from the multiple candidate frequency resources.

[0194] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 can transmit a reference signal to the first device using at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell. The second device 120 can receive a measurement report of the reference signal from the first device. The second device 120 can determine, based on the measurement report, whether to transmit configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource to the first device.

[0195] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may store and / or update information from the first device regarding frequency resources for the primary and secondary cells based on configuration information.

[0196] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may determine whether capability information for multiple frequency resources supported by the first device is available based on the device's identifier. If the capability information is determined to be available, the second device 120 may transmit configuration information to the first device.

[0197] In some example embodiments, the second device 120 may transmit configuration information to the first device via at least one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message.

[0198] In some example embodiments, the information of the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: the power level of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, the antenna port of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, or the multiple-input multiple-output rank of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set.

[0199] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0200] In some example embodiments, a first device capable of performing any method 1000 (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include components for performing the corresponding operation of method 1000. The device may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the device may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The first device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 In the first device 110.

[0201] In some example embodiments, the first device may include: a component for transmitting to a second device information about a set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the first device; and a component for receiving configuration information from the second device, the configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

[0202] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include a component for transmitting capability information of multiple frequency resources supported by the first device to a second device in the absence of information for a combination of frequency resources for a primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

[0203] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a first subset of frequency resources for secondary cell addition, a second subset of frequency resources for secondary cell replacement, or a third subset of in-band frequency resources for secondary cell addition.

[0204] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: frequency resources in a first subset of frequency resources, frequency resources in a second subset of frequency resources, or in-band frequency resources in a third subset of in-band frequency resources.

[0205] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: a first set of frequency resources configured for uplink transmission by a first device, or a second set of frequency resources configured for downlink reception by a first device.

[0206] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a third frequency resource set supported by the first device for uplink transmission, or a fourth frequency resource set supported by the first device for downlink reception.

[0207] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: components for transmitting to the second apparatus additional information including another set of frequency resources for secondary cell substitution of the second frequency resources; and components for receiving from the second apparatus additional configuration information indicating that the second frequency resources are configured for the secondary cell. The additional configuration information indicates that the first frequency resources are not used for the secondary cell. The first apparatus may further include: components for deactivating the first frequency resources; and components for activating the second frequency resources for the secondary cell.

[0208] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: a component for performing at least one of the following based on configuration information: activating at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell for secondary cell addition, performing secondary cell replacement based on at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell, or activating at least one in-band additional resource of at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell for secondary cell addition.

[0209] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: a component for deactivating a third frequency resource currently used for a secondary cell; and a component for activating a fourth frequency resource among at least one frequency resource for secondary cell replacement.

[0210] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for receiving a message from the second device for releasing a deactivated frequency resource; and a component for releasing a third frequency resource based on the message.

[0211] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition determined based on the fifth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition is located in a frequency band different from the frequency band including the fifth frequency resource.

[0212] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one in-band frequency resource determined based on the sixth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one in-band frequency resource is in the same frequency band as the sixth frequency resource.

[0213] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for receiving from the second device a request for frequency resources supported by the first device for a secondary cell; and a component for transmitting information about a set of frequency resources to the second device.

[0214] In some example embodiments, the first apparatus may further include: a component for determining a set of frequency resources from a plurality of candidate frequency resources.

[0215] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include: a component for receiving a reference signal from the second device by using at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell; and a component for transmitting a measurement report of the reference signal to the second device.

[0216] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include a component for receiving configuration information from the second device via at least one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message.

[0217] In some example embodiments, the information of the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: the power level of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, the antenna port of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, or the multiple-input multiple-output rank of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set.

[0218] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0219] In some example embodiments, a second device capable of performing any method 1100 (e.g., Figure 1 The second device 120 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 1100. This device can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, it can be implemented in a circuit or software module. The second device can be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0220] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may include: a component for receiving from the first apparatus information on a set of frequency resources supported by the first apparatus for serving the first apparatus, a component for determining at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell from the set of frequency resources; and a component for transmitting configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource to the first apparatus.

[0221] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for receiving capability information of multiple frequency resources supported by the first device from the first device in the absence of information on the combination of frequency resources for the primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

[0222] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for determining that the frequency resources of the first device configured for the secondary cell will be changed.

[0223] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a first subset of frequency resources for secondary cell addition, a second subset of frequency resources for secondary cell replacement, or a third subset of in-band frequency resources for secondary cell addition.

[0224] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: frequency resources in a first subset of frequency resources, frequency resources in a second subset of frequency resources, or in-band frequency resources in a third subset of in-band frequency resources.

[0225] In some example embodiments, at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell may include at least one of the following: a first set of frequency resources configured for uplink transmission by a first device, or a second set of frequency resources configured for downlink reception by a first device.

[0226] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: a third frequency resource set supported by the first device for uplink transmission, or a fourth frequency resource set supported by the first device for downlink reception.

[0227] In some example embodiments, the second apparatus may further include: components for receiving from the first apparatus additional information including another set of frequency resources for secondary cell substitution; and components for transmitting to the first apparatus additional configuration information indicating that the second frequency resources are configured for secondary cells. The additional configuration information indicates that the first frequency resources are not used for secondary cells.

[0228] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for transmitting a message to the first device for releasing deactivated frequency resources.

[0229] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition determined based on the third frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition is located in a frequency band different from the frequency band including the third frequency resource.

[0230] In some example embodiments, the frequency resource set may include at least one in-band frequency resource determined based on the fourth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell. The at least one in-band frequency resource is in the same frequency band as the fourth frequency resource.

[0231] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include: a component for transmitting to the first device a request for frequency resources supported by the first device for the secondary cell; and a component for receiving information about a set of frequency resources from the first device.

[0232] In some example embodiments, the request may include multiple candidate frequency resources for the secondary cell, and the set of frequency resources is determined from the multiple candidate frequency resources.

[0233] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include: a component for transmitting a reference signal to the first device by using at least one frequency resource configured for a secondary cell; a component for receiving a measurement report of the reference signal from the first device; and a component for determining, based on the measurement report, whether to transmit configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource to the first device.

[0234] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for storing and / or updating information of the first device for frequency resources of the primary and secondary cells based on configuration information.

[0235] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include: a component for determining, based on the device's identifier, whether capability information of a plurality of frequency resources supported by the first device is available; and a component for transmitting configuration information to the first device based on the determination that the capability information is available.

[0236] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for transmitting configuration information to the first device via at least one of a Radio Resource Control (RRC) message or a Media Access Control (MAC) Control Element (CE) message.

[0237] In some example embodiments, the information of the frequency resource set may include at least one of the following: the power level of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, the antenna port of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set, or the multiple-input multiple-output rank of each frequency resource in the frequency resource set.

[0238] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0239] Figure 12 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1200 suitable for implementing an example embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 1200 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 are shown. As shown, device 1200 includes one or more processors 1210, one or more memories 1220 coupled to processor 1210, and one or more communication modules 1240 coupled to processor 1210.

[0240] Communication module 1240 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 1240 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface required for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 1240 may include at least one antenna.

[0241] As a non-limiting example, processor 1210 can be any type suitable for a local technology network and can include one or more of the following: general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP), and processor based on a multi-core processor architecture. Device 1200 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock of a synchronous main processor.

[0242] Memory 1220 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 1224, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disc (CD), digital video disc (DVD), optical disc, laser disc, and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM) 1222 and other volatile memories that will not persist for the duration of a power outage.

[0243] Computer program 1230 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 1210. The instructions of program 1230 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 1230 may be stored in memory (e.g., ROM 1224). Processor 1210 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1230 into RAM 1222.

[0244] The exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by program 1230, enabling device 1200 to execute as described in the reference. Figures 3 to 9 Any process discussed in this disclosure. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure may also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0245] In some example embodiments, program 1230 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 1200 (such as memory 1220) or other storage device accessible by device 1200. Device 1200 may load program 1230 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1222 for execution. In some example embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include any type of non-transitory storage medium, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, DVD, etc. As used herein, the term "non-transitory" is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation on the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM and ROM).

[0246] Figure 13 An example of a computer-readable medium 1300 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. A program 1230 is stored on the computer-readable medium 1300.

[0247] Generally, the various embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects can be implemented in hardware, while others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that, as non-limiting examples, the blocks, apparatuses, systems, techniques, or methods described herein can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof.

[0248] Some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure also provide at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions that execute in a device on a target physical or virtual processor, such as those included in a program module, to perform any of the methods described above. Typically, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a particular task or implement a particular abstract data type. In various embodiments, the functionality of a program module can be combined or split among program modules as needed. The machine-executable instructions for a program module can execute within a local or distributed device. In a distributed device, the program module can reside in both local and remote storage media.

[0249] Program code used to perform the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus, such that when executed by the processor or controller, the program code causes the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be implemented. The program code may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, as a stand-alone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0250] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0251] Computer-readable media can be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media can include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatuses, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media will include electrical connections having one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable optical disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0252] Furthermore, although operations are described in a specific order, this should not be construed as requiring that such operations be performed in the specific order shown or sequentially, or that all shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, although several specific implementation details are included in the discussion above, these details should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, certain features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, unless explicitly stated otherwise, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0253] Furthermore, the various implementations of this disclosure can be described with reference to the following terms, and their features can be combined in any reasonable manner.

[0254] 1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: Transmit to the second device information about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell of the first device; and The device receives configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

[0255] 2. The first device according to clause 1, wherein the first device is configured to: The first device transmits capability information for multiple frequency resources supported by the second device, but does not transmit information for the combination of frequency resources for the primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

[0256] 3. The first device according to Clause 1, wherein the set of frequency resources includes at least one of the following: The first subset of frequency resources used for adding secondary cells. The second frequency resource subset used for secondary cell replacement, or The third in-band frequency resource subset used for adding the secondary cell.

[0257] 4. The first apparatus according to Clause 3, wherein the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell includes at least one of the following: Frequency resources in the first subset of frequency resources, The frequency resources in the second subset of frequency resources, or The in-band frequency resources in the third in-band frequency resource subset.

[0258] 5. The first apparatus according to Clause 1, wherein the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell includes at least one of the following: The first set of frequency resources configured for uplink transmission for the first device, or A second set of frequency resources configured for downlink reception for the first device.

[0259] 6. The first device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the set of frequency resources includes at least one of the following: The first device supports a third set of frequency resources for uplink transmission, or The first device supports a fourth set of frequency resources for downlink reception.

[0260] 7. A first apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the frequency resource set includes a first frequency resource for secondary cell addition and a second frequency resource for said secondary cell addition, the configuration information indicating that the first frequency resource is configured for said secondary cell, and the first apparatus is such that: Transmit to the second device another set of frequency resources, including the second frequency resources for secondary cell replacement; Receive another configuration information from the second device, the other configuration information indicating the second frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, wherein the other configuration information indicates that the first frequency resource is not used for the secondary cell; Deactivate the first frequency resource; and Activate the second frequency resource for the secondary cell.

[0261] 8. The first device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the configuration information, perform at least one of the following: Activate the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell for secondary cell addition. Secondary cell replacement is performed based on the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, or Activate at least one in-band additional resource of the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell for secondary cell addition.

[0262] 9. The first device according to Clause 8, wherein the first device is configured to: Deactivate the third frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell; and Activate the fourth frequency resource in the at least one frequency resource for the secondary cell replacement.

[0263] 10. The first device according to clause 9, wherein the first device is configured to: Receive a message from the second device for releasing the deactivated frequency resources; and The third frequency resource is released based on the message.

[0264] 11. The first apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the set of frequency resources includes at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition determined based on a fifth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell, wherein the at least one frequency resource for secondary cell addition is in a frequency band different from the frequency band including the fifth frequency resource.

[0265] 12. The first apparatus according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the set of frequency resources includes at least one in-band frequency resource determined based on a sixth frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell, wherein the at least one in-band frequency resource is in the same frequency band as the sixth frequency resource.

[0266] 13. The first device according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the first device is configured to: Receive from the second device a request for frequency resources for the secondary cell supported by the first device; and The information of the frequency resource set is transmitted to the second device.

[0267] 14. A second means for communication, comprising: At least one processor; and At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second device to at least: Receive information from the first device about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell of the first device; Determine at least one frequency resource from the set of frequency resources to be configured for the secondary cell; and The configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource is transmitted to the first device.

[0268] 15. A method for communication, comprising: Transmit to the second device information about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell of the first device; and The device receives configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

[0269] 16. A method for communication, comprising: Receive information from the first device about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell of the first device; Determine at least one frequency resource from the set of frequency resources to be configured for the secondary cell; and The configuration information indicating the at least one frequency resource is transmitted to the first device.

[0270] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that this disclosure as defined in the appended terms is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as illustrative forms of implementing the terms.

Claims

1. A first device for communication, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory, the at least one memory storing instructions, the instructions which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: Transmit to the second device information about the set of frequency resources supported by the first device for serving the secondary cell of the first device; and The device receives configuration information indicating at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, the at least one frequency resource being determined from the set of frequency resources.

2. The first device according to claim 1, wherein the first device is configured to: The first device transmits capability information for multiple frequency resources supported by the second device, but does not transmit information for the combination of frequency resources for the primary cell and one or more secondary cells.

3. The first apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the frequency resource set comprises at least one of the following: The first subset of frequency resources used for adding secondary cells. The second frequency resource subset used for secondary cell replacement, or The third in-band frequency resource subset used for adding the secondary cell.

4. The first apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell includes at least one of the following: Frequency resources in the first subset of frequency resources The frequency resources in the second subset of frequency resources, or The in-band frequency resources in the third in-band frequency resource subset.

5. The first apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell includes at least one of the following: The first set of frequency resources configured for uplink transmission for the first device, or A second set of frequency resources configured for downlink reception for the first device.

6. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frequency resource set comprises at least one of the following: The first device supports a third set of frequency resources for uplink transmission, or The first device supports a fourth set of frequency resources for downlink reception.

7. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the frequency resource set includes a first frequency resource for secondary cell addition and a second frequency resource for the secondary cell addition, the configuration information indicates that the first frequency resource is configured for the secondary cell, and the first apparatus is configured such that: Transmit to the second device another set of frequency resources, including the second frequency resources for secondary cell replacement; Receive another configuration information from the second device, the other configuration information indicating the second frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, wherein the other configuration information indicates that the first frequency resource is not used for the secondary cell; Deactivate the first frequency resource; and Activate the second frequency resource for the secondary cell.

8. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the configuration information, perform at least one of the following: Activate the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell for secondary cell addition. Secondary cell replacement is performed based on the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell, or Activate at least one in-band additional resource of the at least one frequency resource configured for the secondary cell for secondary cell addition.

9. The first device according to claim 8, wherein the first device is configured such that: Deactivate the third frequency resource currently used for the secondary cell; and Activate the fourth frequency resource in the at least one frequency resource for the secondary cell replacement.

10. The first device according to claim 9, wherein the first device is configured to: Receive a message from the second device for releasing the deactivated frequency resources; and The third frequency resource is released based on the message.

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