Method and apparatus for handling system mode capabilities in user equipment initiated logoff or detach procedures in mobile communications

Abstract

Techniques are described for handling system mode capabilities due to user equipment (UE) initiated logoff or detach procedures. An apparatus (e.g., a UE) performs a UE initiated logoff or detach procedure with a network. The apparatus maintains an operating mode or capability (e.g., by not disabling the operating mode or capability) while performing the UE initiated logoff or detach procedure in the operating mode or capability.

Description

[0001] Cross-references

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Indian Patent Application No. 202421075243 (filed on October 4, 2024), the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to mobile communications, and more specifically to the ability to handle system modes in mobile communications due to a user equipment (UE)-initiated deregistration or disconnection process. Background Technology

[0004] In current wireless communications (e.g., mobile communications) under the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) specification, if the access type indicates that the user equipment (UE) is initiating a deregistration process for 3GPP access or both 3GPP and non-3GPP access, and the UE is operating in single registration mode, then upon the UE receiving the Evolved Packet System (EPS) Mobility Management (EMM) message DETACH ACCEPT, the process specified in sub-clause 5.5.2.2.2 of TS 24.301

[15] needs to be executed. Furthermore, if the UE supports A / Gb or Iu mode, and the deregistration process is not due to the last T... sor-cm If a timer (see 3GPP TS 23.122 [5]) expires or stops executing, the N1 mode capability for 3GPP access (i.e., the ability of the UE to directly connect to the fifth-generation (5G) core network (5GC) in standalone (SA) mode) should be disabled.

[0005] However, at the time of this disclosure, the 3GPP specifications do not explicitly define whether a UE should disable its operating modes / capabilities (e.g., 6G, N1, or Enhanced Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN) mode capabilities) when performing a UE-initiated deregistration or disengagement process to deregister / disengage from the network (e.g., due to eCall inactivity, as part of removal from the Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM), or for other purposes). Therefore, a solution is needed to handle system mode capabilities in mobile communications due to UE-initiated deregistration or disengagement processes. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The following abstract is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting. That is, the following abstract aims to introduce the concepts, key points, benefits, and advantages of the novel and non-obvious techniques described herein. Some embodiments will be further described in the detailed description below. Therefore, the following abstract is not intended to identify the essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to define the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] One objective of this disclosure is to provide solutions or methods for addressing the problems described herein. More specifically, the various solutions proposed in this disclosure are intended to provide solutions regarding the ability to handle system modes in response to user equipment (UE)-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedures. It is believed that implementation of one or more of the solutions proposed in this disclosure will resolve or mitigate the aforementioned problems.

[0008] In one aspect, a method may involve a UE performing a UE-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedure with the network. The method may also involve maintaining the operating mode or capability (e.g., by not disabling the operating mode or capability) while the UE performs the UE-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedure in that operating mode or capability.

[0009] In another aspect, an apparatus that can be implemented in a UE may include a transceiver configured to perform wireless communication, and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may perform a UE-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedure with the network via the transceiver. The processor may maintain the operating mode or capability (e.g., by not disabling the operating mode or capability) while performing the UE-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedure in that operating mode or capability.

[0010] It is worth noting that while the descriptions provided herein may be made in the context of certain radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies (e.g., 5G New Radio Access (NR) / B5G+ mobile communications), the proposed concepts, schemes, and any variations / derivatives thereof can be implemented, used, or implemented by other types of radio access technologies, networks, and network topologies, such as, but not limited to, 4G / LTE, LTE-Advanced, LTE-AdvancedPro, Internet of Things (IoT), Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT), Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X), and Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN) communications. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited to the examples described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included in this disclosure to provide a further understanding of the disclosure and form part of it. The drawings illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. It will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, as some components may be shown out of proportion to their actual dimensions for clarity of the concepts of the disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an example network environment that can be implemented according to various solutions and schemes disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an example communication system based on the scheme proposed in this disclosure.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a second example process under the scheme proposed in this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This specification discloses detailed embodiments and implementations of the claimed subject matter. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments and implementations are merely illustrative of the claimed subject matter, which can be implemented in various forms. This disclosure can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments and implementations listed herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments and implementations are provided to make the description of this disclosure more detailed and complete, and to fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. In the following description, details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the presented embodiments and implementations.

[0016] Overview

[0017] The implementation of this disclosure relates to various technologies, methods, schemes, and / or solutions related to the ability to handle system modes due to user equipment (UE)-initiated deregistration or disengagement processes. According to this disclosure, various possible solutions can be implemented individually or in combination. That is, although these possible solutions may be described separately below, two or more of these possible solutions may be implemented in some combination.

[0018] Figure 1 An example network environment 100 is shown, illustrating various solutions and schemes for implementing the contents of this disclosure. Figures 2-3 Examples of implementing various proposed schemes in network environment 100 according to this disclosure are shown. The following description of the various proposed schemes is combined with... Figures 1-3 Please provide an explanation.

[0019] See Figure 1Network environment 100 involves UE 110 wirelessly communicating with wireless network 120 (e.g., a mobile network comprising non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and terrestrial networks (TN)) via terrestrial network node 125 (e.g., an enhanced Node B (eNB), a next-generation Node B (gNB), or a transceiver point (TRP)) and / or non-terrestrial network node 128 (e.g., a satellite). For example, terrestrial network node 125 and / or non-terrestrial network node 128 may form an NTN serving cell for wireless communication with UE 110. In some implementations, UE 110 may be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a narrowband IoT (NB-IoT) UE or an enhanced machine-type communication (eMTC) UE (e.g., a bandwidth-reduced low complexity (BL) UE or a coverage-enhanced (CE) UE). In such communication environments, UE 110, network 120, terrestrial network node 125, and non-terrestrial network node 128 may implement various schemes related to the ability to handle system mode processes initiated by the UE, as described below.

[0020] It is worth noting that although the various proposed schemes may be described separately or individually below, in actual implementation, some or all of the proposed schemes may be used in combination or otherwise implemented together. Of course, each proposed scheme may also be used or implemented individually or separately. In addition, as used in this article, "lower layer" may refer to layers below the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer in the 5GMM protocol stack, such as the Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer, Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Media Access Control (MAC) layer, Physical (PHY) layer, etc.

[0021] According to the various proposed schemes of this disclosure, when performing a UE-initiated deregistration or disengagement procedure in an operating mode (e.g., 6G mode, N1 mode, or Enhanced Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) capability) or via access / capability (e.g., E-UTRA capability), the UE (e.g., UE 110) can, in certain scenarios, maintain its current operating mode / access / capability in an enabled state (e.g., not disable the mode / access / capability) during the deregistration or disengagement procedure. Disabling the current mode / access / capability may cause the UE to select an alternative Radio Access Technology (RAT) (e.g., Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (GERAN) or Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN)), while the current operating mode / capability (e.g., 6G mode, N1 mode, or E-UTRA mode capability) can still provide service. Furthermore, the UE can camp on the cell with the current mode / access / capability to obtain normal service, even when other RATs cannot provide normal service, and still obtain limited service. Additionally, disabling 6G mode, N1 mode, or E-UTRA mode capabilities (e.g., due to the removal of the Universal User Identity Module (USIM) or UE power-off) may prevent the UE from obtaining normal service from other access RATs; instead, the UE can use its current mode / access / capability (e.g., 6G mode, N1 mode, E-UTRA mode capability, or others) for emergency service. Furthermore, it can be assumed that the UE will soon re-enable the operating mode for the next registration / attachment attempt.

[0022] As an implementation example, if the UE performs a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment procedure due to an eCall inactivity process, and the UE is configured in eCall-only mode, the UE may not disable 6G mode, N1 mode, or E-UTRA mode capabilities. In this case, 6G mode may be enabled, N1 mode may be enabled, or E-UTRA capability may be enabled.

[0023] As another implementation example, if a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment procedure is performed due to an eCall inactivity process or as part of a USIM removal or UE power-off process, the UE may not disable 6G mode and / or N1 mode and / or E-UTRA mode capabilities (or any other currently enabled RAT capabilities). Otherwise, if the deregistration procedure is not due to power-off or is not performed as part of an eCall inactivity process, the UE may disable N1 mode capabilities for 3GPP access. Generally, if a UE-initiated deregistration procedure is performed because the intention is not to leave or to remain in the network's current operating mode / capabilities (e.g., 5G access network), the UE may not disable 6G mode and / or N1 mode and / or E-UTRA mode capabilities (or any other currently enabled RAT capabilities).

[0024] As another implementation example, if a UE-initiated disconnection procedure is performed due to an eCall inactivity process or as part of a USIM removal or UE power-off process, the UE may not disable its E-UTRA capability. Otherwise, if the disconnection procedure is not due to power-off or is not performed as part of an eCall inactivity process, the UE may disable its E-UTRA capability. Generally, if a UE-initiated disconnection procedure is due to a process intended to remain "tuned" in the current type of network (e.g., not leaving the network), the UE may not disable capabilities that would cause the UE to leave access.

[0025] Exemplary Implementation

[0026] Figure 2 An example communication system 200 is shown, having at least one example device 210 and one example device 220, according to one implementation of this disclosure. Each of devices 210 and 220 is capable of performing various functions to implement the schemes, techniques, processes, and methods described herein related to the ability to handle system modes due to UE-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedures, including the various schemes described above regarding various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods, including network environment 100, and the processes described below.

[0027] Each of devices 210 and 220 may be part of an electronic device, which may be a network device or user equipment (UE) (e.g., UE 110), such as a portable or mobile device, a wearable device, an in-vehicle device or vehicle, a wireless communication device, or a computing device. For example, each of devices 210 and 220 may be implemented in a smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle, digital camera, or computing device such as a tablet, laptop, or mobile phone. Each of devices 210 and 220 may also be part of a machine-type device, which may be an Internet of Things (IoT) device, such as a non-mobile or fixed device, a home device, a roadside unit (RSU), a wired communication device, or a computing device. For example, each of devices 210 and 220 may be implemented in a smart thermostat, a smart refrigerator, a smart door lock, a wireless speaker, or a home control center. When implemented in or as a network device, device 210 and / or device 220 may be implemented in an eNB in ​​an LTE, LTE-Advanced, or LTE-Advanced Pro network, or in a gNB or TRP in a 5G network, a New Radio Access (NR) network, or an Internet of Things (IoT) network.

[0028] In some implementations, each of devices 210 and 220 may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips, such as, but not limited to, one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, one or more Complex Instruction Set Computing (CISC) processors, or one or more Reduced Instruction Set Computing (RISC) processors. In all the above-described embodiments, each of devices 210 and 220 may be implemented as a network device or a UE. Each of devices 210 and 220 may include... Figure 2 The components shown include, for example, processors 212 and 222, respectively. Each of devices 210 and 220 may also include one or more other components unrelated to the solutions proposed in this disclosure (e.g., internal power supply, display device, and / or user interface device). Therefore, for the sake of simplicity, Figure 2 Such components of devices 210 and 220 are not shown in the diagram and are not described below.

[0029] In one aspect, each of processors 212 and 222 may be implemented as one or more single-core processors, one or more multi-core processors, or one or more CISC or RISC processors. That is, although the singular term "processor" is used herein to refer to processors 212 and 222, each of processors 212 and 222 may include multiple processors in some implementations and a single processor in others, according to this disclosure. In another aspect, each of processors 212 and 222 may be implemented in hardware (and optionally firmware) having electronic components, including but not limited to one or more transistors, one or more diodes, one or more capacitors, one or more resistors, one or more inductors, one or more memristors, and / or one or more varactor diodes, which are configured and arranged to achieve the specific purposes of this disclosure. In other words, in at least some implementations, each of processors 212 and 222 is a dedicated machine specifically designed, arranged, and configured to perform specific tasks, including tasks related to the ability to handle system mode processes initiated by a UE during a deregistration or detachment process according to various implementations of this disclosure.

[0030] In some implementations, device 210 may further include a transceiver 216 coupled to processor 212. Transceiver 216 may be capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, transceiver 216 may be capable of wireless communication with different types of wireless networks using different Radio Access Technologies (RATs). In some implementations, transceiver 216 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. That is, transceiver 216 may be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas to achieve multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) wireless communication. In some implementations, device 220 may further include a transceiver 226 coupled to processor 222. Transceiver 226 may include a transceiver capable of wirelessly transmitting and receiving data. In some implementations, transceiver 226 may be capable of wireless communication with different types of UE / wireless networks using different RATs. In some implementations, transceiver 226 may be equipped with multiple antenna ports (not shown), such as four antenna ports. In other words, transceiver 226 can be equipped with multiple transmit antennas and multiple receive antennas to achieve MIMO wireless communication.

[0031] In some implementations, device 210 may further include a memory 214 coupled to and accessible by processor 212 and capable of storing data. In some implementations, device 220 may further include a memory 224 coupled to and accessible by processor 222 and capable of storing data. Each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a random access memory (RAM), such as dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), thyristor RAM (T-RAM), and / or zero-capacitance RAM (Z-RAM). Alternatively, or additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a read-only memory (ROM), such as a mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable programmable ROM (EPROM), and / or electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM). Alternatively, or additionally, each of memory 214 and memory 224 may include a non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), such as flash memory, solid-state memory, ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM), and / or phase-change memory.

[0032] Each of devices 210 and 220 may be a communication entity capable of communicating with each other using the various proposed schemes described in this disclosure. For illustrative purposes and without limitation, the following description, in the context of example procedure 300, provides the capabilities of device 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and device 220 as a network node (e.g., network node 125, belonging to a network, such as wireless network 120 as a 5G / NR mobile network).

[0033] Example process

[0034] Figure 3 An example process 300 according to an implementation of this disclosure is shown. Process 300 may represent one aspect of implementing the various proposed designs, concepts, schemes, systems, and methods described above. More specifically, process 300 may represent one aspect of proposed concepts and schemes related to this disclosure concerning the ability to handle system modes due to a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process. Process 300 may include one or more operations, actions, or functions as shown in one or more modules. Although shown in the form of discrete modules, the individual modules of process 300 may be divided into more modules, merged into fewer modules, or omitted, depending on the desired implementation. Furthermore, the modules / submodules of process 300 may be arranged according to... Figure 3 The process can be executed in the order shown, or in a different order. Furthermore, one or more modules / submodules of process 300 can be executed repeatedly or iteratively. Process 300 can be implemented by devices 210 and 220 and any variations thereof. For illustrative purposes only and without limitation, process 300 is described below in the context of device 210 as a UE (e.g., UE 110) and device 220 as a communication entity of a network (e.g., non-terrestrial network node 128 or terrestrial network node 125) (e.g., wireless network 120). Process 300 may begin with module 310.

[0035] In module 310, process 300 may involve the processor 212 of device 210 acting as UE 110, performing a UE-initiated deregistration or disconnection procedure via transceiver 216 and a network (e.g., via device 220 acting as a non-terrestrial network node 128 or a terrestrial network node 125 wireless network 120). Process 300 can proceed from module 310 to module 320.

[0036] In module 320, process 300 may involve maintaining the operating mode or capability while processor 212 performs a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process in that operating mode or capability.

[0037] In some implementations, during the execution of the UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process, process 300 may involve processor 212 executing the UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process as part of the eCall inactivity process.

[0038] In some implementations, during the execution of a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process, process 300 may involve processor 212 executing the UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process due to the UE being powered off or the Universal User Identity Module (USIM) being removed.

[0039] In some implementations, the operating mode or capability may include 6th generation (6G) mode capability, N1 mode capability, or enhanced universal mobile communications system (UMTS) terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) mode capability.

[0040] In some implementations, while maintaining the operating mode or capability, process 300 may involve the processor 212 avoiding disabling the operating mode or capability when performing a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process under the operating mode or capability.

[0041] In some implementations, while maintaining the operating mode or capability, process 300 may involve processor 212 performing a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process as part of an eCall inactivity process to avoid disabling the operating mode or capability.

[0042] In some implementations, while maintaining the operating mode or capability, process 300 may involve processor 212 performing a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process in response to the UE being powered off or the Universal User Identity Module (USIM) being removed, thereby avoiding disabling the operating mode or capability.

[0043] In some implementations, while maintaining the operating mode or capability, process 300 may involve processor 212 disabling the operating mode or capability in response to performing a UE-initiated deregistration or detachment process (which is not part of an eCall inactivity process, is not due to the UE being powered off, or is not due to the removal of a Universal User Identity Module (USIM)).

[0044] Additional notes

[0045] The topics described herein sometimes illustrate different components contained within or connected to other components. It should be understood that these illustrated architectures are merely examples, and many other architectures can actually be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any components arranged to achieve the same functionality are effectively “associated” to achieve the desired function. Therefore, any two components combined in this document to achieve a specific function can be considered “associated” to achieve the desired function, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two such associated components can also be considered “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to achieve the desired function, and any two components that can be suchly associated can also be considered “operably coupled” to achieve the desired function. Specific examples of operably coupled components include, but are not limited to, physically matable and / or physically interactive components and / or wirelessly interactive and / or logically interactive components.

[0046] Furthermore, regarding the use of almost all plural and / or singular terms in this document, those skilled in the art can convert plural to singular and / or singular to plural as needed by the context and / or application. For clarity, various permutations and combinations of singular / plural terms may be explicitly listed herein.

[0047] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that, in general, the terms used herein, particularly in the appended claims, such as the subject matter of the appended claims, are typically intended as “open-ended” terms. For example, the word “comprising” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the word “having” should be interpreted as “at least having,” the word “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” and so on. Those skilled in the art will also further understand that if a particular quantity introduced in a claim is intentionally limited, that intention will be explicitly stated in the claim; if no such statement is made, then that intention does not exist. For example, for ease of understanding, the appended claims below may contain the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce the subject matter of the claim. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as limiting any particular claim containing that subject matter to containing only one instance of that subject matter, even if the same claim contains both the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and the indefinite article “one,” for example, “one” should be interpreted as “at least one” or “one or more”; the same interpretation applies to definite articles used to introduce the subject matter of a claim. Furthermore, even if a specific number of the introduced subjects is explicitly stated in the claims, those skilled in the art will recognize that such a statement should be interpreted as at least the stated number. For example, the statement "two subjects" alone, without other modifiers, means at least two subjects, or two or more subjects. Additionally, when expressions such as "at least one A, B, and C" are used, they should generally be interpreted according to the meaning understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, and C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and systems having both A, B, and C. Similarly, when expressions such as "at least one A, B, or C" are used, they should generally be interpreted according to the meaning understood by those skilled in the art. For example, "a system having at least one A, B, or C" should include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, both A and B, both A and C, both B and C, and systems having both A, B, and C. Those skilled in the art will further understand that almost all extractive terms and / or phrases presenting two or more alternative terms in the specification, claims, or drawings should be understood to cover all possibilities including one term, any term, or both terms. For example, the term "A or B" should be understood to include all possibilities including "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0048] As can be seen from the foregoing, various implementations of this disclosure have been described for illustrative purposes, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Therefore, the various implementations disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, and the true scope and spirit are defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A method comprising: The user equipment's processor executes the user equipment-initiated deregistration or disconnection process and communicates with the network. and When the user equipment initiates the deregistration or disconnection process under the operating mode or capability, the processor maintains the operating mode or capability.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the user equipment-initiated logout or detachment process comprises performing the user equipment-initiated logout or detachment process as part of an eCall inactivity process.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the operation of performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment includes performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment due to the user equipment being powered off or the general user identity module being removed.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating mode or capability includes a 6th generation mode capability.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating mode or capability includes N1 mode capability.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the operating mode or capability includes an enhanced general mobile communication system terrestrial radio access network mode capability.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes avoiding disabling the operating mode or capability when performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment under the operating mode or capability.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment as part of an eCall inactivity process to avoid disabling the operating mode or capability.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes performing the logout or detachment process initiated by the user equipment in response to the user equipment being powered off or the general user identity module being removed, thereby avoiding disabling the operating mode or capability.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes disabling the operating mode or capability in response to performing the logout or detach process initiated by the user equipment, the logout or detach process being not part of an eCall inactivity process, not due to the user equipment being powered off, or not due to the removal of the generic user identity module.

11. An apparatus that can be implemented in a user equipment, comprising: A transceiver, configured to perform wireless communication; as well as A processor, coupled to the transceiver and configured to perform operations, including: This transceiver executes the user equipment's deregistration or disconnection process from the network. as well as When performing the deregistration or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment in an operating mode or capability, maintain that operating mode or capability.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein performing the user equipment-initiated logout or disconnection process comprises performing the user equipment-initiated logout or disconnection process as part of an eCall inactivity process.

13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein performing the user equipment-initiated logout or disconnection process includes performing the user equipment-initiated logout or disconnection process due to the user equipment being powered off or the general user identity module being removed.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operating mode or capability includes a 6th generation mode capability.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operating mode or capability includes an N1 mode capability.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the operating mode or capability includes an enhanced general mobile communication system terrestrial radio access network mode capability.

17. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes avoiding disabling the operating mode or capability when performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment in the operating mode or capability.

18. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment as part of an eCall inactivity process to avoid disabling the operating mode or capability.

19. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes performing the logout or disconnection process initiated by the user equipment in response to the user equipment being powered off or the general user identity module being removed, thereby avoiding disabling the operating mode or capability.

20. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein maintaining the operating mode or capability includes disabling the operating mode or capability in response to performing the logout or detach process initiated by the user equipment, the logout or detach process being not part of an eCall inactivity process, not due to the user equipment being powered off, or not due to the removal of the generic user identity module.

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