Feedback for frequency resource switching

Abstract

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to feedback for frequency resource switching. In one solution, a first device receives a command for frequency resource switching from a second device. The command can indicate a frequency resource for the first device to switch to. Then, the first device sends a MAC CE to the second device to confirm the frequency resource switching.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The various example embodiments of this disclosure generally relate to the telecommunications field, and specifically to feedback on frequency resource switching (e.g., bandwidth portion (BWP) switching). Background Technology

[0002] Compared to previous communication systems, fifth-generation (5G) and future communication systems support higher frequency resources, such as higher carrier bandwidth (BW). User equipment (UE) can support a wide range of carrier bandwidths, while 5G base stations (BS) can support various combinations of these bandwidths. To ensure efficient bandwidth utilization, the concepts of BWP and BWP handover have been proposed. BWP allows the entire carrier bandwidth to be divided into smaller segments, enabling UEs and BSs to operate on specific subsets of the available bandwidth. Handover between different BWPs can further enhance the adaptability and efficiency of the communication system, thereby ensuring optimal resource allocation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] 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 storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: receive from a second apparatus a command for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus may switch; and send a Media Access Control Element (MAC CE) acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second apparatus.

[0004] 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 storing instructions, which, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to at least: send a command to a first apparatus for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and receive a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching from the first apparatus.

[0005] In a third aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: receiving from a second device a command for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which a first device may switch; and sending a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second device.

[0006] In a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a method is provided. The method includes: sending a command for frequency resource switching to a first device, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first device may switch; and receiving a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching from the first device.

[0007] In a fifth aspect of this disclosure, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus includes: components for receiving a command for frequency resource switching from a second apparatus, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and components for sending a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second apparatus.

[0008] In a sixth aspect of this disclosure, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus includes: components for sending a command for frequency resource switching to a first apparatus, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and components for receiving a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching from the first apparatus.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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

[0012] 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 2A and Figure 2B Example signaling flows for BWP handover based on downlink control information (DCI) are shown respectively; Figure 3 Signaling flows for example procedures for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure are shown; Figure 4 The signaling flow for an example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 5 Another example signaling flow is shown, illustrating yet another example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 6 The signaling flow for another example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; Figure 7An example signaling flow is shown for an example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 8 Another example signaling flow is shown, illustrating yet another example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 9 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 10 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 11 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a first device according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 12 A flowchart is shown illustrating a method implemented at a second device according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 13 A simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown; and Figure 14 A block diagram of an example computer-readable medium according to some example embodiments of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] In all the accompanying drawings, the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements. Detailed Implementation

[0014] 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 help those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure, without implying any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The embodiments described herein can be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0015] 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.

[0016] References to "an embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiment may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment includes that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, these phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is to be noted that those skilled in the art will recognize, whether explicitly described or not, that such features, structures, or characteristics apply in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0017] It should be understood that although terms such as "first," "second," etc., may be used before names (or similar designations) to describe various elements herein, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and they do not restrict the order of the nouns (or similar designations). 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.

[0018] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar expressions, wherein the list of two or more elements is connected by “and” or “or”, means at least any one of these elements, or at least any two or more of these elements, or at least all of these elements.

[0019] As used herein, unless explicitly stated otherwise, the action “in response to A” does not indicate that the action is performed immediately after “A” occurs and may include one or more intervention steps.

[0020] 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.

[0021] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware circuit implementation only (e.g., implemented with purely analog and / or digital circuits) and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (if applicable): (i) A combination of (multiple) analog and / or digital hardware circuits and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part of a hardware processor having software (including (multiple) digital signal processors, software, and (multiple) memories, which work together to enable a device (such as a mobile phone or server) to perform various functions) and (c) The operation requires software (e.g., firmware) for the operation of (multiple) hardware circuits and / or (multiple) processors, such as (multiple) microprocessors or parts thereof, but the software may be absent when the operation does not require the software.

[0022] This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of the term in this application. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also covers only hardware circuitry or processors (or processors), or portions of hardware circuitry or servers and their accompanying software and / or firmware implementations. For example, where applicable to certain claim elements, the term "circuit" also covers baseband integrated circuits or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or networking devices.

[0023] 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 under development protocols. Embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to various communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, future types of communication technologies and systems that can implement this disclosure will inevitably emerge. The scope of this disclosure should not be considered limited to the systems described above.

[0024] 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 Head (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), a relay, an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a low-power node (such as femtoseconds, picoseconds, non-terrestrial network (NTN) or non-terrestrial network equipment (such as satellite network equipment), low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites and geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) satellites, spacecraft network equipment, etc.). In some example embodiments, the Radio Access Network (RAN) separation 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 similarly to a UE toward its parent node, and the DU portion of the IAB node behaves similarly to a base station toward the next-hop IAB node.

[0025] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device with wireless communication capabilities. By way of example and not limitation, terminal device may also refer to communication equipment, user equipment (UE), subscriber station (SS), portable subscriber station, mobile station (MS), or access terminal (AT). Terminal devices can 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 acquisition terminal devices (such as digital cameras), gaming terminal devices, music storage and playback devices, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEE), laptop mounted devices (LME), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless client devices (CPE), 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 device may also correspond to the mobile terminal (MT) portion of a WAB node or IAB node (e.g., a relay node). In the following description, the terms "terminal device," "communication device," "terminal," "user equipment," and "UE" are used interchangeably.

[0026] 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-domain, frequency-domain, spatial-domain, and / or code-domain resources used to implement communication. In the following, unless explicitly stated otherwise, resources in both the frequency and time domains will be used as examples of transmission resources used to describe some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be noted that the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure are equally applicable to other resources in other domains.

[0027] Figure 1 An example communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented is shown. In communication environment 100, a plurality of communication devices, including a first device 110 and a second device 120, can communicate with each other. Figure 1 In the example, the first device 110 may be or be included in a terminal device (e.g., UE), and the second device 120 may be or be included in a network device (e.g., BS) serving the terminal device.

[0028] 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. Note that although shown as a network device, the second device 120 may be another device besides a network device. Although shown as a terminal device, the first device 110 may be another device besides a terminal device.

[0029] In the following description, for illustrative purposes, some example embodiments are depicted in which the first device 110 operates as a UE and the second device 120 operates as a BS. However, in some example embodiments, the operations described in connection with the terminal device can be implemented at the network device or other device, and the operations described in connection with the network device can be implemented at the terminal device or other device.

[0030] In some example embodiments, the transmission direction from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is referred to as DL, and the transmission direction from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is referred to as UL. In DL, the second device 120 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is an RX device (or receiver). In UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0031] Communication in communication environment 100 can be implemented according to any suitable communication protocol, including but not limited to cellular communication protocols, wireless local area network communication protocols (such as IEEE 802.11), and / or any other currently known or future-developed protocols. Furthermore, communication can 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 Multiplexing (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Extended OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other currently known or future-developed technologies.

[0032] As mentioned above, BWPs allow the entire carrier bandwidth to be divided into smaller segments, enabling UEs and BSs to operate on specific subsets of the available bandwidth. Handover between different BWPs can further enhance the adaptability and efficiency of the communication system, thereby ensuring optimal resource allocation.

[0033] The BWP served by the UE can be determined by the BS based on the UE's capabilities. The BS can use higher-layer signaling to establish BWP configurations (e.g., bandwidth, frequency location, subcarrier spacing (SCS)) so that the UE may use up to four BWPs during communication, with only one BWP active at a given time.

[0034] If the UE capability supports dynamic BWP handover, the BS can switch the BWP for purposes such as power saving. BWP handover allows the BS to set a narrow BWP configuration when there is no data traffic or when there is low data traffic, thereby reducing communication bandwidth and power consumption.

[0035] The BS can perform BWP operations, one of which is the dynamic handover of the UE's active BWP. One method involves sending downlink control information (DCI) with a format that includes a BWP indicator field indicating an active BWP different from the UE's current active BWP. This method is called DCI-based BWP handover.

[0036] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Example signaling flows 200A and 200B for DCI-based BWP handover are shown respectively. Signaling flow 200A or signaling flow 200B involves both BS 210 and UE 220.

[0037] like Figure 2AAs shown, at position 201, BS 210 can send a DCI (e.g., DCI 0_1) indicating BWP handover to UE 220 via the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH). Then, at position 202, BS 210 can receive data transmitted on the new active BWP via the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH). The uplink transmission can confirm to BS 210 that UE 220 has successfully decoded the DCI and switched to the new active BWP. BS 210 can then begin transmitting and receiving data on the new active BWP. Due to the BWP handover delay, if BS 210 transmits the DCI at slot N, BS 210 can receive data on the new BWP at slot N+K2, where the duration of K2 slots is greater than the BWP handover delay.

[0038] like Figure 2B As shown, at position 203, BS 210 can send a DCI (e.g., DCI 0_1) indicating a BWP handover to UE 220 via PDCCH. However, if UE 220 has no data in its buffer, UE 220 may skip sending data on the new active BWP. BS 210 may not know whether UE 220 has already received the DCI or applied the new BWP because the expected PUSCH has not yet been received.

[0039] Because there is no feedback mechanism to the BS, the DCI-based BWP handover process may become unreliable if the UE discards or is unable to decode the DCI, or if the DCI fails to reach the UE for any reason.

[0040] According to an example embodiment of this disclosure, a solution is proposed that introduce a new MAC CE sent from a first device (e.g., UE) to a second device (e.g., BS or gNB) to explicitly acknowledge frequency resource handover. The second device may send a command for frequency resource handover to the first device. This command may indicate the frequency resource to which the first device may switch. The first device may receive the command and send a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource handover to the second device. The MAC CE can be used to notify the second device that the frequency resource handover has been completed.

[0041] Using the solution in the example embodiments of this disclosure, the first device can feed back the result of the frequency resource handover to the second device via the MAC CE, regardless of whether there is any data to be transmitted. The second device can confirm the result of the frequency resource handover based on the MAC CE. Therefore, the reliability of the frequency resource handover process can be improved.

[0042] Now, some example procedures will be described. Figure 3Signaling flow 300 for an example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Reference will be made to this document for discussion purposes. Figure 1 Discuss signaling flow 300. For example... Figure 3 As shown, signaling flow 300 involves first device 110 and second device 120.

[0043] In some example embodiments, the first device 110 may be a terminal device (e.g., a UE) or may be included in a terminal device (e.g., a UE). The second device 120 may be or may be included in a network device (e.g., a gNB). Some example embodiments of this disclosure will be described by using a UE as an example of the first device 110 and a gNB as an example of the second device 120.

[0044] In the following description, although operations are depicted 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. Certain features described in the context of individual embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented individually or in any suitable sub-combination in multiple embodiments.

[0045] like Figure 3 As shown, the second device 120 sends (305) a command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. This command may indicate the frequency resource to which the first device 110 may switch. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the second device 120 sends a request for frequency resource switching to the first device 110 at 305. Similar to this command, the request may also instruct the first device 110 to switch to a frequency resource. In the example embodiments of this disclosure, a request for frequency resource switching may also be used where a command for frequency resource switching is used. In other words, a command for frequency resource switching may be replaced by a request for frequency resource switching.

[0046] In some examples, frequency resource handover may be BWP handover, and the frequency resource may be a BWP. The second device 120 may determine the new / target active BWP for the first device 110 to switch to based on, for example, specific service requirements, and indicate the new / target BWP to the first device 110 via DCI (e.g., DCI 0_1 in PDCCH). The second device 120 may send a signal containing a bandwidth portion indicator (…). Bandwidth Part IndicatorThe DCI field indicates a new / target active BWP that is different from the currently active BWP of the first device 110. As an example, Table 1 shows the bandwidth portion indicator using different values ​​to indicate different BWPs.

[0047]

[0048] As shown in Table 1, if the second device 120 decides to switch the active BWP of the first device 110 to a BWP with an identifier (ID) = 2, it can set the value of the BWP indicator to 1 (i.e., the 2 bits of the indicator are 01).

[0049] In some example embodiments, the command for frequency resource switching may include resources allocated for sending a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching. That is, in some examples, the command may include UL authorization for time-domain and frequency-domain resources allocated for sending a MAC CE to the second device 120.

[0050] For example, the second device 120 can be allocated via frequency domain resources in a DCI with any legal value ( Frequency Domain Resource Assignment The field provides UL authorization to the first device 110. The size of this field can follow the size of the currently active BWP, because the first device 110 can be in the currently active BWP when it receives the DCI for BWP switching.

[0051] Additionally, the second device 120 can fill the time-domain resource allocation with values ​​that take into account frequency resource switching delay. Time Domain Resource Assignment The field is shown in Table 2 as an example, which illustrates the BWP handover delay associated with the NR slot length.

[0052]

[0053] The BWP delay can depend on the capacity of the first device 110. If the BWP handover involves a change in the SCS, the BWP handover delay can be determined by the smaller SCS between the SCS before the BWP handover and the SCS after the BWP handover.

[0054] Since the first device 110 can complete the BWP handover within the handover delay shown in Table 2, the second device 120 can fill the time domain resource allocation field with a value (e.g., K2) indicating a duration longer than the delay to ensure that the MAC CE is sent after the BWP handover.

[0055] Still referencing Figure 3From the perspective of the first device 110, the first device 110 receives (310) a command for frequency resource switching from the second device 120. Based on the command, the first device 110 can determine the frequency resource to switch to (e.g., a new / target active BWP). The first device 110 can then apply the frequency resource indicated in the command within the switching delay. For example, the first device 110 can complete the frequency resource switching within 20 time slots.

[0056] In some example embodiments, before receiving (310) a command for frequency resource switching, the first device 110 may send a buffer status report (BSR) indicating the presence of data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120. The second device 120 may receive the BSR from the first device 110. In this case, in addition to the resources allocated for transmitting MAC CE, the command for frequency switching may also include resources allocated for transmitting data. In other words, UL authorization may include both resources for MAC CE and resources for buffered data.

[0057] After completing the frequency resource handover, the first device 110 sends a MAC CE (315) confirming the frequency resource handover to the second device 120. As described above, the MAC CE can be sent based on the resources allocated by the second device 120. In some example embodiments, the first device 110 can send the MAC CE to the second device 120 after K2 time slots from receiving the command. For example, if the first device 110 receives the command for frequency resource handover (310) at time slot N, it can send a MAC CE (315) confirming the frequency resource handover at time slot N+K2. For example, it can be sent from... PUSCH- TimeDomainResourceAllocation The value of K2 derived from the list can indicate a duration longer than the switching delay.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include an indication indicating a successful frequency resource handover. The indication included in the MAC CE can be considered an explicit indication, compared to implicitly indicating a successful frequency resource handover by transmitting data on the new active frequency resource.

[0059] In some example embodiments, the indication may indicate the active frequency resource currently used by the first device 110. For example, the command may include the ID of the currently active BWP of the first device 110. If the ID of the currently active BWP matches the ID included in the command for BWP switching, the first device 110 may determine that the BWP indicated by the second device 120 has been applied.

[0060] In some example implementations, a reserved logical channel can be selected for the MAC CE. The Uplink Shared Channel (UL-SCH) logical channel can carry different types of data, and each logical channel can be uniquely identified by a Logical Channel ID (LCID). One of the reserved logical channels can be selected to carry the MAC CE. Table 3 shows the LCID values ​​for the UL SCH when the LX field is absent or set to 0.

[0061]

[0062] As shown in Table 3, some logical channels can be reserved in the current standard for future expansion or specific purposes. Logical channels can be reserved for MAC CE, for example, a channel with index 42.

[0063] In some examples, the size of the MAC CE can be fixed at 8 bits (1 octet). Of these 8 bits, 2 bits can be used to carry the details of the BWP ID, and the remaining 6 bits can be reserved and set to 0.

[0064] As an alternative to using the MAC CE described above to confirm frequency resource handover, in some example embodiments, the first device 110 may send a MAC CE including a BSR indicating a successful frequency resource handover. The index of the BSR may be a predefined value. The predefined value may be a specific value, such as 0. It should be understood that the value 0 is merely an example of a predefined value, discussed for illustrative purposes only, and not intended to imply any limitation. In some other example embodiments, the predefined value may be another suitable value.

[0065] If there is no data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120, a BSR with index 0 can be transmitted. For example, if there is no data to be transmitted in the buffer, the first device 110 can transmit a BSR with index 0 (i.e., a 0-byte BSR) to the second device 120. On the other hand, if there is data to be transmitted in the buffer, the first device 110 can transmit data to the second device 120 on the indicated frequency resource.

[0066] Return to reference Figure 3The second device 120 receives (320) a MAC CE confirming the frequency resource handover. Based on the MAC CE, the second device 120 can determine whether the frequency resource handover was successful. In some example embodiments, if the MAC CE includes an indication of a successful frequency resource handover, such as the ID of the new active BWP, the second device 120 can determine that the frequency resource handover was successful. Alternatively or additionally, in some example embodiments, if the MAC CE includes a BSR whose index is a predefined value (e.g., 0), the second device 120 can determine that the frequency resource handover was successful.

[0067] In some example embodiments, if the second device 120 does not receive a MAC CE from the first device 110, but instead receives data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource, it can also determine that the frequency resource switch was successful.

[0068] If the second device 120 determines that the frequency resource switching is successful, the second device 120 can send and receive data on the indicated frequency resource (e.g., the new active BWP).

[0069] In some example embodiments, if the second device 120 receives neither a MAC CE nor data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource, the second device 120 may resend another command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. The command for frequency resource switching may be sent via DCI, and the other command for frequency resource switching may be sent via subsequent DCI.

[0070] Figure 4 An example signaling flow 400 is shown, illustrating an example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure. Signaling flow 400 can be considered as... Figure 3 An example embodiment of signaling flow 300. Similar to signaling flow 300, signaling flow 400 may also involve first device 110 and second device 120.

[0071] like Figure 4 As shown, at 401, the second device 120 can send a command to the first device 110 for frequency resource switching (e.g., BWP switching). This command can instruct the first device 110 to switch to a frequency resource for, for example, a new active BWP that is different from the currently active BWP. At 402, the first device 110 can send a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second device 120. For example, the MAC CE may include the ID of the new active BWP or a 0-byte BSR.

[0072] Based on the MAC CE, the second device 120 can determine that the frequency resource switch was successful, and then transmit and / or receive data on the new active frequency resource. At 403, if there is data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120, the second device 120 can transmit a DCI including a UL license to the first device 110. The UL license can indicate the time and frequency resources allocated for transmitting data, and the frequency resources can be within the range of the new active BWP. At 404, the first device 110 can transmit data to the second device 120 based on the allocated resources.

[0073] At 405, if there is additional data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120, the second device 120 may transmit a DCI including a UL license to the first device 110. The operation of the second device 120 transmitting the UL license and the first device 110 transmitting data can be similar to the operations previously described at 403 and 404. These operations can be repeated as long as there is data to be transmitted until the next frequency resource switch.

[0074] In this way, regardless of whether data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource is received, the second device 120 can confirm the result of the frequency resource handover based on the MAC CE fed back from the first device 110. Therefore, the reliability of the frequency resource handover process can be improved.

[0075] Figure 5 Another example signaling flow 500 is shown, illustrating another example process for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure. Signaling flow 500 can be considered as... Figure 3 Another example embodiment of signaling flow 300. Similar to signaling flow 300, signaling flow 500 may also involve first device 110 and second device 120.

[0076] like Figure 5As shown, at 501, the second device 120 can send a command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. This command can instruct the first device 110 to switch to a frequency resource of, for example, a new active BWP different from the currently active BWP. At 502, after a time period (e.g., K2 time slots), if the second device 120 has neither received a MAC CE nor received data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource, it can send another command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. The command for frequency resource switching can be retransmitted until a MAC CE or data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource is received. At 503, the second device 120 can send yet another command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. At 504, the first device 110 can send a MAC CE to the second device 120 to confirm a successful frequency resource switching.

[0077] In this way, the reliability of the frequency resource switching process can be further improved based on the retransmission of commands used for frequency resource switching.

[0078] Figure 6 Another signaling flow 600 for another example procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown. For discussion purposes, reference will be made to... Figure 1 Discuss signaling flow 300. For example... Figure 6 As shown, signaling flow 600 relates to first device 110 and second device 120.

[0079] like Figure 6 As shown, the second device 120 sends (605) a command (also referred to as a request in some examples) to the first device 110 for frequency resource switching. This command may indicate the frequency resource to which the first device 110 may switch. Alternatively, in some example embodiments, the second device 120 sends a request for frequency resource switching to the first device 110 at 605. Similar to this command, the request may also instruct the first device 110 to switch to a frequency resource. In the example embodiments of this disclosure, a request for frequency resource switching may also be applicable to situations where a command for frequency resource switching is used. In other words, a command for frequency resource switching may be replaced by a request for frequency resource switching.

[0080] In some examples, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource may be a BWP. The second device 120 may determine the new / target active BWP for the first device 110 to switch to based on, for example, specific service requirements, and indicate the new / target BWP to the first device 110 via DCI.

[0081] From the perspective of the first device 110, it receives (610) a command for frequency resource switching from the second device 120. Based on the command, the first device 110 can determine the frequency resource to switch to (e.g., a new / target active BWP). The first device 110 can then apply the frequency resource indicated in the command. In some example embodiments, the frequency resource can be applied within a switching delay. For example, the first device 110 can complete the frequency resource switching within 20 time slots.

[0082] Then, the first device 110 determines (615) whether there is data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120. That is, the first device 110 can determine whether data exists in the UL buffer. If there is no data to be transmitted, the first device 110 transmits (620) a BSR on the indicated frequency resource to indicate that the frequency resource switch was successful. The index of the BSR can be a predefined value, such as 0 or another suitable value. Alternatively, if there is data to be transmitted, the first device 110 can transmit the data to the second device 120 on the indicated frequency resource. The resource for transmitting the data can be indicated in the command from the second device 120.

[0083] The second device 120 receives (625) a BSR from the first device 110 on the indicated frequency resource and determines (630) that the frequency resource handover was successful based on the BSR. Alternatively, if the second device 120 receives data from the first device 110 on the indicated frequency resource, it can also determine that the frequency resource handover was successful.

[0084] In some example embodiments, if the second device 120 receives neither a BSR transmitted on the indicated frequency resource nor data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource, it may send another command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. In some examples, the command for frequency resource switching may be sent via DCI, and another command for frequency resource switching may be sent via subsequent DCI. The retransmission of the command for frequency resource switching may be repeated until a BSR or data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource is received.

[0085] Figure 7 An example signaling flow 700 for a sample procedure for switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Signaling flow 700 can be considered as... Figure 6 Example embodiment of signaling flow 600. Signaling flow 700 relates to first device 110 and second device 120.

[0086] like Figure 7As shown, at 701, the second device 120 can send a command to the first device 110 for frequency resource switching. This command can instruct the first device 110 to switch to a frequency resource of, for example, a new active BWP that is different from the currently active BWP.

[0087] Upon receiving a command for BWP handover, the first device 110 can determine whether there is data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120. For example, the first device 110 can determine whether data exists in the UL buffer. If there is no data to be transmitted, the first device 110 can transmit a BSR at 702 on the indicated frequency resource to indicate successful frequency resource handover. The index of the BSR can be a predefined value, such as 0 or another suitable value. Alternatively, if there is data to be transmitted, the first device 110 can transmit the data to the second device 120 on the indicated frequency resource.

[0088] In some examples, the command can also indicate resources for sending data from the second device 120.

[0089] Based on the received BSR with index 0, the second device 120 can determine that the frequency resource switch was successful, and then transmit and / or receive data on the indicated frequency resources. At 703, if there is data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120, the second device 120 can transmit a DCI including a UL authorization to the first device 110. The UL authorization can indicate the time and frequency resources allocated for transmitting data, and the frequency resources can be within the range of the new active BWP. At 704, the first device 110 can transmit data to the second device 120 based on the allocated resources.

[0090] At 705, if there is additional data to be transmitted from the first device 110 to the second device 120, the second device 120 may transmit a DCI including a UL license to the first device 110. The operation of the second device 120 transmitting the UL license and the first device 110 transmitting data can be similar to the operations described at 703 and 704. These operations will be repeated as long as there is data to be transmitted until the next frequency resource handover.

[0091] In this way, regardless of whether data transmitted on the indicated frequency resources is received, the second device 120 can confirm the result of the frequency resource handover based on the BSR fed back from the first device 110. Therefore, the reliability of the frequency resource handover process can be improved.

[0092] Figure 8 Another example signaling flow 800 for another example process of switching frequency resources according to some example embodiments of this disclosure is shown. Signaling flow 800 can be considered as... Figure 6 Another example embodiment of signaling flow 600. Signaling flow 800 relates to first device 110 and second device 120.

[0093] like Figure 8 As shown, at 501, the second device 120 can send a command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. This command can instruct the first device 110 to switch to a frequency resource for, for example, a new active BWP different from the currently active BWP. At 802, after a time period (e.g., K2 time slots), if the second device 120 has neither received a BSR transmitted on the indicated frequency resource nor received data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource, it can send another command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. The command for frequency resource switching can be retransmitted until a BSR or data transmitted on the indicated frequency resource is received. At 803, the second device 120 can send yet another command for frequency resource switching to the first device 110. At 804, the first device 110 can send a BSR to the second device 120 on the indicated frequency resource to indicate a successful frequency resource switching.

[0094] In this way, the reliability of the frequency resource switching process can be further improved based on the retransmission of commands used for frequency resource switching.

[0095] Figure 9 A flowchart of an example method 900 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 The method 900 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0096] In block 910, the first device 110 receives a command from the second device for switching frequency resources, wherein the command indicates the frequency resource to which the first device switches.

[0097] At frame 920, the first device 110 sends a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switch to the second device.

[0098] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

[0099] In some example embodiments, the indication may indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

[0100] In some example implementations, a reserved logical channel can be selected for the MAC CE.

[0101] In some example embodiments, the command for frequency resource switching may include resources allocated for sending MAC CE.

[0102] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: sending a BSR indicating the existence of data to be transmitted from the first device to the second device before receiving a command for frequency resource switching, wherein the command for frequency resource switching may include: a first resource allocated for transmitting MAC CE and a second resource allocated for transmitting data.

[0103] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include a BSR indicating a successful frequency resource handover, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

[0104] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0105] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: transmitting data to a second device on an indicated frequency resource based on determining that data to be transmitted exists.

[0106] In some example embodiments, method 900 may further include: applying the frequency resources indicated in the command within the switching delay.

[0107] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource may be BWP.

[0108] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0109] Figure 10 A flowchart of an example method 1000 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 1000 is described by the angle of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0110] In block 1010, the second device 120 sends a command to the first device for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates the frequency resource to which the first device switches.

[0111] At box 1020, the second device 120 receives a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switch from the first device.

[0112] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

[0113] In some example embodiments, the indication may indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

[0114] In some example implementations, a reserved logical channel can be selected for the MAC CE.

[0115] In some example embodiments, the command for frequency resource switching may include resources allocated for sending MAC CE.

[0116] In some example embodiments, method 1000 may further include: receiving another buffer status report (BSR) from a first device before sending a command for frequency resource switching, the other buffer status report (BSR) indicating the existence of data to be sent from the first device to a second device, wherein the command for frequency resource switching may include: a first resource allocated for sending MAC CE and a second resource allocated for sending data.

[0117] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include a BSR indicating a successful frequency resource handover, wherein the index of the BSR may be a predefined value.

[0118] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0119] In some example embodiments, method 1000 may further include: determining that the frequency resource switching was successful in response to receiving data from the first device on the indicated frequency resource.

[0120] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource may be BWP.

[0121] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0122] In some example embodiments, any of the first means of method 900 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include a component for performing the corresponding operation of method 900. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component 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.

[0123] In some example embodiments, the first device includes components for receiving a command from the second device for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates the frequency resource to which the first device switches; and components for sending a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second device.

[0124] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

[0125] In some example embodiments, the indication may indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

[0126] In some example implementations, a reserved logical channel can be selected for the MAC CE.

[0127] In some example embodiments, the command for frequency resource switching may include resources allocated for sending MAC CE.

[0128] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include a component for sending another BSR to the second device before receiving a command for frequency resource switching, the other BSR indicating the presence of data to be sent from the first device to the second device, wherein the command for frequency resource switching may include a first resource allocated for transmitting MAC CE and a second resource allocated for transmitting data.

[0129] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include a BSR indicating a successful frequency resource handover, wherein the index of the BSR may be a predefined value.

[0130] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0131] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include components for transmitting data to the second device on an indicated frequency resource based on the determination that data to be transmitted exists.

[0132] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include a component for applying the frequency resources indicated in the command within the switching delay.

[0133] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0134] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0135] In some example embodiments, any of the second means of performing method 1000 (e.g., Figure 1 The second device 120 may include a component for performing a corresponding operation of method 1000. This component may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the component may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0136] In some example embodiments, the second device includes components for sending a command for frequency resource switching to the first device, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first device switches; and components for receiving a MAC CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching from the first device.

[0137] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

[0138] In some example embodiments, the indication may indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

[0139] In some example implementations, a reserved logical channel can be selected for the MAC CE.

[0140] In some example embodiments, the command for frequency resource switching may include resources allocated for sending MAC CE.

[0141] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include: a component for receiving another buffer status report (BSR) from the first device before sending a command for frequency resource switching, the other buffer status report (BSR) indicating the presence of data to be sent from the first device to the second device, wherein the command for frequency resource switching may include: a first resource allocated for sending MAC CE and a second resource allocated for sending data.

[0142] In some example embodiments, the MAC CE may include a BSR indicating a successful frequency resource handover, wherein the index of the BSR may be a predefined value.

[0143] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0144] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for determining that a frequency resource switch has been successful in response to receiving data from the first device on an indicated frequency resource.

[0145] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource may be BWP.

[0146] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0147] Figure 11 A flowchart of an example method 1100 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 1100 is described by the angle of the first device 110 in the middle.

[0148] In block 1110, the first device 110 receives a command from the second device for switching frequency resources, wherein the command indicates the frequency resource to which the first device switches.

[0149] In box 1120, the first device 110 determines whether there is data to be sent from the first device to the second device.

[0150] In box 1130, based on the determination that there is no data to be transmitted, the first device 110 sends a BSR to the second device on the indicated frequency resource to indicate that the frequency resource switching was successful, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

[0151] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0152] In some example embodiments, method 1100 may further include: transmitting data to a second device on an indicated frequency resource based on determining that data to be transmitted exists.

[0153] In some example implementations, frequency resources can be applied within the switching delay.

[0154] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0155] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0156] Figure 12 A flowchart of an example method 1200 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 1200 is described by the angle of the second device 120 in the middle.

[0157] In block 1210, the second device 120 sends a command to the first device for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates the frequency resource to which the first device switches.

[0158] In block 1220, the second device 120 receives a BSR from the first device on an indicated frequency resource, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

[0159] In box 1230, the second device 120 determines that the frequency resource handover was successful based on the BSR.

[0160] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0161] In some example embodiments, method 1200 may further include: determining that the frequency resource switching was successful in response to receiving data from the first device on the indicated frequency resource.

[0162] In some example embodiments, method 1200 may further include: in response to not receiving a BSR from the first device within a handover delay following the sending of the command for frequency resource handover, sending another command for frequency resource handover.

[0163] In some example embodiments, commands for frequency resource switching can be sent via DCI, and another command for frequency resource switching can be sent via subsequent DCI.

[0164] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0165] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0166] In some example embodiments, any of the first means of method 1100 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1 The first device 110 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 1100. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components 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.

[0167] In some example embodiments, the first device includes: a component for receiving a command for frequency resource switching from a second device, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first device switches; a component for determining whether there is data to be transmitted from the first device to the second device; and a component for sending a BSR to the second device on the indicated frequency resource to indicate successful frequency resource switching based on the determination that there is no data to be transmitted, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

[0168] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0169] In some example embodiments, the first device may further include a component for transmitting data to the second device on an indicated frequency resource based on the determination that data to be transmitted exists.

[0170] In some example implementations, frequency resources can be applied within the switching delay.

[0171] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0172] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0173] In some example embodiments, any of the second means of method 1200 can be performed (e.g., Figure 1The second device 120 may include components for performing the corresponding operations of method 1200. These components may be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the components may be implemented in a circuit or software module. The second device may be implemented as or included in... Figure 1 The second device 120 in the middle.

[0174] In some example embodiments, the second device includes: components for sending a command for frequency resource switching to the first device, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first device switches; components for receiving a BSR from the first device on the indicated frequency resource, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value; and components for determining, based on the BSR, that the frequency resource switching was successful.

[0175] In some example implementations, the predefined value can be 0.

[0176] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for determining that a frequency resource switch has been successful in response to receiving data from the first device on an indicated frequency resource.

[0177] In some example embodiments, the second device may further include a component for sending another command for frequency resource switching in response to not receiving a BSR from the first device within a switching delay after sending a command for frequency resource switching.

[0178] In some example embodiments, commands for frequency resource switching can be sent via DCI, and another command for frequency resource switching can be sent via subsequent DCI.

[0179] In some example embodiments, frequency resource switching may be BWP switching, and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0180] In some example embodiments, the first device may include a terminal device, and the second device may include a network device.

[0181] Figure 13 This is a simplified block diagram of a device 1300 suitable for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The device 1300 can be provided to implement a communication device, such as... Figure 1 The first device 110 or the second device 120 shown. As shown, the device 1300 includes one or more processors 1310, one or more memories 1320 coupled to the processors 1310, and one or more communication modules 1340 coupled to the processors 1310.

[0182] Communication module 1340 is used for bidirectional communication. Communication module 1340 has one or more communication interfaces to facilitate communication with one or more other modules or devices. The communication interface can represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements. In some example embodiments, communication module 1340 may include at least one antenna.

[0183] As a non-limiting example, processor 1310 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 1300 can have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent on a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0184] Memory 1320 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) 1324, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disk, compact 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) 1322 and other volatile memories that will not be maintained during power outages.

[0185] Computer program 1330 includes computer-executable instructions that are executed by an associated processor 1310. The instructions of program 1330 may include instructions for performing operations / actions of some example embodiments of this disclosure. Program 1330 may be stored in memory (e.g., ROM 1324). Processor 1310 can perform any suitable actions and processes by loading program 1330 into RAM 1322.

[0186] Example embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented by means of program 1330, enabling device 1300 to perform as described in the reference. Figures 1 to 8 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.

[0187] In some example embodiments, program 1330 may be tangibly included in a computer-readable medium, which may be included in device 1300 (such as in memory 1320) or in other storage devices accessible by device 1300. Device 1300 may load program 1330 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 1322 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 of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not tactile), rather than a limitation of the persistence of data storage (e.g., RAM versus ROM).

[0188] Figure 14 An example of a computer-readable medium 1400 is shown, which may be in the form of a CD, DVD, or other optical storage disc. The computer-readable medium 1400 has a program 1330 stored thereon.

[0189] In general, 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, and others can be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Although various aspects of the embodiments of this disclosure are shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical representation, it should be understood that 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, as non-limiting examples.

[0190] 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, such as those included in a program module, which are executed in a device on a target physical or virtual processor to perform any of the methods described above. Generally, program modules include 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 on both local and remote storage media.

[0191] Program code for performing 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 performed. 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.

[0192] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or related data may be carried by any suitable carrier wave to enable a device, apparatus, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carrier waves include signals, computer-readable media, etc.

[0193] 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.

[0194] 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 requiring that all shown operations be performed to achieve the desired result. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while several specific implementation details are included in the foregoing discussion, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure, but rather as a description 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.

[0195] Although this disclosure has been described in language specific to structural features and / or methodological actions, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for implementing the claims.

[0196] 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.

[0197] Clause 1. A first apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first apparatus to at least: receive from a second apparatus a command for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and send a Media Access Control (MAC) control element acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second apparatus.

[0198] Clause 2. The first device according to Clause 1, wherein the MAC CE includes an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

[0199] Clause 3. The first device according to Clause 2, wherein the indication is used to indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

[0200] Clause 4. A first device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 3, wherein a reserved logical channel is selected for MAC CE.

[0201] Clause 5. The first apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the command for frequency resource switching includes resources allocated for transmitting MAC CE.

[0202] Clause 6. A first device according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the first device is configured to: send a second buffer status report (BSR) to a second device before receiving a command for frequency resource switching, the BSR indicating the existence of data to be transmitted from the first device to the second device, wherein the command for frequency resource switching includes: a first resource allocated for transmitting MAC CE and a second resource allocated for transmitting data.

[0203] Clause 7. The first device according to Clause 1, wherein the MAC CE includes a buffer status report (BSR) indicating a successful frequency resource switchover, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

[0204] Clause 8. The first device according to Clause 7, wherein the predefined value is 0.

[0205] Clause 9. The first device according to Clause 7 or 8, wherein the first device is caused to: transmit data to the second device on the indicated frequency resources based on the determination that data to be transmitted exists.

[0206] Clause 10. A first means according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9, wherein the first means is caused to: apply the frequency resources indicated in the command within the handover delay.

[0207] Clause 11. A first apparatus according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10, wherein the frequency resource switching is a bandwidth portion BWP switching and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0208] Clause 12. A first device pursuant to any one of Clauses 1 to 11, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

[0209] Clause 13. A second apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the second apparatus to at least: send a command to a first apparatus for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and receive from the first apparatus a Media Access Control (MAC) control element acknowledging the frequency resource switching.

[0210] Clause 14. The second device pursuant to Clause 13, wherein the MAC CE includes an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

[0211] Clause 15. A second device pursuant to Clause 14, wherein the indication is used to indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

[0212] Clause 16. A second device according to any one of Clauses 13 to 15, wherein a logical channel is reserved for the MAC CE.

[0213] Clause 17. A second device according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the command for frequency resource switching includes resources allocated for transmitting MAC CE.

[0214] Clause 18. A second means according to any one of Clauses 13 to 16, wherein the second means is configured to: receive from the first means another buffer status report (BSR) before sending a command for frequency resource switching, the other buffer status report BSR indicating the existence of data to be sent from the first means to the second means, wherein the command for frequency resource switching includes: a first resource allocated for sending MAC CE and a second resource allocated for sending data.

[0215] Clause 19. The second device according to Clause 13, wherein the MAC CE includes a buffer status report (BSR) indicating a successful frequency resource switchover, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

[0216] Clause 20. The second device according to Clause 19, wherein the predefined value is 0.

[0217] Clause 21. A second device pursuant to Clause 19 or 20, wherein the second device is configured to: determine that a frequency resource switchover was successful in response to receiving data from the first device on the indicated frequency resource.

[0218] Clause 22. A second device according to any one of Clauses 13 to 21, wherein the frequency resource switching is a bandwidth portion BWP switching and the frequency resource is a BWP.

[0219] Clause 23. A second device pursuant to any one of Clauses 13 to 22, wherein the first device includes a terminal device and the second device includes a network device.

[0220] Clause 24. A method comprising: receiving from a second device a command for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which a first device may switch; and sending to the second device a Media Access Control (MAC) control element acknowledging the frequency resource switching.

[0221] Clause 25. A method comprising: sending a command to a first device for frequency resource switching, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first device shall switch; and receiving from the first device a Media Access Control (MAC) control element acknowledging the frequency resource switching.

[0222] Clause 26. A first apparatus comprising: a component for receiving a command for frequency resource switching from a second apparatus, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and a component for sending a Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching to the second apparatus.

[0223] Clause 27. A second apparatus comprising: a component for sending a command for frequency resource switching to a first apparatus, wherein the command indicates a frequency resource to which the first apparatus switches; and a component for receiving a Media Access Control (MAC) control element CE acknowledging the frequency resource switching from the first apparatus.

[0224] Clause 28. A computer-readable medium including instructions stored thereon for causing a device to perform at least the method of Clause 24 or the method of Clause 25.

Claims

1. A first device, comprising: At least one processor; as well as At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the first device to at least: Receive a command from the second device for switching frequency resources, wherein the command indicates the frequency resource to which the first device switches; and Send a Media Access Control (MAC) element (CE) to the second device to confirm the frequency resource switching.

2. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MAC CE includes an indication of successful frequency resource switching.

3. The first device according to claim 2, wherein the indication is used to indicate the active frequency resources currently used by the first device.

4. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a reserved logical channel is selected for the MAC CE.

5. The first apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the command for the frequency resource switching includes resources allocated for transmitting the MAC CE.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is configured to: Before receiving the command for the frequency resource switching, another buffer status report (BSR) is sent to the second device, the BSR indicating the existence of data to be sent from the first device to the second device. The commands used for switching the frequency resources include: A first resource is allocated for sending the MAC CE and a second resource is allocated for sending the data.

7. The first apparatus of claim 1, wherein the MAC CE includes a cached status report (BSR) indicating a successful frequency resource switch, wherein the index of the BSR is a predefined value.

8. The first apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the predefined value is 0.

9. The first device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first device is configured to: Based on the determination that data to be transmitted exists, the data is transmitted to the second device on the indicated frequency resource.

10. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first device is configured to: Apply the frequency resources indicated in the command within the switching delay.

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