Control of base stations in a telecommunications network and communication of user equipment with base stations

Abstract

A method of controlling a base station to disable or continue periodic broadcast of a system information block, SIB1, in a telecommunications network is provided. The method comprises broadcasting an indication that periodic broadcast of the SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled. In option a), the method further comprises receiving an indication from a user equipment, UE, that the UE requires periodic broadcast of the SIB1; and controlling the base station to continue periodic broadcast of the SIB1. In option b), the method further comprises determining that an indication that the UE requires periodic broadcast of the SIB1 has not been received during a predetermined time period; and controlling the base station to disable periodic broadcast of the SIB1.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to controlling the broadcasting of synchronization signals in a telecommunications network. In particular, this invention relates to selectively enabling and disabling the broadcasting of system information block one.

[0002] Vocabulary MNO - Mobile Network Operator RF - Radio Frequency SA - Independent RRC - Radio Resource Control SSB - Synchronization Signal Block PSS - Master Synchronization Signal SSS - Auxiliary Synchronization Signal PBCH - Physical Broadcast Channel DMRS - Demodulation Reference Signal BCCH - Broadcast Channel PDSCH - Physical Data Sharing Channel PDCCH - Physical Downlink Control Channel SI - System Information MIB - Master Message Block SIB - System Information Block RMSI - Residual Minimum System Information IE - Information Elements CORESET - Control Resource Set LSB - Least Significant Bit MSB - Most Significant Bit RACH - Random Access Channel PRACH - Physical Random Access Channel FR1 - Frequency Range 1 FR2 - Frequency Range 2 GSCN - Global Synchronization Channel Number PCI - Physical Layer Cell ID OTT - Overhead RAN - Radio Access Network UE - User Equipment BS - Base Station ABS - Advanced Base Station BTS - Base Station Transceiver BSS - Basic Services Set ESS - Extended Services AP - Access Point NB - Node B (Radio Base Station Receiver) eNB - Evolved Node B gNB - Next-Generation Node B TRP - Transmit and Receive Point PS - Server Management TE - Terminal Equipment MS - Mobile Site MT - Mobile Terminal UT - User Terminal SS - Subscriber Site PDA - Personal Digital Assistant CDMA - Code Division Multiple Access FDMA - Frequency Division Multiple Access TDMA - Time Division Multiple Access OFDMA - Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access SC-FDMA - Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access MC-FDMA - Multi-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access UTRA - Universal Terrestrial Radio Access GSM - Global System for Mobile Communications (2G) GSMA - GSM Association GPRS - Universal Package Radio Service EDGE - Enhanced Data Rate GSM Evolution IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers E-UTRA - Evolution of UTRA UMTS - Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (3G) E-UMTS - Evolved UMTS 3GPP - Third Generation Partnership Project DL - Downlink UL - Uplink LTE - Long Term Evolution (4G) LTE-A - LTE-Advanced NR - New Radio (5G) FDD - Frequency Division Duplex TDD - Time Division Duplex CRS - Cell-Specific Reference Signal CSI-RS - Channel State Information Reference Signal FPGA - Field Programmable Gate Array ASIC - Application-Specific Integrated Circuit DSP - Digital Signal Processor CD-ROM - Compact Disc Read-Only Memory DVD-ROM - Digital Universal Disc Read-Only Memory ROM - Read-Only Memory RAM - Random Access Memory EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory EPROM - Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. Background Technology

[0003] According to a recent GSMA report, energy costs for mobile networks account for between 20% and 40% of total operator costs. Based on techno-economic studies over the past decade, base stations and data centers in radio access networks are the components that consume the majority of power in mobile networks. Overall, most network energy use can be attributed to the network base station site. Therefore, it is hoped that mobile network operators (MNOs) will develop energy-saving technologies to reduce power consumption at base station sites.

[0004] In 5G, the energy consumption of a 5G site (measured in kWh) depends on the energy consumption of the installed equipment, not the data units being transmitted. The increase in total energy consumption in a 5G site is likely due to the need for more antennas, more bandwidth, and denser layers of small cells, rather than increased data capacity. Within a base station, the largest energy-consuming component is the radio frequency (RF) equipment (power amplifiers plus transceivers and cabling), which typically consumes approximately 65% ​​of the total energy. Improving energy efficiency to consume less energy can be achieved through various solutions, including smart buildings, core network virtualization, and enhancing RAN efficiency through the modernization of legacy equipment and the implementation of low-power solutions.

[0005] In one example, a telecom equipment supplier estimates that a typical 5G site requires approximately 11.5 kW of power (about 70 percent more than a 2G / 3G / 4G base station providing a similar level of coverage). This equates to approximately 100,000 kWh (3.6 GJ) of energy per 5G site per year (potentially costing around €30,000 per site per year). In a country the size of Germany, mobile network operators might have around 15,000 sites, which would consume 1.5 billion kWh (5.4 PJ) of energy annually (costing around €450 million per year).

[0006] Due to the high energy requirements of 5G systems, the purpose of this disclosure is to reduce power consumption and improve the efficiency of 5G base station sites (as well as UE power consumption and efficiency). Summary of the Invention

[0007] A method is provided for controlling a base station in a telecommunications network to disable or continue broadcasting System Information Block (SIB1). The method includes scheduling the broadcast of SIB1 as an indication to be disabled.

[0008] In option a), the method further includes: The user equipment (UE) receives an instruction that the UE needs to broadcast SIB1; and Control the base station to continue broadcasting SIB1.

[0009] In option b), the method further includes: It was determined that no instruction requiring SIB1 was received from the UE during the predetermined time period; and Control the base station to disable broadcasting of SIB1.

[0010] The above method addresses a scenario where a base station initially broadcasts SIB1, but determines that the broadcast of SIB1 can be disabled. The base station then indicates its intention to disable the broadcast of SIB1 to any UE camped on the cell. If one or more UEs camped on the cell object to the disabling of SIB1, they may send an indication to the base station that they require the broadcast of SIB1. If the base station receives this indication from the UE, it continues broadcasting SIB1 instead of disabling it. Otherwise, if no such indication is received within a predetermined time period, the base station disables the broadcast of SIB1.

[0011] This indication is a signal from the base station to the UE that the base station intends to disable SIB1 broadcasting. The indication that SIB1 broadcasting is scheduled to be disabled can therefore be referred to as an indication that the base station intends to disable SIB1 broadcasting. The UE receives this signal and deciphers the meaning of the indication from the base station. If the UE correctly understands the meaning of the indication, the UE determines that the base station has sent a signal indicating its intention to disable SIB1. However, the UE may not have access to the base station's settings and may not be able to explicitly determine that the base station intends to disable SIB1 broadcasting.

[0012] In response to an indication that SIB1 broadcasts are scheduled to be disabled, an indication from the UE can be received. In other words, the UE can receive an indication that the base station intends to disable SIB1 broadcasts, and respond using an indication that the UE still needs SIB1 broadcasts.

[0013] The predetermined time period can be the time during which a broadcast starting at SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled.

[0014] The UE can camp on a cell associated with a base station. The UE can be a UE that has already completed the attachment procedure with the base station (e.g., a standalone (SA) initial attachment procedure). The UE may have already established an RRC connection with the base station. The UE's RRC connection can be suspended or released. In other words, the UE can be in RRC inactive or RRC idle mode.

[0015] The base station can broadcast this instruction to all UEs within its coverage area. This broadcast can be received and decoded by all UEs within the coverage area camped on the cell associated with the base station.

[0016] The method may further include identifying the opportunity to disable the broadcast of SIB1 by determining that there is no UE connected to the base station (in an RRC connected state). This determination may be made before the broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled as a disabled indication.

[0017] The indication that broadcasting SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be provided by parameters in the main information block (MIB).

[0018] Alternatively, an indication that broadcasting in SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be provided by parameters in SIB1 (e.g., information elements).

[0019] Alternatively, an indication that SIB1 broadcasts are scheduled to be disabled can be provided by data in the PBCH or PDSCH.

[0020] This parameter can be a flag (a single bit) that is set or cleared to indicate that broadcasting of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled.

[0021] The MIB is defined in Clause 6.2.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331. The MIB consists of 23 bits of data, including a "spare bit" (plus an additional bit used to indicate the BCCH message type). The "spare bit" in the MIB can be used to provide this indication when it is provided by parameters in the MIB.

[0022] The spare bit is a flag that can be set or cleared to indicate that SIB1 broadcasting is scheduled to be disabled.

[0023] The MIB can be broadcast by the base station. The method may further include: broadcasting the MIB. The MIB can be broadcast periodically by the base station. The method may further include: periodically broadcasting the MIB.

[0024] An indication that broadcasting on SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be provided by one or more of the following: Subcarrier offset k ssb ; Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0; The pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in the MIB; The spare bit in the MIB; and One or more other parameters in the MIB (such as the ssb-SubcarrierOffset information element).

[0025] The method may further include: broadcasting SIB1 (before the control base station disables the broadcasting of SIB1).

[0026] The indication that broadcasting to SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be provided by parameters in SIB1.

[0027] The broadcast of SIB1 can be a periodic broadcast of SIB1. In other words, the method of controlling the base station to disable or continue the broadcast of SIB1 in a telecommunications network can be a method of controlling the base station to disable or continue the periodic broadcast of SIB1 in a telecommunications network. An indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be an indication that the periodic broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled. An indication that the UE needs the broadcast of SIB1 can be an indication that the UE needs the periodic broadcast of SIB1. In option a), the method may include: controlling the base station to continue the periodic broadcast of SIB1. In option b), the method may include: controlling the base station to disable the periodic broadcast of SIB1. The method may include: periodically broadcasting SIB1 (before controlling the base station to disable the periodic broadcast of SIB1).

[0028] A method for configuring a User Equipment (UE) in a telecommunications network is provided. The method includes: sending a configuration corresponding to a target base station from a base station to the UE. This configuration is used to send an indication to the target base station that the UE requires a broadcast of System Information Block (SIB1) from the target base station.

[0029] Sending this configuration (from the base station to the UE) may include sending a system information block (SIB1) corresponding to the base station. The SIB1 corresponding to the base station may include the configuration corresponding to the target base station.

[0030] This configuration can be sent to the UE at a first time point, and the UE can be configured to send an indication that SIB1 needs to be broadcast to the target base station at a second time point later than the first time point. At the second time point, the UE may not communicate with the base station.

[0031] The base station (which may be referred to elsewhere as a substitute base station) can be a different cell entity than the target base station.

[0032] A method is provided for controlling the broadcast of a base station activating System Information Block (SIB1) in a telecommunications network. The method includes: receiving an indication from a User Equipment (UE) that the UE requires a broadcast of SIB1. The method further includes: controlling the base station to activate the broadcast of SIB1.

[0033] The above method addresses the scenario where the base station initially does not broadcast SIB1. The base station determines (by receiving an indication from the UE) that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1. When the base station receives an indication from the UE that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1, the base station activates the broadcast of SIB1.

[0034] The base station can be a target base station. The method can be a method for controlling the target base station via a telecommunications network. The method may further include: configuring the UE via a substitute base station (using the method described above). The UE's indication that it needs a broadcast of SIB1 can be received by the target base station. The indication that the UE needs a broadcast of SIB1 can be an indication that the UE needs a broadcast of SIB1 from the target base station.

[0035] In the case of a base station "activating the broadcast of SIB1", this can be performed in a situation where the base station previously broadcast SIB1 and the broadcast was disabled. In other words, the base station can reactivate the broadcast of SIB1. This can also be performed in a situation where the base station had not previously disabled the broadcast of SIB1 and is activating it for the first time. Therefore, in the context of this application, "activation" can be understood to include two meanings.

[0036] The indication can be received directly from the UE, rather than from another base station via the X2 / Xn interface. This method can therefore be used in scenarios where the UE is not communicating with another base station.

[0037] The method may further include: broadcasting (e.g., by a target base station) a Master Information Block (MIB). The method may also include: periodically broadcasting the MIB.

[0038] The MIB may include an indication that broadcasting SIB1 is disabled (this occurs before SIB1 is activated; the MIB can be updated when SIB1 is activated).

[0039] The indication that broadcasting is disabled for SIB1 can be provided by parameters in the MIB.

[0040] Indications that broadcasting on SIB1 is disabled may be provided by one or more of the following: Spare bits in MIB; Subcarrier offset k ssb ; Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0.

[0041] The spare bit in the MIB is a flag that can be set or cleared to indicate that broadcasting SIB1 is currently disabled.

[0042] Subcarrier offset k ssb It can be (at least in part) defined by one or more of the following: The ssb-SubcarrierOffset information element in the MIB; One or more additional data bits provided in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload.

[0043] k ssb The four least significant bits (LSBs) can be provided by the ssb-subcarrierOffset information element. One most significant bit (MSB) can be provided by additional bits in the PBCH payload. Provided. This is described in Clause 7.1.1 of 3GPP TS 38.212, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0044] The PBCH payload may include the MIB; in other words, the MIB is broadcast via the physical broadcast channel.

[0045] Searchspace0 and / or control resource set CORESET0 may be (at least partially) defined by the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in the MIB. As specified in Clause 6.3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331, the four least significant bits (LSBs) of pdcch-ConfigSIB1 may be used to determine CORESET0, and the four most significant bits (MSBs) of pdcch-ConfigSIB1 may be used to determine Searchspace0.

[0046] As specified in Clause 6.3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331, the base station may indicate to the UE via the “noSIB1” indication that SIB1 is not currently being broadcast.

[0047] The indication that SIB1's broadcast is disabled can be closely related to the indication that SIB1's broadcast is scheduled to be disabled. The same one or more parameters can be used by the base station to broadcast each indication. In some examples, the values ​​of the one or more parameters may even be the same for both indications. For example, a spare bit on the MIB can be set to indicate that SIB1's broadcast is scheduled to be disabled. Once SIB1's broadcast has been disabled, the spare bit on the MIB can remain set to indicate that the MIB's broadcast is currently disabled. Once the MIB's broadcast is reactivated, this bit can be cleared.

[0048] Alternatively, an indication that broadcasting SIB1 is disabled can be broadcast via a different set of one or more parameters than the indication that broadcasting SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled. For example, an indication that broadcasting SIB1 is disabled can be broadcast via MIB, while an indication that broadcasting SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be broadcast via SIB1.

[0049] The method may further include: broadcasting SIB1. The method may further include: broadcasting an updated MIB. The method may further include: periodically broadcasting an updated MIB. The updated MIB may include an indication that broadcasting SIB1 is enabled. After the control base station activates the broadcasting of SIB1, SIB1 and / or the updated MIB may be broadcast.

[0050] In other words, once SIB1 broadcasting is reactivated, the parameters previously used to indicate that SIB1 broadcasting was disabled can be updated to reflect the fact that SIB1 broadcasting has been enabled.

[0051] Similar to the instructions for disabling broadcasting in SIB1, the instructions for enabling broadcasting in SIB1 may include one or more of the following: Subcarrier offset k ssb ; Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0.

[0052] The broadcast of SIB1 performed by the (target) base station can be a periodic broadcast of SIB1. In other words, the method of controlling the base station to activate the broadcast of SIB1 in the telecommunications network can be a method of controlling the base station to activate the periodic broadcast of SIB1 in the telecommunications network. The indication that the UE needs the broadcast of SIB1 can be an indication that the UE needs the periodic broadcast of SIB1. The indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is disabled can be an indication that the periodic broadcast of SIB1 is disabled. The indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is enabled can be an indication that the periodic broadcast of SIB1 is enabled. The method may also include: periodically broadcasting SIB1.

[0053] The methods for controlling base stations to disable and enable SIB1 broadcasting are complementary and can be used together to selectively disable and reactivate SIB1 broadcasting. In one example, methods for controlling base stations in a telecommunications network include: The broadcast of SIB1 was scheduled as a disabled instruction; It was determined that no instruction requiring SIB1 was received from the UE during the predetermined time period; and Control the base station to disable SIB1 broadcasting; Receive from the UE (and at a later time) an indication that the UE needs to broadcast SIB1; and Control the base station to activate SIB1 broadcast.

[0054] By selectively disabling and reactivating SIB1 broadcasts, base stations can reduce power consumption while maintaining coverage.

[0055] A method is also provided for a user equipment (UE) communicating with a base station in a telecommunications network to prevent the base station from disabling the broadcast of System Information Block (SIB1). The method includes: receiving an indication that the broadcast of SIB1 has been scheduled to be disabled. The method further includes: sending an indication to the base station that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1 (or at least currently requires the broadcast of SIB1).

[0056] The above method addresses a scenario where the base station initially broadcasts SIB1 but has indicated that the broadcast of SIB1 will be disabled unless one or more UEs camped on the cell take appropriate action to object. By receiving this indication from the base station, the UE determines that the base station plans to disable the broadcast of SIB1. In response, the UE sends an indication to the base station that it requires the broadcast of SIB1. According to the method described above, when the base station receives the indication from the UE that it requires the broadcast of SIB1, the base station continues broadcasting SIB1 instead of disabling it.

[0057] In this way, the UE can "prevent" the base station from disabling SIB1 broadcasting (in other words, the UE enables the base station to continue broadcasting SIB1). The UE does not force the base station to continue broadcasting SIB1; rather, the UE indicates that it needs SIB1 broadcasting and relies on the base station's behavior to continue broadcasting SIB1. In this way, by indicating that SIB1 broadcasting is needed, the UE prevents the base station from disabling SIB1 broadcasting.

[0058] The indication that the UE needs a broadcast of SIB1 may include a random access preamble (e.g., a RACH preamble). Alternatively, the indication that the UE needs a broadcast of SIB1 may be sent via the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH). In this way, the UE can send the indication to the base station without transitioning to a connected state.

[0059] The method may further include receiving SIB1 and decoding SIB1. SIB1 may include configuration for sending the indication (a broadcast indicating that the UE requires SIB1) to the base station. Using the configuration decoded from SIB1, the indication that the UE requires a broadcast of SIB1 can be sent.

[0060] Receiving and decoding SIB1 may include: receiving a broadcast containing SIB1 (e.g., a message broadcast via the Physical Data Sharing Channel PDSCH); and decoding SIB1 from the broadcast.

[0061] This configuration can be the Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration.

[0062] The UE can obtain the RACH configuration for sending the request from SIB1 that it has previously received and decoded. Receiving and decoding SIB1 may refer to the SIB1 currently broadcast by the base station (a transmission that is about to be discontinued). Alternatively, the UE may have already obtained the RACH configuration for sending the request by receiving SIB1 previously broadcast by the base station (or by an alternative base station).

[0063] In some examples, this indication (that the UE needs a broadcast from SIB1) can be implicit. In other words, the UE can indicate to the base station that it needs a broadcast from SIB1 by sending a message using the configuration provided in SIB1. For example, the UE can request another SIB (e.g., via the SI-RequestConfig information element).

[0064] The indication that a UE needs a broadcast of SIB1 may include a request for a system information block.

[0065] A request for a system information block may include the SI-RequestConfig information element.

[0066] The method may further include: receiving a Master Information Block (MIB) from a base station and decoding it. The MIB may include an indication that the broadcast of SIB1 has been scheduled to be disabled.

[0067] An indication that broadcasting on SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be provided by one or more of the following: Subcarrier offset k ssb ; Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0; pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in MIB; Spare bits in the MIB; and One or more other parameters in the MIB.

[0068] Subcarrier offset k ssb It can be defined by one or more of the following: The ssb-SubcarrierOffset information element in the MIB; One or more additional data bits provided in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload.

[0069] The broadcast of SIB1 can be a periodic broadcast of SIB1. In other words, the method by which the UE communicates with the base station in the telecommunications network to prevent the base station from disabling the broadcast of SIB1 can be a method by which the UE communicates with the base station in the telecommunications network to prevent the base station from disabling the periodic broadcast of SIB1. An indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled can be an indication that the periodic broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled. An indication that the UE needs the broadcast of SIB1 can be an indication that the UE needs the periodic broadcast of SIB1.

[0070] A method is also provided for a user equipment (UE) to communicate with a base station in a telecommunications network to enable the base station to activate the broadcast of System Information Block (SIB1). The method includes: determining that the broadcast of SIB1 is disabled. The method further includes: sending an indication to the base station that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1.

[0071] The above method addresses the scenario where the base station initially does not broadcast SIB1. The UE determines (e.g., by receiving an indication broadcast by the base station via another information block (such as a MIB)) that broadcasting SIB1 is disabled. In other words, the UE determines that SIB1 is not broadcast by the base station. In response, the UE sends an indication to the base station that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1. According to the method described above, when the base station receives the indication from the UE that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1, the base station activates the broadcast of SIB1.

[0072] The indication that a UE needs a broadcast of SIB1 may include a request for a system information block (e.g., an SIB other than SIB1).

[0073] A request for a system information block may include the SI-RequestConfig information element.

[0074] The method may further include: determining a configuration for sending the indication to a base station.

[0075] This configuration can be the Random Access Channel (RACH) configuration.

[0076] In the first example, determining the configuration may include using a predetermined configuration. This predetermined configuration may be defined in a standard and pre-configured in the UE.

[0077] In the second example, determining the configuration may include receiving the configuration from the base station during the attachment procedure.

[0078] The UE can obtain the RACH configuration for sending the request from SIB1 that it has previously received and decoded. Receiving and decoding SIB1 refers to SIB1 previously broadcast by the base station before SIB1 broadcasting was disabled. In other words, the UE can store the RACH configuration from previous times when the UE was camped on the cell (when SIB1 broadcasting was active), and use the same RACH configuration to request the base station to reactivate SIB1 broadcasting when SIB1 broadcasting is disabled.

[0079] In the third example, determining the configuration may include receiving configuration from an alternative base station. This base station may be the target base station, and the configuration corresponds to the target base station.

[0080] Determining the configuration corresponding to the target base station may include receiving the SIB1 corresponding to the alternative base station from the alternative base station. The SIB1 corresponding to the alternative base station may include the configuration corresponding to the target base station.

[0081] The UE can receive this configuration from the alternative base station at the first time point. The UE can send an indication that SIB1 is required at a second time point later than the first time point. At the second time point, the UE may not communicate with the alternative base station.

[0082] In other words, the UE can obtain the RACH configuration for sending the request from SIB1 that the UE has previously received and decoded. Receiving and decoding SIB1 can refer to SIB1 previously broadcast by the alternative base station.

[0083] The SIB1 corresponding to the alternative base station can be received at an earlier point in time when the UE is camped on the alternative base station. The alternative base station may no longer be available when the UE attempts to camp on the target base station.

[0084] Alternate base stations can be different cell entities, but they can be located in the same location as the target base station.

[0085] The method may further include: storing the configuration until it is needed.

[0086] Determining that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled may include receiving and decoding the Master Information Block (MIB) from the base station, wherein the MIB includes an indication that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled.

[0087] Receiving and decoding the MIB may include: receiving a signal synchronization block (SSB) including the PBCH payload, and decoding the PBCH payload.

[0088] Indication that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled can be provided by a flag in the MIB. This flag can be a single bit, which can be set or cleared to indicate that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled. Spare bits in the MIB can also be used to provide an indication that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled.

[0089] The indication that broadcasting is disabled on SIB1 can be provided by subcarrier offset.

[0090] Subcarrier offset can be defined (at least in part) by one or more of the following: The ssb-SubcarrierOffset information element in the MIB; One or more additional data bits provided in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload.

[0091] The ssb-SubcarrierOffset information element in the MIB is defined in Clause 6.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331. ssb-SubcarrierOffset corresponds to k ssb This is the frequency domain offset between the SSB and the overall resource block grid, provided according to the number of subcarriers. The range of values ​​for this field can be extended by adding the most significant bit encoded within the PBCH (as described in 3GPP TS 38.213). This field can indicate that this cell does not provide SIB1, and therefore CORESET0 is not configured in the MIB. In this case, the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 field can indicate the frequency location of the SS / PBCH that the UE may (or may not) find with a control resource set and search space that has SIB1.

[0092] The time-frequency structure of the SSB (also known as the "Synchronization Signal Block" or "SS / PBCH Block") is described in Clause 7.4.3.1 of 3GPP TS38.211, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0093] The indication that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled can be provided by the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in the MIB.

[0094] Indications that broadcasting on SIB1 is disabled may be provided by one or more of the following: Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0; and One or more other parameters in the MIB.

[0095] In some examples, the subcarrier offset k ssb This can be used to determine the existence of CORESET0 or Searchspace0. This is defined in Clauses 4.1 and 13 of 3GPP TS 38.213. When an SS / PBCH block is detected, if it exists for FR1... Or if it exists for FR2 Then the UE can determine that CORESET0 (also known as the control resource set of the Type0-PDCCH common search space) exists. If it exists for FR1... Or if it exists for FR2 If CORESET0 does not exist, the UE can determine that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled.

[0096] If the UE detects the SSB and determines that CORESET0 does not exist, but FR1 exists... Or for FR2 Then the UE can determine that it is within the GSCN range. There is no SSB with an associated Searchspace0 (also known as the Type0-PDCCH public search space) within it. and These are determined by the four most significant bits and four least significant bits of pdcch-ConfigSIB1, respectively. If the GSCN range is... If this is the case, the UE can determine that there is no information about a second SSB with CORESET0 on the detected SSB. Therefore, the UE can determine that SIB1 was not broadcast.

[0097] The reception of SIB1 is described in Clause 5.2.5.5 of 3GPP TS 38.300, which is incorporated herein by reference. The Master Information Block (MIB) on the PBCH can provide the UE with parameters for monitoring the PDCCH (e.g., CORESET0 configuration), which is used to schedule the PDSCH carrying System Information Block 1 (SIB1). The PBCH can also indicate that there is no associated SIB1. In the proposed method, SIB1 is not broadcast. Therefore, the UE can determine (e.g., from the four MSBs of pdcch-ConfigSIB1 IE) a frequency range in which the UE can assume that there is no SSB associated with SIB1.

[0098] The method may further include: determining a search space (e.g., the Type0-PDCCH common search space). The method may further include: monitoring the search space. The method may further include: receiving SIB1 and decoding SIB1.

[0099] Receiving and decoding SIB1 may include: receiving a broadcast containing SIB1 (e.g., a message broadcast via the Physical Data Sharing Channel PDSCH); and decoding SIB1 from the broadcast.

[0100] The search space can be determined from the main information block (MIB). Before broadcasting SIB1 is enabled, the search space can be determined from MIB broadcasts. Alternatively, once broadcasting SIB1 is enabled, the search space can be determined from updated MIB broadcasts.

[0101] This search space can be called the "public search space" because it is public to all UEs residing in this cell. Searchspace0 is the specific public search space of the PDCCH carrying SIB1.

[0102] searchspace0 is not the only public search space. Other public search spaces can be used to receive other SIBs, group configurations, random access, paging, etc.

[0103] The method may further include: determining the control resource set CORESET0 from the MIB.

[0104] Similar to the search space, the control resource set can be determined from the MIB broadcast before the broadcast of SIB1 is enabled, or from the updated MIB broadcast once the broadcast of SIB1 is enabled.

[0105] The search space and / or control resource set can be determined from the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in the MIB.

[0106] The method may further include: determining a subcarrier offset from the MIB. Receiving SIB1 may include: using the subcarrier offset to receive SIB1 and decoding SIB1.

[0107] If the spare bit is used to indicate that SIB1 is not broadcast, the subcarrier offset can be determined from the original MIB. Alternatively, if the subcarrier offset associated with the original MIB is used to indicate that SIB1 is not broadcast, the subcarrier offset can be determined from the broadcast updated MIB once broadcasting of SIB1 is enabled.

[0108] The method may further include: receiving the updated MIB and decoding the updated MIB (once broadcasting of SIB1 is enabled). Receiving SIB1 may include: receiving SIB1 using the updated parameters in the updated MIB and decoding SIB1.

[0109] Receiving and decoding an updated MIB may include: receiving a broadcast containing the updated MIB (e.g., a message broadcast via the Physical Broadcast Channel PBCH); and decoding the updated MIB from the broadcast.

[0110] In one example, an updated MIB may include an updated subcarrier offset, an updated control resource set, and / or an updated common search space.

[0111] The SIB1 broadcast performed by the (target) base station can be a periodic broadcast of SIB1. In other words, the method by which the UE communicates with the base station in the telecommunications network to enable the base station to activate the SIB1 broadcast can be a method by which the UE communicates with the base station in the telecommunications network to enable the base station to activate the periodic broadcast of SIB1. The method may include: determining that the periodic broadcast of SIB1 is disabled. An indication that the UE needs the SIB1 broadcast can be an indication that the UE needs the periodic broadcast of SIB1. An indication that the SIB1 broadcast is disabled can be an indication that the periodic broadcast of SIB1 is disabled. Enabling the SIB1 broadcast may include enabling the periodic broadcast of SIB1.

[0112] A base station configured to perform the above-described method is also provided. This base station can be a target base station or a substitute base station.

[0113] A telecommunications network configured to perform the above methods is also provided.

[0114] A user equipment (UE) configured to perform the above methods is also provided.

[0115] A computer program is also provided, comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the methods described above. Attached Figure Description

[0116] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a method for receiving SIB1 from cell 1 from cell 2.

[0117] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a method for requesting cell 2 to trigger the transmission of SIB1 by cell 1.

[0118] Figure 3 The diagram illustrates a method for directly requesting SIB1 from cell 1.

[0119] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method.

[0120] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of another exemplary method.

[0121] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of another exemplary method.

[0122] Figure 7 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of another exemplary method. Detailed Implementation

[0123] When the UE is powered on, it searches for available cells and selects the most suitable cell according to cell selection criteria. The UE tunes to the control channel of the selected cell so that it can provide available service through that cell when needed. The process of selecting a cell and tuning to its control channel is referred to as "camping" on that cell.

[0124] When the UE is camped on the cell in idle mode, it can receive system information from the network. The UE can also receive cell broadcast messages.

[0125] According to the rule time interval, the UE can search for more suitable cells.

[0126] If the UE finds a more suitable cell, it can reselect the more suitable cell and tune to the control channel of the more suitable cell. Through this cell reselection process, the UE can camp on the alternative cell.

[0127] The UE can establish an RRC connection to configure radio resources and transition to the "RRC connected" state. The RRC protocol is defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, which is included here by reference.

[0128] The UE can also perform network registration via the selected cell. Once registered, if the UE wishes to initiate a call, it can do so by initially accessing the network on the control channel of the cell it is camped on. If the network receives a call for the registered UE, it can send a "paging" message for the UE on the control channel of that cell (and all other cells in the registration area). Because the UE is tuned to the control channel of the cell it is camped on, the UE will subsequently receive the paging message and can respond on that control channel.

[0129] Cell search is performed when the UE connects to a base station and is used for time and frequency synchronization, as well as for detecting the physical layer cell ID (PCI) of the cell. Cell search can be performed in many situations, such as when the UE is powered on, during mobility in connected mode (handover), during mobility in idle or inactive mode (cell reselection), and during inter-RAT mobility. Cell search is described in Clause 4.1 of 3GPP TS 38.213, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0130] When performing a cell search, the UE uses a synchronization signal block (SSB) to deduce the necessary information required to access the cell.

[0131] In 5G (NR), the gNB periodically transmits Signal Synchronization Blocks (SSBs), which are used by the UE for synchronization, cell search, and initial beamforming. The SSB includes the Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) and Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS), as well as the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH). The PBCH includes: the Physical Broadcast Channel Demodulation Reference Signal (PBCH DMRS), used as a reference signal for decoding the PBCH; and payload data used to transmit the Master Information Block (MIB).

[0132] The MIB may include information about the reference subcarrier spacing, control channels for the SIB PDSCH, DMRS location, etc. SIB1 may carry all the basic information required for the UE to perform the initial attachment procedure (at least up to the RRC setup request during RRC connection establishment). SIB1 may also carry scheduling information for other SIBs.

[0133] In NR (also known as 5G), System Information (SI) comprises the Master Information Block (MIB) and multiple numbered System Information Blocks (SIBs). The first SIB is called System Information Block One, or SIB1. "System Information Block One" or "SIB1" are terms familiar to those skilled in the art. This SIB1 can also be referred to as the "First System Information Block". The MIB and SIB1 together constitute the "Minimum SI". SIB1 can also be referred to as the Remaining Minimum SI, or RMSI. All other SIBs not included in the Minimum SI are collectively referred to as the "Other SIs". The Minimum SI carries the basic information required for initial access and acquisition of any other SIs. In order for the UE to camp on a cell, it must first receive the contents of the Minimum SI from that cell and decode it. The UE's SI requirements are further defined in Clause 5.2.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331.

[0134] As can be seen from the above, independent of the other capabilities of all NR UEs, the reception of MIB and SIB1 is necessary for all NR UEs, and in fact, SIB1 includes information about the scheduling of other SIBs and other necessary information.

[0135] Other SIs include all SIBs not broadcast in the minimum SI. The UE does not need to receive these SIBs before accessing the cell. In some examples, the SIBs forming other SIs can be broadcast and scheduled periodically. SIB1 can indicate which are available and provide scheduling information. In other examples, the SIBs constituting other SIs can also be called on-demand SIs because the gNB transmits / broadcasts these SIBs when explicitly requested by (or notified by) one or more UEs. SIB1 can provide RACH configuration, allowing the UE to request specific SIBs. By transmitting SIBs only when requested, network energy performance can be improved, and signaling overhead in the cell can be reduced. When no UE is connected to the cell, the network may not need to transmit any of the SIBs in other SIs.

[0136] Using the method disclosed in this application, the base station can also avoid transmitting SIB1 when it is not needed. This can further improve network energy performance and reduce signaling overhead in the cell.

[0137] System information is further described in Clause 5.2.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331. As specified in Clause 13 of 3GPP TS 38.213, SIB1 is transmitted on the DL-SCH with a period of 160 ms and a variable transmission repetition period within 160 ms. The default transmission repetition period for SIB1 is 20 ms. However, the actual transmission repetition period can be determined by the network implementation. For SSB and CORESET multiplexing mode 1, the SIB1 repetition period is 20 ms.

[0138] In some examples, the maximum size of SIB1 is approximately 3000 bits.

[0139] As mentioned above, SIB1 is a necessary SIB within the NR system. SIB1 must be received and decoded by the UE before the cell can be declared appropriate. However, the periodic broadcasting of SIB1 significantly increases the base station's power consumption. This is at least because SIB1 is transmitted (periodically) on the BCCH (Broadcast Channel) logical channel mapped to the PDSCH.

[0140] During discussions of 3GPP Release 19, several proposals emerged regarding how to utilize other frequencies to obtain SIB1. Two possible options are described below.

[0141] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the first option, where SIB1 for cell 1 can be transmitted from cell 2. In this manner, once the cell reference signal can be measured and the MIB from cell 1 is received, the UE will be able to access cell 1. SIB1 for cell 1 can be transmitted to cell 2 via the X2 / Xn interface.

[0142] Figure 2 The second option is illustrated, in which a UE within the coverage area of ​​cell 2 can request cell 2 to trigger the transmission of SIB1 from cell 1. The request to trigger the transmission of SIB1 from cell 2 to cell 1 can be sent from cell 2 to cell 1 via the X2 / Xn interface.

[0143] Figure 1 and 2 The illustration shows an example where the base stations corresponding to cell 1 and cell 2 are not located in the same area. However, the same procedures can be applied when the base stations are located in the same area. For example, cell 1 can be used for a higher frequency band (capacity layer), and cell 2 can be used for a lower frequency band (coverage layer).

[0144] In cases where there are overlapping cell coverage areas, Figure 1 and 2 The solution illustrated in the diagram is appropriate. However, if there is no overlapping coverage, the UE cannot use any of these methods to request SIB1 from the system. Figure 3 The diagram illustrates an alternative solution that is suitable even when the UE is not within the coverage area of ​​any other cell. (Example:) Figure 3 As shown, the UE directly requests SIB1 from cell 1.

[0145] Normally, a UE cannot send a request to cell 1 without first acquiring cell 1's SIB. However, this disclosure provides a way for the UE to send a request to cell 1 even if cell 1 is not currently broadcasting SIB1. One goal of this solution is to introduce a mechanism that will allow single-carrier on-demand SIB operation.

[0146] As defined in 3GPP TS 38.331, the UE receives the MIB and decodes many parameters from the MIB, including the pdcch-configSIB IE.

[0147] pdcch-ConfigSIB1 defines the ControlResourceSet (CORESET), common search space, and necessary PDCCH parameters for Internet Explorer.

[0148] If the ssb-SubcarrierOffset field indicates that SIB1 does not exist, then the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 field indicates that the UE can find the frequency location of the SS / PBCH block with SIB1 or the network does not provide the frequency range of the SS / PBCH block with SIB1.

[0149] Therefore, the ssb-SubcarrierOffset IE can be used to indicate that SIB1 does not exist. However, according to prior art UE and network behavior as defined in Clause 5.2.2.3.1 of 3GPP TS 38.331, if no information is provided regarding where the UE can find an SS / PBCH block with SIB1, the UE will need to take action according to Clause 5.2.2.5 of 3GPP TS 38.331 and disable the cell. Similarly, if the UE cannot obtain SIB1, the UE will consider the cell disabled according to 3GPP TS 38.304 (which is incorporated herein by reference).

[0150] Disable SIB1 Compared to existing methods, this disclosure provides a method that allows a cell to stop broadcasting SIB1 even when there is no prior knowledge of overlapping cells in the area under consideration. In other words, the cell can disable SIB1 broadcasting, even if this leaves coverage holes.

[0151] Before disabling SIB1 broadcasting, the cell should notify UEs in the coverage area that the cell will stop broadcasting SIB1 and give UEs the opportunity to request that SIB1 broadcasting continue. The UE may request the gNB not to disable SIB1 broadcasting, as doing so could result in a loss of UE coverage.

[0152] It might seem undesirable for network operators to potentially create coverage holes. However, if there are no UEs in the coverage area, this can help disable the cell's SIB1. This is at least because disabling SIB1 reduces the base station's power consumption, and SIB1 can be reactivated when the cell is needed again. One example where this solution could be beneficial is indoor coverage, where cells are set up to serve UEs of employees in office buildings. People may leave the office building at night and return in the morning. At night, coverage inside the office building is not needed, even if the coverage provided by outdoor antennas may not be present in all indoor locations.

[0153] In the first step, a base station intending to stop broadcasting SIB1 should notify the UEs within its coverage area that SIB1 broadcasting has been scheduled to be disabled. This indication can be provided to the UE via dedicated bits / information in SIB1 or by other means (such as using information within the MIB). In one example, the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 IE in the MIB can be configured to provide this indication to the UE. In another example, spare bits in the MIB can be used as an indication.

[0154] As described above, an instruction from a base station (e.g., nodeB) to stop broadcasting SIB1 can be provided via MIB or SIB1.

[0155] An indication that SIB1 broadcast is about to stop can be implicitly provided through a combination of parameters in the MIB. In one example, the indication of intention to stop can be indicated through a combination of pdcch-ConfigSIB1 and ssb-SubcarrierOffset 1E. In another example, the indication can be provided through spare bits in the MIB. The MIB cannot be further extended. Therefore, using spare bits may cause problems in the future. Therefore, it is preferable to provide the indication through pre-existing parameters in the MIB.

[0156] In the second step, if a UE is present within the coverage area (e.g., one or more UEs in RCC idle or inactive mode are still monitoring the base station) and this indication is received, the UE should notify the base station of its presence. In one example, the UE can use the resources within SIB1 provided for other SI requests to indicate to the base station that the UE still needs SIB1. Other ways the UE can indicate to the base station that it needs SIB1 also exist. In another example, the UE can use pre-configured resources (as explained in more detail in the third step of the method for reactivating SIB1) to send a RACH preamble to the base station. In some examples, by requesting an SIB from the base station using the SI-Request_Config IE, the UE will indicate that it still needs SIB1.

[0157] In other words, a compatible UE can detect the indication and use the resources configured in SIB1 to notify the base station of its presence in the cell.

[0158] The base station will broadcast this indication for a certain period of time and wait for a response from any UE in the coverage area. If the base station receives a RACH preamble from a UE during this period, it will interpret the received RACH preamble as a response to the presence of a UE in the cell. Therefore, the base station will stop broadcasting the indication that SIB1 broadcasting is scheduled to be disabled. Alternatively, the base station will decide not to disable SIB1 and will continue to broadcast SIB1.

[0159] In other words, if the base station notices the presence of a UE camped on the cell, it will decide to continue broadcasting SIB1 and withdraw the above instruction.

[0160] Otherwise, if the base station does not receive any indication from the UE during the predetermined time period, the base station may disable SIB1 broadcast.

[0161] Incompatible devices camped on the cell may not be able to interpret the instructions broadcast by the base station. During the predetermined time period, such UEs may therefore not respond. Consequently, the base station will disable SIB1 broadcasting. Once SIB1 is no longer broadcast, the UE will disable the cell.

[0162] Reactivate SIB1 If the base station is not broadcasting SIB1 and the UE is within the cell's coverage area, the UE may need to request the cell to reactivate the broadcast of SIB1. This can happen if the UE enters the cell's coverage area (and leaves the coverage area of ​​the previous serving cell) or if the broadcast is enabled within the cell's coverage area. In either case, the UE will attempt to select (reselect) the cell. This could be due to someone returning to the office in the previous example.

[0163] In the first step, the UE determines (e.g., from the MIB) that SIB1 is not broadcast by the cell. To enable the UE to determine that SIB1 broadcasting is disabled, the spare bit of the MIB broadcast by the base station can be used to indicate to the base station that SIB1 is disabled. Alternatively, the ssb-SubcarrierOffset IE can be set to indicate that no SIB1 is broadcast (in a manner similar to how SIB1 is determined to be absent during carrier aggregation) by reporting a “noSIB1” indication as specified in Clause 6.3.2 of 3GPP TS 38.331.

[0164] If the subcarrier offset value k SSB If the subcarrier offset (determined from ssb-SubcarrierOffset IE) is greater than 23 (for FR1), then according to existing technology behavior, an idle UE will disable the cell. However, a UE supporting the features and methods described herein can interpret this subcarrier offset value as meaning that SIB1 is currently disabled and can be reactivated. Therefore, instead of immediately disabling the cell, the UE can use the proposed method to reactivate SIB1 broadcast.

[0165] In the second step, the UE can identify the search space that it will need to monitor once SIB1 is broadcast. The search space can be determined from the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 IE.

[0166] Even when SIB1 is not broadcast, the MIB broadcast by the space station can still be searched within pdcch-ConfigSIB1. In the prior art, the UE interprets the search space defined in pdcch-ConfigSIB1 as a search space where SIB1 is not broadcast. A UE supporting the features and methods described herein interprets the search space defined in pdcch-ConfigSIB1 as a search space where SIB1 is currently not broadcast, but will be broadcast once SIB1 is enabled. In this way, the UE can obtain the search space in advance even while SIB1 is still disabled.

[0167] Alternatively, once SIB1 is broadcast, the base station can update the MIB. The updated MIB will include updated parameters (such as subcarrier offset and / or spare bits) to indicate that SIB1 has been broadcast. At this time, the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 IE can also be updated to identify the search space. The UE can determine the search space from the pdcch-ConfigSIB1 IE in the updated MIB.

[0168] In the third step, the UE determines a valid configuration (e.g., RACH configuration) for sending messages to the base station. Once this valid configuration has been determined, the UE can use it to request the base station to activate SIB1 broadcasting (without disabling the cell).

[0169] As with existing technologies, this effective configuration can be defined by the SI-RequestConfig IE. This configuration may be required to establish uplink synchronization. Therefore, without this configuration, the UE may be unable to send a request to the base station (and thus, cannot request this configuration from the base station).

[0170] In existing methods, the UE obtains the RACH configuration from SIB1. Therefore, when SIB1 is not broadcast, the UE must obtain the configuration in another way.

[0171] This effective configuration can be a basic version of a configuration sufficient to transmit a RACH preamble on a PRACH channel. This configuration can be standardized in many ways, as will be described below.

[0172] In one option, this configuration can be provided to the UE in advance (e.g., via OTT, during manufacturing, or otherwise). This configuration will also indicate the frequency it will apply (this information is not currently provided). The configuration for reactivating SIB1 broadcasting can be standardized on all cells with this option, allowing the UE to use the predetermined configuration for this purpose.

[0173] In another option, this configuration can be selected from a number of predefined configurations. This configuration can be selected based on information provided to the UE during the attachment procedure.

[0174] In another option, before the UE is within the coverage area of ​​cell A (the cell to which this configuration applies), the configuration (used to send messages to a cell that is not currently broadcasting SIB1, i.e., "cell A") may be provided to the UE by another cell ("cell B"). The UE may store this configuration in association with the identifier of cell A. When the UE determines that SIB1 is disabled for cell A, it may retrieve the previously stored configuration corresponding to cell A and use the stored configuration to send a request to the base station associated with cell A without disabling that cell. Since the proposed method is suitable for situations where there is no overlapping coverage, this configuration must be obtained and stored by the UE in advance (as per the identifier of cell B). Figure 1 The example shown in the diagram is different; in this example, the UE benefits from overlapping coverage and obtains SIB1 from the alternative cell.

[0175] The proposed method can be used when overlapping coverage areas exist. However, the purpose of the proposed method is to eliminate this requirement, and the method should therefore function correctly even when overlapping coverage areas do not exist.

[0176] When a UE is connected to cell B, cell B may indicate to the UE that if the UE detects a specific cell (cell A) and SIB1 is not being broadcast, the configuration provided by cell B may be used to request cell A to reactivate the broadcast of SIB1.

[0177] In some examples, the base stations associated with cell A and cell B may be located at the same location. In some examples, cell A and cell B may operate on different frequency bands (e.g., cell A may operate at 700 MHz, while cell B may operate at 3.5 GHz).

[0178] In the fourth step, the UE requests SIB1 broadcast by the system. Using the SI-RequestConfig information element, the UE can send this request to the base station.

[0179] Incompatible UEs will determine that SIB1 has not been broadcast and will disable the cell. There is no mechanism for these UEs to reactivate SIB1.

[0180] Once SIB1 broadcasting is reactivated, the MIB can be modified to provide some parameters for receiving and decoding SIB1.

[0181] From 3GPP technical standard release version 19, all the information required to receive and decode SIB1 can be provided in the MIB.

[0182] As discussed earlier, older UEs that cannot read SIB1 will declare that cell as disabled. These UEs will continue to search for cells on the same frequency or on other frequencies. For non-critical base stations that provide coverage (e.g., in office buildings), SIB1 can therefore be selectively disabled.

[0183] In future iterations of the standard (e.g., 6G), the proposed methods may be mandated. Therefore, it may rely on each UE being able to request SIB1 reactivation. In this case, selective deactivation of SIB1 can be more widely applied to base stations, as SIB reactivation can be reliably requested when needed. These methods can therefore be used on many base stations to provide network power savings without compromising network coverage.

[0184] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling a base station to disable or continue broadcasting System Information Block 1 (SIB1) in a telecommunications network. The method includes: In step 401: The broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled as a disabled indication; In step 402: a) Receives an instruction from the User Equipment (UE) that the UE needs to broadcast SIB1; or b) Determine that no instruction requiring SIB1 was received from the UE during the predetermined time period; In step 403: Control the base station to continue broadcasting SIB1; and In step 404: Control the base station to disable broadcasting of SIB1.

[0185] Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling the broadcast of a base station activating System Information Block (SIB1) in a telecommunications network. The method includes: In step 501: The user equipment (UE) receives an indication that the UE needs to broadcast SIB1; and Step 502: Control the base station to activate the broadcast of SIB1.

[0186] Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for a user equipment (UE) to communicate with a base station in a telecommunications network to prevent the base station from disabling the broadcast of System Information Block 1 (SIB1). The method includes: In step 601: An indication is received that the broadcast of SIB1 has been scheduled to be disabled; and In step 602: Send an indication to the base station that the UE needs to broadcast SIB1.

[0187] Figure 7The diagram illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary method for a user equipment (UE) to communicate with a base station in a telecommunications network to enable the base station to activate the broadcast of System Information Block 1 (SIB1). The method includes: In step 701: it is determined that broadcasting of SIB1 is disabled; and In step 702: Send an indication to the base station that the UE needs to broadcast SIB1.

[0188] Any of the methods described herein can be implemented as a computer program. This computer program can be configured to control RAN entities (e.g., network nodes) and / or UEs to perform any of the methods disclosed herein. RAN entities (e.g., network nodes) and / or UEs of a cellular network can also be provided and configured to operate according to some of the methods disclosed herein. For example, an RAN entity may include a processor and at least one communication interface, particularly including one or both of a transmitter and a receiver. A UE can also be provided and configured to operate according to some of the methods disclosed herein. A UE may similarly include a processor and at least one communication interface, particularly including one or both of a transmitter and a receiver.

[0189] While specific embodiments have now been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and variations are possible. For example, although this disclosure has been described in conjunction with existing network architectures, it will be understood that variations in architecture (and / or nomenclature) are possible, but this disclosure may still be applicable in such cases. Furthermore, any combination of specific features shown with reference to one or more embodiments is provided, even if such combination is not explicitly detailed herein.

[0190] A base station (BS) typically refers to a fixed station that communicates with a UE and / or another BS and exchanges various data and control information with the UE and another BS. Depending on the protocol, standard, context, or technology, a BS may be referred to as an Advanced Base Station (ABS), Base Transceiver Station (BTS), Radio Base Station, Radio Transceiver, Transceiver Function, Basic Service Set (BSS), Extended Service Set (ESS), Access Point (AP), Node B (NB), eNode B (eNB), gNode B (gNB), Transmit and Receive Point (TRP), Processing Server (PS), or some other suitable term. In some examples, a base station may include two or more transceivers, which may be located in the same location or may not be located in the same location. Each transceiver may communicate on the same or different carrier frequencies within the same or different frequency bands.

[0191] In cases where this application refers to a server or network entity, for example, for redundancy, this may actually be a pair of server or network entities (primary and failover).

[0192] In this invention, a node refers to a fixed point capable of transmitting / receiving radio signals through communication with a UE. Various types of base stations (such as those described above) can be used as nodes, regardless of the terminology used. In other examples, a node can be a repeater, a transponder, etc.

[0193] In this invention, the UE can be a fixed or mobile device. Examples of UEs include various devices that transmit user data and / or various control information to a base station and receive user data and / or various control information from a base station. The UE may be referred to as a terminal equipment (TE), mobile station (MS), mobile terminal (MT), user terminal (UT), subscriber station (SS), wireless device, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless modem, handheld device, etc.

[0194] Although the above methods are described in conjunction with 5G / NR networks, these methods, technologies, devices, and systems can be applied to a variety of radio multiple access systems. Examples of multiple access systems include CDMA, FDMA, TDMA, OFDMA, SC-FDMA, and MC-FDMA. CDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as UTRA or CDMA2000. TDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as GSM, GPRS, or EDGE. OFDMA can be implemented using radio technologies such as IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX), IEEE 802.20, or E-UTRA. UTRA is part of UMTS. 3GPP LTE is part of E-UMTS using E-UTRA. 3GPP LTE uses OFDMA in the downlink and SC-FDMA in the UL. LTE-A is an evolution of 3GPP LTE. 3GPP NR uses OFDMA for both downlink and uplink and can operate in both FDD and TDD modes. For ease of description, it is assumed that this invention is applied to 3GPP NR. However, the technical features of this invention are not limited thereto. For example, although the following detailed description is based on a mobile communication system corresponding to the 3GPP NR system, aspects of this invention, which are not specific to 3GPP NR, are applicable to other mobile communication systems. Furthermore, the technical features of this invention can be applied to future iterations of multiple access systems defined in the 3GPP standard, such as (but not limited to) 6G.

[0195] In this disclosure, a cell refers to a geographical area, and one or more nodes provide communication services for that geographical area. Therefore, in this disclosure, communicating with a specific cell can mean communicating with a gNB or node that provides communication services for that specific cell. Additionally, the channel condition / quality of a specific cell refers to the channel condition / quality of the channel or communication link formed between the gNB or node providing communication services for that specific cell and the UE. Using one or more Cell-Specific Reference Signals (CRS) transmitted on CRS resources allocated to that specific node by one or more antenna ports of that specific node and / or one or more Channel State Information Reference Signals (CSI-RS) transmitted on CSI-RS resources, the UE can measure the DL channel condition received from that specific node. Meanwhile, the 3GPP system uses the concept of a cell to manage radio resources, and the cell associated with a radio resource is distinct from the cell of a geographical area.

[0196] The examples described can be performed on any suitable data processing device, such as a personal computer, laptop computer, mobile phone, server, virtual machine, etc. The above description of the systems and methods has been simplified for discussion purposes and is intended to provide specific examples to illustrate the invention. Different types of systems and methods may be used, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. It will be understood that the boundaries between logic blocks are merely illustrative, and alternative embodiments may combine logic blocks or elements, or may impose alternative decompositions of functionality on various logic blocks or elements.

[0197] It will be understood that the above-described functions can be implemented as one or more corresponding modules in hardware and / or software. For example, the above-described functions can be implemented as one or more software components for execution by the system's processor. Alternatively, such as on one or more FPGAs and / or one or more ASICs and / or one or more DSPs and / or other hardware devices, the above-described functions can be implemented as hardware. The flowcharts included herein or the method steps described above can all be implemented by their respective modules. Furthermore, the flowcharts included herein or the multiple method steps described above can be implemented together by a single module.

[0198] The example may be implemented by computer software or a "computer program". A storage medium and a transmission medium carrying the computer program are also provided. The computer program may include one or more instructions or code that, when executed by a computer, cause the described methods to be performed. The computer program may be a sequence of instructions designed to execute on a computer system and may include subroutines, functions, procedures, modules, object methods, object implementations, executable applications, applets, service programs, source code, object code, shared libraries, dynamic link libraries, and / or other sequences of instructions designed to execute on a computer system. The storage medium may be a disk (such as a hard disk drive or floppy disk), an optical disk (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or Blu-ray disc), or a memory (such as ROM, RAM, EEPROM, EPROM, flash memory, or portable / removable memory devices). The transmission medium may be a communication signal, data broadcast, a communication link between two or more computers, etc.

[0199] Unless otherwise stated, each feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by an alternative feature serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example of an equivalent or similar feature in a general series.

[0200] As used herein (including in the claims), unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular form of a term herein should be interpreted to include the plural form, and vice versa. For example, unless the context indicates otherwise, the singular reference herein (including in the claims), such as "a" (e.g., a UE, a node, a network entity, a RAN entity, or a cell), means "one or more" (e.g., one or more UEs, one or more nodes, one or more network entities, one or more RAN entities, or one or more cells). Throughout the description and claims of this disclosure, the words "comprising," "including," and "having," and variations thereof, mean "comprising" and are not intended to exclude other components (and do not exclude other components).

[0201] Unless otherwise claimed, the use of any and all examples or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” etc.) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and not to indicate any limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as necessary for implementation of the invention.

[0202] Unless otherwise specified or the context requires, any steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously. Furthermore, the fact that one step is described as being performed after another does not preclude the performance of an intermediary step.

[0203] All aspects and / or features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, unless at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive in that combination. As described herein, specific combinations of aspects may exist that have additional benefits (such as determining a set of compensation parameters and applying that set of compensation parameters to the aspects being measured). In particular, preferred features of the invention apply to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination. Similarly, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

[0204] A method is also provided for manufacturing and / or operating any of the devices disclosed herein. The method may include the steps of: providing each of the disclosed features, and / or configuring or using the respective feature for its stated function.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a base station to disable or continue broadcasting System Information Block (SIB1) in a telecommunications network, the method comprising: The broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled; a) Receive an instruction from the User Equipment (UE) that the UE requires a broadcast of SIB1; and Control the base station to continue broadcasting SIB1; or b) Determine that no indication was received from the UE requiring the SIB1 broadcast during the predetermined time period; and Control the base station to disable the broadcast of SIB1.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the indication that broadcasting of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled includes parameters in the main information block (MIB) and / or parameters in SIB1.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled is provided by one or more of the following: Subcarrier offset k ssb ; Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0; The pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in the MIB; The spare bit in the MIB; and One or more other parameters in the MIB.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: The broadcast mentioned SIB1, The indication that broadcasting of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled is provided by parameters in SIB1.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the broadcast of SIB1 is a periodic broadcast of SIB1.

6. A method for a user equipment (UE) to communicate with a base station in a telecommunications network to prevent the base station from disabling the broadcast of System Information Block - SIB1, the method comprising: The broadcast received by SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled; and Send an indication to the base station that the UE needs the broadcast of SIB1.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the indication that the UE requires the broadcast of SIB1 includes a random access preamble.

8. The method of claim 6 or claim 7, further comprising: Receive the SIB1 and decode the SIB1. The SIB1 includes a configuration for sending the indication to the base station, wherein the UE requires the broadcast indication of the SIB1 to be sent using a configuration decoded from the SIB1.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the configuration includes a random access channel (RACH) configuration.

10. The method of any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the indication that the UE needs the broadcast of the SIB1 includes a request for a system information block.

11. The method of any one of claims 10, wherein the request for the system information block includes the SI-RequestConfig information element.

12. The method of any one of claims 6 to 11, further comprising: Receive the Master Information Block (MIB) from the base station and decode it. The MIB includes an indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled.

13. The method of any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the indication that the broadcast of SIB1 is scheduled to be disabled is provided by one or more of the following: Subcarrier offset k ssb , is defined by one or more of the following: The ssb-SubcarrierOffset information element in the MIB; One or more additional data bits provided in the Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) payload; Subcarrier spacing; Searchspace0; Control resource set CORESET0; The pdcch-ConfigSIB1 information element in the MIB; The spare bit in the MIB; and One or more other parameters in the MIB.

14. The method of any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the broadcast of SIB1 is a periodic broadcast of SIB1.

15. A base station configured to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

16. A UE configured to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 14.

17. A computer program comprising instructions that, when executed on a processor, cause the processor to perform the method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14.

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