Methods and apparatus relating to cell discontinuous transmission and cell discontinuous reception

Abstract

There is provided a method performed by a user equipment (UE) The method comprises: receiving (102), from a network node, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and receiving (104) an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.

Description

METHODS AND APPARATUS RELATING TO CELL DISCONTINUOUSTRANSMISSION AND CELL DISCONTINUOUS RECEPTIONTechnical Field[1] This disclosure relates to network (NW) power consumption, and in particular relates to discontinuous reception (DRX) and discontinuous transmission (DTX) for a network node.Background[2] Energy consumption is a considerable challenge of 5G systems today where a major contributor to the energy consumption is the radio unit of a Radio Access Network (RAN) system. The NW power consumption for new radio (NR) is said to be less compared to Long Term Evolution (LTE) because of its lean design, i.e., no Cell-specific Reference Signals (CRS) and the Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) periodicity is by default 20 ms. However, NR in the current implementation might consume more energy compared to LTE, partly due to higher bandwidths (BWs), shorter Transmission Time Intervals (TTIs) and massive number of antennas. This is still evident even at times when cells and beams are lightly loaded or serve no traffic or no users at all. In order to enable an energy efficient NW, 3 GPP initiated a Rel-18 study item (SI) on NW energy savings in NR, which was concluded with the outcome captured in TR 38.864 vl8.0.0 “Study on network energy savings for NR”. Following the SI phase, a new work item (WI) on NW energy savings in NR was approved at RAN 98: 3GPP submission RP -223540 “New WID: Network energy savings for NR”, and the following objectives were specified:1. Specify SSB-less SCell operation for inter-band CA for FR1 and co-located cells, if found feasible by RAN4 study, where a UE measures SSB transmitted on PCell or another SCell for an SCell’ s time / frequency synchronization (including downlink AGC), and L1 / L3 measurements, including potential enhancement on SCell activation procedures if necessary [RAN4, RAN2],2. Specify enhancement on cell DTX / DRX mechanism including the alignment of cell DTX / DRX and UE DRX in RRC CONNECTED mode, and inter-node information exchange on cell DTX / DRX [RAN2, RANI, RAN3],• Note: No change for SSB transmission due to cell DTX / DRX.Note: The impact to IDLE / INACTIVE UEs due to the above enhancement should be avoided.3. Specify the following techniques in spatial and power domains:• Specify necessary enhancements on CSI and beam management related procedures including measurement and report, and signalling to enable efficient adaptation of spatial elements (e.g. antenna ports, active transceiver chains) [RANI, RAN2],• Specify necessary enhancements on CSI related procedures including measurement and report, and signalling to enable efficient adaptation of power offset values between PDSCH and CSI-RS [RANI, RAN2]• Note: Above objectives are only for UE specific channel s / signals.• Note: Legacy UE CSI / CSLRS capabilities applies when considering total number of CSI reports and requirements.4. Specify mechanism(s) to prevent legacy UEs camping on cells adopting the Rel-18 NES techniques, if necessary [RAN2],5. Specify CHO procedure enhancement(s) in case source / target cell is in NES mode [RAN2],6. Specify inter-node beam activation and enhancements on restricting paging in a limited area [RAN3],7. Specify the corresponding RRM / RF core requirements, if necessary, for the above features [RAN4],[3] This disclosure aims to address the second objective, which was also studied in Rel-18 SI on network energy savings as one of the time domain techniques for achieving energy savings at the network side.[4] UE discontinuous reception (UE DRX) - NR, similar to LTE, includes mechanisms for discontinuous reception (DRX) for the UEs in order to reduce UE power consumption. DRX may be used both in RRC connected mode (C-DRX) and RRC Idle / Inactive (DRX) and serves as a common agreement between the UE and the NW that upon any downlink (DL) traffic, the NW will only try to contact the UE during the on-time of the DRX pattern. Based on a configured DRX cycle, the UE then only needs to monitor the DL channels according to the agreement and sleep otherwise. When it comes to uplink (UL) traffic, theUE may initiate connection regardless of the DRX configuration, i.e., the gNB has to be prepared to receive UL at any time.[5] Cell discontinuous transmission / reception (Cell DTX / DRX) - Similar to the UE DRX used to minimize UE power consumption, one can consider introducing discontinuous transmission (DTX) and discontinuous reception (DRX) at the NW side for the purpose of network energy savings on downlink (DL) and uplink (UL), respectively. The basic idea of the Cell DTX is to introduce sleeping occasions during which the serving cell can go to a sleep state on DL (i.e., sleeping occasions during which the cell reduces or completely stops all transmissions). Similarly, the basic idea of the Cell DRX is to introduce sleeping occasions during which the serving cell can go to a sleep state on UL (i.e., sleeping occasions during which the cell reduces or completely stops all receptions).Summary[6] There currently exist certain challenge(s). In TR 38.864 [1], it was captured that cell DTX / DRX can be configured per serving cell via RRC signalling, and different ways of activating / deactivating Cell DTX / DRX were specified as possible:[7] “A periodic Cell DTX / DRX (i.e., active and non-active periods) can be configured by gNB via UE-specific RRC signalling per serving cell.”[8] “The Cell DTX / DRX mode can be activated / de-activated via dynamic L1 / L2 signalling and UE-specific RRC signalling.”[9] Assuming that the activation and deactivation of Cell DTX and Cell DRX can be done using different types of signalling (e.g., via RRC and L1 / L2 signalling as captured in TR 38.864), the UE behavior upon receiving Cell DTX / DRX RRC configuration is undefined (i.e., the UE does not know whether it should fully rely on the received Cell DTX / DRX RRC configuration when deducing the moment from which the NW will start applying Cell DTX / DRX or whether it should wait for the reception of a lower layer signal, e.g., dynamic L1 / L2 signal, that will indicate the moment from which the NW will start applying Cell DTX / DRX.

[0010] Certain aspects of the disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. This disclosure describes methods that will enable the UE to understand whether it should fully rely on the received Cell DTX / DRX RRC configuration when deducing the moment from which the NW will start applying Cell DTX / DRX orwhether it should wait for the reception of a dynamic L1 / L2 signal that will indicate the moment from which the NW will start applying Cell DTX / DRX.

[0011] Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technical advantage(s). The methods described in this disclosure will enable Cell DTX and Cell DRX activation at the UE side using different types of signalling, which would allow for a flexible implementation of the feature.

[0012] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment (UE). The method comprises: receiving, from a network node, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and receiving an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.

[0013] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method performed by a network node. The method comprising: sending, to a UE, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and sending, to the UE, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.

[0014] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method performed by a centralised node of a network. The method comprises: sending, to a distributed node of the network, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the centralised node; and sending, to the distributed node, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by distributed node.

[0015] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method performed by a distributed node of a network. The method comprising: receiving, from a centralised node of the network, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the centralized node; and receiving, from the centralised node, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the distributed node.

[0016] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform the method according to the first, second, third or fourth aspects, or any embodiments thereof.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a UE configured to perform the method according to the first aspect or any embodiments thereof.

[0018] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a UE comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said UE is operative to perform the method according to the first aspect or any embodiments thereof.

[0019] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a network node (e.g. a gNB, a centralized node or a distributed node) configured to perform the method according to the second, third or fourth aspects, or any embodiments thereof.

[0020] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided a network node (e.g. a gNB, a centralized node or a distributed node) comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said network node is operative to perform the method according to the second, third or fourth aspects, or any embodiments thereof.

[0021] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] For a better understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure, and to show how it may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a UE in accordance with some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a network node in accordance with some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 3 is a first example showing signalling between gNB-CU and gNB-DU;

[0026] Figure 4 is a second example showing signalling between gNB-CU and gNB-DU;

[0027] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a centralised node of a network in accordance with some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method performed by a distributed node of a network in accordance with some embodiments;

[0029] Figure 7 shows an example of a communication system in accordance with some embodiments;

[0030] Figure 8 shows a UE in accordance with some embodiments;

[0031] Figure 9 shows a network node in accordance with some embodiments; and

[0032] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized.Detailed Description

[0033] Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Embodiments are provided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter to those skilled in the art.

[0034] Figure 1 depicts a method in accordance with particular embodiments. The method may be performed by a UE or wireless device (e.g. the UE 712 or UE 800 as described later with reference to Figures 7 and 8 respectively). The method begins at step 102 with receiving, from a network node, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node. At step 104, the method includes receiving an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.

[0035] The indication may comprise a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. The parameter may, for example, comprise a start slot / offset parameter and / or start slot / offset parameter (e.g., a parameter indicative of the signalling type to be used in the activation of the DRX / DTX configuration.

[0036] In some examples, activating the DRX / DTX configuration may comprise activating a DRX or DTX state.

[0037] The indication received in step 104 can comprise a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. The UE may, based on this parameter, determine a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

[0038] Step 102 can comprise receiving the configuration(s) in RRC signalling. The indication may be received in step 104 via Layer 1 (LI) or Layer 2 (L2) signalling, via RRC signalling, and / or via a signal from the network node. The indication may be comprised in at least one of a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), and downlink control information (DCI).

[0039] The indication received in step 104 may indicate that the UE is to wait for a further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configurationfor the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. In this case, the method by the UE can comprise receiving the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. The further indication may be received via LI or L2 signalling, and / or via a signal from the network node. The further indication may comprise at least one of a MAC CE, and DCI. The indication received in step 104 may comprise an indication of a type of signalling to be used for the further indication.

[0040] The indication received in step 104 can comprise a one-bit field indicating whether or not the DRX configuration or the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated. Alternatively, the indication received in step 104 can comprise a two-bit field indicating whether or not each of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.

[0041] The method may further comprise the UE receiving a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration. In this case, the indication received in step 104 comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.

[0042] In some embodiments, step 102 comprises receiving a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations, and the indication received in step 104 comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.

[0043] The indication received in step 104 may comprise an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.

[0044] In a particular embodiment, the indication received in step 104 configures an initial state of the DRX configuration and / or DTX configuration as activated or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication can be received in RRC signalling.

[0045] In another particular embodiment, the indication received in step 104 indicates that the UE is to wait for a further indication via LI signalling that indicates that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication received in step 104 can be sent in RRC signalling.

[0046] Figure 2 depicts a method in accordance with particular embodiments. The method may be performed by a network node (e.g. the network node 710 or network node 900 asdescribed later with reference to Figures 7 and 9 respectively). The method begins at step 202 with sending, to a user equipment, UE, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node. The method includes, at step 204, sending, to the UE, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.

[0047] The indication sent in step 204 can comprise a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. The UE may, based on this parameter, determine a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

[0048] Step 102 can comprise sending the configuration(s) in RRC signalling. The indication may be sent in step 204 via LI or L2 signalling, or via RRC signalling. The indication may be comprised in at least one of a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE), and downlink control information (DCI).

[0049] The indication sent in step 204 may indicate that the UE is to wait for a further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. In this case, the method by the network node can comprise sending the further indication to the UE indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. The further indication may be sent via LI or L2 signalling, and / or via a signal from the network node. The further indication may comprise at least one of a MAC CE and DCI. The indication sent in step 204 may comprise an indication of a type of signalling to be used for the further indication.

[0050] The indication sent in step 204 can comprise a one-bit field indicating whether or not the DRX configuration or the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated. Alternatively, the indication sent in step 204 can comprise a two-bit field indicating whether or not each of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.

[0051] The method by the network node may further comprise the network node sending a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration to the UE. The indication sent in step 204 comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.

[0052] In some embodiments, the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration sent in step 202 can comprise sending a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to the UE. In this case the indication sent is step 204 can comprise an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.

[0053] The indication sent in step 204 can comprise an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.

[0054] In a particular embodiment, the indication sent in step 204 configures an initial state of the DRX configuration and / or DTX configuration as activated or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication can be sent in RRC signalling.

[0055] In another particular embodiment, the indication sent in step 204 indicates that the UE is to wait for a further indication via LI signalling that indicates that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication sent in step 204 can be sent in RRC signalling.

[0056] The following discussion relates to possible examples relating to the UE.

[0057] A. The UE can be provided with Cell DTX RRC configuration that contains start slot / offset parameter:

[0058] In a first example of A above, if the start slot / offset parameter is not present in the provided Cell DTX RRC configuration, the UE can store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DTX will be activated by the NW at some point in future, e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0059] In a second example of A above, the start slot / offset parameter can be set to a default value in the provided RRC configuration for Cell DTX that will specify that the UE can store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DTX will be activated by the NW at some point in future, e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0060] In a third example of A above, if the value for the start slot / offset parameter is provided in RRC configuration for Cell DTX and it is different from the default value that indicates the later Cell DTX activation, e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain (c.f., case b above), the UE can use start slot / offset parameter to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DTX and can assume that dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 based signalling) and a subsequent RRC message contain are not used for the initial activation of Cell DTX. Other types of signalling, e.g., lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling can be, however, used to deactivate and subsequently activate Cell DTX occasions, if configured by the NW.

[0061] B. The UE can be provided with Cell DTX RRC configuration that contains an activation type parameter that explicitly indicates whether the Cell DTX activation is using e.g., dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0062] In a first example of B above, the activation type parameter can be set to a value that indicates that the UE can store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DTX will be activated by the NW at some point in future e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0063] In a second example of B above, the activation type parameter can be set to a value that indicates that the UE can store the provided configuration and further the initial state of the Cell DTX can be configured (whether it is initially upon reception of the current RRC configuration in an activated or deactivated state) and further assume that the state of Cell DTX will be controlled (activated / deactivated) by the NW at some point in future using dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 signalling) or until a new RRC configuration including Cell DRX configuration arrives.

[0064] In a third example of B above, the activation type parameter can be set to a value that indicates that the UE can use provided Cell DTX RRC parameters to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DTX and can assume that dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 based signalling) and a subsequent RRC message contain are not used for the initial activation of Cell DTX. Other types of signalling, e.g., lower layer such as L1 / L2 based signalling can be, however, used to deactivate and subsequently activate Cell DTX occasions, if configured by the NW.

[0065] In a fourth example of B above, depending on the exact definition of the activation type parameter, its absence in the RRC configuration for Cell DTX, can indicate to the UE that:

[0066] i. It should store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DTX will be activated by the NW at some point in future e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0067] ii. It can use provided Cell DTX RRC parameters to the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DTX and can assume that dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 based signalling) and a subsequent RRC message contain are not used for the initial activation of Cell DTX.

[0068] C. The UE can be provided with Cell DRX RRC configuration that contains start slot / offset parameter:

[0069] In a first example of C above, if the start slot / offset parameter is not present in the provided Cell DRX RRC configuration, the UE can store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DRX will be activated by the NW at some point in future, e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0070] In a second example of C above, the start slot / offset parameter can be set to a default value in the provided RRC configuration for Cell DRX that will specify that the UE can store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DRX will be activated by the NW at some point in future, e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0071] In a third example of C above, if the value for the start slot / offset parameter is provided in RRC configuration for Cell DRX and it is different from the default value that indicates the later Cell DRX activation, e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain (c.f. , case b above), the UE can use start slot / offset parameter to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DRX and can assume that dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 based signalling) and a subsequent RRC message contain are not used for the initial activation of Cell DRX. Other types of signalling, e.g., lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling can be, however, used to deactivate and subsequently activate Cell DRX occasions, if configured by the NW.

[0072] D. The UE can be provided with Cell DRX RRC configuration that contains an activation type parameter that explicitly indicates whether the Cell DRX activation is usinge.g., dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0073] In a first example of D above, the activation type parameter can be set to a value that indicates that the UE can store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DRX will be activated by the NW at some point in future e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0074] In a second example of D above, the activation type parameter can be set to a value that indicates that the UE can store the provided configuration and further the initial state of the Cell DRX can be configured (whether it is initially upon reception of the current RRC configuration in an activated or deactivated state) and further assume that the state of Cell DRX will be controlled (activated / deactivated) by the NW at some point in future using dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 signalling) or until a new RRC configuration including Cell DRX configuration arrives.

[0075] In a third example of D above, the activation type parameter can be set to a value that indicates that the UE can use provided Cell DRX RRC parameters to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DRX and can assume that dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 based signalling) and a subsequent RRC message contain are not used for the initial activation of Cell DRX. Other types of signalling, e.g., lower layer such as L1 / L2 based signalling can be, however, used to deactivate and subsequently activate Cell DRX occasions, if configured by the NW.

[0076] In a fourth example of D above, depending on the exact definition of the activation type parameter its absence in the RRC configuration for Cell DRX, can indicate to the UE that:

[0077] i. It should store the provided configuration and assume that the Cell DRX will be activated by the NW at some point in future e.g., using dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain.

[0078] ii. It can use provided Cell DRX RRC parameters to the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DRX and can assume that dynamic lower layer signalling (e.g., L1 / L2 based signalling) and a subsequent RRC message contain are not used for the initial activation of Cell DRX.

[0079] E. In the case that Cell DTX and Cell DRX are specified by the common Cell DTX / DRX RRC configuration (i.e., the same set of RRC parameters applies to both CellDTX and Cell DRX), the common start slot / offset parameter and the activation type parameter can be used in the above-described ways for both Cell DTX and Cell DRX.

[0080] F. The UE can be provided with Cell DRX and Cell DTX RRC configuration which are specified to be inactive upon configuration. That is, there may not be explicit parameter describing whether the configuration is active or not.

[0081] In a first example of F above, a MAC CE may be defined, which includes the serving cell index and one bit a field E, which indicates whether the Cell DTX is to be activated or not. It is specified when UE assumes the start of the activation / deactivation with respect to the slot when the MAC PDU is received carrying the MAC CE.

[0082] In a second example of F above, a MAC CE may be defined, which includes the serving cell index and one bit a field E, which indicates whether the Cell DRX is to be activated or not. It is specified when UE assumes the start of the activation / deactivation with respect to the slot when the MAC PDU is received carrying the MAC CE.

[0083] In a third example of F above, a MAC CE may be defined which includes the serving cell index and two bit a field F, which indicates whether the Cell DTX or Cell DRX is to be activated or not. Bit value 00 deactivates both, bit value 01 activates only DTX, bit value 10 activates only DRX, bit value 11 activates both. It is specified when UE assumes the start of the activation / deactivation with respect to the slot when the MAC PDU is received carrying the MAC CE.

[0084] G. In an embodiment, the UE can be provided with Cell DRX or Cell DTX or both RRC configurations and a set of start values for the configuration.

[0085] In a first example of G above, a new MAC CE is defined, which may include fields as described in F: a-c and additionally index associating to the start value. In this way, the NW can choose the start time after providing the UE with the RRC configuration. In this option, the RRC configuration is specified to be inactive upon configuration.

[0086] In a second example of G above, it may also be defined such MAC CE that downselected some of the start values from the RRC configured list and later DCI indicates the exact start time.

[0087] H. The UE can be provided with several Cell DRX and Cell DTX RRC configurations, which are specified to be inactive upon configuration. That is, there may not be explicitparameter describing whether the configuration is active or not. Additionally, a MAC CE is defined, which includes the serving cell index and association to one of the configurations. This configuration may include both Cell DTX and Cell DRX configurations. In this case, the RRC configuration lists both Cell DTX and Cell DRX configurations option under one index. In a more flexible configuration, there is an index per Cell DTX / DRX configuration option, and the MAC CE includes one or both indexes to start the respective configuration. Note that this may be combined with MAC CE embodiments under G.

[0088] In all examples above, instead of MAC CE which is an example of L2 signalling, LI signalling, e.g., a DCI based signalling, or feature based, e.g., a specific sequence can be used in order to activate / deactivate the cell DTX / DRX patterns. The activation / deactivation in all cases, i.e., L1 / L2 based signalling can be further associated with a validity timer, e.g., indicating for how long cell DTX / DRX is active or inactive. In case of LI signalling, in one example, a DCI based mechanism can be used, where the UE is configured with occasions to monitor the associated DCI by association of a coreset and a SS (USS or CSS), where the DCI indicates if one or more of the upcoming Cell DTX / DRX occasions are active or not. The DCI can be configured further to be UE specific or group common. The UE may be configured further to monitor the UE within its active time or outside the active time if it is further configured with a C-DRX configuration. The DCI can be associated with a UE specific, or group specific or cell specific RNTI. In one example, a UE may receive a configuration of DCI based signalling for Cell DTX / DRX from higher layers, e.g., RRC signalling, the UE, thus monitors the associated occasions, and in one or more occasions it receives the DCI indicating if the corresponding Cell DTX / DRX configuration is active or inactive. Alternatively, another LI based signalling method can be used, e.g., a specific sequence, a specific RS. In case of DCI, it can be an existing or a new DCI format.

[0089] In one example, the activation type parameter is provided as “broadcast” in the SI or via a group-common DCI (or a group-common MAC CE if available) while the Cell DTX / DRX configuration for periodic mode is provided via RRC. For example, the RRC configuration provides the periodic configuration information, and the activation type parameter determines whether the periodic mode or the one-time trigger mode is in effect for all the UEs in the cell. This mode may be useful to avoid RRC reconfiguration of multiple UEs when the NW needs to change the activation mode.

[0090] The following discussion relates to possible examples relating to the network (NW).

[0091] I. In the case that the Cell DTX and Cell DRX parameters are provided to the UE via dedicated RRC signalling, the NW can decide

[0092] In a first example of I above, to use the start slot / offset parameter and the activation type parameter in the same way for all UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration. In one example, all UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration should expect the initial activation of Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX, e.g., via dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain. In another example, all UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration should use provided RRC parameters to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX.

[0093] In a second example of I above, to use the start slot / offset parameter and the activation type parameter in different ways for different UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration. For example, some UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration should expect the later activation of Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX (e.g., via dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain) and some UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration should use provided RRC parameters to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX.

[0094] In a third example of I above, in the case that the Cell DTX and Cell DRX parameters are provided to a group of UEs via common RRC signalling, the start slot / offset parameter and the activation type parameter apply in the same way for the group UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration, unless otherwise indicated to the UEs by the NW. In one example, all UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration should expect the initial activation of Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX, e.g., via dynamic lower layer signalling such as L1 / L2 based signalling or a subsequent RRC message contain. In another example, all UEs provided with Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX RRC configuration should use provided RRC parameters to calculate the time instant at which the NW will start applying Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX.

[0095] J. When L1 / L2 activation / deactivation are performed, in the split RAN architecture (where a centralised node (Centralised Unit - CU) controls one or more distributed nodes (Distributed Unit(s) - DU(s)), a gNB-CU may indicate to a gNB-DU to perform the activation / deactivation. gNB-CU and gNB-DU are examples of network nodes in the split RAN architecture.

[0096] In a first example of J above, if only for some UEs the L1 / L2 activation / deactivation are performed, the signalling is UE associated, e.g., via F1AP in UE context setup / configuration procedure.

[0097] Figure 3 is a signalling diagram illustrating signalling between a gNB-CU and a gNB- DU for the first example of J. In this example, the gNB-CU indicates to the gNB-DU to perform the Ll / 2 Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX activation / deactivation in a UE context Setup / Modification signalling. A MAC entity at the gNB-DU that is serving the UE then sends the activation / deactivation signal to the UE.

[0098] In a second example of J above, if all the UEs are activated / deactivated via L1 / L2, the non-UE associated procedure can be used, such as Fl setup / updates procedure.

[0099] Figure 4 is a signalling diagram illustrating signalling between a gNB-CU and a gNB- DU for the second example of J. In this example, the gNB-CU indicates to the gNB-DU to perform the Ll / 2 Cell DTX and / or Cell DRX activation / deactivation in a Fl Setup or update procedure. A MAC entity at the gNB-DU that is serving the UE then sends the activation / deactivation signal to the UE.

[0100] K. In the case of Dual Connectivity (DC) various examples may be implemented.

[0101] In a first example of K above, only the L1 / L2 entity in MCG could activate / deactivate the Cell DTX / DRX (for both CG groups).

[0102] In a second example of K above, the L1 / L2 entity in MCG / SCG can perform the Cell DTX / DRX activation / deactivation.

[0103] L. When user plan is used to implement the solution, the PDCP entity could indicate the Cell DTX / DRX activation / deactivation to the RLC and lower entities.

[0104] Figure 5 depicts a method performed by a centralised node of a network in accordance with particular embodiments. The centralised node can be a CU in a split RAN architecture, for example a gNB-CU. The method may be performed by a network node (e.g. the networknode 710 or network node 900 as described later with reference to Figures 7 and 9 respectively). The method begins at step 502 with sending, to a distributed node (e.g. a DU in a split RAN architecture), a DRX configuration and / or a DTX configuration for the distributed node. The method includes, at step 504, sending, to the distributed node, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the distributed node.

[0105] The indication sent in step 504 can be an indication regarding the DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation. The indication sent in step 504 may comprise an indication that the distributed node is to perform DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation. The indication sent in step 504 may comprise an indication that the distributed node is to perform DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation with one or more UEs via LI and / or L2 signalling.

[0106] The method may also comprise the centralised node receiving a confirmation signal from the distributed node.

[0107] The DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration may be used for one or more UEs, and the indication identifies the one or more UEs. That is, the distributed node operates according to the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration for specific UEs.

[0108] In a particular embodiment, the indication sent in step 504 configures an initial state of the DRX configuration and / or DTX configuration as activated or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication can be sent in RRC signalling.

[0109] In another particular embodiment, the indication sent in step 504 indicates that the UE is to wait for a further indication via LI signalling that indicates that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the distributed node is to be activated and / or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication sent in step 504 can be sent in RRC signalling.

[0110] Figure 6 depicts a method performed by a distributed node of a network in accordance with particular embodiments. The distributed node can be a DU in a split RAN architecture, for example a gNB-DU. The method may be performed by a network node (e.g. the network node 710 or network node 900 as described later with reference to Figures 7 and 9 respectively). The method begins at step 602 with receiving, from a centralised node of the network, a DRX configuration and / or a DTX configuration for the distributed node. At step 604, the method includes receiving (from the centralised node) an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the distributed node.[Hl] The indication received in step 604 can be an indication regarding the DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation. The indication sent in step 504 may comprise an indication that the distributed node is to perform DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation. The indication received in step 604 may comprise an indication that the distributed node is to perform DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation with one or more UEs via LI and / or L2 signalling.

[0112] The distributed node may send a confirmation signal to the centralised node.

[0113] The DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration may be used for one or more UEs, and the indication identifies the one or more UEs. That is, the distributed node operates according to the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration for specific UEs.

[0114] In a particular embodiment, the indication received in step 604 configures an initial state of the DRX configuration and / or DTX configuration as activated or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication can be sent in RRC signalling.

[0115] In another particular embodiment, the indication received in step 604 indicates that the UE is to wait for a further indication via LI signalling that indicates that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the distributed node is to be activated and / or deactivated. In this embodiment, the indication received in step 604 can be received in RRC signalling.

[0116] Figure 7 shows an example of a communication system 700 in accordance with some embodiments.

[0117] In the example, the communication system 700 includes a telecommunication network 702 that includes an access network 704, such as a radio access network (RAN), and a core network 706, which includes one or more core network nodes 708. The access network 704 includes one or more access network nodes, such as network nodes 710a and 710b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as network nodes 710), or any other similar 3rdGeneration Partnership Project (3 GPP) access node or non-3GPP access point. The network nodes 710 facilitate direct or indirect connection of user equipment (UE), such as by connecting UEs 712a, 712b, 712c, and 712d (one or more of which may be generally referred to as UEs 712) to the core network 706 over one or more wireless connections.

[0118] Example wireless communications over a wireless connection include transmitting and / or receiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves, infrared waves, and / or other types of signals suitable for conveying information without the use ofwires, cables, or other material conductors. Moreover, in different embodiments, the communication system 700 may include any number of wired or wireless networks, network nodes, UEs, and / or any other components or systems that may facilitate or participate in the communication of data and / or signals whether via wired or wireless connections. The communication system 700 may include and / or interface with any type of communication, telecommunication, data, cellular, radio network, and / or other similar type of system.

[0119] The UEs 712 may be any of a wide variety of communication devices, including wireless devices arranged, configured, and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with the network nodes 710 and other communication devices. Similarly, the network nodes 710 are arranged, capable, configured, and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with the UEs 712 and / or with other network nodes or equipment in the telecommunication network 702 to enable and / or provide network access, such as wireless network access, and / or to perform other functions, such as administration in the telecommunication network 702.

[0120] In the depicted example, the core network 706 connects the network nodes 710 to one or more hosts, such as host 716. These connections may be direct or indirect via one or more intermediary networks or devices. In other examples, network nodes may be directly coupled to hosts. The core network 706 includes one more core network nodes (e.g., core network node 708) that are structured with hardware and software components. Features of these components may be substantially similar to those described with respect to the UEs, network nodes, and / or hosts, such that the descriptions thereof are generally applicable to the corresponding components of the core network node 708. Example core network nodes include functions of one or more of a Mobile Switching Center (MSC), Mobility Management Entity (MME), Home Subscriber Server (HSS), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), Session Management Function (SMF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Subscription Identifier De-concealing function (SIDF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Security Edge Protection Proxy (SEPP), Network Exposure Function (NEF), and / or a User Plane Function (UPF).

[0121] The host 716 may be under the ownership or control of a service provider other than an operator or provider of the access network 704 and / or the telecommunication network 702, and may be operated by the service provider or on behalf of the service provider. The host 716 may host a variety of applications to provide one or more services. Examples of suchapplications include the provision of live and / or pre-recorded audio / video content, data collection services, for example, retrieving and compiling data on various ambient conditions detected by a plurality of UEs, analytics functionality, social media, functions for controlling or otherwise interacting with remote devices, functions for an alarm and surveillance center, or any other such function performed by a server.

[0122] As a whole, the communication system 700 of Figure 7 enables connectivity between the UEs, network nodes, and hosts. In that sense, the communication system may be configured to operate according to predefined rules or procedures, such as specific standards that include, but are not limited to: Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM); Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS); Long Term Evolution (LTE), and / or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G standards, or any applicable future generation standard (e.g., 6G); wireless local area network (WLAN) standards, such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standards (WiFi); and / or any other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as the Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth, Z-Wave, Near Field Communication (NFC) ZigBee, LiFi, and / or any low-power wide-area network (LPWAN) standards such as LoRa and Sigfox.

[0123] In some examples, the telecommunication network 702 is a cellular network that implements 3GPP standardized features. Accordingly, the telecommunications network 702 may support network slicing to provide different logical networks to different devices that are connected to the telecommunication network 702. For example, the telecommunications network 702 may provide Ultra Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC) services to some UEs, while providing Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) services to other UEs, and / or Massive Machine Type Communication (mMTC) / Massive loT services to yet further UEs.

[0124] In some examples, the UEs 712 are configured to transmit and / or receive information without direct human interaction. For instance, a UE may be designed to transmit information to the access network 704 on a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or external event, or in response to requests from the access network 704. Additionally, a UE may be configured for operating in single- or multi-RAT or multistandard mode. For example, a UE may operate with any one or combination of Wi-Fi, NR (New Radio) and LTE, i.e. being configured for multi-radio dual connectivity (MR-DC),such as E-UTRAN (Evolved-UMTS Terrestrial Radio Access Network) New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC).

[0125] In the example illustrated in Figure 7, the hub 714 communicates with the access network 704 to facilitate indirect communication between one or more UEs (e.g., UE 712c and / or 712d) and network nodes (e.g., network node 710b). In some examples, the hub 714 may be a controller, router, a content source and analytics node, or any of the other communication devices described herein regarding UEs. For example, the hub 714 may be a broadband router enabling access to the core network 706 for the UEs. As another example, the hub 714 may be a controller that sends commands or instructions to one or more actuators in the UEs. Commands or instructions may be received from the UEs, network nodes 710, or by executable code, script, process, or other instructions in the hub 714. As another example, the hub 714 may be a data collector that acts as temporary storage for UE data and, in some embodiments, may perform analysis or other processing of the data. As another example, the hub 714 may be a content source. For example, for a UE that is a VR headset, display, loudspeaker or other media delivery device, the hub 714 may retrieve VR assets, video, audio, or other media or data related to sensory information via a network node, which the hub 714 then provides to the UE either directly, after performing local processing, and / or after adding additional local content. In still another example, the hub 714 acts as a proxy server or orchestrator for the UEs, in particular in if one or more of the UEs are low energy loT devices.

[0126] The hub 714 may have a constant / persistent or intermittent connection to the network node 710b. The hub 714 may also allow for a different communication scheme and / or schedule between the hub 714 and UEs (e.g., UE 712c and / or 712d), and between the hub 714 and the core network 706. In other examples, the hub 714 is connected to the core network 706 and / or one or more UEs via a wired connection. Moreover, the hub 714 may be configured to connect to an M2M service provider over the access network 704 and / or to another UE over a direct connection. In some scenarios, UEs may establish a wireless connection with the network nodes 710 while still connected via the hub 714 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, the hub 714 may be a dedicated hub - that is, a hub whose primary function is to route communications to / from the UEs from / to the network node 710b. In other embodiments, the hub 714 may be a non-dedicated hub - that is, a device which is capable of operating to route communications between the UEs andnetwork node 710b, but which is additionally capable of operating as a communication start and / or end point for certain data channels.

[0127] Figure 8 shows a UE 800 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, a UE refers to a device capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate wirelessly with network nodes and / or other UEs. Examples of a UE include, but are not limited to, a smart phone, mobile phone, cell phone, voice over IP (VoIP) phone, wireless local loop phone, desktop computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), wireless camera, gaming console or device, music storage device, playback appliance, wearable terminal device, wireless endpoint, mobile station, tablet, laptop, laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), laptop-mounted equipment (LME), smart device, wireless customer-premise equipment (CPE), vehicle-mounted or vehicle embedded / integrated wireless device, etc. Other examples include any UE identified by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a narrow band internet of things (NB-IoT) UE, a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and / or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.

[0128] A UE may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, for example by implementing a 3 GPP standard for sidelink communication, Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC), vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I), or vehicle-to-everything (V2X). In other examples, a UE may not necessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and / or operates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device that is intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which may not, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific human user (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE may represent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, an end user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit of a user (e.g., a smart power meter).

[0129] The UE 800 includes processing circuitry 802 that is operatively coupled via a bus 804 to an input / output interface 806, a power source 808, a memory 810, a communication interface 812, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. Certain UEs may utilize all or a subset of the components shown in Figure 8. The level of integration between the components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEs may contain multiple instances of a component, such as multiple processors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

[0130] The processing circuitry 802 is configured to process instructions and data and may be configured to implement any sequential state machine operative to execute instructionsstored as machine-readable computer programs in the memory 810. The processing circuitry 802 may be implemented as one or more hardware-implemented state machines (e.g., in discrete logic, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc.); programmable logic together with appropriate firmware; one or more stored computer programs, general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or digital signal processor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combination of the above. For example, the processing circuitry 802 may include multiple central processing units (CPUs). The processing circuitry 802 may be operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other UE 800 components, such as the memory 810, UE 800 functionality. For example, the processing circuitry 802 may be configured to cause the UE 802 to perform the methods as described with reference to Figure 1.

[0131] In the example, the input / output interface 806 may be configured to provide an interface or interfaces to an input device, output device, or one or more input and / or output devices. Examples of an output device include a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, a printer, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, or any combination thereof. An input device may allow a user to capture information into the UE 800. Examples of an input device include a touch-sensitive or presence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digital video camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, a trackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard, and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive or resistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, for instance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor, a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, a biometric sensor, etc., or any combination thereof. An output device may use the same type of interface port as an input device. For example, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port may be used to provide an input device and an output device.

[0132] In some embodiments, the power source 808 is structured as a battery or battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external power source (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic device, or power cell, may be used. The power source 808 may further include power circuitry for delivering power from the power source 808 itself, and / or an external power source, to the various parts of the UE 800 via input circuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Delivering power may be, for example, for charging of the power source 808. Power circuitry may perform any formatting, converting, or other modificationto the power from the power source 808 to make the power suitable for the respective components of the UE 800 to which power is supplied.

[0133] The memory 810 may be or be configured to include memory such as random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magnetic disks, optical disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, flash drives, and so forth. In one example, the memory 810 includes one or more application programs 814, such as an operating system, web browser application, a widget, gadget engine, or other application, and corresponding data 816. The memory 810 may store, for use by the UE 800, any of a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operating systems.

[0134] The memory 810 may be configured to include a number of physical drive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive, thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc (HD- DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray optical disc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive, external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcard memory such as tamper resistant module in the form of a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) including one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs), such as a USIM and / or ISIM, other memory, or any combination thereof. The UICC may for example be an embedded UICC (eUICC), integrated UICC (iUICC) or a removable UICC commonly known as ‘SIM card.’ The memory 810 may allow the UE 800 to access instructions, application programs and the like, stored on transitory or non-transitory memory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article of manufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may be tangibly embodied as or in the memory 810, which may be or comprise a device-readable storage medium.

[0135] The processing circuitry 802 may be configured to communicate with an access network or other network using the communication interface 812. The communication interface 812 may comprise one or more communication subsystems and may include or be communicatively coupled to an antenna 822. The communication interface 812 may include one or more transceivers used to communicate, such as by communicating with one or more remote transceivers of another device capable of wireless communication (e.g., another UE or a network node in an access network). Each transceiver may include atransmitter 818 and / or a receiver 820 appropriate to provide network communications (e.g., optical, electrical, frequency allocations, and so forth). Moreover, the transmitter 818 and receiver 820 may be coupled to one or more antennas (e.g., antenna 822) and may share circuit components, software or firmware, or alternatively be implemented separately.

[0136] In some embodiments, communication functions of the communication interface 812 may include cellular communication, Wi-Fi communication, LPWAN communication, data communication, voice communication, multimedia communication, short-range communications such as Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communication such as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine a location, another like communication function, or any combination thereof. Communications may be implemented in according to one or more communication protocols and / or standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Code Division Multiplexing Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), GSM, LTE, New Radio (NR), UMTS, WiMax, Ethernet, transmission control protocol / internet protocol (TCP / IP), synchronous optical networking (SONET), Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), QUIC, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), and so forth.

[0137] Regardless of the type of sensor, a UE may provide an output of data captured by its sensors, through its communication interface 812, via a wireless connection to a network node. Data captured by sensors of a UE can be communicated through a wireless connection to a network node via another UE. The output may be periodic (e.g., once every 15 minutes if it reports the sensed temperature), random (e.g., to even out the load from reporting from several sensors), in response to a triggering event (e.g., when moisture is detected an alert is sent), in response to a request (e.g., a user initiated request), or a continuous stream (e.g., a live video feed of a patient).

[0138] As another example, a UE comprises an actuator, a motor, or a switch, related to a communication interface configured to receive wireless input from a network node via a wireless connection. In response to the received wireless input the states of the actuator, the motor, or the switch may change. For example, the UE may comprise a motor that adjusts the control surfaces or rotors of a drone in flight according to the received input or controls a robotic arm performing a medical procedure according to the received input.

[0139] A UE, when in the form of an Internet of Things (loT) device, may be a device for use in one or more application domains, these domains comprising, but not limited to, city wearable technology, extended industrial application and healthcare. Non-limitingexamples of such an loT device are devices which are or which are embedded in: a connected refrigerator or freezer, a TV, a connected lighting device, an electricity meter, a robot vacuum cleaner, a voice controlled smart speaker, a home security camera, a motion detector, a thermostat, a smoke detector, a door / window sensor, a flood / moisture sensor, an electrical door lock, a connected doorbell, an air conditioning system like a heat pump, an autonomous vehicle, a surveillance system, a weather monitoring device, a vehicle parking monitoring device, an electric vehicle charging station, a smart watch, a fitness tracker, a head-mounted display for Augmented Reality (AR) or Virtual Reality (VR), a wearable for tactile augmentation or sensory enhancement, a water sprinkler, an animal- or item-tracking device, a sensor for monitoring a plant or animal, an industrial robot, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), and any kind of medical device, like a heart rate monitor or a remote controlled surgical robot. A UE in the form of an loT device comprises circuitry and / or software in dependence on the intended application of the loT device in addition to other components as described in relation to the UE 800 shown in Figure 8.

[0140] As yet another specific example, in an loT scenario, a UE may represent a machine or other device that performs monitoring and / or measurements, and transmits the results of such monitoring and / or measurements to another UE and / or a network node. The UE may in this case be an M2M device, which may in a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particular example, the UE may implement the 3 GPP NB-IoT standard. In other scenarios, a UE may represent a vehicle, such as a car, a bus, a truck, a ship and an airplane, or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0141] In practice, any number of UEs may be used together with respect to a single use case. For example, a first UE might be or be integrated in a drone and provide the drone’s speed information (obtained through a speed sensor) to a second UE that is a remote controller operating the drone. When the user makes changes from the remote controller, the first UE may adjust the throttle on the drone (e.g. by controlling an actuator) to increase or decrease the drone’s speed. The first and / or the second UE can also include more than one of the functionalities described above. For example, a UE might comprise the sensor and the actuator, and handle communication of data for both the speed sensor and the actuators.

[0142] Figure 9 shows a network node 900 in accordance with some embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipment capable, configured, arranged and / or operable to communicate directly or indirectly with a UE and / or with other network nodes orequipment, in a telecommunication network. Examples of network nodes include, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio access points), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs, evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NRNodeBs (gNBs)).

[0143] Base stations may be categorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stated differently, their transmit power level) and so, depending on the provided amount of coverage, may be referred to as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, or macro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donor node controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more (or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralized digital units and / or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to as Remote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not be integrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of a distributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in a distributed antenna system (DAS).

[0144] Other examples of network nodes include multiple transmission point (multi-TRP) 5G access nodes, multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, network controllers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base station controllers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmission points, transmission nodes, multi- cell / multicast coordination entities (MCEs), Operation and Maintenance (O&M) nodes, Operations Support System (OSS) nodes, Self-Organizing Network (SON) nodes, positioning nodes (e.g., Evolved Serving Mobile Location Centers (E-SMLCs)), and / or Minimization of Drive Tests (MDTs).

[0145] The network node 900 includes processing circuitry 902, a memory 904, a communication interface 906, and a power source 908, and / or any other component, or any combination thereof. The network node 900 may be composed of multiple physically separate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or a BTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their own respective components. In certain scenarios in which the network node 900 comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components), one or more of the separate components may be shared among several network nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeBs. In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in some instances be considered a single separate network node. In some embodiments, the network node 900 may be configured to support multiple radio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some components may be duplicated (e.g., separate memory 904 for different RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., a same antenna 910 may beshared by different RATs). The network node 900 may also include multiple sets of the various illustrated components for different wireless technologies integrated into network node 900, for example GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, Zigbee, Z-wave, LoRaWAN, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) or Bluetooth wireless technologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into the same or different chip or set of chips and other components within network node 900.

[0146] The processing circuitry 902 may comprise a combination of one or more of a microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit, digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, field programmable gate array, or any other suitable computing device, resource, or combination of hardware, software and / or encoded logic operable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other network node 900 components, such as the memory 904, network node 900 functionality. For example, the processing circuitry 902 may be configured to cause the network node to perform the methods as described with reference to Figure 2.

[0147] In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 902 includes a system on a chip (SOC). In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 902 includes one or more of radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 912 and baseband processing circuitry 914. In some embodiments, the radio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 912 and the baseband processing circuitry 914 may be on separate chips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units and digital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 912 and baseband processing circuitry 914 may be on the same chip or set of chips, boards, or units.

[0148] The memory 904 may comprise any form of volatile or non-volatile computer-readable memory including, without limitation, persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory, magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), readonly memory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removable storage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and / or any other volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device-readable and / or computerexecutable memory devices that store information, data, and / or instructions that may be used by the processing circuitry 902. The memory 904 may store any suitable instructions, data, or information, including a computer program, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code, tables, and / or other instructions capable of being executed by the processing circuitry 902 and utilized by the network node 900. The memory 904 maybe used to store any calculations made by the processing circuitry 902 and / or any data received via the communication interface 906. In some embodiments, the processing circuitry 902 and memory 904 is integrated.

[0149] The communication interface 906 is used in wired or wireless communication of signalling and / or data between a network node, access network, and / or UE. As illustrated, the communication interface 906 comprises port(s) / terminal(s) 916 to send and receive data, for example to and from a network over a wired connection. The communication interface 906 also includes radio front-end circuitry 918 that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, the antenna 910. Radio front-end circuitry 918 comprises filters 920 and amplifiers 922. The radio front-end circuitry 918 may be connected to an antenna 910 and processing circuitry 902. The radio front-end circuitry may be configured to condition signals communicated between antenna 910 and processing circuitry 902. The radio frontend circuitry 918 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other network nodes or UEs via a wireless connection. The radio front-end circuitry 918 may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 920 and / or amplifiers 922. The radio signal may then be transmitted via the antenna 910. Similarly, when receiving data, the antenna 910 may collect radio signals which are then converted into digital data by the radio front-end circuitry 918. The digital data may be passed to the processing circuitry 902. In other embodiments, the communication interface may comprise different components and / or different combinations of components.

[0150] In certain alternative embodiments, the network node 900 does not include separate radio front-end circuitry 918, instead, the processing circuitry 902 includes radio front-end circuitry and is connected to the antenna 910. Similarly, in some embodiments, all or some of the RF transceiver circuitry 912 is part of the communication interface 906. In still other embodiments, the communication interface 906 includes one or more ports or terminals 916, the radio front-end circuitry 918, and the RF transceiver circuitry 912, as part of a radio unit (not shown), and the communication interface 906 communicates with the baseband processing circuitry 914, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

[0151] The antenna 910 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays, configured to send and / or receive wireless signals. The antenna 910 may be coupled to the radio frontend circuitry 918 and may be any type of antenna capable of transmitting and receiving data and / or signals wirelessly. In certain embodiments, the antenna 910 is separate fromthe network node 900 and connectable to the network node 900 through an interface or port.

[0152] The antenna 910, communication interface 906, and / or the processing circuitry 902 may be configured to perform any receiving operations and / or certain obtaining operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be received from a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment. Similarly, the antenna 910, the communication interface 906, and / or the processing circuitry 902 may be configured to perform any transmitting operations described herein as being performed by the network node. Any information, data and / or signals may be transmitted to a UE, another network node and / or any other network equipment.

[0153] The power source 908 provides power to the various components of network node 900 in a form suitable for the respective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed for each respective component). The power source 908 may further comprise, or be coupled to, power management circuitry to supply the components of the network node 900 with power for performing the functionality described herein. For example, the network node 900 may be connectable to an external power source (e.g., the power grid, an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface such as an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies power to power circuitry of the power source 908. As a further example, the power source 908 may comprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery pack which is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry. The battery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.

[0154] Embodiments of the network node 900 may include additional components beyond those shown in Figure 9 for providing certain aspects of the network node’s functionality, including any of the functionality described herein and / or any functionality necessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example, the network node 900 may include user interface equipment to allow input of information into the network node 900 and to allow output of information from the network node 900. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic, maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for the network node 900.

[0155] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a virtualization environment 1000 in which functions implemented by some embodiments may be virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creating virtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may includevirtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networking resources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to any device described herein, or components thereof, and relates to an implementation in which at least a portion of the functionality is implemented as one or more virtual components. Some or all of the functions described herein may be implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtual machines (VMs) implemented in one or more virtual environments 1000 hosted by one or more of hardware nodes, such as a hardware computing device that operates as a network node, UE, core network node, or host. Further, in embodiments in which the virtual node does not require radio connectivity (e.g., a core network node or host), then the node may be entirely virtualized.

[0156] Applications 1002 (which may alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances, network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.) are run in the virtualization environment Q400 to implement some of the features, functions, and / or benefits of some of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0157] Hardware 1004 includes processing circuitry, memory that stores software and / or instructions executable by hardware processing circuitry, and / or other hardware devices as described herein, such as a network interface, input / output interface, and so forth. Software may be executed by the processing circuitry to instantiate one or more virtualization layers 1006 (also referred to as hypervisors or virtual machine monitors (VMMs)), provide VMs 1008a and 1008b (one or more of which may be generally referred to as VMs 1008), and / or perform any of the functions, features and / or benefits described in relation with some embodiments described herein. The virtualization layer 1006 may present a virtual operating platform that appears like networking hardware to the VMs 1008.

[0158] The VMs 1008 comprise virtual processing, virtual memory, virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by a corresponding virtualization layer 1006. Different embodiments of the instance of a virtual appliance 1002 may be implemented on one or more of VMs 1008, and the implementations may be made in different ways. Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to as network function virtualization (NF V). NFV may be used to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume server hardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be located in data centers, and customer premise equipment.

[0159] In the context of NFV, a VM 1008 may be a software implementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they were executing on a physical, non-virtualizedmachine. Each of the VMs 1008, and that part of hardware 1004 that executes that VM, be it hardware dedicated to that VM and / or hardware shared by that VM with others of the VMs, forms separate virtual network elements. Still in the context of NFV, a virtual network function is responsible for handling specific network functions that run in one or more VMs 1008 on top of the hardware 1004 and corresponds to the application 1002.

[0160] Hardware 1004 may be implemented in a standalone network node with generic or specific components. Hardware 1004 may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively, hardware 1004 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such as in a data center or CPE) where many hardware nodes work together and are managed via management and orchestration 1010, which, among others, oversees lifecycle management of applications 1002. In some embodiments, hardware 1004 is coupled to one or more radio units that each include one or more transmitters and one or more receivers that may be coupled to one or more antennas. Radio units may communicate directly with other hardware nodes via one or more appropriate network interfaces and may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide a virtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or a base station. In some embodiments, some signalling can be provided with the use of a control system 1012 which may alternatively be used for communication between hardware nodes and radio units.

[0161] Although the computing devices described herein (e.g., UEs, network nodes, hosts) may include the illustrated combination of hardware components, other embodiments may comprise computing devices with different combinations of components. It is to be understood that these computing devices may comprise any suitable combination of hardware and / or software needed to perform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein. Determining, calculating, obtaining or similar operations described herein may be performed by processing circuitry, which may process information by, for example, converting the obtained information into other information, comparing the obtained information or converted information to information stored in the network node, and / or performing one or more operations based on the obtained information or converted information, and as a result of said processing making a determination. Moreover, while components are depicted as single boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multiple boxes, in practice, computing devices may comprise multiple different physical components that make up a single illustrated component, and functionality may be partitioned between separate components. For example, a communication interface may beconfigured to include any of the components described herein, and / or the functionality of the components may be partitioned between the processing circuitry and the communication interface. In another example, non-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may be implemented in software or firmware and computationally intensive functions may be implemented in hardware.

[0162] In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality described herein may be provided by processing circuitry executing instructions stored on in memory, which in certain embodiments may be a computer program product in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality may be provided by the processing circuitry without executing instructions stored on a separate or discrete device-readable storage medium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whether executing instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium or not, the processing circuitry can be configured to perform the described functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are not limited to the processing circuitry alone or to other components of the computing device, but are enjoyed by the computing device as a whole, and / or by end users and a wireless network generally.EMBODIMENTSGroup A Embodiments1. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: receiving, from a network node, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and receiving an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the received indication comprises a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.3. The method of embodiment 2, further comprising: determining, based on the parameter, a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.4. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indication is received via Layer 1 or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling, and / or via a signal from the network node.5. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indication is comprised in at least one of a medium access control control element, MAC CE, and downlink control information, DCI.6. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the received indication comprises an indication that the UE is to wait for a further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.7. The method of embodiment 6, further comprising: receiving the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.8. The method of embodiment 6 or embodiment 7, wherein the further indication is received via Layer 1 or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling, and or via a signal from the network node.9. The method of any of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the further indication comprises at least one of a medium access control control element, MAC CE, and downlink control information, DCI.10. The method of any of embodiments 6 to 9, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a type of signalling to be used for the further indication.11. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indication comprises one-bit field indicating whether or not the DRX configuration or the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.12. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the indication comprises two-bit field indicating whether or not each of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.13. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, further comprising: receiving a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration; wherein the received indication comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.14. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the step of receiving the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration comprises receiving a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations; and wherein the received indication comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.15. The method of any of the preceding embodiments, wherein the received indication comprises an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configurationand the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.Group B Embodiments16. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: sending, to a user equipment, UE, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and sending, to the UE, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE.17. The method of embodiment 16, wherein the indication comprises a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.18. The method of embodiment 16 or embodiment 17, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the UE is to wait for a further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.19. The method of embodiment 18, further comprising: sending, to the UE, the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.20. The method of any of embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a type of signalling to be used for the further indication.21. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 20, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the further indication is to be sent via Layer 1 or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling.22. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 21, further comprising: sending, to the UE, a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or theDTX configuration; wherein the indication comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.23. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 22, wherein the step of sending the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration comprises sending a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to the UE; and wherein the indication comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.24. The method of any of embodiments 19 to 23, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.Group C Embodiments25. A user equipment, comprising: processing circuitry configured to cause the user equipment to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; and power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the processing circuitry.26. A network node, the network node comprising: processing circuitry configured to cause the network node to perform any of the steps of any of the Group B embodiments, the Group D embodiments or the Group E embodiments; power supply circuitry configured to supply power to the processing circuitry.27. A user equipment (UE), the UE comprising: an antenna configured to send and receive wireless signals; radio front-end circuitry connected to the antenna and to processing circuitry, and configured to condition signals communicated between the antenna and the processing circuitry; the processing circuitry being configured to perform any of the steps of any of the Group A embodiments; an input interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to allow inputof information into the UE to be processed by the processing circuitry; an output interface connected to the processing circuitry and configured to output information from the UE that has been processed by the processing circuitry; and a battery connected to the processing circuitry and configured to supply power to the UE.Group D Embodiments28. A method performed by a centralised node of a network, the method comprising: sending, to a distributed node of the network, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the centralised node; and sending, to the distributed node, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by distributed node.29. The method of embodiment 28, wherein the indication comprises an indication regarding the DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation.30. The method of embodiment 28 or embodiment 29, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the distributed node is to perform DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation with one or more user equipments, UEs, via Layer 1 and / or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling.31. The method of any of embodiments 28 to 30, further comprising: receiving, from the distributed node, a confirmation signal.32. The method of any of embodiments 28 to 31, wherein the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration is to be used for one or more user equipments, UEs, and wherein the indication identifies the one or more UEs.33. The method of any of embodiments 28 to 31, wherein the centralised node and the distributed node are part of a split Radio Access Network, RAN, architecture.Group E Embodiments34. A method performed by a distributed node of a network, the method comprising: receiving, from a centralised node of the network, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the centralized node; and receiving, from the centralised node, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the distributed node.35. The method of embodiment 34, wherein the indication comprises an indication regarding the DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation.36. The method of embodiment 34 or embodiment 35, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the distributed node is to perform DRX and / or DTX activation and / or deactivation with one or more user equipments, UEs, via Layer 1 and / or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling.37. The method of any of embodiments 34 to 36, further comprising: sending, to the centralised node, a confirmation signal.38. The method of any of embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration is to be used for one or more user equipments, UEs, and wherein the indication identifies the one or more UEs.39. The method of any of embodiments 34 to 38, wherein the centralised node and the distributed node are part of a split Radio Access Network, RAN, architecture.ABBREVIATIONSAt least some of the following abbreviations may be used in this disclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations, preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multiple times below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequent listing(s).UE User Equipment (Wireless ACK Acknowledgement device in 3 GPP systems) NACK Negative ACKNR New Radio RSRP Reference Signal Received LTE Long Term Evolution Power gNB Base station in NR RSRQ Reference Signal Received eNB Base station in LTE Quality RRC Radio Resource Control LI Layer 1PDCP Packet Data Convergence L2 Layer 2 Protocol L3 Layer 3RLC Radio Link Control TR Technical Report MAC Medium Access Control PC5 A link for sidelink RAN Radio Access Network communication SIB System Information Block PDU Packet Data Unit PEI Paging Early Indication DN Data NetworkWUS Wake-Up Signal RB Radio Bearer DRX Discontinuous Reception SRB Signalling Radio Bearer C-DRX Connected mode DRB Data Radio BearerDiscontinuous Reception WG Working GroupDTX Discontinuous Transmission MM Mobility Management PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared SM Session Management Channel AN Access networkPDCCH Physical Downlink Control UL Uplink Channel DL DownlinkPSFCH Physical Sidelink Feedback IP Internet Protocol Channel NW NetworkPSCCH Physical Sidelink Control CE Control ElementChannel DMRS Demodulation ReferencePSSCH Physical Sidelink Shared SignalChannel PSS Primary SynchronizationPSBCH Physical Sidelink Broadcast Signal Channel sss Secondary SynchronizationSCI Sidelink Control Information Signal DCI Downlink Control Information S-PSS Sidelink-PSS UCI Uplink Control Information s-sss Sidelink-SSS HARQ Hybrid Automatic Request SSID Sidelink Synchronization NDI New Data Indicator identity RV Redundancy Version ETWS Earthquake and Tsunami CRC Cyclic Redundancy Check Warning SystemRNTI Radio Network Temporary CMAS Commercial Mobile Alert Identifier SystemSL-RNTI Sidelink-RNTI CSS Cross Slot SchedulingTB Transport Block PO Paging OccasionPF Paging Frame CSI Channel State InformationAMF Access and Mobility DCCH Dedicated Control Channel management Function DL DownlinkTAI Tracking Area Identity DM DemodulationCN Core Network DMRS Demodulation Reference SignalAS Access Stratum DRX Discontinuous ReceptionNAS Non-Access Stratum DTX Discontinuous TransmissionProSe Proximity-based Services DTCH Dedicated Traffic ChannelSSB Synchronization Signal Block DUT Device Under TestCRS Cell-specific Reference E-CID Enhanced Cell-ID (positioningSignals method)BW Bandwidth eMBMS evolved Multimedia BroadcastTTI Transmission Time Interval Multicast ServicesSI Study Item E-SMLC Evolved-Serving MobileWI Work Item Location CentreCA Carrier Aggregation ECGI Evolved CGISCell Secondary Cell eNB E-UTRAN NodeBPCell Primary Cell ePDCCH Enhanced Physical DownlinkAGC Automatic Gain Control Control ChannelCSI Channel Status Information E-SMLC Evolved Serving Mobile LocationCSLRS Channel State Information CenterReference Signal E-UTRA Evolved UTRACHO Conditional Handover E-UTRAN Evolved UTRANRRM Radio Resource Management FDD Frequency Division DuplexRF Radio Frequency FFS For Further Study lx RTT CDMA2000 lx Radio gNB Base station in NRTransmission Technology GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System3 GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request5G 5th Generation HO Handover6G 6th Generation HSPA High Speed Packet AccessABS Almost Blank Subframe HRPD High Rate Packet DataARQ Automatic Repeat Request LOS Line of SightAWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise LPP LTE Positioning ProtocolBCCH Broadcast Control Channel LTE Long-Term EvolutionBCH Broadcast Channel MAC Medium Access ControlCA Carrier Aggregation MAC Message Authentication CodeCC Carrier Component MBSFN Multimedia Broadcast multicastCCCH SDU Common Control Channel service Single Frequency SDU NetworkCDMA Code Division Multiplexing MBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank Access SubframeCGI Cell Global Identifier MDT Minimization of Drive TestsCIR Channel Impulse Response MIB Master Information BlockCP Cyclic Prefix MME Mobility Management EntityCPICH Common Pilot Channel MSC Mobile Switching CenterCPICH Ec / No CPICH Received energy per NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink chip divided by the power Control Channel density in the band NR New RadioCQI Channel Quality information OCNG OFDMA Channel Noise GeneratorC-RNTI Cell RNTI OFDM Orthogonal Frequency DivisionMultiplexing RS Reference SignalOFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division RSCP Received Signal Code Power Multiple Access RSRP Reference Symbol Received PowerOSS Operations Support System OR Reference Signal ReceivedOTDOA Observed Time Difference of Power Arrival RSRQ Reference Signal Received QualityO&M Operation and Maintenance OR Reference SymbolPBCH Physical Broadcast Channel Received QualityP-CCPCH Primary Common Control RS SI Received Signal Strength Indicator Physical Channel RSTD Reference Signal Time DifferencePCell Primary Cell SCH Synchronization ChannelPCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator SCell Secondary Cell Channel SDAP Service Data Adaptation ProtocolPDCCH Physical Downlink Control SDU Service Data Unit Channel SFN System Frame NumberPDCP Packet Data Convergence Protocol SGW Serving Gateway PDP Profile Delay Profile SI System InformationPDSCH Physical Downlink Shared SIB System Information BlockChannel SNR Signal to Noise RatioPGW Packet Gateway SON Self Optimized NetworkPHICH Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator SS Synchronization Signal Channel SSS Secondary Synchronization SignalPLMN Public Land Mobile Network TDD Time Division DuplexPMI Precoder Matrix Indicator TDOA Time Difference of ArrivalPRACH Physical Random Access Channel TOA Time of Arrival PRS Positioning Reference Signal TSS Tertiary Synchronization Signal PSS Primary Synchronization Signal TTI Transmission Time Interval PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel UE User Equipment PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel UL Uplink RACH Random Access Channel USIM Universal Subscriber IdentityQAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation Module RAN Radio Access Network UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of ArrivalRAT Radio Access Technology WCDMA Wide CDMARLC Radio Link Control WLAN Wide Local Area NetworkRLM Radio Link ManagementRNC Radio Network ControllerRNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier RRC Radio Resource ControlRRM Radio Resource Management

Claims

Claims1. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: receiving (102), from a network node, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and receiving (104) an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE, wherein the indication configures an initial state of the DRX configuration and / or DTX configuration as activated or deactivated.

2. The method of embodiment 1, wherein the received indication comprises a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

3. The method of embodiment 2, further comprising: determining, based on the parameter, a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication is received via Layer 1 or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling, and / or via a signal from the network node.

5. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication is comprised in at least one of a medium access control control element, MAC CE, and downlink control information, DCI.

6. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the received indication comprises an indication that the UE is to wait for a further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: receiving the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

8. The method of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the further indication is received via Layer 1 or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling, and or via a signal from the network node.

9. The method of any of claims 6 to 8, wherein the further indication comprises at least one of a medium access control control element, MAC CE, and downlink control information, DCI.

10. The method of any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a type of signalling to be used for the further indication.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication comprises one-bit field indicating whether or not the DRX configuration or the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the indication comprises two-bit field indicating whether or not each of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration; wherein the received indication comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.

14. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the step of receiving (102) the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration comprises receiving a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations; and wherein the received indication comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.

15. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the received indication comprises an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configurationand the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.

16. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: sending (202), to a user equipment, UE, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and sending (204), to the UE, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE, wherein the indication configures an initial state of the DRX configuration and / or DTX configuration as activated or deactivated.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the indication comprises a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the UE is to wait for a further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: sending, to the UE, the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

20. The method of any of claims 18 to 19, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a type of signalling to be used for the further indication.

21. The method of any of claims 18 to 20, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the further indication is to be sent via Layer 1 or Layer 2, L1 / L2, signalling.

22. The method of any of claims 16 to 21, further comprising: sending, to the UE, a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or theDTX configuration; wherein the indication comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.

23. The method of any of claims 16 to 22, wherein the step of sending the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration comprises sending a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to the UE; and wherein the indication comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.

24. The method of any of claims 16 to 23, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.

25. A method performed by a user equipment, UE, the method comprising: receiving (102), from a network node, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and receiving (104) an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the UE is to wait for a further indication via Layer 1, LI, signalling indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the received indication comprises a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising: determining, based on the parameter, a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

28. The method of any of claims 25-27, wherein the indication is received via Layer 1 orLayer 2, L1 / L2, signalling, and / or via a signal from the network node.

29. The method of any of claims 25-28, wherein the indication is comprised in at least one of a medium access control control element, MAC CE, and downlink control information, DCI.

30. The method of any of claims 25-29, further comprising: receiving the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

31. The method of any of claims 25-30, wherein the further indication comprises at least one of a medium access control control element, MAC CE, and downlink control information, DCI.

32. The method of any of claims 25-31, wherein the indication comprises one-bit field indicating whether or not the DRX configuration or the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.

33. The method of any of claims 25-32, wherein the indication comprises two-bit field indicating whether or not each of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated.

34. The method of any of claims 25-33, further comprising: receiving a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration; wherein the received indication comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.

35. The method of any of claims 25-34, wherein the step of receiving the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration comprises receiving a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations; and wherein the received indication comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.

36. The method of any of claims 25-35, wherein the received indication comprises an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.

37. A method performed by a network node, the method comprising: sending (202), to a user equipment, UE, a discontinuous reception, DRX, configuration and / or a discontinuous transmission, DTX, configuration for the network node; and sending (204), to the UE, an indication relating to a use of the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration by the UE, wherein the indication comprises an indication that the UE is to wait for a further indication via Layer 1, LI, signalling indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein the indication comprises a parameter indicative of a time at which at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

39. The method of claim 37 or 38, further comprising: sending, to the UE, the further indication indicating that at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to be activated and / or deactivated.

40. The method of any of claims 37 to 39, further comprising: sending, to the UE, a plurality of start values for the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration; wherein the indication comprises an indication of at least one of the plurality of start values to be used by the UE.

41. The method of any of claims 37 to 40, wherein the step of sending the DRX configuration and / or the DTX configuration comprises sending a plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to the UE; andwherein the indication comprises an indication of a selection of at least one of the plurality of DRX configurations and / or DTX configurations to be used by the UE.

42. The method of any of claims 37 to 41, wherein the indication comprises an indication of a duration that the at least one of the DRX configuration and the DTX configuration for the network node is to remain activated and / or deactivated.

43. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having computer readable code embodied therein, the computer readable code being configured such that, on execution by a suitable computer or processor, the computer or processor is caused to perform the method of any of claims 1-42.

44. A user equipment, UE, configured to perform the method of any of claims 1-15 or 25-36.

45. A user equipment, UE, comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said UE is operative to perform the method of any of claims 1-15 or 25-36.

46. A network node, configured to perform the method of any of claims 16-24 and 37- 42.

47. A network node comprising a processor and a memory, said memory containing instructions executable by said processor whereby said network node is operative to perform the method of any of claims 16-24 and 37-42.

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