Method and apparatus for requesting system information in communication network

Abstract

A terminal device (UE) receives a configuration indicating at least one condition. The condition may: relate to terminal device idle mode operation, a reception of network indication, an amount of data in an uplink (UL) data buffer, an amount of uplink (UL) data for a data radio bearer (DRB), a characteristic of a service allowed for the terminal device / UE, or a radio condition by the terminal device / UE. The UE determines whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit (Tx) a request for on-demand system information block type 1 (SIB1) message of a first cell according to whether at least one condition is satisfied. The first cell may be a network energy saving (NES) cell, wherein the condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode and the condition is indicated by a wake-up signal (WUS). The first cell may be a non-anchor cell and the second cell maybe an anchor cell. Targets techniques such as on-demand synchronization signal block (OD-SSB) and on-demand system information block 1 (OD-SIB1). Solves the problem when terminal transmitting to a request to a network node cannot or is not configured to respond, e.g. due to a network energy saving (NES).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [OOI] Various example embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to the technology of communication, and in particular to a method and apparatus for requesting system information in communication network. BACKGROUND

[002] In current communication system, such as the 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) 5th generation (5G), new radio (NR), etc., a terminal device needs to obtain system information to access to the network, such as obtain system information of a cell to establish a connection with the cell.

[003] However, if the terminal device transmits a request to a network node when the network node cannot respond or is configured not to respond, such as due to network energy saving (NES), the terminal device will not get any system information, or the network node needs to make undesired operation mode change to respond. SUMMARY

[004] This summary is provided to introduce some aspects in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[005] Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments may provide solutions to these or other challenges. There are, proposed herein, various embodiments which address one or more of the issues disclosed herein. Specific method and apparatus for requesting system information in communication network may be provided.

[006] A first aspect of the present disclosure provides a terminal device in a communication network, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the terminal device at least to perform: receiving a configuration indicating at least one condition; and determining whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[007] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value. The terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

[008] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell; the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; and the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

[009] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

[0010] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a nonanchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

[0011] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service. The radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

[0012] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device is further caused to perform: transmitting, the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, when the at least one condition is satisfied.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device is further caused to perform: receiving system information from the first cell.

[0014] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

[0015] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and performs at least one of: barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure; performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or initiating an access procedure to another cell.

[0016] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

[0017] A second aspect of the present disclosure provides a network node in a communication network, comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor, cause the network node at least to perform: transmitting a configuration indicating at least one condition. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[0018] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

[0019] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell; the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; and the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

[0020] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

[0021] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a nonanchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service. The radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

[0023] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node is further caused to perform: receiving the request for the on-demand SIB1 message; and transmitting system information from the first cell.

[0024] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and performs at least one of: barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure; performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or initiating an access procedure to another cell.

[0026] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

[0027] A third aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a terminal device, comprising: receiving a configuration indicating at least one condition; and determining whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[0028] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method is performed by the terminal device according to any of the embodiments of the first aspect.

[0029] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure provides a method performed by a network node, comprising: transmitting a configuration indicating at least one condition. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[0030] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method is performed by the network node according to any of the embodiments of the second aspect.

[0031] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure provides computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the at least one processor of the apparatus to perform the method according to any of embodiments of the third and fourth aspects.

[0032] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure propose a mechanism that provides a workable solution for requesting the system information. The terminal device will be aware of whether it is allowed to request the system information. Then, the request can be transmitted or not accordingly. The waste of transmission energy, resources, or waiting time may be avoided. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] The above and other aspects, features, and benefits of various embodiments of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent, by way of example, from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals or letters are used to designate like or equivalent elements. The drawings are illustrated for facilitating better understanding of the embodiments of the disclosure and not necessarily drawn to scale, in which:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure for a terminal device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure for a network node, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 3A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a terminal device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0037] FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing further steps of the method as shown in FIG. 3 A, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 3C is a flow chart showing further steps of the method as shown in FIG. 3 A, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 4A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a network node, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG 4B is a flow chart showing further steps of the method as shown in FIG. 4A, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0041] FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram showing a determination of conditions for OD-SIB1 request triggering at UE side.

[0042] FIG. 6A is a first diagram showing a signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE.

[0043] FIG. 6B is a second diagram showing a signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE.

[0044] FIG. 6C is a third diagram showing a signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an apparatus / computer readable storage medium, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing exemplary apparatus units for a terminal device, which is suitable for performing the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing exemplary apparatus units for a network node, which is suitable for performing the method according to embodiments of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] The embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only for better understanding, rather than limitations on the scope of the present disclosure. The described features, advantages, and characteristics of the disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0049] Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless a different meaning is clearly given and / or is implied from the context in which it is used. The steps of any methods disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless clearly given and / or implied from the context. Any feature of any of the embodiments disclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, wherever appropriate.

[0050] As used herein, the term “network” or “communication network” refers to a network following any suitable communication standards (such for an internet network, or any wireless network). For example, wireless communication standards may comprise WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), new radio (NR), long term evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced, 5G NR, 6G etc. In the following description, the terms “network” and “system” can be used interchangeably.

[0051] The term “node / network node” refers to a computing device or computing entity or computing function or any other devices (physical or virtual) in a communication network. For example, the node in the network may include a base station (BS), an access point (AP), or any other suitable device in a wireless communication network. The BS may be, for example, a node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved NodeB (eNodeB or eNB), a next generation NodeB (gNodeB or gNB), a remote radio unit (RRU), a radio header (RH), a remote radio head (RRH), a relay, a low power node such as a femto, a pico, and so forth. Further, the node may include other core network node, such as an Access and Mobility Management Function, AMF, a Session Management Function, SMF, a User Plane Function, UPF, a mobility management entity, MME, or a serving gateway, S-GW, etc.

[0052] The term “terminal device” refers to any end device that can access a communication network and receive services therefrom. By way of example and not limitation, the terminal device refers to a mobile terminal, user equipment (UE), a non-AP device (such as a non-AP Station (STA)), or other suitable devices. The terminal device may include, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a cellular phone, a smart phone, a wearable device, a vehicle-mounted wireless terminal device, a vehicle, and the like.

[0053] As one example, a terminal device may represent a device configured for communication in accordance with one or more communication standards promulgated by any standard organization, such as 3rd generation partnership project, 3GPP.

[0054] As yet another example, in an Internet of Things (loT) scenario, a terminal device 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 terminal device and / or network equipment. Particular examples of such machines or devices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrial machinery, or home or personal appliances, for example refrigerators, televisions, personal wearables such as watches etc. In other scenarios, a terminal device may represent a vehicle or other equipment that is capable of monitoring and / or reporting on its operational status or other functions associated with its operation.

[0055] It shall be understood that although the terms “first” and “second” etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.

[0056] As used herein, “at least one of the following: ” and “at least one of ” and similar wording, where the list of two or more elements are joined by “and” or “or”, mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all the elements.

[0057] A new Release (Rei)-19 work item aims to specify enhancements for network energy savings (NES) for new radio (NR). It targets techniques such as on-demand Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) and on-demand System Information Block 1 (SIB 1) transmissions, as well as adaptation of common signal / channel transmissions.

[0058] Rei 19 NES objectives have been recently agreed and summarized in RP-234065. One of the objectives is to study procedure(s) and signaling method(s) to support on-demand SIB1 (OD-SIB1). If the terminal device transmits a request for OD-SIB1 to a network node when the network node cannot respond or is configured not to respond, such as due to network energy saving (NES), the terminal device will not get any system information, or the network node needs to make undesired operation mode change to respond. The transmission resource and the energy for the request will be wasted. Additionally, a delay may be caused if the terminal device waits for a respond SIB1.

[0059] As disclosed herein, one or more triggering conditions are defined for UE to transmit uplink wakeup signal (WUS) to request OD-SIB1 This triggering condition is proposed to avoid waking up frequently the NES and thus reducing the NES gain of on- demand SIB1 feature. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure for a terminal device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 1, the terminal device 10 comprises: at least one processor 102; and at least one memory 104 including computer program code. The at least one memory 104 and the computer program code are configured to, with the at least one processor 102, cause the terminal device 10 at least to perform: receiving a configuration indicating at least one condition; and determining whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[0061] For example, the network indication may be about allowing or not to transmit the request, or directly instructing the UE to transmit the request or not. For example, the terminal device may receive the network indication when it is in RRC Connected state, e.g. upon RRC Connection release, e.g. in RRC Connection release message.

[0062] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure propose a mechanism that provides a workable solution for requesting the system information. The terminal device will be aware of whether it is allowed to request the system information. Then, the request can be transmitted or not accordingly. The waste of transmission energy, resources, or waiting time may be avoided.

[0063] It should be noted that, some exemplary conditions are listed above for illustration, but other conditions may be also used.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value. The terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

[0065] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device and the network node may be aware of the conditions in advance, such as from technical standards or specifications. Then, the threshold value may be used to indicate the condition is applied and how to apply the condition in detail. The configuration and application of such conditions will be simplified.

[0066] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell; the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; and the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

[0067] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the conditions may be particularly applicable when there is a need for energy saving.

[0068] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

[0069] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, by utilizing a second cell to transmit the configuration, the first cell may be in energy saving mode for longer time period.

[0070] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a nonanchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

[0071] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when a non-anchor cell is in energy saving mode, an anchor cell may be utilized to transmit configuration or receive radio signals.

[0072] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the idle mode operation of the terminal device may comprise: cell reselection, cell selection, selecting a cell for to obtain Paging, etc.

[0073] The condition may be about which idle mode UE operation can trigger OD-SIB1. For example, UE can try to camp to a cell and request SIB1 to receive paging, but NES cell is not sending any paging. Thus, in this case, a condition can be added to not allow UE to request OD-SIB 1 for paging reception at NES cell.

[0074] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service. The radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

[0075] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device is further caused to perform: transmitting, the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, when the at least one condition is satisfied.

[0076] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device is further caused to perform: receiving, based on the request, system information from the first cell.

[0077] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is satisfied, the terminal device may transmit request when needed.

[0078] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

[0079] The delay tolerance of a service may be defined in terms of packet delay or packet delay budget of the service, for example. The delay tolerance may be associated with the QoS parameter and 5G QoS Identifier (5QI) associated with the service. As another example, delay-tolerant services may be defines as services not mapped to nondelay critical resource types in the 5QI or alike.

[0080] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and performs at least one of: barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure; performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or initiating an access procedure to another cell.

[0081] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device will know the first cell is not accessible and then may try to access other cell.

[0082] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

[0083] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, exemplary conditions are listed for illustration, but other conditions / rules may be also applied.

[0084] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an exemplary structure for a network node, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0085] As shown in FIG.2, a network node 20 in a communication network comprises: at least one processor 202; and at least one memory 204 including computer program code. The at least one memory 204 and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor 202, cause the network node 20 at least to perform: transmitting a configuration indicating at least one condition. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[0086] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

[0087] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell; the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; and the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

[0088] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

[0089] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a nonanchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

[0090] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service. The radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

[0091] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node is further caused to perform: receiving the request for the on-demand SIB1 message; and transmitting system information from the first cell.

[0092] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

[0093] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and performs at least one of: barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure; performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or initiating an access procedure to another cell.

[0094] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

[0095] The processor 102, 202 may be any kind of processing component, such as one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as other digital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs), special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The memory 104, 204 may be any kind of storage component, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, optical storage devices, etc.

[0096] FIG. 3A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a terminal device, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 3A, the method 30 comprises: a step S302, receiving a configuration indicating at least one condition; and a step S304, determining whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[0098] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value. The terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

[0099] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell; the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; and the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

[00100] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

[00101] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a nonanchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

[00102] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service. The radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

[00103] The method(s) as disclosed herein enable(s) the network to control in which conditions the UE is allowed to request OD-SIB1. This ensures NES gain.

[00104] FIG. 3B is a flow chart showing further steps of the method as shown in FIG. 3 A, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00105] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 30 further comprises: a step S306, transmitting, the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, when the at least one condition is satisfied.

[00106] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 30 further comprises: a step S308, receiving, based on the request, system information from the first cell.

[00107] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

[00108] FIG. 3C is a flow chart showing further steps of the method as shown in FIG. 3 A, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00109] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 30 further comprises: a step S310, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, determining not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and comprises at least one of: a step S312, barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure; a step S314, performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or a step S316, initiating an access procedure to another cell.

[00110] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

[00111] FIG. 4A is a flow chart showing a method performed by a network node, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00112] As shown in FIG. 4, the method 400 comprises: a step S402, transmitting a configuration indicating at least one condition. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[00113] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

[00114] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell; the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; and the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

[00115] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

[00116] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the first cell is a nonanchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

[00117] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service. The radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

[00118] FIG. 4B is a flow chart showing further steps of the method as shown in FIG. 4A, according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00119] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the method 400 further comprises: a step S404, receiving the request for the on-demand SIB1 message; and a step S406, transmitting, based on the request, system information from the first cell. System information may be transmitted in SIB1.

[00120] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

[00121] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and performs at least one of: barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure; performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or initiating an access procedure to another cell.

[00122] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following: if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request; if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / or if the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

[00123] Some more detailed implementation scenarios and embodiments may be illustrated below. For example, in embodiments of the present disclosure, solutions may be proposed for triggering the UL-WUS.

[00124] There are different scenarios for which UE is requesting on-demand SIB 1: • Scenario 1: UE requests SIB1 to camp and perform idle mode operation (e g., cell reselection, paging) on the cell with on-demand SIB1. • Scenario 2: UE requests SIB1 to perform radio resource control (RRC) connection setup and to perform RRC connected mode operation on the cell with on-demand SIB 1. • Scenario 3: UE request SIB1 to initiate small data transmission (SDT) procedure in RRC inactive mode on the cell with on-demand SIB 1.

[00125] For example, the UE may be RRC idle / inactive UE.

[00126] Providing NW the capability to control in which scenarios UE can request SIB 1 and in which scenarios UE cannot request SIB1, is critical to ensure a NES gain. The capability to differentiate UE access allowance between the above-mentioned scenarios at NW side can allow to achieve better NES gains and avoid ping-pong switching between NES mode (no SIB1 transmitted) and a mode with SIB I transmissions. It might not always be good to trigger On Demand (OD)-SIBl procedure. For example, if connections are short living or Quality of Service (QoS) could be compromised by delays caused by OD-SIB1 procedure or if there is no data or only small amount of data in the LJL buffer or if the radio conditions are poor, it is beneficial to prevent (not allow) the OD-SIB 1 procedure of the UE. Triggering conditions as disclosed herein enable control of conditions or scenarios in which UE is allowed to request for OD-SIB 1.

[00127] NW can steer UE determination of whether UE is allowed or not to request SIB1 altogether. NW can steer whether UE is allowed to request OD-SIB 1-only or allowed to transmit a request for OD-SIB 1 and an UL data indication to the NW.

[00128] UL buffer-related condition may be as follows.

[00129] In one embodiment, UE applies the following rule #1, if no data in the UL buffer, UE is not allowed to request OD-SIB 1.

[00130] In one embodiment, UE applies the following rule #2, if UL data size or volume in the buffer is lower than a threshold configured to UE, UE is not allowed to request SIB1.

[00131] In one example, the UL Data Volume Threshold (Thr) is provided in the WUS configuration.

[00132] In one example, the rules above can be written in technical standards or specifications, and the network only can only configure the data volume Thr to apply (or not).

[00133] In one example, if no Data Volume Thr is configured (namely, the configuration implies that no condition about Data Volume is applied), the UE is always allowed to request OD-SIB 1 irrespective if it has UL data in buffer or not.

[00134] In another example, the NW configures a flag or a particular threshold value to indicate whether rule# 1 or #2 should be applied by a UE / UE group.

[00135] Further, if UL data size in the UL buffer is higher than (the same or another threshold) configured to UE, UE may be allowed to request SIB1, or transmit a request for OD-SIB 1 + UL data indication.

[00136] DRB-related conditions may be as follows.

[00137] In one embodiment, UE is configured with eligible DRB(s) that qualify for a) triggering OD-SIB 1 request and / or b) qualify for triggering OD-SIB 1 request AND UL-data indication to NW.

[00138] UE can apply a rule described below as written in technical standards or specification and / or as configured by NW.

[00139] UE can apply the following rule #3, if UL Data Volume for eligible DRBs <configured threshold, UE is not allowed to request OD-SIB 1.

[00140] UE can apply the following rule #4, if UL Data Volume for eligible DRBs <configured threshold, UE is allowed to request OD-SIB 1 but not allowed to transmit arequest for SIB1 + UL-data indication.

[00141] If UL Data Volume for eligible DRBs >(the same or another) configured threshold, UE is allowed to request OD-SIB1 or allowed to transmit a request for SIB1 + UL-data indication.

[00142] Service (type, identifier, priority) and / or delay related conditions may be as follows.

[00143] In one embodiment, UE is configured for how delay tolerant services it is allowed to use OD-SIB1. For example, if discardTimer in Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) is very short, UE should not use OD-SIB1 procedure. Or if QoS requirements for service is otherwise very strict it may not make sense to start OD-SIB1 procedure.

[00144] For UL traffic alignment, in one embodiment, NW specifies a listening window to receive WUS from UEs with delay tolerant services. UEs can then send data within this window. Thus, UEs are not allowed to send WUS outside this window. If the windows cause too much delay, then rule may say that don’t use OD-SIB1 procedure.

[00145] If a delay tolerant parameter (time) of the UE is higher than a threshold, the UE may be allowed to request OD-SIB1 or transmit a request for SIB1 + UL-data indication.

[00146] OD-SIB1 procedure is slow operation, including time to wake-up a cell, if the cell is currently in NES mode, for example. It may be inefficient for a service with a short PDCP timer to consider OD-SIB1 cell as PDCP timer can expire before OD-SIB1 wakeup.

[00147] In one embodiment, NW specifies services with low priority. If UE is detecting another cell than NES cell, UE is not allowed to wake-up the NES cell for these services.

[00148] If a priority, or a QoS parameter of a service for the UE is higher / better than a threshold, the UE is allowed to request OD-SIB1 or transmit a request for SIB1 + UL-data indication.

[00149] The QoS parameter may include at least one of the following: 5QI (5th generation Quality of Service Identifier); ARP (Allocation and Retention Priority); RQA (Reflective QoS Attribute); Notification Control; Flow Bit Rates; Guaranteed Flow Bit Rate (GFBR); Maximum Flow Bit Rate (MFBR); Aggregate Bit Rates; per Session Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (Session-AMBR); per UE Aggregate Maximum Bit Rate (UE-AMBR); Maximum Packet Loss Rate; or generally a QoS flow indication to indicate a QoS flow with specific configuration related to above parameters.

[00150] If a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request for OD-SIB1 or for SIB1 + UL-data indication. The predetermined list may be received by the UE as a part of or along with the configuration indicating the at least one condition.

[00151] Radio-related conditions may be as follows.

[00152] During the legacy cell reselection procedure, the RSRP and / or RSRQ measured for one cell is compared with other cell and UE sort the cells in reselection procedure based on the measured RSRP and / or RSRQ. For on-demand SIB1 cell, if UE measurements for this cell reflects a bad radio condition, there is no benefit to wake-up the cell. UE can camp or connect to another cell, e.g. anchor cell.

[00153] In one embodiment, UE applies the following rule (event-based trigger):

[00154] NW may configure UE with thresholds that can be used during cell-reselection procedure. During a measurement period, if the RSRP and / or RSRQ measured for any on-demand SIB1 cell is lower than the configured thresholds, UE can discard / bar / ignore this cell from the candidate cells during cell reselection procedure for a configured period. A hysteresis can be added to this rule. For barring, a time window or duration of barring may be specified. For example, UE may be configured to consider a cell as barred if SIB1 is not received in a given time, such as in 300 s.

[00155] If a measured RSRP and / or RSRQ is higher than a threshold, the UE is allowed to request SIB1 or transmit a request for SIB1 + UL-data indication.

[00156] A hysteresis may mean that, if a measured RSRP and / or RSRQ is higher than a threshold ThrA, the UE is allowed to request SIB 1. Then, as long as the measured RSRP and / or RSRQ is higher than ThrA-B, the UE is remained to be allowed to request SIB1. Only if the measured RSRP and / or RSRQ is lower than ThrA-B, UE is not allowed to request SIB1. ThrA and B are applicable values for RSRP and / or RSRQ.

[00157] In one embodiment, the combinations of the above can be applied.

[00158] FIG. 5 is a signal flow diagram showing a determination of conditions for OD-SIB1 request triggering at UE side. Non-Anchor cell may be a NES cell. NES cell may operate in OD-SIB1 mode, and may transmit SIB1 transmission in response to request (UL WUS) from the UE. Anchor cell may be a cell A, which is a cell that is periodically transmitting at least its own SIB1.

[00159] Basically, UE decision tree for requesting OD-SIB1 only or for transmitting a request for OD-SIB AND UL indication is based on the embodiments above. UE determines if the above conditions are met to trigger OD-SIB 1 request or not.

[00160] As shown in FIG. 5, the Non-Anchor cell may decide not to transmit SIB I, e.g. due to energy saving. The Non-Anchor cell may exchange such information with Anchor Cell.

[00161] In step 1, the Anchor cell transmit WUS configuration (including conditions, rules, etc.) to the UE. The UE receives a configuration indicating at least one condition. The configuration may be, e.g. a WUS configuration. The at least one condition is for determining whether the UE is allowed to request OD-SIB1.

[00162] In step 2, the UE determines whether the conditions / restrictions and / or rules are satisfied. The UE determines whether the UE is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied.

[00163] It may be specified how many conditions need to be satisfied to allow the UE to request OD-SIB1. It may be specified how many conditions not being satisfied leads the UE to being not allowed to request OD-SIB 1.

[00164] If at least one condition is satisfied, the UE then performs the step 3. If none of the at least one condition is satisfied, the UE does not camp or connect to Non-Anchor cell. Instead, the UE may camp or connect to an anchor cell or another cell.

[00165] In step 3, the UE transmit UL WUS to the Non-Anchor cell. The UL WUS may comprise the request for OD-SIB 1. The UE may transmit the request for OD-SIB 1 to the Non-Anchor cell.

[00166] In step 4, optionally, the Non-Anchor cell transmits an Ack for UL WUS reception to the UE.

[00167] In step 5, the Non-Anchor cell transmits OD-SIB 1 to the UE. The UE receives, based on the request, the OD-SIB 1.

[00168] FIG. 6A is a first diagram showing a signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE.

[00169] As shown in FIG. 6A, the signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE corresponds to the procedure in FIG. 5.

[00170] That is, the NES cell exchange (0) information with cell A, e.g. via backhaul signaling. The cell A transmits WUS configuration (1) to UE. UE transmits UL WUS (2) to NES cell, and receives OD-SIB 1 (3) from the NES cell.

[00171] FIG. 6B is a second diagram showing a signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE.

[00172] As shown in FIG. 6B, the NES cell exchange (2a) information with cell A, via backhaul signaling. The cell A transmits WUS configuration (1) to UE. UE transmits UL WUS (2) to Cell A, but receives OD-SIB 1 (3) from the NES cell.

[00173] FIG. 6C is a third diagram showing a signalling between a cell A, a NES cell and the UE.

[00174] As shown in FIG. 6C, the NES cell does not exchange information with cell A. The NES cell transmits WUS configuration (1) to UE. UE transmits UL WUS (2) to NES cell, and receives OD-SIB 1 (3) from the NES cell.

[00175] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an apparatus / computer readable storage medium, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[00176] As shown in FIG. 7, a computer-readable storage medium 70 storing instructions 71, which when executed by at least one processor of a network node or a terminal device, cause the at least one processor of the network node or the terminal device to perform the method according to any of the embodiments above mentioned, such as shown in FIG. 3 A, 3B, 3C, 4A, 4B, 5.

[00177] In addition, the present disclosure may also provide a carrier containing the computer program / instructions as mentioned above. The carrier is one of an electronic signal, optical signal, radio signal, or the above computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium can be, for example, an optical compact disk or an electronic memory device like a RAM (random access memory), a ROM (read only memory), Flash memory, magnetic tape, CD-ROM, DVD, Blue-ray disc and the like.

[00178] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing exemplary apparatus units for a terminal device, which is suitable for performing the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[00179] As shown in FIG. 8, the terminal device 80 may include: a receiving unit 802, receiving a configuration indicating at least one condition; and a determining unit 804, determining whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[00180] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the terminal device 80 is further configured for performing the method according to any of the embodiments above mentioned, such as shown in FIG. 3A, 3B, 3C, 5.

[00181] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing exemplary apparatus units for a network node, which is suitable for performing the method according to embodiments of the disclosure.

[00182] As shown in FIG. 9, the network node 90 may include: a transmitting unit 902, transmitting a configuration indicating at least one condition. The at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied. The at least one condition comprises at least one of: a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device; a condition related to a reception of a network indication; a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer; a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB; a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service; a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

[00183] In exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, the network node 90 is further configured for performing the method according to any of the embodiments above mentioned, such as shown in FIG. 4A, 4B, 5.

[00184] The term ‘unit’ may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics, electrical devices and / or electronic devices and may include, for example, electrical and / or electronic circuitry, devices, modules, processors, memories, logic solid state and / or discrete devices, computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks, procedures, computations, outputs, and / or displaying functions, and so on, as such as those that are described herein.

[00185] As used in the present disclosure, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (such as implementations in only analogy and / or digital circuitry) and (b) combinations of hardware circuits and software, such as (as applicable): (i) a combination of analogy and / or digital hardware circuit(s) with software / firmware and (ii) any portions of hardware processor(s) with software (including digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that work together to cause an apparatus, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions) and (c) hardware circuit(s) and or processor(s), such as a microprocessors) or a portion of a microprocessors), that requires software (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when it is not needed for operation.”

[00186] This definition of circuitry applies to all uses of this term in the present disclosure, including in any claims. As a further example, as used in the present disclosure, the term circuitry also covers an implementation of merely a hardware circuit or processor (or multiple processors) or portion of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuitry also covers, for example and if applicable to the particular claim element, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device or a similar integrated circuit in server, a cellular network device, or other computing or network device.

[00187] With these units, the apparatus may not need a fixed processor or memory, any kind of computing resource and storage resource may be arranged from at least one node / device / entity / apparatus relating to the communication system. The virtualization technology and network computing technology (e.g., cloud computing) may be further introduced, so as to improve the usage efficiency of the network resources and the flexibility of the network.

[00188] The techniques described herein may be implemented by various means so that an apparatus implementing one or more functions of a corresponding apparatus described with an embodiment comprises not only prior art means, but also means for implementing the one or more functions of the corresponding apparatus described with the embodiment and it may comprise separate means for each separate function, or means that may be configured to perform two or more functions. For example, these techniques may be implemented in hardware (one or more apparatuses), firmware (one or more apparatuses), software (one or more modules / units), or combinations thereof. For a firmware or software, implementation may be made through modules (e.g., procedures, functions, and so on) that perform the functions described herein.

[00189] 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 functionalities 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.

[00190] The term “non-transitory,” as used herein, is a limitation of the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal) as opposed to a limitation on data storage persistency (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[00191] As described in above exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, embodiments herein afford many advantages. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, they propose a mechanism that provides a workable solution for requesting the system information. The terminal device will be aware of whether it is allowed to request the system information. Then, the request can be transmitted or not accordingly. The waste of transmission energy, resources, or waiting time may be avoided.

[00192] It should be understood that the above embodiments are only for illustration but not limitation. The present disclosure may be carried out in other ways than those specifically set forth herein without departing from essential characteristics of the disclosure. All changes to these embodiments not departing from the meaning and equivalency of the appended claims are intended to be comprised herein.

[00193] ABBREVIATION EXPLANATION NES Network Energy Savings 3GPP TR SSB SIB RP RACH RSRP RSRQ SDT New Radio 3rd Generation Partnership Project Technical Report Synchronization Signal Block System Information Block Radio Access Network Plenary Random Access Channel Reference Signal Receiving Power Reference Signal Receiving Quality Small Data Transmission Uplink TA DRB Timing Advance Data Radio Bearer Network User Equipment wus OD PDCP Wake Up Signal On Demand Packet Data Convergence Protocol

Claims

1. A terminal device (10) in a communication network, comprising:at least one processor (120); andat least one memory (104) including computer program code;the at least one memory (104) and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor (102), cause the terminal device (10) at least to perform:receiving a configuration indicating at least one condition; anddetermining whether the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of:a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device;a condition related to a reception of a network indication;a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer;a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB;- a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service;- a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; ora condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

2. The terminal device (10) according to claim 1,wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value;wherein the terminal device (10) determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

3. The terminal device (10) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell;wherein the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; andwherein the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

4. The terminal device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the terminal device (10) receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

5. The terminal device (10) according to claim 4,wherein the first cell is a non-anchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

6. The terminal device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 5,wherein the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service; and / orwherein the radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

7. The terminal device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the terminal device (10) is further caused to perform:transmitting, the request for the on-demand SIB 1 message, when the at least one condition is satisfied.

8. The terminal device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the terminal device (10) is further caused to perform:receiving, based on the request, system information from the first cell.

9. The terminal device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following:if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication;if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request;if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request;if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request; and / orif the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device (10) is allowed to transmit the request.

10. The terminal device (10) according to any of the claims 1 to 9,when none of the at least one condition is satisfied, the terminal device (10) determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB1 message, and performs at least one of:barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure;performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; orinitiating an access procedure to another cell.

11. The terminal device (10) according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following:if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request;if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request;if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request;if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request; and / orif the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device (10) is not allowed to transmit the request.

12. A network node (20) in a communication network, comprising:at least one processor (202); andat least one memory (204) including computer program code;the at least one memory (204) and the computer program code configured to, with the at least one processor (202), cause the network node (20) at least to perform:transmitting a configuration indicating at least one condition;wherein the at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied; andwherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of:- a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device;a condition related to a reception of a network indication;a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer;a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB;a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service;a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or- a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

13. The network node (20) according to claim 12,wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one threshold value;wherein the at least one condition indicates that the terminal device determines whether to transmit the request, based on a comparison between the at least one threshold value and at least one characteristic.

14. The network node (20) according to claim 12 or 13,wherein the first cell is a network energy saving, NES, cell;wherein the at least one condition is applied when the first cell operates in the NES mode; andwherein the at least one condition is indicated by a wake-up signal, WUS, configuration.

15. The network node (20) according to any of claims 12 to 14, wherein the terminal device receives the configuration from the first cell or a second cell.

16. The network node (20) according to claim 15,wherein the first cell is a non-anchor cell, and the second cell is an anchor cell.

17. The network node (20) according to any of claims 12 to 16,wherein the characteristic of the service comprises at least one of: a type, an identifier, a quality of service, QoS, parameter and / or a priority of the service; and / orwherein the radio condition comprises a measured reference signal receiving power, RSRP, and / or a measured reference signal receiving quality, RSRQ.

18. The network node (20) according to any of claims 12 to 17, wherein the network node (20) is further caused to perform:receiving the request for the on-demand SIB 1 message; andtransmitting system information from the first cell.

19. The network node (20) according to any of claims 12 to 18, wherein the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following:if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is higher than a first threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a second threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is higher than a third threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request optionally with an uplink data indication;if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is higher than a fourth threshold value,the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request;if a type or an identifier of the service is in a predetermined list, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request;if the delay tolerance is higher than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request; and / orif the radio conditions are better than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is allowed to transmit the request.

20. The network node (20) according to any of the claims 12 to 19,when the at least one condition is not satisfied, the terminal device (10) determines not to transmit the request for the on-demand SIB 1 message, and performs at least one of:barring the first cell from candidate cells during cell reselection procedure;performing cell reselection procedure to identify a target cell to camp; or initiating an access procedure to another cell.

21. The network node (20) according to any of claims 12 to 20, wherein the at least one condition indicates at least one of the following:if the amount of data in an uplink data buffer is lower than a first threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a second threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request;if the amount of uplink data for a DRB is lower than a third threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request along with an uplink data indication, but is allowed to transmit the request;if a priority or a QoS parameter of the service is lower than a fourth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request;if a type or an identifier of the service is not in a predetermined list, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request;if the delay tolerance is lower than a fifth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request; and / orif the radio condition is worse than a sixth threshold value, the terminal device is not allowed to transmit the request.

22. A method (300) performed by a terminal device, comprising:receiving (S302) a configuration indicating at least one condition; anddetermining (S304) whether the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, based at least on whether the at least one condition is satisfied, wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of:a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device;a condition related to a reception of a network indication;a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer;- a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB;- a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service;- a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; ora condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

23. A method (400) performed by a network node, comprising:transmitting (S402) a configuration indicating at least one condition;wherein the at least one condition indicates that the terminal device is allowed to transmit a request for on-demand system information block type 1, SIB1, message of a first cell, when the at least one condition is satisfied;wherein the at least one condition comprises at least one of:- a condition related to idle mode operation of the terminal device;- a condition related to a reception of a network indication;- a condition related to an amount of data in an uplink data buffer;a condition related to an amount of uplink data for a data radio bearer, DRB;a condition related to a delay tolerance of a service;a condition related to a characteristic of a service allowed to be used by the terminal device; or- a condition related to a radio condition measured by the terminal device.

24. A computer-readable storage medium (70) storing instructions (71), which when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the at least one processor of the apparatus to perform at least the method according to claim 22.

25. A computer-readable storage medium (70) storing instructions (71), which when executed by at least one processor of an apparatus, cause the at least one processor of the apparatus to perform at least the method according to claim 23.

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