Determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications - Patents.com

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and system for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications are disclosed. One method (500) includes receiving slice group information from a network device in a user equipment (UE). The method (500) includes determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency (504). The method (500) includes determining a reselection priority for the plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection (506).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 63 / 257,262, filed on October 19, 2021, by Prateek Basu Mallick et al., entitled “APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR CELL RESELECTION BASED ON NETWORK SLICING,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly, to determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Background technology]

[0003] In some wireless communication systems, frequency prioritization may be inefficient and / or may be power intensive. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication is disclosed. Apparatus and systems also perform the functions of the method. One embodiment of the method includes receiving slice group information from a network device at a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, the method includes determining a cell reselection priority of a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a reselection priority of a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0005] An apparatus for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication includes a processor. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a memory coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to: receive slice group information from a network device, determine a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency, and determine a reselection priority for the plurality of frequencies to perform slice group-based cell reselection.

[0006] Another embodiment of a method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications includes receiving, at a UE, slice group information via a NAS communication from a network device. In some embodiments, the method includes determining a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0007] Another apparatus for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication includes a processor. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a memory coupled to the processor, the processor configured to cause the apparatus to receive slice group information from a network device via a NAS communication and to determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0008] A more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be made with reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, with the understanding that these drawings illustrate only some embodiments and therefore should not be considered limiting in scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a wireless communication system for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Diagram 2]1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of an apparatus that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for cell and frequency deployment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a flow chart diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as a system, apparatus, method, or program product. Thus, the embodiments may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may be generally referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, the embodiments may take the form of a program product embodied in one or more computer-readable storage devices that store machine-readable code, computer-readable code, and / or program code, hereinafter referred to as code. The storage devices may be tangible, non-transitory, and / or non-transmitting. The storage devices may not embody signals. In some embodiments, the storage devices only utilize signals to access the code.

[0011] Some of the functional units described herein may be labeled as modules to more specifically emphasize their implementation independence. For example, a module may be implemented as a hardware circuit comprising custom very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuits or gate arrays, off-the-shelf semiconductors such as logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in programmable hardware devices such as field programmable gate arrays, programmable array logic, programmable logic devices, etc.

[0012] Modules may also be implemented in code and / or software for execution by various types of processors. For example, an identified module of code may include one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code that may be organized as, for example, an object, a procedure, or a function. Nevertheless, the executable files of an identified module need not be physically located together, but may include separate instructions stored in different locations that, when logically joined together, comprise the module and achieve the stated purpose of the module.

[0013] In fact, a module of code may be a single instruction, or many instructions, and may even be distributed among several different code segments of different programs, across several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and illustrated herein in modules, and may be embodied in any suitable form and organized within any suitable type of data structure. The operational data may be collected as a single data set or may be distributed in different locations, including across different computer-readable storage devices. If a module or portions of a module are implemented in software, the software portions are stored in one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0014] Any combination of one or more computer readable media may be utilized. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable storage medium. The computer readable storage medium may be a storage device that stores the code. The storage device may be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the above.

[0015] More specific examples of storage devices (non-exhaustive list) include an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can store or store a program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0016] The code to perform the operations for the embodiments may be any number of lines and may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, C++, and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language, and / or machine languages ​​such as assembly language. The code may run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or a connection to an external computer may be made (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

[0017] Throughout this specification, reference to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar expressions means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, throughout this specification, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," and similar expressions may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment and may mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "including," "comprising," "having," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a," "an," and "the" also refer to "one or more," unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0018] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are given, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments.

[0019] Aspects of the embodiments are described below with reference to schematic flow chart illustrations and / or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatus, systems, and program products according to the embodiments. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flow chart illustrations and / or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flow chart illustrations and / or schematic block diagrams, may be implemented by code. The code may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, whereby the instructions, executing via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for performing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the schematic flow chart illustrations and / or schematic block diagrams.

[0020] Code capable of instructing a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner may also be stored in a storage device, such that the instructions stored in the storage device produce an article of manufacture including instructions that implement the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the schematic flow chart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams.

[0021] Code for causing a series of operational steps to be executed on a computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to produce a computer-implemented process, whereby the code executing on the computer or other programmable apparatus provides a process for performing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the flowcharts and / or block diagrams.

[0022] The schematic flow chart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of apparatus, systems, methods, and program products according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the schematic flow chart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which includes one or more executable instructions of code for implementing the specified logical function(s).

[0023] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending on the functionality involved. Other steps and methods may be devised that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks of the illustrated figures, or portions thereof.

[0024] Various arrow types and line types may be utilized in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams, but they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the illustrated embodiment. For example, the arrows may indicate waiting or monitoring periods of unspecified time between recited steps of the illustrated embodiment. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by dedicated hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or combinations of dedicated hardware and code.

[0025] The description of an element in each figure may refer to the element in the preceding figure. Like numbers refer to like elements in all figures, including alternative embodiments of like elements.

[0026] 1 illustrates an embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes a remote unit 102 and a network unit 104. Those skilled in the art will recognize that although a particular number of remote units 102 and network units 104 are illustrated in FIG. 1, any number of remote units 102 and network units 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0027] In one embodiment, the remote unit 102 may include a computing device such as a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a tablet computer, a smartphone, a smart television (e.g., a television connected to the Internet), a set-top box, a game console, a security system (including security cameras), an in-vehicle computer, a network device (e.g., a router, a switch, a modem), an aircraft, a drone, etc. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 includes a wearable device such as a smart watch, a fitness band, an optical head mounted display, etc. Additionally, the remote unit 102 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, a mobile, a mobile station, a user, a terminal, a mobile terminal, a fixed terminal, a subscriber station, a UE, a user terminal, a device, or other terms used in the art. The remote unit 102 may directly communicate with one or more of the network units 104 via UL communication signals. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may directly communicate with other remote units 102 via sidelink communication.

[0028] The network units 104 may be distributed across a geographic region. In some embodiments, the network unit 104 also includes an access point, an access terminal, a base, a base station, a location server, a core network (CN), a radio network entity, a Node-B, an evolved node-B (eNB), a 5G node-B (gNB), a Home Node-B, a relay node, a device, a core network, an air server, a radio access node, an access point (AP), a new radio (NR), a network entity, an access and mobility management function (AMF), a unified data management (UDM), a unified data repository (UDR), a UDM / UDR, a policy control function (PCF), a radio access network (RAN), a network slice selection function (NSSF), an operations, administration, and management (OAM), a session management function (SMF), a user plane function (UPF), an application function, an authentication server function (ASF), an authentication server function (ASS ... The function may be referred to by and / or may include one or more of: AUSF, security anchor function (SEAF), trusted non-3GPP gateway function (TNGF), or any other terminology used in the art.The network unit 104 is typically part of a radio access network that includes one or more controllers that are communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding network units 104. The radio access network is typically communicatively coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks such as the Internet and the Public Switched Telephone Network, among other networks. These and other elements of the radio access and core networks are not shown, but are generally well known by those skilled in the art.

[0029] In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 complies with the NR protocol standardized in the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), where the network unit 104 transmits using an OFDM modulation scheme on the downlink (DL) and the remote unit 102 transmits using a single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) scheme or an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) scheme on the uplink (UL). More generally, however, the wireless communication system 100 may implement any other open or proprietary communication protocol, such as WiMAX, variants of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), universal mobile telecommunications system (UMTS), variants of long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access 2000 (CDMA2000), Bluetooth, ZigBee, Sigfox, among other protocols. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0030] The network unit 104 may serve several remote units 102 in a serving area, e.g., a cell or a cell sector, via a wireless communication link. The network unit 104 transmits DL communication signals to serve the remote units 102 in the time, frequency, and / or spatial domains.

[0031] In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive slice group information from a network device. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine a cell reselection priority of a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine a reselection priority of a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications.

[0032] In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive slice group information from a network device via NAS communication. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications.

[0033] 2 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 200 that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications. The apparatus 200 includes an embodiment of a remote unit 102. Additionally, the remote unit 102 may include a processor 202, a memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208, a transmitter 210, and a receiver 212. In some embodiments, the input device 206 and the display 208 are combined into a single device, such as a touch screen. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may not include the input device 206 and / or the display 208. In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may include one or more of the processor 202, the memory 204, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212, and may not include the input device 206 and / or the display 208.

[0034] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and / or performing logical operations. For example, the processor 202 may be a microcontroller, a microprocessor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a coprocessor, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in the memory 204 to implement the methods and routines described herein. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212.

[0035] In one embodiment, memory 204 is a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes a volatile computer storage medium. For example, memory 204 may include RAM, including dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), and / or static RAM (SRAM). In some embodiments, memory 204 includes a non-volatile computer storage medium. For example, memory 204 may include a hard disk drive, flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, memory 204 also stores program code and associated data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms running on the remote unit 102.

[0036] In one embodiment, the input device 206 may include any known computer input device, including a touch panel, buttons, a keyboard, a stylus, a microphone, etc. In some embodiments, the input device 206 may be integrated with the display 208, for example, as a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the input device 206 includes a touch screen such that text may be entered using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touch screen and / or by handwriting on the touch screen. In some embodiments, the input device 206 includes two or more different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0037] In one embodiment, the display 208 may include any known electrically controllable display or display device. The display 208 may be designed to output visual, audible, and / or tactile signals. In some embodiments, the display 208 includes an electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, the display 208 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a projector, or a similar display device capable of outputting images, text, and the like to a user. As another non-limiting example, the display 208 may include a wearable display, such as a smart watch, smart glasses, a head-up display, and the like. Additionally, the display 208 may be a component of a smartphone, a personal digital assistant, a television, a tablet computer, a notebook (laptop) computer, a personal computer, a vehicle dashboard, and the like.

[0038] In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more speakers for producing sound. For example, the display 208 may produce an audible alert or notification (e.g., a beep or chime). In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more haptic devices for producing vibration, movement, or other haptic feedback. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the display 208 may be integrated with the input device 206. For example, the input device 206 and the display 208 may form a touch screen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments, the display 208 may be located near the input device 206.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor 202 is configured to cause the apparatus to receive slice group information from a network device, determine a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency, and determine a reselection priority for the plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0040] In some embodiments, the processor 202 is configured to cause the apparatus to receive slice group information from a network device via NAS communication and determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0041] Although only one transmitter 210 and one receiver 212 are shown, the remote unit 102 may have any suitable number of transmitters 210 and receivers 212. The transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be any suitable type of transmitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitter 210 and receiver 212 may be part of a transceiver.

[0042] 3 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus 300 that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communication. The apparatus 300 includes an embodiment of the network unit 104. Furthermore, the network unit 104 may include a processor 302, a memory 304, an input device 306, a display 308, a transmitter 310, and a receiver 312. As can be understood, the processor 302, the memory 304, the input device 306, the display 308, the transmitter 310, and the receiver 312 may be substantially similar to the processor 202, the memory 204, the input device 206, the display 208, the transmitter 210, and the receiver 212 of the remote unit 102, respectively.

[0043] It should be noted that one or more embodiments described herein may be combined into a single embodiment.

[0044] In some embodiments, fifth generation (5G) network slicing is a network architecture that allows multiplexing of virtualized and independent logical networks on the same physical network infrastructure. Each network slice is an isolated end-to-end network adapted to meet the diverse requirements posed by a particular application. In such embodiments, this technology plays a central role in supporting 5G mobile networks that are designed to efficiently accommodate a large number of services with widely differing service level requirements (SLRs). In realizing this service-oriented goal of the network, it leverages the concepts of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), which enable the implementation of flexible and scalable network slices on top of a common network infrastructure.

[0045] In some embodiments, there is a strong demand for wireless communications in vertical markets as connectivity and mobility are the driving forces of transformation and innovation in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, energy and citizen services, and health care. These diverse vertical services may bring a wide range of performance requirements in throughput, capacity, latency, mobility, reliability, location accuracy, etc. New radio (NR) technologies may use a common Radio Access Network (RAN) platform to confront the challenges of current and future use cases and services, not only those that can be conceived today, but also those that cannot yet be imagined. Network slicing may evolve the network architecture to be more flexible and scalable for a multitude of services with different requirements.

[0046] In various embodiments, the RAN may support network slicing to create tools that network operators can apply to meet the challenge of developing new revenue streams outside of those derived from customer subscriptions. More specifically, there may be technical tools in the RAN for network operators to engage application providers in customizing the design, deployment, and operation of the RAN to better support their business.

[0047] In some embodiments, slice-based cell reselection may be supported, and mechanisms and signaling may be specified to assist cell reselection and broadcast supported slice information of the current cell and neighboring cells and cell reselection priority per slice in a system information message, and / or 2) assist cell reselection and include slice information (e.g., with similar information as in a system information (SI) message) in a message (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) release message), etc.

[0048] In some embodiments, there may be a slice (e.g., Single (S) Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI)) (S-NSSAI) based cell reselection, and the following may apply: i.e., "slice information" (e.g., for a single slice or slice group) to be provided to the UE using both broadcast and dedicated signaling is provided for the serving cell as well as neighboring frequencies. The following steps are used for slice-based cell selection and / or reselection in an Access Stratum (AS) protocol: 1) Step 0: A Non-Access Stratum (NAS) layer at the UE provides slice information to an AS layer at the UE including slice priority. 2) Step 1: The AS sorts slices in order of priority starting from the slice with the highest priority. 3) Step 2: Select slices in order of priority starting from the slice with the highest priority. 4) Step 3: For the selected slice, assign priorities to frequencies received from the network. 5) Step 4: Perform measurements from the frequency with the highest priority. 6) Step 5: If the highest ranked cell is optimal and supports the slice selected in step 2, camp on that cell and end this sequence (e.g., it may be determined how the UE determines whether the highest ranked cell supports the selected slice). 7) Step 6: If there are frequencies remaining, return to step 4. 8) Step 7: If the end of the slice list has not been reached, return to step 2. and / or 9) Step 8: Perform legacy cell reselection.

[0049] In various embodiments, the slice-based cell reselection procedure is performed in the following manner: 1) the UE selects a slice group with the highest priority slice; 2) the UE assigns a slice frequency priority corresponding to the selected slice group for the NR frequency received in the RRCRelease or system information message; 3) the UE performs measurements and selects the highest-ranked suitable cell as a candidate for camping using slice group-specific NR frequency priority; 4) if the highest-ranked suitable cell supports the selected slice, the UE camps on that cell; if the highest-ranked suitable cell does not support the selected slice, the UE excludes that cell's frequency from cell reselection using the selected slice group's frequency priority and continues searching for a suitable cell on other frequencies, if any, using the assigned slice group-specific frequency priority; and 5) if no suitable cell is found using the slice group-specific frequency priority, the UE continues to perform cell reselection without considering the slice group-specific frequency priority.

[0050] In such embodiments, cell reselection for a UE cannot blindly assume that slice support for frequencies is uniform (e.g., all cells on a frequency support the same set of slices). Thus, it may not be sufficient for the serving cell to broadcast slice support only for adjacent frequencies, and the UE may need to determine whether the highest-ranked cell supports the selected slice (e.g., the slice from step 2).

[0051] In some embodiments, there may be measurement rules for cell reselection. The following rules are used by the UE to limit the measurements required: 1) If the serving cell is Srxlev>S intraSearchP And Squal>S intraSearchQIf , the UE may not choose to perform intra-frequency measurements. 2) Otherwise, the UE may perform intra-frequency measurements. 3) The UE may apply the following rules for NR inter-frequency and inter-radio access technology (RAT) frequencies, which are indicated in the system information, and the UE has a priority for the rules as follows: a) For NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequencies whose reselection priority is higher than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, the UE may perform measurements on the higher priority NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency. b) For NR inter-frequency whose reselection priority is less than or equal to the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, and for inter-RAT frequencies whose reselection priority is lower than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, a1) if the serving cell is Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ a2) if so, the UE may not choose to perform measurements on NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency cells of equal or lower priority; a3) otherwise, the UE may perform measurements on NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency cells of equal or lower priority.

[0052] 4 is a schematic block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system 400 for cell and frequency deployment. The system 400 includes a serving cell 402 on a current frequency f0, N-cell-B1 404 on a neighboring frequency f1, N-cell-B2 406 on a neighboring frequency f1, N-cell-B3 408 on a neighboring frequency f2, N-cell-B4 410 on a neighboring frequency f2, N-cell-B5 412 on a neighboring frequency f3, and N-cell-B6 414 on a neighboring frequency f3.

[0053] In one reselection mechanism, a decision is made whether inter-frequency and / or inter-RAT measurements should be initiated for a higher priority frequency or for a lower and / or equal priority frequency, where the higher, lower and / or equal frequency priority is determined based on a comparison of the cell reselection priority of the candidate inter-frequency and / or inter-RAT frequency (e.g., neighboring frequency) with the cell reselection priority of the current NR frequency. Different performance requirements apply to measurements and cell reselection on higher priority frequencies than to lower and / or equal priority frequencies. Measurements and cell reselection on lower and / or equal priority frequencies are performed when the serving cell is Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ The reselection priority of the NR frequency or inter-RAT frequency is not satisfied. Conversely, the reselection priority of the NR frequency or inter-RAT frequency is continuously higher than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency. The UE may perform measurements on the higher priority NR frequency or inter-RAT frequency according to a predefined procedure.

[0054] In some embodiments, it may be determined what is considered to be the reselection priority of the current NR frequency and neighboring frequencies. A frequency priority for network slicing based on slice priority and corresponding frequency priority may be considered and / or may depend on the slices supported on the current NR frequency. Without this (e.g., the priority of the current NR frequency and neighboring frequencies), a determination cannot be made as to whether other neighboring frequencies are considered to have a higher or lower priority (or the same priority) than the priority of the serving frequency.

[0055] In various embodiments, the legacy cell reselection priorities of the involved frequencies (e.g., the cell reselection priorities of the current NR frequency and neighboring frequencies) may be used to determine which neighboring frequencies are considered to have a higher priority than the current frequency, and which neighboring frequencies are considered to have a lower priority than and / or the same priority as the current frequency.

[0056] In some embodiments, this may not be optimal and may lead to strange behavior where if the UE is camped on a cell on the highest priority frequency of this UE's highest priority slice, measuring neighboring frequencies may consume the UE's battery unnecessarily while neighboring frequency measurements may still have to be performed since the configured legacy CellReselectionPriorities in the cell lead to a scenario where some neighboring frequencies are considered to have a higher priority than the current frequency. Since the highest priority slice is UE specific, the network has little chance of avoiding such an undesired situation for all UEs camped on that cell.

[0057] As can be understood, the following terms are used herein with the following definitions: 1) slice information (e.g., information): Frequency priority mapping for each slice (e.g., slice → frequency → absolute priority of each frequency) - slice information includes three elements (e.g., slice, frequency, and absolute frequency priority) - slice information (for a slice or slice group) can be provided to the UE using both broadcast and dedicated signaling - slice information is provided for the serving frequency as well as neighboring frequencies. 2) slice support: slices and / or slice groups supported in a particular cell or frequency.

[0058] It should be noted that although the term slice may be used herein, corresponding methods and / or embodiments may be equally applicable to slice groups. A slice group includes one or more slices, where one slice belongs to only one slice group, and each slice group is uniquely identified by a slice group identifier. This may avoid exposing slice identification information (e.g., S-NSSAI) in system information (SI) (e.g., thereby facilitating reducing security issues and SI size issues). In various embodiments, signaling of slice grouping and slice group identification information may be indicated to the UE in NAS signaling.

[0059] In a first embodiment, the UE determines the cell reselection priority of a frequency (e.g., the current NR frequency or a neighboring frequency) as the highest frequency priority corresponding to any of the slices supported on the frequency in question. Table 1 shows an example of slice information broadcast or provided only for the UE.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] In some embodiments, the UE reorders Table 1 into Table 2.

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063] In the next step, the UE determines the priority of a frequency as shown in Table 3 as the maximum value of the priorities assigned to that frequency that correspond to any of the slices indicated as supported by that particular frequency.

[0064] [Table 3]

[0065] In Table 3, p1 <p2<p3<p4である。

[0066] In the example shown in Table 1 to Table 3, a UE camped on a cell on frequency f2 determines that f3 and f4 have higher priority and performs inter-frequency measurements on f3 and f4. However, a UE camped on a cell on frequency f3 may not perform any inter-frequency measurements (e.g., if the serving cell has Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ no longer met, and if not, the UE shall measure all neighboring frequencies f1, f2, and f4, in this example, since these are considered to be inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency cells of equal or lower priority.

[0067] In one subembodiment of the first embodiment, the UE shall only consider information regarding slices that have been indicated by the UE-NAS as part of the UE's slice list (e.g., the slices are on the allowed slice list during the NAS registration procedure, or the NAS indicates a subscribed or allowed slice list to the AS).

[0068] In the second embodiment, the UE starts by adopting the highest priority slice in the slice list indicated by the UE-NAS to the AS (e.g., the highest priority slice in the allowed slice list), and then the cell reselection priority of the frequency is determined as the frequency priority (e.g., the cell reselection priority) of the frequency that supports this highest priority slice. For a certain frequency, slices may not be supported on that frequency, in which case the cell reselection priority of the frequency is determined as the lowest priority (e.g., lower than any of the values ​​configured by the network). Using the example from Table 1, the applicable cell reselection priority for a UE that has only slice 1 in its list is as shown in Table 4.

[0069] [Table 4]

[0070] As a variation of the second embodiment, instead of assigning the lowest priority to a frequency that does not support the highest priority slice for a particular UE, the UE uses the next lowest priority slice to derive the frequency priority for that slice. Only if none of the UE's slices are supported on that frequency is the cell reselection priority for that frequency determined to be the lowest (e.g., lower than any of the network configured values).

[0071] As another variation of the second embodiment, instead of the highest priority slice of the UE, the slice supported on the most frequencies (eg, the current frequency and adjacent frequencies) is considered.

[0072] In a third embodiment, the UE only measures the serving cell and uses only legacy radio thresholds to determine whether inter-frequency and / or inter-RAT measurements need to be performed. The UE does not evaluate whether an NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency has a reselection priority higher than, equal to, and / or lower than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency. If the serving cell is Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP And Squal>S nonIntraSearchQ If and / or when it no longer satisfies, adjacent frequencies are measured.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment, a new measurement rule for cell reselection is considered, such that the slices broadcasted are supported on the serving cell, instead of the slices supported on the serving frequency. The support of a slice on a frequency is defined as the slices supported on any cell (e.g., neighboring cells) on this frequency. Since cells on a frequency may belong to different tracking areas (TAs), the slices supported on different cells on the same frequency may also be different. Therefore, a serving cell may support only a subset of the slices supported by the serving frequency. The fourth embodiment depends on the slices supported in the serving cell of the UE.

[0074] In some embodiments, for adjacent frequencies, slice support is considered at the frequency level (eg, not with respect to a particular cell of the adjacent frequency).

[0075] In some embodiments, the remaining determination of whether an NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency has a reselection priority higher than, equal to, and / or lower than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency is made as described in any embodiment described herein.

[0076] The fifth embodiment mimics the fourth embodiment, except that only slices indicated by the NAS to the AS as slices for the UE (e.g., slices in the UE's allowed slice list) are considered, instead of general slices supported on the serving cell or frequency.

[0077] 5 is a flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of a method 500 for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. In some embodiments, the method 500 is performed by a device such as the remote unit 102. In some embodiments, the method 500 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, auxiliary processing unit, FPGA, etc.

[0078] In various embodiments, the method 500 includes receiving slice group information from a network device (502). In some embodiments, the method 500 includes determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency (504). In some embodiments, the method 500 includes determining a reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection (506).

[0079] In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes determining whether to perform inter-frequency measurements. In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes performing inter-frequency measurements in response to determining to perform inter-frequency measurements. In various embodiments, the first frequency is the current frequency.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second frequency is a frequency of an inter-frequency neighboring cell. In some embodiments, determining a reselection priority for the multiple frequencies includes determining a highest priority NAS-provided slice group in a slice group list indicated by the slice group information. In some embodiments, the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or a combination thereof.

[0081] In various embodiments, if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, the frequency is assigned the lowest priority. In one embodiment, the method 500 further includes prioritizing the multiple frequencies based on an order of their cell reselection priority in response to none of the multiple frequencies supporting any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

[0082] 6 is a flow chart diagram illustrating another embodiment of a method 600 for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. In some embodiments, the method 600 is performed by an apparatus such as the remote unit 102. In some embodiments, the method 600 may be performed by a processor executing program code, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, auxiliary processing unit, FPGA, etc.

[0083] In various embodiments, the method 600 includes receiving slice group information from a network device via NAS communication (602). In some embodiments, the method 600 includes determining (604) a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0084] In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes determining a final selection list of frequencies including any signaled frequency as having a higher priority compared to frequencies that do not have any slices included in the slice list group in response to the signaled frequency supporting at least one selected slice group included in the slice list group indicated by the slice group information. In some embodiments, the method 600 further includes sorting the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by the NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information of the selected slice group. In various embodiments, frequencies that do not support any of the slice groups received from the NAS list are assigned a frequency reselection priority.

[0085] In one embodiment, the slice groups corresponding to the slice group information indicated as supported on a frequency are the slice groups supported by at least one cell on that frequency, in some embodiments, the slice groups of the cell corresponding to the slice group information are used and other slice groups are not used.

[0086] In one embodiment, an apparatus for wireless communication comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor configured to cause the apparatus to receive slice group information from a network device, determine a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies comprising a first frequency and a second frequency, and determine a reselection priority for the plurality of frequencies to perform slice group based cell reselection.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to determine whether to perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0088] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to perform inter-frequency measurements in response to determining to perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0089] In various embodiments, the first frequency is the current frequency.

[0090] In one embodiment, the second frequency is a frequency of an inter-frequency adjacent cell.

[0091] In some embodiments, the processor configured to cause the apparatus to determine a reselection priority of the plurality of frequencies further comprises a processor configured to cause the apparatus to determine a slice group provided by the NAS with the highest priority in a slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

[0092] In some embodiments, the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or combinations thereof.

[0093] In various embodiments, if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, the frequency is assigned the lowest priority.

[0094] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to cause the apparatus to prioritize the multiple frequencies based on an order of their cell reselection priority in response to none of the multiple frequencies supporting any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

[0095] In one embodiment, a method in a UE includes receiving slice group information from a network device, determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency, and determining a reselection priority for the plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining whether to perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0097] In some embodiments, the method further includes, in response to determining to perform inter-frequency measurements, performing inter-frequency measurements.

[0098] In various embodiments, the first frequency is the current frequency.

[0099] In one embodiment, the second frequency is a frequency of an inter-frequency adjacent cell.

[0100] In some embodiments, determining a reselection priority for the multiple frequencies includes determining a slice group provided by the NAS with the highest priority in a slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

[0101] In some embodiments, the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or combinations thereof.

[0102] In various embodiments, if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, the frequency is assigned the lowest priority.

[0103] In one embodiment, the method further includes prioritizing the plurality of frequencies based on an order of their cell reselection priority in response to none of the plurality of frequencies supporting any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

[0104] In one embodiment, an apparatus for wireless communication comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the processor configured to cause the apparatus to receive slice group information from a network device via NAS communication and to determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to determine a final selection list of frequencies that includes any signaled frequency as having a higher priority compared to frequencies that do not have any slices included in the slice list group in response to the signaled frequency supporting at least one selected slice group included in the slice list group indicated by the slice group information.

[0106] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to sort the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by the NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information for the selected slice group.

[0107] In various embodiments, frequencies that do not support any of the slice groups received from the NAS list are assigned frequency reselection priority.

[0108] In one embodiment, the slice groups corresponding to the slice group information indicated as supported on a frequency are slice groups supported by at least one cell on that frequency.

[0109] In some embodiments, the slice group of the cell corresponding to the slice group information is used and other slice groups are not used.

[0110] In one embodiment, a method in a UE includes receiving slice group information from a network device via NAS communication and determining a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a final shortlist of frequencies that includes any signaled frequency as having a higher priority compared to frequencies that do not have any slices included in the slice list group in response to the signaled frequency supporting at least one selected slice group included in the slice list group indicated by the slice group information.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method further includes sorting the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by the NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information for the selected slice group.

[0113] In various embodiments, frequencies that do not support any of the slice groups received from the NAS list are assigned frequency reselection priority.

[0114] In one embodiment, the slice groups corresponding to the slice group information indicated as supported on a frequency are slice groups supported by at least one cell on that frequency.

[0115] In some embodiments, the slice group of the cell corresponding to the slice group information is used and other slice groups are not used.

[0116] The embodiments may be embodied in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as merely illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is therefore indicated by the appended claims rather than by the above description. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are intended to be embraced within their scope. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 102 Remote Unit 104 Network Unit 200 equipment 202 Processor 204 Memory 206 Input Devices 208 Display 210 Transmitter 212 Receiver 302 Processor 304 Memory 306 Input Devices 308 Display 310 Transmitter 312 Receiver 402 Serving Cell 404 N-cell-B1 406 N-cell-B2 408 N-cell-B3 410 N-cell-B4 412 N-cell-B5 414 N-cell-B6

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), comprising: At least one memory; at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory; and wherein the at least one processor causes the UE to: Receive slice group information from a network device; determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies, the plurality of frequencies comprising a first frequency and a second frequency; Determining reselection priority of multiple frequencies for performing slice group based cell reselection The UE is configured as follows.

2. The UE described in Claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine whether to perform inter-frequency measurements.

3. The UE described in claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to perform inter-frequency measurements in response to determining to perform inter-frequency measurements.

4. The UE of claim 1 , wherein the first frequency is a current frequency and the second frequency is a frequency of an inter-frequency neighboring cell.

5. The UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to determine a slice group provided by a network access stratum (NAS) with the highest priority in a slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

6. 6. The UE of claim 5, wherein the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or a combination thereof.

7. The UE of claim 5, wherein if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, the frequency is assigned a lowest priority.

8. The UE of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to prioritize the multiple frequencies based on an order of their cell reselection priority in response to none of the multiple frequencies supporting any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

9. A user equipment (UE), comprising: At least one memory; at least one processor coupled to said at least one memory; and wherein the at least one processor causes the UE to: receiving slice group information from a network device via non-access stratum (NAS) communication; Determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection The UE is configured as follows.

10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine a final selection list of frequencies including any signaled frequencies as having a higher priority compared to frequencies not having any slices included in the slice list group in response to the signaled frequencies supporting at least one selected slice group included in the slice list group indicated by the slice group information.

11. The UE of claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to sort the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by the NAS communication to corresponding slices to be used for final selection, and frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information for a selected slice group.

12. The UE of claim 11, wherein frequencies that do not support any of the slice groups received from the NAS are assigned frequency reselection priority.

13. The UE of claim 10, wherein a slice group corresponding to the slice group information indicated as being supported on a certain frequency is the slice group supported by at least one cell on the frequency.

14. The UE of claim 10, wherein a slice group of a cell corresponding to the slice group information is used, and other slice groups are not used.

15. A processor for wireless communications, comprising: at least one controller coupled to at least one memory, the at least one controller configured to cause the processor to: receiving slice group information from a network device via non-access stratum (NAS) communication; A processor configured to cause determining a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

16. A processor for wireless communications, comprising: at least one controller coupled to at least one memory, the at least one controller configured to cause the processor to: Receive slice group information from a network device; determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies, the plurality of frequencies comprising a first frequency and a second frequency; A processor configured to cause determining a reselection priority of a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group based cell reselection.

17. The processor of claim 16, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to determine whether to perform inter-frequency measurements.

18. The processor of claim 17, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to perform the inter-frequency measurement in response to determining to perform the inter-frequency measurement.

19. The processor of claim 16, wherein the first frequency is a current frequency and the second frequency is a frequency of an inter-frequency adjacent cell.

20. The processor of claim 16, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to determine a slice group provided by a network access layer (NAS) with the highest priority in a slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

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