User equipment operation during inactive state

Abstract

To solve the problem in which a terminal node can be in states other than a connected state, for example an idle state or an inactive state, which is a state with low signalling overhead and low power consumption, and, currently, no beam tracking is performed.SOLUTION: An apparatus comprises means for: receiving, at user equipment (UE) from a base station, provisioning of a plurality of pre-configured radio resources for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE; acquiring at the UE validity information associated with one or more the pre-configured resources; and using at least the validity information to determine, for use, a valid pre-configured radio resource. The pre-configured radio resources are associated with a set of one or more transmission beams.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to user equipment operation during an inactive state and network operation supporting user equipment operation during an inactive state.

Background Art

[0002] A base station can perform a beam alignment procedure between the base station (e.g., gNB) and a terminal node (e.g., UE) in a connected state (e.g., RRC CONNECTED state). Although the base station controls (the base station sends a beam change command), the base station receives assistance from the terminal (e.g., the UE performs measurements and periodically reports the best beam to assist beam selection in the network). Each time this beam tracking fails (e.g., before a set timer expires, when the number of beam failure instance indications from the physical layer reaches a set threshold), the terminal node performs a beam failure detection and recovery procedure.

[0003] The terminal node may enter a state other than the connected state, such as the idle state or the inactive state. The inactive state is a state with low signaling overhead and low power consumption, and currently, beam tracking is not performed.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to various embodiments, although not necessarily all, in a user equipment (UE), receiving, from a base station, provisioning of a plurality of preconfigured radio resources for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE, the preconfigured radio resources being associated with a set of transmission beams, receiving the provisioning; in the UE, obtaining validity information associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources; determining, for use, valid preconfigured radio resources using at least the validity information An apparatus is provided that includes means for

[0005] In some examples, but not necessarily all, the preconfigured resource is a random access channel (RACH) preamble and / or a preconfigured resource of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) associated with the PUSCH.

[0006] In some examples, but not necessarily all, the apparatus includes means for uplink data transmission during an inactive state using a determined valid preconfigured radio resource.

[0007] In some examples, but not necessarily all, the uplink data transmission uses at least one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission. In some examples, the plurality of modes for uplink data transmission includes at least one mode that uses a preconfigured PUSCH uplink resource and one mode that does not use a preconfigured PUSCH uplink resource. In some examples, the plurality of modes for uplink data transmission includes at least a four-step random access mode for data transmission, a two-step random access mode for data transmission, and a configured grant mode for data transmission.

[0008] In some examples, but not necessarily all, the validity information is received from the network.

[0009] In some examples, but not necessarily all, the apparatus includes means for receiving validity information from the network, and the validity information includes a radio quality-based threshold and / or a direct or indirect indication of one or more valid preconfigured resources.

[0010] In some but not all examples, the apparatus is configured with means to avoid using radio resources associated with the strongest transmission beam and falling back to a 4-step RACH-based data transmission mode when the radio resources are invalid radio resources.

[0011] In some but not all examples, the transmission beam associated with preconfigured radio resources is the base station's downlink transmission beam, and the association is direct or indirect.

[0012] In some but not all examples, the apparatus is equipped with means for estimating the intensity of one or more of the transmission beams and using the estimated intensity to determine valid preconfigured radio resources.

[0013] In some but not all examples, the intensity of the beam for uplink data may be based on identifying the strongest valid beam for reception at the base station for uplink data transmission.

[0014] In some but not all examples, the apparatus (i) one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission during the UE's inactive state, and (ii) at least preconfigured resources associated with a set of one or more beams at the base station is provided with means for selecting at least one combination from possible combinations.

[0015] In some but not all examples, the apparatus is equipped with means for switching to a new mode of data transmission, and at least the setup procedure for the new mode of data transmission includes the configuration of radio resources for the aligned beam.

[0016] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus comprises means for switching from a mode of data transmission without alignment to a beam at the base station or without sufficient alignment to a beam at the base station, to a new mode of data transmission, wherein at least the setup procedure for the new mode of data transmission includes the configuration of radio resources for an aligned beam at the base station.

[0017] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus is configured to use the availability information to select, for use, a combination of a grant mode configured for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam, depending on the current beam not being the strongest beam, and to use the availability information to select, for use, one or more combinations of a random access mode for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam, depending on there being no sufficient beam for the grant mode configured for uplink data transmission.

[0018] In some but not necessarily all examples, the apparatus comprises means for using the availability information to select, for use, a valid combination from among the possible combinations of one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission and an estimated strongest beam available for reception of uplink data transmission.

[0019] In various embodiments, although not necessarily all, receiving, at a UE, from a base station, a provisioning of a plurality of preconfigured radio resources for data transmission during a non-active state of the UE, wherein the preconfigured radio resources are associated with a set of transmission beams; obtaining, at the UE, availability information associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources; determining, for use, a valid preconfigured radio resource using at least the availability information; A method is provided that includes the above.

[0020] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, a computer program which, when executed by one or more processors, in a UE, receives from a base station a provisioning of a plurality of preconfigured radio resources for data transmission during a non-active state of the UE, wherein the preconfigured radio resources are associated with a set of transmission beams, to receive the provisioning; in the UE, obtains validity information associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources; determines, for use, valid preconfigured radio resources using at least the validity information; A computer program is provided that enables a process including the above.

[0021] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, a base station, restricts beam reception uplink data transmission during a non-active state of the UE to (i) one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission, (ii) a subset of beams for reception of uplink data transmission, to an effective combination from possible combinations thereof, and means for transmitting validity information for restricting to the UE; A base station is provided that includes the above.

[0022] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, a system is provided that includes an apparatus and a base station.

[0023] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, in a UE, receives from a base station a provisioning of at least preconfigured radio resources for data transfer during a non-active state of the UE, wherein the provisioned preconfigured radio resources are associated with a set of one or more beams, to receive the provisioning; In a UE, obtaining validity information associated with one or more of the pre-configured resources, verifying, at least using the validity information, pre-configured radio resources provisioned for data transfer during an inactive state of the UE A method is provided that includes.

[0024] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, In a UE, receiving, from a base station, provisioning of at least beam-related channels for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE, wherein the beam-related channels are associated with at least specific uplink radio resources for uplink data transmission and a set of one or more downlink transmission beams, receiving the provisioning, In a UE, obtaining validity information associated with one or more of the pre-configured resources, verifying, at least using the validity information, beam-related channels for use in uplink data transmission during an inactive state of the UE A method is provided that includes.

[0025] In at least some examples, the apparatus uses validity information to, for use, (i) one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission, (ii) beam-related channels is provided with means for verifying valid combinations from possible combinations therewith.

[0026] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, In a UE, receiving, from a base station, validity information for data transfer during an inactive state of the UE, using the validity information to, for use, (i) one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission, (ii) beam-related channels, where radio resources for use during an inactive state of a UE, and a beam-related channel that associates a set of one or more beams at a base station, verifying valid combinations from possible combinations thereof, and A method is provided that includes.

[0027] Although not necessarily all, in some examples, at least some of the possible combinations are invalid. Although not necessarily all, in some examples, the radio resources are for data transfer during an inactive state of the UE. Although not necessarily all, in some examples, the radio resources are preconfigured radio resources such as, for example, preconfigured PUSCH resources or preconfigured RACH resources. Although not necessarily all, in some examples, the apparatus comprises means for the base station to provision at least preconfigured radio resources.

[0028] Although not necessarily all, according to various embodiments, an apparatus, operating in a first state, uplink configuration access to a base station of a radio network by the apparatus, and assisting an uplink beam change used by the base station, operating in the first state to support, operating in a second state, conditionally enabling an uplink beam change used by the base station for uplink configuration access by the apparatus, and additional downlink signaling for uplink configuration access in a second mode as compared to a first mode, and operating in the second state to support, comprising means for, The additional downlink signaling for uplink configuration access in the second mode includes at least parameters used to conditionally enable the uplink beam change. An apparatus is provided.

[0029] The first mode state may be a connected state, and the second state may be an inactive state. Additional downlink signaling may include validity information. The parameters may include one or more thresholds or one or more indications of the validity of one or more of a beam, a preconfigured radio resource, and an uplink data transmission mode.

[0030] According to various embodiments, although not necessarily all, an apparatus configured to operate a terminal node in a first state to support uplink configuration access from the terminal node to a base station of a wireless network and to support a change of an uplink beam used by the base station and configured to operate in a first state configured to operate a terminal node in a second state to conditionally enable an uplink beam change used by the base station for uplink configuration access by the terminal node and to support additional downlink signaling for uplink configuration access in a second mode as compared to the first mode and configured to operate in a second state comprising means for wherein the additional downlink signaling for uplink configuration access in the second mode includes at least parameters used to conditionally enable the uplink beam change An apparatus is provided.

[0031] According to various embodiments, although not necessarily all, examples are provided that claim a patent in the appended claims.

[0032] Here, some examples will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

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Figure 5A

Figure 5B

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Figure 14

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] An example that enables uplink data transmission by a user equipment in an inactive state will be described. During the inactive state, the user equipment does not need to perform any beam tracking (and related signaling) at all, or an example that enables uplink data transmission to a base station using an uplink reception beam of the user equipment in the inactive state with the same power consumption and / or signaling overhead as in the connected state will be described. For example, an example that enables detection (and recovery from the lack) of the lack of beam effectiveness of uplink data transmission due to a change in alignment will be described. An example that enables the user equipment in the inactive state to efficiently perform data transmission while avoiding the signaling overhead and delay associated with the transition from the inactive state to the connected state for executing data transmission will be described.

[0035] FIG. 1 shows an example of a network 100 including a plurality of network nodes including a terminal node 110, an access node 120, and one or more core nodes 129. The terminal node 110 and the access node 120 communicate with each other. The one or more core nodes 129 communicate with the access node 120.

[0036] In some examples, the one or more core nodes 129 may communicate with each other. In some examples, the one or more access nodes 120 may communicate with each other.

[0037] The network 100 may be a cellular network including a plurality of cells 122 each served by an access node 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal node 110 and the access node 120 defining the cell 122 is a radio interface 124.

[0038] The access node 120 is a cellular radio transceiver. The terminal node 110 is a cellular radio transceiver.

[0039] In the illustrated example, the cellular network 100 is a 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network where the terminal node 110 is a user equipment (UE) and the access node 120 is a base station.

[0040] In some examples, the network 100 is an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN). E-UTRAN consists of E-UTRAN Node Bs (eNBs) 120 and provides E-UTRA user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol termination to the UEs 110. The eNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by the X2 interface 126. The eNBs are also connected to the Mobility Management Entity (MME) 129 by the S1 interface 128.

[0041] In other examples, the network 100 is a Next Generation (or New Radio, NR) Radio Access Network (NG-RAN). NG-RAN consists of gNode Bs (gNBs) 120 and provides user plane and control plane (RRC) protocol termination to the UEs 110. The gNBs 120 are interconnected with each other by the X2 / Xn interface 126. The gNBs are also connected to the Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) 129 by the N2 interface 128.

[0042] Figure 2 shows the state machine of the terminal node 110, e.g., a user equipment. The state machine includes three different states: a connected state, an inactive state, and an idle state.

[0043] In the illustrated example, the terminal node 110 is a user equipment and the states are the RRC connected state, the RRC inactive state, and the RRC idle state. In the specific example shown, the terminal node 110 is a New Radio (NR) user equipment and the states are the NR RRC connected state, the NR RRC inactive state, and the NR RRC idle state.

[0044] States and transitions between states are defined by appropriate specifications. In this example, the non-active state can only be entered from the connected state, for example, via a Radio Resource Control (RRC) release with a suspend message. In this example, the non-active state can transition to the connected state via an RRC resume or to the idle state via an RRC release.

[0045] The RRC release message with suspend is an RRC release message that includes suspend configuration information. This is a downlink message.

[0046] The non-active state is a state that has a first set of characteristics common to the idle state but not to the connected state, and a second set of characteristics common to the connected state but not to the idle state.

[0047] In at least some examples, the first set of characteristics includes mobility management by cell reselection, and the second set of characteristics includes a security context for encryption.

[0048] In the illustrated example, the non-active state is a state entered from the connected state. In the non-active state, the security context is retained from the connected state for encryption, but beam alignment measurements and reports performed in the connected state are not supported.

[0049] The examples described below enable data transmission, for example, a small amount of data transmission, from a terminal node 110 (e.g., a UE) to an access node 120 (a base station, e.g., a gNB) in the non-active state.

[0050] Data transmission can occur in the non-active state via one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission during the non-active state. In some examples, the data is encrypted according to a security key in the stored UE AS context.

[0051] The multiple modes for uplink data transmission in the inactive state include at least one mode that uses preconfigured physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) uplink resources and one mode that does not use preconfigured PUSCH uplink resources.

[0052] In at least some examples, the multiple modes for uplink data transmission in the inactive state include at least a four-step random access mode for data transmission, a two-step random access mode for data transmission, and a configured grant mode for data transmission.

[0053] An example of the four-step random access mode for data transmission in the inactive state is shown in Figure 3A. The user equipment 110 transmits a random access preamble (MSG1) to the access node 120 using the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and the random access channel (RACH) preamble. The random access preamble used is determined by preconfigured radio resources. The preconfigured radio resources do not yet include the preconfigured PUSCH radio resources. The access node 120 responds with a random access response (MSG2) that configures the PUSCH resource. The user equipment 110 transmits a transmission scheduled on the PUSCH (MSG3) to the access node 120 using the configured PUSCH resource. The access node 120 responds with a contention resolution (MSG4). The scheduled transmission (MSG3) is used to transmit data using the dynamically configured PUSCH resource.

[0054] An example of a two-step random access mode for data transmission in the inactive state is shown in Figure 3B. User equipment 110 uses preconfigured PUSCH resources and a random access channel (RACH) preamble to send MsgA to access node 120 on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). Access node 120 responds with MsgB. MsgA is used to transmit data using preconfigured PUSCH resources. MsgA corresponds to a combination of MSG1 and MSG3 in a four-step procedure. MsgB corresponds to a combination of MSG2 and MSG4 in a four-step procedure.

[0055] Examples of grant modes configured for data transmission in the RRC connected state are shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

[0056] In the illustrated example, it is possible to preconfigure uplink transmissions without the need to send a dynamic grant (e.g., a random access response) for each uplink transmission opportunity. The preconfiguration of these uplink PUSCH resources, configured grant (Configure Grant (CG)) PUSCH resources can be done according to two possible methods. The actual uplink grant may be configured via RRC (type 1) as shown in Figure 4A, or provided via a combination of RRC and PDCCH (to CS-RNTI) (type 2) as shown in Figure 4B. In at least some examples, in the inactive state, since monitoring of the PDCCH is not required, only type 1 (Figure 4A) is used for data transmission. Thus, type 1 configured grant-based resources can be used by the UE to transmit in the inactive state. In at least some examples, such transmissions are conditional on the UE having a valid timing advance (TA).

[0057] The PUSCH resources are preconfigured for the configured grant mode for data transmission and the two-step random access mode for data transmission. With the preconfigured PUSCH resources, the UE can use the preconfigured PUSCH resources for data transmission, for example, as described above (Figures 3B, 4A).

[0058] In at least some examples, the PUSCH resources specify the time and frequency resources of the PUSCH grid. The PUSCH resources allocate resource blocks (frequency resources) in a given slot / symbol in the time domain. The preconfigured resources include the PUSCH resources and the related transmission properties including Tx power, modulation and coding scheme (MCS), demodulation reference signal (DMRS) ports, etc.

[0059] PDSCH / PUSCH DMRS is a special type of physical layer signal that functions as a reference signal for decoding PDSCH / PUSCH. Similarly, NR defines PBCH DMRS. The DMRS sequence can be called a preamble sequence and can be directly used for identification (for example, if it is unique UE-specific). Furthermore, it can also be used for channel estimation. DMRS can also be used for channel estimation and identification of non-unique UEs.

[0060] Collision resolution of UEs using the same preconfigured PUSCH resources (for example, in CG-based data transmission) is facilitated by the network allocating orthogonal DMRS. It is possible to pre-allocate the same time-frequency resources to multiple UEs, allocate orthogonal DMRS sequences and multiplex them with data so that the network can separate / distinguish the transmitting UE(s). The DMRS sequence is mainly for channel estimation so that the gNB can detect and equalize the transmission.

[0061] In the case of the grant mode configured for data transmission, the provisioning of pre-configured PUSCH resources may occur upon transition from the connected state to the inactive state. For example, via radio resource control (RRC) signaling (e.g., in an RRC release with suspend).

[0062] In the case of the two-step random access mode for data transmission, the provisioning of pre-configured PUSCH resources may be performed by system-level signaling or by radio resource control (RRC) signaling (e.g., via system information block (SIB) or via an RRC release with suspend).

[0063] In the case of the four-step random access mode for data transmission, the provisioning of pre-configured resources, such as RACH preambles, may be performed via broadcast signaling (e.g., via SIB).

[0064] Therefore, it is natural that uplink data transmission during the inactive state may occur using the determined valid pre-configured radio resource(s).

[0065] The pre-configured resource may be a random access channel (RACH) radio resource, such as an RACH preamble and / or a pre-configured resource of a physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) associated with the PUSCH.

[0066] In at least some examples, the multiple modes for uplink data transmission include at least one mode that uses a pre-configured PUSCH uplink resource and one mode that does not use a pre-configured PUSCH uplink resource.

[0067] The multiple modes for uplink data transmission can include at least a 4-step random access mode for data transmission, a 2-step random access mode for data transmission, and a configured grant mode for data transmission.

[0068] In at least some examples, the network node 120 can communicate via spatially separated channels, which enables spatial modulation. The spatially modulated channels are often referred to as beams.

[0069] The network node can use separate spatial channels (beam-related channels) for uplink (receiving) and downlink (transmitting). The network node can use the same or overlapping spatial channels for uplink (receiving) and downlink (transmitting).

[0070] The terminal node 110 can also use separate spatial channels for uplink (transmitting) and downlink (receiving).

[0071] In the following, it is assumed that the network node 120 receives data at least via spatially separated channels (beams). The network node 120 can use separate spatial channels for uplink (receiving) and downlink (transmitting). The terminal node 110 can use separate spatial channels for its transmission or reception, but it is not necessary to do so.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the access node beam alignment procedure between an access node (e.g., gNB) and a terminal node (e.g., UE) includes i) the access node 120 transmitting probe signals in different directions using different transmission beams 202, 1.ii) the terminal node 110 measuring the probe signals and providing feedback regarding the best beam 202 and includes.

[0073] In FIG. 5A, the beam 202 used for transmission and reception by the access node 120 is wide, and the spatial selectivity is reduced.

[0074] In FIG. 5B, the beam 202 used for transmission and reception by the access node 120 is narrow, and the spatial selectivity is improved.

[0075] The procedure (P-1) shown in FIG. 5A can be performed first. Next, the procedure (P-2) shown in FIG. 5B can be performed as an improvement.

[0076] FIG. 6 shows an example of data transmission by the terminal node 110 in the inactive state.

[0077] The apparatus 110 operable as the user equipment 110 a) receiving means 212 in the user equipment (UE) 110 for receiving the provisioning 220 of a plurality of pre-configured radio resources 240 (not shown) for data transmission during the inactive state of the UE 110 from the base station 120, the pre-configured radio resources 240 being associated with a set of one or more beams 202; b) acquisition means 214 in the UE 110 for acquiring the validity information 222 associated with one or more of the above pre-configured resources 240; c) determination means 216 for determining, for use, a valid pre-configured radio resource 240 using at least the validity information 222 comprises.

[0078] The apparatus 110 may also comprise transmission means 218 for uplink data transmission 224 during the inactive state using the determined valid pre-configured radio resource 240 (if any).

[0079] One or more of the receiving, obtaining, and determining steps may occur during an inactive state or another state. The receiving and obtaining steps may occur in any order (or together) before the determining step.

[0080] The association between one or more beams 202 and the preconfigured radio resources 240 may be direct or indirect. In at least some examples, one or more beams 202 are directly associated with the preconfigured radio resources 240 and are the uplink reception beams of the base station 120. In at least some examples, one or more beams 202 are indirectly associated with the preconfigured radio resources 240 and are the downlink transmission beams of the base station 120.

[0081] For example, in at least some examples, the user equipment 110 includes means for estimating one or more qualities (e.g., strength, e.g., received power strength) of the downlink transmission beams of the base station 120, and means for determining effective preconfigured radio resources 240 using the estimated quality (e.g., strength). The quality of the transmission beam 202 of the base station 120 can be measured, for example, by measuring the RSRP.

[0082] Accordingly, the downlink (transmission) beam of the base station 120 has the measured quality. As shown in FIG. 8, the downlink transmission beam T of the base station 120 can be associated with the corresponding uplink (reception) beam R of the base station 120. Since the downlink beam T of the base station and the uplink (reception) beam R of the base station 120 overlap considerably, for example, they can correspond because they occupy the same spatial channel that is reciprocal (in the opposite spatial direction). The measured quality of the downlink (transmission) beam T of the base station 120 can be assigned to the corresponding associated uplink (reception) beam R of the base station 120. Each uplink (reception) beam Rn of the base station operates, for example, using the preconfigured radio resource PRn as described above.

[0083] FIG. 8 shows different associations from the downlink (transmission) beam(s) Tn of base station 120 to the corresponding uplink (reception) beam(s) Rn of base station 120 and to the preconfigured radio resources PRn of the corresponding uplink (reception) beam(s) Rn of base station 120.

[0084] FIG. 8 uses a grid layout. The first column labeled "AN Tx" for access node transmission schematically shows different access node downlink (transmission) beam(s) Tn in different rows. The second column labeled "AN Rx" for access node reception schematically shows different access node uplink (reception) beam(s) Rn in different rows. The fourth column labeled "Preconfigured Resources" schematically shows different preconfigured resources PRn in different rows.

[0085] The third column labeled "Inactive TN Data Tx Mode" for the non - active state terminal node (TN) data transmission (Tx) mode schematically shows different data transmission modes Mn in different rows. The double - headed arrows indicate the associations.

[0086] When the measured quality of the downlink (transmission) beam(s) Tn of base station 120 is high enough, the preconfigured radio resources PRn of the uplink (reception) beam Rn of base station 120 corresponding to the measured downlink (transmission) beam(s) Tn are valid or conditionally valid. Conditionally valid means that one or more other criteria need to be met for the preconfigured radio resources PRn to be valid.

[0087] An example of a criterion is that the corresponding uplink (reception) beam(s) Rn of base station 120 are available. An example of a criterion is that the corresponding uplink (reception) beam(s) Rn of base station 120 are not restricted.

[0088] An example of a criterion is that the corresponding uplink (receiving) beam(s) Rn of base station 120 is / are associated with an available data transmission mode Mn. An example of a criterion is that the corresponding uplink (receiving) beam(s) Rn of the base station is / are associated with a data transmission mode Mn that is not restricted.

[0089] The determination may be based at least on the availability information 222. The availability information 222 can include, for example, quality thresholds and / or parameters for defining conditional criteria. For example, the availability information 222 can identify which beam(s) Rn is / are available and / or which beam(s) Rn is / are restricted. For example, the availability information 222 can identify which data transmission mode Mn is / are available and / or which data transmission mode Mn is / are restricted. For example, the availability information 222 can identify which combinations of data transmission mode Mn and beam Rn (preconfigured radio resource PRn) are available and / or which combinations of data transmission mode Mn and beam Rn (preconfigured radio resource PRn) are restricted.

[0090] FIG. 8(i) shows an example in which the first preconfigured radio resource PR1 is associated with the first data transmission mode M1 in an inactive state. The combination of the first data transmission mode M1 and the first preconfigured radio resource PR1 (for the first beam R1) is available and not restricted. If the estimated quality of the first uplink beam T1 is sufficient, the first data transmission mode M1 can be used together with the first preconfigured radio resource PR1 according to other conditions (if any). The estimated quality of the first uplink beam R1 can be based on the measured quality of the first downlink beam T1.

[0091] FIG. 8(ii) shows an example where two separate sets of second preconfigured radio resources PR2_1, PR2_2 are associated with a second mode M2 of data transmission during an inactive state. The combination of the second data transmission mode M2 and the first radio resource PR2_1 (for the first beam R2_1 of the second beam) among the second preconfigured radio resources is available and not restricted. If the estimated quality of the first beam R2_1 among the second beams is sufficient, the second data transmission mode M2 can be used together with the first radio resource PR2_1 among the second preconfigured radio resources according to other conditions (if any). The combination of the second data transmission mode M2 and the second radio resource PR2_2 (for the second beam R2_2 of the second beam) among the second preconfigured radio resources is available and not restricted. If the estimated quality of the second beam R2_2 among the second beams is sufficient, the second data transmission mode M2 can be used together with the second radio resource PR2_2 of the second preconfigured radio resources according to other conditions (if any). The estimated quality of the uplink beams R2_1, R2_2 can be based on the measured quality of the respective downlink beams T2_1, T2_2.

[0092] If the second beams R2_1, R2_2 are available, the estimated quality of the first beam R2_1 among the second beams is sufficient, and the measured quality of the second beam R2_2 among the second beams is sufficient, the second data transmission mode M2 can be used together with the second preconfigured radio resource PR2_m associated with the highest quality beam R2_m according to other conditions (if any). In this example, m is 1 or 2.

[0093] FIG. 8(iii) shows an example in which a third preconfigured radio resource PR3 is associated with a third data transmission mode M3 during the inactive state. The combination of the third data transmission mode M3 and the third preconfigured radio resource PR3 (for the third beam R3) is available and not restricted. If the estimated quality of the third uplink beam R3 is sufficient, the third data transmission mode M3 can be used together with the third preconfigured radio resource PR3 according to other conditions (if any). The estimated quality of the third uplink beam R3 can be based on the measured quality of the third downlink beam T3.

[0094] As described above, FIG. 7 shows an example of a method 230 for determining for use an effective preconfigured radio resource 240. This use can be, for example, in uplink data transmission using a determined combination of an uplink data transmission mode Mn and a preconfigured radio resource PRn.

[0095] As described above, different specific preconfigured radio resources PRn are associated with different specific beam(s) Rn. Thus, there is an effective association between the preconfigured radio resource PRn and the specific beam(s) Rn.

[0096] The method shown in FIG. 7 determines an effective combination of a data transmission mode Mn and a preconfigured radio resource PRn (and associated beam(s) Rn).

[0097] In block 232, a presumptive (candidate) effective combination of a data transmission mode Mn and a preconfigured radio resource PRn (and associated beam(s) Rn) is determined.

[0098] In block 234, the presumptive effective combination of a data transmission mode Mn and a preconfigured radio resource PRn (and associated beam(s) Rn) is tested for effectiveness using effectiveness information 222.

[0099] The effectiveness information 222 is associated with one or more of the above-mentioned preconfigured resources PRn, either directly or indirectly via associated beam(s) Tn, Rn. The associated beam(s) may be, for example, the uplink (receiving) beam(s) Rn of the base station 120 or the downlink (transmitting) beam(s) Tn of the base station 120.

[0100] If an estimated effective combination of the data transmission mode Mn and the preconfigured radio resource PRn (and associated beam(s) Rn) is tested and found to be effective, the data mode Mn of the effective combination is used to transmit data 224 using the preconfigured radio resource PRn of the effective combination.

[0101] If an estimated effective combination of the data transmission mode Mn and the preconfigured radio resource PRn (and associated beam(s) Rn) is tested and found to be ineffective, at block 232, a data transmission mode Mn' and a preconfigured radio resource PRn' (and associated beam(s) Rn') are determined.

[0102] Thereafter, the method proceeds to block 234. At block 234, a new estimated effective combination of the data transmission mode Mn' and the preconfigured radio resource PRn' (and associated beam(s) Rn') is tested for effectiveness using the effectiveness information 222. Method 230 is repeated.

[0103] Thus, the UE 110 can be configured to (i) select one of a plurality of modes Mn of uplink data transmission 224 during the inactive state of the UE 110, and (ii) an effective combination from possible combinations of a beam-related uplink channel associated with a set of one or more beams Rn at the base station 120 and.

[0104] The beam-related uplink channel determines preconfigured radio resources PRn for data transfer during the inactive state of UE110. The beam at the base station may be the uplink (receiving) beam Rn at base station 120 or the downlink (transmitting) beam Tn at base station 120. The preconfigured radio resources PRn may be preconfigured PUSCH radio resources or RACH radio resources.

[0105] In any of the examples, in UE110, the step of obtaining validity information 222 associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources 240 may occur in any suitable manner.

[0106] Although not necessarily in all but in some examples, UE110 receives the validity information 222 from the network. For example, the configured grant configuration information can include the validity information 222 in addition to all other parameters required for the configured grant. For example, the signaling that causes a transition to the inactive state (e.g., release with a suspend message) can include the validity information 222 in addition to all other parameters required for the inactive state.

[0107] However, in other examples, the validity information 222 can be obtained, for example, via information pre-loaded into user equipment 110 by the manufacturer or network operator, or information downloaded to user equipment 110 by the network operator.

[0108] In at least some examples, the validity information 222 includes a radio quality-based threshold and / or a direct or indirect indication of one or more valid preconfigured resources 240.

[0109] The wireless quality-based threshold can be used, for example, to evaluate different downlink beams Tn used by the base station to transmit to UE110. The wireless quality-based threshold can be, for example, an RSRP threshold. RSRP refers to the received power of the reference signal. The RSRP can be the average power received from a single resource element assigned to the secondary synchronization signal. It can be the integrated received power signal strength from all antenna elements belonging to a single receive path.

[0110] The validity information 222 can directly indicate one or more valid preconfigured radio resources 240 by identifying one or more valid preconfigured radio resources 240. The validity information 222 can indirectly indicate one or more preconfigured radio resources 240 by identifying one or more base station downlink transmission beams Tn associated with the preconfigured radio resource PRn. The validity information 222 can directly indicate validity by indicating one or more valid preconfigured radio resources 240. The validity information 222 can indirectly indicate validity by directly or indirectly indicating one or more preconfigured radio resources 240 that are restricted (invalid) and thus not available for use.

[0111] As described above, the validity information 222 can include, for example, parameters for defining conditional criteria. For example, the validity information 222 can identify which beam Rn is available and / or which beam Rn is restricted. For example, the validity information 222 can identify which data transmission mode Mn is available and / or which data transmission mode Mn is restricted. For example, the validity information 222 can identify which combinations of data transmission mode Mn and beam Rn (preconfigured radio resource PRn) are available and / or which combinations of data transmission mode Mn and beam Rn (preconfigured radio resource PRn) are restricted.

[0112] Therefore, the validity information 222 can enable or prevent the use of a grant configured for at least one beam Rn. For example, if there are not enough beams Rn for the configured grant, the validity information 222 can prevent the use of the grant configured for data transmission 224. For example, if the best available beam is sufficient for the configured grant, the validity information 222 can enable the use of that beam to enable the use of the grant configured for data transmission 224.

[0113] Therefore, the validity information 222 can enable the use of the best available beam Rn for uplink data transmission 224 and the selection of a data transmission mode Mn that can be used with that beam Rn.

[0114] Therefore, if it is determined from the validity information 222 that the preconfigured PUSCH radio resource is an invalid radio resource, the validity information 222 can avoid the use of the preconfigured PUSCH radio resource associated with the strongest transmission beam and fallback to a 4-step RACH-based data transmission mode.

[0115] In some examples, the selection of the beam Rn (preconfigured radio resource PRn) is based on the data transmission mode Mn. That is, there is a preference for a specific data transmission mode Mn, for example, for a configured grant, and there is a bias towards finding a beam Rn (preconfigured configured grant PUSCH radio resource PRn) that supports that configured grant data transmission mode Mn.

[0116] For example, although not necessarily in all cases, in some examples, the user equipment 110 may maintain the use of the same data transmission mode Mn (e.g., a configured grant) and the current preconfigured radio resource PRn_1 (current beam Rn_1) even if the current beam is not the best beam or the quality of the current beam has deteriorated.

[0117] For example, in some cases, but not necessarily all cases, the user equipment 110 may continue to use the same data transmission mode Mn (e.g., configured grant) with a different preconfigured radio resource PRn_2 (new different beam Rn_2), even though the new beam Rn_2 is not the best beam. In this example, the current beam Rn_1 is no longer sufficient, and the new beam Rn_2 is sufficient but (not necessarily the best).

[0118] For example, in some cases, but not necessarily all cases, the user equipment 110 may maintain the use of the current data transmission mode Mn using the current / new preconfigured radio resource (current / new current beam), even though the current / new beam is not the best or the quality of the current beam has deteriorated. In this example, the beam being used is sufficient (but not necessarily the best). In some cases, a beam change may occur if a beam that is good enough for that data transmission mode is available. In some cases, a beam change may occur when the current beam for that data transmission mode is no longer sufficient. In at least some of these examples, if there is no beam sufficient for the preferred current data transmission mode (e.g., configured grant), the data transmission mode can be switched to one or more other modes (e.g., 2-step RACH, 4-step RACH). The mode to be switched may have a setup procedure that includes, for example, configuring radio resources for the aligned beam. Thus, the new data mode for uplink transmission is automatically aligned with the uplink (receiving) beam R of the base station 120, improving the reception quality.

[0119] Thus, in at least some examples, the user equipment 110 is configured to switch from a data transmission mode that does not involve alignment to a (reception) beam at the base station or does not involve sufficient alignment to a (reception) beam at the base station 120 to a new data transmission mode, and at least the setup procedure of the new data transmission mode 224 includes the configuration of radio resources for the aligned (reception) beam at the base station.

[0120] In the 2-step and 4-step RACH procedures, the user equipment 110 can be configured to identify a new target (reception) beam Rn using a specific PRACH preamble.

[0121] The validity information 222 can define one or more of the following permitted combinations, for example, using a threshold. a) The combination of the grant mode configured for uplink data transmission and the current beam, b) The combination of the grant mode configured for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam, and / or c) The combination of the random access mode for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam.

[0122] In at least some examples, when the current beam is the strongest beam, the UE110 uses the validity information to select the combination of the grant mode configured for uplink data transmission and the current beam for use.

[0123] In at least some examples, when the current beam is not the strongest beam, the UE110 uses the validity information 222 to select the combination of the grant mode configured for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam (if possible) for use.

[0124] In at least some examples, if there are not enough beams for the grant mode configured for uplink data transmission, UE 110 uses the availability information 222 to select for use one or more combinations of the random access mode for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam (if possible).

[0125] In an example of method 250 shown in FIG. 9, since the identification of the serving SSB(s) (and associated L1-RSRP operating range) is part of the CG configuration, the CG operation during RRC inactive can be made robust against upcoming beam blockages.

[0126] This mechanism has a fine granularity that enables the gNB 120 to be triggered to select a new serving beam via either: (i) reusing the CG configuration to request a beam change (when the L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is within a preconfigured range), or (ii) a 2-step or 4-step RACH procedure (when the L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is below a preconfigured threshold). (i) Procedures for reusing the CG configuration to request a beam change (when the L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is within a preconfigured range), or (ii) A 2-step or 4-step RACH procedure (when the L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is below a preconfigured threshold).

[0127] FIG. 9 shows an example of the detection and recovery procedures during beam change of UE 110 in RRC inactive configured with CG-SDT (Configured Grant-based Small Data Transmission).

[0128] The CG-SDT allocation is associated with at least one gNB Rx beam configuration Rn (preconfigured radio resource PRn) that is either explicitly indicated by the gNB 120 as part of the CG configuration or implicitly determined by the UE 110.

[0129] UE 110 detects whether the gNB Rx beam Rn initially assigned to CG-SDT(Mn) is still valid, is no longer the best but still usable, or is no longer valid. The detection is performed before the time when a new payload should (or will) appear in the buffer of the UE. At block 251, when a new payload appears, UE 110 evaluates the gNB Rx beam Rn initially assigned to CG-SDT(Mn).

[0130] In the above evaluation, at block 252, if the first beam Rn is considered valid for Mn, UE 110 uses the CG-SDT resource PRn initially configured to transmit the payload via the uplink transmission mode Mn (CG-SDT) at block 253.

[0131] At block 254, it is determined whether the first beam Rn is no longer the best but is still considered usable.

[0132] If it is usable, at block 255, UE 110 triggers an Rx gNB beam change (beam reconfiguration for CG-SDT) using the first beam Rn by reporting to gNB 120 via DMRS, UCI (or other means) an indication that a beam change to beam Rm is required. For the beam reconfiguration to be considered successful, it needs to be recognized by the network.

[0133] If not available, at block 256, UE 110 uses (falls back to) RA data transmission (2-step or 4-step) for payload transmission at block 256. Thus, if the first beam is considered no longer valid, the UE triggers a fallback to RA data transmission (2-step or 4-step). During the associated random access procedure, UE 110 indicates the new best beam to gNB 120 via preamble selection. The indication of the new beam triggers a beam change at the Rx gNB. When the fallback is complete, the following two options are anticipated. (i) Unless explicitly configured again by the gNB using configured grant data transmission, the UE does not assume CG-SDT (i.e., operates in RA data transmission (2-step or 4-step)), or, (ii) The UE resumes CG-SDT assuming that the gNB Rx is currently updated (if this is confirmed by the gNB).

[0134] After the Rx gNB beam change procedure 256 initiated by the UE, gNB 120 ensures to listen for the correct Rx beam on the UE's pre-configured PUSCH radio resources associated with the UE's CG-SDT (in accordance with the UE indication).

[0135] The procedure at block 256 can be performed in parallel with the procedure at block 255. The motivation for executing both procedures 255 and 256 in parallel is that the use of 2-step or 4-step RA data transmission may cause delays due to, for example, preamble collisions and / or contention resolution, and thus, depending on the scenario, the beam reconfiguration for CG-SDT can be faster.

[0136] An example of method 260 is shown in FIG. 10.

[0137] UE 110 performs an initial access procedure that enables the UE to transition from RRC IDLE to RRC CONNECTED (either by a 2-step or 4-step RACH procedure).

[0138] In block 262, the UE notifies the gNB of its traffic characteristics, including the periodicity of the traffic and the typical size of the periodic traffic data payloads.

[0139] In block 263, gNB 120 notifies UE 110 of a "Configured Grant Config" for RRC INACTIVE operation, including information on the beam (SSB) that serves as the serving SSB and the validity information 222 that includes the L1-RSRP operating range within which the serving SSB is assumed to be executable with CG-SDT.

[0140] The indication of the L1-RSRP operating range is necessary for the UE to detect whether there is another SSB with a stronger L1-RSRP. Next, the gNB can indicate that a different Rx beam should be used for the CG-SDT reception associated with the UE. Furthermore, the L1-RSRP operating range includes a first threshold, and whenever the measured L1-RSRP of the serving SSB exceeds it, the CG-SDT operation should be assumed to be operating properly by the UE. On the other hand, if the measured L1-RSRP is less than the first threshold, the UE needs to monitor whether there is another more powerful SSB. The validity information 222 includes a second threshold that enables the UE110 to determine which recovery procedure to select when indicating to the network that the serving SSB needs to be changed. If the measured L1-RSRP of the current serving SSB exceeds the second threshold, the current beam is sufficient, and the UE can attempt the recovery procedure by using the current serving SSB for CG-SDT. On the other hand, if the measured L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is less than the second threshold, the current beam is insufficient, and the UE should attempt the recovery procedure via RA data transmission (2-step or 4-step).

[0141] The UE can also be configured with a third threshold related to the difference between the measured L1-RSRP of the serving SSB and the currently strongest measured SSB included in the validity information 222. Whenever the difference exceeds the third threshold, the UE can start the recovery procedure preemptively (even if the measured L1-RSRP of the current serving SSB exceeds the first threshold). Furthermore, the UE can be configured via the validity information 222 with a set of SSBs for which normal CG-SDT operation is assumed (i.e., as long as the strongest SSB is among the set of configured SSBs).

[0142] In an alternative embodiment, UE110 is configured with the normal "Configured Grant Config" for RRC CONNECTED operation, but then the UE transitions to RRC INACTIVE and is instructed to maintain the same CG configuration. In this case, it should be noted that the UE needs to be notified of the serving SSB and the availability information 222 including the L1-RSRP operating range. The latter may be part of the general RRC configuration, and the former can be determined by the UE's own measurements or indicated by the gNB via a dedicated signaling message.

[0143] In block 264, gNB120 triggers the transition of UE110 from RRC CONNECTED to RRC INACTIVE.

[0144] In block 265, UE110 retrieves a new packet from its application layer into the buffer.

[0145] In block 266, UE110 determines the currently strongest SSB. This can be done after the packet arrives in the buffer or as part of a periodic procedure that is constantly listening to the gNB's periodic SSB sweeps.

[0146] The UE measures which part of the L1-RSRP operating range is the current serving SSB.

[0147] In block 267, the UE determines whether the measured L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is less than a second threshold.

[0148] If the UE determines that the measured L1-RSRP of the serving SSB is less than the second threshold, it triggers a recovery procedure using RA (2-step or 4-step) to resume CG-SDT operation.

[0149] Alternatively, if the UE autonomously transitions to RA data transmission (2-step or 4-step), i.e., beam-based conditional fallback, and only CG-SDT is resumed when specifically configured by the gNB.

[0150] In some cases, it may be necessary to perform cell reselection because the UE may no longer be within the service area of the cell. This may occur when the UE exceeds the maximum number of transmission attempts during RA data transmission (2-step or 4-step).

[0151] When the UE determines that the measured L1-RSRP of the configured serving SSB exceeds the first threshold, at block 268, it checks whether there is a stronger SSB.

[0152] If UE110 cannot find a stronger SSB, or if the difference between the current serving SSB and the strongest SSB is less than the third threshold, UE110 continues with normal CG-SDT operation.

[0153] If UE110 finds a stronger SSB and the difference between the current serving SSB and the strongest SSB exceeds the third threshold, at block 269, UE110 indicates the identifier of this stronger SSB to gNB120 via pre-configured radio resources assigned to CG-SDT (and further via the serving SSB), and the gNB can update its Rx beam accordingly.

[0154] This can be achieved by a special message that explicitly indicates the current stronger SSB. Furthermore, this message can also be used to reconfigure the type / amount of resources required when the traffic characteristics of the UE change.

[0155] To enable this, the configured grant configuration needs to include an indication that UCI transmission is permitted and an indication that the UCI contains information regarding a more powerful SSB than the current one.

[0156] This can alternatively be achieved by a new message design indicating that the DMRS ports used for transmission have a reconfigured message payload instead of the normal SDT transmission. Alternatively, the DMRS ports can indicate whether the resource elements within the PUSCH payload need to be interpreted as normal (i.e., modulation symbols that can be demodulated to data), or instead whether these resource elements are associated with a robust sequence (enabling operation with a larger SSB RSRP range). Next, the sequence selected for transmission by the UE can encode which SSB has the highest RSRP that the UE is currently experiencing.

[0157] In block 270, gNB 120 provides feedback in response to the UE request.

[0158] In block 270(a), gNB 120 confirms the change of the gNB Rx beam and indicates to the UE to continue in mode CG-SDT. Thereafter, the gNB can transmit a new ConfiguredGrantConfig (or a simplified version of this IE containing only the differences from the original configuration).

[0159] In block 270(b), gNB 120 triggers a fallback to another data transmission mode, e.g., the RA data transmission mode (2-step or 4-step).

[0160] Furthermore, gNB 120 can reconfigure the UE's data transmission mode at any time via paging or other signaling directed to the UE's I-RNTI as a result of the UE's regular RAN notification area (RNA) update.

[0161] Assume that there is a correspondence between the Rx beam Rn of the gNB and the Tx beam Tn used for transmitting the SSB of the gNB, which is herein referred to as the serving SSB. Note that this is a valid assumption for providing services to the UE in RRC Inactive. Thereby, the gNB can change its Rx beam to receive the CG-SDT transmission of the UE based on the indication of the reception of the gNB RS (e.g., SSB).

[0162] The implementation details are described assuming that there is one serving SSB associated with "Configured Grant Config" of the RRC INACTIVE operation. However, more generally, the "Configured Grant Config" of RRC INACTIVE can be associated with at least one set of SSBs. In this case, the L1-RSRP of the strongest SSB in the set is the L1-RSRP of the serving SSB.

[0163] In some examples, the selection of the data transmission mode Mn in the inactive state is based on the beam Rn (pre-configured radio resource PRn). That is, for receiving data transmission from the UE110, it is preferable to use the beam Rn with the highest quality available at the base station 120. There is a bias towards finding the transmission mode Mn that supports the strongest beam Rn (pre-configured, configured grant PUSCH radio resource PRn).

[0164] The UE110 can select a valid combination for use from the possible combinations of one of the multiple modes Mn for uplink data transmission and the strongest beam Rn available by estimating the reception of the uplink data transmission using the validity information 222. The UE110 can select the best available mode Mn under the constraint of using the best available beam Rn. The validity information 222 can indicate, for example, the permitted / limited combinations of modes and beams.

[0165] Figure 11 shows an example of method 290 in which radio resources (PRACH / PUSCH / DMRS resources) for uplink data transmission in the inactive state are reserved (preconfigured) for each gNB Rx beam.

[0166] In block 291, UE 110 receives validity information 222 via a network indication of SDT mode permission for each beam / SSB. This can be broadcast via SIB. Alternatively, UE-specific indications can be provided via RRC, for example, in an RRC release (to RRC inactive) or in an RNA update procedure (during RRC inactive).

[0167] The advantage of this latter approach is that the network can control the behavior of each SDT UE individually.

[0168] As an example, the CG configuration of SDT can indicate which beam(s) such a CG configuration applies to or does not apply to, and then which beam(s) the UE can use the PUSCH resources configured for CG-SDT transmission.

[0169] In block 292, UE 110 in the RRC inactive state is attempting to support CG-SDT and has a data payload in the buffer for transmission to base station 120. UE 110 has determined or determines the strongest beam for reception of data transmission by UE 110 to base station 120.

[0170] The UE has received provisioning of a plurality of preconfigured radio resources for data transmission during the UE's inactive state from the base station. UE 110 has obtained validity information 222 associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources.

[0171] In block 293, UE 110 determines, for use, valid preconfigured radio resources using at least the availability information 222. It is determined whether to permit CG-SDT on the strongest beam.

[0172] If CG-SDT is permitted on the strongest beam, in block 294, UE 110 transmits the payload using the preconfigured configured grant PUSCH resources of the strongest beam, thereby enabling CG-SDT on the strongest beam.

[0173] If CG-SDT is not permitted on the strongest beam, in block 295, UE 110 transmits the payload using the preconfigured RACH resources, enabling the RA4 step data transmission mode.

[0174] Thus, when detecting that the strongest beam is a restricted beam for a particular data transmission mode (e.g., CG-SDT or RA2 step data transmission), UE 110 avoids using that "restricted" mode and instead falls back to a mode permitted for the strongest beam (e.g., RA2 step data transmission or RA4 step data transmission). The PRACH / PUSCH resources used by UE 110 to perform uplink data transmission when in RRC Inactive may be allocated in a non-competing manner to avoid collisions. However, as the capacity demand of the beam increases, the use of these resources may be restricted by the network.

[0175] In the case of CG-SDT, PUSCH and DMRS resources may be configured using an overbooking factor to avoid unused resources; otherwise, resources would be wasted. In the case of RA2 step data transmission, similar overbooking of PUSCH resources is possible by mapping multiple preambles to the same PUSCH resource. Also, the impact on network capacity by reserving PUSCH resources and / or DMRS sequences for these data transmission modes using preconfigured PUSCH radio resources depends on the amount of resources required by the UE in RRC Connected. When a greater capacity demand occurs, the overbooking factor can be increased. However, if the overbooking factor is too large, the network's ability to decode uplink data transmissions by UE110 in the inactive state may decrease.

[0176] As an example, when some beams within a cell are more heavily loaded (i.e., when the PUSCH resources for transmission in these directions are heavily occupied by UEs in the RRC Connected mode, etc.), the CG-SDT and RA2 step data transmission modes should not be used (restriction); since the latter mode does not require reservation (preconfiguration) of PUSCH resources, a fallback to the RA4 step data transmission mode is instead performed.

[0177] The method 290 described above in relation to FIG. 11 can mitigate decoding problems that can affect uplink data transmission using preconfigured PUSCH radio resources (e.g., RA2 step data transmission and CG-SDT) when the use of PUSCH / DMRS resources from UEs in the RRC Connected mode of the beam increases.

[0178] The network can control the PUSCH load levels in different beams by controlling the validity information 222 for each beam level. The validity information 222 can indicate, for example, for a cell, a set of beams for which CG-SDT or RA2 step data transmission is permitted, or conversely, a set of beams for which the use of CG-SDT or RA2 step data transmission is restricted. The bottleneck of PUSCH and the decoding problem are avoided.

[0179] Similar means can be employed to control the DMRS sequence or the RACH load within a beam. In the latter case, the objective is to keep the RACH collision rate below the target by controlling the selection between RA4 step data transmission and RA2 step data transmission that utilizes the RACH preamble resources. For example, by indicating the access probability used by each UE to select when to perform RA data transmission. Alternatively, this function can also be implemented in the form of an access mask that permits the UE to access only specific 2-step or 4-step resources each time a data transmission attempt is made.

[0180] The above example enables the method shown in FIG. 12. Method 300 includes at block 302, receiving, at the UE from the base station, the provisioning of a plurality of preconfigured radio resources for data transmission during the non-active state of the UE, wherein the preconfigured radio resources are associated with a set of transmission beams; at block 304, obtaining, at the UE, the validity information associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources; at block 306, determining, for use, the valid preconfigured radio resources using at least the validity information; and

[0181] FIG. 13 shows an example of a controller 400. Such a controller 400 can be used, for example, in user equipment 110. Such a controller 400 can be used, for example, in base station 120.

[0182] The implementation of controller 400 may be carried out as a controller circuit. Controller 400 may be implemented by hardware only, may have a specific form in software including only firmware, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0183] As shown in FIG. 13, controller 400 may be implemented, for example, by a general-purpose or dedicated processor 402 using instructions enabling hardware functions by using executable instructions of computer program 406. The executable instructions may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium (such as a disk, memory, etc.) executed by such a processor 402.

[0184] Processor 402 is configured to read from and write to memory 404. Processor 402 may also include an output interface through which data and / or commands are output by processor 402 and an input interface through which data and / or commands are input to processor 402.

[0185] Memory 404 stores a computer program 406 including computer program instructions (computer program code) that control the operation of device 110 (or device 120) when loaded into processor 402. The computer program instructions of computer program 406 provide the logic and routines that enable the device to execute the methods shown in FIGS. 6 to 12. Processor 402 can load and execute computer program 406 by reading memory 404.

[0186] Device 110 is thus At least one processor 402, and At least one memory 404 including computer program code Comprising, The at least one memory 404 and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor 402, cause the apparatus 110 to at least In a user equipment (UE), receiving provisioning of a plurality of preconfigured radio resources for data transmission during a non-active state of the UE from a base station, the preconfigured radio resources being associated with a set of transmission beams; receiving the provisioning; In the UE, obtaining validity information associated with one or more of the above preconfigured resources; Determining, for use, valid preconfigured radio resources using at least the validity information Are configured to perform.

[0187] As shown in FIG. 14, the computer program 406 may arrive at the apparatus 110 (or apparatus 120) via any suitable distribution mechanism 408. The distribution mechanism 408 may be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM) or a digital versatile disc (DVD) or a solid-state memory, an article including or tangibly embodying the computer program 406. The distribution mechanism may be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 406. The apparatuses 110, 120 may propagate or transmit the computer program 406 as a computer data signal.

[0188] Computer program instructions 406, In a UE, receiving, from a base station, provisioning of a plurality of pre-configured radio resources for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE, wherein the pre-configured radio resources are associated with a set of transmission beams, receiving the provisioning of the radio resources In a UE, obtaining validity information associated with one or more of the pre-configured resources above Determining, for use, valid pre-configured radio resources using at least the validity information Computer program instructions 406 for causing at least apparatus 110 to perform or for performing at least

[0189] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a computer program product, a machine-readable medium. In some examples, but not necessarily all, the computer program instructions may be distributed over a plurality of computer programs

[0190] Memory 404 is shown as a single component / circuit, but may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or may provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cache storage

[0191] Processor 402 is shown as a single component / circuit, but may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which are integrated / removable. Processor 402 may be a single-core or multi-core processor

[0192] References to "computer-readable storage media", "computer program products", "tangibly embodied computer programs", etc., or to "controllers", "computers", "processors", etc., are to be understood to include not only computers having different architectures such as single / multi-processor architectures and sequential (von Neumann) / parallel architectures, but also special circuits such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuits. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., are to be understood to encompass software for programmable processors or firmware, such as instructions for a processor, or configuration settings for hardware devices such as fixed function devices, gate arrays or programmable logic devices, etc., which include programmable contents of the hardware devices.

[0193] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following. (a) A circuit implementation of only hardware (such as implementation with only analog and / or digital circuits), (b) A combination of, for example (where applicable), the following hardware circuits and software, (i) A combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuit(s) and software / firmware, (ii) Any portion of a hardware processor(s) (including a digital signal processor(s)), software, and memory(ies) that cooperate to cause a device such as a mobile phone or server to perform various functions using software, (c) A hardware circuit(s) and / or a processor(s) such as a microprocessor(s) or a portion of a microprocessor(s) that require software (such as firmware) for operation, but may not have software present if not required for operation. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of this term in this application document, including any claims. As a further example, when used in this application, the term "circuit" includes simply a hardware circuit or processor, and the accompanying software and / or firmware implementation thereof (or thereof). The term circuit also includes, for example, a baseband integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if it corresponds to a component of a particular claim.

[0194] The blocks shown in FIGS. 6 through 12 may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in a computer program 406. A particular order of explanation of the blocks does not necessarily mean that there is a required or preferred order for the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be changed. Further, some blocks may be omissible.

[0195] As can be understood from the above, the base station 120 during the inactive state of the UE 110, beam reception uplink data transmission, (i) one of a plurality of modes Mn for uplink data transmission, (ii) a subset of beams Rn for reception of uplink data transmission including means for transmitting to the UE valid information 222 for restricting to a valid combination from possible combinations thereof.

[0196] The system comprises a user equipment and a base station 120.

[0197] Where structural features are described, they may be replaced by means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural features, whether or not those functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0198] As used herein, "module" refers to a unit or device excluding specific parts / components that can be added by the end manufacturer or user. The controller 400 may be, for example, a module.

[0199] In the above description, it is mentioned that "using at least the validity information to determine an effective pre-configured radio resource for use". The result of this determination may be the use of an effective pre-configured radio resource. An example of such use is uplink data transmission in the inactive state. In this example, the validity information is used to determine and use an effective pre-configured radio resource. Depending on the situation, the result of the determination may be that there is no effective pre-configured radio resource. As a result, uplink data transmission in the inactive state does not occur at that time. Therefore, the step of "using at least the validity information to determine an effective pre-configured radio resource for use" is broader than just determining and using. This includes not only the situation where the validity information is used to determine and use an effective pre-configured radio resource, but also the situation where an effective pre-configured radio resource for use is not available. The step of "using at least the validity information to determine an effective pre-configured radio resource for use" can be rephrased, in at least some examples, as "using at least the validity information to determine the effectiveness of at least one of the above pre-configured radio resources". The phrase "determine the effectiveness" can include determining the presence or absence of effectiveness. The step of "using at least the validity information to determine an effective pre-configured radio resource for use" can be rephrased, in at least some examples, as "using at least the validity information to verify the availability of the use of an effective pre-configured radio resource" or "using at least the validity information to verify the pre-configured radio resource for use in data transmission during the UE's inactive state". Verification in this context means confirming that the pre-configured radio resource is available for use in data transmission during the UE's inactive state.

[0200] In the above examples, applications are found that enable components of automotive systems, telecommunications systems, electrical systems including home appliances, distributed computing systems, media systems for generating or rendering media content including audio, visual, and audio-visual content in combination with, mediated by, virtual, and / or augmented reality, personal systems including personal health or fitness systems, navigation systems, user interfaces also known as human machine interfaces, networks including cellular, non-cellular, and optical networks, ad hoc networks, the Internet, the Internet of Things, virtual networks, and related software and services.

[0201] The term "comprise" is used in this document in an inclusive rather than exclusive sense. That is, an reference to X that comprises Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise more than one Y. Where it is intended to use "comprise" in an exclusive sense, this is made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one" or by using "consisting of".

[0202] Throughout this description, various examples have been referred to. The description of a feature or function with respect to an example indicates that those features or functions are present in that example. The use of the terms "example", "for example", "can", or "may" in the text means that such features or functions are present in at least the example being described, whether explicitly stated or not, and that they may be present in some or all of the other examples, but not necessarily. Thus, "example", "for example", "can", or "may" refer to a particular instance of a class of examples. The properties of an instance may be properties specific to that instance, properties of the class, or properties of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all of the instances within the class. Thus, it is implicitly disclosed that features described with reference to one example and not described with reference to another example can, where possible, be used as part of a valid combination in that other example, but need not necessarily be used in that other example.

[0203] Examples have been described in the above paragraph with reference to various examples. Of course, modifications to a given example may be made without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0204] The features described in the foregoing description may be used in combinations other than those explicitly described above.

[0205] Although functions have been described with reference to specific features, those functions may be performed by other features, whether or not they are described.

[0206] Although features have been described with reference to specific examples, these features may also be present in other examples, whether or not they are described.

[0207] The terms "a" and "the" are used in this document in an inclusive, not exclusive, sense. That is, a reference to X that includes a / the Y indicates that X may include only one Y or may include more than one Y, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. When "a" or "the" is used in an exclusive sense, it will be specifically stated in the context. Depending on the circumstances, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize the inclusive sense, but the absence of these terms should not be construed as implying an exclusive sense.

[0208] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to that feature or (combination of features) itself, as well as a reference to features (equivalent features) that achieve substantially the same technical effect. Equivalent features include, for example, features that are variations and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same result.

[0209] In this description, adjectives or adjective phrases have been used to refer to various examples in order to describe the characteristics of the examples. Such descriptions of the characteristics of the examples indicate that the characteristics exist as accurately described in some examples and as substantially described in other examples.

[0210] In the above specification, an effort has been made to draw attention to features that are considered important. However, of course, the applicant may seek protection through the claims for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned and / or shown in the drawings, regardless of whether emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising: receiving, at a user equipment (UE), from a base station, a provisioning of a plurality of pre-configured radio resources for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE, the pre-configured radio resources being associated with a set of one or more transmit beams; obtaining, at the UE, validity information associated with one or more of the pre-configured resources; determining valid pre-configured radio resources for use using at least said validity information; The apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the preconfigured resource is a Random Access Channel (RACH) preamble and / or a Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH) preconfigured resource associated with a PUSCH.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, further comprising means for uplink data transmission during an inactive state using the determined available pre-configured radio resources.

4. means for receiving the validity information from the network; the availability information includes one or more radio quality based thresholds and / or a direct or indirect indication of one or more available pre-configured resources.

10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, comprising means configured to avoid using a radio resource associated with a strongest transmission beam and to fall back to a four-step RACH-based data transmission mode if the radio resource is an invalid radio resource.

6. 13. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the one or more transmission beams associated with the one or more preconfigured radio resources are downlink transmission beams of a base station, the association being direct or indirect.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, comprising: means for estimating a strength of one or more of the transmit beams and determining effective pre-configured radio resources using the estimated strengths.

8. (i) one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission during an inactivity state of the UE; and (ii) at least preconfigured radio resources associated with a set of one or more beams at the base station; 13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising means for selecting a valid combination from the possible combinations of

9. means for switching to a mode of data transmission; 10. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least a set-up procedure for the mode of data transmission includes configuration of radio resources for aligned beams.

10. using the validity information to select for use a combination of a configured grant mode and the strongest beam for uplink data transmission depending on the current beam not being the strongest beam; and using the availability information to select for use one or more combinations of a random access mode and a strongest beam for uplink data transmission depending on the lack of sufficient beams for data transmission via the preconfigured resources.

13. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising means arranged so as to

11. 2. An apparatus as described in any preceding claim, comprising means for using the validity information to select, for use, a valid combination from among possible combinations of one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission and an estimated strongest available beam for reception of the uplink data transmission at the base station.

12. receiving, at a user equipment (UE), from a base station, a provisioning of a plurality of pre-configured radio resources for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE, the pre-configured radio resources being associated with a set of transmit beams; obtaining, at the UE, validity information associated with one or more of the pre-configured resources; determining valid pre-configured radio resources for use using at least said validity information; A method comprising:

13. A computer program which, when executed by one or more processors, receiving, at a user equipment (UE), from a base station, a provisioning of a plurality of pre-configured radio resources for data transmission during an inactive state of the UE, the pre-configured radio resources being associated with a set of transmit beams; obtaining, at the UE, validity information associated with one or more of the pre-configured resources; determining valid pre-configured radio resources for use using at least said validity information; The computer program enabling a process comprising:

14. A base station, A user equipment (UE) is configured to receive uplink data transmissions from a beam during an inactive state of the UE. (i) one of a plurality of modes for uplink data transmission; (ii) a subset of beams for receiving uplink data transmissions; and means for transmitting validity information for restricting the number of combinations from the possible combinations of The base station.

15. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and a base station according to claim 14. A system comprising:

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