Method and apparatus for performing cell (RE)selection in non-public network

Abstract

To provide methods and apparatuses for cell (re)selection in a non-public network.SOLUTION: A method performed by User Equipment (UE) for cell (re)selection includes: the UE storing allowed NPN information that is in a form of a Cell Access Group (CAG) Identity (ID) list or in a form of a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) ID list; receiving NPN information and area information associated with the NPN information via a System Information Block (SIB) Type 1 (SIB1) broadcast by a cell, the NPN information including an NPN ID list; performing a first procedure according to the allowed NPN information when the allowed NPN information is in the form of the CAG ID list; and performing a second procedure according to the allowed NPN information when the allowed NPN information is in the form of the SNPN ID list.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 906,219, filed September 26, 2019, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Cell (Re)selection using White List in Non-Public Network." ("'219 Provisional Application"), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communications, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for cell (re)selection in a Non-Public Network (NPN). [Background technology]

[0003] With the significant increase in the number of connected devices and the rapid increase in user / network traffic volume, various efforts have been made to improve various aspects of wireless communications for next generation wireless communication systems, such as fifth generation (5G) New Radio (NR), by improving data speed, latency, reliability, and mobility.

[0004] The 5G NR system is designed to provide flexibility and configurability to adapt to various use cases, such as enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), massive Machine-Type Communication (mMTC), and Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communication (URLLC), to optimize network services and types. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, as the demand for wireless access continues to increase, further improvements in wireless communication are needed for next generation wireless communication systems.

[0006] The present disclosure is directed to a method and apparatus for performing cell (re)selection in an NPN. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for cell selection or reselection, the method including: storing, by the UE, allowed non-public network (NPN) information in a form of a cell access group (CAG) identity (ID) list or a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) ID list; receiving, via a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) broadcasted by a cell, NPN information including the NPN ID list and area information associated with the NPN information; performing a first procedure according to the allowed NPN information when the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list; and performing a second procedure according to the allowed NPN information when the allowed NPN information is in the form of an SNPN ID list. The first step includes selecting a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to register on, and selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a first NPN ID in an NPN ID list includes a first PLMN ID and a CAG ID, where the ID belongs to the PLMN, where the first PLMN ID identifies the PLMN, the CAG ID belongs to the CAG ID list, and the CAG ID associated with the CAG belongs to the PLMN. The second step includes selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a second NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a second PLMN ID and a Network ID (NID), where the second PLMN ID and NID belong to the SNPN ID list. The maximum number of NPN IDs in the NPN ID list is configured by the cell to be 12.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a UE is provided. The UE includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to store allowed non-public network (NPN) information in the form of a CAG ID list or an SNPN ID list, receive NPN information including the NPN ID list and area information associated with the NPN information via a SIB1 broadcast by a cell, perform a first procedure according to the allowed NPN information if the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list, and perform a second procedure according to the allowed NPN information if the allowed NPN information is in the form of an SNPN ID list. The first procedure includes selecting a PLMN to register on, and selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a first NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a first PLMN ID and a CAG ID, where the first PLMN ID identifies a PLMN, the CAG ID belongs to the CAG ID list, and the CAG ID associated with the CAG belongs to the PLMN. The second step includes selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a second NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a second PLMN ID and NID, where the second PLMN ID and NID belong to the NPN ID list, and the maximum number of NPN IDs in the NPN ID list is set by the cell to be 12.

[0009] Aspects of the present disclosure are best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Various features are not drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features may be arbitrarily increased or decreased for clarity of discussion. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a flowchart of a method for cell (re)selection according to an implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of the first procedure according to an implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of selecting an NPN ID from an NPN ID list based on authorized NPN information in the form of a CAG ID list, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the second procedure according to an implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of selecting an NPN ID from an NPN ID list based on authorized NPN information in the form of an SNPN ID list, according to an implementation of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a node for wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The following description includes specific information related to example implementations of the present disclosure. The drawings in this disclosure and their accompanying detailed description are directed to example implementations only. However, the present disclosure is not limited to only these example implementations. Other variations and implementations of the present disclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. Unless otherwise noted, like or corresponding elements in multiple figures may be indicated by like or corresponding reference numerals. Furthermore, the drawings and illustrations in this disclosure are in most cases not to scale and are not intended to correspond to actual relative dimensions.

[0012] For purposes of consistency and ease of understanding, like features are identified by numerals in the example figures (although in some instances not shown), however, features in different implementations may differ in other respects and therefore are not intended to be narrowly limited to those shown in the drawings.

[0013] References to "one implementation," "one implementation," "example implementation," "various implementations," "several implementations," "some implementations of the present disclosure," etc. may indicate that the implementations of the present disclosure so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not all possible implementations of the present disclosure necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrases "in one implementation," "in one example implementation," or "one implementation" does not necessarily refer to the same implementation, but may refer to the same implementation. Furthermore, any use of a phrase such as "implementation" in connection with "the present disclosure" should be understood not to imply that all implementations of the present disclosure must include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but instead to mean that "at least some implementations of the present disclosure" include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. The term "coupled" is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, but is not necessarily limited to a physical connection. The term "comprise," when used, means "include, but not limited to," but specifically indicates open-ended inclusion or membership in such listed combinations, groups, series, and equivalents. Furthermore, the terms "system" and "network" in this disclosure may be used interchangeably.

[0014] The term "and / or" in this specification is only a relationship for describing related objects and represents that three relationships may exist, for example, A and / or B can represent that A exists alone, that A and B exist simultaneously, and that B exists alone. "A and / or B and / or C" represents that at least one of A, B, and C exists. Furthermore, the character " / " used in this specification generally represents that the former and the latter are in an "or" relationship.

[0015] Further, for non-limiting purposes, specific details of functional entities, techniques, protocols, standards, etc. are set forth to provide an understanding of the described technology. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, techniques, systems, architectures, etc. are omitted so as not to obscure the description with unnecessary detail.

[0016] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that any network function(s) or algorithm(s) described in this disclosure may be implemented by hardware, software, or a combination of software and hardware. The described functions may correspond to modules, which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. A software implementation may comprise computer-executable instructions stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a memory or other type of storage device. For example, one or more microprocessors or general-purpose computers having communications processing capabilities may be programmed with corresponding executable instructions to perform the disclosed network function(s) or algorithm(s). A microprocessor or general-purpose computer may be formed using an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic array, and / or one or more digital signal processors (DSPs). While some of the example implementations described herein are directed to software installed and executed on computer hardware, alternative example implementations implemented as firmware, as hardware, or as a combination of hardware and software are nevertheless within the scope of this disclosure.

[0017] A computer-readable medium includes, but is not limited to, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage device, or any other equivalent medium capable of storing computer-readable instructions.

[0018] A wireless communication network architecture (e.g., a Long Term Evolution (LTE) system, an LTE-Advanced (LTE-A) system, or an LTE-Advanced Pro system) typically includes at least one base station (BS), at least one UE, and one or more optional network elements that provide connectivity to the network. The UE communicates with a network (e.g., a Core Network (CN), an Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network, an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access network (E-UTRAN), a Next-Generation Core (NGC), or the Internet) via a Radio Access Network (RAN) established by the BS.

[0019] It should be noted that, in this disclosure, a UE includes, but is not limited to, a mobile station, a portable terminal or device, and a user communication wireless terminal. For example, a UE may be a portable wireless device, including, but not limited to, a mobile phone, a tablet, a wearable device, a sensor, or a personal digital assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capabilities. The UE is configured to transmit and receive signals over the air interface to one or more cells in the RAN.

[0020] The BS may include, but is not limited to, a Node B (NB) in a Universal Mobile Telecommunication System (UMTS), an evolved Node B (eNB) in LTE-A, a Radio Network Controller (RNC) in UMTS, a Base Station Controller (BSC) in a Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) / Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE) Radio Access Network (GERAN), a next-generation (ng)-eNB in ​​an Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) BS associated with 5GC, a next-generation Node B (gNB) in a 5G Access Network (5G-AN), and any other device capable of controlling wireless communications and managing radio resources within a cell. A BS may be connected over a radio interface to a network to provide service to one or more UEs.

[0021] The BS may be configured to provide communication services according to at least one of the following Radio Access Technologies (RATs): Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), GSM (often referred to as 2G), GERAN, General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), UMTS based on basic Wideband-Code Division Multiple Access (W-CDMA) (often referred to as 3G), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), LTE, LTE-A, eLTE (enhanced LTE), NR (often referred to as 5G), and LTE-A Pro. However, the scope of this application should not be limited to the above protocols.

[0022] A BS may be operable to provide wireless coverage to a particular geographic area using multiple cells included in the RAN. The BS supports the operation of cells. Each cell is operable to serve at least one UE within its wireless coverage. More specifically, each cell (often referred to as a serving cell) may serve one or more UEs within its wireless coverage (e.g., each cell schedules downlink (DL) and optional uplink (UL) resources to at least one UE within its wireless coverage for downlink and optional UL packet transmissions). The BS may communicate with one or more UEs in a wireless communication system via multiple cells. A cell may allocate sidelink (SL) resources to support proximity services (ProSe), LTE SL services, and / or LTE / NR vehicle-to-everything (V2X). Each cell may have a coverage area that overlaps with other cells. In the case of Multi-RAT Dual Connectivity (MR-DC), a primary cell of a Master Cell Group (MCG) or of a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) may be called a Special Cell (SpCell). A Primary Cell (PCell) may refer to an SpCell of an MCG. A Primary SCG Cell (PSCell) may refer to an SpCell of an SCG. An MCG refers to a group of serving cells associated with a Master Node (MN), including an SpCell and optionally one or more Secondary Cells (SCells). An SCG refers to a group of serving cells associated with a Secondary Node (SN), including an SpCell and optionally one or more SCells.

[0023] As mentioned above, the frame structure for NR is to support flexible configurations to accommodate various next-generation (e.g., 5G) communication requirements such as eMBB, mMTC, and URLLC, while meeting the requirements of high reliability, high data rate, and low latency. rd The Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) technology agreed upon in the NR Generation Partnership Project may serve as the standard for NR waveforms. Scalable OFDM numerology, such as adaptive subcarrier spacing, channel bandwidth, and cyclic prefix (CP), may also be used. Furthermore, two coding methods are considered for NR: (1) Low-Density Parity-Check (LDPC) codes and (2) Polar codes. The application of the coding scheme may be configured based on channel conditions and / or service applications.

[0024] Furthermore, it is considered that the transmission time interval of a single NR frame should at least include DL transmission data, a guard period, and UL transmission data, and the respective portions of the DL transmission data, the guard period, and the UL transmission data should be configurable based on, for example, NR network dynamics. Furthermore, SL resources may be provided within the NR frame to support ProSe services.

[0025] For RATs deployed on unlicensed spectrum, any device (e.g., UE, BS, and Access Point (AP)) should follow a Listen Before Talk (LBT) mechanism before accessing the channel. A device may perform a Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) before transmitting on an unlicensed channel. If the LBT fails, the device will not be able to access the channel at the determined time.

[0026] NR-based unlicensed access (NR-U) design also needs to consider LBT mechanisms. NR-U deployment scenarios can include: Carrier aggregation between licensed band NR (PCell) and NR-U (SCell), - NR-U SCell can have both DL and UL or only DL; Dual connectivity between licensed spectrum LTE (PCell) and NR-U (PSCell); · Standalone NR-U; NR cells with DL in unlicensed spectrum and UL in licensed spectrum, and Dual connectivity between licensed spectrum NR (PCell) and NR-U (PSCell).

[0027] It is expected that in next-generation cellular networks, there may be multiple PLMNs and / or NPNs operating on one frequency. Furthermore, unlicensed RATs (e.g., standalone NR-U) will be introduced, which means that multiple PLMNs and / or NPNs may operate their cells on the same unlicensed spectrum. Therefore, cell (re)selection on unlicensed spectrum should be further considered, especially considering the uncertainty of channel loading and channel sharing between multiple PLMNs and / or NPNs.

[0028] A UE may be allowed to camp on a non-best cell on an unlicensed carrier if the best cell does not belong to the registered PLMN (R-PLMN) (or equivalent PLMN (E-PLMN)), in which case the non-best cell may still be the best cell of the R-PLMN. However, how this is achieved and whether any additional conditions are required require further consideration.

[0029] If a UE follows legacy PLMN selection and cell (re)selection mechanisms on unlicensed spectrum for RAN sharing scenarios and / or NPN scenarios, the UE may waste time and consume extra power (e.g., for detection and measurements) since the best cell on the unlicensed carrier may not belong to the selected (or equivalent) PLMN and / or NPN. In this respect, a cell (re)selection procedure performed based on a whitelist is provided.

[0030] Multiple PLMNs / NPNs may operate on unlicensed spectrum. Multiple PLMNs / NPNs can share the same unlicensed carrier. A PLMN may be public or private. A public PLMN may be provided by, but is not limited to, an operator or virtual operator that provides wireless services to public subscribers. A public PLMN may own licensed spectrum and may also support a RAT on the licensed spectrum. A private PLMN may be provided by, but is not limited to, a small operator, factory, or enterprise that provides wireless services to their private users (e.g., for employees or machines). In one implementation, a public PLMN can support more deployment scenarios (e.g., carrier aggregation between a licensed-band NR (as a PCell) and an NR-U (as an SCell), dual connectivity between a licensed-band LTE (as a PCell) and an NR-U (as a PSCell), standalone NR-U (as a PSCell), an NR cell with DL in the licensed band and UL in the licensed band, and dual connectivity between a licensed-band NR (as a PCell) and an NR-U (as a PSCell). In one implementation, a private PLMN may primarily support (but is not limited to) a standalone unlicensed RAT (e.g., standalone NR-U). An NPN may be an SNPN, a PNI-NPN, or may be implemented by a PLMN with a private slice. An SNPN may be operated by an NPN operator and may not rely on network functionality provided by the PLMN. A PNI-NPN may be deployed with the support of a PLMN. An NPN may be deployed on a licensed or unlicensed spectrum.The NPN can support various deployment scenarios (e.g., carrier aggregation between licensed band NR (as a PCell) and NR-U (as a SCell), dual connectivity between licensed band LTE (as a PCell) and NR-U (as a PSCell), standalone NR-U (as a PSCell), NR cell with DL in an unlicensed band and UL in a licensed band, dual connectivity between licensed band NR (as a PCell) and NR-U (as a PSCell).

[0031] [NR-U cell (re)selection] In unlicensed bands, multiple PLMNs / NPNs can use the same carrier without any coordination. Therefore, the best cell found by a UE on a frequency may not belong to the R-PLMN. In this case, if the best cell does not belong to the R-PLMN (or E-PLMN), the UE may need to camp on a non-best cell on the carrier, in which case the non-best cell may still be the best cell for the R-PLMN.

[0032] A Radio Resource Control (RRC)_IDLE UE (e.g., a UE operating in the RRC_IDLE state) or an RRC_INACTIVE UE (e.g., a UE operating in the RRC_INACTIVE state) may or may not perform Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) measurements. An RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE UE may or may not perform Channel Occupancy (CO) measurements. An RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE UE can perform cell (re)selection based on RSSI and / or CO measurement results.

[0033] If the highest ranked or best cell is not suitable in the unlicensed frequency because the associated PLMN ID does not belong to an R-PLMN (or E-PLMN), then the highest ranked or best cell (solely) may be considered a non-candidate cell for cell reselection for 300 seconds or more. Other cells in the unlicensed frequency may still be considered as candidate cells for cell reselection.

[0034] If the highest-ranked or best cell on an NR-U frequency is not suitable because it belongs to a PLMN that is not designated equivalent to an R-PLMN, the UE may not consider this cell for cell reselection for up to 300 seconds. Furthermore, the UE may consider other cells as candidate cells for cell reselection on the same frequency. After the UE discovers that at least some cells (e.g., N cells) on an NR-U frequency are not suitable because they belong to a PLMN that is not designated equivalent to an R-PLMN, the UE may consider the NR-U frequency as the lowest priority frequency for cell reselection for 300 seconds.

[0035] [Using Whitelists for Cell (Re)Selection] The concept of a whitelist may be used by an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE UE to perform cell (re)selection. A cell may transmit a whitelist to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The cell may indicate to the UE information to be modified, added, or deleted from the whitelist. This information may include at least one of cell information, area information, PLMN information, NPN information, and frequency information. In one implementation, a cell may indicate the validity of a whitelist to a UE (e.g., a whitelist may be valid by default if the cell does not provide any validity indication). The UE may perform measurements on (neighboring) cells based on the information included in the whitelist (e.g., while the whitelist is valid). For example, if a cell indicated by the whitelist belongs to the UE's allowed PLMN, the whitelist may assist an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE UE in restricting the evaluation of cells belonging to the UE's allowed PLMN. In an NR-U scenario where multiple operators (or PLMNs) operate unlicensed frequencies, the whitelist may prevent an RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE UE from (re)selecting a cell that does not belong to the UE's allowed PLMNs. In one implementation, the UE's non-access stratum (NAS) may provide information of allowed PLMNs (or "allowed PLMN information") to the access stratum (AS). The UE's (AS) may evaluate cells based on the allowed PLMN information.

[0036] [Whitelist area information] In one implementation, the whitelist can include area information, which can include at least one of a list of physical cell identifiers (IDs) (PCI), a list of cell IDs, a list of RAN area IDs, a list of RAN area codes (RANAC), and a list of tracking area codes (TAC).

[0037] - [PCI Whitelist] In one implementation, the whitelist may include a list of PCIs. Cells identified by the list of PCIs may constitute an area, and the UE may measure / evaluate cells within the area. The UE may derive the PCI of a cell when decoding synchronization signals (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) in the synchronization signal block (SSB) of the cell. The SSB may include a PSS, an SSS, and a physical broadcast channel (PBCH). The UE may measure the signal quality of the SSB to determine the signal quality of the cell. The UE may receive and decode the SSB to determine the PCI of the cell. When the UE decodes the PBCH, the UE may obtain further information in a master information block (MIB). If the Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) parameters of SIB type 1 (SIB1) (e.g., an information element (IE) denoted as PDCCH-ConfigSIB1) are present in the MIB, the UE can determine a common control resource set (CORESET), a common search space, and the required PDCCH parameters based on the PDCCH parameters of SIB1. For example, the PDCCH parameters of SIB1 (e.g., the PDCCH-ConfigSIB1 IE) can be used to configure CORESET#0 and search space#0. CORESET#0 and / or search space#0 can further indicate the resources for SIB1 reception to the UE.

[0038] If the UE is provided with a whitelist containing a list of PCIs, the UE can measure the SSB of the cell and / or decode the PSS / SSS. If the UE determines that the PCI of the cell is one of the PCIs in the whitelist, the UE can evaluate the cell (e.g., the UE can read and obtain the SIB1 of such a cell). If the UE determines that the PCI of the cell is not one of the PCIs in the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cell that the UE evaluates may be a candidate cell. The UE can (re)select one of the candidate cells based on at least the PCI and / or the cell (re)selection criteria for the cell (re)selection procedure. The selected candidate cell can be considered a suitable or acceptable cell to camp on as a result of the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0039] In one implementation, the list of PCIs may have a SEQUENCE format with a size of N_PCI entries, where N_PCI represents the maximum number of cells identified by the PCI to be measured. The SEQUENCE format is a data structure specified in Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1) and may be used to represent a collection of one or more types / elements / items. Each entry in the SEQUENCE may be a PCI. N_PCI may be a positive integer, for example (but not limited to) N_PCI may be 16 or 32. A UE's camped / serving cell may configure the UE for most N_PCI types of PCIs that are allowed to be evaluated for the cell (re)selection procedure. In some implementations, a camped cell may refer to a cell on which the UE (in RRC_IDLE or RRC_INACTIVE state) is camped. In some implementations, a serving cell may refer to a cell with which the UE communicates (in RRC_CONNECTED state) or with which the UE maintains an RRC connection.

[0040] In one implementation, the list of PCIs may be in a SEQUENCE format with two entries: one is a PCI as a starting value and the other is a positive / negative integer as a range value. For example, if the range value is positive, the starting value may indicate the lowest PCI in the range, and if the range value is negative, the starting value may indicate the highest PCI in the range. The absolute value of the range value may indicate the number of PCIs in the range. For example, if the range value is 4 and the starting value is PCI_0, the whitelist may include PCI_0, PCI_0+1, PCI_0+2, and PCI_0+3. For example, if the range value is -4 and the starting value is PCI_0, the whitelist may include PCI_0, PCI_0-1, PCI_0-2, and PCI_0-3. If there is no range value and the starting value is PCI_0, the whitelist may include PCI_0 (only). In one implementation, the range value may be represented in an ENUMERATED format with a set of defined positive / negative values. In one implementation, the range value may be indicated by a PCI range index (eg, PCI-RangeIndex), which may be a positive integer from 1 to the maximum number of the PCI range.

[0041] In one implementation, a whitelist may include a set of PCIs. For example, a whitelist may include multiple PCI lists. Each list of PCIs may be in any proposed PCI list format (e.g., SEQUENCE, ENUMERATED, start value, range value, or PCI range index). The UE may measure / evaluate cells identified by PCIs in the whitelist for cell (re)selection.

[0042] - [Whitelist cell ID] In one implementation, the whitelist may include a list of cell IDs. Cells identified by the list of cell IDs may constitute an area, and the UE may measure / assess cells within the area. The cell ID may be used to unambiguously identify cells within a PLMN. The UE may obtain the cell ID of a cell by obtaining information in SIB1 of the cell. SIB1 of the cell may include information related to cell access (e.g., a CellAccessRelatedInfo IE). The cell access related information may include a list of PLMN-specific information (e.g., a list of PLMN-IdentityInfo IEs). The size of the list of PLMN-specific information may range from 1 to N_PLMN, where N_PLMN may be a positive integer indicating the number of PLMN groups. A PLMN group may include at least one PLMN. The PLMN-specific information may include a list of PLMN IDs, at least one TAC, at least one RANAC, and / or at least one cell ID for the set of PLMNs (e.g., a PLMN group) identified by the list of PLMN IDs.

[0043] If the UE is configured with a whitelist containing a list of cell IDs, the UE may measure the SSB of the cells to determine signal quality and obtain information in SIB1 of the cells for at least the cell ID. If the UE determines (e.g., by obtaining and reading SIB1) that the cell ID of a cell is one of the cell IDs in the whitelist, the UE may continue evaluating such cell (e.g., by reading cell (re)selection-related parameters (e.g., cellSelectionInfoIE) in SIB1 of such cell). If the UE determines that the cell ID of a cell is not one of the cell IDs in the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cell that the UE evaluates may be a candidate cell. The UE may (re)select one of the candidate cells based on the cell ID for the cell (re)selection procedure and / or the cell (re)selection criteria as a result of the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0044] In one implementation, the list of cell IDs in the whitelist may be in a SEQUENCE format of entries of size N_CID (e.g., the maximum number of cells identified by the cell ID entry to be measured). N_CID is a positive integer. N_CID may be (but is not limited to) 32. Each entry may be a cell ID. The cell ID may be a bit string of size N_C. N_C may be (but is not limited to) 36. The UE may measure / evaluate cells identified by cell IDs in the whitelist for cell (re)selection.

[0045] - [RANAC in the whitelist] In one implementation, the whitelist may include a list of RANACs (e.g., RANAreaCodeIE). The RANAC may be used to identify a RAN area within a Tracking Area (TA). A UE may obtain the RANAC of a cell by obtaining information in the cell's SIB1. The cells identified by the list of RANACs may constitute an area, and the UE may measure / assess the cells within the area.

[0046] If the UE is configured with a whitelist containing a list of RANACs, the UE may measure the SSB of a cell to determine signal quality and obtain information in the cell's SIB1 for the RANAC. If the UE determines (e.g., by obtaining and reading SIB1) that the RANAC of a cell is one of the RANACs in the whitelist, the UE may continue evaluating such cell (e.g., by reading cell (re)selection-related parameters (e.g., cellSelectionInfo IE) in the SIB1 of such cell). If the UE determines that the RANAC of a cell is not one of the RANACs in the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cell that the UE evaluates may be a candidate cell. As a result of the cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may (re)select one of the candidate cells based at least on the RANAC and / or cell (re)selection criteria for the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0047] In one implementation, the list of RANACs in the whitelist may be in SEQUENCE format with entries of size N_RANAC (the maximum number of RANACs in the whitelist). N_RANAC may be a positive integer. N_RANAC may be (but is not limited to) 32. Each entry may be a RANAC. RANAC may be an integer ranging from 0 to RANAC_max. RANAC_max may be a positive integer. RANAC_max may be (but is not limited to) 255. The UE may measure / evaluate cells identified by RANACs in the whitelist for cell (re)selection.

[0048] - [RAN area ID of the whitelist] In one implementation, the whitelist may include a list of RAN Area IDs (e.g., RAN-AreaConfig IE). The RAN Area ID may be used to identify a RAN area. The RAN Area ID may include a TAC and optionally a RANAC. The UE may obtain the RAN Area ID of a cell by obtaining information in the SIB1 of the cell. The cells identified by the list of RAN Area IDs may configure an area, and the UE may measure / assess the cells in the area.

[0049] If the UE is configured with a whitelist containing a list of RAN area IDs, the UE may measure the SSB of a cell to determine signal quality and obtain information in the SIB1 of the cell for at least the RAN area ID. If the UE determines (e.g., by obtaining and reading SIB1) that the RAN area ID of a cell is one of the RAN area IDs in the whitelist, the UE may continue evaluating such a cell (e.g., by reading cell (re)selection-related parameters (e.g., cellSelectionInfo IE) in the SIB1 of such a cell). If the UE determines that the RAN area ID of a cell is not one of the RAN area IDs in the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cell that the UE evaluates may be a candidate cell. As a result of the cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may (re)select one of the candidate cells based on the RAN area ID and / or the cell (re)selection criteria for the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0050] In one implementation, the list of RAN Area IDs in the whitelist may be in a SEQUENCE format with a size of N_RANAreaID (e.g., the maximum number of RAN Area IDs in the whitelist). N_RANAreaID may be a positive integer. N_RANAreaID may be (but is not limited to) 16 or 32. Each entry may be a RAN Area ID. RAN Area ID may be an integer ranging from 0 to RANAreaID_max. RANAreaID_max may be a positive integer. The UE may measure / evaluate cells identified by RAN Area IDs in the whitelist for cell (re)selection.

[0051] In one implementation, the list of RAN area IDs in the whitelist may include a RAN area configuration, which may be in a SEQUENCE format containing two entries: one TAC and one RANAC list expressed in SEQUENCE format, with a size of N_RANACtoTAC (e.g., the number of RANACs associated with the same TAC). N_RANACtoTAC may be a positive integer. N_RANACtoTAC may be (but is not limited to) 32. The list of RAN area IDs in the whitelist may include several RAN area configurations, each of which may include a corresponding list of TACs and RANACs. In one implementation, the list of RAN area IDs in the whitelist may include at most (but is not limited to) 16 RAN area configurations. The UE may measure / evaluate cells identified by the TACs and RANACs in the whitelist for cell (re)selection.

[0052] - [Whitelist area code tracking] In one implementation, the whitelist can include a list of TACs. The TACs can be used to identify TAs within a PLMN. A UE can obtain a cell's TAC by obtaining information in the cell's SIB1. The cells identified by the list of TACs can constitute an area, and the UE can measure / evaluate cells within the area.

[0053] If the UE is configured with a whitelist containing a list of TACs, the UE may measure the SSB of the cell to determine signal quality and obtain information in the cell's SIB1 for at least the TAC. If the UE determines (e.g., by obtaining and reading SIB1) that the cell's TAC is one of the TACs in the whitelist, the UE may continue evaluating such cell (e.g., by reading a cell (re)selection-related parameter (e.g., cellSelectionInfoIE) in the SIB1 of such cell). If the UE determines that the cell's TAC is not one of the TACs in the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cell that the UE evaluates may be a candidate cell. As a result of the cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may (re)select one of the candidate cells based at least on the TAC and / or the cell (re)selection criteria for the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0054] In one implementation, the list of TACs in the whitelist may be in a SEQUENCE format of size N_TAC (e.g., maximum number of TACs). N_TAC may be a positive integer. N_TAC may be (but is not limited to) 16. Each entry may be a TAC. A TAC may be represented as a bit string of size TAC_max. TAC_max may be a positive integer. TAC_max may be (but is not limited to) 24. The UE may measure / evaluate cells identified by TACs in the whitelist for cell (re)selection.

[0055] PLMN information in (or associated with) the whitelist In one implementation, the whitelist can include PLMN information. The whitelist includes PLMN information and area information associated with the PLMN information (e.g., a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs). In one implementation, a cell can configure a whitelist including PLMN information and area information associated with the PLMN information to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The area information associated with the PLMN information (e.g., a PLMN ID (or PLMN index)), a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN indexes)) can include a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs. In one implementation, the area information and the associated PLMN information can be in the same or different whitelists. In one implementation, the area information can be in the whitelist, while the associated PLMN information can be not in the whitelist.

[0056] For example, if a cell is served by at least two PLMNs (e.g., in a shared RAN case), the cell may broadcast at least two PLMN IDs in SIB1. The cell may also provide a whitelist for one PLMN and another whitelist for another PLMN. The cell may indicate the whitelist to a UE camped on or served by the cell. However, a UE camped on or served by the cell may register or select different PLMNs, but these PLMNs or their E-PLMNs may serve the same cell.

[0057] In one implementation, if a cell indicates a whitelist to a UE via system information, the UE may receive a whitelist including PLMN information, where the PLMN information indicates a corresponding PLMN in which the cell operates. Alternatively, the UE may receive the PLMN information and a whitelist associated with the PLMN information. However, the UE may store and / or apply the whitelist together with (or including) the PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs. The UE may ignore and / or remove and / or discard a whitelist that has (or includes) PLMN information not associated with its allowed PLMNs.

[0058] In one implementation, if a cell indicates a whitelist to a UE via dedicated signaling, the UE may receive (only) a whitelist accompanied by (or including) PLMN information associated with its allowed (or selected) PLMNs. The UE may receive PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs and a whitelist associated with the PLMN information. In one implementation, if a cell indicates a whitelist to a UE via dedicated signaling, the UE may receive a whitelist associated with (or including) PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs and / or forbidden PLMNs. The UE may receive the whitelist and the PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs and / or other forbidden PLMNs from the cell in the same RRC message or in different RRC messages, respectively. The UE may store and / or apply the whitelist together with the PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs. The UE may store and / or apply a whitelist with PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs and PLMN information associated with its allowed PLMNs. The UE may remove and / or discard and / or ignore a whitelist not associated with its allowed PLMNs. The UE can remove and / or discard and / or ignore PLMN information that is not associated with its allowed PLMNs. In one implementation, the UE can report its allowed PLMNs (e.g., via dedicated signaling with network (NW) request (i.e., the UE can receive an RRC message, a NAS message, a downlink control information (DCI), or a medium access control information (MAC) control element (CE) from the NW before reporting) or without NW request (i.e., the UE cannot receive an RRC message, a NAS message, a DCI, or a MAC CE from the NW before reporting). Based on the UE's information of allowed PLMNs, the NW can determine which whitelist to provide to the UE, if necessary.

[0059] In one implementation, if a cell is operated by a PLMN, the whitelist that the cell indicates to the UE may not include PLMN information or may not be associated with PLMN information. If the UE receives a whitelist without PLMN information in the whitelist or without PLMN information associated with the whitelist (i.e., the whitelist received by the UE does not include PLMN information or is not associated with PLMN information), the UE may consider the cell to be operated by one PLMN. The UE may consider the information in the whitelist to be associated with the cell's PLMN, and the ID of the cell's PLMN may be broadcast by the cell in SIB1. In one implementation, if the UE (only) reads one PLMN ID / index in SIB1 of the cell (e.g., the cell is operated by one PLMN), the UE may receive the whitelist without PLMN information in the whitelist or without PLMN information associated with the whitelist. When the UE measures / evaluates a cell based on the whitelist during a cell (re)selection procedure, the UE can check whether the PLMN ID broadcasted by the evaluated cell is the same as the PLMN ID broadcasted by the cell that indicates the whitelist to the UE. That is, even if the whitelist does not contain PLMN information, the UE can obtain the PLMN information broadcasted by the evaluated cell in SIB1 to check whether the evaluated cell is operated by an allowed PLMN. In one implementation, if the UE receives a whitelist without PLMN information in it or without PLMN information associated with it, when the UE measures / evaluates a cell based on the whitelist during a cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may not check whether the PLMN ID broadcasted by the evaluated cell is the same as the PLMN ID broadcasted by the cell that indicates the whitelist to the UE.In one implementation, if the UE receives a whitelist without PLMN information in the whitelist or without PLMN information associated with the whitelist, the UE can assume that a cell listed on the whitelist (indicated by the area information) is a candidate for a suitable cell (i.e., a candidate cell). A suitable cell may be (1) a cell that is part of any of the selected PLMNs or the R-PLMN or E-PLMN lists, (2) a cell that is not barred, and / or (3) a cell that is part of at least one TA that is not part of the list of "barred TAs" belonging to a PLMN that satisfies case (1) above. When the UE performs measurements on a candidate cell and the cell selection criteria and / or cell reselection criteria of the candidate cell are satisfied, the UE considers the candidate cell that passes the cell selection criteria and / or cell reselection criteria as a candidate cell, among which the UE can (re)select the cell as a result of a cell selection (re)procedure.

[0060] - [PLMN ID / PLMN Index] In one implementation, the PLMN information in the whitelist may be represented by a PLMN ID. The PLMN ID may include a Mobile Country Code (MCC) and a Mobile Network Code (MNC), where the MCC may be optionally present. The MCC may be a three-digit value. The MNC may be a two-digit or three-digit value.

[0061] In one implementation, the PLMN information in the whitelist may be represented by a PLMN index, which may correspond to an index of a PLMN ID list (e.g., PLMN-IdentityList IE) in SIB1 broadcast by the cell that configures the whitelist for the UE. The PLMN index may be zero or a positive integer.

[0062] In one implementation, a PLMN ID (or PLMN index) can be associated with area information (e.g., a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, a list of TACs). The PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and its associated area information may be included in a PLMN-specific configuration of a whitelist. In one implementation, an associated whitelist including the PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and the area information may be included in the PLMN-specific configuration. The PLMN ID (or PLMN index) may (or may not) be included in the associated whitelist.

[0063] In one implementation, a list of PLMN IDs (or a list of PLMN indices) may be associated with related area information. The list of PLMN IDs (or a list of PLMN indices) may be represented in a SEQUENCE format from 1 to N_PLMN (e.g., the maximum number of PLMNs serving a cell). N_PLMN may be a positive integer. N_PLMN may be (but is not limited to) 12. The list of PLMN IDs (or the list of PLMN indices) and related area information may be included in a PLMN-specific configuration of a whitelist. In one implementation, an associated whitelist including the list of PLMN IDs (or the list of PLMN indices) and area information may be included in a PLMN-specific configuration. The list of PLMN IDs (or the list of PLMN indices) may (or may not) be included in the associated whitelist.

[0064] - [UE behavior during cell (re)selection] In one implementation, if the UE is configured with PLMN information in a whitelist or associated with a whitelist, the UE can measure the SSB of a cell to determine the cell's signal quality. The cell can be indicated by the PLMN information in the whitelist or associated with the whitelist. The UE can obtain information in SIB1 of the cell for at least the PLMN ID / index. The UE can obtain information in SIB1 of the cell for at least the cell ID, RANAC, RAN Area ID, and / or TAC associated with the PLMN information. If the UE determines that the PLMN information of the cell is indicated in the whitelist or is the same as the indicated PLMN information associated with the whitelist, the UE can continue evaluating the cell. If the UE determines (e.g., by obtaining and reading SIB1) that the cell ID, RANAC, RAN Area ID, and / or TAC of a cell are associated with PLMN information, the UE can continue evaluating such cell (e.g., by reading parameters related to cell (re)selection (e.g., cellSelectionInfo IE) in SIB1 of such cell). If the UE determines that the PLMN information of a cell is not indicated in the whitelist or is different from the indicated PLMN information associated with the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate such cell. If the UE determines that the cell ID, RANAC, RAN Area ID, and / or TAC of the cell are not associated with the PLMN information, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cells that the UE evaluates may be candidate cells. As a result of the cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may (re)select one of the candidate cells based at least on the PLMN information and / or the cell (re)selection criteria for the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0065] [NPN information in (or associated with) the whitelist] The whitelist for cell (re)selection may be applied in an NPN scenario. The NPN scenario may be an SNPN operated by an NPN operator and independent of network functionality provided by a PLMN. The NPN scenario may be a PNI-NPN, which may be implemented with PLMN support. An SNPN may be identified by a PLMN ID and / or NID broadcast in SIB1 of a cell supporting SNPN. A PNI-NPN may be identified by a PLMN ID and / or CAG ID broadcast in SIB1 of a cell supporting PNI-NPN. In some implementations, the NPN scenario may include at least one of an SNPN and a PNI-NPN operating a cell. In other words, a cell may be operated (or shared) by at least one of an SNPN and a PNI-NPN. In some implementations, when a UE is (pre-)configured with authorized NPN information (e.g., by the UE's AS, by the UE's NAS), the UE can apply a whitelist that includes (or is associated with) the NPN information and / or the NPN information included in (or associated with) the whitelist that includes (or is associated with) the NPN information. When the UE selects a selected NPN and / or when the UE registers a registered NPN, the UE can apply a whitelist that includes (or is associated with) the NPN information and / or the NPN information included in (or associated with) the whitelist.

[0066] In one implementation, the whitelist can include NPN information. The whitelist can include NPN information and area information associated with the NPN information (e.g., a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs). In one implementation, a cell can configure the NPN information and the whitelist, including the area information associated with the NPN information, to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The area information associated with the NPN information can include a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs. In one implementation, the NPN information can be represented by (1) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID / CAG ID, (2) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or a list of NID / CAG IDs, (3) a PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID / CAG ID, and / or (4) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or a list of NID / CAG IDs.

[0067] In one implementation, the area information and the associated NPN information may both be in a whitelist. A cell can configure a whitelist including the NPN information and area information associated with the NPN information to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. In one implementation, the area information may be in a whitelist, while the associated NPN information may not be in the whitelist. A cell can configure the NPN information including the area information and the associated whitelist to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. An RRC message includes the NPN information, and an RRC message includes the associated whitelist, which may be the same or different.

[0068] In one implementation, a cell can provide at least two types of whitelists (e.g., an SNPN-specific whitelist, a PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and a normal whitelist) and / or NPN information / PLMN information associated with the corresponding whitelists to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The SNPN-specific whitelist can include area information associated with the SNPN information (e.g., including (1) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID, (2) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or a list of NIDs, (3) a PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID, and / or (4) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or a list of NIDs), and the associated SNPN information may not be in the SNPN-specific whitelist. The PNI-NPN-specific whitelist may include area information associated with the PNI-NPN information (e.g., including (1) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one CAG ID, (2) a list of one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or CAG ID, (3) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or one CAG ID, and / or (4) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or a list of NIDs), and the associated PNI-NPN information may not be in the PNI-NPN-specific whitelist. A general whitelist may refer to a whitelist not associated with (or not including) NPN information. In one implementation, the cell can signal the SNPN-specific whitelist, the PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and the general whitelist to the UE in various SIBs (e.g., Other System Information (Other SI)) via broadcast and / or unicast. In one implementation, the NPN information and the corresponding whitelists may be in the same SIB. The PLMN information and the corresponding whitelists may be in another SIB.In one implementation, the NPN information and PLMN information may be in the same SIB (e.g., SIB1), while the corresponding NPN-specific whitelists (e.g., an SNPN-specific whitelist, a PNI-NPN-specific whitelist in another SIB, and a corresponding general whitelist) may be in yet another SIB. The UE can receive the SIBs from the cell via (on-demand) broadcast or via (on-demand) unicast. In one implementation, the NPN information and PLMN information may be in the same SIB (e.g., SIB1), while the corresponding SNPN-specific whitelist, PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and general whitelist are in various other SIBs. The UE can receive the SIBs from the cell via (on-demand) broadcast or via (on-demand) unicast. In one implementation, the NPN information and the PLMN information may be in the same SIB (e.g., SIB1), while the corresponding NPN-specific whitelists (e.g., SNPN-specific whitelist, PNI-NPN-specific whitelist) in one SIB and the corresponding general whitelist are in yet another SIB. The UE can receive the SIBs from the cell via (on-demand) broadcast or via (on-demand) unicast. In one implementation, the cell can signal the SNPN-specific whitelist, PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and general whitelist in different IEs via dedicated signaling to the UE. The UE can receive the IEs from the cell via (on-demand) broadcast or via (on-demand) unicast. For example, the NPN information and the associated whitelists can be in one IE. The PLMN information and the corresponding whitelists can be in another IE. In another example, the SNPN information and the corresponding SNPN-specific whitelist in one IE, the PNI-NPN information and the corresponding PNI-NPN-specific whitelist in another IE, and the PLMN information and the corresponding general whitelist in another IE. In another example, NPN information and PLMN information in one IE (or one SIB).a corresponding NPN-specific whitelist in another IE, and corresponding regular PLMN information in another IE. In another example, NPN information and PLMN information in one IE (or one SIB). A corresponding SNPN-specific whitelist in another IE, and a corresponding NPI-NPN-specific whitelist in yet another IE, and corresponding regular PLMN information in another IE. In another example, NPN information in one IE (or one SIB) and PLMN information in another IE (or another SIB). A corresponding NPN-specific whitelist in yet another IE, and corresponding regular PLMN information in another IE. In another example, NPN information in one IE (or one SIB) and PLMN information in another IE (or another SIB). A corresponding SNPN-specific whitelist in yet another IE, and a corresponding NPI-NPN-specific whitelist in yet another IE, and corresponding regular PLMN information in another IE.

[0069] In one implementation, a cell may provide at least two types of whitelists (e.g., an SNPN-specific whitelist, a PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and a regular whitelist) to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The SNPN-specific whitelist may include SNPN information (e.g., including (1) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID, (2) a list of one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or NIDs, (3) a list of PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID, and / or (4) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or a list of NIDs, and area information associated with the SNPN information). The PNI-NPN-specific whitelist may include PNI-NPN information (e.g., including (1) one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one CAG ID, (2) a list of one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or CAG ID, (3) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or one CAG ID, and / or (4) a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or a list of CAG IDs, and area information related to the PNI-NPN information). The regular whitelist may refer to a whitelist not associated with (or included in) the NPN information. In one implementation, the cell may signal the SNPN-specific whitelist, the PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and the regular whitelist to the UE via (on-demand) broadcast or via (on-demand) unicast in various SIBs (e.g., other SIs) in the system information. In another example, the SNPN-specific whitelist and the PNI-NPN-specific whitelist are in one SIB, while the general whitelist is in another SIB. In one implementation, the cell can signal the SNPN-specific whitelist, the PNI-NPN-specific whitelist, and the general whitelist in different IEs to the UE via system information and / or dedicated signaling.In another example, the SNPN-specific whitelist and the PNI-NPN-specific whitelist are in one IE, while the regular whitelist is in another IE.

[0070] In one implementation, a cell can provide an SNPN-specific whitelist (either via system information or dedicated signaling), which can include (simply) an identity that identifies the cell and / or the cell corresponding to the NID. Another whitelist (e.g., a PNI-NPN-specific whitelist or a "regular" whitelist) can be signaled by the cell independently of the SNPN-specific whitelist. More specifically, these two types of whitelists can be broadcast (on-demand) in different SIBs within the system information or signaled via different IEs. The different IEs can be included in different dedicated signals, different RRC messages, different SIBs, the same RRC message, or the same SIB.

[0071] For example, if a cell is served by at least two NPNs (e.g., a shared RAN case), the cell may broadcast at least two combinations of PLMN IDs and / or NID / CAG IDs in SIB1. The cell may also provide a whitelist for one NPN and another whitelist for another NPN. The cell may indicate the whitelist to UEs camped on or served by the cell. However, UEs camped on or served by the cell may register or select different NPNs, but these NPNs, or equivalents of these NPNs, may operate the cell.

[0072] In one implementation, if a cell indicates a whitelist to a UE via system information, the UE can receive a whitelist including NPN information and the corresponding NPNs operating the cell. The UE can receive the NPN information and the whitelist associated with the NPN information. However, the UE can store and / or apply a whitelist that has (or includes) NPN information associated with its authorized NPNs. The UE can ignore and / or remove and / or discard a whitelist that has (or includes) NPN information not associated with its authorized NPNs.

[0073] In one implementation, if a cell indicates a whitelist to a UE via dedicated signaling, the UE can (simply) receive a whitelist having NPN information associated with the allowed NPN. The UE can receive NPN information associated with the allowed NPN and a whitelist associated with the NPN information. If a cell indicates a whitelist to a UE via dedicated signaling, the UE can receive a whitelist having NPN information associated with the allowed NPN and / or other prohibited NPNs. The UE can receive a whitelist and NPN information associated with the allowed NPN and / or other prohibited NPNs. The UE can store and / or apply a whitelist having NPN information associated with the allowed NPN and a whitelist having NPN information associated with the allowed NPN. The UE can remove and / or discard and / or ignore a whitelist not associated with the allowed NPN. The UE can remove and / or discard and / or ignore NPN information not associated with the allowed NPN.

[0074] In one implementation, if a cell is operated by one NPN, the whitelist that the cell indicates to the UE may not include NPN information or may not be associated with NPN information. When the UE reads SIB1, the UE can know that the cell is operated by one NPN. If the UE receives a whitelist without NPN information in the whitelist or without NPN information associated with the whitelist, the UE can assume that the cell is operated by one NPN. The UE can assume that the information in the whitelist is associated with the cell's NPN, and the ID of the cell's NPN can be broadcast by the cell in SIB1. In one implementation, if the UE receives a whitelist without NPN information in the whitelist or without NPN information associated with the whitelist, the UE can assume that the area information in the whitelist is associated with a public network, such as the UE's allowed (or selected) PLMN, the PLMN whose PLMN ID is broadcast by the cell in SIB1. If the ID of the associated public network matches the ID of the UE's allowed (or selected) PLMN, the UE may further perform measurement and / or evaluation based on the whitelist. Alternatively, the UE may not check whether the ID of the associated public network matches the ID of the UE's allowed (or selected) PLMN. The UE may consider the whitelist to be implicitly associated with the UE's allowed (or selected) PLMN. The UE may further perform measurement and / or evaluation based on the whitelist. When the UE measures / evaluates a cell based on the whitelist during a cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may check whether the PLMN ID and / or NID / CAG ID broadcasted by the evaluated cell are the same as the PLMN ID and / or NID / CAG ID provided (e.g., via broadcast, via dedicated signaling) by the cell that indicates the whitelist to the UE.That is, even if the whitelist does not include NPN information, the UE can obtain the NPN information broadcast by the evaluated cell in SIB1 to check whether the evaluated cell is operated by an allowed NPN. In one implementation, if the UE receives a whitelist without NPN information in the whitelist or without NPN information associated with the whitelist, the UE can check whether the PLMN ID and / or NID / CAG ID provided by the evaluated cell (e.g., via broadcast, via dedicated signaling) is the same as the PLMN ID and / or NID / CAG ID broadcast to the UE by the cell indicating the whitelist when measuring / evaluating cells based on the whitelist during a cell (re)selection procedure.

[0075] - [PLMN ID / PLMN Index and / or NID / CAG ID] In one implementation, the NPN information in the whitelist can be represented by PLMN information and / or NID / CAG ID. NPN information including PLMN information and / or NID can indicate the SNPN that serves the cell. NPN information including PLMN information and / or CAG ID can indicate the PNI-NPN that serves the cell. PLMN information can be, but is not limited to, a PLMN ID, a PLMN index, a list of PLMN IDs, and a list of PLMN indexes.

[0076] In one implementation, the PLMN information in the whitelist may be represented by a PLMN index, which may correspond to an index of a PLMN ID list (e.g., PLMN-IdentityList IE) in SIB1 broadcast by the cell that configures the whitelist to the UE. The PLMN index may correspond to an index of a PLMN ID list used for NPN identification in SIB1 broadcast by the cell that configures the whitelist to the UE. The PLMN index may be zero or a positive integer.

[0077] In one implementation, a PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and an NID / CAG ID, or a combination of NID / CAG IDs, can be associated with related area information (e.g., a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs). In one implementation, a combination of a PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and an NID / CAG ID, and its related area information, can be included in an NPN-specific configuration in a whitelist. In one implementation, an NID / CAG ID and its related area information can be included in an NPN-specific configuration in a whitelist. In one implementation, a combination of (1) a PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and an NID / CAG ID, and (2) an associated whitelist including the area information can be included in an NPN-specific configuration. In one implementation, an NID / CAG ID and its associated whitelist including the area information can be included in an NPN-specific configuration.

[0078] In one implementation, a list of combinations of PLMN IDs (or PLMN indices) and NID / CAG IDs may be associated with related area information. In one implementation, a list of NID / CAG IDs may be associated with related area information. The list of combinations of PLMN IDs (or PLMN indices) and NID / CAG IDs may be represented by a SEQUENCE format having a size between 1 and N_NPN (e.g., the maximum number of NPNs operating the cell). N_NPN may be a positive integer. N_NPN may be (but is not limited to) 12. In one implementation, the list of combinations of PLMN IDs (or PLMN indices) and NID / CAG IDs and the related area information may be included in an NPN-specific configuration in a whitelist. In one implementation, the list of NID / CAG IDs and the related area information may be included in an NPN-specific configuration in a whitelist. In one implementation, (1) the list of combinations of PLMN IDs (or PLMN indices) and NID / CAG IDs and (2) the associated whitelist including the area information may be included in an NPN-specific configuration. In one implementation, the list of NID / CAG IDs and associated whitelists containing area information can be included in the NPN-specific configuration.

[0079] - [UE behavior during cell (re)selection] If the UE is configured with NPN information in the whitelist or associated with the whitelist, the UE can measure the SSB of the cell to determine signal quality. The UE can obtain information in SIB1 of the cell about at least the PLMN ID / index and / or NID / CAG ID. The UE can obtain information in SIB1 of the cell about at least the cell ID, RANAC, RAN Area ID, and / or TAC associated with the NPN information. If the UE determines that the NPN information of a cell is the same as the NPN information listed in the whitelist or associated with the whitelist, the UE can evaluate such cell (e.g., the UE can read and obtain SIB1 of such cell). If the UE determines (e.g., by obtaining and reading SIB1) that the cell ID, RANAC, RAN Area ID, and / or TAC of a cell are associated with NPN information, the UE can continue evaluating such cell (e.g., by reading parameters related to cell (re)selection (e.g., cellSelectionInfo IE) in SIB1 of such cell). If the UE determines that the NPN information of a cell is not listed in the whitelist or is different from the listed NPN information associated with the whitelist, the UE may not further evaluate such a cell. If the UE determines that the cell ID, RANAC, RAN Area ID, and / or TAC of the cell are not associated with the NPN information, the UE may not further evaluate the cell. The cell that the UE evaluates may be a candidate cell. The UE may (re)select one of the candidate cells based on the NPN information for the cell (re)selection procedure as a result of the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0080] [Whitelist frequency information] In one implementation, the whitelist can include frequency information. The whitelist can include frequency information and area information associated with the frequency information (e.g., a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs). In one implementation, a cell can configure frequency information and a whitelist including area information associated with the frequency information to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The area information associated with the frequency information (e.g., an Absolute Ratio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN) value, a frequency band list, a licensed / unlicensed indicator) can include a list of PCIs, a list of cell IDs, a list of RANACs, a list of RAN area IDs, and / or a list of TACs. In one implementation, both area information and associated frequency information can be included in the whitelist. In one implementation, area information may be included in the whitelist, while associated frequency information may not be included.

[0081] In one implementation, when a UE receives frequency information and area information associated with the frequency information, the UE can measure signals on the frequency indicated by the frequency information and search for a cell indicated by the area information associated with the frequency information. The UE can determine a cell having good signal quality and indicated by the area information associated with the frequency information as a candidate cell. The UE can (re)select a cell from the candidate cells as a result of a cell (re)selection procedure based on at least the frequency information and / or a cell (re)selection criterion (e.g., S criterion and / or R criterion). Good signal quality can refer to, but is not limited to, that the measured signal of the cell is equal to or greater than a signal quality / strength threshold and / or that the cell satisfies the S criterion.

[0082] In one implementation, the whitelist may include frequency information and PLMN / NPN information associated with the frequency information (e.g., a list of PLMN IDs, a list of PLMN indices, a list of PLMN IDs and / or NIDs, a list of PLMN IDs and / or CAG IDs). In one implementation, a cell may configure frequency information and a whitelist including PLMN / NPN information associated with the frequency information to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. In one implementation, a cell may configure frequency information, PLMN / NPN information associated with the frequency information, and a whitelist associated with the frequency information to a UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The PLMN information associated with the frequency information (e.g., ARFCN value, frequency band list, licensed / unlicensed indicator) may include (a list of) PLMN IDs and / or (a list of) PLMN indices. The NPN information associated with the frequency information may include SNPN-specific information and / or PNI-NPN-specific information (e.g., one PLMN ID (or PLMN index) and / or one NID / CAG ID, a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or NID / CAG IDs, a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index) and / or one NID / CAG ID, a list of PLMN IDs (or PLMN index), and / or a list of NID / CAG IDs). In one implementation, both the PLMN / NPN information and the associated frequency information may be in a whitelist. In one implementation, the PLMN / NPN information may be in a whitelist, while the associated frequency information may not be in the whitelist.

[0083] In one implementation, when a UE receives frequency information and PLMN / NPN information associated with the frequency information, the UE can measure signals on the frequency indicated by the frequency information and search for a cell indicated by the PLMN / NPN information associated with the frequency information. The UE can consider a cell with good signal quality, which is one of the cells indicated by the PLMN / NPN information associated with the frequency information, as a candidate cell. As a result of a cell (re)selection procedure, the UE can (re)select a cell from the candidate cells based on at least the frequency information and / or the cell (re)selection criteria.

[0084] In one implementation, when the UE receives frequency information, the UE may store and / or apply the frequency information indicating the frequency bands that the UE supports, and the associated PLMN / NPN information and / or the associated area information for the cell (re)selection procedure. When the UE receives frequency information, the UE may remove and / or discard the frequency information indicating the frequency bands that the UE does not support, and the associated PLMN / NPN information and / or the associated area information.

[0085] In one implementation, the frequency information includes common cell (re)selection parameters (e.g., P compensation , P EMAX ,1 and P EMAX, 2 , additionalPmax, which is used in the calculation of additionalSpectrumEmission.

[0086] - [ARFCN value] The frequency information associated with the area information (and / or PLMN / NPN information) may be a radio frequency (RF) reference frequency used to identify the location of RF channels, SSBs, and other elements. The frequency information associated with the area information (and / or PLMN / NPN information) may be indicated as an ARFCN value. The value of the frequency information may be zero or a positive integer ranging from 0 to the maximum ARFCN value. For example, the maximum ARFCN value for an NR carrier frequency is 3279165. The UE can measure reference signals (e.g., SSBs, channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS), tracking reference signals (TRS)) at the frequencies indicated by the frequency information. The frequencies indicated by the ARFCN values ​​may be licensed or unlicensed frequencies.

[0087] - [frequency band number] The frequency information associated with the area information (and / or PLMN / NPN information) may be a frequency band number. The frequency band number may indicate a frequency band in which a reference signal (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS) is located. The frequency band number may be RAT-specific. For example, the frequency band number definitions for the NR frequency band number and the LTE frequency band number may be different. The start and end values ​​of the NR frequency band number and the LTE frequency band number may be different. The same value for the NR frequency band and the LTE frequency band may correspond to different frequency bands. The UE may perform measurements on a reference signal on the frequency band indicated by the frequency band number. The value of the frequency information may be zero or a positive integer ranging from 0 to the maximum frequency band number. For example, the maximum frequency band number of an NR carrier frequency is 1024. The UE can measure a reference signal (e.g., for SSB, CSI-RS, TRS) on the frequency band indicated by the frequency information. The frequency indicated by the frequency band number may be a licensed frequency or an unlicensed frequency.

[0088] - [Unlicensed / Licensed indicator] The frequency information associated with the area information (and / or PLMN / NPN information) may include an unlicensed / licensed indicator. The unlicensed / licensed indicator may indicate whether the frequency associated with the area information (and / or PLMN / NPN information) is licensed or unlicensed. The unlicensed / licensed indicator may be a Boolean value, e.g., "1" means "licensed" and "0" means "unlicensed," and vice versa. In one implementation, the unlicensed / licensed indicator may have the ENUMERATED format used in ASN.1. The ENUMERATED format may be used for choices within a limited set of possible values ​​(e.g., "unlicensed" and "licensed"). For example, if the configuration is ENUMERATED (licensed), then ENUMERATED (licensed) or "licensed" may mean that the frequency is licensed, and a value absent from the configuration may mean that the frequency is unlicensed. In another example, a configuration of ENUMERATED, ENUMERATED, or "unlicensed" may mean that the frequency is unlicensed, and a missing value in the configuration may mean that the frequency is licensed. In another example, a configuration of ENUMERATED, ENUMERATED, or "licensed" may mean that the frequency is licensed, and ENUMERATED or "unlicensed" may mean that the frequency is unlicensed. In one implementation, the absence of an unlicensed / licensed indicator may mean that the frequency is unlicensed. Alternatively, the absence of an unlicensed / licensed indicator may mean that the frequency is licensed. The UE may measure reference signals (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS) on supported licensed (or unlicensed) frequencies based on the unlicensed / licensed indicator.

[0089] - [List of frequency indicators] In one implementation, the frequency information associated with the area information (and / or PLMN information) may include a list of frequency indicators. The frequency indicators may be in the form of, but are not limited to, an ARFCN value, a frequency band value, and an unlicensed / licensed indicator. Each frequency indicator may include a common cell (re)selection parameter (e.g., P compensation , P EMAX ,1 and P EMAX, 2 , additionalPmax, used in the calculation of additionalSpectrumEmission. The frequency information may include common cell (re)selection parameters associated with the frequencies indicated by the list of frequency indicators. The size of the list of frequency indicators may range from 1 to the maximum number of frequency bands supported by the cell that may transmit the list of frequency indicators. The size of the list of frequency indicators may range from 1 to the maximum number of frequency bands supported by the UE that may receive the list of frequency indicators. The UE may transmit its maximum number of supported frequency bands and / or corresponding frequency band information to the cell via dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC message, UE capability message).

[0090] In one implementation, when the UE receives the list of frequency indicators, the UE can store and / or apply the frequency indicators that indicate the frequency bands that the UE supports and the associated PLMN / NPN information and / or associated area information for the cell (re)selection procedure. When the UE receives the list of frequency indicators, the UE can remove and / or discard the frequency indicators that indicate the frequency bands that the UE does not support and the associated PLMN / NPN information and / or associated area information.

[0091] In one implementation, the UE may measure reference signals (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS) based on the indicated frequencies based on the list of frequency indicators and / or based on the UE's capabilities of the supported frequency bands. The UE may consider cells (on the indicated frequencies) with good signal quality and matching associated area information (and / or PLMN information) as candidate cells. The UE may (re)select a cell from the candidate cells as a result of a cell (re)selection procedure. Good signal quality may refer to, but is not limited to, the measured signal of the cell being above a signal quality / strength threshold and / or the cell meeting the S criterion.

[0092] [RAT-to-RAT whitelist] In one implementation, the whitelist may include at least two IEs. For example, one IE may include information required for cell (re)selection on one RAT (e.g., NR). Another IE may include information required for cell (re)selection on another RAT (e.g., for E-UTRA, NR-U, NPN). The required information may refer to, but is not limited to, PLMN information, area information, NPN information, NAS information, cell information, and / or frequency information.

[0093] [Sending a whitelist from a cell to a UE] The cell may broadcast a whitelist (e.g., including area information, PLMN information, NPN information, and / or frequency information) in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs to the UE. The cell may broadcast PLMN information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs to the UE. The cell may broadcast NPN information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs to the UE. The cell may broadcast frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs to the UE.

[0094] The UE may receive a whitelist (e.g., including area information, PLMN information, NPN information, and / or frequency information) for SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs from the cell. The UE may receive PLMN information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs from the cell. The UE may receive NPN information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs from the cell. The UE may receive frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs from the cell. In one implementation, the UE may check the status of other SIs (e.g., SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and / or other SIBs) to identify whether the other SIs are being broadcast via an indicator in SIB1. If the other SIs are being broadcast, the UE may receive the broadcast of the other SIs. If the other SI is not broadcast, the UE may perform an SI request procedure to make a request for the other SI.

[0095] -〔SIB3〕 In one implementation, if the frequency indicated by the frequency information (explicitly or implicitly) is an intra-frequency corresponding to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating, the UE may receive from the cell a whitelist and / or PLMN information associated with the whitelist, and / or NPN information associated with the whitelist, and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist. In some implementations, the intra-frequency of a frequency may be the same as the frequency or may (partially) overlap with the frequency.

[0096] In one implementation, if there is no frequency information associated with a whitelist in SIB3, or if frequency information is associated with a whitelist in SIB3, the UE may consider a whitelist associated with an intra-frequency corresponding to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating.

[0097] The UE may perform intra-frequency cell (re)selection based on the whitelist received in SIB3 from the cell. The UE may receive from the cell PLMN information, NPN information, and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB3, and / or other SIs. The UE may perform intra-frequency cell (re)selection based on the received PLMN information, NPN information, and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist, and the UE receives the whitelist in SIB3.

[0098] -〔SIB4〕 In one implementation, when the frequency indicated by the frequency information (explicitly or implicitly) is an inter-frequency corresponding to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating, the UE may receive the whitelist, and / or PLMN information associated with the whitelist, and / or NPN information associated with the whitelist, and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist from the cell in SIB4. In some implementations, the inter-frequency of the frequency may be different from the frequency, may (partially) overlap with the frequency, or may not overlap with the frequency.

[0099] In one implementation, if there is no frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB4 or if the frequency information is not associated with the whitelist in SIB4, the UE may consider the whitelist in SIB4 associated with the (or any) inter-frequency compared to the frequency at which the UE is camped or operating. The UE may consider frequency bands supported by the UE other than the frequency at which the UE is camped or operating as frequency bands associated with the whitelist in SIB4.

[0100] The UE may perform inter-frequency cell (re)selection based on the whitelist received in SIB4 from the cell. The UE may receive PLMN information and / or NPN information and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB4, and / or other SIs from the cell. The UE may perform inter-frequency cell (re)selection based on the received PLMN information and / or NPN information and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist, and the UE receives the whitelist in SIB4.

[0101] -〔SIB5〕 In one implementation, when the frequency indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the frequency information is an inter-RAT frequency corresponding to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating, the UE may receive the whitelist, and / or PLMN information associated with the whitelist, and / or NPN information associated with the whitelist, and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist from the cell in SIB5. The inter-RAT frequency may be intra-frequency or inter-frequency compared to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating. In some implementations, the RAT operating on the inter-RAT frequency of the frequency may be different from the RAT operating on the frequency.

[0102] In one implementation, if there is no frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB5 or if the frequency information is not associated with the whitelist in SIB5, the UE may consider the whitelist in SIB5 associated with the intra-frequency compared to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating. The UE may perform intra-frequency inter-RAT cell (re)selection based on the whitelist received in SIB5 from the cell.

[0103] In one implementation, if there is no frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB5 or if the frequency information is not associated with the whitelist in SIB5, the UE may consider the whitelist in SIB5 associated with the inter-frequency compared to the frequency at which the UE is camped or operating. The UE may consider frequency bands supported by the UE other than the frequency at which the UE is camped or operating as frequency bands associated with the whitelist in SIB5. The UE may perform inter-frequency inter-RAT cell (re)selection based on the whitelist received in SIB5 from the cell.

[0104] The UE may perform inter-RAT cell (re)selection based on the whitelist received in SIB5 from the cell. The UE may receive from the cell PLMN information and / or NPN information and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB1, SIB5, and / or other SIs. The UE may perform inter-RAT cell (re)selection based on the received PLMN information and / or NPN information and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist, and the UE receives the whitelist in SIB5.

[0105] -〔SIB1〕 In one implementation, when the frequency indicated (explicitly or implicitly) by the frequency information is an intra-frequency (or inter-frequency, or inter-RAT intra-frequency, or inter-RAT inter-frequency) corresponding to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating, the UE may receive from the cell a whitelist, and / or PLMN information associated with the whitelist, and / or NPN information associated with the whitelist, and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist.

[0106] In one implementation, if there is no frequency information associated with the whitelist in SIB1 or if the frequency information is not associated with the whitelist in SIB1, the UE may consider the whitelist in SIB1 associated with an intra-frequency (or inter-frequency, or inter-RAT intra-frequency, or inter-RAT inter-frequency) compared to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating. If the association is inter-frequency or inter-RAT inter-frequency, the UE may consider a frequency band supported by the UE other than the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating as a frequency band associated with the whitelist in SIB1.

[0107] The UE may perform intra-frequency (or inter-frequency, or inter-RAT intra-frequency, or inter-lat inter-frequency) cell (re)selection based on the whitelist received in SIB1 from the cell. The UE may receive PLMN information and / or NPN information and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist and / or other SIs in SIB1 from the cell. The UE may perform intra-frequency (or inter-frequency, or inter-RAT intra-frequency, or inter-RAT inter-frequency) cell (re)selection based on the received PLMN information and / or NPN information and / or frequency information associated with the whitelist, and the UE receives the whitelist in SIB1.

[0108] In one implementation, the UE may receive a whitelist used for an intra-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB1. In one implementation, the UE may receive a whitelist used for an intra-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB3. In one implementation, the UE may receive one whitelist used for an intra-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB1 and another whitelist used for an intra-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB3. The cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB1 may be a subset of the cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB3. The cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB1 may be the same as the cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB3. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB3, the UE may store and apply the whitelist received from SIB3 for intra-frequency cell (re)selection instead of the whitelist received from SIB1. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB3, the UE may (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB3 for intra-frequency cell (re)selection and subsequently ignore (or remove) the whitelist received from SIB1.

[0109] In one implementation, when the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB1, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB1 for intra-frequency cell (re)selection. When the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB3, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB3 for intra-frequency cell (re)selection. That is, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from any SIB (e.g., SIB1, SIB3) to replace the previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for intra-frequency cell (re)selection. Alternatively, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from any SIB (e.g., for SIB1, SIB3) and delete (or ignore) the previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for intra-frequency cell (re)selection.

[0110] In one implementation, the UE may receive a whitelist used for an inter-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB1. In one implementation, the UE may receive a whitelist used for an inter-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB4. In one implementation, the UE may receive one whitelist used for an inter-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB1 and another whitelist used for an inter-frequency cell (re)selection procedure in SIB4. The cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB1 may be a subset of the cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB4. The cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB1 may be the same as the cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB4. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB4, the UE may store and apply the whitelist received from SIB4 for inter-frequency cell (re)selection instead of the whitelist received from SIB1. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB4, the UE may (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB4 for inter-frequency cell (re)selection and then ignore (or remove) the whitelist received from SIB1.

[0111] In one implementation, when the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB1, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB1 for inter-frequency cell (re)selection. In one implementation, when the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB4, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB4 for inter-frequency cell (re)selection. That is, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from any SIB (e.g., SIB1, SIB4) to replace the previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for inter-frequency cell (re)selection. Alternatively, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from any SIB (e.g., for SIB1, SIB4) and delete (or ignore) the previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for inter-frequency cell (re)selection.

[0112] In one implementation, a UE may receive a whitelist used for an inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedure in SIB1. In one implementation, a UE may receive a whitelist used for an inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedure in SIB5. In one implementation, a UE may receive one whitelist used for an inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedure in SIB1 and another whitelist used for an inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedure in SIB5. The cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB1 may be a subset of the cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB5. The cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB1 may be the same as the cell or area indicated by the whitelist received in SIB5. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB5, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB5 for inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection instead of the whitelist received from SIB1. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB5, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB5 for inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection and subsequently ignore (or remove) the whitelist received from SIB1.

[0113] In one implementation, once the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB1, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB1 for inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection. In one implementation, once the UE successfully receives the whitelist in SIB5, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from SIB5 for inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection. That is, the UE can (store and) apply the whitelist received from any SIB (e.g., SIB1, SIB5) to replace the previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection. Alternatively, the UE may (store and) apply a whitelist received from any SIB (e.g., SIB1, SIB5) and delete (or ignore) a previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection.

[0114] The proposed implementation is also applicable when the UE can receive a whitelist from other SIs (e.g., SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, other SIBs) and / or whitelists from other SIs, where the whitelists are used for the same purposes (e.g., intra-frequency cell (re)selection, inter-frequency cell (re)selection, inter-RAT intra-frequency cell (re)selection, inter-RAT intra-frequency cell (re)selection, inter-RAT inter-frequency cell (re)selection).

[0115] - [Dedicated signaling] In one implementation, when the frequency indicated by the frequency information is an intra-frequency, an inter-frequency, an inter-RAT intra-frequency, and / or an inter-RAT inter-frequency corresponding to a frequency on which the UE is camped or operating, the UE may receive the whitelist, and / or the PLMN information associated with the whitelist, and / or the NPN information associated with the whitelist, and / or the frequency information associated with the whitelist via dedicated signaling from the cell. The inter-RAT frequency may be intra-frequency or inter-frequency compared to the frequency on which the UE is camped or operating. The whitelist (and / or the PLMN information associated with the whitelist), and / or the NPN information related to the whitelist, and / or the frequency information associated with the whitelist that the UE receives via dedicated signaling from the cell may be referred to as a “UE-specific” whitelist, and / or “UE-specific” PLMN information associated with the “UE-specific” whitelist, and / or “UE-specific” NPN information associated with the “UE-specific” whitelist, and / or “UE-specific” frequency information associated with the “UE-specific” whitelist.

[0116] In one implementation, the UE may receive the "UE-specific" whitelist via dedicated signaling from the cell, while the UE may receive the "cell-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or the "cell-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or the "cell-specific" frequency information associated with the "cell-specific" whitelist via system information (e.g., SIB1, SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, other SIBs).

[0117] In one implementation, an RRC_CONNECTED UE (i.e., a UE in the RRC_CONNECTED state) may receive a "UE-specific" whitelist associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" frequency information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) reconfiguration message).

[0118] In one implementation, an RRC_CONNECTED UE can receive a "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" frequency information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) release message) and perform a state transition to enter the RRC_IDLE state.

[0119] In one implementation, an RRC_CONNECTED UE can receive a "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" frequency information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., in a Suspend Configuration in RRC (Connection) Release using Suspend Configuration message) and perform a state transition to enter the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0120] In one implementation, an RRC_INACTIVE UE (i.e., a UE in the RRC_INACITVE state) can receive a "UE-specific" whitelist associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" frequency information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) release message), and can make a state transition to enter the RRC_IDLE state via the RRC (connection) release message.

[0121] In one implementation, an RRC_INACTIVE UE may receive a "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" frequency information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) rejection message), where the RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) rejection message) is in response to another RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) resume request message, an RRC (connection) resume request 1 message) sent by the UE to the cell.

[0122] In one implementation, an RRC_IDLE UE (i.e., a UE in the RRC_IDLE state) can receive a "UE-specific" whitelist associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist and / or "UE-specific" PLMN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" NPN information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist, and / or "UE-specific" frequency information associated with the "UE-specific" whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) rejection message), where the RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) rejection message) is in response to another RRC message (e.g., an RRC (connection) setup request message) sent by the UE to the cell.

[0123] In one implementation, a UE may receive (only) a “cell-specific” whitelist used for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures via system information. In one implementation, a UE may receive (only) a “UE-specific” whitelist used for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures via dedicated signaling. In one implementation, a UE may receive (only) a “cell-specific” whitelist used for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures via system information and other “UE-specific” whitelists used for inter-frequency, intra-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures via dedicated signaling. The cell or area indicated by the “cell-specific” whitelist received via system information may be a subset of the cell or area indicated by the “UE-specific” whitelist received via dedicated signaling. The cells or areas indicated by the "cell-specific" whitelist received via system information may be the same as the cells or areas indicated by the "UE-specific" whitelist received via dedicated signaling. Some of the cells or areas indicated by the "cell-specific" whitelist received via system information may be the same as some of the cells or areas indicated by the "UE-specific" whitelist received via dedicated signaling. In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives the "UE-specific" whitelist via the dedicated signaling, the UE may store and apply the "UE-specific" whitelist received via the dedicated signaling for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures, instead of the "cell-specific" whitelist received via system information.In one implementation, if the UE successfully receives a "UE-specific" whitelist via dedicated signaling, the UE may (store and) apply the "UE-specific" whitelist received via dedicated signaling for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures and may ignore (or remove) the "cell-specific" whitelist later received via system information.

[0124] In one implementation, once the UE successfully receives a "cell-specific" whitelist via system information, the UE can (store and) apply the "cell-specific" whitelist received via system information for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures. In one implementation, once the UE successfully receives a "UE-specific" whitelist via dedicated signaling, the UE can (store and) apply the "UE-specific" whitelist received via dedicated signaling for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures. That is, the UE can apply the whitelist received from any control signal (e.g., system information, dedicated signaling) to replace a previously received (or previously stored) whitelist for intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and / or inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection procedures. In one implementation, when a UE successfully receives a “UE-specific” whitelist via dedicated signaling, the UE may store and apply the “UE-specific” whitelist received via dedicated signaling instead of applying a “cell-specific” whitelist until the UE moves out of its configured area (e.g., the area indicated by the area information associated with the whitelist). The UE may apply the “cell-specific” whitelist instead of the “UE-specific” whitelist while the UE moves into the newly configured area. The configured area may be a tracking area, a RAN area, or a system information area (e.g., defined by a system information area code, systemInformationAreaID). In one implementation, if a whitelist is provided via dedicated signaling, the UE may ignore (or remove) any whitelist provided in the system information. In one implementation, when the UE is camped on any cell state, the UE may (only) apply the whitelist provided by the system information from the current cell.In one implementation, the UE may delete (or remove) a whitelist provided via dedicated signaling when the UE enters a different RRC state, or when the whitelist's associated validity timer expires, or when PLMN selection is performed upon request by the UE's NAS.

[0125] Approach to handle the case where the UE cannot find a cell indicated by the whitelist In some scenarios, during a cell (re)selection procedure, the UE is unable to find a cell that has good signal quality and belongs to one of the cells (or cell areas) indicated by the whitelist configured for the UE by the camped / serving cell. The UE is unable to find a candidate cell based on the whitelist during the cell (re)selection procedure. Good signal quality may refer to, but is not limited to, the measured signal of the cell being above a signal quality / strength threshold and / or the cell meeting the S criterion.

[0126] In one implementation, if the timer (T_White) expires, the UE may determine that it cannot find a candidate cell based on the whitelist during a cell (re)selection procedure. The value of T_white may be pre-configured or specified. The value of T_white may be configured in the UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The value of T_White may be configured in the UE together with the UE when it receives the associated whitelist. The UE may (re)start the timer (T_White) when it receives the associated whitelist. The UE may (re)start the timer (T_white) when it begins to perform a cell (re)selection procedure. When the UE (re)starts the timer (T_white), the UE may set the timer value to the value of T_white pre-configured (or specified, configured) in the UE.

[0127] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a cell indicated by the whitelist, the UE may remove and / or discard the configured / stored whitelist. Additional conditions under which the UE may remove and / or discard the configured / stored whitelist may be considered, such as: 1) If the UE is stationary for a while, For example, the network / cell can set a mobility state-related parameter (e.g., a high mobility state-related parameter, a medium mobility state-related parameter, a low mobility state-related parameter) to the UE. If the UE detects that it is in a mobility state (e.g., a low mobility state), or if the UE detects that its speed is lower than the mobility state-related parameter, the UE can consider itself stationary. b. For example, the network / cell may configure the UE with a timer to determine whether the UE has been stationary for some time. If the UE detects that it is stationary, the UE may start the timer. If the UE detects that it is not stationary, the UE may stop the timer. If the timer expires, the UE may remove and / or discard the configured / stored whitelist. 2) When a specific service (e.g., triggered by the UE's NAS) is required 3) When a set timer expires.

[0128] In one implementation, the UE may consider the current frequency (e.g., an NR-U frequency) as the lowest priority frequency for reselection for 300 seconds if (1) the timer (T_White) expires and (2) if the UE finds itself unsuitable to belong to a PLMN (or NPN) that is not indicated as equivalent to the registered (or permitted) PLMN (or NPN) and a candidate cell is found on that frequency based on the whitelist during the cell (re)selection procedure.

[0129] Possible implementations that address (but are not limited to) the scenario are provided.

[0130] - [Other SI] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell based on the whitelist during a cell (re)selection procedure, the UE may stop performing cell (re)selection based on the whitelist for a certain period (T). For example, T may be pre-configured or specified. T may be 300 seconds. For example, the UE may receive a T value associated with the whitelist when the UE receives the whitelist. The UE may receive the T value via system information or dedicated signaling. After the certain period (T) (e.g., when a timer having the T value expires), the UE may perform cell (re)selection based on the (stored) whitelist if the UE is not configured / received with another whitelist within the certain period, if the UE is not configured with another cell (re)selection criterion within the certain period, or if the UE does not find (or camp on) a suitable (or acceptable) cell within the certain period.

[0131] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell based on the whitelist, the UE can still (re)select and camp on a cell that is not listed in the whitelist. The UE can perform an SI request procedure to the camped / serving cell to request an (updated) whitelist.

[0132] In one implementation, before the UE sends an SI request message or preamble to the camped / serving cell, it may receive an indicator (e.g., si-BroadcastStatus IE) broadcast by the camped / serving cell in SIB1 to determine whether the system information message carries a whitelist (intra-frequency, inter-frequency, inter-RAT intra-frequency, or inter-RAT inter-frequency). If the UE determines that the system information message carrying the whitelist is broadcast, the UE may receive the system information message. If the UE determines that the system information message carrying the whitelist is not broadcast, the UE may send an SI request message (e.g., via an MSG3-based SI request) or a preamble (e.g., via an MSG1-based SI request) to the camped / serving cell.

[0133] In one implementation, the UE may not decide whether to send an SI request message or a preamble to the camped / serving cell based on the indicator broadcast in SIB1. In other words, the UE may directly send an SI request message (e.g., via an MSG3-based SI request) and / or a preamble (e.g., via an MSG1-based SI request) to the camped / serving cell for a request for a system information message carrying a (intra-frequency, inter-frequency, inter-RAT intra-frequency, or inter-RAT inter-frequency) whitelist.

[0134] In one implementation, an SI request (e.g., an RRC System Information Request message) sent by the UE to the camp / serving cell may include a version number of the whitelist or a version number of the system information message carrying the whitelist. The version number of the whitelist or the version number of the system information message carrying the whitelist may correspond to an indicator (e.g., a value tag) indicating that the UE cannot find a candidate cell based on the whitelist and / or the system information message carrying the whitelist with the indicated version number. In response to the SI request and / or the preamble, the camp / serving cell may respond to the UE with an updated whitelist.

[0135] In one implementation, when the UE identifies that the system information area code broadcasted by the cell in SIB1 is different from the stored one, the UE may initiate an SI request procedure to obtain a new version of the whitelist.

[0136] - [Fallback (re)selection procedure to other cells] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, the UE can perform inter-frequency cell (re)selection based on the inter-frequency whitelist, and the UE can be configured with the inter-frequency whitelist.

[0137] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, the UE may request an inter-frequency whitelist. After the UE receives the inter-frequency whitelist, the UE may perform cell (re)selection based on the inter-frequency whitelist.

[0138] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, the UE may perform inter-frequency cell (re)selection regardless of whether the UE is configured with an inter-frequency whitelist.

[0139] In one implementation, if the UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if the UE is unable to find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE is unable to find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may perform an inter-RAT cell (re)selection procedure, and the UE may be configured with an inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) whitelist.

[0140] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find any cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE cannot find any cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may request an inter-RAT (intra-frequency or inter-frequency) whitelist. After the UE receives the inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) whitelist, the UE may perform cell (re)selection based on the inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) whitelist.

[0141] In one implementation, if the UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if the UE is unable to find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE is unable to find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may perform inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) cell (re)selection, regardless of whether the UE is configured with an inter-RAT (inter-frequency or intra-frequency) whitelist.

[0142] In one implementation, if a UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE cannot find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE can lower the priority of the frequency for which the UE cannot find a candidate cell. The UE can lower the priority of the frequency for a certain period of time (T1). The value of T1 may be pre-configured or specified. The value of T1 may be configured in the UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The value of T1 can be configured in the UE together with the whitelist. In one implementation, the UE can lower the priority of the frequency to the lowest priority for a certain period of time (T1). The UE can lower the priority of the frequency to a configured (or defined) value. The configured value may be configured in the UE via dedicated signaling or system information. The configured value may be configured in the UE with the same information carrying the whitelist. The configured value can be configured in the UE together with the whitelist. After a certain period (T1), the UE can restore the frequency priority to the priority value before the UE lowered the frequency priority. After a certain period (T1), the UE can restore the frequency priority to the priority value based on the settings received from the cell.

[0143] In one implementation, if the UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist on an unlicensed frequency, or if the UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist on an unlicensed frequency, or if the UE is unable to find any cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection on an unlicensed frequency, or if the UE is unable to find any cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may perform cell (re)selection on a licensed frequency.

[0144] -[Celber Ring] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find any cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE cannot find any cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may bar cells indicated in the intra-frequency whitelist, inter-frequency whitelist, or inter-RAT (intra-frequency or inter-frequency) whitelist. The UE may bar these cells (or ignore (or suspend or remove) the (intra-frequency, inter-frequency, or inter-RAT (intra-frequency or inter-frequency)) whitelist configuration) for a certain period (T2). The value of T2 may be pre-configured or specified. The value of T2 may be configured in the UE via system information or dedicated signaling. The value of T2 may be configured in the UE together with a whitelist indicating the barred cells. The value of T2 may be configured in the UE in the same information conveying the whitelist. If a cell is barred, the UE cannot (re)select the barred cell. If the UE ignores (or suspends or removes) the (intra-frequency, inter-frequency, inter-RAT (intra-frequency or inter-frequency)) whitelist configuration, the UE may not perform cell (re)selection based on the whitelist configuration. After a certain period (T2), the UE may not bar the cell. After the certain period (T2), the UE may store and apply the (intra-frequency, inter-frequency, inter-RAT (intra-frequency or inter-frequency)) whitelist configuration for cell (re)selection. Thus, the UE can (re)select a cell.

[0145] - [Top N - Strongest Cell] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE cannot find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may perform cell (re)selection based on the top N strongest cells on the corresponding (intra-, inter-, licensed, or unlicensed) frequency. The UE may measure the reference signals (e.g., SSB, CSI-RS, TRS) of the cells on the corresponding (intra-, inter-, licensed, or unlicensed) frequency. The UE may further read the SIB1 of the top N strongest cells and determine whether the PLMNs (or NPNs) operating the top N strongest cells belong to the UE's authorized PLMNs (or NPNs). If the UE (only) finds the top M strongest cells where M is less than N, the UE may further read SIB1 of the top M strongest cells to determine whether the PLMNs (or NPNs) operating the top M strongest cells belong to the UE's allowed PLMNs (or NPNs). The UE may (re)select a cell whose PLMN (or NPN) belongs to the UE's allowed PLMNs (or NPNs), and the (re)selected cell is one of the top N (or top M) strongest cells. The UE may (re)select a cell whose PLMN (or NPN) belongs to the UE's allowed PLMNs (or NPNs), and the (re)selected cell has the strongest signal strength (e.g., Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ)) among the top N (or top M) strongest cells whose PLMN (or NPN) belongs to the UE's allowed PLMNs (or NPNs). The value of N may be pre-configured or specified. The UE may receive the value of N via system information or dedicated signaling. The UE may receive the value of N together with the whitelist.The UE may receive the value of N in the same information that the UE receives the whitelist.

[0146] - Enter any cell selection substate In one implementation, if an RRC_INACTIVE UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if an RRC_INACTIVE UE is unable to find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if an RRC_INACTIVE UE is unable to find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if an RRC_INACTIVE UE is unable to find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the RRC_INACTIVE UE may enter an "any cell selection sub-state" of the RRC_INACTIVE state.

[0147] In one implementation, if an RRC_IDLE UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if an RRC_IDLE UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the inter-frequency whitelist, or if an RRC_IDLE UE cannot find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if an RRC_IDLE UE cannot find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the RRC_IDLE UE may enter an "any cell selection sub-state" of the RRC_IDLE state. In the "any cell selection sub-state," the UE may perform a cell (re)selection procedure without considering the whitelist.

[0148] In the "any cell selection sub-state," the UE can perform a cell (re)selection procedure without considering the whitelist. In one implementation, in the "any cell selection sub-state," the UE can perform a cell (re)selection procedure based on the whitelist.

[0149] In one implementation, an inactive state-specific whitelist may be provided, and the inactive state-specific whitelist may be different from the idle state-specific whitelist. The UE may receive the inactive state-specific whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message with suspension, an RRC reconfiguration message with suspension) or system information from the serving cell. The UE may receive the idle state-specific whitelist via an RRC message (e.g., an RRC release message) or system information. An RRC_Inactive UE may store and apply the inactive state-specific whitelist to perform cell (re)selection, and an RRC_Idle UE may store and apply the idle state-specific whitelist to perform cell (re)selection. When an RRC_Inactive UE transitions to RRC_IDLE, the UE may delete and / or ignore the inactive state-specific whitelist. When an RRC_INACTIVE UE transitions to RRC_Idle, the UE may be configured with the idle state-specific whitelist via dedicated signaling or system information. An RRC_INACTIVE UE can receive (and store) an idle-state-specific whitelist via system information. If an Inactive-state-specific whitelist is configured, the RRC_Inactive UE can perform cell (re)selection based on the Inactive-state-specific whitelist. If an Inactive-state-specific whitelist is not configured, the RRC_Inactive UE can perform cell (re)selection based on the Idle-state-specific whitelist.

[0150] - [Minimization of Drive Test (MDT) Reports] In one implementation, if the UE cannot find a candidate cell indicated by the intra-frequency whitelist, or if the UE cannot find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE cannot find a cell during intra-frequency cell (re)selection, or if the UE cannot find a cell during inter-frequency cell (re)selection, the UE may report the whitelist and / or the ID of the cell providing the whitelist to the camped / serving cell via dedicated signaling when the UE camps on or connects to the camped / serving cell. The camped / serving cell may (but need not) be the same as the cell that provides the whitelist to the UE. If the camped / serving cell is the same as the cell that provides the whitelist to the UE, the UE may report the whitelist to the camped / serving cell. If the camped / serving cell is the same as the cell that provides the whitelist to the UE, the UE may report an indicator corresponding to the whitelist to the camped / serving cell. If the camped / serving cell is different from the cell that provides the whitelist to the UE, the UE may report both the whitelist and the ID of the cell that provides the whitelist to the camped / serving cell.

[0151] [Indicator showing whether or not to use a whitelist] In one implementation, a UE may be configured with an indicator indicating whether the UE can (store and) apply a whitelist for cell (re)selection. If the indicator is set to "true," the UE may consider (only) cells that satisfy the whitelist as candidate cells for cell (re)selection. If the indicator is set to "true," the UE may consider only cells included in the whitelist as applicable for cell (re)selection. If the indicator is set to "false," the UE may perform cell (re)selection without considering the whitelist. If the cell does not provide an indicator, the UE may perform cell (re)selection taking the whitelist into consideration. That is, if the cell does not provide an indicator, the whitelist may be enabled by default.

[0152] The UE may receive an indicator from a cell that provides the whitelist via system information or dedicated signaling. The whitelist may include an indicator associated with the whitelist. A configuration that includes the whitelist may include an indicator associated with the whitelist in the configuration. The UE may receive the indicator along with receiving the whitelist.

[0153] [Whitelist for cell selection] In one implementation, for unlicensed frequencies, cell selection can include two categories: initial cell selection (without prior knowledge of which RF channels are unlicensed frequencies (e.g., NR-U frequencies)); cell selection by leveraging stored information.

[0154] For initial cell selection, the UE may scan all RF channels in an unlicensed frequency band (e.g., the NR-U band) according to the UE's capabilities to find a suitable cell. At each frequency, the UE may search for the strongest cell (only). The UE may search for the top N strongest cells. The UE may measure the cell's reference signal (e.g., SSB) at the corresponding frequency. The UE may further read the SIB1 of the top N strongest cells to determine whether the cell is suitable. If the UE finds the top M strongest cells (only), where M is less than N, the UE may further read the SIB1 of the top M strongest cells to determine whether the cell is suitable. The UE may select a suitable cell, where the selected cell is one of the top N (or top M) strongest cells. The UE may select a suitable cell, where the selected cell has the strongest signal strength (e.g., RSRP, RSRQ) among the top N (or top M) strongest cells that are suitable cells. The value of N may be preconfigured or specified. The value of Ns may be infinite. The UE may receive the value of N via system information or dedicated signaling. The UE may receive the value of N along with the whitelist. The UE may receive the value of N in the same information in which the UE receives the whitelist. In one implementation, if the UE finds that a PLMN ID (or NPN ID) broadcast by a cell in SIB1 does not belong to the UE's allowed PLMNs (or NPNs) and the cell broadcasts a whitelist associated with the PLMN (or NPN), the UE may skip reading SIB1 for cells indicated by the whitelist broadcast by the cell whose PLMN (or NPN) does not belong to the UE's allowed PLMNs (or NPNs).

[0155] Cell selection by utilizing stored information may also request stored information on (unlicensed) frequencies and, optionally, information on cell parameters from previously received measurement control IEs or from previously detected cells. The stored information may include (but is not limited to) a whitelist. Once the UE finds a suitable cell, the UE may select it. In one implementation, during cell selection by utilizing stored information, if the UE discovers a PLMN (or NPN) broadcast by a cell in SIB1 that does not belong to the UE's allowed PLMN (or NPN), and the cell broadcasts a whitelist (or NPN) associated with the PLMN (or NPN), the UE may skip reading SIB1 for cells indicated by the whitelist (or NPN) broadcast by a cell whose PLMN (or NPN) does not belong to the UE's allowed PLMN (or NPN). If no suitable cell is found, the UE may perform an initial cell selection procedure.

[0156] The terms “NW,” “network,” “cell,” “BS,” “gNB,” “eNB,” and “ng-eNB” may be used interchangeably in this disclosure.

[0157] System information may refer to MIB, SIB1, or other SI. The minimum SI may include MIB and SIB1. Other SI may refer to SIB3, SIB4, SIB5, and other SIBs. The UE may receive system information via broadcast from the cell. The cell may periodically broadcast system information. The cell may broadcast system information upon an SI request from the UE. The UE may receive system information in an RRC message via dedicated signaling from the cell. The cell may transmit system information in an RRC message upon an SI request from the UE.

[0158] Dedicated signaling may refer to (but is not limited to) RRC messages, such as an RRC (connection) setup request message, an RRC (connection) setup message, an RRC (connection) setup complete message, an RRC (connection) reconfiguration message, an RRC (connection) reconfiguration complete message, an RRC (connection) resume request message, an RRC (connection) resume message, an RRC (connection) resume complete message, an RRC (connection) re-establishment request message, an RRC (connection) re-establishment message, an RRC (connection) resume complete message, an RRC (connection) reject message, an RRC (connection) release message, an RRC system information request message, a UE assist information message, a UE capability inquiry message, and a UE capability information message.

[0159] The allowed PLMN for a UE may be (but is not limited to) the UE's R-PLMN, selected PLMN, or E-PLMN.

[0160] The NPN allowed for a UE may be, but is not limited to, the UE's registered NPN (R-NPN), selected NPN, or equivalent NPN (E-NPN). The NPN may be an SNPN or an NPI-NPN.

[0161] In one implementation, a registered NPN may broadcast the PLMN ID of the R-PLMN, a selected NPN may broadcast the PLMN ID of the selected PLMN, and a peer NPN may broadcast the PLMN ID of the E-PLMN.

[0162] The UE may measure the signal strength of a cell in terms of RSRP, RSRQ, and RSSI. If the cell has good signal quality, the UE may determine that the measured signal strength of the cell is greater than (or equal to) a threshold. For example, the measured RSRP of the cell is greater than (or equal to) an RSRP threshold. For example, the measured RSRQ of the cell is greater than (or equal to) an RSRQ threshold. For example, the measured RSSI of the cell is greater than (or equal to) an RSSI threshold. If the cell satisfies the S criterion, the measured signal strength of the cell is greater than (or equal to) a threshold in terms of RSRP and / or RSRQ. For cell reselection criteria (e.g., for the R criterion), the UE may apply the measured signal strength of the serving / camped cell and neighboring cells and determine a rank for each cell based on the measured signal strength of each cell. The UE may determine whether to select a cell based on the rank and some rules according to the rank.

[0163] An RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE UE can camp on the cell. An RRC_CONNECTED UE can be served by the (serving) cell. The proposed design may be applicable to RRC_IDLE / RRC_INACTIVE / RRC_CONNECTED UEs.

[0164] The whitelist may be an intra-frequency whitelist, an inter-frequency whitelist, an inter-RAT intra-frequency whitelist, and an inter-RAT inter-frequency whitelist.

[0165] The inter-RAT cell (re)selection may be an inter-RAT intra-frequency cell (re)selection and an inter-RAT inter-frequency cell (re)selection.

[0166] The RAT may be (but is not limited to) NR, LTE, E-UTRA connected to 5GC, LTE connected to 5GC, E-UTRA connected to EPC, and LTE connected to EPC.

[0167] A suitable cell is a cell on which the UE can camp. A UE (e.g., not in SNPN access mode, among others) can consider a cell suitable if the following conditions are met: (1) the cell is part of either a selected PLMN or an R-PLMN or PLMN in the E-PLMN list, and (2) the cell selection criteria (e.g., S criteria) for the cell are met. Furthermore, according to the latest information provided by the UE's NAS, a suitable cell is not barred. A suitable cell is part of at least one TA that is not part of the list of "Forbidden Tracking Areas" belonging to a PLMN that meets condition (1). A UE (e.g., in SNPN access mode, among others, registering / selecting an NPN, among others) can consider a cell suitable if (1) the cell is part of either a selected NPN (e.g., SNPN) or a registered NPN (e.g., SNPN) or an NPN (e.g., SNPN), E-NPN (e.g., equivalent SNPN) list, and (2) the cell selection criteria (e.g., S criteria) for the cell are met. Furthermore, according to the latest information provided by the UE's NAS, a suitable cell is not barred. A suitable cell is part of at least one TA that is not part of the list of "Forbidden Tracking Areas" belonging to an NPN (e.g., SNPN) that satisfies condition (1).

[0168] The proposed mechanism may be used for licensed and / or unlicensed frequencies.

[0169] The UE may be served by, for example, a serving cell. The serving cell may be (but is not limited to) serving an RRC_CONNECTED UE. The serving cell may be (but is not limited to) any suitable cell.

[0170] The UE may camp on a cell, e.g., a camped cell, which may be a suitable cell or an acceptable cell.

[0171] An acceptable cell is one on which a UE can camp to obtain limited service (e.g., to place an emergency call and receive Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS) and Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) notifications). Such a cell can meet a minimum set of requirements for initiating an emergency call and receiving ETWS and CMAS notifications in an NR network: (1) the cell is not barred, and / or (2) the cell selection criteria are met.

[0172] The cells provided by the whitelist (eg, as indicated by PLMN information, area information, NPN information, and / or frequency information) may be neighboring cells for the UE receiving the whitelist.

[0173] A whitelist received by a UE via dedicated signaling may refer to a "UE-specific" whitelist. A whitelist received by a UE via system information may refer to a "cell-specific" whitelist. A whitelist configured for an RRC_Inactive UE may refer to an Inactive-state-specific whitelist. An Inactive-state-specific whitelist may be a type of "UE-specific" whitelist or a type of "cell-specific" whitelist. A whitelist configured for an RRC_Idle UE may refer to an idle-state-specific whitelist. An idle-state-specific whitelist may be a type of "UE-specific" whitelist or a type of "cell-specific" whitelist.

[0174] 1 shows a flowchart of a method for cell (re)selection according to an implementation of the present disclosure. It should be noted that, although actions 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 are shown as separate actions represented as independent blocks in FIG. 1 , these separately depicted actions should not be construed as necessarily order-dependent. The order in which the actions are performed in FIG. 1 is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of the disclosed blocks may be combined in any order to implement a method or alternative methods. Furthermore, one or more of actions 102, 104, 106, 108, and 110 may be omitted in some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0175] In action 102, the UE may store the allowed NPN information in the form of a CAG ID list or in the form of an SNPN ID list. The allowed NPN information may be received by the UE from the network before the UE connects to the network, may be already stored in the UE, or may be pre-configured in the UE (e.g., by the UE's NAS). In one implementation, the allowed NPN information may be (or may be included in or associated with) a whitelist in various implementations of the present disclosure. The terms "allowed NPN information" and "whitelist" may be used interchangeably in some implementations of the present disclosure.

[0176] In action 104, the UE may receive NPN information and area information associated with the NPN information via SIB1 broadcast by the cell. The NPN information may include an NPN ID list. The area information may include at least one of a TAC, a cell ID, a RAN area ID, and a RANAC. For example, the NPN ID list may include NPN ID#1 indicating NPN#1 (PNI-NPN or SNPN) and NPN ID#2 indicating NPN#2 (PNI-NPN or SNPN). In this case, the area information may include the TAC, cell ID, RAN area ID, and / or RANAC of NPN#1, and the TAC, cell ID, RAN area ID, and / or RANAC of NPN#2.

[0177] In one implementation, the maximum number of NPN IDs in the NPN ID list may be set as 12 by the cell.

[0178] At action 106, the UE may determine that the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list.

[0179] In action 108, if the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list, the UE can perform the first procedure according to the allowed NPN information.

[0180] In action 110, if the allowed NPN information is in the form of an SNPN ID list, the UE can perform a second procedure according to the allowed NPN information.

[0181] Examples of the first and second procedures are described with reference to FIGS.

[0182] Note that action 106 may be omitted in some implementations of the present disclosure. The UE may inherently know that the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list or an SNPN ID list according to its current operation mode, which may be determined by the UE's NAS. Depending on which form of allowed NPN information is present, the UE may perform action 108 or 110 accordingly.

[0183] FIG. 2 shows a flowchart of a first procedure according to the implementation of the present disclosure.

[0184] As shown in FIG. 2, at action 202, the UE may select a PLMN to register with.

[0185] In action 204, after determining that the first NPN ID in the NPN ID list provided by the cell includes the first PLMN ID and the CAG ID, the UE may select a cell (e.g., a cell that broadcasts NPN information, as described in action 104 of FIG. 1 ) to camp on (and / or consider the cell as a candidate cell for a cell (re)selection procedure). The first PLMN ID may identify the PLMN selected for registration. The CAG ID may belong to the CAG ID list. The CAG ID may be associated with a CAG belonging to the PLMN. Overall, the first NPN ID indicates the PNI-NPN deployed with support from the PLMN (with which the UE chooses to register).

[0186] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of selecting an NPN ID from an NPN ID list based on authorized NPN information in the form of a CAG ID list, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

[0187] A UE may perform PLMN selection to determine which PLMN to register on based on specific PLMN selection criteria. For example, instead of selecting PLMN #2 304 (e.g., indicated by PLMN ID #2), the UE may select PLMN #1 302 (e.g., indicated by PLMN ID #1) to register on because PLMN #1 302 is a PLMN that matches PLMN-related information in the UE's Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) and / or meets the requirements of the UE's NAS, while PLMN #2 304 does not. Furthermore, a PLMN may have one or more CAGs. As shown in FIG. 3, PLMN #1 302 may include CAG #1 322 and CAG #2 324, and PLMN #2 304 may include CAG #3 326, CAG #4 328, and CAG #5 330.

[0188] In the implementation shown in FIG. 3, the allowed NPN information already stored in the UE may be a CAG ID list (e.g., CAG ID list 306) that includes a set of CAG IDs (e.g., CAG ID#1, CAG ID#3, CAG ID#4, and CAG ID#5). Each CAG ID may identify a CAG. For example, CAG ID#1 identifies CAG#1 322, CAG ID#2 identifies CAG#2 324, CAG ID#3 identifies CAG#3 326, CAG ID#4 identifies CAG#4 328, and CAG ID#5 identifies CAG#5 330.

[0189] It should be noted that even though in the implementation shown in FIG. 3, multiple CAG IDs and NPN IDs are included in the CAG ID list and NPN ID list, respectively, in some other implementations of the present disclosure, the CAG ID list may include one or more CAG IDs, and the NPN ID list may include one or more NPN IDs.

[0190] The UE may receive NPN information from the cell via SIB1. The NPN information may include an NPN ID list (e.g., NPN ID list 308) including a set of NPN IDs (e.g., NPN ID#1, NPN ID#2, NPN ID#3, NPN ID#4, and NPN ID#5 as shown in FIG. 3). In this implementation, each NPN ID in the NPN ID list may be a PNI-NPN ID that identifies a PNI-NPN. The PNI-NPN ID may include a PLMN ID portion and a CAG ID portion. The PLMN ID portion may include a PLMN ID. The CAG ID portion may include a CAG ID. As shown in FIG. 3, NPN ID#1 includes PLNM ID#1 and CAG ID#1, NPN ID#2 includes PLNM ID#1 and CAG ID#2, NPN ID#3 includes PLNM ID#2 and CAG ID#3, NPN ID#4 includes PLNM ID#2 and CAG ID#4, and NPN ID#5 includes PLNM ID#2 and CAG ID#5.

[0191] The UE can determine whether a cell transmitting the NPN information is suitable for camping on (and / or considering the cell as a candidate cell for a cell (re)selection procedure) by comparing the NPN information with the permitted NPN information. For example, after selecting PLMN#1 302 for registration, the UE can filter out all NPN IDs (e.g., for NPN ID#3, NPN ID#4, and NPN ID#5) that do not include PLMN ID#1 (which identifies PLMN#1 302) from the NPN ID list 308, and select NPN IDs (e.g., NPN ID#1 and NPN ID#2 that remain in the NPN ID list 308 after filtering) that include a CAG ID (e.g., CAG ID#1) belonging to the CAG ID list 306 from the remainder of the NPN ID list 308. The selected NPN ID can be considered the first NPN ID described in action 204 of FIG. 2.

[0192] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the second procedure according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

[0193] As shown in FIG. 4, in action 402, the UE may select a cell (e.g., a cell that broadcasts NPN information as described in action 104 of FIG. 1) to camp on (and / or consider as a candidate cell for a cell (re)selection procedure) after determining that a second NPN ID in an NPN ID list provided by the cell includes a second PLMN ID and an NID. The second PLMN ID may belong to the SNPN ID list. The NID may belong to the SNPN ID list. The second NPN ID (e.g., SNPN ID) may indicate an SNPN.

[0194] Each SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list may include a PLMN ID portion and an NID portion. If a second PLMN ID in the second NPN ID matches the PLMN ID portion of an SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list and an NID in the second NPN ID matches the NID portion of an SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list, the second NPN ID may be considered to include a second PLMN ID and an NID.

[0195] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a process of selecting an NPN ID from an NPN ID list based on authorized NPN information in the form of an SNPN ID list, according to one implementation of the present disclosure.

[0196] 5, the authorized NPN information already stored in the UE may be an SNPN ID list (e.g., SNPN ID list 502) that includes a set of SNPN IDs (e.g., SNPN ID#1 and SNPN ID#2). As described above, each SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list may include a PLMN ID portion and an NID portion. For example, in SNPN ID list 502, SNPN ID#1 includes PLMN ID#1 and NID#1, and SNPN ID#2 includes PLMN ID#1 and NID#2.

[0197] The UE may receive NPN information from the cell via SIB1. The NPN may include an NPN ID list (e.g., NPN ID list 504) containing a set of NPN IDs (e.g., NPN ID#1, NPN ID#2, and NPN ID#3). In this implementation, each NPN ID in the NPN ID list may be an SNPN ID. As shown in FIG. 5, in NPN ID list 504, NPN ID#1 includes PLMN ID#1 and NID#1, NPN ID#2 includes PLMN ID#1 and NID#2, and NPN ID#3 includes PLMN ID#2 and NID#1.

[0198] It should be noted that in the implementation shown in FIG. 5, multiple SNPN IDs and NPN IDs are included in the SNPN ID list and NPN ID list, respectively, but in some other implementations of the present disclosure, the SNPN ID list can include one or more SNPN IDs, and the NPN ID list can include one or more NPN IDs.

[0199] The UE can determine whether the cell transmitting the NPN information is suitable for camping on (and / or considering it as a candidate cell for the cell (re)selection procedure) by comparing the NPN information with the authorized NPN information. If one of the SNPN IDs included in the authorized NPN information matches an NPN ID (or SNPN ID) included in the NPN ID list from the cell, the UE can select the cell to camp on (and / or consider the cell as a candidate cell for the (re)selection procedure). Otherwise, the UE can consider the cell as not suitable for camping on (and / or consider the cell as a candidate cell for the (re)selection procedure). In one implementation, the UE can filter out from the NPN ID list (e.g., NPN ID list 504) all NPN IDs that do not include the second PLMN ID and an NID included in the SNPN ID list (e.g., NPN ID#1 and NPN ID#3 in NPN ID list 504) (e.g., SNPN ID#2 that includes PLMN ID#1 and NID#2 in SNPN ID list 502) and select an NPN ID that includes the second PLMN ID and an NID (e.g., NPN ID#2) from the remainder of the NPN ID list. The selected NPN ID can be considered the second NPN ID described in action 402 of FIG. 4.

[0200] In one implementation, area information associated with NPN information from a cell can include first area information and second area information. The first area information can be associated with a first NPN ID. The second area information can be associated with a second NPN ID. For example, the first area information can include a TAC, a cell ID, a RAN area ID, and / or a RANAC of a PNI-NPN indicated by the first NPN ID, and the second area information can include a TAC, a cell ID, a RAN area ID, and / or a RANAC of a SNPN indicated by the second NPN ID.

[0201] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a node 600 for wireless communication in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the node 600 may include a transceiver 606, a processor 608, a memory 602, one or more presentation components 604, and at least one antenna 610. The node 600 may also include an RF spectrum band module, a BS communication module, a network communication module, a system communications management module, input / output (I / O) ports, I / O components, and a power supply (not explicitly shown in FIG. 6). Each of these components may communicate with each other directly or indirectly via one or more buses 624. In one implementation, the node 600 may be, for example, a UE or a BS that performs various functions described herein with reference to FIGS. 1 through 5.

[0202] The transceiver 606, having a transmitter 616 (e.g., transmit / transmit circuitry) and a receiver 618 (e.g., receive / receive circuitry), may be configured to transmit and / or receive time and / or frequency resource partitioning information. In one implementation, the transceiver 606 may be configured to transmit in different types of subframes and slots, including, but not limited to, enabled, disabled, or flexibly enabled subframe and slot formats. The transceiver 606 may be configured to receive data and control channels.

[0203] Node 600 may include a variety of computer-readable media. Computer-readable media may be any available media that can be accessed by node 600, including both volatile (and nonvolatile) media and removable (and non-removable) media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media may include computer storage media and communication media. Computer storage media includes both volatile (and / or nonvolatile) and removable (and / or non-removable) media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.

[0204] Computer storage media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory (or other memory technology), CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVDs) (or other optical disk storage), magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage (or other magnetic storage devices), etc. Computer storage media does not include propagated data signals. Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed so that it is encoded in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0205] The memory 602 may include computer storage media in the form of volatile and / or nonvolatile memory. The memory 602 may be removable, non-removable, or a combination thereof. For example, the memory 602 may include solid-state memory, a hard drive, an optical disk drive, etc. As shown in FIG. 6, the memory 602 may store computer-readable, computer-executable instructions 614 (e.g., software code) that, when executed, cause the processor 608 to perform various functions described herein, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1-5. Alternatively, the instructions 614 may not be directly executable by the processor 608 but may instead cause the node 600 to perform various functions described herein (e.g., when compiled and executed).

[0206] The processor 608 (e.g., having processing circuitry) may include intelligent hardware devices such as a central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller, ASIC, etc. The processor 608 may include memory. The processor 608 may process data 612 and instructions 614 received from the memory 602, as well as information via the transceiver 606, the baseband communication module, and / or the network communication module. The processor 608 may also process information sent to the transceiver 606 for transmission via the antenna 610 to the network communication module for transmission to the CN.

[0207] One or more presentation components 604 present an indication of the data to a person or other device. Examples of presentation components 604 may include a display device, a speaker, a printing component, a vibrating component, etc.

[0208] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method performed by a user equipment (UE) for cell selection or reselection, the method including: storing, by the UE, allowed non-public network (NPN) information in a form of a cell access group (CAG) identity (ID) list or a stand-alone non-public network (SNPN) ID list; receiving, via a system information block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) broadcasted by a cell, NPN information including the NPN ID list and area information associated with the NPN information; performing a first procedure according to the allowed NPN information when the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list; and performing a second procedure according to the allowed NPN information when the allowed NPN information is in the form of an SNPN ID list. The first step includes selecting a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to register on, and selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a first NPN ID in an NPN ID list includes a first PLMN ID and a CAG ID, where the ID belongs to the PLMN, where the first PLMN ID identifies the PLMN, the CAG ID belongs to the CAG ID list, and the CAG ID associated with the CAG belongs to the PLMN. The second step includes selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a second NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a second PLMN ID and a Network ID (NID), where the second PLMN ID and NID belong to the SNPN ID list.

[0209] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a UE is provided. The UE includes a memory and at least one processor coupled to the memory. The at least one processor is configured to store allowed non-public network (NPN) information in the form of a CAG ID list or an SNPN ID list, receive NPN information including the NPN ID list and area information associated with the NPN information via a SIB1 broadcast by a cell, perform a first procedure according to the allowed NPN information if the allowed NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list, and perform a second procedure according to the allowed NPN information if the allowed NPN information is in the form of an SNPN ID list. The first procedure includes selecting a PLMN to register on, and selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a first NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a first PLMN ID and a CAG ID, where the first PLMN ID identifies a PLMN, the CAG ID belongs to the CAG ID list, and the CAG ID associated with the CAG belongs to the PLMN. The second step includes selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a second NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a second PLMN ID and NID, where the second PLMN ID and NID belong to the SNPN ID list.

[0210] It will be apparent from this disclosure that various techniques can be used to implement the concepts described in this application without departing from the scope of those concepts. Moreover, while the concepts have been described with particular reference to particular implementations, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes can be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of those concepts. The described implementations are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. It will also be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular implementations described above. Many rearrangements, modifications, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A method performed by a User Equipment (UE) for cell selection or reselection, the method comprising: storing allowed Non-Public Network (NPN) information in the form of a Cell Access Group (CAG) Identifier (ID) list or a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) ID list; receiving NPN information including an NPN ID list and area information associated with the NPN information via a System Information Block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) broadcast by a cell; When the authorized NPN information is in the form of a CAG ID list, performing a first procedure according to the authorized NPN information; and When the authorized NPN information is in the form of an SNPN ID list, performing a second procedure according to the authorized NPN information; Including, The first step comprises: selecting a Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to register on based on a PLMN selection criterion that the selected PLMN matches PLMN-related information in a Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM) of the UE; and selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a first NPN ID in an NPN ID list includes a first PLMN ID and a CAG ID, where the first PLMN ID identifies the PLMN, the CAG ID belongs to the CAG ID list, and the CAG ID associated with a CAG belongs to the PLMN; The second step comprises: selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a second NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a second PLMN ID and a network ID (NID), wherein the second PLMN ID and the NID belong to the NPN ID list; The maximum number of NPN IDs in the NPN ID list is set by the cell as 12. method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the area information includes at least one of a Tracking Area Code (TAC), a Cell ID, and a Radio Access Network Area Code (RANAC).

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first NPN ID indicates a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN) deployed in support of the PLMN.

4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second NPN ID indicates a SNPN.

5. The first step comprises: filtering out all NPN IDs that do not include the first PLMN ID from the NPN ID list; and selecting an NPN ID from the remainder of the NPN ID list as the first NPN ID, the NPN ID including the CAG ID belonging to the CAG ID list; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

6. The method of claim 1 , wherein each SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list includes a PLMN ID portion and an NID portion.

7. the second PLMN ID in the second NPN ID matches the PLMN ID portion of an SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list; and The NID in the second NPN ID matches the NID portion of the SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list. The method of claim 6.

8. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the area information includes first area information and second area information, the first area information being associated with the first NPN ID, and the second area information being associated with the second NPN ID.

9. The second step comprises: filtering out all NPN IDs from the NPN ID list that do not include the second PLMN ID and the NID; and selecting an NPN ID from the remainder of the NPN ID list as the second NPN ID, the NPN ID including the second PLMN ID and the NID; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

10. memory, and at least one processor coupled to the memory, the at least one processor comprising: storing allowed Non-Public Network (NPN) information in the form of a Cell Access Group (CAG) Identifier (ID) list or a Stand-alone Non-Public Network (SNPN) ID list; receiving NPN information including an NPN ID list and area information associated with the NPN information via a System Information Block (SIB) type 1 (SIB1) broadcast by a cell; If the authorized NPN information is in the format of the CAG ID list, perform a first procedure according to the authorized NPN information; If the authorized NPN information is in the format of the SNPN ID list, perform a second procedure according to the authorized NPN information; The first step comprises: A Public Land Mobile Network (PLMN) to register with based on a PLMN selection criterion that the selected PLMN matches the PLMN-related information in the UE's Universal Subscriber Identity Module (USIM). and selecting a cell to camp on after determining that the CAG ID associated with a previous CAG belongs to the PLMN and that a first NPN ID in an NPN ID list includes a first PLMN ID and a CAG ID, where the first PLMN ID identifies the PLMN, the CAG ID belongs to the CAG ID list, and the CAG ID associated with a CAG belongs to the PLMN; The second step comprises: selecting a cell to camp on after determining that a second NPN ID in the NPN ID list includes a second PLMN ID and a network ID (NID), wherein the second PLMN ID and the NID belong to the SNPN ID list; The maximum number of NPN IDs in the NPN ID list is set by the cell as 12.

11. 11. The UE of claim 10, wherein the area information includes at least one of a Tracking Area Code (TAC), a Cell ID, and a Radio Access Network Area Code (RANAC).

12. The UE of claim 10, wherein the first NPN ID indicates a Public Network Integrated NPN (PNI-NPN) deployed in support of the PLMN.

13. The UE of claim 10 , wherein the second NPN ID indicates a SNPN.

14. The first step comprises: filtering out all NPN IDs that do not include the first PLMN ID from the NPN ID list; and selecting an NPN ID from the remainder of the NPN ID list as the first NPN ID, the NPN ID including the CAG ID belonging to the CAG ID list; The UE of claim 10 further comprising:

15. The UE of claim 10 , wherein each SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list includes a PLMN ID portion and an NID portion.

16. the second PLMN ID in the second NPN ID matches the PLMN ID portion of an SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list; and The NID in the second NPN ID matches the NID portion of the SNPN ID in the SNPN ID list.

16. The UE of claim 15.

17. 11. The UE of claim 10, wherein the area information includes first area information and second area information, the first area information being associated with the first NPN ID, and the second area information being associated with the second NPN ID.

18. The second step comprises: filtering out all NPN IDs from the NPN ID list that do not include the second PLMN ID and the NID; and selecting an NPN ID from the remainder of the NPN ID list as the second NPN ID, the NPN ID including the second PLMN ID and the NID; The UE of claim 10 further comprising:

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