Method and apparatus for wireless communications - Patents.com

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for wireless communication. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the method includes receiving a first configuration message from a first RAN associated with a first SIM of the UE, the first configuration message indicating a first value of a timer for leaving a connected state without a network response, determining to switch from the first RAN to a second RAN associated with a second SIM of the UE and leave the connected state in the first RAN, transmitting a UE assistance information message to the first RAN, and starting a timer according to the first value in response to transmitting the UE assistance information message. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for releasing a gap configuration is provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to wireless communication technologies, and more particularly, to multi-SIM related operations in wireless communication systems. [Background technology]

[0002] User equipment (e.g., mobile phones, tablets, laptops, internet-of-things (IoT) devices, etc.) may contain two or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs) and may be referred to as multi-SIM UE.

[0003] In general, a SIM may correspond to at least one subscription in an environment where a radio access technology (RAT) is employed. For example, a multi-SIM UE may have a first SIM associated with a first subscription and a second SIM associated with a second subscription. The first SIM and the second SIM may share the same hardware components, such as radio frequency (RF) components and baseband components, which may affect the performance of wireless communication systems such as LTE and 5G systems defined by 3GPP (registered trademark). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a desire in the industry for techniques that facilitate the operation of multi-SIM communication devices in a communication system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE). The UE may include a first subscriber identity module (SIM), a second SIM, and a processor coupled to the first SIM and the second SIM. The processor may be configured to receive a first configuration message from a first radio access network (RAN) associated with the first SIM, the first configuration message indicating a first value of a timer for leaving a connected state without a network response, determine to switch from the first RAN to a second RAN associated with the second SIM and leave the connected state in the first RAN, transmit a UE assistance information message to the first RAN, and start the timer according to the first value in response to transmitting the UE assistance information message.

[0006] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a user equipment (UE). The UE may include a first subscriber identity module (SIM), a second SIM, and a processor coupled to the first SIM and the second SIM. The processor may be configured to receive a reconfiguration message from a first radio access network (RAN) associated with the first SIM, the reconfiguration message including a gap configuration, the gap configuration indicating a duration for which the UE will remain connected in the first RAN while temporarily switching to a second RAN associated with the second SIM, and determine to release all gap configurations configured by the first RAN.

[0007] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a base station (BS). The BS may include a transceiver and a processor coupled to the transceiver. The processor may be configured to receive from a user equipment (UE) a UE assistance information message for releasing a gap configuration configured for the UE by a first RAN associated with the BS, the gap configuration indicating a duration for which the UE remains connected in the first RAN while temporarily switching to a second RAN, and to transmit a reconfiguration message to the UE in response to the UE assistance information message.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communications performed by a user equipment (UE), which may include receiving a first configuration message from a first radio access network (RAN) associated with a first SIM of the UE, the first configuration message indicating a first value of a timer for leaving a connected state without a network response, determining to switch from the first RAN to a second RAN associated with a second SIM of the UE and leave the connected state in the first RAN, transmitting a UE assistance information message to the first RAN, and starting a timer according to the first value in response to transmitting the UE assistance information message.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communications performed by a user equipment (UE), which may include receiving a reconfiguration message from a first radio access network (RAN) associated with a first SIM of the UE, the reconfiguration message including a gap configuration, the gap configuration indicating a duration for which the UE is to remain connected in the first RAN while temporarily switching to a second RAN associated with a second SIM of the UE, and determining to release all gap configurations configured by the first RAN.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method for wireless communications performed by a base station (BS), which may include receiving from a user equipment (UE) a UE assistance information message for releasing a gap configuration configured for the UE by a first RAN associated with the BS, the gap configuration indicating a duration for which the UE is to remain connected in the first RAN while temporarily switching to a second RAN, and transmitting a reconfiguration message to the UE in response to the UE assistance information message.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide an apparatus. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the apparatus may include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, at least one receiving circuit, at least one transmitting circuit, and at least one processor coupled to the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one receiving circuit, and the at least one transmitting circuit, wherein the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium and the computer-executable instructions may be configured by the at least one processor to cause the apparatus to perform a method according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] To explain how the advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, the disclosure will be described by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 4 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3]4 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] 4 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart of an example procedure for wireless communication in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended as an illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present disclosure may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the embodiments may be provided under specific network architectures and new service scenarios, such as 3rd generation partnership project (3GPP) 5G (NR), 3GPP long-term evolution (LTE) Release 8, etc. With the evolution of network architectures and new service scenarios, it is contemplated that all the embodiments in the present disclosure are also applicable to similar technical problems, and further, the terms listed in the present disclosure may be changed, but do not affect the principles of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] 1, the wireless communication system 100 may include a number of UEs (e.g., UE 110), a number of BSs 120 (e.g., BS 120a, BS 120b, and BS 120c), a number of RANs (e.g., RAN 121a and RAN 121b), a number of core networks (e.g., CNs 130a and CNs 130b), and a public switched telephone network (e.g., PSTN 140). It is contemplated that the wireless communication system 100 may include any number of UEs, BSs, networks, and / or network components.

[0018] The BS 120 may operate based on a standard protocol, such as, for example, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), New Radio (NR), or other appropriate protocol. The BS 120 may also be referred to as an access point, access terminal, base, base unit, macro cell, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), gNB, Home Node B, relay node, or device, or described using other terminology used in the art. The BS 120 may be any type of device configured to wirelessly interface with at least one UE (e.g., UE 110) to facilitate access to one or more communication networks, such as CN 130a and CN 130b.

[0019] BS 120 is generally part of a RAN, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding BSs. In the context of this disclosure, "configured by the RAN" may be interpreted as configured by a BS associated with the RAN, or vice versa. For example, with reference to FIG. 1, BS 120a may be part of RAN 121a, which may also include other BSs and / or network elements (not shown), such as a base station controller (BSC), a radio network controller (RNC), relay nodes, etc. BS 120b and BS 120c may be part of RAN 121b, which may additionally include other BSs and / or network elements (not shown in FIG. 1). Each of BS 120a, BS 120b, and BS 120c may be configured to transmit and / or receive wireless signals within a particular geographic area, which may be referred to as a cell (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0020] The RAN 121a may communicate with the CN 130a, and the RAN 121b may communicate with the CN 130b. The RAN 121a and the RAN 121b may employ the same or different radio access technologies (RATs). For example, the RAN 121a may employ evolved universal terrestrial radio access network (E-UTRAN) radio technology, and the RAN 121b may employ NR radio technology. For example, both the RAN 121a and the RAN 121b may employ NR radio technology. Each of the CN 130a and the CN 130b may include multiple core network components, such as a mobility management entity (MME) (not shown in FIG. 1), or an access and mobility management function (AMF) (not shown in FIG. 1). The CN may function as a gateway for UEs to access the PTSN 140 and / or other networks (not shown in FIG. 1).

[0021] The UE 110 may be any type of device configured to operate and / or communicate in a wireless environment. For example, the UE 110 may include computing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), in-vehicle computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, and modems), and the like. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 110 may include portable wireless communication devices, smartphones, cellular phones, flip phones, devices with subscriber identity modules, personal computers, selective call receivers, or any other devices capable of transmitting and receiving communication signals over a wireless network. In some other embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 110 includes wearable devices such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head-mounted displays, and the like. Additionally, the UE 110 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile, mobile station, user, terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, fixed terminal, subscriber station, user terminal, or device, or may be described using other terms used in the art. The UE 110 may communicate with the BS 120 via uplink (UL) communication signals. The BS 102 may communicate with the UE 110 via downlink (DL) communication signals.

[0022] The UE 110 may include one or more subscriber identity modules (SIMs) that enable access to one or more separate wireless communications networks. As shown in FIG. 1, the UE 110 may be configured to access the RAN 121a via the BS 120a by SIM#1 (not shown in FIG. 1) in the UE 110, or to access the RAN 121b via the BS 120b by SIM#2 (not shown in FIG. 1) in the UE 110. Although the UE 110 is shown accessing the RAN 121a and the RAN 121b, in other examples (not shown), the UE 110 may establish additional network connections using additional RATs.

[0023] Each of SIM#1 and SIM#2 may be associated with a type of wireless communication system. For example, either of SIM#1 and SIM#2 may be represented by a SIM card corresponding to a GSM system, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card corresponding to a UMTS system, a removable user identity module (RUIM) card or a CDMA subscriber identity module (CSIM) card corresponding to a CDMA2000 communication system, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC) corresponding to a 5G (NR) communication system, a wireless network card corresponding to an IEEE 802.11x wireless local area network (WLAN), or other suitable module capable of identifying a subscriber.

[0024] A multi-SIM UE may be implemented as a multi-SIM single-standby (MSSS) UE, a multi-SIM multi-standby (MSMS) UE, a multi-SIM multi-active (MSMA) UE, etc.

[0025] For example, a UE that includes multiple SIMs and connects to more than one network with more than one SIM active at a given time may be referred to as an MSMA UE. An exemplary MSMA UE may be a dual-SIM-dual-active (DSDA) UE, which may include two SIMs. Both SIMs of a DSDA UE may remain active. For example, a UE with multiple SIMs and connected to more than one network with one SIM active at a given time may be referred to as an MSMS UE. An example of an MSMS UE may be a dual-SIM-dual-standby (DSDS) UE. A DSDS UE may include two SIMs and may use a single radio front-end and baseband to register the communication device to a single (same) public land mobile network or to two different PLMNs with two SIMs, respectively.

[0026] In a multi-SIM UE, multiple SIMs may share a common set of the UE's radio frequency (RF) resources (such as RF transceivers), however, the embodiments described herein may also be applicable to multi-SIM UEs in which each of the multiple SIMs is associated with separate RF resources.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-SIM UE in a connected state in network A (e.g., an RRC_CONNECTED state as defined in the 3GPP specifications) may switch from network A to network B. For example, network A may be an NR system and network B may be an E-UTRA system or an NR system. For example, referring to FIG. 1, a UE 110 may be in a connected state in a RAN 121a and may switch from the RAN 121a to the RAN 121b, e.g., to receive services in the RAN 121b. Before switching from network A to network B, the multi-SIM UE needs to inform network A that the UE will leave the connected state in network A, e.g., switch to an inactive or idle state (e.g., an RRC_INACTIVE state or an RRC_IDLE state as defined in the 3GPP specifications), or that the UE will remain connected in network A. Such an indication may be sent via a UE Assistance Information message, which will be described in more detail below.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-SIM UE may signal a preference to leave a connected state to network A by radio resource control (RRC) signaling or non-access stratum (NAS) signaling, when the UE is configured to do so. If the UE does not receive an RRC release message from network A within a certain time period (if configured by network A) after sending a preference to leave a connected state by, for example, RRC signaling, the UE may autonomously enter an idle state in network A. The certain time period may be set by an RRC reconfiguration message (e.g., indicated by the MUSIM-LeaveWithoutResponseTimer information element (IE)).

[0029] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a multi-SIM UE may signal a preference to network A to remain connected in network A while temporarily switching to network B, which may be indicated by scheduling a gap preference. The gap preference may include information about setting up or tearing down the gap.

[0030] 2 illustrates a flow chart of an exemplary procedure 200 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The details described in all of the above-mentioned embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment illustrated in FIG 2. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the order of operations in the exemplary procedure 200 may be changed, and some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 200 may be deleted or modified without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] 2, the UE 210 and the BS 220 may function as the UE 110 and the BS 120 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. In operation 211, the UE 210 and the BS 220 may interact to perform an RRC reconfiguration operation involving the UE 210. For example, the BS 220 may send an RRC reconfiguration message to the UE 210. The RRC reconfiguration message may instruct the UE 210 to report assistance information to the BS 220. Under some scenarios, the UE 210 may send a UE assistance information message to the BS 220 in operation 213.

[0032] For example, the UE may use the UE Assistance Information message to inform the network of the following information: Delay budget report that conveys the desired increment / decrement in connected mode discontinuous reception (DRX) cycle length -Overheat Support Information - Its in-device coexistence (IDC) support information Preferences for DRX parameters for power saving Preference for maximum aggregate bandwidth for power saving Preference for maximum number of secondary component carriers for power saving Preference for maximum number of multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) layers for power saving Preference for minimum scheduling offset in cross-slot scheduling for power saving RRC state preferences Configured grant support information for NR sidelink communication Preferences regarding whether reference time information is provided Multi-SIM (e.g. Multi-USIM (MUSIM)) support information, or Any combination thereof.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE capable of providing multi-SIM assistance information may initiate the above procedure (e.g., if the UE is configured to do so) in response to a determination that a gap is required or to leave a connected state, or, for example, in response to a change in gap information without leaving a connected state.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, a UE may be configured with a conditional handover (CHO) configuration, for example, via an RRC reconfiguration message. The CHO configuration may be associated with at least one execution condition for at least one candidate node. The candidate node for the CHO may be a relay node or a cell. Each candidate node of the at least one candidate node may be associated with one or more execution conditions. The execution conditions may be generated by the source BS of the UE. The CHO configuration may include a configuration for a candidate node generated by a candidate BS (e.g., a BS of a candidate cell or a BS serving a candidate relay node).

[0035] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE may initiate evaluation of at least one execution condition in response to receiving the CHO configuration. In response to the execution condition for the candidate node being satisfied, the UE may select the candidate node as a target node and initiate the CHO procedure at the target node. The UE may stop evaluating the execution conditions during execution of the CHO or during the initiation of the CHO procedure.

[0036] The embodiments of the present disclosure propose technical solutions to facilitate the operation of a multi-SIM UE. For example, how to manage the impact of multi-SIM related timers on the operation of the UE. For example, how the UE behaves when such timers are running and a CHO condition is met or a handover command is received. For example, how the UE behaves when such timers are running and a reconfiguration message is received. In addition, a solution is also provided for releasing a gap configuration (e.g., all gap configurations). Further details of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described in the following text in combination with the accompanying drawings.

[0037] 3 illustrates a flow chart of an example procedure 300 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. Details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are also applicable to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, UE 310 and BS 320 may function as UE 110 and BS 120 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. UE 310 may include SIM #3A and SIM #3B. UE 310 may access a network (denoted as "Network #3A") via BS 320 and may be in a connected state in network #3A. UE 310 may be in an idle or inactive state in another network (denoted as "Network #3B"). Network #3A and network #3B may be associated with SIM #3A and SIM #3B, respectively. For example, UE 310 may access network #3A via SIM #3A and network #3B via SIM #3B.

[0039] In operation 311, the UE 310 may receive a configuration message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) from the BS 320 (or network #3A). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may configure the CHO configuration of the UE 310. The RRC reconfiguration message including the reconfigurationwithsync IE may be associated with the CHO configuration and a normal handover command.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may instruct the UE to report assistance information. For example, the network may inform the UE that multi-SIM operation is supported by the network. The assistance information described above may apply here. For example, the assistance information may be indicated in a musim-AssistanceConfig IE as specified in the 3GPP specifications.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may configure a timer for leaving the connected state without a network response for the UE 310. For example, the configuration message may indicate a value of such a timer. Upon expiration of the timer, the UE may autonomously leave the connected state and enter an idle state in network #3A for multi-SIM operation. For example, the timer may be indicated by a musim-LeaveWithoutResponseTimer IE, as specified in the 3GPP specifications.

[0042] In operation 313, the UE 310 may decide to leave the connected state in the network #3 A. The UE 310 may make such a decision, for example, when it receives a paging message from the network #3 B, when it wants to send a busy indication to the network #3 B, or when it wants to receive system information from the network #3 B.

[0043] In operation 315, the UE 310 may transmit a UE assistance information message to the BS 320. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may be configured to provide multi-SIM related assistance information. The UE assistance information message may include the multi-SIM related assistance information. The UE assistance information message may indicate that the UE has decided to leave a connected state in network #3A.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may be configured with a value of a timer for leaving a connected state without a network response. In response to transmitting a UE assistance information message, the UE 310 may start the timer according to the configured value. In response to expiration of the timer for leaving without a network response, the UE 310 may autonomously leave the connected state and enter an idle state in network #3A.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may determine that a CHO execution condition for the target node is satisfied in operation 317. In response to the CHO execution condition being satisfied, the UE 310 may determine whether a timer for leaving without network response is running.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may initiate a CHO procedure at the target node in response to a timer being running when an execution condition for the target node is satisfied. In some examples, the UE 310 may further perform one of restarting the timer according to the timer value in the CHO configuration in response to the CHO configuration associated with the target node indicating a value for the timer, stopping the timer, or continuing the timer (e.g., no action on the timer) in response to the CHO configuration associated with the target node not indicating a value for the timer. In response to a successful CHO, the UE 310 may stop all timers that are running, except, for example, the deprioritization timer (e.g., timer T325 as specified in the 3GPP specifications), the logging duration timer (e.g., timer T330 as specified in the 3GPP specifications), the sidelink reconfiguration timer (e.g., timer T400 as specified in the 3GPP specifications), and the timer for leaving without network response. That is, the UE 310 may continue the timer for leaving without network response if it is running even after switching to the target node.

[0047] In some examples, the UE 310 may stop a timer for leaving without network response in response to the timer being running when a CHO execution condition for the target node is satisfied. The UE 310 may transmit a UE assistance information message to the target node based on a configuration from the target node (e.g., a CHO configuration associated with the target node) after a successful handover to the target node. For example, in response to a successful CHO, the UE 310 may transmit a UE assistance information message to the target node if the target node supports this feature. The UE assistance information may indicate that the UE 310 has decided to leave the connected state.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may not execute a CHO procedure at the target node in response to a timer for leaving without network response being running when an execution condition for the target node is satisfied. For example, the UE 310 may not initiate a CHO procedure at the target node. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may stop evaluating at least one CHO execution condition in the CHO configuration in response to starting the timer for leaving without network response. In some examples, the UE 310 may stop triggering measurement reports in response to starting the timer.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may receive a handover (HO) command to switch to a target node in operation 317. In response to receiving the HO command, the UE may determine whether a timer for leaving without network response is running.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may initiate a HO procedure with the target node in response to the timer being running when receiving the HO command. In some examples, the UE 310 may further perform one of: restarting the timer according to the timer value configured by the target node in response to the UE being configured with the timer value by the target node (e.g., in the HO command); stopping the timer or continuing the timer (e.g., no action on the timer) in response to the UE not being configured with the timer value by the target node. In response to a successful HO, the UE 310 may stop all timers that are running, except, for example, the deprioritization timer (e.g., timer T325 as specified in the 3GPP specifications), the logging duration timer (e.g., timer T330 as specified in the 3GPP specifications), the sidelink reconfiguration timer (e.g., timer T400 as specified in the 3GPP specifications), and the timer for leaving without network response. That is, the UE 310 may continue the timer for leaving without network response if it is running even after switching to the target node.

[0051] In some examples, the UE 310 may stop a timer for leaving without network response in response to the timer being running when the HO command is received. The UE 310 may send a UE assistance information message to the target node based on a configuration from the target node (e.g., the HO command) after a successful handover to the target node. For example, in response to a successful HO, the UE 310 may send a UE assistance information message to the target node if the target node supports this feature. The UE assistance information may indicate that the UE 310 has decided to leave the connected state.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 310 may not perform an HO procedure with the target node in response to a timer for network no response departure being running when the UE 310 receives the HO command. For example, the UE 310 may not ignore the HO command.

[0053] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 300 may be changed, and some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 300 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] 4 illustrates a flow chart of an example procedure 400 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 4, the UE 410 and the BS 420 may function as the UE 110 and the BS 120 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. The UE 410 may include SIM#4A and SIM#4B. The UE 410 may access a network (denoted as "Network#4A") via the BS 420 and may be in a connected state in the network #4A. The UE 410 may be in an idle or inactive state in another network (denoted as "Network#4B"). The network #4A and the network #4B may be associated with SIM#4A and SIM#4B, respectively. For example, the UE 410 may access the network #4A via SIM#4A and the network #4B via SIM#4B.

[0056] In operation 411, the UE 410 may receive a configuration message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) from the BS 420 (or network #4A). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may instruct the UE to report assistance information. For example, the network may inform the UE that multi-SIM operation is supported by the network. The assistance information described above may apply here. For example, the assistance information may be indicated in a musim-AssistanceConfig IE as defined in the 3GPP specifications. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may configure the CHO configuration of the UE 410.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may configure a timer for leaving the connected state without a network response for the UE 410. For example, the configuration message may indicate a value of such a timer. Upon expiration of the timer, the UE may autonomously leave the connected state and enter an idle state in network #4A for multi-SIM operation. For example, the timer may be indicated by a musim-LeaveWithoutResponseTimer IE, as specified in the 3GPP specifications.

[0058] In operation 413, the UE 410 may decide to leave the connected state in the network #4A. The UE 410 may make such a decision, for example, when it receives a paging message from the network #4B, when it wants to send a busy indication to the network #4B, or when it wants to receive system information from the network #4B.

[0059] In operation 415, the UE 410 may transmit a UE assistance information message to the BS 420. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 410 may be configured to provide multi-SIM related assistance information. The UE assistance information message may include the multi-SIM related assistance information. The UE assistance information message may indicate that the UE has decided to leave a connected state in network #4A.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 410 may be configured with a value of a timer for leaving a connected state without a network response, and in response to transmitting a UE Assistance Information message, the UE 410 may start the timer according to the configured value.

[0061] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 410 may receive another configuration message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) from the BS 420 (or network #4A) in operation 417. In response to receiving the another configuration message, the UE 310 may determine whether a timer for leaving without a network response is running.

[0062] In some examples, in response to the another configuration message indicating a value of the timer for leaving without a network response, the UE 410 may restart the timer for leaving without a network response according to the time value in the another configuration message in operation 419. In some examples, in response to the another configuration message not indicating a value of the timer for leaving without a network response, the UE 410 may stop the timer in operation 419.

[0063] In response to expiration of the timer for leaving without network response, UE 410 may autonomously leave the connected state and enter an idle state in network #4 A. In response to receiving an RRC release message from BS 320, UE 410 may leave the connected state and enter an idle state in network #4 A.

[0064] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 400 may be changed, and some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 400 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] 5 illustrates a flow chart of an example procedure 500 for wireless communication according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The details described in all of the previous embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable to the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 5, UE 510 and BS 520 can function as UE 110 and BS 120 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. UE 510 can include SIM #5A and SIM #5B. UE 510 can access a network (denoted as "Network #5A") via BS 520 and be in a connected state in network #5A. UE 510 can be in an idle or inactive state in another network (denoted as "Network #5B"). Network #5A and network #5B can be associated with SIM #5A and SIM #5B, respectively. For example, UE 510 can access network #5A via SIM #5A and network #5B via SIM #5B.

[0067] In operation 511, the UE 510 may receive a configuration message (e.g., an RRC reconfiguration message) from the BS 520 (or network #5A). In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may instruct the UE to report assistance information. For example, the network may inform the UE that multi-SIM operation is supported by the network. The assistance information described above may apply here. For example, the assistance information may be indicated in a musim-AssistanceConfig IE as defined in the 3GPP specifications.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may configure a timer for leaving the connected state without a network response of the UE 510. For example, the configuration message may indicate a value of such a timer. Upon expiration of the timer, the UE may autonomously leave the connected state and enter an idle state in network #5A for multi-SIM operation. For example, the timer may be indicated by a musim-LeaveWithoutResponseTimer IE, as specified in the 3GPP specifications. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the configuration message may configure the CHO configuration of the UE 510.

[0069] In operation 513, the UE 510 may decide to remain connected in network #5A while temporarily switching to network #5B. The UE 510 may make such a decision, for example, when it receives a paging message from network #5B, when it wants to send a busy indication to network #5B, or when it wants to receive system information from network #5B.

[0070] In operation 515, the UE 510 may transmit a UE assistance information message to the BS 520. In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 510 may be configured to provide multi-SIM related assistance information. The UE assistance information message may include the multi-SIM related assistance information. The UE assistance information message may indicate that the UE has decided to remain connected in network #5A while temporarily switching to network #5B.

[0071] In some examples, the UE assistance information message may include gap information to indicate a preference for multi-SIM gaps of the UE 510. For example, the UE assistance information message may include a gap request list (e.g., musim-GapRequestList as defined in the 3GPP specifications) for multi-SIM operation. For example, the UE assistance information message may indicate a gap offset (e.g., musim-GapOffset as defined in the 3GPP specifications), a gap length (e.g., musim-GapLength-r17 as defined in the 3GPP specifications), a gap repetition period (e.g., musim-GapRepetitionPeriod-r17 as defined in the 3GPP specifications), or any combination thereof.

[0072] In operation 517, the UE 510 may receive a gap configuration from the BS 520. The gap configuration may indicate a duration for which the UE 510 remains connected in network #5A while temporarily switching to another network (e.g., network #5B). The gap configuration may be carried by an RRC reconfiguration message. The UE 510 may then switch to network #5B according to the gap configuration.

[0073] In operation 519, the UE 510 may decide to release the gap configuration, for example, after completing reception of system information or paging messages in network #5B, or after completing transmission of a busy indication. In response to such a decision, the UE 510 may transmit a UE assistance information message to the BS 520 in operation 521.

[0074] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the UE 510 may decide to release all gap configurations configured by the BS 520 (or network #5A). In some examples, the UE assistance information message may include a preferred state indicator indicating a connected state (e.g., a musim-PreferredRRC-State setting as "connected" as defined in the 3GPP specifications) and may not include a gap request list. If the UE 510 wants to maintain at least one gap configuration, the UE 510 may include a gap request list, which may indicate the gap configurations that the UE 510 intends to release or maintain.

[0075] In some examples, the UE assistance information message may include a gap-related indicator set as a predefined value to release all gap configurations. For example, the UE 510 may set a gap offset to indicate "infinity" or a gap length to indicate "zero."

[0076] In operation 523, in response to the UE Assistance Information message, BS 520 may send another reconfiguration message to UE 510. The reconfiguration message may indicate to remove all gap configurations configured by BS 520 (or network #5A) in response to the received UE Assistance Information message including a preferred status indicator indicating a connected status and not including a gap request list, or in response to the UE Assistance Information message including a gap related indicator set as a predefined value to remove all gap configurations. The reconfiguration message may indicate to remove all gap configurations by not including any gap information or configurations.

[0077] In operation 525, UE 510 may remove the gap configurations in response to receiving another reconfiguration message. For example, in response to another reconfiguration message indicating to remove all gap configurations, UE 510 may remove all gap configurations configured by BS 520 (or network #5A).

[0078] Those skilled in the art will understand that the order of the operations in the exemplary procedure 500 may be changed, and some of the operations in the exemplary procedure 500 may be deleted or modified, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0079] 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example apparatus 600 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, the apparatus 600 may include at least one processor 606 and at least one transceiver 602 coupled to the processor 606. The apparatus 600 may be a UE or a BS.

[0080] In this figure, elements such as at least one transceiver 602 and processor 606 are described in the singular, but the plural is contemplated unless limitation to the singular is explicitly stated. In some embodiments of the present application, the transceiver 602 may be split into two devices, such as a receiving circuit and a transmitting circuit. In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 600 may further include an input device, a memory, and / or other components.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 600 may be a UE. The transceiver 602 and the processor 606 may interact with each other to perform operations related to a UE, for example, as described above in FIGS.

[0082] In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 600 may be a BS. The transceiver 602 and the processor 606 may interact with each other to perform operations related to the BS as described above in FIGS.

[0083] In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 600 may further include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may store computer-executable instructions for causing the processor 606 to perform a method related to a UE as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 606 interacting with the transceiver 602 to perform the operations related to a UE described in FIGS. 1-5.

[0084] In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 600 may further include at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium. For example, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, the non-transitory computer-readable medium may store computer-executable instructions for causing the processor 606 to perform a method related to the BS as described above. For example, the computer-executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 606 interacting with the transceiver 602 to perform the operations related to the BS described in FIGS. 1-5.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the operations or steps of the methods described in connection with the aspects disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, a hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. In addition, in some aspects, the operations or steps of the methods may exist as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium that may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0086] Although the present disclosure has been described with its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be exchanged, added, or substituted in other embodiments. Also, not all elements of each figure are necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, a person skilled in the art of the disclosed embodiments will be able to make and use the teachings of the present disclosure by simply using the elements of the independent claims. Thus, the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are illustrative and not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0087] As used herein, the terms "includes," "including," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus, rather than including only those elements. An element preceded by "a," "an," etc., does not, without further constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. Also, the term "another" is defined as at least a second or more. Terms such as "having," as used herein, are defined as "including." Phrases such as "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include any combination of the words listed with that phrase. For example, the phrase "A and / or B" or "at least one of A and B" may include A, B, or both A and B. The terms "first", "second", etc. are used only to clearly describe the embodiments of the present application and are not used to limit the contents of the present application. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 100 Wireless communication system 110UE 120BS 121 RAN 121b RAN 130a CN 130b CN 140 PSTN 200 Steps 210UE 220BS 300 Steps 310UE 320BS 400 Steps 410UE 420BS 500 steps 510UE 520BS 600 equipment 602 Transceiver 606 Processor

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), a first subscriber identity module (SIM); A second SIM; a processor coupled to the first SIM and the second SIM, the processor comprising: receiving a first configuration message from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) associated with the first SIM, the first configuration message indicating a first value of a timer for leaving a connected state without a network response; determining to switch from the first RAN to a second RAN associated with the second SIM and to leave the connection state in the first RAN; sending a UE assistance information message to the first RAN; starting the timer according to the first value in response to the transmitting of the UE assistance information message; a processor and A user equipment (UE) comprising:

2. The processor, receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration from the first RAN, the CHO configuration being associated with at least one execution condition for at least one candidate node; initiating a CHO procedure at the target node in response to the timer being running when an execution condition for the target node is satisfied; in response to the CHO configuration associated with the target node indicating a second value for the timer, restarting the timer in accordance with the second value; stopping the timer in response to a CHO configuration associated with the target node not indicating a value for the timer; continuing said timer; or Stopping the timer. and The UE of claim 1 , further configured to:

3. The processor, receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration from the first RAN, the CHO configuration being associated with at least one execution condition for at least one candidate node; and in response to the timer being running when an execution condition for a target node is satisfied, not initiating a CHO procedure at the target node. The UE of claim 1 , further configured to:

4. The processor, receiving a conditional handover (CHO) configuration from the first RAN, the CHO configuration being associated with at least one execution condition for at least one candidate node; in response to said starting of said timer, stopping evaluation of said at least one execution condition; The UE of claim 1 , further configured to:

5. The processor, Receiving a handover (HO) command to switch to a target node; initiating an HO procedure in response to the timer being running when the HO command is received; in response to the UE being configured by the target node with a second value of the timer, restarting the timer in accordance with the second value; stopping the timer in response to the UE not being configured with a value for the timer by the target node; continuing said timer; or Stopping the timer. and The UE of claim 1 , further configured to:

6. The processor, Receiving a handover (HO) command to switch to a target node; in response to the timer being running when the HO command is received, ignoring the HO command; The UE of claim 1 , further configured to:

7. The UE of claim 2 or 5, wherein in response to a successful CHO or HO, the processor is further configured to continue the timer when started.

8. The processor, receiving a second configuration message from the first RAN when the timer is running; restarting the timer in accordance with the second value in response to the second configuration message indicating a second value for the timer, or stopping the timer in response to the second configuration message not indicating a value for the timer. The UE of claim 1 , further configured to:

9. A user equipment (UE), a first subscriber identity module (SIM); A second SIM; a processor coupled to the first SIM and the second SIM, the processor comprising: receiving a reconfiguration message from a first Radio Access Network (RAN) associated with the first SIM, the reconfiguration message including a gap configuration, the gap configuration indicating a duration for which the UE will remain connected in the first RAN while temporarily switching to a second RAN associated with the second SIM; determining to release all gap configurations configured by the first RAN; a processor and A user equipment (UE) comprising:

10. The processor, sending a UE assistance information message to the first RAN to release the gap configuration; It is further structured as follows: the UE assistance information message includes a priority status indicator indicating a connected state and does not include a gap request list; or the UE assistance information message includes a gap-related indicator set as a predefined value for releasing all gap configurations configured by the first RAN; The UE of claim 9.

11. The UE of claim 10, wherein the gap-related indicator is a gap offset indicator set as infinity or a gap length indicator set as zero gap length.

12. The processor, receiving another reconfiguration message in response to the UE assistance information message indicating to release all gap configurations; release all gap configurations configured by the first RAN in response to the receipt of the other reconfiguration message; The UE of claim 10, further configured to:

13. A base station (BS), A transceiver; a processor coupled to the transceiver, the processor comprising: receiving, from a user equipment (UE), a UE assistance information message for releasing a gap configuration configured for the UE by a first RAN associated with the BS, the gap configuration indicating a duration for which the UE will remain connected in the first RAN while temporarily switching to a second RAN; sending a reconfiguration message to the UE in response to the UE assistance information message; a processor configured to: A base station (BS) comprising:

14. 14. The BS of claim 13, wherein in response to the UE assistance information message including a preferred status indicator indicating a connected status and not including a gap request list, or in response to the UE assistance information message including a gap-related indicator set as a predefined value for removing all gap configurations configured by the first RAN, the reconfiguration message indicates to remove all gap configurations.

15. The BS of claim 14, wherein the gap-related indicator is a gap offset indicator set as infinity or a gap length indicator set as zero gap length.

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