Method, user equipment, and access network node

Abstract

A system is disclosed that uses a first pattern for a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) having a first period and a second pattern for an SSB having a second period. The SSBs of the first and second periods are sequentially repeated in a third period based on the combination of the first and second periods. The base station transmits to the user equipment pattern information that identifies at least one specific resource block in the first period and at least one different resource block in the second period in which the SSB is present.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system operating according to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) standards or equivalent or derivative standards thereof, and devices thereof. The present disclosure relates to energy saving in so-called "5G" or "New Radio" systems (also referred to as "next-generation" systems) and similar systems, although not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Under 3GPP standards, NodeB (or "eNB" in LTE, "gNB" in 5G) is a base station for a communication device (user equipment, or "UE") to connect to a core network and communicate with other communication devices or remote servers. Communication between the UE and the base station is controlled using a so-called Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol. The communication device may be, for example, a mobile communication device such as a mobile phone, smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, laptop / tablet computer, web browser, e-book reader, etc. Such mobile (or more generally fixed) devices are usually operated by a user (thus, they are often collectively referred to as user equipment "UE"), but it is also possible to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices and similar Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices to the network. For simplicity, in this application, the term base station is used to refer to any such base station, and the terms mobile device or UE are used to refer to any such communication device.

[0003] The latest developments in 3GPP specifications refer to the so-called "5G" or "New Radio" (NR) specifications, which are evolving communication technologies expected to support various applications and services such as MTC / IoT communication, vehicle communication, and autonomous vehicles, high-resolution video streaming, smart city services, etc. 3GPP intends to support 5G with the so-called 3GPP Next Generation (NextGen) radio access network (RAN) and 3GPP NextGen core (NGC) network. Various details of the 5G network are described, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0004] End-user communication devices are generally called User Equipment (UE), and may be operated by humans or may be equipped with automated (MTC / IoT) devices. Base stations in a 5G / NR communication system are generally called New Radio Base Station ("NR-BS") or "gNB", but it should be understood that they may more typically be referred to using the term "eNB" (or 5G / NR eNB) associated with Long Term Evolution (LTE) base stations (also generally called "4G" base stations). Non-Patent Document 2 and Non-Patent Document 3 define, among other things, the following nodes. gNB: A node that provides protocol termination for the NR user plane and control plane towards the UE and is connected to the 5G core network (5GC) via the NG interface. ng-eNB: A node that provides protocol termination for the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) user plane and control plane towards the UE and is connected to the 5GC via the NG interface. En-gNB: A node that provides protocol termination for the NR user plane and control plane towards the UE and functions as a secondary node in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC). NG-RAN Node: either gNB or ng-eNB.

[0005] The terms base station or RAN node are used herein to refer to any such node.

[0006] The energy consumption of base stations and other similar access network nodes represents a significant operating cost for network operators. There are various tools for saving energy on the network side. For example, capacity cells (i.e., cells deployed to support a specific area during peak hours) can be turned off, and neighboring cells are aware of whether the capacity cells are available. This feature enables optimization of energy consumption, for example, in a deployment where it is possible to distinguish between capacity boosters and cells providing basic coverage, and allows E-UTRA cells or E-UTRA-New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) cells that provide additional capacity via single or dual connectivity to be turned off when their capacity is no longer needed and reactivated as required.

[0007] Generally, when it is possible to offload a UE to a neighboring cell, the network can decide to turn off the entire cell. However, this is not always feasible, for example, in a coverage cell when other cells are not available (since the network still has to guarantee service to the UE). Furthermore, in some cases, turning off the entire cell may cause neighboring cells to use more power than they save in the cell being turned off (to enhance coverage), and it may also cause some overhead signaling related to the handover of the UE to a suitable neighboring cell.

[0008] There are other ways to save energy in the network (base station). For example, certain functions may be "turned off" independently for a relatively short period. For example, the synchronization signals (Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) and Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS)) and the Master Information Block (MIB) can be transmitted with a period of 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, or 160 ms. Therefore, in a legacy system, by restricting the broadcast of the signaling channel, configuring data resources before and after the time when the cell is on, and transmitting these channels, it is possible to substantially turn off the cell for up to 160 ms.

[0009] The so-called Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) refers to a resource block that carries various signals packed as a single block that always moves together. The main components of this block are the synchronization signals (including PSS and SSS), and the PBCH that includes the Demodulaton Reference Signal (DMRS) and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) data. It will be understood that the SSB can also carry various other signals. The SSB is also sometimes referred to as the "SS block" or "SS / PBCH block".

[0010] The structure of a typical SS / PBCH block is defined in Non-Patent Document 4 (for NR). In the time domain, the SS / PBCH block consists of 4 Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols numbered in ascending order from 0 to 3 within the SS / PBCH block. In the frequency domain, the SS / PBCH block consists of 240 consecutive subcarriers numbered in ascending order from 0 to 239 within the SS / PBCH block.

[0011] The term "SS block" is not used in LTE, but LTE also groups PSS / SSS and PBCH into a single block. There are some high-level differences between LTE's SS block and the SSB used in NR. The time-domain transmission pattern of the SS block in NR is more complex than that of LTE (which has only one pattern for SSB transmission). In LTE, the subframe number and the OFDM symbol number within the subframe are always the same, while NR can select from various time-domain patterns for SSB transmission.

[0012] In NR, Non-Patent Document 4 stipulates that for a half-frame with an SS / PBCH block, the first symbol index of the candidate SS / PBCH block is determined based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS), the carrier frequency, whether a paired spectrum or an unpaired spectrum is used, and whether the operation uses shared spectrum channel access.

[0013] The reception of SS / PBCH is performed in the half-frame within each period. The UE can be provided with the period via the ssb-periodicityServingCell information element (for each serving cell). The period refers to the period of the half-frame for the reception of the SS / PBCH block of a given serving cell. The possible values of ssb-periodicityServingCell are 5 ms, 10 ms, 20 ms, 40 ms, 80 ms, and 160 ms (if the parameter is not provided, the UE assumes a period of 5 ms for the half-frame).

[0014] It is not necessary to transmit all SSBs in the configured period. The so-called SSB transmission pattern defines which SSBs are transmitted using an associated bitmap. The network can selectively transmit only a few SSBs and notify the UE which SSBs are transmitted and which are not. This transmission pattern is notified via the RRC information element called ssb-PositionInBurst.

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0015]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

Non-Patent Document 3

Non-Patent Document 4

Non-Patent Document 5

Non-Patent Document 6

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0016] However, the current pattern and period of the SSB block (which SSB block is on / off) are somewhat limited because either the potential for energy saving of the cell or a part of the coverage has to be sacrificed in order to select an appropriate combination of the SSB pattern and period.

[0017] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a method and related apparatus for addressing (at least in part) the above-mentioned problems or at least alleviating them.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method including receiving pattern information that identifies two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0019] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by a user equipment (UE), the method including transmitting a request to a network node that requests receipt of at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information for accessing a cell, and monitoring at least one of the synchronization signal, the broadcast channel block, and the minimum system information based on the request.

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by an access network node, the method including transmitting to at least one user equipment (UE) pattern information that identifies two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0021] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by an access network node, the method including transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one user equipment (UE).

[0022] In one aspect, the present disclosure receives pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, and provides a user equipment (UE) in which the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0023] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for transmitting a request to a network node to receive at least one of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block and minimum system information for accessing a cell, and means for monitoring at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block and the minimum system information based on the request, in a user equipment (UE).

[0024] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an access network node that transmits pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, to at least one user equipment (UE), and means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, and in which the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0025] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an access network node comprising means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one user equipment (UE).

[0026] Aspects of the present disclosure extend to corresponding computer program products such as systems, apparatus, and computer-readable storage media storing instructions that are operable to program a programmable processor to perform the methods described in each aspect, and / or to program a computer suitably adapted to provide an apparatus as described above or as claimed in any of the claims.

[0027] For the sake of efficiency in the understanding of those skilled in the art, the present disclosure will be described in detail in the context of a 3GPP system (5G network), but the principles of the present disclosure can also be applied to other systems.

[0028] The present disclosure is defined by the appended claims. Aspects of the present disclosure are as set forth in the independent claims. Some optional features are set forth in the dependent claims.

[0029] However, each feature disclosed in this specification (which term includes the claims) and / or shown in the drawings may be incorporated into the present disclosure independently of (or in combination with) any other disclosed feature and / or exemplary feature. Without limitation, in particular, any feature of any claim dependent on a particular independent claim may be introduced into that independent claim in any combination or individually.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] Here, with reference to the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described by way of example.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Overview FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system 1 to which embodiments of the present disclosure can be applied.

[0032] In this system 1, a user of a mobile device 3 (UE) can communicate with each other and with other users via a base station 5 (and other access network nodes) and a core network 7 using an appropriate 3GPP radio access technology (RAT), such as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and / or 5G RAT. It will be understood that several base stations 5 form a (radio) access network, i.e., a (R)AN. As those skilled in the art will understand, although Figure 1 shows two mobile devices 3A, 3B and one base station 5 for illustrative purposes, the system will typically include other base stations / (R)AN nodes and mobile devices (UE) when implemented.

[0033] Each base station 5 controls one or more associated cells 6 (either directly or via any other nodes such as home base stations, relays, remote radio heads, distributed units, etc.). A base station 5 that supports the next-generation / 5G protocol may be referred to as a "gNB". It will be understood that some base stations 5 may be configured to support both 4G and 5G, and / or any other 3GPP or non-3GPP communication protocol.

[0034] The mobile device 3 and its serving base station 5 are connected via an appropriate air interface (e.g., the so-called "NR" air interface, "Uu" interface, etc.). Adjacent base stations 5 are connected to each other via an appropriate inter-base station interface (e.g., the so-called "Xn" interface, "X2" interface, etc.). The base station 5 is also connected to the core network nodes via an appropriate interface (e.g., the so-called "NG-U" interface (in the case of the user plane), the so-called "NG-C" interface (in the case of the control plane), etc.).

[0035] The core network 7 (e.g., EPC in the case of LTE and NGC in the case of NR / 5G) generally includes logical nodes (or "functions") for supporting communication in the telecommunication system 1, especially for subscriber management, mobility management, charging, security, and call / session management. For example, the core network 7 of a "next-generation" / 5G system includes user plane entities and control plane entities such as one or more control plane functions (CPF) 10 and one or more user plane functions (UPF) 11. For example, the so-called Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in 5G or the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in 4G is responsible for handling the connection and mobility management tasks of the mobile device 3, and the Session Management Function (SMF) is responsible for handling the communication sessions of the mobile device 3 such as session establishment, modification, and release. The core network 7 is connected to a data network 20 such as the Internet or a similar Internet Protocol (IP)-based network (via the UPF 11).

[0036] In this system 1, energy savings can be achieved by using one or more of the following techniques.

[0037] The base station may be configured to transmit pattern information to the UE 3 within its cell, identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks (such as SSB blocks), each pattern having its own period, and identifying an additional period based on the combination of the periods of the two or more patterns. The two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the additional period.

[0038] In fact, each pattern can be used for at least: i) a first signaling group including a first plurality of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling (such as SSB), and ii) a second signaling group including a second plurality of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling. The first and second signaling groups are sequentially repeated at a period based on a combination of the periods of the first and second signaling groups. The base station 5 transmits configuration information (pattern information) to the UE3 to identify a first pattern associated with a first signaling group (at least one specific resource block within the first signaling group) where synchronization and broadcast signaling exist, and a second pattern associated with a second signaling group (at least one specific resource block within the second signaling group).

[0039] To achieve further energy savings, it is proposed to turn off SSB transmission (when at least the energy-saving operation is enabled) and provide associated signaling such as SSB and minimum system information on demand. Alternatively, SSB transmission may continue, but a pattern in which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted with a relatively large gap between them may be used to gain some energy savings. If the UE3 needs to receive SSB within the cell to receive, for example, the minimum system information carried in MIB and SIB1, the UE3 transmits an appropriate request to the base station 5 operating the cell (or another base station providing services to the UE3) to start the transmission of SS / PBCH blocks or to change the period or pattern associated with the SS / PBCH blocks. It will be understood that the SS / PBCH block transmission state (on / off) and associated parameters (SSB pattern / period) may be controlled based on the cell load in addition to or instead of the UE request.

[0040] To ensure backward compatibility, legacy UE3s that do not support enhanced patterns or energy-saving technologies may be prohibited from accessing the cell (at least while incompatible patterns and / or network energy-saving functions are being used).

[0041] User Equipment(UE) Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the mobile device (UE) 3 shown in Figure 1. As shown, UE3 includes a transceiver circuit 31 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from one or more nodes connected via one or more antennas 33. Although not necessarily shown in Figure 2, UE3 will of course have all of the normal functions of a conventional mobile device, as required, such as a user interface 35, which may be provided by any one or any combination of hardware, software, and firmware. A control unit 37 controls the operation of UE3 according to software stored in a memory 39. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 39 and / or may be downloaded, for example, via a telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 41, a communication control module 43, and an energy-saving module 45.

[0042] The communication control module 43 is responsible for processing (generating / sending / receiving) signaling messages and uplink / downlink data packets between the UE 3 and other nodes including the (R)AN node 5 and core network nodes. The signaling may include control signaling related to energy saving operations (e.g., via system information or RRC). It will be understood that the communication control module 43 may include several sub-modules ("layers" or "entities") to support specific functions. For example, the communication control module 43 may include a PHY sub-module, a MAC sub-module, an RLC sub-module, a PDCP sub-module, an SDAP sub-module, an IP sub-module, an RRC sub-module, etc.

[0043] The energy saving module 45 is responsible for operations related to energy saving (by the UE 3 itself and / or by network nodes such as the access network node / base station 5). Energy saving is typically achieved by turning off specific components (e.g., the transceiver circuit 31) for a specific period.

[0044] Access network node (base station) FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the base station 5 (or a similar access network node) shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the base station 5 is operable to transmit signals to the connected (one or more) UEs 3 via one or more antennas 53, receive signals from the (one or more) UEs 3, and transmit signals to other network nodes (directly or indirectly) via a network interface 55 and receive signals from other network nodes. The network interface 55 typically includes an appropriate inter-base station interface (such as X2 / Xn, etc.) and an appropriate base station-core network interface (such as S1 / N1 / N2 / N3, etc.). The control unit 57 controls the operation of the base station 5 according to software stored in the memory 59. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 59 and / or may be downloaded, for example, via the telecommunication network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 61, a communication control module 63, and an energy saving module 65.

[0045] The communication control module 63 is responsible for processing (generating / transmitting / receiving) signaling between the base station 5 and other nodes such as the UEs 3 and core network nodes. The signaling may include control signaling related to energy saving operations (e.g., via system information or RRC). It will be understood that the communication control module 63 may include several sub-modules ( "layers" or "entities") to support specific functions. For example, the communication control module 63 may include a PHY sub-module, a MAC sub-module, an RLC sub-module, a PDCP sub-module, an SDAP sub-module, an IP sub-module, an RRC sub-module, etc.

[0046] The energy saving module 65 is responsible for operations related to energy saving (by UE3, by an access network node, and / or by the base station 5 itself). Energy saving is typically achieved by turning off specific components (e.g., the transceiver circuit 51) for a specific period.

[0047] Core network function Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a general core network function such as the CPF 10 and UPF 11 shown in Figure 1. As shown, the core network function includes a transceiver circuit 71 operable to transmit signals to and receive signals from other nodes (including UE3, base station 5, and other core network nodes) via a network interface 75. A control unit 77 controls the operation of the core network function according to software stored in a memory 79. The software may be pre-installed in the memory 79 and / or may be downloaded, for example, via the telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 81, a communication control module 83, and an energy saving module 85 (which may be optional).

[0048] The communication control module 83 is responsible for processing (generating / sending / receiving) signaling between the core network function and other nodes such as UE3, base station 5, and other core network nodes. The signaling may include, for example, UE context / UE capability indication of UE3 related to energy saving.

[0049] When present, the energy saving module 85 is responsible for operations related to energy saving (e.g., by UE3 and / or by an access network node / base station 5). For example, the energy saving module 85 may provide information related to the energy saving capability of the UE to the base station 5.

[0050] Detailed Description The following is an explanation of how network energy savings can be achieved in the system 1 shown in FIG. 1 with reference to FIGS. 5 to 13. In the following detailed description, exemplary use cases are related to energy savings at the base station, but these techniques can also be used for other purposes if appropriate. Further, although the explanation refers to SS / PBCH blocks, it will be understood that the following techniques can be applied to any other resource block or resource set defined in the frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0051] Beam sweeping FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary method in which the so-called beam sweeping function can be applied to SSB in the system shown in FIG. 1. In fact, beam sweeping is implemented by changing the beam direction of each SSB transmission. This makes it possible to provide SSB coverage throughout the cell.

[0052] In SS / PBCH transmission, each SS / PBCH block index is mapped to a corresponding beam. However, the network may not transmit all SS / PBCH blocks in the cell due to the applicable SSB pattern. Some patterns are beneficial for energy savings purposes but may result in insufficient coverage (or lack of coverage) in some parts of the cell.

[0053] Depending on the network configuration, the transmitted beam is indicated to the UE3 via the ssb-PositionInBurst information element of SIB1 (in the case of stand-alone) or via dedicated RRC signaling having an associated bitmap (in the case of non-stand-alone). For example, the following information elements may be used. [Table 1]

[0054] When the maximum number of SS / PBCH blocks per half frame is equal to 8, all 8 bits within inOneGroup are used. When it is equal to 4, only the leftmost 4 bits are valid. When using 8 bits, the value {10101010} means that SSB #0, #2, #4, and #6 are transmitted and SSB #1, #3, #5, and #7 are not transmitted.

[0055] The number of beams being transmitted is determined by the number of SSBs being transmitted within an SSB burst set (the set of SSBs transmitted within the 5 ms window of SSB transmission). The parameter that defines the maximum number of SSBs within an SSB set is called Lmax. At sub-6 GHz, Lmax is 4 or 8, and at mmWave, Lmax is 64. In other words, at sub-6 GHz carriers, up to 4 or 8 different beams may be used and they sweep in one dimension (either horizontal only or vertical only). At mmWave, up to 64 different beams may be used and they can sweep in two dimensions (horizontal and vertical directions).

[0056] As seen in Figure 5, each UE detects the beam that has the best signal state for that UE (from among the beams being transmitted). In this example, the best beam for "UE1" is the beam associated with SSB index #1, and the best beam for "UE2" is the beam associated with SSB index #7.

[0057] Solution 1 - SS / PBCH Pattern for Energy Saving Figure 6 schematically illustrates the impact of the SSB period on energy saving and network coverage. In this example, based on the approach defined in Non-Patent Document 5, Case (A) uses a relatively long period and Case (B) uses a relatively short period. In Figure 6, Case (A) is referred to as "Legacy Baseline Option 1" and Case (B) is referred to as "Legacy Baseline Option 2".

[0058] In such legacy technologies, the network can transmit a part of the SS / PBCH in a predefined pattern within each SSB period to achieve energy savings. The energy savings can be further increased by increasing the period. However, as shown in both Case (A) and Case (B), the transmitted SS / PBCH pattern in each SSB period is the same. Therefore, Case (A) achieves a relatively large amount of energy savings, but the available coverage is the same for both Case (A) and (B). In legacy technologies, the coverage can only be improved by reconfiguring the cell to transmit using a pattern in which more SSBs are turned on, in which case more SSBs are transmitted within a given period and the base station (transceiver) may be turned off for a shorter period between consecutive SSB transmissions, thus reducing the overall energy savings of the base station. However, such reconfiguration cannot be achieved dynamically.

[0059] Case (C) in FIG. 6 illustrates the general concept of a novel approach to reducing the density of transmitted SS / PBCH without compromising the coverage or discovery of the cell. As can be seen in the figure, different SSBs are transmitted in different SSB periods, resulting in a more flexible SS / PBCH pattern compared to legacy technologies. However, over time, Case (C) transmits at least once the same SSBs that were transmitted in Case (A) and Case (B).

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 6, SSBs having indexes 0, 2, 4, 6 are transmitted. In case (A) and case (B), the SSBs having indexes 0, 2, 4, 6 are transmitted every SSB period. In case (C), in the first period (displayed as "SSB period 1"), the SSBs having indexes 0, 6 are transmitted, and in the second period (displayed as "SSB period 2"), the SSBs having indexes 2, 4 are transmitted. The pattern is sequentially repeated, that is, in the third period ("SSB period 3"), the SSBs having indexes 0, 6 are transmitted again, and so on. In the example shown in FIG. 6, two periods are combined, but it will be understood that three or more periods may be combined if appropriate. Case (C) can also be understood to be configured to transmit more SSBs (at least once) than case (A) and case (B) by defining additional patterns for one or more subsequent periods, for example.

[0061] In fact, case (C) uses each pattern for at least: i) a first signaling group including a first plurality of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling, the first signaling group having a first period; and ii) a second signaling group including a second plurality of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling, the second signaling group having a second period. The first and second signaling groups are sequentially repeated in a third period based on the combination of the first and second periods. The base station 5 transmits configuration information (pattern information) for identifying at least one specific resource block within the first signaling group where synchronization and broadcast signaling exist and at least one different resource block within the second signaling group.

[0062] Advantageously, compared to the legacy case (B), the new solution saves up to 50% energy, and compared to the legacy case (A), the new solution provides better coverage.

[0063] This method can be implemented by providing a new parameter (new SSB period or SSB pattern parameter) that identifies a pattern applicable to two or more SSB periods. This solution may be further applicable on top of the legacy SS / PBCH pattern. In other words, the new parameter may be provided in addition to the legacy SSB period or SSB pattern configuration.

[0064] For the purpose of network energy saving, the SS / PBCH pattern in a single "legacy" SSB period may be separated into different "legacy" SSB periods within the new SSB period (e.g., in Figure 6, each new SSB period is a combination of two legacy SSB periods). The total number of transmitted SSBs (within the new SSB period) can still be determined based on legacy principles (e.g., SCS, carrier frequency, etc.). The duration of the new / combined SSB period can be composed in milliseconds or in units of the number of legacy SSB periods that form the new / combined SSB period.

[0065] Since UE3 needs to know which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted in the cell (e.g., for UE power saving and measurement purposes), the base station 5 is configured to signal the applicable configuration (period / pattern). For example, the new / combined SSB period may be signaled to UE3 using the appropriate information element in System Information Block (SIB) Type 1 (SIB1), or any other SIB (including SIBs for network energy saving purposes). The new / combined SSB period may also be signaled to individual UE3s using dedicated RRC signaling.

[0066] Figures 7 to 11 schematically illustrate some of the ways in which the new / combined SSB period can be configured and indicated to UE3 in the cell of base station 5. In the example shown in FIG. 7, each information element / bitmap is used to indicate the transmitted SS / PBCH block in each SSB period within the combined SSB period. In fact, in this case, the combined SSB period includes two parts, and each part has its own bitmap for indicating which SSB is transmitted in that part of the combined SSB period. In the first part, the first information element may indicate the first pattern (using the bitmap {1,0,0,0,0,0,1,0} in this example), and in the second part, the second information element may indicate the second pattern (using the bitmap {0,0,1,0,1,0,0,0} in this example). In this case, both patterns are associated with the same SSB period and are applied sequentially. In each bitmap, the first bit indicates whether the first SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, the second bit indicates whether the second SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, and so on. In this system, the value "1" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is transmitted, and the value "0" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is not transmitted.

[0067] Advantageously, this approach enables the realization of new combined or extended SSB periods using existing information elements and current bitmap techniques. However, this solution requires a relatively large number of bits of signaling, especially when the SSB period combines several legacy SSB periods.

[0068] The example shown in FIG. 8 is similar to the example in FIG. 7. However, in this example, the first information element (bitmap) indicates the overall SS / PBCH blocks transmitted within the combined SSB period, and the second information element (bitmap) indicates the specific SS / PBCH blocks transmitted in a part of the period (e.g., the first part). The UE3 can derive the specific SS / PBCH blocks transmitted in (one or more) other parts of the period based on the two bitmaps (e.g., any SS / PBCH block not transmitted in the first part is transmitted in the second part).

[0069] Therefore, in this case, the first information element indicates the base pattern (using the bitmap {1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0} in this example), and the second information element indicates the pattern applicable to the first part (using the bitmap {1,0,0,0,0,0,1,0} in this example). UE3 is configured to derive the pattern applicable to the second part (i.e., {0,0,1,0,1,0,0,0} in this example) without additional signaling. These patterns are applied sequentially.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the base pattern can be provided using existing information elements and current bitmap techniques. In other words, the legacy bitmap within the ssb-PositionsInBurst information element can still be configured by the network and applied by UE3 as the base pattern. One or more new information elements / bitmaps can be defined to indicate the (one or more) SS / PBCH blocks transmitted in a portion of the period (e.g., the portion "L-1", "L" is a portion in the combined / extended SSV period or the number of legacy SSB periods). UE3 determines the (one or more) SS / PBCH blocks transmitted in the (one or more) other parts of the combined / extended period based on the base bitmap and the new information element / bitmap within the ssb-PositionsInBurst information element. In other words, since each SS / PBCH block included in the base pattern is transmitted at least once, any SS / PBCH block that does not form part of the pattern indicated via the new information element / bitmap forms part of the (one or more) remaining parts of the combined / extended period.

[0071] It will be appreciated that there are various ways in which the network (base station 5) can indicate a pattern applicable to a particular portion of the period (e.g., the first portion). The above example corresponds to option (A) shown in FIG. 8. In this option, the pattern applicable to the first portion of the period is indicated using a full-bitmap {1,0,0,0,0,0,1,0} having 1 bit for each potential SS / PBCH block transmission (irrespective of the base pattern).

[0072] Another example is illustrated in option (B) of FIG. 8. In this option, the pattern applicable to the first portion of the period is indicated using a shortened bitmap having 1 bit for each SS / PBCH block transmission enabled by the base pattern. In other words, the base station 5 does not need to signal information for SS / PBCH blocks that are indicated not to be transmitted in that period in the base pattern (the corresponding bitmap values are set to “0” in the base bitmap). Thus, the size of the second bitmap depends on the number of SS / PBCH blocks that are indicated to be transmitted in the base pattern (over the entire combined period).

[0073] The first bit of the second bitmap indicates whether the first enabled SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, the second bit indicates whether the second enabled SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, and so on. In this system, for a period in which the second bitmap is applicable, the value "1" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is transmitted, and the value "0" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is not transmitted (or muted). Similar to option (A), UE3 determines the (one or more) SS / PBCH blocks transmitted in the (one or more) other parts of the combined / extended period based on the base bitmap and the second short bitmap. Since each SS / PBCH block included in the base pattern is transmitted at least once, any SS / PBCH block that does not form part of the pattern indicated via the second bitmap forms part of the (one or more) remaining parts of the combined / extended period.

[0074] In this example, assuming that the base pattern is configured using the bitmap {1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0} (which can be transmitted via the legacy ssb-PositionsInBurst information element), four SS / PBCH blocks with indices 0, 2, 4, 6 are transmitted in the combined / extended period. Thus, in this case, the 4 bits of the second bitmap respectively correspond to {SS / PBCH#0, SS / PBCH#2, SS SS / PBCH#4, SS / PBCH#6}. In the first period (displayed as "legacy ssb period 1" in Figure 8), SS / PBCH blocks #0, 6 are transmitted, which is indicated by setting the second bitmap to {1,0,0,1}. In the second period (displayed as "legacy ssb period 2"), SS / PBCH blocks #2, 4 are transmitted. Although not shown in Figure 8, SS / PBCH blocks #2, #4 can be indicated by setting the second or third bitmap to {0,1,1,0}. However, since the combined / extended period has two parts and the transmitted SS / PBCH blocks (#0, 6) in the first part are known, UE3 can derive, without additional signaling, which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted in the second, i.e., the last part of the combined / extended period.

[0075] The third example illustrated in FIG. 8 is option (C). In this option, similar to option (B), for the pattern applicable to the first part of the period, a shortened bitmap having 1 bit for each SS / PBCH block transmission validated by the base pattern is used for indication. However, in this case, the bits of the second bitmap indicate whether or not each SS / PBCH block is muted (i.e., not transmitted) in that period even if it is validated by the base pattern. Thus, each bit in the bitmap of option (C) is set to “1” if the corresponding SS / PBCH block transmission configured by the base pattern is muted (not transmitted) in the relevant period, and set to “0” if the corresponding SS / PBCH block transmission configured by the base pattern is not muted (i.e., transmitted) in the relevant period. In this example, the second bitmap is set to {0, 1, 1, 0} for the first period. The combined / extended period has two parts, and since the muted SS / PBCH blocks (#0, 6) in the first part are known from the second bitmap, UE3 can derive which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted in the second, i.e., the last part of the combined / extended period without additional signaling. Alternatively, the muted SS / PBCH blocks may be signaled for the second using an associated third bitmap (and additional bitmaps for each subsequent period).

[0076] The advantages of option (B) and option (C) are that the number of bits in the bitmap is small, so the required signaling overhead is smaller.

[0077] FIG. 9 illustrates another technique for determining applicable SSB patterns in each part of an extended period. In this case, the number of parts (the number of different periods forming the combination / extended period) may be fixed (e.g., defined in the standard) or implicitly determined based on cell-specific parameters. For example, an extended period related to energy saving may be defined with two parts (two legacy SSB periods), in which case it is not necessary to indicate the number of parts via system information or RRC signaling. The actual configuration of the pattern can be realized using any of the techniques described above with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. However, in this example, the SSB pattern for each part of the period is determined based on a predetermined rule, e.g., based on the index of the SS / PBCH block.

[0078] For example, if the index of a given SS / PBCH block is odd, the SS / PBCH block is transmitted in one of the SSB periods (e.g., the first part), and if the index is even, the corresponding SS / PBCH block is transmitted in the other of the SSB periods (e.g., the second part). It will be understood that any other suitable index or rule may be used. Since the index of the SS / PBCH block does not represent additional information, this technique can further reduce signaling overhead.

[0079] Figure 10 illustrates another approach for signaling the applicable SSB patterns for each part of the extended period. In this case, each possible pattern has an associated index (e.g., energy saving pattern index, etc.), and the base station 5 signals (via system information or RRC signaling) which index is applicable in which part of the extended period. In this case, the length of the extended period can be implicitly indicated based on the number of pattern indexes. It will be understood that if the same pattern is used in two or more parts of the extended period, the corresponding index may need to be signaled for each part (unless it can be implicitly determined). In fact, each pattern index represents a specific bitmap setting of the ssb-PositionsInBurst information element (and / or one of the other information elements / bitmaps described above).

[0080] Figure 11 illustrates yet another approach for signaling the applicable SSB patterns of the extended period. In this case, each index (e.g., energy saving pattern index, etc.) is associated with each possible configuration of the extended period. In other words, a single index can specify the applicable patterns for each part of the extended period. It will be understood that by using appropriate indexes, it may be possible to configure mutually exclusive SSB patterns (e.g., for different beams or different UE groups).

[0081] Solution 2 - On-demand transmission In NR, SSB and minimum system information (MIB, SIB1) are defined as always-on signals, and their transmission consumes a relatively large amount of energy. Although some energy savings can be achieved using appropriate SSB patterns, this solution proposes turning off SSB transmission and providing associated signaling such as SSB and MIB / SIB1 on demand (at least when the energy saving operation is enabled).

[0082] More specifically, SSB transmissions can be turned off in a cell during a specific period, e.g., at night or during other low-usage periods. Alternatively, SSB transmissions may use a pattern in which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted with a relatively large gap between them in order to gain some energy savings.

[0083] If UE3 needs to receive SSBs in the cell to receive, for example, the minimum system information carried in MIB and SIB1, UE3 sends an appropriate request to the base station 5 operating the cell (or another base station providing service to UE3).

[0084] Upon receiving the request from UE3, the network starts transmitting SSBs (or increases the rate at which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted by changing to a different pattern). When the SSB transmission corresponding to this request ends, the network returns to the energy-saving operation and does not transmit SSBs until it receives another request.

[0085] It will be understood that UE3 may request SSB transmission via the random access channel (RACH), e.g., using msg1, msg3, or msgA of the random access procedure, via dedicated RRC signaling, or by using specific resources / signaling dedicated to the SSB request.

[0086] Upon transmitting an SSB request, UE3 starts detecting SSBs and the information contained therein (using its transceiver circuit 31 and communication control module 43).

[0087] UE3 may be configured with a window for SSB detection as shown in FIG. 12. In this case, the window may start after a certain time (displayed as "X") has elapsed following the time when the UE sent the request, and the window may have an associated duration (displayed as "Y").

[0088] The parameters of the SSB detection window (e.g., X, Y) may be configured by the network or default parameters (e.g., defined in the relevant standard) may be used. Alternatively, the window may be defined in a manner similar to the system information scheduling window, in which case the network notifies UE3 of the relevant SSB scheduling information.

[0089] The window start point (X) and window duration (Y) may be given in units such as ms / slot / symbol. The network may be restricted to transmitting only SSBs within the window, but transmission may be repeated to ensure appropriate quality of service.

[0090] UE3 may be configured to stop SSB detection when it detects (at least one) SS / PBCH block. Alternatively, UE3 may be configured to detect multiple SSBs (e.g., throughout the window) that may assist with RRM measurements, beam training, etc.

[0091] Figure 13 illustrates two options that may be used when beamforming is employed in a cell. In this case, the network may transmit the SSB using multiple beams (thus covering the entire cell or a large part of the cell) as shown on the right side of Figure 13. To do so, the network may use an SSB pattern that enables beam sweeping. The advantage of this approach is that multiple UE3s (not just the UE3 that requested the SSB) may receive the SSB. Further, if the requesting UE3 moves after sending the request, the requesting UE3 can still receive the SSB via a different beam.

[0092] In the option shown on the left side of FIG. 13, the network transmits the SSB using only the beam corresponding to the beam that sends the request. In other words, the SSB is transmitted only in the direction of UE3 that requested the SSB. To do so, the network may use an appropriate SSB pattern that does not use beam sweeping. Advantageously, this option improves energy savings since fewer beams (fewer SSB blocks) need to be transmitted (assuming each SSB is carried via a different beam).

[0093] Regardless of which option is used by the network, UE3 can be configured to detect only the SSBs transmitted using the beam in the direction of UE3. In this case, UE3 can also benefit from some energy savings. A cell with an on-demand SSB function may be configured as a secondary cell (SCell) of UE3.

[0094] Solution 3 - Dynamic SSB Transmission As described above, the relatively high-density transmission of SSB and the associated minimum system information consumes more energy. On the other hand, relatively long periods result in latency.

[0095] To address these issues, in this solution, the network dynamically controls SSB transmission. For example, SSB transmission can be controlled based on cell load (or change in cell load) and / or (similar to Solution 2) requests from UE3. The network can control whether the SSB is transmitted and / or dynamically control the SSB transmission period. For example, the network may choose a longer SSB transmission period or choose not to transmit the SSB / minimum system information when the cell / base station load is relatively low or when no UE requests a higher density of SSB transmission.

[0096] UE3 may be allowed to tolerate requests for different (relatively high-density) SSB transmissions as needed. The network (base station 5) may take into account the UE's requests and change the SSB transmission period or pattern. If the period is changed, the network notifies the UE3(s) so that UE3 can adjust its configuration accordingly.

[0097] UE3 may transmit network information that identifies a preferred SSB transmission period or pattern within the request. If the network decides to change the period, it may notify at least the requesting UE3(s) via, for example, UE-specific signaling and / or resources. The network may notify the UE(s) of the new SSB period or indicate that the preferred SSB period has been accepted.

[0098] It should be understood that the network (base station 5) may notify all UE3s within its cell, for example, by changing the system information that identifies the applicable SSB period. In this case, a system information change notification is first sent (via broadcast), followed by the new system information.

[0099] Transmission of higher-density SSBs may continue for a predetermined period (e.g., period Y in FIG. 12), after which the network falls back to a previously longer SSB period (or another period) to conserve energy.

[0100] When the network controls SSB transmission or the SSB period / pattern based on cell load, the network may use one or more associated thresholds.

[0101] If the load is higher than a specific threshold, the network transmits SSB transmissions (or switches from a longer period to a shorter SSB period / higher-density SSB pattern).

[0102] The definition of load may use one or more criteria including, but not limited to, the following. 1) Connected UEs only: The network knows the number of connected UEs in the cell and takes it into account. 2) UEs in any RRC state (idle / inactive / connected): The network does not know the number of idle / inactive UEs in the cell. However, the network may count the UEs as follows. For example, send appropriate requests / instructions to (idle / inactive) UEs for counting purposes via system information change, paging, etc. UEs in the RRC idle / inactive state respond to the requests (if appropriate). Receive notifications from the UE when camping on the cell and / or when leaving the cell. The uplink transmission of the UE may use preconfigured resources, RACH, small data, etc., which may be used to count or estimate the number of UEs in the cell.

[0103] The network makes a decision based on the collected information and notifies UE3 whether the SSB should be transmitted and / or whether the SSB period or pattern has been changed. This enables the UE to detect the SSB and apply the new SSB period.

[0104] Solution 4 - Access control for energy-saving cells It will be understood that Solutions 1 and 2 may have an adverse impact on legacy UEs (i.e., UEs that do not support the new pattern / bitmap or do not support the network energy-saving function). Legacy UEs may not be able to operate in an ES (energy-saving) cell.

[0105] In this solution, legacy UE3 is not permitted to access the cell (at least while incompatible patterns and / or the network energy-saving function are being used).

[0106] If the cell deploys energy-saving technologies or strategies that are not backward compatible, the network can exclude legacy UEs while still enabling energy-saving UEs to access the cell. For example, the network may indicate in the MIB a "cell barred" that is interpreted by the legacy UE as its cell being prohibited. However, a UE3 that supports the energy-saving technology used by the cell (which can be indicated via the MIB / SIB1) can be configured to ignore the legacy "cell barred" in the MIB. The network may indicate to compatible UEs whether their cell is prohibited using any other appropriate information element (e.g., in SIB1, or in a network energy-saving specific SIB, or any other SIB).

[0107] Modifications and alternatives The detailed embodiments regarding a system that uses a first pattern for a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) having a first period and a second pattern for an SSB having a second period have been described above. The SSBs of the first and second periods are sequentially repeated in a third period based on the combination of the first and second periods. The base station transmits pattern information to a user equipment (UE) to identify at least one specific resource block in the first period and at least one different resource block in the second period where the SSB exists. The SSB can be transmitted on demand (in response to a request by the UE or based on network load). The SSB and the pattern can be used for energy saving at the base station. UEs that do not support this function can be prohibited from accessing the base station's cell.

[0108] As those skilled in the art will understand, while still benefiting from the present disclosure embodied in the above embodiments, several modifications and alternatives can be made to the above embodiments. By way of example only, some of these alternatives and modifications are described here.

[0109] It will be understood that the network (base station) can apply various methods for energy saving, for example, as follows. Saving spectrum: not transmitting over the entire bandwidth (the base station uses only a part of its available spectrum by managing bandwidth portions), Saving the covered space: not transmitting power in some areas of cell coverage (for example, some beams), Saving power: transmitting at a lower power (effectively reducing cell coverage and / or throughput), and Saving time: not transmitting during a specific period (in this case, the network can configure a long period for the signaling channel, for example, every 160 ms at most for SSS / PSS, MIB, and PRACH).

[0110] It will be understood that the above embodiments can be applied to both the 5G new radio system and the LTE system (E-UTRAN). The above embodiments can also be applied to future systems (Beyond 5G, 6G, etc.).

[0111] Next-generation mobile networks support diverse service requirements, which are classified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) into three categories: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). eMBB aims to provide enhanced support for traditional mobile broadband and focuses on services that require large guaranteed bandwidths, such as High Definition (HD) video, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). URLLC is a requirement for critical applications such as autonomous driving and factory automation that require guaranteed access within a very short time. mMTC needs to support a huge number of connected devices, such as smart meters and environmental monitoring, but can usually tolerate a certain access delay. Some of these applications may have relatively loose Quality of Service / Quality of Experience (QoS / QoE) requirements, while some applications may have relatively strict QoS / QoE requirements (e.g., high bandwidth and / or low latency). It will be understood that the SSB patterns / periods described herein may be applicable to at least one of the above categories of UEs and / or at least one type of service (e.g., for energy savings). Different SSB patterns / periods may (if any) be applicable to different categories of UEs and / or different services.

[0112] In the above description, the UE, access network node (base station), and core network node have been described as having several individual modules (such as a communication control module) to facilitate understanding. These modules may be provided in this way in certain applications where, for example, an existing system has been modified to implement the present disclosure. However, in other applications, such as a system designed from the outset with the features of the present invention in mind, these modules may be incorporated into the overall operating system or code, and thus may not be distinguishable as individual entities. These modules may also be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0113] Each control unit may comprise any suitable form of processing circuitry including, but not limited to, for example, one or more hardware-implemented computer processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), input / output (I / O) circuits, internal memory / cache (program and / or data), processing registers, communication buses (such as control buses, data buses, and / or address buses), direct memory access (DMA) functionality, hardware or software-implemented counters, pointers, and / or timers, etc.

[0114] In the above embodiments, several software modules have been described. As those skilled in the art will understand, software modules may be provided in a compiled form or an uncompiled form, and may be supplied to the UE, the access network node (base station), and the core network node via a computer network or as a signal on a recording medium. Further, the functions implemented by some or all of this software may be implemented using one or more dedicated hardware circuits. However, the use of software modules is preferred because it facilitates the update of the UE, the access network node, and the core network node for updating their functions.

[0115] The functions of the base station (referred to as a "distributed" base station or gNB) may be split between one or more distributed units (DUs) and a central unit (CU), where the CU typically hosts higher-level functions and communication with the next-generation core, and the DU performs lower-level functions and communication via the air interface with nearby UEs (i.e., within the cell operated by the gNB). It will be understood that the distributed gNB includes the following functional units: gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU): A logical node that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs and hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer (or the RRC layer and PDCP layer of the en-gNB) of the gNB. The gNB-CU terminates the so-called F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU): A logical node that hosts the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer of a gNB or en-gNB. Its operation is partially controlled by the gNB-CU. One gNB-DU supports one or more cells. One cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. The gNB-DU terminates the F1 interface connected to the gNB-CU. gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP): A logical node that hosts the control plane part of the RRC and PDCP protocols of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB or gNB. The gNB-CU-CP terminates the so-called E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-UP and the F1-C (F1 control plane) interface connected to the gNB-DU. gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP): A logical node that hosts the user plane part of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for an en-gNB, as well as the user plane parts of the PDCP protocol and the SDAP protocol of the gNB-CU for a gNB. The gNB-CU-UP terminates the E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-CP and the F1-U (F1 user plane) interface connected to the gNB-DU.

[0116] When a distributed base station or a similar control plane - user plane (CP - UP) split is used, the base station may be split into a separate control plane entity and user plane entity, each of which may include an associated transceiver circuit, antenna, network interface, control unit, memory, operating system, and communication control module. When the base station comprises a distributed base station, the network interface (reference numeral 55 in FIG. 3) also includes an E1 interface and an F1 interface (F1 - C for the control plane and F1 - U for the user plane) for communicating signals between the respective functions of the distributed base station. In this case, the communication control module also takes care of the communication (generation, transmission, and reception of signaling messages) between the control plane part and the user plane part of the base station.

[0117] The above - described embodiments are also applicable to "non - mobile" or generally fixed user equipment. The mobile devices described above may include MTC / IoT devices and the like.

[0118] User equipment (or "UE", "mobile station", "mobile device", or "wireless device") in the present disclosure is an entity connected to a network via a wireless interface.

[0119] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to dedicated communication devices and can be applied to any device having a communication function as described in the following paragraphs.

[0120] The terms "user equipment" or "UE" (as used by 3GPP), "mobile station", "mobile device", and "wireless device" are generally intended to be synonymous with each other and include stand-alone mobile stations such as terminals, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, and machines. The terms "mobile station" and "mobile device" are also understood to include devices that remain stationary for long periods of time.

[0121] The UE may be, for example, an equipment item for production or manufacturing and / or an energy-related machinery item (e.g., a boiler; an engine; a turbine; a solar panel; a wind turbine; a hydroelectric generator; a thermal power generator; a nuclear power generator; a battery; a nuclear system and / or related equipment; heavy electrical equipment; a pump including a vacuum pump; a compressor; a fan; a blower; hydraulic equipment; pneumatic equipment; a metalworking machine; a manipulator; a robot and / or its application system; a tool; a mold or die; a roll; a conveying device; a lifting device; a material handling device; a textile machine; a sewing machine; a printing and / or related machine; a paper machine; a chemical machine; a mining and / or construction machine and / or related facilities; a machine and / or appliance for agriculture, forestry, and / or fisheries; safety and / or environmental protection equipment; a tractor; a precision bearing; a chain; a gear; a power transmission device; a lubrication device; a valve; a pipe fitting; and / or an application system for any of the foregoing equipment or machinery, etc.).

[0122] The UE may be, for example, a transportation equipment item (e.g., a railway vehicle; an automobile; a motorcycle; a bicycle; a train; a bus; a cart; a rickshaw; a ship or other vessel; an aircraft; a rocket; a satellite; a drone; a balloon, etc.).

[0123] The UE may be, for example, an information and communication equipment item (e.g., an electronic computer and related equipment; communication and related equipment; electronic components, etc.).

[0124] The UE may be, for example, a refrigerator, a refrigeration appliance, a merchandise and / or service industry equipment item, a vending machine, an automatic service machine, an office equipment, a consumer electronic device, and an electronic appliance (e.g., consumer electric appliances such as audio equipment; video equipment; speakers; radios; televisions; microwave ovens; rice cookers; coffee machines; dishwashers; washing machines; dryers; electric fans or related appliances; vacuum cleaners, etc.).

[0125] The UE may be, for example, an electrical application system or equipment (e.g., an electrical application system or equipment such as an X-ray system; a particle accelerator; a radioisotope equipment; a sonic equipment; an electromagnetic application equipment; an electric power application equipment, etc.).

[0126] The UE may be, for example, an electronic lamp, a lighting fixture, a measuring instrument, an analyzer, a tester, or a surveying or sensing device (e.g., surveying or sensing devices such as a smoke detector; a human sensor; a motion sensor; a wireless tag, etc.); a wristwatch or a clock; an inspection device; an optical device; a medical device and / or system; a weapon; a cutlery product; a hand tool, etc.

[0127] The UE may be, for example, a personal digital assistant of wireless equipment or related equipment (such as a wireless card or module designed to be attached to or inserted into another electronic device (e.g., a personal computer, an electrical measuring instrument)).

[0128] The UE may be part of a device or system that uses various wired and / or wireless communication technologies to provide the applications, services, and solutions described later with respect to the "internet of things (IoT)".

[0129] Internet of Things devices (or "things") can be equipped with appropriate electronic devices, software, sensors, network connections, etc. that enable these devices to collect and exchange data with each other and with other communication devices. IoT devices may include automated devices that follow software instructions stored in internal memory. IoT devices may operate without the need for human supervision or interaction. IoT devices may also remain stationary and / or inactive for long periods of time. IoT devices may be implemented (generally) as part of a fixed installation. IoT devices may also be incorporated into non-fixed devices (e.g., vehicles) or attached to animals or people to be monitored / tracked.

[0130] It will be appreciated that IoT technology can be implemented on any communication device that can be connected to a communication network to send / receive data, whether or not such communication devices are controlled by human input or software instructions stored in memory.

[0131] It will be appreciated that IoT devices are sometimes also referred to as Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication devices. It will be appreciated that a UE may support one or more IoT or MTC applications. Some examples of MTC applications are listed in the following table (source: Non-Patent Document 6, Annex B, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference). This list is not exhaustive and is intended to show some examples of machine type communication applications. [Table 2]

[0132] The uses, services, and solutions may include Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services, emergency wireless communication systems, Private Branch eXchange (PBX) systems, PHS / digital cordless telecommunications systems, Point of sale (POS) systems, advertising call systems, Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS), Vehicle to Everything (V2X) systems, train wireless systems, location-related services, disaster / emergency wireless communication services, community services, video streaming services, femtocell application services, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, charging services, wireless on-demand services, roaming services, activity monitoring services, telecommunications carrier / communication NW selection services, function-limited services, Proof of Concept (PoC) services, personal information management services, ad hoc network / Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) services, etc.

[0133] Furthermore, the above UE categories are only examples of the application of the technical ideas and exemplary embodiments described in this document. Needless to say, these technical ideas and embodiments are not limited to the above-described UEs and can be variously modified.

[0134] The resources of multiple resource blocks may include resources for at least one of synchronization and broadcast.

[0135] The pattern information may include at least one bitmap indicating whether there are associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for each resource block in one of two or more patterns.

[0136] The pattern information may include: a first bitmap indicating, for two or more patterns, a first set of at least one resource block in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist; and at least one second bitmap, each for one of the two or more patterns, indicating a second set of at least one resource block in which a synchronization signal and broadcast channel block exist, the second set being a subset of the first set. In this case, the first bitmap and the at least one second bitmap may define mutually exclusive resource blocks in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist for two or more patterns.

[0137] The pattern information may include: a first bitmap indicating, for two or more patterns, a first set of at least one resource block in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist; and at least one second bitmap indicating at least one resource block within the first set in which no associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist. In this case, the first bitmap and the at least one second bitmap may define mutually exclusive resource blocks in which no associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist for two or more patterns.

[0138] The pattern information may include at least one index for identifying at least one of two or more patterns. For example, the at least one index may define mutually exclusive resource blocks in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist for two or more patterns.

[0139] Each resource block may include a plurality of symbols in the time domain and a plurality of subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0140] The pattern information may be associated with an energy saving operation.

[0141] Monitoring may be performed by the UE during a time window related to the request, the time window having an associated start point and duration. The start point may be defined based on the time of transmission of the request. The duration may be determined based on parameters provided by the network node.

[0142] Monitoring may be performed by the UE via at least one resource block associated with a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block. Monitoring may include monitoring until at least the detection of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block.

[0143] Monitoring may include monitoring a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block via at least one beam. If the request is transmitted via a specific beam, monitoring may be performed via the specific beam or a corresponding beam.

[0144] Transmission may be performed via a random access channel (RACH), via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or via a specific resource. Transmission may be performed via signaling and / or via a resource associated with a synchronization and broadcast signaling block.

[0145] The pattern information may be applicable to at least one specific type of UE within a cell of an access network node, the method further including excluding that cell for any other type of UE. The pattern information may be associated with an energy saving operation, the method further including excluding UEs that do not support the energy saving operation.

[0146] Transmitting the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel may include transmitting the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel using a first relatively low density based on the network load, and subsequently transmitting the synchronization signal block and the broadcast channel using a second relatively high density based on at least one of a change in the network load and a request from at least one UE.

[0147] The transmitting may be performed based on the network load, in which case the network load may be determined based on at least one of the number of UEs served by the access network node and the number of requests from at least one UE.

[0148] The method performed by the access network node may further include changing at least one parameter associated with transmitting based on at least one of the network load and a request from at least one UE. The at least one parameter may indicate at least one of a pattern of at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, a period of at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, and a beam used for at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel.

[0149] The request from at least one UE may include information identifying a preferred period for synchronization and broadcast signaling, and the transmitting may include transmitting the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel based on the preferred period.

[0150] The transmission of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel may be performed during a time window related to the request, and the time window has an associated start point and duration.

[0151] Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are not further elaborated herein.

[0152] All or part of the exemplary embodiments disclosed above can be described, but not limited to, as follows in the following appendices. (Appendix 1) A method performed by a user equipment (UE), receiving pattern information for identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having its own period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns including wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated at the further period, method. (Appendix 2) The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the resource includes a resource for at least one of synchronization and broadcast. (Appendix 3) The method according to Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the pattern information includes at least one bitmap indicating whether there is an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel for each resource block in one of the two or more patterns. The method according to Appendix 1 or 2. (Appendix 4) The pattern information is for two or more patterns, a first bitmap indicating a first set of at least one resource block where an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist, and for each of one of the two or more patterns, at least one second bitmap indicating a second set of at least one resource block where a synchronization signal and broadcast channel block exist, the second set being a subset of the first set, at least one second bitmap The method according to Appendix 1 or 2, including. (Appendix 5) The method according to Appendix 4, wherein a first bitmap and at least one second bitmap define mutually exclusive resource blocks having associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for two or more patterns. (Appendix 6) Pattern information is a first bitmap indicating a first set of at least one resource block having associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for two or more patterns, and at least one second bitmap indicating at least one resource block within the first set that does not have associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels The method according to Appendix 1 or 2, comprising: (Appendix 7) The method according to Appendix 6, wherein a first bitmap and at least one second bitmap define mutually exclusive resource blocks that do not have associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for two or more patterns. (Appendix 8) The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 7, wherein the pattern information includes at least one index identifying at least one of two or more patterns. (Appendix 9) The method according to Appendix 8, wherein at least one index defines mutually exclusive resource blocks having associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for two or more patterns. (Appendix 10) The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, wherein each resource block includes a plurality of symbols in the time domain and a plurality of subcarriers in the frequency domain. (Appendix 11) The method according to any one of Appendices 1 to 10, wherein the pattern information is associated with an energy saving operation. (Appendix 12) A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: Send a request to a network node to receive at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information for accessing a cell. Monitor at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information based on the request. A method comprising: (Appendix 13) The monitoring is performed during a time window related to the request. The method according to Appendix 12, wherein the time window has an associated start point and duration. (Appendix 14) The method according to Appendix 13, wherein the start point is defined based on the time of transmission of the request. (Appendix 15) The method according to any one of Appendices 12 to 14, wherein the monitoring is performed via at least one resource block associated with the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block. (Appendix 16) The method according to any one of Appendices 9 to 15, wherein the monitoring is performed via a specific beam through which the request is transmitted. (Appendix 17) The method according to any one of Appendices 12 to 16, wherein the monitoring includes monitoring until at least the detection of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block. (Appendix 18) The method according to any one of Appendices 12 to 17, wherein the monitoring includes monitoring the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block via at least one beam. (Appendix 19) The method according to any one of Appendices 12 to 18, wherein when the request is transmitted via a specific beam, the monitoring is performed via the specific beam. (Appendix 20) The method according to any one of appendices 12 to 19, wherein the transmission is performed via a random access channel (RACH), via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or via specific resources. (Appendix 21) The method according to any one of appendices 12 to 20, wherein the transmission is performed via signaling and / or via resources associated with a synchronization and broadcast signaling block. (Appendix 22) A method performed by an access network node, transmitting pattern information for identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks to at least one user equipment (UE), each pattern having a respective period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns comprising wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period, method. (Appendix 23) wherein the pattern information is applicable to at least one specific type of UE within a cell of the access network node, the method according to appendix 22, further comprising excluding the cell for any other type of UE. (Appendix 24) wherein the pattern information is associated with an energy saving operation, the method according to appendix 22, further comprising excluding UEs that do not support the energy saving operation. (Appendix 25) A method performed by an access network node, transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one user equipment (UE). comprising the method. (Appendix 26) Transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel, Transmitting the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel using a first relatively low density based on network load, Transmitting the synchronization signal block and the broadcast channel using a second relatively high density based on at least one of a change in network load and a request from at least one UE The method according to appendix 25, comprising: (Appendix 27) Transmitting is performed based on network load, The network load is The number of UEs served by the access network node, and The number of requests from at least one UE Determined based on at least one of The method according to appendix 25 or 26. (Appendix 28) The method according to any one of appendices 25 to 27, further comprising changing at least one parameter associated with transmitting based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one UE. (Appendix 29) At least one parameter is The pattern of at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, The period of at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, and The beam used for at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel The method according to appendix 28, indicating at least one of (Appendix 30) Transmitting is performed based on a request, The request from at least one UE includes information identifying a preferred period for synchronization and broadcast signaling, Transmitting includes transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel based on a preferred period. The method according to appendix 25. (Appendix 31) Transmitting is performed based on a request. Transmitting is performed during a time window related to the request. The time window has an associated start point and duration. The method according to any one of appendices 25 to 30. (Appendix 32) Means for receiving pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns Comprising Two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in a further period. User Equipment (UE). (Appendix 33) Means for transmitting to a network node a request for receiving at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information for accessing a cell, Means for monitoring at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information based on the request Comprising User Equipment (UE). (Appendix 34) Means for transmitting to at least one User Equipment (UE) pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns Comprising Two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in a further period. Access network node. (Appendix 35) Means for transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and requests from at least one user equipment (UE). An access network node comprising:

[0153] This application claims the benefit of priority based on UK Patent Application No. 2207957.8, filed on May 30, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0154] 1 Mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system 3 Mobile device 5 Base station 6 Cell 7 Core network 10 control plane function (CPF) 11 user plane function (UPF) 20 Data network 31 Transceiver circuit 33 Antenna 35 User interface 37 Control unit 39 Memory 41 Operating system 43 Communication control module 45 Energy saving module 51 Transceiver circuit 53 Antenna 55 Network interface 57 Control unit 59 Memory 61 Operating system 63 Communication control module 65 Energy saving module 71 Transceiver circuit 75 Network interface 77 Control unit 79 Memory 81 Operating System 83 Communication Control Module 85 Energy Saving Module

Claims

1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving pattern information identifying two or more patterns for at least one of synchronization and broadcast for a plurality of resource blocks, each of the two or more patterns having a respective period, the pattern information identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns; wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period; the plurality of resource blocks indicated by the two or more patterns represent a further pattern having the further period; a method.

2. each of the two or more patterns represents mutually exclusive resource blocks among the two or more patterns; The method according to claim 1.

3. The pattern information includes at least one bitmap indicating whether a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel exist for each resource block in one of the two or more patterns; The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The pattern information includes a first bitmap indicating a first set of at least one resource block in which a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel exist for the two or more patterns; and at least one second bitmap respectively indicating a second set of at least one resource block in which the synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block exist for one of the two or more patterns, the second set being a subset of the first set; The method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The pattern information includes a first bitmap indicating a first set of at least one resource block in which the associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist for the two or more patterns; and at least one second bitmap indicating at least one resource block within the first set in which the associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel do not exist; The method according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pattern information includes at least one index for identifying at least one of the two or more patterns.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each resource block includes a plurality of symbols in a time domain and a plurality of subcarriers in a frequency domain.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pattern information is associated with an energy saving operation.

9. A method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising: sending a request to an access network node, the request requesting to receive at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information for accessing the cell; monitoring at least one of the synchronization signal, the broadcast channel block, and the minimum system information based on the request;

10. wherein the monitoring is performed during a time window related to the request, wherein the time window has a start point and a duration; The method according to claim 9.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the start point is defined based on the time of sending the request.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the duration is determined based on a parameter provided by the access network node.

13. wherein the monitoring is performed via at least one resource block associated with at least one of the synchronization signal, the broadcast channel block, and the minimum system information; The method according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. wherein the monitoring is performed at least until detection of at least one of the synchronization signal, the broadcast channel block, and the minimum system information; The method according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. wherein the monitoring is performed via at least one beam corresponding to at least one of the synchronization signal, the broadcast channel block, and the minimum system information; The method according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the monitoring is performed via a specific beam through which the request is transmitted.

17. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the transmitting is performed via a random access channel (RACH), via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or via a specific resource.

18. The method according to any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the transmitting is performed via signaling and / or resources associated with at least one of the synchronization signal and broadcast channel block and the minimum system information.

19. The transmitting is performed to request a configuration of a secondary cell of the UE, The method according to any one of claims 9 to 18.

20. A method performed by an access network node, transmitting pattern information to a user equipment (UE) to identify two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks for at least one of synchronization and broadcast, each of the two or more patterns having a respective period, the pattern information identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, comprising the two or more patterns being sequentially repeated in the further period, the plurality of resource blocks indicated by the two or more patterns representing a further pattern having the further period, method.

21. Each of the two or more patterns represents mutually exclusive resource blocks among the two or more patterns, The method according to claim 20.

22. The pattern information is applicable to at least one specific type of UE within a cell of the access network node, The method being further comprising prohibiting access to the cell for any other type of UE The method according to claim 20 or 21.

23. The pattern information is associated with an energy saving operation, The method being further comprising excluding UEs that do not support the energy saving operation The method according to claim 20 or 21.

24. A method performed by an access network node,

25. A method performed by an access network node, Transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block via at least one resource block based on at least one of a network load and a request from at least one user equipment (UE). A method comprising the above. **Claim 25** The transmitting of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block includes transmitting the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block using a first relatively low density based on the network load, and transmitting the synchronization signal block and the broadcast channel block using a second relatively high density based on at least one of a change in the network load and the request from the at least one UE. The method according to claim 24, comprising the above. **Claim 26** The transmitting is performed based on the network load, wherein the network load is determined based on at least one of the number of UEs served by the access network node and the number of requests from the at least one UE. The method according to claim 24 or 25, comprising the above. **Claim 27** The method according to any one of claims 24 to 26, further comprising changing at least one parameter associated with the transmitting based on at least one of the network load and the request from the at least one UE. **Claim 28** The at least one parameter indicates at least one of a pattern of the at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block, a period of the at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block, and a beam used for the at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block. The method according to claim 27, comprising the above. **Claim 29** The transmitting is performed based on the request, wherein the request from the at least one UE includes information identifying a preferred period for the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block, and the transmitting includes transmitting the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block based on the preferred period. The method according to claim 24, comprising the above. **Claim 30** The transmitting is performed based on the request, ​ The transmitting is performed during a time window related to the request, wherein the time window has a start point and a duration, The method according to claim 24.

31. Means for receiving pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks for at least one of synchronization and broadcast, each of the two or more patterns having a respective period, and the pattern information identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns comprising wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated at the further period, wherein the plurality of resource blocks indicated by the two or more patterns represent a further pattern having the further period, User equipment.

32. Means for transmitting a request to an access network node to receive at least one of a synchronization signal, a broadcast channel block, and minimum system information for accessing a cell, means for monitoring the at least one of the synchronization signal, the broadcast channel block, and the minimum system information based on the request A user equipment comprising.

33. Means for transmitting pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks for at least one of synchronization and broadcast to a user equipment, each of the two or more patterns having a respective period, and the pattern information identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns comprising wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated at the further period, wherein the plurality of resource blocks indicated by the two or more patterns represent a further pattern having the further period, An access network node.

34. Means for transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one user equipment An access network node comprising.

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