Downlink Control Information

Abstract

1. An apparatus comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information having a control command for the user equipment and an indication that additional information associated with the control command is to be transmitted over a downlink shared channel; and transmit the additional information associated with the control command over the downlink shared channel.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to transmitting downlink control information to user equipment in a wireless telecommunications network. [Background technology]

[0002] 5G networks already have mechanisms for controlling user equipment (UE) using multiple mechanisms, such as Downlink Control Information (DCI) commands, Medium Access Control (MAC) control elements, and Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol procedures. While these commands can be used to control UEs, they can have unintended consequences, such as limited functionality in DCI / MAC CEs and a proliferation of signaling in RRC procedures. Therefore, it is desirable to provide improved techniques for controlling user equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The scope of protection sought for various exemplary embodiments of the invention is defined by the independent claims. To the extent that some exemplary embodiments and features described herein do not fall within the scope of the independent claims, they are to be interpreted as examples that serve to understand various embodiments of the invention.

[0004] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least: transmit downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information having a control command for the user equipment and an indication that additional information related to the control command is to be transmitted over a downlink shared channel; and transmit the additional information related to the control command over the downlink shared channel.

[0005] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the user equipment.

[0006] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the radio interface of the user equipment.

[0007] The control command may indicate a change in the resource configuration of the air interface of the user equipment.

[0008] The control commands may indicate changes to the bandwidth portion, physical resource blocks, transmit power, discontinuous reception schedule, and / or discontinuous transmission schedule configuration of the user equipment's air interface.

[0009] The additional information may indicate additional control parameters associated with the control command.

[0010] The additional information may indicate at least one quantity associated with a change in the configuration.

[0011] The additional information may indicate the amount of increase, decrease, or change in configuration, the delay period before the change, and / or the duration of the change.

[0012] The control command or the additional information may indicate that the user equipment should revert to its previous configuration after expiration of the control command.

[0013] Downlink control information is transmitted over a physical downlink control channel, and additional information may be transmitted using information elements over a physical downlink shared channel.

[0014] The control command may indicate a slot in which the additional information is to be sent.

[0015] At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least group a set of user equipment based on their behavior, identify a change in the configuration of the set of user equipment, and transmit downlink control information and additional information to the set of user equipment indicating the change in configuration.

[0016] The grouping may group sets of user equipment based on services used and / or traffic patterns.

[0017] At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least transmit an indication of a change in configuration to a central unit.

[0018] Indications of changes in configuration may be sent to the central unit using F1 application protocol signaling.

[0019] The apparatus may comprise a distribution unit.

[0020] The distributed units and the central unit may comprise disaggregated units of a wireless telecommunications network.

[0021] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising the steps of transmitting downlink control information to a user equipment, the downlink control information having a control command for the user equipment and an indication that additional information related to the control command will be transmitted over a downlink shared channel; and transmitting the additional information related to the control command over the downlink shared channel.

[0022] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the user equipment.

[0023] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the radio interface of the user equipment.

[0024] The control command may indicate a change in the resource configuration of the air interface of the user equipment.

[0025] The control commands may indicate changes to the bandwidth portion, physical resource blocks, transmit power, discontinuous reception schedule, and / or discontinuous transmission schedule configuration of the user equipment's air interface.

[0026] The additional information may indicate additional control parameters associated with the control command.

[0027] The additional information may indicate at least one quantity associated with a change in the configuration.

[0028] The additional information may indicate the amount of increase, decrease, or change in configuration, the delay before the change, and / or the duration of the change.

[0029] The control command or the additional information may indicate that the user equipment should revert to its previous configuration after expiration of the control command.

[0030] Downlink control information is transmitted over a physical downlink control channel, and additional information may be transmitted using information elements over a physical downlink shared channel.

[0031] The control command may indicate a slot in which the additional information is to be sent.

[0032] The method may comprise the steps of grouping a set of user equipment based on their behavior, identifying a change in the configuration of the set of user equipment, and transmitting downlink control information and additional information to the set of user equipment indicating the change in configuration.

[0033] The grouping step may group the set of user equipment based on services used and / or traffic patterns.

[0034] The method may comprise the step of sending an indication of the change in configuration to a central unit.

[0035] Indications of changes in configuration may be sent to the central unit using F1 application protocol signaling.

[0036] A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for carrying out the above method and optional features thereof.

[0037] According to various, but not necessarily all, example embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive downlink control information at a user equipment; determine whether the downlink control information comprises a control command for the user equipment and an indication that additional information associated with the control command is to be transmitted over a downlink shared channel; and if so, receive the additional information associated with the control command over the downlink shared channel.

[0038] At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least execute a control command according to the additional information.

[0039] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the user equipment.

[0040] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the radio interface of the user equipment.

[0041] The control command may indicate a change in the resource configuration of the air interface of the user equipment.

[0042] The control commands may indicate changes to the bandwidth portion, physical resource blocks, transmit power, discontinuous reception schedule, and / or discontinuous transmission schedule configuration of the user equipment's air interface.

[0043] The additional information may indicate additional control parameters associated with the control command.

[0044] The additional information may indicate at least one quantity associated with a change in the configuration.

[0045] The additional information may indicate the amount of increase, decrease, or change in configuration, the delay period before the change, and / or the duration of the change.

[0046] The control command or the additional information may indicate that the user equipment should revert to its previous configuration after expiration of the control command.

[0047] At least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to at least return to a previous configuration of the user equipment after expiration of the control command.

[0048] Downlink control information may be received over a physical downlink control channel, and additional information may be received using information elements over a physical downlink shared channel.

[0049] The control command may indicate a slot in which the additional information is to be sent.

[0050] The apparatus may comprise user equipment.

[0051] The distributed units and the central unit may comprise disaggregated units of a wireless telecommunications network.

[0052] In accordance with various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, a method is provided comprising the steps of receiving downlink control information at a user equipment, determining whether the downlink control information comprises a control command for the user equipment and an indication that additional information related to the control command is to be transmitted over a downlink shared channel, and if so, receiving the additional information related to the control command over the downlink shared channel.

[0053] The method may comprise executing the control command in accordance with the additional information.

[0054] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the user equipment.

[0055] The control command may indicate a change in the configuration of the radio interface of the user equipment.

[0056] The control command may indicate a change in the resource configuration of the air interface of the user equipment.

[0057] The control commands may indicate changes to the bandwidth portion, physical resource blocks, transmit power, discontinuous reception schedule, and / or discontinuous transmission schedule configuration of the user equipment's air interface.

[0058] The additional information may indicate additional control parameters associated with the control command.

[0059] The additional information may indicate at least one quantity associated with a change in the configuration.

[0060] The additional information may indicate the amount of increase, decrease, or change in configuration, the delay period before the change, and / or the duration of the change.

[0061] The control command or the additional information may indicate that the user equipment should revert to its previous configuration after expiration of the control command.

[0062] The method may comprise returning to a previous configuration of the user equipment after expiration of the control command.

[0063] Downlink control information may be received over a physical downlink control channel, and additional information may be received using information elements over a physical downlink shared channel.

[0064] The control command may indicate a slot in which the additional information is to be sent.

[0065] A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for carrying out the above method and optional features thereof.

[0066] According to various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least receive an indication of a change in configuration of user equipment from a distributed unit, the indication being received at a central unit using F1 application protocol signaling.

[0067] and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least store changes in a configuration of a user equipment context associated with the user equipment.

[0068] According to various, but not necessarily all, exemplary embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving an indication of a change in configuration of user equipment from a distributed unit, the indication being received at a central unit using F1 application protocol signaling.

[0069] The method may comprise storing a change in a configuration of a user equipment context associated with the user equipment.

[0070] A non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for carrying out the above method and optional features thereof.

[0071] Further particular and preferred aspects are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features from the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

[0072] Where features of an apparatus are described as operable to provide a function, this will be understood to include features of an apparatus that provide that function or that are adapted or configured to provide that function.

[0073] Several exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0074] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates messaging between network nodes of a wireless telecommunications network when making configuration changes. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates steps performed by a distributed unit and user equipment when making a configuration change according to one exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 illustrates steps performed by distributed units and a central unit when making a configuration change according to one exemplary embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] Before describing exemplary embodiments in further detail, an overview will first be provided. Some exemplary embodiments provide techniques by which a first network node of a wireless telecommunications network can send a command over a first channel to a second network node of the wireless telecommunications network to change its configuration from a first configuration to a second configuration. The command is accompanied by additional information that is sent to the second network node over a second channel. The second network node then executes the command according to the additional information to change its configuration to the second configuration. The additional information may include conditional information regarding when and under what conditions the configuration change should occur. When the condition no longer applies, the second network node may revert to the first configuration. For example, the command may require a configuration change to an air interface, and the conditional information may provide more detail about the configuration change and / or when the configuration change should occur. This approach enables more complex configuration changes than can typically be supported by commands over the first channel by extending the additional information sent over the second channel. Additionally, making the configuration change conditional allows the configuration to be changed again without additional commands being sent, thereby reducing the number of commands that need to be sent.

[0076] By way of background, 5G networks already have mechanisms for controlling user equipment (UE) using multiple mechanisms, such as downlink control information (DCI) commands and medium access control (MAC) control elements. However, these commands are executed instantaneously. For example, when a DCI command is sent to switch the UE to a different bandwidth part (BWP), the UE immediately executes it and moves to the specified BWP. Therefore, the control mechanism appears as a trigger to use a new configuration (such as a new BWP, uplink (UL) power, or discontinuous reception (DRX) configuration) from a given point in time and remains in effect until a new command is received. With the introduction of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML) support in the radio access network (RAN), and in the context of 6G supporting diverse use cases, the RAN will be able to predict additional information associated with the control command. For example, if a UE is switched from BWP1 to BWP2 while BWP1 is experiencing congestion, the RAN can also predict when it can switch the UE back to BWP1. As another example, the DRX configuration can also be dynamically optimized. If this is performed based on an L3-based solution, latency will increase. This implies that additional information associated with the control commands needs to be transmitted to the UE. Some exemplary embodiments provide mechanisms to enable this. As an example, Connected DRX (CDRX) optimization is an important issue, as it has a significant impact on the UE's power consumption (battery life). Also, support for CDRX extensions for power-saving processing is an important issue being studied in the context of XR (Extended Reality) services in 3GPP Rel-18. Therefore, CDRX optimization is an important topic that needs to be addressed.

[0077] It is therefore desirable to provide faster and more efficient signaling for dynamic control than that provided in existing approaches. The latency associated with existing signaling can be illustrated in the following example use cases: Use Case #1 (DCI-based): Switch BWP1 to 2 over a given period. In existing approaches, this requires two DCIs, one to switch to BWP2 and one to switch back to BWP1. Use Case #2 (RRC-based): More dynamic control of DRX configuration (on / off periods or other configuration changes). A series of setup / release actions between the central unit (CU) / distributed unit (DU) of a 5G distributed gNB and the network (NW) / UE incurs signaling overhead. a) Release the current DRX configuration in the DU b) Releasing the current DRX configuration in the UE c) Setting the updated DRX configuration in the DU d) Setting an updated DRX configuration in the UE

[0078] From a signaling perspective, as shown in Figure 1, there are a total of 12 messages related to the F1AP and RRC interfaces, which also increases latency.

[0079] Therefore, some example embodiments provide a DU-centric approach for identifying the need for dynamic control of resource configuration, a DU-centric Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH)+Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH) (PDCCH+PDSCH) based approach for signaling associated configuration information, and DU notification of configuration changes to CUs.

[0080] Identifying the need for dynamic control of resource reconfiguration in DUs In some exemplary embodiments, the DU performs analysis and groups UEs (a group may comprise only a single UE) based on the services used / traffic patterns or other operating characteristics. The DU monitors the UL / DL traffic patterns / radio conditions / other operating parameters of those UEs. The DU identifies the required optimal UE configurations (using ML or non-ML techniques), such as CDRX configuration, required BWP switching, etc. The DU determines the set of UEs for which CDRX, BWP, or other UE configurations need to be reconfigured.

[0081] PDCCH+PDSCH-based approach for signaling associated configuration information within a DU In some exemplary embodiments, current DCI-based signaling is extended to include additional configuration or control information associated with a "control command." A "control command" here refers to additional actions for the optimal UE configuration determined above for the UE (such as a new BWP configuration, a change in physical resource blocks, a UL power configuration, a DRX configuration, a discontinuous transmit (DTX) configuration, etc.). Currently, a DCI (mapped to a PDCCH) can be used to signal only a certain amount of configuration or control information. In some exemplary embodiments, the additional configuration or control information is carried in a PDSCH associated with the control information carried in the DCI mapped to the PDCCH. Typically, the DCI provides an indication that the additional configuration or control information is carried in the PDSCH. Typically, the DCI provides an indication of the slots carrying the additional configuration or control information. The additional configuration or control information typically indicates additional control parameters related to the DCI, such as the amount of increase, decrease, or change in configuration for the optimal UE configuration, the delay period until the change, and / or the duration of said change, as described in more detail below. Such a mechanism enables a fast signaling-based approach to perform / control required configuration changes (such as BWP, UL power, or DRX configuration) in the UE, reducing latency and power due to the potential for dynamic decision making and low signaling overhead.

[0082] As mentioned above, the control command and the additional control information can be transmitted in the same slot or in different slots (the DCI triggers the UE to monitor the PDSCH region for the additional control information).

[0083] DU notification of configuration changes to CU In some example embodiments, the CU keeps track of the current configuration of a given UE, so the DU notifies the CU of configuration changes requested by the DCI and any additional configuration or control information.

[0084] The approaches of some exemplary embodiments provide effective control / management of latency, power saving benefits / battery life improvements.

[0085] Exemplary Operation - Mechanism for Detecting Need for Resource Reconfiguration at a DU First, the DU groups UEs based on the services / traffic patterns they use. Then, the DU monitors UL / DL traffic patterns / radio conditions. The DU identifies the optimal CDRX configuration or BWP switching required. The DU determines the set of UEs for which the CDRX or BWP needs to be reconfigured.

[0086] Exemplary Operation - A mechanism to enhance control commands with optional additional information, where the additional information is carried via the PDSCH rather than the PDCCH This approach has the added benefit of PDSCH link adaptation and is more efficient. The DCI provides a mechanism to identify the specific resources being controlled, e.g., BWP, power, DRX period, and associated additional control information carried in the PDSCH, e.g., increase / decrease, amount, duration, etc. An optional additional information, Information Element (IE), may be provided along with the DCI. If included, the UE will restore its previous configuration if the criteria described in the additional information are met. [Example]

[0087] BWP Switch As shown in Figure 2, in step S10, DU 10 determines that BWP1 is congested, and the gNB-DU decides to move high-priority UE 20 to BWP2 for a (predicted) certain period of time, after which the high-priority UE 20 can autonomously return to BWP1. UE 20 is currently in BWP1.

[0088] In step S20, a DCI command is issued to switch to BWP2 with additional information = timer value 5 seconds (derived based on the AIML algorithm).

[0089] In step S30, the UE 20 decodes the DCI and identifies that the PDSCH contains additional information.

[0090] In step S40, the UE 20 monitors the PDSCH and decodes the additional information.

[0091] In step S50, the UE 20 executes the DCI command (switch to BWP2 for a period of 5 seconds) with additional information.

[0092] In step S60, once the 5 second period expires, the UE returns to BWP1. [Example]

[0093] CDRX reconfiguration Similar to step S10 above, the DU 10 determines that a change in the DRX schedule is required.

[0094] Similar to step S20 above, a DCI command is issued along with additional information. Such a DCI command may include, among other information: shorten / lengthen the DRX on period by X amount over T period, Shorten / Extend DRX inactive period over T period

[0095] Similarly, DCI commands can be applied to all parameters of C-DRX with additional information.

[0096] Similar to steps S30-S60 described above, UE 20 decodes the DCI and identifies that the PDSCH contains additional information. UE 20 monitors the PDSCH and decodes the additional information. UE 20 executes the DCI command along with the additional information. Once the time period expires, the UE reverts to its previous configuration without requiring any additional commands.

[0097] Example Operation - Notification Method from DU to CU In some exemplary embodiments, since DU10 uses a dynamic control mechanism to perform configuration changes of certain resources (BWP switching, DRX configuration, etc.), DU10 should also be able to signal the latest configuration to CU30.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 3, in step S70, the DU 10 determines that a configuration change has been signaled to the UE 20.

[0099] In step S80, the DU 10 signals the configuration change to the CU 30.

[0100] In step S90, the CU 30 stores the latest configuration in the UE context.

[0101] Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the steps of the various methods described above can be performed by a programmed computer. As used herein, some embodiments are also intended to encompass program storage devices, e.g., digital data storage media that are machine- or computer-readable and encode a program of machine-executable or computer-executable instructions, which perform some or all of the steps of the above-described methods. The program storage device may be, for example, a digital memory, a magnetic storage medium such as a magnetic disk or tape, a hard drive, or an optically readable digital data storage medium. Embodiments are also intended to encompass computers programmed to perform the steps of the above-described methods. The term non-transitory, as used herein, refers not to the permanence of the data storage (e.g., RAM vs. ROM), but to the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than signal).

[0102] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., analog and / or digital-only circuit implementations); and (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, such as (where applicable): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor) along with software, software, and memory that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; and (c) Hardware circuitry and / or processors, such as microprocessors or portions of microprocessors, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate, although the software may be absent if not necessary for operation.

[0103] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, the term circuit as used in this application encompasses implementations of a hardware circuit or processor (or processors) only, or of portions of a hardware circuit or processor together with its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also encompasses, for example, and where applicable to certain claim elements, baseband or processor integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices.

[0104] While exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be understood that modifications can be made to the examples given without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

[0105] Features described in the foregoing description may be used in combinations other than those expressly described.

[0106] Although functions are described with reference to particular features, those functions may be performed by other features, whether or not described.

[0107] Although features are described with reference to particular embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments, whether or not described.

[0108] While the foregoing specification has attempted to draw attention to features of the invention which are considered to be particularly important, it is to be understood that applicants claim protection for any patentable feature or combination of features referred to in this specification and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not specifically emphasized.

Claims

1. at least one processor; at least one memory that stores instructions, The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the device to perform at least: decoding, by a user equipment, downlink control information on a physical downlink control channel, the downlink control information comprising a control command to the user equipment and an indication that additional information related to the control command is carried via a physical downlink shared channel, the control command indicating a change in configuration, and the additional information indicating additional control parameters related to the control command comprising a duration of the change in configuration; monitoring the physical downlink shared channel; decoding the additional information; and executing the control command in accordance with the additional information; restoring the user equipment to its previous configuration after the period has expired; A device that performs the following.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the additional information further indicates an increase, a decrease, an amount of the change, and / or a delay period before the change.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the control command indicates a change in bandwidth portion, physical resource block, transmit power, discontinuous reception schedule, and / or discontinuous transmission schedule configuration of the radio interface of the user equipment.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control command indicates switching to a second bandwidth portion and, after said expiration, performs an autonomous return to the bandwidth portion of the previous configuration.

5. The control command is to decrease / increase the discontinuous reception on period by a certain amount, or Decreasing / increasing the discontinuous reception inactivity period by a certain amount; and performing an autonomous reversion to said previous configuration after said expiration. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein

6. decoding, by a user equipment, downlink control information on a physical downlink control channel, the downlink control information comprising a control command to the user equipment and an indication that additional information related to the control command is carried via a physical downlink shared channel, the control command indicating a change in configuration, and the additional information indicating additional control parameters related to the control command control parameters, comprising a duration of the change in configuration; monitoring the physical downlink shared channel; decoding the additional information; executing the control command in accordance with the additional information; returning to a previous configuration of the user equipment after the duration of the control command expires; A method comprising:

7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the additional information further indicates an increase, a decrease, an amount of the change, and / or a delay period before the change.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, wherein the control command indicates a change in bandwidth portion, physical resource block, transmission power, discontinuous reception schedule, and / or discontinuous transmission schedule configuration of the radio interface of the user equipment.

9. 9. The method according to claim 6, wherein the control command indicates switching to a second bandwidth portion and, after the expiration, performs an autonomous return to the bandwidth portion of the previous configuration.

10. The control command is to decrease / increase the discontinuous reception on period by a certain amount, or Decreasing / increasing the discontinuous reception inactivity period by a certain amount; and performing an autonomous reversion to said previous configuration after said expiration. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein

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