Mobile device, access network node and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates, inter alia, to a method for user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the method comprising receiving information regarding measurement occasions for the at least one NES cell from the first access network node, and measuring signals transmitted by the at least one NES cell based on the received information.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to communication systems. [Background technology]

[0002] This disclosure relates particularly, but not exclusively, to wireless communication systems and devices thereof that operate in accordance with 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®) standards or equivalents or derivatives thereof (including LTE-Advanced, next generation, or 5G networks, future generations, and beyond). This disclosure relates particularly, but not exclusively, to assisting devices in measuring cells operating in network energy saving (NES) states and methods for transitioning those cells from NES states to normal operating states.

[0003] A recent development in the 3GPP standards is the so-called "5G" or "New Radio" (NR) standard, which refers to an evolved communications technology that is expected to support a variety of applications and services, including MTC / IoT communications, vehicular communications and autonomous vehicles, high-definition video streaming, and smart city services. 3GPP plans to support 5G through the so-called 3GPP Next Generation (NextGen) radio access network (RAN) and 3GPP NextGen Core (NGC) network. Details about 5G networks can be found, for example, in the "NGMN 5G White Paper" V1.0 by the Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance, available at https: / / www.ngmn.org / 5g-white-paper.html.

[0004] In 3GPP standards, a NodeB (or eNB in ​​LTE, or gNB in ​​5G) is a radio access network (RAN) node (or simply "access node," "access network node," or "base station") through which communication devices (sometimes called user equipment (UE) or mobile terminals) connect to the core network and communicate with other communication devices and remote servers. For simplicity, this application will use the terms RAN node or base station to refer to such access nodes collectively. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] There is a need for improved energy efficiency in wireless communication networks, sometimes referred to as using Network Energy Saving (NES) techniques. Reducing the amount of energy required to operate a communication network reduces the environmental impact of operating the system and reduces operational costs. For example, the energy consumption of base stations and other similar access network nodes not only represents a significant operational cost for network operators, but also raises concerns about the environmental impact of operating a communication network. Various tools exist for saving energy on the network side. For example, one way to achieve a more efficient communication network is to limit the energy requirements of the radio access network portion of the system. It will be understood that the energy consumption of a radio access network includes both a dynamic portion associated with transmitting and receiving data and a static portion associated with the operation of radio access devices that are performed even when no data is being transmitted or received. The static portion includes, for example, the power required to operate a user equipment (UE) in a mode that allows the UE to receive and decode a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) transmitted from a base station. An energy saving mode can be configured for one or more devices (e.g., base stations and / or UEs) in the system. For example, a base station may be configured to operate in an energy saving state / mode in which it transmits a reduced number of times (also called a "dormant" or "inactive" state / mode), or the base station may be configured to not attempt to transmit or receive signals during certain periods of time.

[0006] Cells capable of modifying their transmission / reception characteristics in this way are also referred to as "NES cells" or "capacity cells." For example, when a capacity cell (i.e., a cell deployed to support a specific area during peak hours) is turned off, neighboring cells become aware of its availability. This capability therefore allows, for example, E-UTRA or E-UTRA-New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) cells, which optimize energy consumption and provide additional capacity via single or dual connectivity in deployments where capacity boosters can be distinguished from cells providing basic coverage, to be turned off when the capacity is no longer needed and reactivated as needed. This decision is typically based on cell load information, and the decision to switch off can be made by an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) node or other appropriate core network node.

[0007] However, there are several considerations when implementing energy saving schemes in radio access networks. For example, it is important to consider the impact of network energy saving schemes on network performance (e.g., in terms of latency). Efficient configuration of energy saving mode activation and deactivation (e.g., wake-up) is required to ensure that devices can continue to communicate and operate with acceptable latency. More generally, there is a need for more efficient and reliable methods and apparatus for improving the energy efficiency of wireless communication systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide apparatus and methods that at least partially address the above needs and / or problems.

[0009] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the method including receiving information related to measurement occasions for the at least one NES cell from the first access network node, and measuring signals transmitted by the at least one NES cell based on the received information.

[0010] The information may include location information regarding the at least one NES cell, and the UE may use the location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell.

[0011] The UE may use the location information and the UE's location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell.

[0012] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for an access network node operating a first cell in a communication system, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the method including: transmitting to the UE a message including information regarding measurement occasions for the at least one NES cell and allowing the UE to measure signals transmitted by the at least one second cell.

[0014] The information may include location information about the at least one NES cell to allow the UE to use the location information about the at least one NES cell to determine whether to trigger measurements on the at least one NES cell.

[0015] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0016] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the UE comprising: means for receiving information relating to measurement occasions for the at least one NES cell from the first access network node; and means for measuring signals transmitted by the at least one NES cell based on the received information.

[0017] The information may include location information regarding the at least one NES cell, and the UE may be configured to use the location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell.

[0018] The UE may be configured to use the location information and the UE's location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell.

[0019] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0020] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides an access network node configured to operate a first cell in a communication system, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the access network node comprising means for transmitting to the UE a message including information regarding measurement occasions for the at least one NES cell and allowing the UE to measure signals transmitted by the at least one second cell.

[0021] The information may include location information about the at least one NES cell to allow the UE to use the location information about the at least one NES cell to determine whether to trigger measurements on the at least one NES cell.

[0022] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0023] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the method including: receiving information from the first access network node indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; transmitting to the first access network node a list of NES cells for the UE to measure; receiving from the first access network node a cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure; and obtaining, for the at least one NES cell, measurements for the at least one NES cell based on the received cell list and the measurement occasion indicated by the information.

[0024] The transmitting to the first access network node may further include transmitting UE-specific location information.

[0025] The UE-specific location information may be provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0026] The information may include location information about the plurality of NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node.

[0027] The location information may include one or more of the coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, the physical distance of the UE from the one cell, and the physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0028] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a first access network node operating a first cell in a communication system, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE) and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the method including: transmitting, to the UE, information indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; receiving, from the UE, a list of NES cells for the UE to measure; and transmitting, to the UE, a cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure.

[0029] Receiving from the UE may further include receiving UE-specific location information.

[0030] The UE-specific location information may be provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0031] The method may further include, if the cell list includes a dormant NES cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell.

[0032] The activation signal may identify resources to be used by the dormant NES cell to transmit its synchronization signal corresponding to the measurement occasion indicated to the UE in the information about the dormant NES cell.

[0033] The information may include location information relating to the NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node.

[0034] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0035] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a second access network node operating a network energy saving (NES) cell in a dormant state, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a first access network node operating a first cell, the method including receiving an activation signal from the first access network node to activate the dormant NES cell; and broadcasting a synchronization signal to the UE to allow measurements of the dormant NES cell.

[0036] The activation signal may identify resources that the dormant NES cell uses to transmit its synchronization signal.

[0037] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the UE comprising: means for receiving information indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells from the first access network node; means for transmitting to the first access network node a list of NES cells for the UE to measure; means for receiving from the first access network node a cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure; and means for obtaining measurements of the at least one NES cell based on the received cell list and the measurement occasion indicated by the information, for the at least one NES cell.

[0038] The transmission to the first access network node may further include UE specific location information.

[0039] The UE-specific location information may be provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0040] The information may include location information about the plurality of NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node.

[0041] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0042] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a first access network node configured to operate a first cell in a communication system, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the first access node comprising: means for transmitting, to the UE, information indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; means for receiving, from the UE, a list of NES cells for the UE to measure; and means for transmitting, to the UE, a cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure.

[0043] Receiving from the UE may further include receiving UE-specific location information.

[0044] The UE-specific location information may be provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0045] The first access network node may further comprise means for, if the cell list includes a dormant NES cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell.

[0046] The activation signal may identify resources to be used by the dormant NES cell to transmit its synchronization signal corresponding to the measurement occasion indicated to the UE in the information about the dormant NES cell.

[0047] The information may include location information relating to the NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node.

[0048] The location information may include one or more of coordinates of the at least one NES cell, beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE, beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from the first cell, and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell.

[0049] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a second access network node configured to operate a network energy saving (NES) cell in a dormant state, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a first access network node operating a first cell, the second access node comprising means for receiving an activation signal from the first access network node to activate the dormant NES cell; and broadcasting a synchronization signal to the UE to allow measurements of the dormant NES cell.

[0050] The activation signal may identify resources that the dormant NES cell uses to transmit its synchronization signal.

[0051] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for user equipment (UE) in a communication system including a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the method including: sending a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell to the first access network node; receiving a cell list from the first access network node including information indicating measurement occasions for at least one NES cell for the UE to measure; and obtaining measurements for the at least one NES cell based on the received information.

[0052] The request for cell measurements may further include UE specific location information.

[0053] The UE-specific location information may be provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0054] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for a first access network node operating a first cell in a communication system, the communication system further comprising a user equipment (UE) and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the method including: receiving a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell from the UE; determining a cell list including measurement occasion information for at least one suitable NES cell for the UE to measure; and transmitting the cell list to the UE.

[0055] The request for cell measurement information may further include UE-specific location information if the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0056] The method may further include, when the UE requests measurement of a second cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell, and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell.

[0057] The activation signal may identify resources to be used by the dormant NES cells to transmit their synchronization signals corresponding to the measurement occasions of the dormant NES cells indicated to the UE in a cell list.

[0058] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the UE comprising: means for transmitting a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell to the first access network node; means for receiving from the first access network node a cell list including information indicating measurement occasions for at least one NES cell for the UE to measure; and means for obtaining measurements of the at least one NES cell based on the received information.

[0059] The request for cell measurements may further include UE specific location information.

[0060] The UE-specific location information may be provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0061] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a first access network node configured to operate a first cell in a communication system, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the first access node comprising: means for receiving a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell from the UE; means for determining a cell list including measurement occasion information for at least one suitable NES cell for the UE to measure; and means for transmitting the cell list to the UE.

[0062] The request for cell measurement information may further include UE-specific location information if the UE is connected to the first cell.

[0063] The first access network may further comprise means for transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell when the UE requests measurement of a second cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, and for broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell.

[0064] The activation signal may identify resources to be used by the dormant NES cells to transmit their synchronization signals corresponding to the measurement occasions of the dormant NES cells indicated to the UE in a cell list.

[0065] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a communication system, the communication system further comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating a network energy saving (NES) cell, the method including triggering transmission of a wakeup signal (WUS) to the first access network node and / or the at least one second access network node when the UE satisfies a WUS trigger threshold.

[0066] The WUS may include a reference signal that configures the receiving first access network node and / or second access network node to interpret the presence of the UE, or the WUS may include at least one of information regarding the UE's radio quality with respect to at least one NES cell, a quality of service desired by the UE, a reason value, or an ordered list of suitable NES cells.

[0067] The method may further include receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response indicates that the WUS was successful, accessing the at least one NES cell using updated system information of the at least one NES cell.

[0068] The method may further include receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response is originated from the first access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message may include information indicating the at least one NES cell that did not wake up and configuring the UE to treat the at least one NES cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time.

[0069] The method may further include receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response is originating from the second access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message may indicate that the second cell did not wake up and may include information to configure the UE to treat the second cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time.

[0070] The response message may be a broadcast acknowledgement message, or the response message may be a dedicated acknowledgement message for the UE.

[0071] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a user equipment (UE) in a communication system, the communication system further comprising: a first access network node operating a first cell; and at least one second access network node operating a network energy saving (NES) cell, the UE comprising means for triggering transmission of a wakeup signal (WUS) to the first access network node and / or the at least one second access network node when the UE meets a WUS trigger threshold.

[0072] The WUS may include a reference signal that configures the receiving first access network node and / or second access network node to interpret the presence of the UE, or the WUS may include at least one of information regarding the UE's radio quality with respect to at least one NES cell, a quality of service desired by the UE, a reason value, or an ordered list of suitable NES cells.

[0073] The UE may further comprise means for receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response indicates that the WUS is successful, the UE may be configured to access the at least one NES cell using updated system information of the at least one NES cell.

[0074] The UE may further comprise means for receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response is originated from the first access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message may indicate the at least one NES cell that did not wake up and include information for configuring the UE to treat the at least one NES cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time.

[0075] The UE may further comprise means for receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response originates from the second access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message may indicate that the second cell did not wake up and include information to configure the UE to treat the second cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time.

[0076] The response message may be a broadcast acknowledgement message, or the response message may be a dedicated acknowledgement message for the UE. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0077] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a mobile (“cellular” or “wireless”) communications system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a typical frame structure that can be used in the communication system of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows an example of a DRX cycle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a UE within the coverage of an anchor cell and four cells operating in the NES state. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows an example of an anchor cell assisting a UE in obtaining measurements of non-dormant NES cells. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows the radio environment for a UE, an anchor cell, and a cell operating in the NES state. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows a UE near eight beams being transmitted by a base station. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C shows the beam profile of the UE. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows another example of an anchor cell assisting the UE in obtaining measurements of an NES cell. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example of a UE assisting an anchor cell in obtaining measurements of an NES cell. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows another example of a UE assisting an anchor cell in obtaining measurements of an NES cell. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a wake-up procedure triggered by the UE. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main components of a UE of the communication system of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main components of a base station of the communication system of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0078] overview An exemplary communication system will now be described in general terms, by way of example only, with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0079] FIG. 1 illustrates schematically a mobile (“cellular” or “wireless”) communications system 1 to which embodiments of the present disclosure are applicable.

[0080] In the communication system 1, user equipment (UE) 3-1, 3-2, 3-3 (e.g., mobile phones and / or other communication-enabled devices) can communicate with each other via radio access network (RAN) nodes 5 that operate according to one or more compatible radio access technologies (RATs). In the illustrated example, the RAN nodes 5 include NR / 5G base stations or "gNBs" 5 that operate one or more associated cells 9. Communications via the base stations 5 are typically routed through a core network 7 (e.g., a 5G core network or evolved packet core network (EPC)). While N2 and N3 interfaces between the RAN nodes 5 and the 5G core network are shown, it will be understood that one or more alternative interfaces may be used, depending, for example, on the nature of the connections within the core network 7. Also shown in FIG. 1 is an additional RAN node 5A that may operate one or more associated cells 9A. In the illustrated example, cell 9A operated by RAN node 5A provides a smaller coverage area than cell 9 operated by RAN node 5 (for clarity, the interface between RAN node 5A and the core network has been omitted).

[0081] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, while FIG. 1 shows three UEs 3 and two base stations 5 for illustrative purposes, an implemented network will typically include additional base stations 5 and UEs 3.

[0082] Each base station 5 controls, directly or indirectly via one or more other nodes (such as home base stations, relays, remote radio heads, distributed units, etc.), one or more associated cells 9. It will be appreciated that the base stations 5 may be configured to support 4G, 5G, 6G, and / or other 3GPP or non-3GPP communication protocols.

[0083] A UE 3 and its serving base station 5 are connected via a suitable radio interface (such as, for example, the so-called "Uu" interface). Neighboring base stations 5 may be connected to each other via a suitable inter-base station interface (such as the so-called "X2" interface or "Xn" interface, which are omitted in FIG. 1 for clarity).

[0084] The core network 7 includes multiple logical nodes (or "functions") for supporting communications in the communication system 1. In this example, the core network 7 includes a control plane function (CPF) 10 and one or more user plane functions (UPF) 11. The CPF 10 includes one or more Access and Mobility Management Functions (AMF) 10-1, one or more Session Management Functions (SMF), and multiple other functions 10-n.

[0085] The base stations 5 are connected to core network nodes via appropriate interfaces (or "reference points"), such as the N2 reference point for communication of control signaling between the base stations 5 and the AMF 10-1, and the N3 reference point for communication of user data between the base stations 5 and each UPF 11. The UEs 3 are each connected to the AMF 10-1 via a logical non-access stratum (NAS) connection via the N1 reference point (equivalent to the S1 reference point in LTE). It will be appreciated that the N1 communications are transparently routed via the base stations 5.

[0086] The one or more UPFs 11 are connected to an external data network (eg an IP network such as the Internet) via a reference point N6 for the communication of user data.

[0087] The AMF 10-1 performs mobility management related functions, maintains a NAS signaling connection with each UE 3, and manages UE registrations. The AMF 10-1 is also responsible for managing paging. The SMF 10-2 provides session management functions (forming part of the LTE MME functionality) and also integrates some control plane functions (provided by the LTE Serving Gateway and Packet Data Network Gateway). The SMF 10-2 allocates an IP address to each UE 3.

[0088] The base stations 5 of the communication system 1 are configured to operate at least one cell 9 on an associated frequency division duplex (FDD) carrier operating in paired spectrum. It will be appreciated that the base stations 5 may also operate at least one cell 9 on an associated time division duplex (TDD) carrier operating in unpaired spectrum.

[0089] The base station 5 may be divided into one or more distributed units (DUs) and a central unit (CU) (omitted for clarity in FIG. 1 ), where the CU typically performs high-level functions and communication with the next-generation core, and the DU 50 performs low-level functions and communication with nearby UEs 3 (i.e., within the cell operated by the base station 5) over the air interface. This type of base station may be referred to as a “distributed” base station 5 or gNB 5. A distributed gNB 5 includes the following functional units: gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU): A logical node that hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC), Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP), and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layers of a gNB (or the RRC and PDCP layers of an en-gNB) and controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs. The gNB-CU terminates the so-called F1 interface connected to the gNB-DUs. gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU): A logical node that hosts the Radio Link Control (RLC), Medium Access Control (MAC), and Physical (PHY) layers of a gNB or en-gNB, and 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 the 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 portion of the PDCP protocol of the gNB-CU for the en-gNB, and the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol and SDAP protocol of the gNB-CU for the 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.

[0090] It will be appreciated that if a distributed base station or similar control plane - user plane (CP-UP) split is employed, the base station 5 is split into separate control plane and user plane entities, each of which may include associated transceiver circuitry, antennas, network interfaces, controllers, memory, operating systems, and communication control modules. If the base station 5 is configured as a distributed base station, the network interfaces also include E1 and F1 interfaces (F1-C for the control plane and F1-U for the user plane) for communicating signals between each function of the distributed base station.

[0091] The base station 5 is also configured to transmit control information and user data via a plurality of downlink (DL) physical channels and a plurality of physical signals, which the UE 3 is configured to receive, where the DL physical channels correspond to resource elements (REs) that carry information originating from higher layers, and the DL physical signals correspond to REs used by the physical layer that do not carry information originating from higher layers.

[0092] The physical channels may include, for example, a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), a physical broadcast channel (PBCH), and a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH). The PDSCH transmits data that shares the capacity of the PDSCH based on time and frequency. The PDSCH can transmit various data items, including, for example, user data, UE-specific upper layer control messages mapped from higher channels, system information blocks (SIBs), and paging. The PDCCH transmits downlink control information (DCI) to support various functions, including, for example, scheduling downlink transmissions on the PDSCH and uplink data transmissions on the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH). The PBCH provides a Master Information Block (MIB) to the UE. The PBCH, in conjunction with the PDCCH, also supports time and frequency synchronization and assists in cell acquisition, selection, and reselection. The UE 3 may receive a synchronization signal block (SSB) and may assume that the reception opportunities for the PBCH, primary synchronization signal (PSS), and secondary synchronization signal (SSS) are consecutive symbols, forming an SS / PBCH block. The base station 5 may transmit multiple synchronization signal (SS) blocks corresponding to different DL beams. The total number of SS blocks may be limited, for example, to a duration of 5 ms as an SS burst. The periodicity of the SSB transmission may be indicated to the UE using any appropriate signaling (e.g., per serving cell using ssb-periodicityServingCell). The SSB periodicity value may be, for example, 20 ms or greater. During initial cell selection, the UE 3 may be configured to assume that SS bursts occur with a periodicity of two frames.The UE 3 may be provided with an indication (eg, using ssb-PositionsInBurst) of which SSBs will be transmitted within the 5 ms period.

[0093] DL physical signals may include, for example, reference signals (RS) and synchronization signals (SS). Reference signals (sometimes known as pilot signals) are signals with predefined special waveforms that are known to both the UE 3 and the base station 5. Reference signals may include, for example, cell-specific reference signals, UE-specific reference signals (UE-RS), downlink demodulation signals (DMRS), and channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS).

[0094] Similarly, the UE 3 is configured to transmit control information and user data via a plurality of uplink (UL) physical channels corresponding to REs carrying information originating from higher layers, and to transmit UL physical signals corresponding to REs used in the physical layer that do not carry information originating from higher layers, and the base station 5 is configured to receive these. The physical channels may include, for example, a PUSCH, a physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), and / or a physical random-access channel (PRACH). The UL physical signals may include, for example, a demodulation reference signal (DMRS) for UL control / data signals and / or a sounding reference signal (SRS) used for UL channel measurement.

[0095] When a UE 3 first establishes a radio resource control (RRC) connection with a base station 5 via a cell, it registers with an appropriate core network node (e.g., AMF, MME, etc.). The UE 3 is in the so-called RRC connected state, and the associated UE context is maintained by the network. When the UE 3 is in the so-called RRC idle or RRC inactive state, the UE 3 selects a suitable cell to camp on, allowing the network to know the approximate location of the UE 3 (although not necessarily at a cell level).

[0096] Frame structure 2 shows a typical frame structure used in a communication system 1, in which base stations 5 and UEs 3 communicate with each other using resources organized in the time domain into 10 ms long frames. Each frame contains ten 1 ms long, equally sized subframes. Each subframe is divided into one or more slots containing 14 equally long Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

[0097] As shown in FIG. 2, the communication system 1 supports multiple different numerologies (subcarrier spacing (SCS), slot length, and OFDM symbol length). Specifically, each numerology is identified by a parameter μ, where μ=0 represents 15 kHz (corresponding to LTE SCS). Currently, SCS for other values ​​of μ can be derived substantially by scaling up from μ=0 by a power of 2 (i.e., SCS=15×2μkHz). The relationship between the parameter μ and SCS (Δf) is shown in Table 1. [Table 1]

[0098] System Information and SIB It will be appreciated that transmissions in a cell of a given base station in a communications network may include one or more broadcast transmissions and one or more unicast transmissions for reception by UEs in the network. System information (SI) transmitted in a cell may include "minimum SI" (MSI) and "other SI" (OSI). OSI may be broadcast on demand, for example, using a downlink shared channel (DL-SCH). OSI may also be broadcast upon request from a UE 3 in a radio resource control (RRC) idle or RRC inactive state. OSI may also be requested by a UE 3 in an RRC connected state, for example, via one or more dedicated RRC transmissions.

[0099] The SI may include information to enable (e.g., configure) the UE 3 to complete a cell (re)selection (described below), to enable the UE 3 to complete a cell reselection procedure, or to enable the UE 3 to receive one or more paging messages transmitted within the cell. The SI may be broadcast using a Master Information Block (MIB) and one or more System Information Blocks (SIBs). The UE 3 in FIG. 1 may receive a stronger signal and / or a higher quality signal from a particular base station than the base station to which the UE is connected / camped. In this case, the UE triggers a cell reselection procedure and camps on a cell that provides better service to the UE.

[0100] The MSI includes a MIB and system information block 1 (SIB1). The MIB includes information used by the UE 3 to receive SIB1, such as the subcarrier spacing of SIB1. The MIB provides information corresponding to the Control Resource Set (CORESET) and the Search Space. SIB1 is also referred to as the "remaining MSI" (RMSI). SIB1 may be transmitted in a dedicated RRC message, and other SIBs (e.g., SIB2 to SIB9) may be transmitted using one or more other appropriate RRC transmissions. The MIB and SIB1 may provide the UE 3 with scheduling information for receiving and decoding other SIBs, such as SIB2 to SIB9, and may provide information used by the UE 3 to receive one or more paging messages.

[0101] The OSI may include SIB2 to SIB9, which are transmitted using the DL-SCH in an SI message, for example. A mapping of SIB2 to SIB9 corresponding to the SI message may be provided to the UE 3 by the base station 5. The MIB and SIB1 to SIB9 are described in detail, for example, in 3GPP TS 38.331. For example, SIB2 provides information about intra-frequency, inter-frequency, and inter-system cell reselection, SIB3 provides cell-specific information about intra-frequency cell reselection, and SIB4 provides information about inter-frequency cell reselection. SIB5 provides information about inter-system cell reselection for 4G (LTE). SIB6 and SIB7 provide information about the earthquake and tsunami warning system (ETWS). SIB8 provides information about commercial mobile alert service (CMAS) notifications, for example, to provide a warning text message to the UE 3. SIB9 contains information about coordinated universal time (UTC), global positioning system (GPS) time (eg, for GPS initialization), and local time.

[0102] The SIBs may be broadcast periodically (e.g., according to a predetermined periodic pattern) or, alternatively, may be provided "on-demand," e.g., upon request from UE 3. For example, MIB may be transmitted with a periodicity of 80 ms and repeated within 80 ms, while SIB1 may be transmitted with a periodicity of 160 ms and with a variable transmission repetition period within 160 ms (e.g., 20 ms). SIB1 may be used to indicate to UE 3 which SIBs are transmitted periodically and which SIBs are available on-demand upon request from UE 3. UE 3 may be configured to request on-demand SIBs using MSG1 (random access preamble (RA)), also referred to as MSG1-based on-demand SI request, or MSG3 (RRC Connection Request), also referred to as MSG3-based on-demand SI request.

[0103] The physical broadcast channel (PBCH) can be used to broadcast the MIB. The base station 5 may transmit the PBCH with a synchronization signal (SS) (e.g., a primary synchronization signal (PSS) and a secondary synchronization signal (SSS)) in an SS / PBCH block. The SS / PBCH block may comprise four orthogonal frequency-division multiplexed (OFDM) symbols mapped to the PSS, SSS, and PBCH associated with a demodulation reference signal (DM-RS). In the frequency domain, the SS / PBCH block consists of 240 consecutive subcarriers. When the UE 3 is in RRC connected mode, the base station 5 may provide the UE 3 with an indication of the resources used for the SS / PBCH, for example, using dedicated signaling (e.g., for the anchor NES cell or for the non-anchor NES cell). The SIB1 may be transmitted using a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH). The OSI may also be transmitted, for example, using the PDSCH.

[0104] When one or more beamformed transmissions are transmitted within a cell served by base station 5, some of the SIs (e.g., some of the SIBs) may be transmitted only using a particular beam or using a particular transmission / reception point (TRP).

[0105] Discontinuous Reception A device (such as, for example, the UE 3) may be configured to operate using a discontinuous reception (DRX) scheme. In the DRX scheme, the UE 3 is configured with a DRX cycle that includes periods during which the UE 3 is configured to receive transmissions (e.g., from the base station 5) and periods during which the UE 3 is not configured to receive transmissions. The periods during which the UE 3 is not configured to receive transmissions may be periods during which physical layer processing is turned off. Advantageously, the energy consumption of the UE 3 is reduced during the periods during which the UE 3 is not configured to receive transmissions.

[0106] The UE 3 may be provided with a DRX configuration from the network (e.g., by or via the base station 5). The DRX configuration provided to the UE 3 (e.g., using a DRX configuration information element (IE) included in a transmission from the base station 5 to the UE 3) may include an indication of the time period during which the UE 3 is configured not to receive and decode downlink transmissions (e.g., multicast or unicast transmissions from the base station 5), and an indication of the time period during which the UE 3 is configured to receive downlink transmissions. The DRX configuration may also include a time offset for the DRX cycles, which may be useful for controlling the relative timing of the DRX cycles of different UEs 3 (e.g., for synchronization or to offset the DRX cycles). The DRX configuration may also include an indication of the time period during which the UE remains configured to receive transmissions after reception of the PDCCH.

[0107] The periods during a DRX cycle in which UE 3 is configured to receive transmissions are also called "on" periods or "DRX active times", and the periods in which UE 3 is not configured to receive transmissions are also called "off" periods, "sleep periods", or "DRX inactive times". Figure 3 shows on periods of duration t1 and off periods of duration t2 within repeated DRX cycles.

[0108] DRX may be configured for each UE 3 by the network (e.g., via appropriate signaling from the base station 5). For example, the timing and / or duration of the on-period in the DRX cycle may be different for each UE 3. During the off-period, the UE 3 may be configured not to monitor the PDCCH, but may initiate uplink transmission based on configured resources (e.g., using the PUCCH, random access channel (RACH), scheduling request (SR), or configured grant PUSCH (CG-PUSCH)). During the off-period, the system may be configured so that no transmission / reception occurs between the UE 3 and the base station 5 in the corresponding cell. Nevertheless, the base station 5 may be configured to reduce or limit transmission / reception in the cell during the off-period of the DRX cycle. For example, the base station 5 may be configured to not transmit only a subset of periodic signals or channels, such as common channels / signals normally transmitted in the cell or UE-specific channels / signals.

[0109] DRX may be used when the UE 3 is in RRC idle mode or when the UE 3 is in RRC connected mode. For example, DRX may be used when the UE 3 is in RRC idle mode to control monitoring of paging messages transmitted by the base station 5. This may advantageously prevent the UE 3 from monitoring all PDCCH transmission opportunities, thereby reducing the energy usage of the UE 3. Similarly, DRX may be used when the UE 3 is in an RRC connected state (also called C-DRX) to reduce the energy usage of the UE 3, for example by configuring periods when the UE 3 does not need to monitor the PDCCH.

[0110] Within a C-DRX cycle, when the UE 3 is in an RRC connected state, the UE 3 periodically monitors the PDCCH during the on period and does not monitor the PDCCH outside the on period (i.e., the DRX inactive period), which can effectively reduce the power consumption of the UE 3. Currently, during the C-DRX inactive time, the UE 3 is allowed to initiate uplink transmission based on configured resources (e.g., using the PUCCH, random access channel (RACH), scheduling request (SR), or configured grant PUSCH (CG-PUSCH)).

[0111] Outside the DRX active period, the base station 5 may be configured to reduce (e.g., temporarily increase the period) or disable transmissions and channels such as SSB / SI / paging / RACH in order to reduce energy consumption at the base station 5. As will be described later, when the UE 3 decides to transmit / receive DL / UL signals and channels outside the DRX active period, it can use an uplink wakeup signal (UL WUS) to request transmission / reception of the corresponding DL / UL signals and channels.

[0112] The DRX configuration may include a long DRX cycle with a relatively long time between on-periods (relatively long t2 in FIG. 3 ) and a short DRX cycle with a relatively short time between on-periods (relatively short t2 in FIG. 3 ). A long DRX cycle improves system energy efficiency (because the overall proportion of time the UE 3 is in the on state is smaller), but may increase communication latency because the base station 5 cannot communicate with the UE 3 via downlink transmission when the UE 3 is in a sleep state (DRX inactive state). If the UE 3 is configured to use DRX after a period of inactivity following data transmission, the UE 3 may initially be configured to use the short DRX cycle configuration. (Alternatively, the UE 3 may be controlled to start DRX using the short DRX configuration after data transmission based on signaling from the base station 5, such as a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) signaling, or other appropriate signaling, indicating that the UE 3 should start DRX.) Furthermore, after a certain period (also referred to as a short DRX cycle timer) has elapsed, the UE 3 may operate using the long DRX cycle configuration. The short DRX configuration and long DRX configuration may be indicated to the UE 3 (or alternatively may be pre-configured in the UE 3), for example using appropriate signaling from the base station 5.

[0113] The UE 3 may be configured to provide the network with assistance information for use by the network in configuring the DRX cycle. The assistance information may be sent from the UE 3 to the base station 5, for example, following an RRC reconfiguration procedure.

[0114] Although DRX has been described above with reference to discontinuous reception performed by the UE 3, similar DTX patterns can be defined to control discontinuous transmission of data by the UE 3. If defined, the UE DTX pattern will typically overlap with the UE DRX pattern, so that when the UE 3 is not receiving data, it will typically not transmit data either.

[0115] Note that such a method can also be applied to the base station 5, for example, by a DRX method or a discontinuous transmission (DTX) method, whereby the base station can stop transmission and reception during a period when the base station 5 is inactive or asleep (off period), and resume transmission and reception with the UE 3 during a period when the base station 5 is active (on period). Furthermore, the base station 5 may apply other network energy saving techniques, such as using an NES technique in at least one of the time / frequency / space / power domains.

[0116] Measurement, selection, and wake-up of cells operating in the NES state As described above, the base station 5 of the communication system 1 can operate in a more energy-efficient manner using NES techniques in the time / frequency / space / power domains. As a result of such operation, the base station 5 may transition to a dormant power state / energy-saving state (e.g., SSB-less / SIB1-less / SSB relaxed state). A base station operating in such an NES state may sleep completely and not transmit / receive signals until the NES state is changed, or may operate in an NES state with a reduced number of signals that can be transmitted / received. While such operation can save energy, it may also benefit UEs by communicating through cells that were previously operated by the base station 5 in a non-NES state.

[0117] For example, referring to Figure 4, UE 3 is within the coverage of base stations 5, 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D (via cells 9, 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D operated by each base station, respectively). Base stations 5A-5D are operable in the NES state (hence, these cells 9A-9D are also referred to as "NES cells"), while base station 5 does not operate in the NES state (hence, cell 9 can be referred to as the "anchor cell" because UE 3 can receive SSBs, system information, and paging from base station 5 in cell 9).

[0118] In the example of FIG. 4, UE 3 is served by base station 5B because it receives the strongest signal from the nearest base station compared to other base stations that are more distant. However, if cell 9B experiences an outage (e.g., due to an equipment failure at base station 5B) and base stations 5A, 5C, and 5D are in the NES state, the UE may not be able to communicate with the core network 7 through these base station cells 9A, 9C, and 9D during the cell reselection procedure. For example, in some NES states, the transmission and / or reception rates of base stations may be reduced compared to non-NES operation. Therefore, if the UE scans for NES cells while they are transmitting at the reduced rate, the UE may not be able to make measurements on those NES cells. Of course, if an NES state causes NES cells to go completely dormant (or into a "deep sleep" state), UE 3 will not be able to scan those cells at all. Therefore, a mechanism is needed to enable the UE to recognize base stations operating in the NES state when performing cell (re)selection.

[0119] Proposal 1a One way to make the UE aware of NES cells during cell (re)selection is through proper network planning. For example, frequencies may be efficiently reused (i.e., frequencies "dedicated" to the NES cells to which the UE can find the closest one). However, because not all NES cells are discoverable (or available) and because frequency reuse may not result in NES states for NES cells using the same frequency varying across anchor cells, additional information, such as the specific location of one or more NES cells, may be required to identify suitable NES cells. Therefore, frequency reuse alone may not be sufficient to identify one or more NES cells suitable for UE measurements.

[0120] For example, referring to FIG. 5, if UE 3 does not determine the presence of one or more suitable NES cells during cell selection (or cell reselection) but detects anchor cell 9, the anchor cell 9 may be configured to provide information to UE 3 to assist the UE in measuring one or more NES cells that are configured only for periodic signal broadcast / reception (e.g., periodic broadcast of SSBs due to operation in the NES state). At S501, anchor cell 9 is configured to unicast or broadcast measurement occasions for NES cells potentially relevant to UE 3, e.g., timing information indicating when and at what frequency those NES cells are scheduled to transmit synchronization / reference signals. Optionally, this unicast or broadcast may include location information for the NES cells. In this regard, the location information may provide precise coordinates of one or more NES cells, thereby assisting UE 3 in subsequently selecting one or more neighboring NES cells to measure, and the measurement occasions may indicate the times at which the NES cells are configured to broadcast / receive signals. However, it will be appreciated that the exact coordinates of a particular NES cell (or cells) are not necessarily required, and instead the location information may take other forms that assist the UE 3 in selecting an NES cell to measure, such as beam profile information, beam strength information (e.g., of a second cell having the same beam profile as the UE), the anchor cell, the physical distance of the UE from a neighboring cell closest to the UE, etc. Next, in S502, the UE 3 may decide whether to trigger NES cell measurements based on the information received from the anchor cell in S501. Thus, if the UE 3 decides to trigger NES cell measurements, in S503, the UE 3 can obtain NES cell measurements for NES cells that it might not have been able to measure otherwise.

[0121] For example, referring to Figure 6A, there is shown UE 3 and base stations 5 and 5A. Base station 5 operates cell 9, which has a wider coverage area than cell 9A operated by base station 5A (in this example, base station 5 is considered the anchor cell for UE 3, and cell 9A is considered the NES cell). As described above with reference to Figure 5, base station 5 is configured to help the UE select potentially suitable NES cells for measurements by unicasting / broadcasting measurement occasions and potential location information, so that UE 3 is able to measure cell 9A based on the received information (without this information, UE 3 may not have been able to measure signals transmitted by NES cell 9A).

[0122] As shown in FIG. 6A, the base station 5 has multiple beams (indicated by alternating shaded and unshaded areas of the cell 9). Because the UE 3 is located in an area of ​​the cell 9 corresponding to one of the shaded beams, the UE 3 has a "beam profile" with respect to the other beams. This "beam profile" is shown in FIGS. 6B and 6C. Eight beams A to H are schematically shown in FIG. 6B, pointing in different directions relative to the UE 3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6C, the UE 3 receives signals through these beams with different magnitudes (the Y axis represents the reception strength / reception quality, etc.). The base station 5 may provide the UE 3 with information indicating the beam profiles of one or more NES cells within the coverage of this beam profile. (The beam profiles of one or more NES cells may be simulated by the anchor cell 9, which knows the actual location of the NES cell 9A, or the NES cell 9A may perform actual beam measurements and report them to the anchor cell 9.) If UE3 has a beam profile that corresponds (or nearly corresponds) to the beam profile of the NES cell, it can be assumed that UE3 may be within the coverage of the NES cell, and thus becomes a potential candidate for measurement by UE3. Furthermore, base station 5 may include (or alternatively include) in its unicast / broadcast information indicating the distance of the NES cell from anchor cell 9 based on its timing advance (TA) range. In this case, UE3 compares its current TA range for anchor cell 9 with the TA range of the NES cell for anchor cell 9 to determine whether it is within the TA range of one or more NES cells and determines whether these NES cells are potential candidates for measurement by UE3. Conversely, as shown in FIG. 6, if UE3 determines that its TA is outside the range of a base station operating in the NES state (i.e., the TA range of cell 9A operated by base station 5A, shown by the bold line), UE3 may exclude such NES cell from the candidates for measurement.

[0123] Proposal 1b In Proposal 1a, the anchor cell provided information about measurement occasions (and optionally location information) for non-dormant NES cells, so the UE could choose to measure these non-dormant NES cells. However, considering that many NES cells may not be suitable for UE access, Proposal 1b, described below with reference to Figure 7, presents a procedure whereby the anchor cell helps the UE identify potentially suitable NES cells with finer granularity than in Proposal 1a. Furthermore, it may be important for the UE to be able to measure dormant NES cells, for example, when the UE receives limited information about measurable NES cells or when it is more suitable for the UE to access dormant cells. Proposal 1b also presents a procedure to address this issue.

[0124] Specifically, referring to Figure 7, in S701 the anchor cell 9 is configured to unicast or broadcast measurement occasions (and optionally location information) for one or more NES cells that may be suitable for the UE 3 to measure on; this is done in a similar manner to S501 in Figure 5 and will not be repeated here, but in S701 the information also includes information about potentially suitable NES cells operating in a dormant state.

[0125] In S702, the UE 3 determines whether to trigger NES cell measurements based on the information received from the anchor cell in S701. If the UE 3 desires cell measurements, the UE 3 is configured to transmit a specific cell measurement request indicating the NES cell on which the UE 3 desires to measure based on the information received in S701 in S703. Optionally, if the UE 3 has an RRC connection with the anchor cell 9, the UE 3 may include UE-specific location information in the specific cell measurement request provided to the anchor cell (this mitigates security concerns by signaling the UE 3's location information only to the base station 5 to which it is already connected). By providing this UE-specific location information, the base station 5 operating the anchor cell 9 can provide the UE 3 with a more granular cell list by filtering out cells that are not suitable for the UE 3 based on the UE 3's location relative to other NES cells. Furthermore, this UE location information reduces the likelihood that the anchor cell 9 will activate a dormant NES cell that may not be suitable for the UE 3 given the location of the UE 3 in the network relative to the dormant NES cell, thus allowing this proposal to effectively reduce signaling and processing overhead across the network and potentially provide significant network energy savings.

[0126] Additionally, if UE 3 indicated to anchor cell 9 as part of the request in S703 that UE 3 wishes to measure NES cells operating in a dormant state, anchor cell 9 transmits an activation signal to those cells (e.g., via the Xn interface or other suitable interface) in S704. Optionally, the activation signal may be transmitted to NES cells operating in a non-dormant state. This activation signal configures one or more NES cells to activate and broadcast synchronization signals using the time and frequency resources corresponding to the measurement occasions indicated to UE 3 in S701 for those dormant NES cells.

[0127] Next, at S705, the base station 5 operating the anchor cell 9A determines which of the cells for which the UE has requested measurement are actually suitable for the UE 3 to measure, for example, based on the UE's location (e.g., NES cells outside the UE 3's range can simply be excluded from the list / access capabilities / possibility of waking up the NES cell), and includes these cells in a cell list sent to the UE 3. The cell list may be limited in size (e.g., to any number of NES cells) and may be ranked (e.g., ranked based on the likelihood of the NES cell waking up, the time the NES cell was last woken up, the amount of energy required to wake up the cell, etc.). Furthermore, if the UE 3 is connected to the anchor cell 9, the anchor cell 9 may use information already stored in the UE context for the UE 3, such as timing advance, beam profile, and other core network information (e.g., from the location management function (LMF)), in making its determination. This list may include the aforementioned dormant NES cells that are currently activated and broadcasting synchronization signals, which the UE 3 can measure in S706.

[0128] It will be appreciated that in a deployed network, there may be many NES cells operating within the coverage area of ​​a particular anchor cell. To minimize the above-mentioned signaling performed by such anchor cells, the anchor cell may be configured to limit "on-demand" requests (such as the request made by the UE at S703) and / or to allocate on-demand resources for broadcasting NES cell information and / or to allocate on-demand resources for unicasting NES cell information.

[0129] Proposal 2a As mentioned above, proposals 1a and 1b both relate to procedures performed by the base station to assist the UE in measuring NES cells during cell (re)selection. This procedure may alternatively be UE-initiated, and in this regard reference is made below to Figure 8.

[0130] In this example, in step S801, the anchor cell broadcasts cell measurement request opportunities, e.g., opportunities where UE3 may request measurement opportunities for NES cells (i.e., time and frequency information indicating when and where (in the frequency domain) the NES cell transmits its synchronization signal). UE3 may choose to trigger NES cell measurements based on the received information in S802. If UE3 triggers NES cell measurements, UE3 is configured to send a specific request to anchor cell9 in S803 for a list of cells suitable for measurement. (Optionally, if UE3 is connected to anchor cell9, anchor cell9 may use information already stored in the UE context for UE3 in making its decision, such as the UE's timing advance, beam profile, and other core network information (e.g., from location management function (LMF)).) If the anchor cell determines that NES cells suitable for measurement by UE3 are in the dormant NES state, anchor cell9 sends a signal to these cells in S804 (e.g., via the Xn interface or other suitable interface). Optionally, the UE 3 may transmit an activation signal to the NES cells operating in a non-dormant state, configuring the NES cells to activate and broadcast synchronization signals using the time and frequency resources corresponding to the measurement occasions indicated to the UE 3 in S801 for these dormant NES cells.

[0131] Next, in S805, a message including a list of cells for UE3 to measure in S806 is sent to UE3. This list may include the aforementioned dormant NES cells that are currently activated by S804 and broadcasting synchronization signals that UE3 can measure in S806.

[0132] Proposal 2b Proposal 2b is an alternative to proposal 2a, where UE3 is connected to an anchor cell that is broadcasting cell measurement request opportunities (i.e., UE3 has an RRC connection with base station 5). This example roughly corresponds to the steps performed in proposal 2a (not repeated here), but is modified (as shown in Figure 9) at S903 to include UE-specific location information being provided to the anchor cell with which UE3 has an RRC connection (this mitigates security concerns by only signaling UE3's location information to base station 5 with which it is already connected).

[0133] By providing this UE-specific location information, the base station 5 operating the anchor cell 9 can provide a cell list with finer granularity to the UE 3 by filtering out cells that are unsuitable for the UE 3 based on the UE 3's location relative to other NES cells. Furthermore, this UE location information reduces the likelihood that the anchor cell 9 will activate a dormant NES cell that may be unsuitable for the UE 3 given the UE 3's location in the network relative to the dormant NES cell, thus effectively reducing signaling and processing overhead across the network and potentially providing significant network energy savings.

[0134] Proposals 3 and 4 Once the UE 3 has measured one or more NES cells according to the above example, or once the UE has successfully measured one or more NES cells during a cell (re)selection procedure, a mechanism is needed for the UE to determine whether the NES cells need to be woken up from a dormant state and, if so, to transmit a signal to one or more target cells to "wake up" the target cell(s) (e.g., to request that the NES cells transition from a dormant or reduced transmission / reception activity state to a state of active transmission or reception of channels / signals). In this regard, reference is made to Figure 10, which illustrates a procedure performed by the UE including transmitting a wake-up signal (WUS). It will be appreciated that this signal is sometimes referred to as uplink (UL), WUS, because it is transmitted from the UE to the base station.

[0135] The WUS may be transmitted from the UE 3 to the base station 5 / 5A, for example, to trigger or request the transmission of SSBs, SIB1, and / or reference signals by the base station 5A. As will be explained below, the WUS does not have to be transmitted to a specific cell, but may be transmitted to multiple cells, including the anchor cell and / or one or more NES cells (if the WUS is transmitted to the base station 5, the base station 5 will forward the WUS to the base station 5A via an appropriate interface (e.g., the Xn interface)).

[0136] In normal cell (re)selection, the UE typically determines which cell to (re)select based on cells with received signal strength / quality above a threshold. Here, a similar process is used to determine which cells to wake up. However, to limit the NES cells that are woken up in this way, a different (e.g., higher) threshold than the normal cell (re)selection threshold is used to trigger the WUS transmission, whereby the NES cell is woken up only when its received signal strength / quality exceeds the higher threshold. Alternatively, a lower threshold may be used to trigger the WUS, for example, if the UE has quality of service requirements that can only be met by the NES cell and not the anchor cell (e.g., the UE requests 5G services that are only provided by NES cells with a lower RSRP than the anchor cell operated by the 4G base station (eNB), and therefore the UE cannot be provided with the desired service).

[0137] In S1001, once UE3 decides to transmit an UL WUS, UE3 may transmit the UL WUS directly to NES cell 9A (or multiple NES cells determined to be appropriate by UE3 when triggered in S1001) and / or anchor cell 9 in S1002.

[0138] The format of the UL WUS message sent by the UE 3 may be simple or more complex. In the simple case, the UL WUS message may take the form of a simple reference signal that is interpreted by the receiving base station as the UE's binary presence. Even simpler, no response is required from the network (e.g., the base station 5 operating the anchor cell 9 or the base station 5A operating the NES cell 9A), and the UE 3 waits until the NES cell wakes up to update its System Information (SI) and begin broadcasting. Alternatively, the network (e.g., the base station 5 operating the anchor cell 9 or the base station 5A operating the NES cell 9A) may broadcast an acknowledgement reply message earlier in the procedure that the UE 3 interprets as a successful wake-up of one or more requested NES cells, along with an optional indication of when the NES cell SI is scheduled to be updated.

[0139] If the UE 3 is not connected to the anchor cell 9, a more complex form of the UL WUS message may be used (thus the UE 3 may use a random access channel (RACH) procedure with the anchor cell 9 as part of the wake-up process).

[0140] In this example, the UL WUS message may include a report of the UE's NES radio quality and / or may indicate the UE 3's desired quality of service (QoS), which can assist the network in determining which NES cell or cells to wake for the UE 3. Additionally, the UL WUS may include a ranked list of NES cells that the UE 3 has determined to be suitable, which can also assist the network in determining which NES cell or cells to wake for the UE 3.

[0141] At S1003, once the network has determined which NES cell(s) to wake for UE 3, the network signals the selected NES cell(s) to wake from the NES state. This “network decision” may be made in combination with base station 5, base station 5A, and / or a node within core network 7.

[0142] Next, in step S1004, the network provides its decision in a reply message sent to the UE 3 via the anchor cell 9 or NES cell 9A, the reply being of any of the configurations described with reference to proposal 5 below.

[0143] Suggestion 5 Proposals 3 and 4 relate to the procedures and operations in the UE during the WU process, respectively. Proposal 5 relates to the network operations during the WU process, in particular the configuration of the response message sent from base station 5 or base station 5A at S1004 in Figure 10. The response message may be in any of the following formats: -A broadcast acknowledgement reply message indicating the result of the WUS attempt. If the message indicates a success, the UE 3 uses the updated NES cell System Information (SI) to access the cell. Optionally, the reply message may include an indication of the next NES SI update. If the WUS attempt is unsuccessful (e.g., if the NES cell refuses to wake up), the reply from the base station 5A configures the UE 3 to consider the NES cell as unsuitable (e.g., treat the NES cell that did not wake up as a forbidden cell) for a predefined period of time, although it will be understood that the UE 3 may continue to monitor the NES cell in case the SI is updated later. If the reply message is instead sent by the base station 5, it includes information indicating the NES cell 9A that did not wake up, and it will be understood that the UE 3 is configured to consider the NES cell as unsuitable (e.g., treat the NES cell that did not wake up as a forbidden cell) for a predefined period of time, although it will be understood that the UE 3 may continue to monitor the NES cell in case the SI is updated later. - A DL response message (e.g., a broadcast message) containing the updated NES cell SI (or indicating that the desired NES cell did not wake up). When the UE 3 receives this, it waits and obtains the updated NES cell SI in the DL resources indicated in the DL message. If the UE is not connected to the anchor cell and the UE 3 uses the RACH procedure to send the complex UL WUS message described above, the DL response message may be a dedicated response message (instead of a broadcast message). This dedicated response message confirms the UE's WUS message and provides an indication of the next NES SI update of the NES cell or provides the UE with an updated NES cell configuration. Alternatively, no response may be sent from the network, so the UE 3 assumes that the WUS has been received and waits for the next NES cell SI update.

[0144] User Equipment FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main components of the UE 3 shown in FIG.

[0145] As shown, the UE 3 includes transceiver circuitry 310 capable of transmitting signals to and receiving signals from a base station 5 via one or more antennas 330 (e.g., including one or more antenna elements). The UE 3 includes a controller 370 that controls the operation of the UE 3. The controller 370 is associated with a memory 390 and is connected to the transceiver circuitry 310. Although not necessary for the operation of the UE 3, the UE 3 may include all of the usual functionality of a traditional UE 3 (e.g., a user interface 350, such as a touchscreen / keypad / microphone / speaker, that allows for direct user control and interaction), which may be provided by any or any combination of hardware, software, and firmware, as appropriate. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 390 and / or downloaded via a communications network or a removable data storage device (RMD).

[0146] Controller 370, in this example, is configured to control the overall operation of UE 3 via program or software instructions stored in memory 390. As shown, these software instructions include, among other things, an operating system 410 and a communications control module 430.

[0147] The communications control module 430 is operable to control communications between the UE 3 and its one or more serving base stations 5 (and other communications devices connected to the base stations 5, e.g., other UEs and / or core network nodes). The communications control module 430 is configured to perform overall processing of uplink communications over associated uplink channels (e.g., physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), random access channel (RACH), and / or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)), including both dynamic signaling and semi-static signaling (e.g., SRS). The communications control module 430 is also configured to perform overall processing of reception of downlink communications over associated downlink channels (e.g., physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and / or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)), including both dynamic signaling and semi-static signaling (e.g., CSI-RS). The communications control module 430 is responsible for, for example, determining where to monitor downlink control information (e.g., the CSS / USS to monitor, the CORESET, and the location of associated PDCCH candidates), determining the resources the UE 3 will use to transmit / receive UL / DL communications (including interleaved resources and resources subject to frequency hopping), managing frequency hopping at the UE side, determining how to configure slots / symbols (e.g., for UL, DL, or SBFD communications), determining which bandwidth portion or portions are configured for the UE 3, determining how uplink transmissions should be coded, appropriately applying SBFD-specific communications configurations, etc. The communications control module 430 may be configured to control communications (e.g., to transmit uplink WUS according to any of the methods described above) in accordance with any of the methods described above.

[0148] base station FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram illustrating the main components of a base station 5 of the communication system 1 shown in FIG. 1. As shown, the base station 5 comprises a transceiver circuit 510 for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from communication devices (such as UE 3) via one or more antennas 530 (e.g., single or multi-panel antenna arrays / large-scale antennas), and a core network interface 550 (e.g., including N2, N3, and other reference points / interfaces) for transmitting signals to and receiving signals from network nodes in the core network 7. Although not shown, the base station 5 may connect to other base stations via an appropriate interface (e.g., the so-called "Xn" interface in NR). The base station 5 comprises a controller 570 that controls the operation of the base station 5. The controller 570 is associated with a memory 590. Software may be pre-installed in the memory 590 and / or downloaded via the communication system 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD), etc. The controller 570 is configured, in this example, to control the overall operation of the base station 5 by means of program or software instructions stored in memory 590 .

[0149] As shown, these software instructions include, among other things, an operating system 610 and a communications control module 630 .

[0150] The communications control module 630 is operable to control communications between the base station 5 and the UEs 3 and other network entities connected to the base station 5. The communications control module 630 is configured to generally control the reception and decoding of uplink communications over associated uplink channels (e.g., physical uplink control channel (PUCCH), random-access channel (RACH), and / or physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH)), including both dynamic signaling and semi-static signaling (e.g., SRS). The communications control module 630 is also configured to generally handle the transmission of downlink communications over associated downlink channels (e.g., physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) and / or physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH)), including both dynamic signaling and semi-static signaling (e.g., CSI-RS). The communications control module 630 is responsible for managing full-duplex communications (e.g., SBFD), including separating UL and DL communications over different physical antenna elements, if necessary. The communication control module 630 is responsible for, for example, determining the configuration locations for the UE 3 to monitor for downlink control information (e.g., the locations of the CSS / USS, CORESET, and associated PDCCH candidates to monitor), determining the resources scheduled for transmission / reception of UL / DL communications by the UE (including interleaved resources and resources subject to frequency hopping), managing frequency hopping at the base station side, configuring slots / symbols appropriately (e.g., for UL, DL, or SBFD communications), configuring one or more bandwidth portions for the UE 3, providing related configuration signaling to the UE 3, etc. The communication control module 630 may be configured to control communications according to any of the above-mentioned methods (e.g., to receive uplink WUS and perform transmission / reception of corresponding signals to / from the UE 5, as described above).

[0151] Modifications and Alternatives As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, several modifications and alternatives to the above-described embodiments are possible while having the benefit of the disclosure contained herein.

[0152] For example, for clarity, although specific terms for cellular communication generations (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, 6G, etc.) may be used to refer to particular communication entities, the technical features described for a particular entity are not limited to devices of that particular communication generation, and it will be understood that these technical features may be implemented in any functionally equivalent communication entity regardless of the terms used to refer to them.

[0153] In the above description, the UE and base station are described for ease of understanding as having several separate functional components or modules. While these modules may be provided in this manner in certain applications, such as when an existing system is modified to implement the present disclosure, in other applications, such as systems designed from the beginning with the features of the present invention in mind, these modules may be incorporated into the overall operating system or code, and therefore may not be identifiable as separate entities.

[0154] In the above embodiments, several software modules have been described. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, these software modules may be provided in compiled or uncompiled form, and may be supplied as signals via a computer network or via a recording medium. Furthermore, the functions performed by some or all of these software modules may be performed using one or more dedicated hardware circuits. However, the use of software modules is preferred to facilitate updating the functions of the base station or UE.

[0155] Each controller may comprise any suitable form of processing circuitry, including, for example, but not limited to, one or more hardware-implemented computer processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), input / output (IO) circuitry, internal memory / cache (program and / or data), processing registers, communication buses (e.g., control buses, data buses and / or address buses), direct memory access (DMA) functionality, hardware or software-implemented counters, pointers, and / or timers, etc. Various other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail herein.

[0156] A base station may be configured as a "distributed" base station with a central unit "CU" and one or more individual distributed units (DUs).

[0157] User equipment (or "UE," "mobile station," "mobile device," or "wireless device") in this disclosure is an entity connected to a network via a wireless interface.

[0158] It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to dedicated communication devices, but may be applied to any device having the communication capabilities described below.

[0159] The terms "user equipment" or "UE" (as used in 3GPP), "mobile station," "mobile device," and "wireless device" are generally intended to be synonymous with each other and include standalone mobile stations such as terminals, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, and machines. It will be understood that the terms "mobile station" and "mobile device" also include devices that remain fixed for extended periods of time.

[0160] The UE may be, for example, production or manufacturing equipment and / or energy-related machinery (such as equipment or machinery such as boilers, engines, turbines, solar panels, wind turbines, hydroelectric generators, thermal generators, nuclear generators, batteries, nuclear systems and / or related equipment, heavy electrical machinery, pumps including vacuum pumps, compressors, fans, blowers, hydraulic equipment, pneumatic equipment, metalworking machinery, manipulators, robots and / or application systems thereof, tools, dies, rolls, conveying equipment, lifting equipment, material handling equipment, textile machinery, sewing equipment, printing and / or related machinery, paper processing machinery, chemical machinery, mining and / or construction machinery and / or related equipment, agricultural, forestry, and / or fishing machinery and / or implements, safety and / or environmental protection equipment, tractors, precision bearings, chains, gears, power transmission equipment, lubrication equipment, valves, pipe fittings, and / or application systems of any of the foregoing equipment or machinery, etc.).

[0161] The UE may be, for example, a transportation device (such as a rail car, an automobile, a motorcycle, a bicycle, a train, a bus, a cart, a rickshaw, a ship or other water vehicle, an aircraft, a rocket, a satellite, a drone, a balloon, etc.), or may be, for example, an information and communications device (such as an electronic computer and related devices, a communication and related devices, an electronic component, etc.).

[0162] The UE may be, for example, refrigeration machines, refrigeration machine applications, commercial and / or service industry equipment, vending machines, automated service machines, office machines or equipment, consumer electronic devices and appliances (e.g., audio equipment, video equipment, loudspeakers, radios, televisions, microwave ovens, rice cookers, coffee makers, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, electronic fans or related equipment, vacuum cleaners, etc.).

[0163] The UE may be, for example, an electrical application system or device (such as an x-ray system, a particle accelerator, a radioisotope device, a sonic device, an electromagnetic application device, an electronic power application device, etc.).

[0164] The UE may be, for example, an electronic lamp, lighting fixture, measuring, analytical, testing, or surveying or sensing equipment (e.g., smoke detectors, motion sensors, radio frequency tags, etc.), a watch or clock, laboratory equipment, optical equipment, medical equipment and / or systems, weapons, tableware, hand tools, etc.

[0165] The UE may be, for example, a personal digital assistant or related device with wireless capabilities (such as a wireless card or module designed to be attached to or inserted into another electronic device (e.g., a personal computer, electrical measurement equipment)).

[0166] The UE may be a device or part of a system that uses various wired and / or wireless communication technologies to provide the applications, services, and solutions described below in relation to the "internet of things (IoT)."

[0167] Internet of Things devices (or "things") are equipped with appropriate electronics, software, sensors, network connectivity, etc., and are able to collect and exchange data among themselves and with other communicating devices. IoT devices may comprise automated machines that follow software instructions stored in their internal memory. IoT devices may operate without the need for human supervision or operation. IoT devices may also remain stationary or inactive for long periods of time. IoT devices may be implemented as part of (typically) stationary equipment. IoT devices may be integrated into non-stationary equipment (e.g., vehicles) or attached to animals or people being monitored / tracked.

[0168] It will be understood that IoT technology can be implemented in any communication device that can connect to a communication network and send / receive data, regardless of whether such communication device is controlled by human input or by software instructions stored in a memory.

[0169] It will be appreciated that IoT devices are also referred to as Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) devices. It will be appreciated that a UE may support one or more IoT or MTC applications. Some examples of MTC applications are shown in the table below. This list is not exhaustive and is intended to illustrate some examples of machine-type communication applications. [Table 2]

[0170] The applications, services, and solutions may be Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services, emergency wireless communication systems, Private Branch eXchange (PBX) systems, PHS / digital cordless telephone systems, Point of sale (POS) systems, advertise calling systems, Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS), Vehicle to Everything (V2X) systems, train radio systems, location-related services, disaster / emergency wireless communication services, community services, video streaming services, femtocell application services, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, billing services, wireless on-demand services, roaming services, activity monitoring services, carrier / network selection services, function restriction services, Proof of Concept (PoC) services, personal information management services, ad hoc networks / Delay Tolerant Networking (DTN) services, and the like.

[0171] Furthermore, the above-mentioned UE categories are merely examples of application of the technical ideas and embodiments described in this specification. Of course, these technical ideas and embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned UEs, and various modifications are possible.

[0172] Many other variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

[0173] For example, all or part of the embodiments disclosed above can be described as follows, but are not limited to these. (Appendix 1) 1. A method for a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the method comprising: receiving information regarding measurement occasions for the at least one NES cell from the first access network node; measuring signals transmitted by the at least one NES cell based on the received information; A method comprising: (Appendix 2) the information includes location information for the at least one NES cell, and the UE uses the location information to determine whether to trigger measurements on the at least one NES cell. The method described in Appendix 1. (Appendix 3) The UE uses the location information and the UE's location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell. The method described in Appendix 2. (Appendix 4) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. 10. The method according to claim 2 or 3. (Appendix 5) 1. A method for an access network node operating a first cell in a communications system, the communications system further comprising: user equipment (UE); and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell; transmitting a message to the UE including information regarding a measurement occasion for the at least one NES cell, allowing the UE to measure signals transmitted by the at least one second cell; method. (Appendix 6) the information includes location information about the at least one NES cell, to allow the UE to use the location information about the at least one NES cell to determine whether to trigger measurements on the at least one NES cell; The method described in Appendix 5. (Appendix 7) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. 7. The method according to claim 5 or 6. (Appendix 8) 1. A user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell, the UE comprising: means for receiving information regarding measurement occasions for said at least one NES cell from said first access network node; means for measuring signals transmitted by said at least one NES cell based on said received information; A UE equipped with: (Appendix 9) the information includes location information regarding the at least one NES cell, and the UE is configured to use the location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell. UE as described in Appendix 8. (Appendix 10) the UE is configured to use the location information and the UE location information to determine whether to trigger measurements of the at least one NES cell. UE as described in Appendix 9. (Appendix 11) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. 10. The UE according to claim 9 or 10. (Appendix 12) an access network node configured to operate a first cell in a communications system, the communications system further comprising user equipment (UE) and at least one second access network node operating at least one network energy saving (NES) cell; means for transmitting to the UE a message including information regarding a measurement occasion for the at least one NES cell, and allowing the UE to measure signals transmitted by the at least one second cell; Access network node. (Appendix 13) the information includes location information about the at least one NES cell, to allow the UE to use the location information about the at least one NES cell to determine whether to trigger measurements on the at least one NES cell; 13. The access network node of claim 12. (Appendix 14) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. 14. An access network node according to claim 12 or 13. (Appendix 15) 1. A method for a user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the method comprising: receiving information from the first access network node indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; sending a list of NES cells for the UE to measure to the first access network node; receiving a cell list from the first access network node, the cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure; obtaining, for the at least one NES cell, measurements of the at least one NES cell based on the received cell list and the measurement occasion indicated by the information; A method comprising: (Appendix 16) and transmitting to the first access network node further includes transmitting UE-specific location information. The method described in Appendix 15. (Appendix 17) The UE-specific location information is provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell. The method described in Appendix 16. (Appendix 18) the information includes location information about the plurality of NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node. 18. The method of any one of appendices 15 to 17. (Appendix 19) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the one cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. 18. The method described in Appendix 18. (Appendix 20) 1. A method for a first access network node operating a first cell in a communications system, the communications system further comprising: user equipment (UE); and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells; transmitting to the UE information indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; receiving from the UE a list of NES cells for the UE to measure; transmitting a cell list to the UE, the cell list including at least one NES cell among the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure; A method comprising: (Appendix 21) receiving from the UE further includes receiving UE-specific location information; 21. The method described in Appendix 20. (Appendix 22) The UE-specific location information is provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell. 21. The method described in Appendix 21. (Appendix 23) If the cell list includes a dormant NES cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, the method further includes: sending an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell; and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell. 23. The method of any one of appendices 20 to 22. (Appendix 24) the activation signal identifies resources to be used by the dormant NES cell to transmit its synchronization signals corresponding to the measurement occasions indicated to the UE in the information about the dormant NES cell. 24. The method described in Appendix 23. (Appendix 25) the information includes location information about the NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node; 25. The method of any one of appendixes 20 to 24. (Appendix 26) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. The method described in Appendix 25. (Appendix 27) 1. A method for a second access network node operating a network energy saving (NES) cell in a dormant state, the communication system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a first access network node operating a first cell; receiving an activation signal from the first access network node to activate the dormant NES cell; and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell. method. (Appendix 28) The activation signal identifies resources that the dormant NES cell will use to transmit its synchronization signal. 27. The method described in Appendix 27. (Appendix 29) 1. A user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the user equipment (UE) comprising: means for receiving from the first access network node information indicative of measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; means for transmitting a list of NES cells for the UE to measure to the first access network node; means for receiving from the first access network node a cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure; means for obtaining, for the at least one NES cell, measurements of the at least one NES cell based on the received cell list and measurement occasions indicated by the information; A UE equipped with: (Appendix 30) the transmission to the first access network node further includes UE-specific location information; UE as described in Appendix 29. (Appendix 31) The UE-specific location information is provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell. UE as described in Appendix 30. (Appendix 32) the information includes location information about the plurality of NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node. 32. The UE of any one of Supplementary Notes 29 to 31. (Appendix 33) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. UE as described in Appendix 32. (Appendix 34) a first access network node configured to operate a first cell in a communications system, the communications system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells; means for transmitting to the UE information indicating measurement occasions for the plurality of NES cells; means for receiving from the UE a list of NES cells for the UE to measure; means for transmitting to the UE a cell list including at least one NES cell of the plurality of NES cells for the UE to measure; a first access network node comprising: (Appendix 35) receiving from the UE further includes receiving UE-specific location information; 35. The first access node of claim 34. (Appendix 36) The UE-specific location information is provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell. 36. The first access node of claim 35. (Appendix 37) If the cell list includes a dormant NES cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, the method further comprises: transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell; and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell. 37. A first access network node according to any one of Supplementary Notes 34 to 36. (Appendix 38) the activation signal identifies resources to be used by the dormant NES cell to transmit its synchronization signals corresponding to the measurement occasions indicated to the UE in the information about the dormant NES cell. 38. The first access node of claim 37. (Appendix 39) the information includes location information about the NES cells to allow the UE to determine which NES cells to include in the list of NES cells that the UE sends to the first access network node; 39. The first access node of any one of Supplementary Notes 34 to 38. (Appendix 40) The location information includes one or more of: coordinates of the at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information; a physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and a physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell. 39. The first access node of claim 39. (Appendix 41) a second access network node configured to operate a network energy saving (NES) cell in a dormant state, the communications system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and the first access network node operating the first cell; means for receiving an activation signal from the first access network node to activate the dormant NES cell, and means for broadcasting a synchronization signal to the UE to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell; A second access network node. (Appendix 42) The activation signal identifies resources that the dormant NES cell will use to transmit its synchronization signal. 42. The second access network node of claim 41. (Appendix 43) 1. A method for user equipment (UE) in a communication system including a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, comprising: sending a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell to the first access network node; receiving a cell list from the first access network node, the cell list including information indicating a measurement occasion for at least one NES cell for the UE to measure; obtaining measurements of the at least one NES cell based on the received information; and A method comprising: (Appendix 44) the request for cell measurements further includes UE specific location information. 43. The method described in Appendix 43. (Appendix 45) The UE-specific location information is provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell. The method described in Appendix 44. (Appendix 46) 1. A method for a first access network node operating a first cell in a communications system, the communications system further comprising: user equipment (UE); and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells; receiving a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell from the UE; determining a cell list including measurement occasion information for at least one suitable NES cell for the UE to measure; transmitting the cell list to the UE; A method comprising: (Appendix 47) the request for cell measurement information further includes UE-specific location information when the UE is connected to the first cell. The method described in Appendix 46. (Appendix 48) When the UE requests measurement of a second cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, the method further includes transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell, and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell. 48. The method of claim 46 or 47. (Appendix 49) the activation signal identifies resources to be used by the dormant NES cell to transmit its synchronization signal corresponding to the measurement occasion of the dormant NES cell indicated to the UE in a cell list. 48. The method described in Appendix 48. (Appendix 50) 1. A user equipment (UE) in a communication system comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells, the user equipment (UE) comprising: means for sending a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell to the first access network node; means for receiving from the first access network node a cell list including information indicating a measurement occasion for at least one NES cell for the UE to measure; means for obtaining measurements of the at least one NES cell based on the received information; A UE equipped with: (Appendix 51) the request for cell measurements further includes UE specific location information. UE as described in Appendix 50. (Appendix 52) The UE-specific location information is provided only when the UE is connected to the first cell. UE as described in Appendix 51. (Appendix 53) a first access network node configured to operate a first cell in a communications system, the communications system further comprising: a user equipment (UE); and a plurality of second access network nodes operating respective network energy saving (NES) cells; means for receiving from the UE a request for cell measurement information of an NES cell; means for determining a cell list including measurement occasion information for at least one suitable NES cell for the UE to measure; means for transmitting the cell list to the UE; a first access network node comprising: (Appendix 54) the request for cell measurement information further includes UE-specific location information when the UE is connected to the first cell. 54. The first access network node of claim 53. (Appendix 55) and means for transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell when the UE requests measurement of a second cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, and for broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell. 55. A first access network node according to claim 53 or 54. (Appendix 56) the activation signal identifies resources to be used by the dormant NES cell to transmit its synchronization signal corresponding to the measurement occasion of the dormant NES cell indicated to the UE in a cell list. 56. The first access network node of claim 55. (Appendix 57) 1. A method performed by a user equipment (UE) in a communications system, the communications system further comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating a network energy saving (NES) cell; triggering transmission of a wakeup signal (WUS) to the first access network node and / or the at least one second access network node when the UE meets a WUS trigger threshold. method. (Appendix 58) The WUS includes a reference signal that configures the receiving first access network node and / or second access network node to interpret the presence of the UE; or The WUS includes at least one of information regarding the UE's radio quality with respect to at least one NES cell, a desired quality of service of the UE, a cause value, or an ordered list of suitable NES cells; 58. The method described in Appendix 57. (Appendix 59) receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response indicates that the WUS is successful, accessing the at least one NES cell using updated system information of the at least one NES cell. 58. The method described in Appendix 58. (Appendix 60) receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response is from the first access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message indicates the at least one NES cell that did not wake up and includes information for configuring the UE to treat the at least one NES cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time. 59. The method described in Appendix 59. (Appendix 61) receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, wherein if the response is from the second access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message indicates that the second cell did not wake up and includes information for configuring the UE to treat the second cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time. 59. The method described in Appendix 59. (Appendix 62) the response message is a broadcast acknowledgement message; 62. The method of any one of appendices 59 to 61. (Appendix 63) the response message is a dedicated acknowledgement message for the UE; 62. The method of any one of appendices 59 to 61. (Appendix 64) a user equipment (UE) in a communications system, the communications system further comprising a first access network node operating a first cell and at least one second access network node operating a network energy saving (NES) cell; means for triggering transmission of a wakeup signal (WUS) to the first access network node and / or the at least one second access network node when the UE meets a WUS trigger threshold; UE. (Appendix 65) the WUS includes a reference signal that configures the receiving first access network node and / or second access network node to interpret the presence of the UE; or The WUS includes at least one of information regarding the UE's radio quality with respect to at least one NES cell, a desired quality of service of the UE, a cause value, or an ordered list of suitable NES cells; UE as described in Appendix 64. (Appendix 66) and means for receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, and if the response indicates that the WUS is successful, the UE is configured to access the at least one NES cell using updated system information of the at least one NES cell. UE as described in Appendix 65. (Appendix 67) and means for receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, wherein if the response is originated from the first access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message indicates the at least one NES cell that did not wake up and includes information for configuring the UE to treat the at least one NES cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time. UE as described in Appendix 66. (Appendix 68) and means for receiving a response from the first cell and / or the NES cell, wherein if the response is from the second access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response message indicates that the second cell did not wake up and includes information for configuring the UE to treat the second cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time. UE as described in Appendix 66. (Appendix 69) the response message is a broadcast acknowledgement message; 69. The UE of any one of Clauses 66 to 68. (Appendix 70) the response message is a dedicated acknowledgement message for the UE; 69. The UE of any one of Clauses 66 to 68.

[0174] This application claims the benefit of priority from UK Patent Application No. 2302235.3, filed February 16, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Explanation of symbols]

[0175] 1. Communication Systems 3. User Equipment 5 base station 7 Core Network 9 cells 10 CONTROL PLANE FUNCTION 11 USER PLANE FUNCTION 310 Transceiver Circuit 330 Antenna 350 User Interface 370 Controller 390 memory 410 Operating Systems 430 Communication Control Module 510 Transceiver Circuit 530 Antenna 550 Core Network Interface 570 Controller 590 memory 610 Operating System 630 Communication Control Module

Claims

1. 1. A method for user equipment (UE), comprising: receiving, from a first access network node, first information regarding measurement occasions for at least one network energy saving (NES) cell operated by the at least one second access network node; performing a measurement of the at least one NES cell based on the first information; A method comprising:

2. transmitting a request for second information for measurements of at least one requested NES cell of the at least one NES cell to the first access network node; receiving the first information is performed by receiving from the first access network node a cell list including the first information regarding measurement occasions for at least one negotiated NES cell of the at least one requested NES cell for the UE to measure; performing the measurements is performed by performing measurements of the at least one negotiated NES cell. The method of claim 1.

3. the request includes a list of the at least one requested NES cell of the at least one NES cell for the UE to measure. The method of claim 2.

4. the first information includes location information regarding the at least one NES cell; determining whether to trigger the measurement of the at least one NES cell based on the location information; 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The determining is performed based on location information of the UE. The method of claim 4.

6. the first information includes location information regarding the at least one NES cell; determining which NES cells of the at least one NES cell to include in the list of the at least one requested NES cell. The method of claim 3.

7. The location information is coordinates of said at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information, a physical distance of the UE from a first cell operated by the first access network node; and the physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell; [0033] 7. The method according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The request includes location information of the UE. The method according to claim 2 or 3.

9. the location information of the UE is included only if the UE is connected to a first cell operated by the first access network node; The method of claim 7.

10. and transmitting a wakeup signal (WUS) to the first access network node and / or the at least one second access network node when the UE meets a WUS trigger threshold.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. the WUS includes a reference signal that configures the first access network node and / or the at least one second access network node to interpret the presence of the UE, or The WUS is Information regarding the radio quality of the UE with respect to at least one NES cell; the quality of service desired by the UE; Reason value, or an ordered list of suitable NES cells; at least one of: The method of claim 10.

12. receiving a response from the first cell and / or the at least one NES cell; If the response indicates that the WUS was successful, accessing the at least one NES cell using updated system information of the at least one NES cell.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11.

13. receiving a response from the first cell and / or the at least one NES cell; If the response is sent from the first access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response indicates the at least one NES cell that did not wake up and includes information for configuring the UE to treat the at least one NES cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11.

14. receiving a response from the first cell and / or the at least one NES cell; If the response is sent from the at least one second access network node and indicates that the WUS was not successful, the response indicates that the at least one NES cell did not wake up and includes information to configure the UE to treat the at least one NES cell as unsuitable for measurements for a certain period of time.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11.

15. The response may be: a broadcast acknowledgment message, or a dedicated acknowledgement message for the UE; at least one of:

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14.

16. If a response to the WUS is not received for a certain period of time, Deeming the WUS successful; and and waiting to receive updated system information of the at least one NES cell to access the at least one NES cell.

12. The method according to claim 10 or 11.

17. 1. A method for an access network node, comprising: transmitting first information to a user equipment (UE) regarding measurement occasions for at least one network energy saving (NES) cell operated by at least one second access network node, and allowing the UE to perform measurements on the at least one NES cell; method.

18. receiving from the UE a request for second information for measurements of at least one requested NES cell of the at least one NES cell; transmitting the first information is performed by transmitting a cell list including the first information regarding measurement occasions for at least one negotiated NES cell of the at least one requested NES cell for the UE to measure.

18. The method of claim 17.

19. the request includes a list of the at least one requested NES cell of the at least one NES cell for the UE to measure.

20. The method of claim 18.

20. the first information includes location information about the at least one NES cell, so as to allow the UE to decide whether to trigger the measurement of the at least one NES cell based on the location information about the at least one NES cell; 20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. the first information includes location information about the NES cell to allow the UE to determine which NES cell to include in the list of the at least one requested NES cell.

20. The method of claim 19.

22. The location information is coordinates of said at least one NES cell; beam profile information of the at least one NES cell having the same beam profile as the UE; beam intensity information, the physical distance of the UE from the first cell; and the physical distance of the UE from the at least one NES cell; [0033] 22. The method of claim 20 or 21.

23. the request includes receiving location information of the UE.

20. The method of claim 18 or 19.

24. The location information of the UE is included only when the UE is connected to the first cell.

24. The method of claim 23.

25. and receiving a wakeup signal (WUS) from the UE when the UE meets a WUS trigger threshold.

25. The method of any one of claims 17 to 24.

26. The WUS includes a reference signal that configures the first access network node to interpret the presence of the UE; or The WUS is Information regarding the radio quality of the UE with respect to at least one NES cell; the quality of service desired by the UE; Reason value, or an ordered list of suitable NES cells; at least one of:

26. The method of claim 25.

27. If the WUS indicates a dormant NES cell operating in a dormant energy saving state, transmitting an activation signal to the dormant NES cell to activate the dormant NES cell, and broadcasting a synchronization signal to allow the UE to measure the dormant NES cell.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26.

28. the activation signal identifies resources to be used by the dormant NES cell for transmitting the synchronization signals corresponding to the measurement occasions indicated to the UE in the information about the dormant NES cell.

28. The method of claim 27.

29. A user equipment (UE), means for receiving, from a first access network node, first information relating to measurement occasions for at least one network energy saving (NES) cell operated by the at least one second access network node; means for performing measurements on the at least one NES cell based on the first information; A UE comprising:

30. means for transmitting to a user equipment (UE) first information on measurement occasions for at least one network energy saving (NES) cell operated by at least one second access network node, and allowing the UE to perform measurements on the at least one NES cell; Access network node.

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