UE Measurement

Abstract

In an example of the present disclosure, a UE can be configured to receive a connection setup message to enable transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of a validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Examples of the present disclosure relate to user equipment (UE) measurements, in part to reporting availability of UE measurements. [Background technology]

[0002] The UE is expected to perform measurements and measurement validation during procedures such as connection setup / resumption, etc. Any delay in reporting the measurements will result in delays in carrier aggregation (CA) setup, or setup dual connectivity, or other procedures. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present disclosure: receiving a connection setup message; and Enabling transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE. A user equipment (UE) may be provided that includes means for:

[0004] The report is Measurement availability Measurements not available Ongoing measurements (partially available) Validation has not started Validation in progress Validation complete Cell Discovery Index availability (available / unavailable) may include one or more indications of:

[0005] The report is Received connection setup messages, Information Request Message may be sent in response to at least one of

[0006] The connection setup message is RRC setup message, RRC Resume Message It may include at least one of:

[0007] The report may be sent in an RRC Setup Complete message.

[0008] One or more of the measurements indicated in the report may be: Carrier aggregation (CA) setup, Dual Connectivity (DC) Setup The measurement may include measurements to assist in at least one of:

[0009] One or more of the measurements indicated in the report may be: Idle or inactive mode, Connection Setup may be performed by the UE during at least one of:

[0010] This means also: receiving a request for information from a network; and enabling transmission of a further indication of measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, wherein an information request from the network is received after the network has waited a specified time interval. It may be for the sake of.

[0011] This means also: receiving an information request from the network, the information request including a request to provide measurements; and enabling transmission of further indications of measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, the further indications including an indication of the time required to complete the validation process; It may be for the sake of.

[0012] The information request may include a request for an indication of measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements.

[0013] Further indications of measurement availability and validation status may include indications of measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements.

[0014] This means also: receiving a request for information from a network; and and enabling transmission of a further indication of measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, wherein the further indication of measurement availability and validation status is transmitted after the network has waited a specified time interval. It may be for the sake of.

[0015] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present disclosure: receiving a connection setup message; and Enabling transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE. A method may be provided that includes:

[0016] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present disclosure, when performed by a UE, may include at least: receiving a connection setup message; and Enabling transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE. A computer program may be provided that includes instructions to cause a UE to execute the following.

[0017] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present disclosure: enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE; and receiving a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; A network entity may be provided that includes means for:

[0018] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present disclosure: enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE; and receiving a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; A method may be provided that includes:

[0019] According to various, but not necessarily all, examples of the present disclosure, when performed by a network entity, may include at least: enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE; and receiving a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; A computer program may be provided that includes instructions to cause a network entity to execute the

[0020] Although the above examples and optional features of the present disclosure are described separately, it is understood that the present disclosure includes providing them in all possible combinations and permutations. It is understood that various examples of the present disclosure can include any or all of the features described with respect to other examples of the present disclosure, and vice versa. It is also understood that any one or more or all of the features can be implemented by / included in / executed by apparatus, methods, and / or computer program instructions, in any combination, as desired and appropriate.

[0021] Some examples will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an example network. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary method. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary method. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary method. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary method. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary method. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates an example controller. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Some features and aspects of the drawings may be shown diagrammatically or exaggerated in scale for clarity and conciseness. For example, the dimensions of some elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to aid in illustration. Corresponding reference characters are used throughout the drawings to indicate corresponding features. For clarity, not all reference characters necessarily appear in every drawing.

[0024] definition AMF Access and Mobility Management Functions CA Carrier Aggregation DC Dual Connectivity E-UTRA Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access eEMR Extended EMR EMR Early Measurement Reporting FR2 Frequency Range 2 gNB NR base station IE Information Elements MO Mobile call NR new radio O-RAN Open Radio Access Network RAN Radio Access Network RRC Radio Resource Control SCell Secondary Cell SCG Secondary Cell Group SIB System Information Block SIM Subscriber Identity Module SSB sync signal block UE User Equipment

[0025] 1 illustrates an example of a network 100 including multiple network entities, including a terminal device 110, a node device 120, and one or more network devices 130. The terminal device 110 and the node device 120 communicate with each other. The one or more network devices 130 communicate with the access node 120. In some examples, the one or more network devices 130 communicate with the terminal device 110.

[0026] One or more network devices 130 may, in some examples, communicate with each other. One or more node devices 120 may, in some examples, communicate with each other.

[0027] The network 100 may be a cellular network including multiple cells 122, each served by a node device 120. In this example, the interface between the terminal device 110 and the node device 120 that defines the cell 122 is an air interface 124.

[0028] The node device 120 includes one or more cellular radio transceivers. The terminal device 110 includes one or more cellular radio transceivers.

[0029] In the illustrated example, the cellular network 100 is a Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) network in which the terminal devices 110 are user equipment (UE) and the node devices 120 may be access nodes such as base stations.

[0030] The term "user equipment" is used to refer to a mobile device that includes a smart card, such as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), for authentication / encryption, etc. In some examples, the term "user equipment" is used to refer to a mobile device that includes circuitry embedded as part of the user equipment for authentication / encryption, such as a software SIM.

[0031] The node device 120 may be any suitable base station. A base station is an access node. It may be a network element responsible for radio transmission and reception to and from the UE 110 in one or more cells. The node device 120 may be a network element in a Radio Access Network (RAN), an Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN), an E-UTRA (Evolved Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access) network, or any other suitable type of network.

[0032] Network device 130 may be part of a core network. Network device 130 may be configured to manage functionality related to connectivity of UE 110. For example, network device 130 may be configured to manage functionality such as connectivity, mobility, authentication, authorization, and / or other suitable functionality. In some examples, network device 130 may include an Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) or any other suitable entity.

[0033] 1, network device 130 is shown as a single entity. In some examples, network device 130 may be distributed across multiple entities. For example, network device 130 may be cloud-based or distributed in any other suitable manner.

[0034] The network 100 may be, for example, a 4G or 5G network. For example, it may be a New Radio (NR) network using gNBs or eNBs as the access nodes 120. New Radio is the 3GPP name for 5G technology. In such a case, the node devices 120 may include gNodeBs (gNBs) 120 configured to provide user plane and control plane protocol termination toward the UE 110 and / or perform any other suitable functions. The gNBs 120 are interconnected by X2 / Xn interfaces 126. The gNBs are also connected to the network device 130 by N2 interfaces 128. The gNBs may be connected to the AMF or any other suitable network device 130. In other examples, other types of networks and interfaces may be used. Other types of networks may include, for example, next-generation mobile communication networks such as 6G networks.

[0035] In a network 100 such as the network 100 of FIG. 1, it is advantageous to have measurement availability for a UE 110 early in connected mode when a connection is being set up or resumed. This benefit may be particularly relevant for a UE 110 transitioning from an idle or inactive mode. For example, reducing the frequency range 2 (FR2) secondary cell / secondary cell group (SCell / SCG) setup / resumption delay for a UE 110 connecting from an idle or inactive mode has a significant positive impact on user throughput. Reducing the delay also has a positive impact on power savings for the UE 110. Thus, examples of the present disclosure relate to making UE measurements available early in connected mode.

[0036] In the NR network 100 or other suitable networks, early measurements may be configured in a connection release message that releases the UE 110 to idle or inactive mode. For example, early measurements may be configured in an RRC release message or any other suitable type of message. In NR and other suitable networks, both idle and inactive modes are supported for early measurements. For example, the UE 110 may be configured to perform measurements until a predetermined timer expires or is stopped. The timer may be T331 or any other suitable timer. This may also be a mandatory part of the configuration, indicating how long after release the UE 110 is required to perform early measurements. The measurements may then be used to assist in the setup of carrier aggregation (CA) and / or dual connectivity (DC) in connected mode. Using these measurements may limit the time spent performing measurements during CA and / or DC setup, thereby reducing power consumption of the UE 110.

[0037] UE 110 may be configured to perform measurements as indicated in the connection release message. UE 110 does not need to perform measurements in idle or inactive mode on a given carrier if the synchronization signal block (SSB) configuration for that carrier provided through dedicated signaling differs from the SSB configuration broadcast in the serving cell (if any).

[0038] If UE 110 is not given a carrier in the connection release message, UE 110 measures the carriers as listed in the appropriate system information block (SIB) 11 (configuration for NR cells in SIB5 in LTE), etc. UE 110 performs measurements only on frequencies / carriers in the configured frequency list for which UE 110 supports CA or DC between the frequency and the serving frequency / carrier in idle or inactive mode.

[0039] Thus, an Early Measurement Reporting (EMR)-enabled UE 110 can perform measurements in idle or inactive mode until a timer, such as the T331 timer, expires or is stopped. The EMR UE 110 can maintain detectable cells from connected mode until the timer expires or is stopped. Whether the cells are maintained during the time interval between the expiration or stop of the T331 timer and the UE 110 receiving a connection setup or resumption message is unknown. Whether the cells are maintained and detectable for early measurement reporting purposes after the T331 timer expires or is stopped is up to the implementation of the UE 110. Based on the UE 110's information indication and the network information request, the UE 110 can report early measurement results after security is activated.

[0040] 2A and 2B illustrate an exemplary method according to an example of the present disclosure. The method enables reporting of early measurement results as well as additional details regarding the measurements. The measurements may be measurements performed by UE 110.

[0041] The measurements may include measurements performed by the UE 110 while the UE 110 is in idle or inactive mode, and / or measurements performed during connection setup, possibly during connected mode. The measurements include measurements used to assist in CA setup or DC setup.

[0042] The method of FIG. 2A may be performed by UE 110 or a device within UE 110, or any other suitable terminal entity.

[0043] Block 200, the method includes receiving a connection setup message. The connection setup message may be received from a network entity, such as the gNB 120. The connection setup message may include configuration information for the UE 110. The connection setup message may include a radio resource control (RRC) setup message, an RRC resumption message, or any other suitable type of message. The connection setup procedure may also be based on a mobile originated (MO) call and thus may be initiated by the UE.

[0044] At block 202, the method includes enabling transmission of a report. The report includes an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110 and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110. The UE 110 may perform a validation process for measurements that have been performed or are being performed. The validation process used depends on the type of measurement that has been performed or is being performed. The validation process may determine that the measurement results are still accurate or appropriate, or that the measurement meets one or more other appropriate criteria. For example, the validation process may determine whether the measurement was performed in an appropriate period of time or whether the measurement was made using an appropriate procedure.

[0045] The report may include any suitable information related to the measurements performed by UE 110. In some examples, the response may include any one or more of the following indications: measurement availability, measurement not available, measurement in progress (partially available), validation not started, validation in progress, validation completed, cell detection, index availability (available / not available), or any other suitable information.

[0046] The report may be sent in response to a received connection setup message. In some examples, the report may be sent in response to a different message, such as a request for information message. The request for information message may also be received from network 100. The request for information message may be received after the connection setup message is received.

[0047] The report may be sent in any suitable message. In some examples, the report may be sent in an RRC Setup Complete message. In some examples, the response may be sent in a different message or in a new information element (IE). The different message may be a UE Information Response message or any other suitable message.

[0048] After the report has been sent or the connection setup message has been received, further messages may be exchanged between UE 110 and the network entity.

[0049] For example, in some examples, the UE 110 may receive an information request. The information request may be received from the same network entity from which the original connection setup message was received. The information request may be received after the network waits a specified time interval. The time interval may be determined by the network or may be defined in a standard. The time interval may be determined based on an acceptable delay for the connection setup or connection resumption procedure.

[0050] The information request may request further information related to the measurement result. For example, the information request may request further information related to the validity status and / or availability status of the measurement result.

[0051] In response to receiving the information request, UE 110 may enable sending further indications of measurement availability and validation status for measurements performed by UE 110.

[0052] In some examples, the UE 110 can receive an information request from the network, where the information request includes a request to provide measurement results. The information request can include a request for an indication of measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements. The measurements can be specified per cell, per carrier, per SSB, or any other parameter.

[0053] In response to the request, UE 110 may enable transmission of further indications of measurement availability and validation status for measurements performed by UE 110. The further indications may include an indication of the time required to complete the validation process. The further indications of measurement availability include an indication of measurement availability for one or more specified measurements, as specified in the information request.

[0054] In some examples, the UE 110 may receive an information request from the network. In response to receiving the information request, the UE 110 may enable transmission of a further indication of measurement availability and validation status for measurements performed by the UE 110. The further indication of measurement availability and validation status is transmitted after the network waits a specified time interval. The time interval may be determined by the network or may be defined in a standard. The time interval may be determined based on an acceptable delay for a connection setup or connection resumption procedure.

[0055] The method of FIG. 2B may be performed by gNB120 or a device within gNB120, or by another network entity.

[0056] The method includes, at block 204, enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE 110. The connection setup message may include configuration information for the UE 110. The connection setup message may include an RRC setup message, an RRC resumption message, or any other suitable type of message.

[0057] The method also includes, at block 206, receiving a report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110. The report may include any suitable information related to the measurements performed by the UE 110, as described herein.

[0058] In some examples, the report may be received in response to a connection setup message. In some examples, the report may be received in response to a different message. For example, the report may be received in response to an information request message. The information request message may be sent from a network entity to UE 110. The information request may be sent after the connection setup message.

[0059] The report may be received from UE 110. The report may be received from UE 110 to which the connection setup message was sent. The report includes an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by UE 110. The report may include any suitable information related to the measurements performed by UE 110, as described herein.

[0060] 3 shows another example method that may be implemented using a UE 110 and a gNB 120. The UE 110 and the gNB 120 may be part of a network such as that shown in FIG. 1 or may be part of any other suitable type of network 100.

[0061] At block 300, UE 110 is configured with FR2 SCell and enhanced EMR (eEMR) capability. The eEMR capability enables UE 110 to implement examples of the present disclosure. However, UE 110 can also implement examples of the present disclosure without support for these capabilities.

[0062] At block 302, the gNB 120 sends a release message to the UE 110. The release message may be an RRC release message or any other suitable type of message. The release message may release or suspend the RRC connection so that the UE 110 can enter an idle mode or an inactive mode.

[0063] The UE 110 enters an idle or inactive mode in block 304. The UE 110 performs measurements in block 306. The UE 110 performs measurements while in the idle or inactive mode. The measurements may include any measurements that assist in setting up carrier aggregation or dual connectivity.

[0064] At block 308, the UE 110 sends a connection request message to the gNB 120. The connection request message may include an RRC request message or any other suitable type of message. The connection request message may include information such as the UE 110 identity and the establishment reason.

[0065] At block 310, UE 110 performs validation of measurements that have been or are being performed. The validation process may be an ongoing process that may begin before UE 110 sends a connection request message to gNB 120 and may be ongoing during connection setup.

[0066] The validation process may include an eEMR validation process, a validation process, or any other suitable type of process. The process used for validation may depend on factors such as the type of measurements made and the connection scenario for the UE 110. The length of time the validation process takes may depend on the circumstances and is therefore unknown. For example, it may take longer to validate on multiple channels than to validate on a single channel.

[0067] At block 312, the gNB 120 sends a connection setup message to the UE 110. Measurements and measurement validation may be in progress when the UE 110 receives the connection setup message.

[0068] The connection setup message may be an RRC setup message, an RRC resume message, or any other suitable type of message.

[0069] When the UE 110 receives the connection setup message, the UE 110 exits the idle mode or the inactive mode and transitions to the connected mode and transmits a setup complete message at block 314. In an example of the present disclosure, the setup complete message may include a report. The report may include an indication of the availability of one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110 and an indication of a validation status for the one or more measurements performed by the UE 110. The report may include one or more validated measurements performed by the UE 110.

[0070] Measurements performed by UE 110 and validation of these measurements are ongoing during connection setup. This is taken into account in the report. For example, the report may indicate which measurements are complete and available, which measurements are in progress and only partially available, and which measurements have not yet started and are therefore not yet available. Similarly, the report may indicate which measurements have been validated, which measurements have ongoing validation, and which measurements have not yet started and are not yet validated. For example, the report may include only validated measurements.

[0071] In some examples, after the setup complete message is sent, additional messages may be exchanged between the UE 110 and the gNB 120. Figures 4 through 6 show different example methods that may be used in different embodiments and use case scenarios.

[0072] 4 illustrates another example method that may be performed after the setup complete message is sent at block 314. The setup complete message may include a report, where the report includes an indication of the availability of one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110 and an indication of a validation status for the one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110.

[0073] In the example of Figure 4, the gNB120 waits before requesting further information related to the measurement.

[0074] 4, UE 110 continues to perform measurements at block 400. UE 110 may complete measurements that were in progress when the setup complete message was sent and / or perform measurements that had not started when the setup complete message was sent.

[0075] The gNB 120, or any other suitable portion of the network 100, may know the expected delay in completing the measurement. In some examples, the delay may be determined by a standard. In some examples, the delay may be determined based on an acceptable delay in establishing a connection. The delay may be a maximum allowable validation time. The delay may be defined in TS38.133 or any other suitable standard or protocol.

[0076] At block 402, security is activated between the UE 110 and the gNB 120. Any suitable protocol may be used to activate security. This block is optional. In some embodiments, this block may be omitted.

[0077] At block 404, the gNB 120 waits. The gNB 120 waits until the UE 110 is expected to have performed measurements and measurement validation or the validation process. The gNB 120 may wait for a period determined based on a known delay, such as an acceptable delay in establishing a connection. The gNB 120 may not transmit measurement results, measurement status, or validation status requests during the waiting period. The UE 110 may continue to perform measurements and measurement validation during the waiting period.

[0078] At block 406, the gNB 120 sends an information request message to the UE 110. The information request message may be a UE information request message or any other suitable type of message.

[0079] In some examples, the information request message can request specified measurements and / or validation status of specified measurements. For example, the information request message can request measurement results and / or validation status per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter.

[0080] The UE 110 may perform or continue to perform an evaluation of the validation status of the measurement at block 408. For example, the UE 110 may perform an eEMR validation status evaluation.

[0081] At block 410, the UE 110 responds to the information request message by sending an information response message to the gNB 120. The information response message may include a UE information response message or any other suitable type of message. The information response message may include the information requested in the information request message. The information response message may include measurement results, measurement status, measurement validation status, and any other suitable information. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided for the specified measurements as requested in the information request message. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter. Measurement results may be provided only for validated measurements.

[0082] 5 illustrates another example method that may be performed after the setup complete message is sent at block 314. The setup complete message may include a report, where the report includes an indication of the availability of one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110 and an indication of a validation status for the one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110.

[0083] In the example of Figure 5, gNB120 sends two requests for more information related to the measurements.

[0084] 5, UE 110 continues to perform measurements at block 400. UE 110 may complete measurements that were in progress when the setup complete message was sent and / or perform measurements that had not started when the setup complete message was sent. This may be as shown in FIG. 4 and described above.

[0085] The gNB 120, or any other suitable portion of the network 100, may know the expected delay in completing the measurement. In some examples, the delay may be determined by a standard. In some examples, the delay may be determined based on an acceptable delay in establishing a connection. The gNB 120 may set a delay threshold. The delay threshold may be implementation specific. The delay may be a maximum allowable validation time. The delay may be defined in TS38.133 or any other suitable standard or protocol. This may be as shown in FIG. 4 and described above.

[0086] At block 402, security is activated between the UE 110 and the gNB 120. Any suitable protocol may be used to activate security. This block is optional. In some embodiments, this block may be omitted. This may be as shown in FIG. 4 and described above.

[0087] At block 500, the gNB 120 sends a first information request message to the UE 110. The first information request message may be a UE information request message or any other suitable type of message.

[0088] In some examples, the first information request message may request specified measurements and / or validation status of specified measurements. For example, the first information request message may request measurement results and / or validation status per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter. In some examples, the first information request message may request any messages that are ready or that meet a filter or criteria indicated in the first information request message. For example, the first information request message may request completed and validated measurements.

[0089] In the example of Figure 5, gNB120 sends a first information request message to UE110 without waiting for UE110 to complete measurements and measurement validation.

[0090] At block 502, the UE 110 responds to the first information request message by sending a first information response message to the gNB 120. The first information response message may include a UE information response message or any other suitable type of message. The first information response message may include the information requested in the first information request message. The first information response message may include measurement results, measurement status, measurement validation status, and any other suitable information. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided for the specified measurements as requested in the first information request message. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter. For example, the report may include only validated measurements.

[0091] In some examples, the first information response message may include information related to measurements that were completed when the first information request message was sent. For example, the first information response message may include measurement results for measurements that were completed and validated when the first information request message was sent.

[0092] In some examples, the first information response message may include an indication to the gNB 120 of the time required for the UE 110 to complete measurements and measurement validation. This information can then be used by the network 100 or the gNB 120 to determine when to send a second information request message.

[0093] The UE 110 may perform or continue to perform an evaluation of the validation status of the measurement at block 504. For example, the UE 110 may perform an eEMR validation status evaluation.

[0094] At block 506, gNB 120 waits. gNB 120 waits until UE 110 is expected to have performed measurements and measurement validation. gNB 120 may wait a period of time determined based on information provided in the first information response message. For example, UE 110 may indicate in the first information response message the time required to complete measurements and measurement validation, and gNB 120 may use this information to determine an appropriate wait time.

[0095] At block 508, the gNB 120 sends a second information request message to the UE 110. The second information request message may be a UE information request message or any other suitable type of message.

[0096] In some examples, the second information request message may request specified measurements and / or validation status of specified measurements. For example, the second information request message may request measurement results and / or validation status per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter. In some examples, the second information request message may request information that is different from the information requested in the first information request message.

[0097] In the example of Figure 5, gNB120 waits for UE110 to complete measurements and measurement validation, and then sends a second information request message to UE110.

[0098] In block 510, the UE 110 may perform or continue to perform an evaluation of the validation status of the measurement. For example, the UE 110 may perform an eEMR validation status evaluation. This may be a continuation of the process performed in block 504.

[0099] At block 512, the UE 110 responds to the second information request message by sending a second information response message to the gNB 120. The second information response message may include a UE information response message or any other suitable type of message. The second information response message may include the information requested in the second information request message. The second information response message may include measurement results, measurement status, measurement validation status, and any other suitable information. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided for the specified measurements as requested in the second information request message. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter.

[0100] The second information response message may include different information than the first information response message. For example, the second information response message may include information related to different measurements compared to the first information response. For example, the first information response message may include information related to measurements that were completed and validated when the first information request message was sent, and the second information response message may include information related to measurements that were completed when the second information request message was sent. For example, the report may include only validated measurements.

[0101] Variations of this method may be used in some examples of the present disclosure. For example, in some examples, the UE 110 may begin to periodically transmit information response messages (as measurements are made) until all measurements have been transmitted. In such a case, the gNB 120 may only transmit the first information request message, after which the UE 110 periodically reports measurement availability indications until the UE 110 has performed the measurement and validation process.

[0102] 6 illustrates another example method that may be performed after the setup complete message is sent at block 314. The setup complete message may include a report, where the report includes an indication of the availability of one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110 and an indication of a validation status for the one or more measurements to be performed by the UE 110.

[0103] In the example of FIG. 6, UE 110 has responded to a request for more information and measurement validation has been performed.

[0104] In the method of Figure 6, UE 110 continues to perform measurements at block 400. UE 110 may complete measurements that were in progress when the setup complete message was sent and / or perform measurements that had not started when the setup complete message was sent. This may be as shown in Figure 4 and described above.

[0105] The gNB 120, or any other suitable portion of the network 100, may know the expected delay in completing the measurement. In some examples, the delay may be determined by a standard. In some examples, the delay may be determined based on an acceptable delay in establishing a connection. The delay may be a maximum allowable validation time. The delay may be defined in TS38.133 or any other suitable standard or protocol. This may be as shown in FIG. 4 and described above.

[0106] At block 402, security is activated between the UE 110 and the gNB 120. Any suitable protocol may be used to activate security. This block is optional. In some embodiments, this block may be omitted. This may be as shown in FIG. 4 and described above.

[0107] At block 600, the gNB 120 sends an information request message to the UE 110. The information request message may be a UE information request message or any other suitable type of message.

[0108] In some examples, the information request message can request specified measurements and / or validation status of specified measurements. For example, the information request message can request measurement results and / or validation status per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter. In some examples, the information request message can request any messages that are ready. For example, the information request message can request measurements that have been completed and validated.

[0109] In the example of Figure 6, gNB120 sends an information request message to UE110 without waiting for UE110 to complete measurements and measurement validation.

[0110] At block 602, the UE 110 may perform or continue to perform an evaluation of the validation status of the measurement. For example, the UE 110 may perform an eEMR validation status evaluation.

[0111] At block 604, the gNB 120 waits. The gNB 120 waits until the UE 110 is expected to have performed measurements and measurement validation. The gNB 120 may wait a period determined based on a known delay, such as an acceptable delay in establishing a connection. The gNB 120 may not transmit measurement results, measurement status, or validation status requests during the waiting period. The UE 110 may continue to perform measurements and measurement validation during the waiting period. In some examples, the waiting period is the time required for the UE 110 to validate any available measurements.

[0112] At block 606, the UE 110 responds to the information request message by sending an information response message to the gNB 120. The information response message may include a UE information response message or any other suitable type of message. The information response message may include the information requested in the information request message. The information response message may include measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status, and any other suitable information. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided for the specified measurements as requested in the information request message. The measurement results, measurement status, and measurement validation status may be provided per cell, per carrier, per SSB carrier, or any other suitable parameter. In some examples, the information response message may include only validated measurements.

[0113] Any suitable message or information element may be used to enable the UE 110 to indicate measurement availability and validation status of the measurements to the gNB 120. For example, the validation status may be indicated together with the measurement results. The following shows an example in which the idle mode reporting skeleton may be extended with an additional information field to indicate the validation status of the reported results:

[0114] This MeasResultIdleNR can be included in the UE Information Response message and the RRC Resume Complete message. It can be configured as follows: - MeasResultIdleNR The IE MeasResultIdleNR covers NR measurement results performed in RRC_IDLE and RRC_INACTIVE. MeasResultIdleNR information element JPEG2026507565000002.jpg243170

[0115] Table 1 shows an example field description for the MeasResultIdleNR information element. [Table 1] Table 1 Table 2 shows example status messages that may be included in a report from the UE 110 to the gNB 120. These status messages may be included in an RRC Setup Restart / Complete message, or a response to a UE Information Request, or any other suitable message. [Table 2] TIFF2026507565000005.tif76155 Table 2

[0116] The availability status and / or validation status may be indicated for each single measurement or for multiple measurements. For example, in some instances, there may be only one availability status that may be used to indicate availability status and / or validation status for multiple measurements. In such instances, the gNB 120 or other network entity may: 1) In a UE Information Request message or any other suitable message, request information from the UE 110 regarding the availability and / or validation status of one measurement. 2) In the VALIDATION_COMPLETED case, set up a Scell ​​directly for one of the associated cells. 3) Request detailed validity information via UE Information Request and wait for UE Information Response before setting up Scell In other examples, other messages may be used.

[0117] 7 illustrates an example of a controller 700. The controller 700 may be provided in a device such as a UE 110 or a network device. An embodiment of the controller 700 may be a controller circuit. The controller 700 may be implemented solely in hardware, may have certain aspects solely in software including firmware, or may be a combination of hardware and software (including firmware).

[0118] As shown in FIG. 7, the controller 700 may be implemented using instructions that enable hardware functionality, for example, by using executable instructions of a computer program 706 in a general-purpose or special-purpose processor 702, which may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium (disk, memory, etc.), for execution by such processor 702.

[0119] The processor 702 is configured to read from and write to the memory 704. The processor 702 may also include an output interface through which data and / or commands are output by the processor 702 and an input interface through which data and / or commands are input to the processor 702.

[0120] The memory 704 stores a computer program 706 that includes computer program instructions (computer program code) that, when loaded into the processor 702, control the operation of the apparatus. The computer program instructions of the computer program 706 provide the logic and routines that enable the apparatus to perform the methods illustrated in the figures. The processor 702 can load and execute the computer program 706 by reading the memory 704.

[0121] Thus, in examples where the controller 700 is provided within the UE 110, the controller 700 comprises at least one processor 702 and at least one memory 704 having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processor 702, cause the UE 110 to at least: receiving a connection setup message 200; and Enabling 202 the transmission of a report, wherein the report includes an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110 and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110.

[0122] Thus, in examples where the controller 700 is provided within the gNB 120, the controller 700 comprises at least one processor 702 and at least one memory 704 having instructions stored therein that, when executed by the at least one processor 702, cause the gNB 120 to at least: enabling 204 transmission of a connection setup message to the UE 110; and Receiving 206 a report, wherein the report includes an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by UE 110 and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by UE 110.

[0123] The computer program 706 may reach the UE 110 via any suitable distribution mechanism 708. The distribution mechanism 708 may be, for example, a machine-readable medium, a computer-readable medium, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, a computer program product, a memory device, a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory) or a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a solid-state memory, an article of manufacture that includes or tangibly embodies the computer program 706. The distribution mechanism may also be a signal configured to reliably transfer the computer program 706. A device may propagate or transmit the computer program 706 as a computer data signal.

[0124] The computer program 706 may include computer program instructions for causing the UE 110 to perform or to perform at least the following: receiving a connection setup message 200; and Enabling 202 the transmission of a report, wherein the report includes an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110 and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE 110.

[0125] The computer program 706 may include computer program instructions for causing the gNB 120 to perform or to perform at least the following: enabling 204 transmission of a connection setup message to the UE 110; and Receiving 206 a report, wherein the report includes an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by UE 110 and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by UE 110.

[0126] The computer program instructions may be included in a computer program, a non-transitory computer-readable medium, a computer program product, a machine-readable medium, etc. In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the computer program instructions may be distributed across multiple computer programs.

[0127] Although memory 704 is illustrated as a single component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be integrated / removable and / or provide permanent / semi-permanent / dynamic / cached storage.

[0128] Although the processor 702 is shown as a single component / circuit, it may be implemented as one or more separate components / circuits, some or all of which may be integrated / removable. The processor 702 may be a single-core or multi-core processor.

[0129] References to "computer-readable storage medium," "computer program product," "tangibly embodied computer program," etc., or to "controller," "computer," "processor," etc., should be understood to encompass computers having various architectures, such as single / multi-processor architectures, serial (von Neumann) / parallel architectures, as well as special purpose circuitry, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific circuits (ASICs), signal processing devices, and other processing circuitry. References to computer programs, instructions, code, etc., should be understood to encompass software for a programmable processor, or firmware, such as the programmable content of a hardware device, whether, for example, instructions for a processor or configuration settings for a fixed function device, gate array, or programmable logic device, etc.

[0130] As used in this application, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more, or all, of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit embodiments (e.g., analog and / or digital-only circuit embodiments); and (b) Combinations of hardware circuitry and software (where appropriate), such as: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; (ii) Portions of hardware processors (including digital signal processors) with software, software, and memory that work together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or server, to perform various functions; (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that requires software (e.g., firmware) to operate, but the software may be absent when not necessary for operation.

[0131] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including the claims. As a further example, when used in this application, the term circuit also covers merely hardware circuits or processors and their associated software and / or firmware embodiments. The term circuit also covers, for example, baseband integrated circuits for mobile devices, or similar integrated circuits in servers, cellular network devices, or other computing or network devices, if applicable to certain claim elements.

[0132] 2 through 6 may represent steps in a method and / or sections of code in the computer program 706. The description of a particular order to the blocks does not necessarily imply a required or preferred order for the blocks, and the order and arrangement of the blocks may be varied. Additionally, some blocks may be omitted.

[0133] Where a structural feature is described, it may be replaced by a means for performing one or more of the functions of the structural feature, whether that function or functions are explicitly or implicitly described.

[0134] The term "comprises" is used in this document in an inclusive rather than exclusive sense, i.e., any reference to X comprising Y indicates that X may comprise only one Y or may comprise multiple Ys. Where the exclusive sense of "comprises" is intended, this will be made clear in the context by referring to "comprising only one of" or by using "consisting of."

[0135] As used herein, the terms "connect," "couple," and "communicate," as well as their derivatives, mean to be operatively connected / coupled / communicate. It should be appreciated that any number or combination of intervening components may be present (including no intervening components), i.e., to provide a direct or indirect connection / coupling / communication. Such intervening components may include hardware and / or software components.

[0136] As used herein, the term "determining / determining" (and grammatical variations thereof) can include, among other things: calculating, computing, processing, deriving, measuring, investigating, identifying, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, database, or another data structure), ascertaining, etc. Also, "determining" can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in a memory), obtaining, etc. Also, "determining / determining" may include resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, etc.

[0137] Reference is made herein to various examples. The description of a feature or function with respect to one example indicates that the feature or function is present in that example. Use of the terms "example," "for example," "can," or "may" in this document, whether explicitly stated or not, indicates that such feature or function is present in at least the described example, whether stated in the example, and that it may, but not necessarily, be present in some or all of the other examples. Thus, "example," "for example," "can," or "may" refers to a particular instance of a class of examples. The nature of the instance may be a nature of that instance alone, a nature of the class, or a nature of a subclass of the class that includes some but not all instances in the class. Thus, a feature described with reference to one example and not described with reference to another example is implicitly disclosed as being capable of, but not necessarily required to be used in, that other example, where possible as part of a functional combination.

[0138] Although the preceding paragraphs have described examples with reference to various examples, it will be appreciated that modifications can be made to the examples given without departing from the scope of the claims.

[0139] The features set out in the preceding description may also be used in combinations other than those explicitly set out above.

[0140] Although functions have been described with reference to particular functions, these functions may be performed by other functions, whether or not described.

[0141] Although features have been described with reference to particular examples, these features may be present in other examples, whether or not described.

[0142] The terms "a," "an," or "the" are used in this document in an inclusive, rather than an exclusive, sense. That is, a reference to X containing one Y indicates that X may contain only one Y or may contain multiple Ys, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. If "a," "an," or "the" is intended to be exclusive, this will be made clear in the context. In some circumstances, the use of "at least one" or "one or more" may be used to emphasize an inclusive sense, but the absence of these terms should not be taken to imply an exclusive sense.

[0143] The presence of a feature (or combination of features) in a claim is a reference to the feature or (combination of features) itself, and also to features that achieve substantially the same technical effect (equivalent features). Equivalent features include, for example, features that are modifications and achieve substantially the same result in substantially the same way. Equivalent features include, for example, features that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way and achieve substantially the same result.

[0144] Reference is made herein to various examples using adjectives or adjectival language to describe properties of the examples. Such description of a property with respect to an example indicates that the property exists in some examples exactly as described and in other examples generally as described.

[0145] While the foregoing description describes several examples of the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize possible alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functionality to the specific examples of such structures and features described herein above. These have been omitted from the foregoing description for purposes of brevity and clarity. Nevertheless, references in the foregoing description to such alternative structures and method features that provide equivalent functionality should be read as implicitly included, unless such alternative structures or method features are explicitly excluded in the foregoing description of examples of the present disclosure.

[0146] Although the foregoing specification has attempted to draw attention to features believed to be important, it should be understood that applicants may seek protection in the claims with respect to any patentable feature or combination of features described hereinabove and / or shown in the drawings, whether or not emphasized.

Claims

1. A user equipment (UE), receiving a connection setup message; enabling transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of a validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; A user equipment (UE) comprising means for:

2. The report: Measurement availability Measurements not available Ongoing measurements (partially available) Validation has not started Validation in progress Validation complete Cell Discovery Index availability (available / unavailable) 2. The UE of claim 1, including one or more indications of:

3. The report: the received connection setup message; Information Request Message The UE of claim 1 or 2, wherein the UE is transmitted in response to at least one of the following:

4. the connection setup message: RRC setup message, RRC Resume Message The UE of claim 3 , comprising at least one of:

5. The UE of claim 4 , wherein the report is sent in an RRC Setup Complete message.

6. One or more of the measurements indicated in the report are: Carrier Aggregation (CA) setup, Dual Connectivity (DC) Setup 6. The UE of claim 1, further comprising measurements to assist in at least one of:

7. One or more of the measurements indicated in the report are: Idle or inactive mode, Connection Setup The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the UE performs at least one of the following:

8. The means comprises: receiving a request for information from the network; and enabling transmission of a further indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, wherein the information request from the network is received after the network has waited a specified time interval. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is also for

9. The means comprises: receiving an information request from the network, the information request including a request to provide measurements; and enabling transmission of further indications of measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, the further indications including an indication of the time required to complete the validation process. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is also for

10. 10. The UE of claim 9, wherein the information request comprises a request for an indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements.

11. The UE of claim 10 , wherein the further indication of measurement availability and validation status includes an indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements.

12. The means comprises: receiving a request for information from the network; and enabling transmission of a further indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, wherein the further indication of the measurement availability and validation status is transmitted after the network has waited a specified time interval. The UE according to any one of claims 1 to 7, which is also for

13. receiving a connection setup message; and enabling transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of a validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; A method comprising:

14. When executed by the UE, at least receiving a connection setup message; and enabling transmission of a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of a validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; a computer program comprising instructions for causing the UE to execute the

15. enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE; and receiving a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; a network entity, comprising:

16. The report: Measurement availability Measurements not available Ongoing measurements (partially available) Validation has not started Validation in progress Validation complete Cell Discovery Index availability (available / unavailable) 16. The network entity of claim 15, comprising one or more indications of:

17. The report: said transmitted connection setup message; Information Request Message 17. The network entity of claim 15 or 16, wherein the network entity is received in response to at least one of:

18. the connection setup message: RRC setup message, RRC Resume Message 20. The network entity of claim 17, comprising at least one of:

19. A network entity according to any of claims 15 to 18, wherein said report is sent in an RRC Setup Complete message.

20. One or more of the measurements indicated in the report are: Carrier Aggregation (CA) setup, Dual Connectivity (DC) Setup A network entity according to any one of claims 15 to 19, comprising measurements to assist in at least one of:

21. One or more of the measurements indicated in the report are: Idle or inactive mode, Connection Setup The network entity according to any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the network entity is implemented by the UE during at least one of the following:

22. The means comprises: enabling transmission of an information request to the UE, the information request being transmitted after a predetermined time interval; and receiving a further indication of the measurement availability and validation status of one or more measurements performed by the UE; A network entity according to any of claims 15 to 21, which is also for

23. The means comprises: enabling transmission of an information request to the UE, the information request comprising a request for providing measurements; and receiving further indications of measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, the further indications including an indication of a time required to complete a validation process. A network entity according to any of claims 15 to 21, which is also for

24. 24. The network entity of claim 23, wherein the information request comprises a request for an indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements.

25. 25. The network entity of claim 24, wherein the further indication of measurement availability and validation status comprises an indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more specified measurements.

26. The means comprises: enabling transmission of an information request to the UE; and receiving a further indication of the measurement availability and validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE, the further indication of the measurement availability and validation status being sent after a specified time interval. A network entity according to any of claims 15 to 21, which is also for

27. enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE; and receiving a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; A method comprising:

28. When performed by a network entity, at least: enabling transmission of a connection setup message to the UE; and receiving a report, the report including an indication of measurement availability for one or more measurements performed by the UE and an indication of validation status for one or more measurements performed by the UE; a computer program comprising instructions for causing the network entity to execute the

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