Reduced-Feature Devices and Frequencies

Abstract

The reduced functionality device is configured to determine the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced functionality device, and uses at least the presence or absence of said indication to determine whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Various exemplary embodiments relate to communication systems. [Background technology]

[0002] Communication systems are constantly evolving. Future wireless networks, or network generations, including 5G, 5G Enhanced, 5G Advanced, and beyond, aim to support a wide variety of services, use cases, and industry verticals. Along with the variety of different services and use cases, the capability requirements for different generations of smart devices are diversifying. Reduced-function devices, known as reduced-function user equipment (REDCAP UE) in 5G Enhanced and new radio-light (NR-light), are also being introduced into communication systems. Reduced-function devices are low-cost, power-efficient smart devices with reduced functionality. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The independent claims define the scope, and different embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0004] According to an aspect, a reduced-function device is provided, the device having means for determining the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced-function device, and means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication using at least the presence or absence of the indication.

[0005] In an embodiment, the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to, in the presence of the instruction, determine to apply all frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency instruction.

[0006] In an embodiment, the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to, in the presence of the instruction, determine, based at least on the instruction, which frequency instructions of the at least one first frequency instruction are applicable to the reduced functionality device, and apply the frequency indicated by the applicable first frequency instruction.

[0007] In an embodiment, the reduced functionality device further comprises means for receiving at least one second frequency indication in broadcast or dedicated signaling, and the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication is configured to determine to apply a frequency indicated by the at least one second frequency indication.

[0008] In an embodiment, the means for determining the presence or absence of an instruction is configured to determine that an instruction is not present when at least a second frequency instruction is received, and the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to skip frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency instruction.

[0009] In an embodiment, the means for receiving at least one second frequency instruction is configured to receive the at least one second frequency instruction when the presence or absence of the instruction indicates that the first frequency instruction is not applicable to the reduced functionality device.

[0010] In an embodiment, the reduced functionality device further comprises means for determining that the absence of said instruction means that at least one first frequency instruction is applicable to the reduced functionality device, and the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to determine to apply the frequency indicated by the at least one first frequency instruction.

[0011] In an embodiment, the means for receiving at least one second frequency instruction is configured to receive a second frequency instruction for each frequency.

[0012] In an embodiment, the reduced functionality device further comprises means for receiving at least one indication in a broadcast or dedicated signaling.

[0013] In an embodiment, the reduced functionality device further comprises means for applying the indicated applicable one or more frequencies for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection.

[0014] In an embodiment, the reduced functionality device further comprises means for skipping one or more frequencies that are not indicated and not applicable for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection.

[0015] According to one aspect, a network device is provided comprising means for transmitting information to a reduced functionality device indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced functionality device.

[0016] In an embodiment, the network device further comprises means for transmitting at least one second frequency indication to the reduced functionality device.

[0017] In an embodiment, the means for transmitting the at least one second frequency instruction comprises being configured to transmit the at least one second frequency instruction to the reduced functionality device when the first frequency instruction is not applicable to the reduced functionality device.

[0018] According to one aspect, a method is provided comprising determining the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to a reduced functionality device, and using at least the presence or absence of the indication to determine whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

[0019] According to one aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided that includes stored instructions for at least performing the steps of determining the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to a reduced functionality device, and determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication using at least the presence or absence of the indication.

[0020] In an embodiment, the computer-readable medium is a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

[0021] According to one aspect, a computer program is provided that includes instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least determine the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to a reduced functionality device, and use at least the presence or absence of the indication to determine whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication.

[0022] Embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an exemplary high-level network architecture. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary functions. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The following embodiments are presented by way of example only. Although this specification may refer to "one," "one," or "several" embodiments and / or examples in several places, this does not necessarily mean that each such reference is to the same embodiment or example, or that a particular feature applies only to a single embodiment and / or example. Single features of different embodiments and / or examples may be combined to provide other embodiments and / or examples. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "including" should not be understood to limit the described embodiments to only the recited features; such embodiments may also include features / structures not specifically recited. Also, although terms including ordinal numbers such as "first," "second," etc. may be used to describe various elements, the elements are not limited by the terms. These terms are used merely to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first frequency indication may be referred to as a frequency indication or a second frequency indication, and similarly, a second frequency indication may be referred to as a first frequency indication or a frequency indication, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0025] 1 illustrates an exemplary high-level network architecture, illustrating only some details, and more detailed implementations are irrelevant to the description of the examples. While the examples are described herein using 5G-Enhanced or Release 17 principles and terminology, the examples and the terminology used are not limited to said 5G-Enhanced or 5G-Advanced. Those skilled in the art can apply the solutions and examples to other communication systems beyond 5G-Advanced, for example, or to communication systems implementing similar principles and functionality, possibly using different terminology that has a corresponding meaning but uses some terminology other than 5G technology.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a radio access network 101 provides radio access to one or more data networks 103 via a core network 102 .

[0027] The radio access network may be a 5G advanced network, a non-terrestrial based network, or a non-cellular access network, for example a wireless local area network, that implements the concepts of user devices, reduced functionality user devices, and further reduced functionality user devices.

[0028] To provide radio access, the radio access network 101 includes access devices (ADs) 110 that can provide one or more cells 111. There are a wide variety of access devices, including different types of base stations such as split gNBs, transmission / reception points, network controlled repeaters, donor nodes in integrated access and backhaul (IAB), fixed IAB nodes, mobile IAB nodes, e.g., mounted on vehicles, and satellites. As mentioned above, an access device can provide one or more cells, possibly with different frequencies for each cell, but a cell is provided by one access device.

[0029] The core network 102 may be based on a non-standalone core network, such as an LTE-based network, or a standalone access network, such as a 5G core network. However, it should be understood that the core network 102 may use any technology that enables, for example, providing network services between devices and a data network.

[0030] The data network 103 may be any network such as the Internet, an intranet, or a wide area network, and different remote monitoring and / or data collection services for different use cases may be reached via the data network 103.

[0031] For use cases and deployment scenarios related to industrial sensors, video surveillance, and wearables that require low device complexity and / or a small form factor and / or low power consumption, 5G-Evolved (Release 17) introduced devices (user equipment or terminal devices) called reduced functionality devices. 5G-Advanced (Release 18) envisions the introduction of further reduced functionality devices 120 (rcDs) that coexist with previous generations of reduced functionality devices. A non-limiting list of further reduced functionality devices 120 includes industrial IoT devices, consumer IoT devices, different sensors such as pressure sensors, humidity sensors, thermometers, motion sensors, actuators, accelerometers, surveillance cameras, wearable devices such as smart watches, rings, eHealth-related devices, and small monitors.

[0032] Future generations, e.g., Release 19 or 6G, may introduce further reduced functionality devices. Thus, it should be understood that, as used herein, the term “further reduced functionality device” or “reduced functionality device” refers to a newer reduced functionality device type, and that the term baseline reduced functionality device or legacy reduced functionality device may be used for the earlier reduced functionality device type. For example, a reduced functionality device defined in 5G-Evolved or Release 17 is a legacy reduced functionality device in contrast to the further reduced functionality devices envisioned in 5G-Advanced or Release 18.

[0033] The frequency indication allows the radio network, e.g., the radio access network 101, to control which frequencies different devices may or may not apply to at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection.

[0034] In the following non-limiting examples, using, for example, "device" as a synonym for further reduced functionality device, different exemplary functions of the further reduced functionality device are shown relating to determining whether at least one first frequency instruction, which may be a frequency instruction for a legacy reduced functionality device, should be applied or skipped.

[0035] 2, a device determines the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the device (block 201). Furthermore, the device uses at least the presence or absence of the indication to determine whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication (block 202). For example, if the absence or presence of an indication indicates that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable, and the at least one first frequency indication indicates one or more frequencies as permissible frequencies, the device may apply the one or more frequencies, for example, for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection. If the absence or presence of an indication indicates that the at least one first frequency indication is not applicable, the device may skip the corresponding at least one frequency (indicated by the at least one first frequency indication) for, for example, at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection. Yet a further example is that if the absence or presence of the indication indicates that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable and the at least one first frequency indication indicates one or more frequencies as unacceptable frequencies, the device may skip the one or more frequencies, e.g., for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, and maximum transmit power selection.

[0036] Depending on the implementation, the presence or absence of the instruction may further indicate, directly or indirectly, that no frequency instructions for further reduced functionality devices are to be transmitted, or that one or more frequency instructions for further reduced functionality devices are to be transmitted and applicable to the devices, as described in conjunction with the examples below.

[0037] It should be understood that the instructions, as described herein, may be used by a reduced functionality Release 18 device, or by a later release reduced functionality device, for example, by a reduced functionality Release 19 or Release 20 device, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 3, the device determines that an indication exists indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the device (block 301), and the device applies the frequency indicated by the at least one first frequency indication (block 302).

[0039] In one implementation, the instruction may be a common instruction indicating that all first frequency instructions are applicable, and the device is configured to apply all frequencies indicated by at least one first frequency instruction (block 302). For example, if the first frequency instruction indicates that access to frequencies X and Y is permitted for legacy reduced-capability devices, access to frequencies X and Y is also permitted for further reduced-capability devices. In other words, frequencies X and Y are accessible to both legacy reduced-capability devices, e.g., Release 17, and further reduced-capability devices, e.g., Release 18.

[0040] In another embodiment, the device is configured to determine, based at least on the instruction, which of the at least one first frequency instruction is applicable to the reduced-capability device (block 302) and apply the frequency indicated by the applicable first frequency instruction (block 302). This may be indicated by a flag for each first frequency instruction (per frequency), where the value of the flag (true or false) indicates the applicability of the first frequency instruction to the device. For example, if the first frequency instruction indicates that access to frequencies X and Y for a legacy reduced-capability device is permitted, and the instruction indicates that the first frequency instruction indicating frequency X as an acceptable frequency is applicable to the device, but the first frequency instruction indicating frequency Y as an acceptable frequency is not applicable to the device, then access to frequency X is permitted for further reduced-capability devices, but access to frequency Y is not permitted. In other words, frequency X is accessible to both legacy reduced-function devices, e.g., Release 17, and further reduced-function devices, e.g., Release 18, while frequency Y is accessible to legacy reduced-function devices but not to further reduced-function devices.

[0041] The device may further receive one or more second frequency indications that are frequency indications for further reduced functionality devices indicating frequencies accessible for further reduction.

[0042] Thus, it is not necessary to use wireless network resources, e.g., system information signaling resources, to transmit corresponding frequency instructions for further reduced functionality devices, but it is possible for the network to transmit additional frequency instructions for further reduced functionality devices, e.g., in a broadcast, in a system information block, in system information block 4 (SIB4), or in dedicated signaling, e.g., in radio resource reconfiguration or radio resource release signaling or in other ways.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 4, the device determines that there is no indication (ie, no presence) of whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the device (block 401).

[0044] In the illustrated example, the device is configured to apply all frequencies indicated by at least one first frequency indication (block 402) in the absence of the indication. For example, if the first frequency indication indicates that access to frequencies X and Y is permitted for legacy reduced-capability devices, then access to frequencies X and Y is also permitted for further reduced-capability devices. In other words, frequencies X and Y are accessible to both legacy reduced-capability devices, e.g., Release 17, and further reduced-capability devices, e.g., Release 18.

[0045] 4, the first frequency indication is a default indication to be applied by the device (either a further reduced functionality device or a Release 18 device) unless the network signals otherwise. Thus, there is no need to use wireless network resources, e.g., system information signaling resources, to transmit any indications or corresponding set of frequency indications for the further reduced functionality device.

[0046] As can be seen from the examples of Figures 2, 3, and 4, flexibility is provided to allow separate frequency instructions for further reduced functionality devices while minimizing unnecessary use of network resources to transmit frequency instructions with the same effect.

[0047] The device may perform the determination of the absence or presence of the indication and / or additional frequency indication based on information received from the network. Figures 5 and 6 show exemplary network-side functionality.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 5, a network device, e.g., an access device or a base station, transmits information indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced-capability device (further reduced-capability device) (block 501). The at least one first frequency indication may indicate the granting of one or more frequencies for the legacy device. The information may be transmitted by inserting an indication to broadcast, by transmitting a broadcast without the indication, or the information may be transmitted indirectly by not including any specific indication in the transmission, as described above. The indication may also be a transmitted indication, e.g., a flag. Depending on the implementation, the information may indicate that all first frequency indications are applicable to the reduced-capability device, or the information may indicate which of the first frequency indications are applicable to the reduced-capability device. Therefore, it is not necessary to transmit frequency indications corresponding to the further reduced-capability device using wireless network resources, e.g., system information signaling resources.

[0049] Referring to FIG. 6, a network device, e.g., an access device or a base station, transmits information indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced-capability device (further reduced-capability device) (block 601), and then transmits at least one second frequency indication to the reduced-capability device (block 602). The at least one second frequency indication may be provided for each frequency granted to the reduced-capability device, e.g., for access purposes. The at least one second frequency indication may be transmitted in block 602 via broadcast, e.g., a system information block such as SIB4, or via dedicated signaling, e.g., radio resource reconfiguration or radio resource release signaling. The at least one second frequency indication may be an indication that is not applicable to legacy reduced-capability devices. For example, the at least one second frequency indication may be a Release 18 frequency indication.

[0050] In one implementation, the network device is configured to transmit at least one second frequency indication to complement the at least one first frequency indication indicated as applicable to the reduced functionality device. In other words, the at least one second frequency indication may be an additional frequency indication.

[0051] In another embodiment, the network device is configured to send at least one second frequency indication to the reduced capability device at block 602 when the first frequency indication is not applicable to the reduced capability device.

[0052] 7, 8, and 9 illustrate different examples of information and functions when a network NW, e.g., a network device, transmits at least one first frequency instruction and at least one second frequency instruction, e.g., by broadcast. In the illustrated examples, the transmissions are shown as separate signaling. It should be understood that the transmissions may be sent as a single signaling. Furthermore, in the illustrated examples, it is assumed that the at least one first frequency instruction is for a reduced-feature Release 17 device readable by a reduced-feature Release 18 device, and the at least one second frequency instruction is for a reduced-feature Release 18 device.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 7, the NW may broadcast at least one first frequency indication (message 7-1). For example, the NW may broadcast an "r-17-redCapAccessAllowed" indication for frequencies X and Y. For example, the NW may broadcast an "r-18-redCapAccessAllowed" indication for frequency Z. Additionally, the NW may broadcast at least one second frequency indication (message 7-2). For example, the NW may broadcast an "r-18-redCapAccessAllowed" indication for frequency Z.

[0054] Even though shown as separate messages, the illustrated example assumes that a further reduced-capability device, denoted RedCapUE in FIG. 7, receives them in one broadcast. The device determines that there is no indication and therefore that at least one first frequency indication in message 7-1 is not applicable (block 7-3). Thus, in the illustrated example, the further reduced-capability device skips the at least one first frequency indication (block 7-3) and applies the at least one second frequency indication (block 7-3). Using the above example of the frequencies shown, the RedCapUE uses frequency Z for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection, but skips frequencies X and Y for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection. For example, the RedCapUE may not measure frequencies X and Y even if they are signaled to the RedCapUE in the cell reselection information. Additionally, the RedCap UE may not attempt to receive synchronization signal block (SSB) / master information block (MIB) / system information block (SIB) system information from and / or attempt access on frequencies X and Y. However, the RedCap UE may measure frequency Z and attempt SSB / MIB / SIB system information from and / or attempt access on frequency Z.

[0055] Referring to FIG. 8, in block 8-0, the NW determines that none of the first frequency indications are applicable to further reduced functionality and therefore corresponding information and second frequency indications should be sent to further reduced functionality devices. In the case of legacy reduced functionality devices, the NW may broadcast at least one first frequency indication (message 8-1). For example, the NW may broadcast an “r-17-redCapAccessAllowed” indication for frequencies X and Y. The broadcast (message 8-1) further includes information indicating that none of the first frequency indications are applicable to further reduced functionality devices. Furthermore, the NW broadcasts at least one second frequency indication (message 8-2). For example, the NW may broadcast an “r-18-redCapAccessAllowed” indication for frequency Z.

[0056] Although depicted as separate messages, in the illustrated exemplary example, it is assumed that a further reduced-capability device, shown in FIG. 8 as RedCapUE, receives them in one broadcast. The device determines that at least one first frequency indication in message 8-1 is not applicable and should be skipped, and that at least one second frequency indication should be received (block 8-3). Thus, in the illustrated example, the further reduced-capability device skips (block 8-3), receives (block 8-3), and applies (block 8-3) the at least one first frequency indication. Using the above example of the depicted frequencies, the RedCapUE uses frequency Z for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection, but skips frequencies X and Y for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection. For example, the RedCapUE may not measure frequencies X and Y, even if they are signaled to the RedCapUE in the cell reselection information. Additionally, the RedCap UE may not attempt to receive synchronization signal block (SSB) / master information block (MIB) / system information block (SIB) system information from and / or attempt access on frequencies X and Y. However, the RedCap UE may measure frequency Z and attempt SSB / MIB / SIB system information from and / or attempt access on frequency Z.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 9, the NW may broadcast at least one first frequency indication (message 9-1). For example, the NW may broadcast an “r-17-redCapAccessAllowed” indication for frequencies X and Y. The broadcast (message 9-1) further includes information indicating that all first frequency indications are applicable to further reduced functionality devices. Furthermore, the NW broadcasts at least one second frequency indication (message 9-2). For example, the NW may broadcast an “r-18-redCapAccessAllowed” indication for frequency Z.

[0058] Although shown as separate messages, the illustrated exemplary example assumes that a further reduced-capability device, shown in FIG. 9 as RedCapUE, receives them in one broadcast. The device determines that at least one first frequency indication in message 9-1 is applicable and that at least one second frequency indication is received and applicable (block 9-3). Thus, in the illustrated example, the further reduced-capability device applies the at least one first frequency indication and the at least one second frequency indication (block 9-3). Using the above example of the frequencies shown, RedCapUE may use frequencies X, Y, and Z for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection, and may attempt to access and / or access SSB / MIB / SIB system information from cells on frequencies X, Y, and Z.

[0059] The blocks, associated functions, and information exchanges (messages, signaling) described above with reference to Figures 2-9 are not in absolute chronological order; some of them may be performed simultaneously or in a different order than given. Other functions may also be performed between or within them, other information may be transmitted, and / or other rules may apply. Some of the blocks or portions of the blocks or one or more pieces of information may be omitted or replaced by corresponding blocks or portions of the blocks or one or more pieces of information.

[0060] Figure 10 illustrates an apparatus 1001 according to some embodiments. The apparatus 1001 may be, for example, an apparatus for further reduced functionality device use cases or a reduced functionality device, e.g., an electrical device. Figure 11 illustrates an apparatus, e.g., a network device, that may be configured to transmit information indicating at least the applicability of frequency indications to a reduced functionality device. Figure 12 illustrates an apparatus that may implement the distributed functionality of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 11.

[0061] The device 1001, 1101 may include one or more communication control circuits 1020, 1120, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory 1030 containing one or more algorithms 1031, 1131, such as computer program code (software), which, together with the at least one processor, cause the device to perform any one of the illustrated functionalities of the reduced functionality device or network device described above with reference to any of Figures 1-9. The at least one memory 1030, 1130 may include at least one database 1032, 1132.

[0062] According to one embodiment, an apparatus is provided comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the steps of determining the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency instruction is applicable to a reduced functionality device, and using at least the presence or absence of said indication to determine whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction.

[0063] According to one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform at least the step of transmitting information to a reduced-capability device indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced-capability device.

[0064] 10, the one or more communication control circuits 1020 of the device 1001 include at least a frequency determination circuit 1021, which, according to an embodiment, is configured to perform functions related to frequency applicability, for example, to determine the absence or presence of an instruction, an applicable frequency instruction, and whether to apply or skip a frequency. To this end, the frequency determination circuit 1021 of the device 1001 is configured to perform at least some of the functions described above, for example, with reference to FIGS. 2-9, using one or more separate circuits.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 10, memory 1030 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory, etc.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 10 , the device 1001 may further comprise different interfaces 1010, such as one or more communication interfaces (TX / RX) comprising hardware and / or software for realizing a communication connection according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1010 may enable connection to the Internet, to a core network of a wireless communication network, to a radio access network, and / or to other devices within range of the device. The one or more communication interfaces 1010 may communicate in a cellular communication system and provide the device with communications communicable to different network nodes or elements. The one or more communication interfaces 1010 may comprise standard, well-known components such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, (demodulator) modulators, and encoder / decoder circuits controlled by a corresponding control unit and, possibly, one or more antennas.

[0067] 11, one or more communication control circuits 1120 of device 1101 comprise at least an instruction circuit 1121 configured to include or not include in its transmission one or more instructions as described in Figures 2-9. To this end, instruction circuit 1121 of device 1101 is configured to perform at least some of the functions of a network device or access device as described above, e.g., with reference to Figures 1 and 5-9, e.g., by the device transmitting information using one or more individual circuits.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 11, memory 1130 may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, flash memory, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 11 , the device 1101 may further include different interfaces 1110, such as one or more communication interfaces (TX / RX) comprising hardware and / or software for realizing a communication connection according to one or more communication protocols. The one or more communication interfaces 1110 may enable connection to the Internet and / or a core network of a wireless communication network. The one or more communication interfaces 1110 may provide the device with communication capabilities for communicating, for example, in a cellular communication system and enabling communication to different network nodes or elements or terminal devices or user equipment. The one or more communication interfaces 1110 may include standard, well-known components, such as amplifiers, filters, frequency converters, (demodulator) modulators, and encoder / decoder circuits, as well as one or more antennas, controlled by corresponding control units.

[0070] In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12 , at least some of the functions of the apparatus in FIG. 11 may be shared between two physically separated devices to form one operational entity. Thus, the apparatus may be considered to depict an operational entity comprising one or more physically separate devices for performing at least some of the described processes. Thus, the apparatus in FIG. 12 utilizing such a shared architecture may comprise a remote control unit RCU1220, such as a host computer or a server computer, operably coupled (e.g., via a wireless or wired network) to a remote distributed unit RDU1222 located in a base station. In an embodiment, at least some of the described processes may be performed by the RCU1220. In an embodiment, execution of at least some of the described processes may be shared between the RDU1222 and the RCU1220.

[0071] Similar to FIG. 11 , the apparatus of FIG. 12 may include one or more communication control circuits (CNTL) 1120, such as at least one processor, and at least one memory (MEM) 1130 containing one or more algorithms (PROG) 1131, such as computer program code (software), configured using the at least one processor, at least one memory, and computer program code (software) to cause the apparatus to perform any one of the exemplary functions of the apparatus described above, e.g., with reference to FIGS. 1 and 5-9, e.g., by a network device or access device.

[0072] In an embodiment, the RCU 1220 may generate a virtual network through which the RCU 1220 communicates with the RDU 1222. Generally, virtual networking may involve a process of combining hardware and software network resources and network functionality into a virtual network, which is a single software-based application management entity. Network virtualization may also involve platform virtualization, which is often combined with resource virtualization. Network virtualization may be categorized as external virtual networking, which combines many networks or portions of networks into a server computer or a host computer (e.g., an RCU). External network virtualization targets optimized network sharing. Another category is internal virtual networking, which provides network-like functionality to software containers on a single system. Virtual networking may also be used to test terminal devices.

[0073] In an embodiment, a virtual network may provide flexible distribution of operations between the RDU and the RCU. In practice, any digital signal processing task may be performed in either the RDU or the RCU, and the boundary at which responsibility is shifted between the RDU and the RCU may be selected according to implementation.

[0074] In yet a further embodiment, the apparatus of FIG. 10 may be implemented similarly to the apparatus of FIG.

[0075] As used in this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) a dedicated hardware circuit implementation, such as an implementation in analog and / or digital circuitry only, and (b) (where applicable) a combination of hardware circuitry and software (and / or firmware): (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor, including a digital signal processor, software, and memory, and having software that cooperates to cause an apparatus, such as a terminal device or access node, to perform various functions; (c) hardware circuits and processors, such as a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor, that require software (e.g., firmware) to operate but may be absent if not required for operation. This definition of "circuit" applies to all uses of this term in this application, including any claims. As a further example, as used in this application, the term "circuit" also encompasses simply a hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware implementation. The term "circuitry" also includes, for example, baseband integrated circuits for access nodes or terminal devices or other computing or network devices, where applicable to particular claim elements.

[0076] In one embodiment, at least some of the processes described in connection with Figures 2-9 may be performed by an apparatus comprising corresponding means for performing at least some of the described processes. Some exemplary means for performing a process may include at least one of a detector, a processor (including dual-core and multi-core processors), a digital signal processor, a controller, a receiver, a transmitter, an encoder, a decoder, memory, RAM, ROM, software, firmware, a display, a user interface, a display circuit, a user interface circuit, a user interface software, a display software, a circuit, an antenna, an antenna circuit, and a circuit. In one embodiment, at least one processor, memory, and computer program code form a processing means or comprise one or more computer program code portions for performing one or more operations according to any one of the embodiments of Figures 2-9 or operations thereof.

[0077] The described embodiments and examples may also be implemented in the form of a computer process defined by a computer program or portions thereof. Functional embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 2-9 may be implemented by executing at least a portion of a computer program containing corresponding instructions. The computer program may be provided as a computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon, or as a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored thereon. The computer program may be in source code format, object code format, or some intermediate format, and may be stored on some type of carrier, which may be any entity or device capable of conveying a program. For example, the computer program may be stored on a computer program distribution medium readable by a computer or processor. The computer program medium may be, for example, but not limited to, a recording medium, computer memory, read-only memory, an electrical carrier signal, a communication signal, and a software distribution package. The computer program medium may be a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transitory" as used herein refers to limitations of the medium itself (i.e., tangible rather than a signal), such as limitations on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM). Coding software to implement the illustrated and described embodiments is within the skill of those skilled in the art.

[0078] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to examples in the accompanying drawings, it is clear that the embodiments are not limited thereto, and that several modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, all words and expressions should be interpreted broadly, and they are intended to illustrate the embodiments, not to limit them. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the concept of the present invention can be implemented in various ways as technology advances. Furthermore, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the described embodiments may be combined with other embodiments in various ways, but such is not required.

Claims

1. A reduced function device, means for determining the presence or absence of an indication indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to said reduced functionality device; 10. A reduced functionality device comprising: means for using at least the presence or absence of said indication to determine whether to apply said at least one first frequency indication.

2. 2. The reduced functionality device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency indication is configured to determine, in the presence of the indication, to apply all frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency indication.

3. 2. The function-reducing device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to, in the presence of the instruction, determine, based at least on the instruction, which frequency instructions of the at least one first frequency instruction are applicable to the function-reducing device, and apply the frequency indicated by the applicable first frequency instruction.

4. further comprising means for receiving at least one second frequency indication in a broadcast or dedicated signaling; 2. The reduced functionality device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to determine to apply a frequency indicated by the at least one second frequency instruction.

5. the means for determining the presence or absence of the indication is configured to determine that the indication is absent when the at least second frequency indication is received; 5. The reduced functionality device of claim 4, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to skip frequencies indicated by the at least one first frequency instruction.

6. 5. The reduced-function device of claim 4, wherein the means for receiving the at least one second frequency instruction is configured to receive the at least one second frequency instruction when the presence or absence of the instruction indicates that the first frequency instruction is not applicable to the reduced-function device.

7. means for determining that the absence of the indication means that the at least one first frequency indication is applicable to the reduced functionality device; 2. The reduced functionality device of claim 1, wherein the means for determining whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction is configured to determine to apply a frequency indicated by the at least one first frequency instruction.

8. 5. The reduced functionality device of claim 4, wherein the means for receiving the at least one second frequency indication is configured to receive a second frequency indication for each frequency.

9. 10. The reduced functionality device of claim 1, further comprising means for receiving the at least one indication by broadcast or dedicated signaling.

10. 10. The reduced functionality device of claim 1, further comprising: means for applying the indicated applicable frequency or frequencies for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection.

11. 10. The reduced functionality device of claim 1, further comprising: means for skipping one or more frequencies that are not indicated or applicable for at least one of cell selection, cell reselection, cell search, radio resource management measurements, or maximum transmit power selection.

12. 1. A network device comprising: means for transmitting information to a reduced functionality device indicating whether at least one first frequency indication is applicable to said reduced functionality device.

13. 13. The network device of claim 12, further comprising means for transmitting at least one second frequency indication to the reduced functionality device.

14. 14. The network device of claim 13, wherein the means for transmitting the at least one second frequency indication is configured to transmit the at least one second frequency indication to the reduced functionality device when the first frequency indication is not applicable to the reduced functionality device.

15. determining whether there is an indication indicating whether the at least one first frequency indication is applicable to a reduced functionality device; and using at least the presence or absence of said indication to determine whether to apply said at least one first frequency indication.

16. determining whether there is an indication indicating whether the at least one first frequency indication is applicable to a reduced functionality device; and a step of using at least the presence or absence of the instruction to determine whether to apply the at least one first frequency instruction.

17. 17. The computer-readable medium of claim 16, wherein the computer-readable medium is a non-transitory computer-readable medium.

18. When executed by an apparatus, the apparatus at least: determining whether there is an indication indicating whether the at least one first frequency indication is applicable to a reduced functionality device; and a step of using at least the presence or absence of said indication to determine whether to apply said at least one first frequency indication.

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