Apparatus, method, and computer program

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed that comprises means for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode, means for transmitting one or more cell measurements for a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node, and means for activating the stored cell configuration in the apparatus when the apparatus is in or entering the active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present application relates to methods, apparatus and computer programs, particularly but not exclusively to apparatus, methods and computer programs for configuring cells. [Background technology]

[0002] A communication system can be viewed as a facility that enables communication sessions between two or more entities, such as user terminals, base stations, and / or other nodes, by providing carrier waves between the various entities involved in the communication path. A communication system may be provided, for example, by a communication network and one or more compatible communication devices. A communication session may include communication of data to carry communications such as, for example, voice, video, electronic mail (email), text messages, multimedia, and / or content data. Non-limiting examples of services provided include two-way or multi-way calling, data communication or multimedia services, and access to data network systems such as the Internet. In a wireless communication system, at least a portion of a communication session between at least two stations is conducted over a wireless link. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs), satellite-based communication systems, and various wireless local networks, e.g., wireless local area networks (WLANs). Some wireless systems may be divided into cells and are therefore often referred to as cellular systems.

[0003] A user may access a communication system by means of an appropriate communication device or terminal, which may be referred to as user equipment (UE) or user device.

[0004] Communication systems and associated devices typically operate according to a given standard or specification that describes what various entities associated with the system are permitted to do and how that should be accomplished. The communication protocols and / or parameters used for connectivity are also typically defined. One example of a communication system is UTRAN (3G radio). Another example of a communication system is the long-term evolution (LTE) of Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) radio access technology, and the so-called 5G or New Radio (NR) network. NR is standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode; means for transmitting to a network node one or more cell measurements for a cell associated with the stored cell configuration; and means for activating the stored cell configuration in the apparatus when the apparatus is in or entering the active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

[0006] According to some embodiments, the means for storing is configured to store the cell configuration while the device is in an idle mode or an inactive mode.

[0007] According to some embodiments, the means for activating the stored cell configuration is configured to autonomously activate the stored cell configuration.

[0008] According to some embodiments, autonomously activating a stored cell configuration means that the stored cell configuration is activated without an explicit command from the network.

[0009] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for transmitting activation time information to a network node for activating the stored cell configuration.

[0010] According to some embodiments, the activation time information is included in one or more of the following: Downlink Control Information, a Media Access Control Element, and a timer value.

[0011] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for performing one or more cell measurements and / or evaluating the one or more cell measurements.

[0012] According to some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to perform one or more cell measurements or evaluate one or more cell measurements in response to receiving a conditional cell activation message from a network node.

[0013] According to some embodiments, the device comprises means for retrieving available measurements for a cell from a storage of the device.

[0014] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for receiving information from a network node indicating which resources to use when in active mode.

[0015] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for transmitting information of the channel index to the base station.

[0016] According to some embodiments, the channel index comprises a reference signal index.

[0017] According to some embodiments, the reference signal index includes one of a Synchronization Signal Block reference signal and a Channel State Information reference signal.

[0018] According to some embodiments, activating the stored cell configuration depends on at least one threshold being met, and the apparatus comprises means for checking whether the threshold is met.

[0019] According to some embodiments, the threshold value includes one of: Synchronization Signal Block Reference Signal Received Power; Synchronization Signal Block Reference Signal Received Quality.

[0020] According to some embodiments, the cell configuration includes a Radio Resource Control configuration.

[0021] According to some embodiments, the network node to which the one or more cell measurements are transmitted comprises a base station.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the cell comprises one of a Secondary Cell, a Primary Secondary Cell.

[0023] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0024] According to some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform its functions.

[0025] According to a second aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least store a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode; transmit one or more cell measurements of cells associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and, after the cell measurements have been transmitted, activate the stored cell configuration in the apparatus when the apparatus is in or entering active mode.

[0026] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: circuitry for storing a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode; circuitry for transmitting to a network node one or more cell measurements for a cell associated with the stored cell configuration; and circuitry for activating the stored cell configuration in the apparatus when the apparatus is in or entering the active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

[0027] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a method comprising storing a cell configuration for use when a device is in an active mode; transmitting one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and activating the stored cell configuration in the device when the device is in or entering the active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

[0028] According to some embodiments, the method includes storing the cell configuration while the device is in an idle or inactive mode.

[0029] According to some embodiments, activating the stored cell configuration includes autonomously activating the stored cell configuration.

[0030] According to some embodiments, autonomously activating a stored cell configuration means that the stored cell configuration is activated without an explicit command from the network.

[0031] According to some embodiments, the method includes transmitting activation time information to a network node to activate the stored cell configuration.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the activation time information is included in one or more of the following: Downlink Control Information, a Media Access Control Element, and a timer value.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the method includes one or both of performing one or more cell measurements and evaluating the one or more cell measurements.

[0034] According to some embodiments, performing one or more cell measurements or evaluating one or more cell measurements in response to receiving a conditional cell activation message from the network node.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the method includes searching for available measurements for the cell from a storage of the device.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the method includes receiving information from a network node indicating which resources to use when in active mode.

[0037] According to some embodiments, the method includes transmitting channel index information to a base station.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the channel index comprises a reference signal index.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the reference signal index includes one of a Synchronization Signal Block reference signal and a Channel State Information reference signal.

[0040] According to some embodiments, activating the stored cell configuration is dependent on at least one threshold being met, and the method includes checking whether the threshold is met.

[0041] According to some embodiments, the threshold value includes one of: Synchronization Signal Block Reference Signal Received Power; Synchronization Signal Block Reference Signal Received Quality.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the cell configuration includes a Radio Resource Control configuration.

[0043] According to some embodiments, the network node to which the one or more cell measurements are transmitted comprises a base station.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the cell comprises one of a Secondary Cell, a Primary Secondary Cell.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a user equipment.

[0046] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least store a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode; transmit one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and, after the cell measurements have been transmitted, activate the stored cell configuration in the apparatus when the apparatus is in or entering the active mode.

[0047] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a computer program having stored thereon instructions for at least storing a cell configuration for use when a device is in an active mode, transmitting to a network node one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration, and activating the stored cell configuration in the device when the device is in or entering the active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

[0048] According to a seventh aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least store a cell configuration for use when the apparatus is in an active mode; transmit one or more cell measurements of a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node; and, after the cell measurements have been transmitted, activate the stored cell configuration at the apparatus when the apparatus is in or entering the active mode.

[0049] According to an eighth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for at least storing a cell configuration for use when a device is in an active mode; transmitting to a network node one or more cell measurements for a cell associated with the stored cell configuration; and activating the stored cell configuration at the device when the device is in or entering the active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

[0050] According to a ninth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: means for allocating resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment; means for storing information of the allocated resources in the apparatus; and means for transmitting information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering active mode in the cell.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the means for storing is configured to store information of allocated resources while the user equipment is in an idle mode or an inactive mode.

[0052] According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises means for receiving information of one or more cell measurements from user equipment and associating the measurements with a cell.

[0053] According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises means for receiving reference signal index information from a user equipment.

[0054] According to some embodiments, the reference signal index includes one of a Synchronization Signal Block reference signal and a Channel State Information reference signal.

[0055] According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises means for transmitting a conditional activation command to a user equipment, wherein a condition of the conditional activation command comprises a threshold value.

[0056] According to some embodiments, the apparatus comprises means for transmitting a cell configuration deactivation command to the user equipment when the threshold is not met.

[0057] According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a base station.

[0058] According to some embodiments, the means comprises at least one processor and at least one memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to perform its functions.

[0059] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory storing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, cause the apparatus to at least allocate resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment; store information of the allocated resources in the apparatus; and transmit information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering an active mode in the cell.

[0060] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided an apparatus comprising: circuitry for allocating resources of a cell configuration to user equipment; circuitry for storing information of the allocated resources in the apparatus; and circuitry for transmitting information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering an active mode in the cell.

[0061] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided a method comprising allocating resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment, storing information of the allocated resources in an apparatus, and transmitting the information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering an active mode in the cell.

[0062] According to some embodiments, the method includes storing information of allocated resources while the user equipment is in an idle or inactive mode.

[0063] According to some embodiments, a method includes receiving information of one or more cell measurements from a user equipment and associating the measurements with a cell.

[0064] According to some embodiments, a method includes receiving reference signal index information from a user equipment.

[0065] According to some embodiments, the reference signal index includes one of a Synchronization Signal Block reference signal and a Channel State Information reference signal.

[0066] According to some embodiments, a method includes sending a conditional activation command to a user equipment, wherein a condition of the conditional activation command includes a threshold value.

[0067] According to some embodiments, the method includes sending a cell configuration deactivation command to the user equipment when the threshold is not met.

[0068] According to some embodiments, an apparatus comprises a base station.

[0069] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least allocate resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment; store information of the allocated resources in the apparatus; and transmit information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering active mode in the cell.

[0070] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided a computer program having stored thereon instructions for at least allocating resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment, storing information of the allocated resources in an apparatus, and transmitting information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering active mode in the cell.

[0071] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium including program instructions that, when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to at least allocate resources of a cell configuration to user equipment, store information of the allocated resources in the apparatus, and transmit information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering active mode in the cell.

[0072] According to a sixteenth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions for at least allocating resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment, storing information of the allocated resources in an apparatus, and transmitting information of the allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering an active mode in the cell.

[0073] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0074] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a representation of a network system, according to some example embodiments. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a network system, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 3-1] A signaling diagram (over two pages) according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3-2] A signaling diagram (over two pages) according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a control device, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a user terminal, according to some exemplary embodiments. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart of a method according to an example embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a non-volatile memory medium that stores instructions that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0075] In the following, several embodiments will be described with reference to a wireless cellular system serving mobile communication devices and mobile communication devices capable of communicating via the mobile communication system. Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, some general principles of wireless communication systems, their access systems, and mobile communication devices will be briefly explained with reference to FIG. 1 to facilitate understanding of the technology underlying the described examples.

[0076] 1 shows a schematic representation of a 5G system (5GS), which may include a terminal or user equipment (UE), a 5G radio access network (5GRAN) or next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN), a 5G core network (5GC), one or more application functions (AFs), and one or more data networks.

[0077] A 5G-RAN may comprise one or more gNodeBs (gNBs) connected to one or more gNodeB (gNB) centralized unit functions or one or more gNodeB (gNB) distributed unit functions.

[0078] The 5GC may comprise the following entities: Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF), Network Exposure Function, Network Repository Function (NRF), Policy Control Function (PCF), Unified Data Management (UDM), Application Function (AF), Authentication Server Function (AUSF), Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF), and Session Management Function (SMF). Figure 1 also shows various interfaces (N1, N2, etc.) that may be implemented between various elements of the system.

[0079] 2 illustrates a system 200 in which some embodiments may be implemented. System 200 includes a Master Cell Group (MCG) 250 and a Secondary Cell Group (SCG) 252. System 200 may also include other SCGs, each having a PSCell. Each of the other SCGs may also include one or more SCells.

[0080] The MCG 250 comprises a Primary Cell (PCell) 254. The PCell 254 may be used to initiate initial access for a UE. The MCG 250 may also comprise other cells, including at least one Secondary Cell (SCell) 256a and 256b.

[0081] The MCG 250 can be controlled by a Master Node (MN).

[0082] The MCG 250 is connected to the SCG 252 by a Dual Connectivity (DC) system. The SCG 252 includes a Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell) 258 that may be used as the cell from which initial access is initiated for the SCG 252. The SCG 252 may also include other cells, including at least one Secondary Cell (SCell) 260a and 260b.

[0083] The SCG 252 may be controlled by a Secondary Node (SN). Each SCG in the system 200 may include an SN.

[0084] A UE may be in a state of dual connectivity with an MN (the MN may include a PCell) and an SN (the SN may include a PSCell). Thus, a UE in a state of dual connectivity with an MN and an SN may be configured with a corresponding PCell and PSCell. The MN or SN may initiate a Conditional Primary Secondary Cell Change (CPC) procedure.

[0085] 3GPP has been working on improving CA / DC (Carrier Aggregation / Dual Connectivity) setup latency in LTE and NR for several releases, and this work continues in Rel-18, including with the objective of improving CA and / or DC setup latency with a particular focus on improving latency for the use of FR2 (Frequency Range 2) SCells and / or PSCells.

[0086] During a Radio Resource Control (RRC) setup / resumption procedure, the UE may perform verification of some available (UE-side) idle mode measurements, inactive mode measurements, or connected mode measurements to check whether the results are still usable. The measurement results may be used to represent, for example, the received signal strength of a candidate cell for carrier aggregation or dual connectivity, such as a candidate SCell or PSCell. Verification of such measurements, which in some cases may include additional measurements for verification purposes, may continue for a period of time after (and therefore during) the UE enters connected mode.

[0087] In some cases, it may be feasible for a UE implementation to have measurements available in an optimized manner when an RRC setup / resumption is triggered, such that the UE will need only a short time or no additional time for measurement verification during the setup / resumption procedure and will be able to quickly report the verified results.

[0088] Some UEs may also support storing the entire SCG or MCG SCell configuration while the UE is in idle or inactive mode. The network may configure the UE to store the configuration while the UE is in inactive or idle mode after the connection is released. Based on the request, the UE stores the information while in inactive or idle mode. The network may then request the UE to restore the stored configuration when it re-enters connected mode.

[0089] In order for the network to activate the first cell, SCell or PSCell, in the FR2 band, it needs to "reach" the UE from a scheduling perspective. One way to facilitate this is by knowing which downlink reference signals (DL RS) the UE receives.

[0090] Therefore, in order to reduce (P)SCell activation time (e.g., time to configure and possibly activate), there may be an advantage in allowing the network to know early on when the UE can expect to receive any potential scheduling opportunities.

[0091] This disclosure proposes a method for a UE to conditionally activate a cell configuration. For example, the cell configuration may be an SCell configuration. In another embodiment, the cell configuration may be a PSCell configuration. In an embodiment, the UE is configured to store the cell configuration to be activated. In an embodiment, the UE stores the cell configuration while the UE is in idle / inactive mode. Then, the UE activates the stored cell configuration when it enters connected mode. In some embodiments, the UE is configured to transmit or report cell measurements to the network (e.g., gNB). For example, the reported cell measurement may be Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP). Along with the cell measurement, the UE may also transmit an index (indicating a reference signal for a preferred DL beam). In an embodiment, after the required measurement results are reported to the network, the UE activates a cell (e.g., SCell) associated with the stored cell configuration. According to some embodiments, when a cell is activated, it means that the UE uses the stored cell configuration and (i) actively starts receiving (monitors scheduling) for that cell, and (ii) waits for the network to send a final activation command (triggering the UE to start monitoring scheduling). In some embodiments, activating the stored cell may be done without receiving an activation command from the network side. That is, in some embodiments, it may be considered that the UE autonomously activates the cell associated with the stored cell configuration after measurement results are transmitted to the network. In some embodiments, the UE may apply the stored cell information but wait for activation of the stored cell from the network.

[0092] In some embodiments, the UE verifies the cell measurements. In some embodiments, the manner in which the cell measurements are reported by the UE may be based on, for example, network configuration, network request, etc. (e.g., UEInformationRequest + UEInformationResponse).

[0093] In an embodiment, the UE reports (verified) measurement results as part of this procedure (e.g., entering connected mode from inactive mode), and the UE includes the SSB index as part of the result if at least one of the following applies: - The network indicates "SCell activated" when configuring the stored SCell parameters. - The network indicates "SCell activated" in the RRCResume message. - The network indicates "Scell ​​activated" in a broadcast message (e.g., SIB).

[0094] In some embodiments, "SCell activation" may also refer to the stored PSCell configuration explicitly (e.g., separate instructions for SCell and PSCell) or implicitly (one instruction triggers restoration of both SCell and PSCell). As mentioned above, in some embodiments, after the measurement results are reported, the UE will activate the stored SCell without a further SCell activation command from the network side. In some embodiments, the SCell activation time is based on the time the UE transmitted the measurement results. In some embodiments, a time offset is used, resulting in cell activation at some point after the measurements are transmitted. In another embodiment, the UE may be indicated the SCell activation time via Downlink Control Information (DCI), Media Access Control Control Element (MAC CE), or via a timer value in an RRC message containing the reported results.

[0095] In some embodiments, cell activation is conditional, such that a cell is activated when one or more conditions are met. In some embodiments, the conditions relate to a predefined threshold. For example, the predefined threshold may be reference signal-based. For example, the threshold may be SSB-RSRP (Synchronization Signal and PBCH Block Reference Signal Received Power)-based, SSB-RSRQ (Synchronization Signal and PBCH Block Reference Signal Received Quality)-based, or another measurement metric. In other embodiments, other reference signals, such as CSI-RS, may be used. In one embodiment, a stored cell (e.g., SCell) is activated only if a threshold condition is met. In one embodiment, a stored cell (e.g., SCell) is not activated if the threshold condition is not met. Such thresholds may be network-configured.

[0096] In some embodiments, the network (e.g., gNB) may "cancel" or deactivate conditional cell activation by sending a cell deactivation command to the UE after receiving measurement results, or by explicit indication such as an RRC message (e.g., RRCResume message). In one alternative, if the network does not request and / or receive measurement results, conditional activation is not performed. In another embodiment, conditional activation is conditioned on a final activation command or confirmation from the network.

[0097] Figures 3-1 and 3-2 (split across two pages, sometimes referred to as Figure 3) are signaling diagrams that help explain in more detail how some embodiments may be implemented. The signaling diagrams show communication between a UE 302 and a gNB 304. While the context of Figure 3 is 5G (NR), this is by way of non-limiting example, and the embodiments may also be applied to other technologies, such as LTE and 6G. Furthermore, the context of Figure 3 is a scenario in which the network has configured the UE to store the SCell configuration during inactive mode. However, in another embodiment, the context may be a PSCell configuration. Furthermore, the method is not limited to inactive mode and may be used in other modes. In an embodiment, when the UE connection is released and the UE enters inactive mode, the UE will perform the required measurements. Figure 3 also provides several alternative options ("Option 1," "Option 2," and "Option 3") for communication between the UE 302 and the gNB 304 before a cell is added or activated.

[0098] As shown in S301, the UE is initially in connected mode with the gNB 304. For example, the UE may be operating in carrier aggregation (CA). During connected mode, the network configures the UE such that the UE stores the SCell configuration, e.g., for inactive mode. For example, while the UE is idle or inactive, the gNB 304 may send a message to the UE 302 to store the cell configuration and / or parameters of the cell configuration. In some embodiments, this information is sent in an RRC configuration message, as shown in S302. The information sent in S302 may include an "activation" indication for the PSCell or SCell configuration. The indication may indicate when to activate the PSCell or SCell or under what conditions. In some embodiments, the indication may indicate the activation conditions, either directly or alternatively as a reference to a previously stored configuration. The UE 302 then stores the received configuration.

[0099] As shown in S303, the gNB304 then sends a connection release message.

[0100] This configures the UE 302 into an idle or inactive mode, as shown in S304.

[0101] At S305, while the UE is in idle / inactive mode, the UE performs cell measurements, for example, these may be measurements of reference signals.

[0102] At some point, a mobile originated (MO) call is established, as shown at S306 as an example.

[0103] After this, the connection setup procedure is initiated, for example, as shown in S307, the connection setup may be initiated with an RRC Request message.

[0104] Three alternative options are discussed for how UE302 and gNB304 may communicate after the RRC request is sent to gNB304 at S307 and before the stored cell is added. These three options are shown schematically within the dashed boxes in Figure 3, labeled Option 1, Option 2, and Option 3.

[0105] Option 1 begins at S308, where a conditional activation message is received at the UE 302 from the gNB 304. For example, this conditional message may be included within an RRC Resume message, which includes information for conditionally activating the (P)SCell. Several alternatives are envisioned for how the UE 302 stores the information. Three non-limiting alternative examples are described below.

[0106] i. In one alternative, the stored cell configuration (e.g., SCell configuration) may include an indication of whether the UE should conditionally activate the stored cell when entering connected mode (if or when a condition is met). In this scenario, the RRCResume message may not include a conditional activation indication for the UE to conditionally activate the stored SCell.

[0107] ii. In one alternative, the stored cell configuration (e.g., SCell configuration) may include an indication of whether the UE may be required to conditionally activate the stored cell when entering connected mode (if or when a condition is met). In this scenario, the RRCResume message may or may not include a conditional activation indication. If the indication is included, it means that the UE should conditionally activate the stored cell. If the indication is not included, it means that the UE should not conditionally activate the stored cell.

[0108] iii. In another alternative, the stored information does not include information or an indication of whether the cell should be conditionally activated when connected mode is entered. Instead, this indication is only indicated in signaling when connected mode is entered, for example in an RRCResume message or another activation command or request message.

[0109] Regardless of which of alternatives (i) to (iii) is used, the method proceeds to S309. If the conditions for activating the stored cell are met, the UE302 sends an indication to the gNB304. For example, the indication may include an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message. In some embodiments, at S309, the UE302 includes other information in the message. For example, the other information may include one or more indexes. For example, the one or more indexes may include an SSB index. In some embodiments, the SSB index refers to a DL reference signal reference or identifier. The SSB index may be used to identify the cell. Further, the UE302 may perform measurements related to the index.

[0110] Thereafter, the UE activates the cell at S320 (when any necessary conditions are met) and the cell (eg, SCell) is ready for use, as shown at S321.

[0111] In Option 2, at S310, UE302 receives an RRC Resume message from gNB304.

[0112] At S311, UE302 sends an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message to gNB304.

[0113] As shown at S312, a cell (e.g., SCell) conditional activation indication is received at the UE 302. In this embodiment, the conditional activation indication is received in a UE Information Request message. In some embodiments, the UE Information Request message includes a request for measurements from the UE.

[0114] If the UEInformationRequest message includes an instruction to conditionally activate the stored cell, the UE initiates this. Thus, as shown in S313, the UE will evaluate whether the conditions for activating the cell are met. More specifically, the UE 302 may perform measurements within the cell and then use those measurements to establish whether the conditions for activating the cell are met.

[0115] At S314, the UE responds to the request with the results of the evaluation. Thus, if the UE evaluates that the conditions for activating the cell are met, the UE includes information in a response message. For example, the UE 302 may include measurement information in the response. In some embodiments, the UE 302 may also include an index, such as an SSB index, in the response. The response message may include a UEInformationResponse message. The network (e.g., gNB 304) then knows (i) the stored cell-cell conditions and (ii) which DL reference signals are preferred by the UE (indicating which DL beam / spatial direction) the network should use.

[0116] Thereafter, in S320, the UE activates the cell (if the response contained a result and index for a stored cell) and the cell is ready for use, as shown in S321.

[0117] In Option 3, the UE receives an instruction to conditionally activate a cell (e.g., an SCell), as shown in S315, which may be received in an RRC Resume message.

[0118] At S316, UE302 responds with an RRC Reconfiguration Complete message.

[0119] At S317, the UE evaluates the conditions for activating the cell. If further action is required on the UE side to satisfy these conditions, or the UE can evaluate whether the conditions are satisfied (e.g., perform one or more measurements), the UE 302 will perform such measurements at S317. Thus, S317 may be considered as the UE performing action related to satisfying the conditions for activating the cell.

[0120] At S318, the network requests the measurement results from the UE 302. For example, the gNB 304 requests the information using a UEInformationRequest message.

[0121] In S319, the UE responds with an information response message. For example, the information response message includes the measurements performed in S317. Furthermore, if the conditions for activating the cell are met, the response in S319 may include index information for the cell, such as SSB index information.

[0122] Thereafter, the UE activates the cell in S320 (if the response contained a result and index for a stored cell) and the cell is ready for use as shown in S321.

[0123] In some embodiments (Option 2 or Option 3), the network (e.g., gNB 304) may send multiple UEInformationRequests to the UE 302 to request measurement results. In this case, the UE may respond with multiple UEInformationResponses.

[0124] An advantage of the disclosed embodiments is that when a UE has measurements available in idle mode (in some embodiments, the validity of which can be checked by the UE) and the network knows which cell (e.g., a (P)SCell) the measurements relate to, the network can quickly configure or activate the cell without receiving the measurement results via a UEInformationRequest. In embodiments, this allows for a very short activation delay. For example, the activation delay can be around 20 ms. Currently, the UE is not required to store any existing measurements beyond the T331 timer expiration; after security is established, the UE only needs to send the measurements requested by the UEInformationRequest.

[0125] In other words, the advantage is that the UE and network can create an SCell measurement association with fewer measurements and in less time than would be required with legacy methods. This means a significant reduction in CA or DC setup time. Compared to the current rel-16 based EMR framework, the network needs to request measurements from the UE after security has been established.

[0126] Therefore, embodiments of the present disclosure may significantly reduce this delay for cell activation.

[0127] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a control device 400 for controlling functions of the 5GRAN or 5GC shown in FIG. 1. The control device may include at least one random access memory (RAM) 411a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 411b, at least one processor 412, 413, and an input / output interface 414. The at least one processor 412, 413 may be coupled to the RAM 411a and the ROM 411b. The at least one processor 412, 413 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 415. The software code 415 may, for example, enable one or more steps to implement one or more of the present aspects. The software code 415 may be stored in the ROM 411b. The control device 400 may be interconnected with another control device 400 that controls another function of the 5GRAN or 5GC. In some embodiments, each function of the 5GRAN or 5GC includes a control device 400. In alternative embodiments, two or more functions of the 5GRAN or 5GC may share a control device. In some embodiments, the gNB 304 shown in FIG. 3 may be in the form of a controller 400.

[0128] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a terminal 500, such as the terminal shown in FIG. 1. The terminal 500 may be provided by any device capable of transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Non-limiting examples include user equipment, a mobile station (MS) or mobile device such as a cell phone or what is known as a "smartphone," a computer with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface mechanism (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal digital assistant (PDA) or tablet with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC) device, an Internet of Things (IoT) type communication device, or any combination thereof. The terminal 500 may provide, for example, communication of data to carry the communication. The communication may be one or more of voice, electronic mail (email), text message, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0129] The terminal 500 may comprise at least one processor 501, at least one memory ROM 502a, at least one RAM 502b, and other possible components 503 for use in software and hardware-assisted execution of tasks it is designed to perform, including controlling access to and communication with access systems and other communication devices. The at least one processor 501 is coupled to the RAM 502b and the ROM 502a. The at least one processor 501 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 508. The software code 508 may, for example, enable one or more of the present aspects to be implemented. The software code 508 may be stored in the ROM 502a.

[0130] The processor, storage, and other associated controls may be provided on a suitable circuit board and / or in a chipset, features of which are indicated by reference numeral 504. Optionally, the device may have a user interface such as a keypad 505, a touch-sensitive screen or pad, or a combination thereof. Optionally, depending on the type of device, one or more of a display, a speaker, and a microphone may be provided.

[0131] The terminal 500 may receive signals via an appropriate device for receiving and may transmit signals via an appropriate device for transmitting wireless signals via an air or wireless interface 507. In Figure 5, a transceiver device is generally indicated by block 506. The transceiver device 506 may be provided, for example, by a radio part and an associated antenna arrangement. The antenna arrangement may be located inside or outside the mobile device.

[0132] The UE 302 shown in FIG. 3 may be in the form of a user terminal 500 .

[0133] Figure 6 is a flow diagram of a method according to an embodiment. The flow diagram of Figure 9 is from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may include user equipment.

[0134] As shown in S601, the method includes storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in an active mode.

[0135] At S602, the method includes transmitting one or more cell measurements for a cell associated with the stored cell configuration to a network node.

[0136] At S603, the method includes activating the stored cell configuration at the device when the device is in or entering active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted.

[0137] 7 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. The flowchart in FIG. 7 is from the perspective of an apparatus. For example, the apparatus may include a base station (gNB).

[0138] As shown in S701, the method includes allocating resources of a cell configuration to a user equipment.

[0139] At S702, the method includes storing information of the allocated resources in the device.

[0140] At S703, the method includes transmitting information of allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in or entering active mode in the cell.

[0141] FIG. 8 shows a schematic representation of non-volatile memory media 800a (e.g., a computer disk (CD) or a digital versatile disk (DVD)) and 800b (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) memory stick) that store instructions and / or parameters 802 that, when executed by a processor, enable the processor to perform one or more of the steps of the methods of FIG. 6 or 7.

[0142] It will be understood that the apparatus may comprise or be coupled to other units or modules, such as a radio part, a radio head, etc., used in or for transmitting and / or receiving. Although the apparatus has been described as one entity, the various modules and memories may be implemented in one or more physical or logical entities.

[0143] It should be noted that although some embodiments have been described in the context of 5G networks, similar principles may be applied in the context of other networks and communication systems. Thus, although some embodiments have been described above by way of example with reference to some example architectures for wireless networks, technologies, and standards, the embodiments may be applied to any suitable form of communication system other than those shown and described herein.

[0144] Although the above describes exemplary embodiments, it should also be noted herein that there are several variations and modifications that can be made to the disclosed solutions without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0145] As used herein, "at least one of: " and "at least one of " and similar phrases, when a list of two or more elements is joined by "and" or "or", mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements.

[0146] In general, various embodiments may be implemented in hardware or special-purpose circuits, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, although the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Although various aspects of the present disclosure may be illustrated and described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using some other pictorial representation, it should be well understood that such blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in, by way of non-limiting example, hardware, software, firmware, special-purpose circuits or logic, general-purpose hardware or controller, or other computing device, or some combination thereof.

[0147] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) hardware-only circuit implementations (e.g., implementations using only analog and / or digital circuitry); and (b) (where applicable) a combination of hardware circuitry and software such as: (i) a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware; and (ii) any portion of a hardware processor, software, and memory along with software (including a digital signal processor) that works together to cause a device, such as a mobile phone or a server, to perform various functions; and (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.

[0148] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of the term in this application, including any claims. As another example, in this application, the term circuit also encompasses a simple hardware circuit or processor (or processors), or an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor and its associated software and / or firmware portions. The term circuit also encompasses, for example, a baseband or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, if applicable to particular claim elements.

[0149] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented by computer software executable by a data processor of a mobile device, such as in a processor entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software and hardware. Computer software or programs, also referred to as program products, including software routines, applets, and / or macros, may be stored in any device-readable data storage medium and include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to implement embodiments when the program is executed. The one or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or portions thereof.

[0150] Further in this regard, it should be noted that any block of logic flow as in the figures may represent a program step, or may represent interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions, or a combination of program steps and logic circuits, blocks, and functions. Software may be stored on physical media such as memory chips, or memory blocks implemented within a processor, magnetic media such as hard disks or floppy disks, and optical media such as DVDs and their data variants, CDs. Physical media are non-transitory media.

[0151] The term "non-transitory" as used herein is not a limitation on data storage permanence (eg, ROM versus RAM), but rather a limitation of the medium itself (ie, tangible, not a signal).

[0152] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed and removable memory, etc. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technology environment and may include, by way of non-limiting examples, one or more of a general purpose computer, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an FPGA, gate-level circuits and processors based on multi-core processor architectures.

[0153] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in a variety of components, such as integrated circuit modules. The design of integrated circuits is typically a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert logic-level designs into semiconductor circuit designs ready to be etched and formed on semiconductor substrates.

[0154] The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the present disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. To the extent that any embodiments and features described herein are not encompassed by the scope of the independent claims, they should be construed as examples useful for understanding various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0155] The above description has provided a complete and informative description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, by way of non-limiting example. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the relevant art in light of the above description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of this disclosure are encompassed within the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims. Indeed, there are other embodiments that include combinations of one or more of the embodiments with any of the other embodiments discussed above.

Claims

1. means for storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in an active mode; means for transmitting to a network node one or more cell measurements for cells associated with the stored cell configuration; means for activating the stored cell configuration in the device when the device is in or entering active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted; An apparatus comprising:

2. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for storing is configured to store the cell configuration while the apparatus is in an idle mode or an inactive mode.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the means for activating the stored cell configuration is configured to autonomously activate the stored cell configuration.

4. 4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises means for either or both of performing one or more cell measurements and evaluating one or more cell measurements.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured to perform one or more cell measurements or evaluate one or more cell measurements in response to receiving a conditional cell activation message from a network node.

6. 6. An apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises means for retrieving available measurements for a cell from a storage of the apparatus.

7. 7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising means for receiving information from a network node indicating which resources to use when in active mode.

8. The device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the device comprises means for transmitting information of the channel index to the base station.

9. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the channel index comprises a reference signal index.

10. 10. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein activating the stored cell configuration depends on at least one threshold being met, the apparatus comprising means for checking whether the threshold is met.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the threshold value comprises one of a Synchronization Signal Block Reference Signal Received Power and a Synchronization Signal Block Reference Signal Received Quality.

12. 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the network node to which the one or more cell measurements are transmitted comprises a base station.

13. The device of claim 1 , wherein the cell comprises one of a secondary cell and a primary secondary cell.

14. 14. The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises user equipment.

15. means for allocating resources of a cell configuration to user equipment; means for storing information of allocated resources in the device; means for transmitting to the user equipment information of allocated resources for use when the user equipment is in active mode in the cell or is entering active mode; An apparatus comprising:

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the means for storing is configured to store the information of the allocated resources while the user equipment is in an idle mode or an inactive mode.

17. 17. Apparatus according to claim 15 or 16, comprising means for receiving information of one or more cell measurements from a user equipment and associating those measurements with a cell.

18. 18. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 17, comprising means for receiving reference signal index information from a user equipment.

19. 19. An apparatus according to any of claims 15 to 18, comprising means for sending a conditional activation command to a user equipment, the condition of the conditional activation command comprising a threshold value.

20. 20. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising means for transmitting a cell configuration deactivation command to user equipment when the threshold is not met.

21. 21. The apparatus of any of claims 15 to 20, wherein the apparatus comprises a base station.

22. storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in an active mode; transmitting to the network node one or more cell measurements for cells associated with the stored cell configuration; activating the stored cell configuration in the device when the device is in or entering active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted; A method comprising:

23. allocating resources of a cell configuration to user equipment; storing information of the allocated resources in the device; transmitting information of allocated resources to the user equipment for use when the user equipment is in active mode or entering active mode in the cell; A method comprising:

24. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least: storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in an active mode; transmitting to the network node one or more cell measurements for cells associated with the stored cell configuration; activating the stored cell configuration in the device when the device is in or entering active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted; A computer program that performs the above.

25. A computer program comprising instructions, which when executed by an apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform at least: storing a cell configuration for use when the device is in an active mode; transmitting to the network node one or more cell measurements for cells associated with the stored cell configuration; activating the stored cell configuration in the device when the device is in or entering active mode after the cell measurements have been transmitted; A computer program that performs the above.

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