Apparatus, method, and computer program for reducing setup delays in dual connectivity or carrier aggregation.

Abstract

Methods, computer programs, and apparatus are provided for causing user equipment to perform: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network, wherein means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network include: simultaneously performing measurements for serving another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; deciding to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and implementing measurement behavior that begins with the decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The examples described in this specification generally relate to apparatuses, methods, and computer programs, and more particularly (but not exclusively) to apparatuses, methods for apparatuses, and computer programs.

Background Art

[0002] A communication system can be regarded as a facility that enables a communication session between two or more entities such as communication devices, base stations, and / or other nodes by providing a carrier between various entities involved in a communication path.

[0003] The communication system may be a wireless communication system. Examples of wireless systems include public land mobile networks (PLMNs) operating based on wireless standards such as those provided by 3GPP, satellite-based communication systems, and different wireless local networks, such as wireless local area networks (WLANs). Since a wireless system is usually divided into cells, it is often referred to as a cellular system.

[0004] Communication systems and related devices usually operate according to a given standard or specification that dictates what various entities related to the system are permitted to do and how it should be achieved. Communication protocols and / or parameters used for connections are also usually defined. An example of a standard is the so-called 5G standard.

[0005] A terminal may also be called user equipment (UE) or user device. A terminal includes appropriate signal receiving and transmitting equipment to enable wireless communication, for example, access to a communication network, or to enable direct communication with other terminals. A terminal may access a carrier provided by a base station, for example, a base station of a radio access network, and transmit or receive or send / receive communication information on the carrier.

[0006] Communication systems and associated compliant terminals typically operate according to a given standard or specification that outlines what the various network entities of the communication system are permitted to do and how that should be achieved. Communication protocols or parameters, or protocols and parameters, to be used for communication are also typically defined. An example of a communication system is a Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) system (e.g., a communication system using 3G radio access technology). Other examples of communication systems are so-called 4G systems (e.g., communication systems operating using 4G radio access technology) and 5G or New Radio (NR) systems (e.g., communication systems operating using 5G or NR radio access technology). The radio access technologies used by communication systems are standardized by the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP). [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In one embodiment, a method is provided for a device for a communication network, the method comprising: implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network, wherein the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network is capable of performing simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; deciding to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and implementing measurement behavior that begins with the decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0008] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup delay relating to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include determining that the device does not have a detected cell with respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measuring the second carrier based on at least a determined period for the detection of a primary synchronization signal or secondary synchronization signal.

[0009] Implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of simultaneous measurements over at least one frequency range may include implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of simultaneous measurements over at least two frequency ranges, wherein the second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation uses the second frequency range.

[0010] The determined period may be a gapless synchronization integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period or synchronization signal block period based on the synchronization signal block for the cell being measured.

[0011] The gapless synchronous integer may also be 24.

[0012] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include: determining that the device has one or more detected cells with respect to a second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and taking measurements on the second link based on a measurement period.

[0013] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include: determining that the device has a valid measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and reporting the valid measurement without measurement period delay.

[0014] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include: determining that the device has a valid measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and taking measurements on the second link based on a measurement period.

[0015] The determined measurement period may be a gapless measurement integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period or synchronization signal block period for the cell being measured by the synchronization signal block period.

[0016] The gapless measurement integer may be the first value when the measured cell is reported, and the second value in other cases.

[0017] The first value is: Cell index not obtained, first T of 10 samples SSB_time_index_emr_inter 0 when a value exists; cell index not obtained, second T of 40 samples SSB_time_index_emr_inter The value may be 3 if a value exists; it may also be 0 if the cell index is retrieved.

[0018] The second value may be 24.

[0019] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include determining that the device has valid or incomplete measurements with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and verifying the invalid or incomplete measurements over a verification period.

[0020] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include: determining that the device has a valid or incomplete measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and taking measurements on the second link based on an index reading period.

[0021] The index reading period may be an integer index reading period without gaps, obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period on a synchronous signal block basis for the cell being measured by the signal block basis.

[0022] The gapless index read period integer may be a first value when the measured cell is reported and a second value in other cases.

[0023] The first value may be 0.

[0024] The second value may be one of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

[0025] Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, which may further include: the device deciding to have a measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and taking a further set of measurements on the second link based on index read period verification over a verification period.

[0026] The index read period may be a gapless index read period integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period on a synchronous signal block basis for the cell being measured by the gapless index read period integer, which is the first value.

[0027] The first value may also be 12.

[0028] According to a second aspect, an apparatus for a communication network is provided, the apparatus: implements dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within the communication network and can perform simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; decides to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; implements measurement behavior that starts from deciding to initiate a connection, the measurement behavior comprising means for reducing setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0029] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup delay relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device does not have a detected cell with respect to a second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measure a second carrier based on at least a determined period of primary or secondary synchronization signal detection.

[0030] Means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of simultaneous measurements over at least one frequency range may further include: means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of simultaneous measurements over at least two frequency ranges, wherein the second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation uses the second frequency range.

[0031] The determined period may be a gapless synchronous integer obtained by multiplying the synchronous signal block-based measurement timing configuration period or synchronous signal block period for the cell being measured.

[0032] The gapless synchronous integer may also be 24.

[0033] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with a determination, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device has one or more detected cells with respect to a second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measure on the second link based on a measurement period.

[0034] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with a determination, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device has a valid measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and report the valid measurement without measurement period delay.

[0035] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with a determination, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device has a valid measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and measure on the second link based on a measurement period.

[0036] The determined measurement period may be a gapless synchronous integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period or synchronous signal block period based on the synchronous signal block for the cell being measured.

[0037] The gapless measurement integer may be the first value when the measured cell is reported, and the second value in other cases.

[0038] The first value is: Cell index not obtained, first T of 10 samples SSB_time_index_emr_inter 0 when a value exists; cell index not obtained, second T of 40 samples SSB_time_index_emr_inter The value may be 3 if a value exists; it may also be 0 if the cell index is retrieved.

[0039] The second value may be 24.

[0040] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with making a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device has valid or incomplete measurements with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and verify invalid or incomplete measurements over a verification period.

[0041] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device has invalid or incomplete measurements with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and measure on the second link based on an index reading period.

[0042] The index read period may be a gapless index read period integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period on a synchronous signal block basis for the cell being measured by the signal block basis.

[0043] The gapless index read period integer may be a first value when the measured cell is reported and a second value in other cases.

[0044] The first value may be 0.

[0045] The second value may be one of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

[0046] Means for implementing measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the means may further: determine that the device has a measurement with respect to a second link of dual connectivity; and take a further set of measurements on the second link based on index read period verification over a verification period.

[0047] The index read period may be a gapless index read period integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period on a synchronous signal block basis for the cell being measured by the gapless index read period integer, which is the first value.

[0048] The first value may be 12.

[0049] According to a third aspect, a device for a communication network is provided, the device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, the instructions, when executed by at least one processor, cause the device to: implement dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network, which is capable of performing simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; decide to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and implement measurement behavior that starts from deciding, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0050] An apparatus is configured to implement a measurement behavior that begins with making a determination, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup delays relating to the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. The apparatus may further: determine that the apparatus does not have a detected cell with respect to a second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and measure a second carrier based on at least a determined period of primary or secondary synchronization signal detection.

[0051] A device that is required to implement dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements over at least one frequency range may be required to implement dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements over at least two frequency ranges, wherein the second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation uses the second frequency range.

[0052] The determined measurement period may be a gapless synchronous integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period or synchronous signal block period based on the synchronous signal block for the cell being measured.

[0053] The gapless synchronous integer may also be 24.

[0054] An apparatus is configured to implement a measurement behavior that begins with making a determination, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, and the apparatus may further: determine that the apparatus has one or more detected cells with respect to a second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and perform measurements on the second link based on a measurement period.

[0055] An apparatus is configured to implement a measurement behavior that begins with making a decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the apparatus may further: determine that the apparatus has a valid measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation; and report the valid measurement without measurement period delay.

[0056] An apparatus is configured to implement a measurement behavior that begins with making a decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the apparatus may further: determine that the apparatus has a valid measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and perform a measurement on the second link based on a measurement period.

[0057] The determined measurement period may be a gapless measurement integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period or synchronization signal block period based on the synchronization signal block for the cell being measured.

[0058] The gapless measurement integer may be the first value when the measured cell is reported, and the second value in other cases.

[0059] The first value is: Cell index not obtained, first T of 10 samples SSB_time_index_emr_inter 0 when a value exists; cell index not obtained, second T of 40 samples SSB_time_index_emr_inter The value may be 3 if a value exists; it may also be 0 if the cell index is retrieved.

[0060] The second value may be 24.

[0061] An apparatus is configured to implement a measurement behavior that begins with making a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the apparatus may further: determine that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and verify the invalid or incomplete measurements over a verification period.

[0062] An apparatus is configured to implement a measurement behavior that begins with making a determination, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the apparatus may further: determine that the apparatus has invalid or incomplete measurements with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and perform further measurements on the second link based on the index reading period.

[0063] The index read period may be a gapless index read period integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period on a synchronous signal block basis for the cell being measured by the signal block basis.

[0064] The gapless index read period integer may be a first value when the measured cell is reported and a second value in other cases.

[0065] The first value may be 0.

[0066] The second value may be one of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

[0067] A device which is made to implement measurement behavior that begins with making a decision, the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the device may further: decide that the device has a measurement with respect to the second link of dual connectivity; and take an additional set of measurements on the second link based on index read period verification over a verification period.

[0068] The index read period may be a gapless index read period integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period on a synchronous signal block basis for the cell being measured by the gapless index read period integer, which is the first value.

[0069] The first value may also be 12.

[0070] According to a fourth aspect, an apparatus for a communication network is provided, the apparatus comprising: means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network, the means for performing simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; means for deciding to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and means for implementing measurement behavior to begin from the decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0071] According to a fifth aspect, an apparatus for a communication network is provided, the apparatus comprising: an implementation circuit for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network, wherein the implementation of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network allows simultaneous measurements to be performed to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; a decision circuit configured to decide to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and an implementation circuit configured to implement measurement behavior starting from the decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0072] According to the sixth aspect, a computer program [or computer-readable medium containing instructions] is provided, the instructions causing a device for a communication network to do at least: implement dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in the communication network, which is capable of performing simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; decide to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and implement measurement behavior that begins with the decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0073] According to the seventh aspect, a non-temporary computer-readable medium including program instructions is provided, the instructions for causing a device for a communication network to do at least: implement dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in the communication network, which is capable of performing simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being a dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier; decide to initiate a connection following an idle and / or inactive operating mode; and implement measurement behavior that begins with the decision, the measurement behavior being configured to reduce setup delays relating to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation.

[0074] An apparatus comprising means for performing the actions of the method described above.

[0075] A device configured to perform the actions described above.

[0076] A computer program that contains program instructions for causing a computer to perform the methods described above.

[0077] Computer program products stored on a medium may be used to cause the device to perform the methods described above.

[0078] According to one embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium is provided which includes program instructions for causing an apparatus to perform at least one method according to any embodiment of the preceding embodiment.

[0079] Many different embodiments have been described above. It should be recognized that further embodiments may be provided by any combination of two or more embodiments of the embodiments described above.

[0080] Several examples are described here for illustrative purposes only, with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0081] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a 5G system. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a network device. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the user equipment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of how a UE transitions from connected mode to idle / inactive mode, and then back to connected mode, in which several embodiments may be implemented. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the UE operating modes, indicating the period during which there are no requirements specified for transitioning from idle / inactive to connected mode. [Figure 6] This figure shows exemplary capability signaling demonstrating novel measurement reporting / state switching capabilities in several embodiments. [Figure 7] This figure shows exemplary UE behavior in several embodiments. [Figure 8] This figure shows exemplary UE behavior in several embodiments. [Figure 9] This figure shows exemplary UE behavior in several embodiments. [Figure 10] This figure shows exemplary UE behavior in several embodiments. [Figure 11] This figure shows exemplary UE behavior in several embodiments. [Figure 12] This figure shows an example of the reduction in setup time that can be achieved by implementing the embodiments described herein. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0082] The following describes how UE behavior reduces setup time, and provides examples of how it improves secondary cell (SCell) / secondary cell group (SCG) setup delays.

[0083] In the following description of the examples, certain embodiments are described with reference to devices that are often capable of communication via wireless cellular systems, and mobile communication systems that serve such mobile communication devices. For brevity and clarity, such embodiments will be described below with reference to 5G wireless communication systems. However, it will be understood that such embodiments are not limited to 5G wireless communication systems and may apply to other wireless communication systems, for example, the latest 6G proposals, IEEE 802.11, etc.

[0084] Before describing the examples in detail, the specific general principles of a 5G wireless communication system are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Hereafter, specific embodiments are described with reference to devices capable of communicating with a communication system serving the device. Before describing the exemplary embodiments in detail, the specific general principles of a communication system, e.g., a 5G communication system that may include one or more access networks (ANs) and core networks, and devices (e.g., terminals served by the communication system) are briefly explained with reference to Figures 1, 2, and 3 to help understand the underlying technology of the examples described.

[0085] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a communication network according to one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The communication network comprises components of a 5G wireless communication system (5GS) and an evolved packet system (EPS). The 5GS may consist of an access network (AN) and a 5G core network (5GC). The AN of the 5GS may comprise a 3GPP access network, such as a 5G radio access network (5G-RAN), also known as a next-generation radio access network (NG-RAN).

[0086] In some embodiments, an AF (Application Function) that is a customer of the 5GC connects to the 5GC's user plane function (UPF) via a DN (Network Domain Function) and to various network functions (NFs) of the 5GC via the 5GC's network exposure function (NEF). In some embodiments, the AF is a trusted application function, and therefore the trusted AF is implemented within the 5GC and directly connects to other NFs of the 5GC. Although only one UPF is shown in Figure 1, it will be recognized that the 5GC may consist of a chain of UPFs, including UPF anchors connected to the DN. The AF may transmit / receive control plane signaling to / from various NFs of the 5GC directly or via the NEF. The AF may also transmit user plane traffic to and receive user plane traffic from anchor UPFs of the 5GC via the DN. The connections between the elements depicted in Figure 1 are via interfaces defined in 3GPP standards TS23.501 and 23.502.

[0087] 5GC may include, for example, the following network functions (NFs) (otherwise called network entities): Network Slice Selection Function (NSSF); Network Repository Function (NEF); Network Repository Function (NRF); Network Data Analytics Function (NWDAF); Policy Control Function (PCF); Unified Data Management (UDM); Authentication Server Function (AUSF); Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF); Session Management Function (SMF); and User Plane Function (UPF). The NFs of 5GC may have a service-based architecture as described in TS23.501 of the 3GPP standard. The NFs of 5GC, and the NF services that may be provided by service-based interfaces for the NFs of 5GC, are described in the 3GPP standard, in particular in TS23.501 and 23.502 of the 3GPP standard.

[0088] Figure 2 shows an example of a device 200 that may implement one or more NFs of the 5GC shown in Figure 1. The device 200 may comprise at least one random access memory (RAM) 211a, at least one read-only memory (ROM) 211b, at least one processor 212, 213, and a network interface 214. At least one processor 212, 213 may be coupled to the RAM 211a and the ROM 211b. At least one processor 212, 213 may be configured to execute software code 215. The software code 215 may include, for example, instructions that perform actions or operations of one or more NFs of the 5GC. The software code 215 may be stored in the ROM 211b. The device 200 may implement one or more NFs of the 5GC and may be interconnected with another device 200 that implements one or more other NFs of the 5GC. In such embodiments, the device 200 may be part of a distributed computing system. In some embodiments, each NF of the 5GC may be implemented on a single device 200. In such embodiments, the device 200 may be a cloud computing system.

[0089] Possible wireless communication devices will be described in more detail here with reference to Figure 3, which shows a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the communication device 300. Figure 3 shows an example of the communication device 300 shown in Figure 1. The device may be any wireless communication device capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals. Such a device may also be a terminal device, a wireless communication device, a user device (UE), a mobile station (MS), or a mobile device such as a mobile phone or "smartphone," a computer with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface equipment (e.g., a USB dongle), a personal data assistant (PDA), or a tablet with wireless communication capabilities, a machine-type communication (MTC), an Internet of Things (IoT) communication device, or any combination thereof, or similar. In the following discussion, the examples will generally relate to user devices, but it will be understood that the same principles may apply to any example of the devices discussed above.

[0090] The device 300 may be configured to communicate with a base station (e.g., NG-eNB or gNB) of an access network such as 5G-RAN.

[0091] Communications may include or carry one or more of the following: voice, email, text messages, multimedia, data, machine data, etc.

[0092] The device may receive wireless signals (e.g., radio or cellular signals) over air or a radio interface 307 (commonly referred to as a Uu interface) by a suitable device 306 for receiving wireless signals, and may transmit wireless signals (e.g., radio or cellular signals) by a suitable device for transmitting wireless signals. In Figure 3, the device includes one or more antennas (or an antenna array comprising multiple antennas) and a transceiver, schematically designated in block 306. The device 300 may be provided, for example, by an associated antenna configuration comprising radio components and one or more antennas. The antenna configuration may be configured inside or outside the mobile device.

[0093] The device 300 may include at least one processor 301, at least one memory ROM 302a, at least one RAM 302b, and other possible components 303 for use in software and hardware-assisted execution of a task designed to perform, which includes controlling access to and communication with an access network such as a 5G-RAN access network and other devices 300. At least one processor 301 is coupled to the RAM 311a and ROM 311b. At least one processor 301 may be configured to execute appropriate software code 308. The software code 308 may include instructions that, when executed by at least one processor 301, perform one or more actions or operations according to this embodiment. For example, the software code may include instructions suitable for implementing one or more actions or operations according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The software code 308 may be stored in the ROM 311b.

[0094] At least one processor 301, storage, and other associated control devices may be provided on a suitable circuit board or chipset, or on a circuit board and chipset. This feature is shown in reference 304. The terminal 300 may optionally have a user interface, such as a keypad 305, a touch-sensitive display screen or touch-sensitive pad, a combination thereof, or similar. Optionally, one or more of a display, a speaker, and a microphone may be provided, depending on the type of device.

[0095] The following description also provides illustrative examples with reference to Primary Secondary Cell (PSCell), Primary Cell (PCell), and Secondary Cell (SCell). The following outlines the features of a PSCell related to 5G New Radio, using the terminology used herein. However, it should be understood that the principles described herein are not limited to such terminology and may apply to other systems with similar architectures. For example, in multi-radio-dual connectivity (MR-DC), the primary cell (PCell) may be a Long Term Evolution (LTE) cell (e.g., Evolved-Universal Terrestrial Radio Access-New Radio-dual connectivity (EN-DC)).

[0096] PSCell, along with Primary Cell (PCell), Secondary Cell (SCell), and Special Cell (SpCell), is a cell type currently defined in 5G nu-radio. A PCell may be used as part of the initial access between the UE and the access network and is considered the main cell within a Master Cell Group (MCG). A PSCell may be included as part of a Secondary Cell Group (SCG). SpCells and SCells may be in at least one of an MCG and an SCG.

[0097] Cells can be controlled by network nodes. Within a 5G nu-radio, there may be up to two different types of network nodes: a master node (which provides control plane connectivity to the core network); and a secondary node (which does not have control plane connectivity to the core network). It is understood that not all 5G system deployments have to have a master node and a secondary node. For example, master and secondary nodes may not be present in a standalone deployment but may be present in a master-node dual connectivity deployment. Both master and secondary nodes may provide user plane (e.g., data) connectivity to the core network. The master node may control PCells. In addition to PCells, the master node may control at least one PSCell, but this is not always the case. The secondary node may control at least one PSCell.

[0098] 3GPP has issued numerous releases (Rel.) to define operating communication protocols related to communication networks. Currently, the objectives and work are set out in relation to Release 18 (Rel. 18).

[0099] A serving cell change is required when a UE moves from the coverage area of ​​one cell to another at some point in time. Currently, serving cell changes are triggered by L3 (Layer 3 - Network Layer) measurements and implemented by RRC (Radio Resource Control) signaling-triggered reconfiguration, which has synchronization for changes to PCell (Primary Cell) and PSCell (Primary Secondary Cell), as well as release SCell (Secondary Cell) where applicable.

[0100] In all cases, this involves a complete L2 or Layer 2: MAC (Medium Access Control), RLC (Radio Link Control), and PDCP (Packet Data Convergence Protocol 9) layer (and L1 or Layer 1, physical layer) reset, resulting in longer latency, greater overhead, and longer downtime compared to beam switch mobility.

[0101] The goal of L1 / L2 mobility enhancement is to enable serving cell changes through L1 / L2 signaling, thereby reducing latency, overhead, and downtime.

[0102] In Rel.17 Conditional PSCell Change (CPC) / Conditional PSCell Addition (CPA), a UE configured with a CPC / CPA is configured to release the CPC / CPA configuration once it has completed random access to the target PSCell. Therefore, the UE has no opportunity to perform subsequent CPCs / CPAs without prior CPC / CPA reconfiguration and reinitialization from the network.

[0103] This increases the delay in cell changes and the signaling overhead, especially in the case of frequent SCG (Secondary Cell Group) changes when operating in FR2 (Frequency Range 2).

[0104] There has been research on Multi-Radio access technology—Dual Connectivity (MR-DC)—using selective activation of cell groups, aiming to enable subsequent CPC / CPA after SCG changes without reconfiguration and reinitialization of CPC / CPA preparation from the network. This would result in reduced signaling overhead and further reduce any downtime required to implement SCG changes.

[0105] Currently, Conditional Handover (CHO) and MR-DC cannot be configured simultaneously. This limits the usefulness of these two features when MR-DC is configured.

[0106] Reporting on the impact of FR2 RRM mobility measurement acquisition and FR2 SCell / SCG setup / restart delays for UEs connecting from idle / inactive modes is currently under investigation.

[0107] Furthermore, improvements to FR2 SCell / SCG setup delays based on defining new UE measurement procedures and RRM core requirements are being studied. This study will investigate whether additional information from the network would help the UE perform these measurements more effectively.

[0108] In these investigations, the following sequence of events occurs: when RRC connection setup / restart is requested, the UE initiates and performs improved measurements, and after obtaining those improved measurements, the UE then reports those measurements to the network to support SCell / SCG setup.

[0109] Furthermore, to improve SCell / SCG setup delays, there have been investigations into the reuse of IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurement results reported during and / or after RRC connection setup / restart. These investigations include: the availability and verification of reported IDLE / INACTIVE mode measurement results; the definition of corresponding RRM requirements; and, where necessary based on the results, the definition of corresponding signaling support.

[0110] Reporting on the impact of FR2 RRM mobility measurement acquisition and FR2 SCell / SCG setup / restart delays for UEs connecting from idle / inactive mode. The results show that enabling high-speed DC (Dual Connectivity) / CA (Carrier Aggregation) restart / setup allows for data DC / CA usage with lower latency and higher throughput, enhances load balancing, enables lower UE energy consumption, and significantly improves UE, network, and system performance.

[0111] The research addresses the issue of enhancing CA and DC setup delays in Rel-15 (enhanced utilization of CA (euCA)) for LTE, enabling early reporting of LTE inter-frequency carriers / cells measured in idle mode when the UE enters connected mode.

[0112] Enhanced measurement reporting (EMR), as defined in Rel-16, includes setup enhancements when the UE operates in NR (including intra-NR and inter-RAT measurements). However, the results primarily benefit NR FR1 (frequency range 1) and LTE inter-RAT performance, while setup delays for NR FR2 (frequency range 2) CA / DC may be further enhanced.

[0113] Rel-18 is provided to continue using the EMR terminology, or to use eEMR, enhanced EMR, or measurement verification, or similar terminology. In the following where the delay component is described, the delay component is not limited to EMR UEs as well as UEs that do not support EMR. Thus, such UEs can also support these measurements. This means that it does not matter whether the verification delay starts from RRC setup / restart and the UE uses (optional) idle mode measurements or measurements taken over by the UE from connected mode.

[0114] In other words, in the examples provided after the delayed "xx_emr_xx" is mentioned, this can generally be applied to any UE, including UEs that do not support EMR.

[0115] This study aimed to reduce the setup delay of FR2 CAs and FR2 SCGs. An exemplary scenario in which embodiments can produce a significant gain when reducing setup delay is a scenario in which the UE is camped in idle and / or inactive mode in FR1 (for the master cell group - MCG), while a potential targeted SCell / PSCell is in FR2 (for the secondary cell group - SCG plus CA); in one example, the serving cell, PCell, is in FR1, while the potential target for offloading may be the target cell, PSCell, as a hotspot in FR2. Another example is having a potential CA target cell in FR2, and thus adding a SCell as a CA in FR2). These are examples, and the serving cell (referred to here as PCell) may be in FR1 or FR2, while the target cell (PSCell and / or SCell) may be in FR1 and / or FR2.

[0116] This scenario (where the target cell is in FR2 and the serving cell is in FR1) has a greater delay because the idle UE first needs to detect, measure, and report any possible PSCells or SCells in FR2 before configuring the cell. This causes a delay in setup because measurements are required to know which cells / beams are near the UE.

[0117] A possible source of latency is the UE, which must detect and measure the cells and possibly read the SSB index (Synchronization Signal Block index) before the cells can be reported to the network. Furthermore, in NR, it is assumed that FR2 beamforming is applied to both the UE and the network side. Such use of beamforming (and the need for the UE to sweep between multiple Tx / Rx panels) extends the cell detection and measurement procedure compared to FR1, which is assumed to receive omnidirectionally (and therefore does not require beam sweeping on the UE side). In addition, the UE may require time for further UE beam refinement, which further increases the setup delay.

[0118] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary scenario as described above regarding the transition from connected mode 400 to another connected mode 402 via idle / inactive mode 404 and RRC setup 406. It should be noted that this is one example, and the scenario may similarly arise from the UE being in idle or inactive mode without any need for any information from connected mode or without having been in connected mode recently.

[0119] In other words, Figure 4 illustrates an example of the UE transitioning from connected mode 400 to idle / inactive mode 404 and then back to connected mode 402. The aim of the embodiments discussed herein should include any measurements performed and available on the UE side when or before the RRC setup 406 restart occurs, and a measurement verification phase 407 which may begin when the UE initiates or receives the RRC setup / restart 406 and may continue in connected mode 402.

[0120] Existing changes to idle mode and EMR measurement procedures are not within the scope, however, existing measurements performed by a UE configured with EMR, or any other measurements available through UE idle mode, may be used and / or used / verified during RRC connection setup / restart and in connected mode 402. It will be understood that there is no strict completion point for any measurement or measurement verification.

[0121] In the example shown in Figure 4, there is an upper portion 440 that verifies the UE operating mode. In this example, the UE starts in connected mode 400 and then, at time 401, transitions to idle / inactive mode 404. While in idle / inactive mode 404, the UE receives an RRC setup / restart message at time 405 that triggers RRC setup mode 406. At some point 409, the UE then transitions to connected mode 402.

[0122] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows, for example, an unenhanced measurement reporting UE 460 that measures in the frequency range 2 (FR2) portion. This means that any available measurements made during period 420 may be made in the first connected mode 400 and idle / inactive mode 404, after which a verification operation 426 is implemented which begins after receiving an RRC setup / restart message, which may use the available measurements from 420, and continues into the second connected mode 402.

[0123] Furthermore, Figure 4 shows the enhanced measurement reporting UE 450 operating on the frequency range 2 (FR2) portion. This indicates that connected mode measurements 410 are performed during the first connected mode 400, and that enhanced measurement reporting measurements, as described in TS38.111 4.4.2.1, are performed when idle / inactive mode 404 is disclosed. After timer T331 completes 403 (if it completes 403), the UE may stop performing EMR-related measurements and will perform normal idle / inactive mode measurements during 414. Subsequently, a verification operation 416 is implemented which may be initiated after receiving an RRC setup / restart message and continue into the second connected mode 402.

[0124] For an idle-mode UE, for example, no measurement gap is required to perform measurements on FR2 inter-frequency carriers. The UE performs measurements according to the minimum requirements specified for idle mode, just as it does for an inactive-mode UE (in the case of a non-idle mode, the UE requirements are the same as for idle mode).

[0125] In the case of a connected mode UE, the UE is camped within FR1, and for example, to set up CA / DC, inter-NR frequency measurements on one or more FR2 carriers can be performed using gap-assisted or non-gap-assisted measurements.

[0126] For connected-mode UEs that require a gap for inter-frequency measurements, the UE may support per-UE measurement gaps or per-FR UE measurement gaps. If the UE supports per-UE gaps, the measurement gap is applied to both FR1 and FR2 simultaneously. A UE that supports per-FR gaps supports separate patterns for each FR (FR1 and FR2), which may be the same or different gap patterns.

[0127] However, for UEs transitioning from idle or inactive mode 404 to connected mode 402, there are several aspects to how the UE is supposed to perform measurements during the verification phase. For example, it is not specified how the UE (which may require a gap) may perform measurements before receiving a gap configuration. Furthermore, it is unclear how the UE is presumed to perform such measurements when it does not require a measurement gap, or how the UE behavior and requirements are specified.

[0128] Measurement performance and requirements, as well as gap support, are clearly defined for idle mode, inactive mode, and connected mode, while measurement requirements during or between the transition phase between idle / inactive mode and connected mode are not defined.

[0129] This is shown in Figure 5, for example, in which UE mode 599 follows. The initial connected mode 500 transitions to idle / inactive mode 502. Next, RRC setup / restart 504 is implemented, and RRC setup / restart 504 then transitions to connected mode 506. As shown in Figure 5, the requirements are not specified for the RRC setup / restart 504 time or connected mode 506 until measurement configuration time 503.

[0130] Therefore, the following embodiments aim to provide a clear definition of UE behavior when the UE is configured to perform measurements for reduced CA / DC setup delay. In the following embodiments and examples, the UE behavior is defined to aim at producing efficient, low-latency UE operation. The aim of these embodiments may be such that the FR2 CA / DC setup can be improved over baseline frequency-based measurement behavior.

[0131] Therefore, the following describes and optimizes UE behavior, measurement requirements, and latency during the transition phase from idle / inactive mode to connected mode, and perhaps at some point during the initial phase of connected mode, for the purpose of enabling a better, faster, and more robust CA / DC setup for 5G / NR FR2 target cells (SCell or PSCell).

[0132] As described above, there are no UE behavior descriptions or defined UE requirements related to measurements performed by the UE during the setup / resume or verification phase. Legacy UE requirements are defined for idle mode, inactive mode, and connected mode. However, these requirements are defined separately.

[0133] Furthermore, regarding the inter-frequency cell detection time for connected-mode UEs, the following applies (from TS38.133, https: / / www.3gpp.org / ftp / Specs / archive / 38_series / 38.133 / 38133-i00.zip):

[0134] The UE shall be able to identify a new detectable inter-frequency cell within T identify_inter_without_index The UE shall be able to identify a new detectable inter-frequency SS block of a cell already detected within T identify_inter_without_index T identify_inter_whithout_index = (T PSS / SSS_sync_inter + T SSB_measurement_period_inter ) ms T identify_inter_whithout_index = (T PSS / SSS_sync_inter + T SSB_measurement_period_inter + T SSB_time_index_inter ) ms Here,[[]] M pss / sss_sync_inter : For UEs supporting FR2 power class-1 or 5, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 64 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 2, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 40 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 3, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 40 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 4, M pss / sss_sync_inter = 40 samples. M SSB_index_inter : For UEs that support FR2 power class 1 or 5, M SSB_index_inter = 40 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 2, M SSB_index_inter = 24 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 3, M SSB_index_inter = 24 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 4, M SSB_index_inter = 24 samples. M meas_period_inter : For UEs that support FR2 power class 1 or 5, M meas_period_inter = 64 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 2, M meas_period_inter = 40 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 3, M meas_period_inter = 40 samples. For UEs that support FR2 power class 4, M meas_period_inter = 40 samples. Here: T PSS / SSS_sync_inter = Max (600ms, Ceil (Kgap × M) pss / sss_sync_inter )×Max(MGRP,SMTCperiod))×CSSF inter T SSB_time_index_inter = Max (200ms, Ceil (Kgap × M) SSB_time_index_inter )×Max(MGRP,SMTCperiod))×CSSF inter T SSB_measurement_period_inter = Max (400ms, Ceil (Kgap × Mmeas)_period_inter )×Max(MGRP,SMTCperiod))×CSSF inter

[0135] For UEs that require a gap for inter-frequency measurements: Assuming a gap is allocated and only one carrier is measured, some scaling factors in delay can be ignored. When using FR2 SCell and PSCell, the network needs to know the index and know where to reach the UE in DL. Therefore, in this case: Assuming MGRP = 40ms in the worst-case scenario where only one carrier is measured, T identify_inter_with_index = (40 + 24 + 40) * SMTC period. Therefore, the total is 104 * 40 = 4160 ms.

[0136] For a UE that supports gapless inter-frequency measurements for this particular carrier, the specification incorporates the following: For per-FR measurement gap-enabled UEs in NR standalone operation (having single-carrier, NR CA, and NR-DC configurations), for per-FR gap-based measurements, when no serving cell exists within a particular FR in which the measurement object is configured, the effective MGRP within this FR is used to determine the requirements [e.g., as described in TS38.133, Section 9.1.2], regardless of whether an explicit per-FR measurement gap is configured within this FR; For FR2 NR measurement, 20ms For FR1 NR measurement, 40ms For LTE measurements, 40ms In the case of FR1+LTE measurement, 40ms

[0137] Therefore, in the case of FR2, this requirement covers non-gap-assisted measurements when there is no serving cell within the FR.

[0138] in this case: In the worst-case scenario when only one carrier is measured, T identify_inter_with_index = (40 + 24 + 40) * 20 ms. Therefore, the total is 104 * 20 = 2080 ms.

[0139] Furthermore, TS38.133 specifies gap-supported and non-gap-supported inter-frequency measurements.

[0140] However, in connected mode, the UE is only required to perform measurements in connected mode based on an explicit network configuration (measurement configuration). Therefore, the UE is not required to perform measurements in connected mode with respect to carriers other than the serving carrier before the UE receives the explicit configuration.

[0141] In the following examples, the method and apparatus are configured to use an FR2 target carrier / cell. However, the method and apparatus are not limited to FR2. For example, the method and the following examples may be applicable to carriers / cells in FR1 and / or FR2-2.

[0142] In the following examples, it is assumed that the UE can perform measurements independently within FR1 and FR2 (in other words, the UE supports carrier aggregation and / or dual connectivity as one of the UE-supported band combinations with the carrier / cell being measured). In these examples, the UE is equipped with at least two independent RF chain and baseband processing modules, or the UE can receive both carriers simultaneously. In other words, measurements can be performed simultaneously or substantially simultaneously.

[0143] In the following example, the UE is assumed to support Rel-16 early measurement reporting functionality, EMR (early measurement reporting). For example, a UE that supports rel-16EMRflagsidleModeMeasurementsNR and idleModeMeasurementsEUTRA.

[0144] However, the embodiments may be extended to other UEs, such as UEs that support some of the proposed EMR features independently of the rel-16 EMR framework. Where explicitly referenced, these requirements apply to “non-EMR UEs.” In other words, a UE that supports rel-18 or later features but does not support the rel-15 or rel-16 EMR framework.

[0145] The following example demonstrates a verification phase that can be rapid and beneficial for both the UE and the network, where the UE does not need to perform one or more measurements.

[0146] The type of measurement, the number of samples, the carriers to be measured, carrier priority, the number of active receiving chains, and other details of the measurement are aspects not specified in detail herein. In general, the verification phase delay can be as short as possible because if the time interval between measurement and reporting is too long, the FR2 measurement results may become outdated and unusable.

[0147] A concept further elaborated in embodiments herein is the definition of new UE measurement behavior that begins with RRC setup-restart and continues for a period of time during connected mode (the UE starts when it switches from idle to active UE state, for example, based on receiving a paging message or initiating a random access procedure to a serving cell). The UE behavior aims to give a significant difference in FR2 CA / DC setup / restart delays with respect to SCell setup, for example.

[0148] In some cases, this does not require the UE to perform measurements during RRC setup / restart. In some cases, the UE may initiate an attempt to perform measurements during RRC setup / restart, but may also initiate measurements from connected mode. In both cases, measurements do not need to stop once RRC setup / restart complete is sent.

[0149] It is worth emphasizing that UE requirements consider DRX during idle mode. From RRC setup / restart, the UE will not use or is not assumed to use DRX in the serving cell, and connectivity is established at least until the UE receives the DRX configuration in connected mode.

[0150] Therefore, with the aim of improving latency, the following embodiments specify the relevant measurement requirements for the new UE behavior and reduced FR2 SCell / SCG setup. The improvement in behavior begins when the UE recognizes the RRC setup / restart. An example shows a use case scenario where the UE is camped within FR1 (e.g., in idle mode) once the connection setup is initiated. However, the embodiments may be used for other scenarios, e.g., FR2-FR2 inter-band scenarios.

[0151] Since the UE is assumed to have separate RF chains and be capable of measuring the FR1 and FR2 bands separately, the UE does not require a measurement gap to perform measurements between the targeted NR FR2 frequencies. Therefore, when an idle PCell and UE attempt to switch to become active, the UE is configured to perform measurements based on the PCell, which may include measurements on the FR2 frequencies on the separate RF chains. Furthermore, when the second RF chain is inactive (or the entire UE is idle / inactive), measurements on other frequencies (or the same frequencies) may be used to accelerate the measurement.

[0152] This is evident in scenarios where it is assumed that the UE is only measuring the target carrier / cell that can be used in CA and / or DC combinations with the serving carrier / cell (from which access is initiated). Thus, embodiments focus on defining requirements for non-gap-assisted measurement scenarios.

[0153] The following embodiments are: UE can measure the target carrier without gaps; The UE can measure the target carrier as an intra-frequency carrier; Once the UE recognizes the RRC setup / restart, several measurements may become available in the UE. Sometimes, UE measurement requirements or verification delay requirements for verification are specified.

[0154] In such an embodiment, the UE has a defined time T identify_emr_inter It is configured to report inter-frequency cells within the system. Based on the inter-frequency requirements, the UE is further configured to report cells that describe the current status of the target cell measurement: Identify new detectable inter-frequency cells; and / or, Identify the SS block of already detected cells; and / or, Perform the measurement.

[0155] The specified time T identify_emr_inter Within this, the UE is configured to measure the target cell in this way. In total: T identify_emr_inter = (T PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter +T SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter +T SSB_time_index_emr_inter )ms Here: If a target cell is detected and may be reported to the network (for example, as part of EMR), PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter= 0, otherwise it can be 24, though not limited to that, and in the table below, the value is defined as G1.

[0156] If a cell has been measured and potentially reported to the network (for example, as part of EMR), SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter If Y1 is equal to Y1, then Y2 is equal to Y2. Y1 can be 24, but it is not limited to that value. Y2 can be 0, but it is not limited to that value.

[0157] If the cell index has been acquired and may have been reported to the network along with the index (for example, as part of early measurement reporting), then T SSB_time_index_emr_inter If it is equal to 0, then it is Z1, and Z1 is a value such as 40.

[0158] As discussed above, T identify_emr_inter References to "emr" such as those mentioned above may refer to or apply to an eEMR implementation.

[0159] The appropriate value is, [Table 1] It can be.

[0160] In the table above, TC is an abbreviation for target cell, CI is an abbreviation for cell index, TM is an abbreviation for target measurement, and S is an abbreviation for sample.

[0161] In some embodiments, T PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter This is unspecified, for example, when the UE has no knowledge of the target carrier / cell (no cell information) and nothing may have been reported to the network as part of the procedure.

[0162] In such embodiments, once this procedure is initiated (for example, in setup / restart), a flexible method is provided for defining UE requirements based on currently available measurements in the UE.

[0163] By using step-based requirements, improved UE behavior and implementation may be observed in some embodiments.

[0164] Furthermore, as shown in the table above, in some embodiments, the above, combined with reporting, enables the network to have better knowledge about expected UE latency rather than relying on worst-case scenario requirements (UE minimum requirements).

[0165] In some embodiments, a new UE capability indicator for this new behavior is sent from the UE to the network / base station.

[0166] Therefore, for example, as shown in Figure 6, a UE600 is shown, which, once it is determined that the UE600 is capable of supporting the embodiments described herein, is configured to generate appropriate capability indicators as shown in 601.

[0167] The UE600 can then send capability indicators to the RAN (or appropriate network function), as shown in 603.

[0168] The RAN, for example NG-RAN602, is then configured to receive an indicator, as shown in 605, and activate the measurement reporting / status based on the indicator. In other words, the improved measurement reporting / status switch is activated by the network / base station when the UE is instructed to support this new feature.

[0169] With respect to Figure 7, the flow diagram summarizes the operation according to several embodiments.

[0170] Therefore, for example, the first action is to decide in the UE to start RRC setup / restart, as shown in 701 (the UE recognizes RRC setup / restart).

[0171] Subsequently, the UE behavior begins as shown in 703.

[0172] Subsequently, the report (e.g., inter-frequency cell report) is generated at a specified time T, as shown in 705. identify_emr_inter Within a certain time, it will be generated and passed to RAN.

[0173] Figures 8 to 11 show a set of behaviors that are defined to be implemented by the UE according to several embodiments.

[0174] In these examples, the following scenarios: The UE does not have any cells detected within FR2 (as shown in Figure 8); The UE has at least one cell detected within FR2 (as shown in Figure 9); UE has valid measurements related to the FR2 cell (as shown in Figure 10); and, The UE has invalid / incomplete measurements for the FR2 cell, and the UE performs a verification of the measurements (as shown in Figure 11). Regarding this, different UE conditions exist (measurements available on the UE side once the UE recognizes connection setup / restart).

[0175] Figure 8 shows the UE behavior in a scenario where the UE does not have any cells detected within FR2.

[0176] Therefore, for example, the UE is configured to determine that it does not have any cells detected within FR2, as shown in 801.

[0177] Subsequently, as shown in 803, since the UE can perform simultaneous measurements of FR1 and FR2, if the UE is configured to measure, for example, one FR2 carrier, the UE is configured to search according to the DRX-free in-frequency requirement: T PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter : Period for PSS / SSS detection for FR2 EMR: M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps ×SMTC period Here: M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps : For UEs supporting power class 2, if a cell is not reported to the network, for example as part of EMR, M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps = 24 (or another appropriate value, for example, as shown in the table above).

[0178] The SMTC period within the requirements could alternatively be the SSB iteration period of the cell. This is the SMTC period used by the identified cell.

[0179] This delay is applicable in some embodiments when the UE does not have any FR2-detected cells with respect to the FR2 carrier at the time of connection setup.

[0180] Figure 9 shows the UE behavior in a scenario where the UE has at least one cell detected within FR2.

[0181] Therefore, for example, the UE is configured to determine that it possesses one or more cells detected within FR2, as shown in 901.

[0182] Subsequently, as shown in 903, there is no need for cell detection (PSS / SSS detection) because the UE already has one or more cells detected within FR2 (with respect to a specific carrier or within the FR2 band). In this scenario, where the UE already has a detected cell in the connection setup with respect to one / its given FR2 carrier, only one measurement round will be required.

[0183] As an example, in the scenario discussed above, the measurement delay can be expressed as follows: T SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter : Measurement period for FR2 EMR (FR2): M meas_period_w / o_gaps ×SMTC period Here: M meas_period_w / o_gaps : For UEs supporting FR2 power class 2, if a cell is not reported to the network, for example as part of EMR, M meas_period_w / o_gaps =Y1 (=24 or another appropriate value), otherwise Y2 (which could be 0, but may be different from 0 depending on whether more measurements will be needed).

[0184] Figure 10 shows the UE behavior in a scenario where the UE has valid measurements related to the FR2 cell.

[0185] Therefore, for example, the UE is configured to determine that it has a valid measurement related to the FR2 cell, as shown in 1001.

[0186] Subsequently, as shown in 1003, since the UE has a valid measurement, a measurement round is not required (e.g., if detection is needed or if the cell has been recently measured), and an index read is not required.

[0187] In some embodiments, further delays may be required for at least one round of measurement (verification measurement) and possibly for index readings.

[0188] T SSB_time_index_emr_inter : Index read period for FR2 EMR (FR2): M Index_period_w / o_gaps ×SMTC period Here: M Index_period_w / o_gaps : For UEs supporting FR2 power class 2, if the cell is reported along with the index as part of the EMR, M Index_period_w / o_gaps = 0, otherwise M Index_period_w / o_gaps =Z1 (a value as shown above).

[0189] For example, if the UE has prior information (from previous measurements, etc.), the measurement cycle (M Index_period_w / o_gaps Since this is significantly reduced, it is understood that the same applies to index reads.

[0190] Figure 11 shows the UE behavior in scenarios where the UE has invalid or incomplete measurements related to the FR2 cell.

[0191] Therefore, for example, the UE is configured to determine that it has an invalid or incomplete measurement related to the FR2 cell, as shown in 1101.

[0192] Subsequently, as shown in 1103, the UE has invalid / incomplete measurements with respect to FR2, so the UE performs measurement verification. T SSB_time_index_emr_inter : In another alternative embodiment, further delays may be required for at least one round of measurement and possibly for index reads in order to perform incomplete and / or invalid measurements. Index read period for FR2 EMR (FR2): M Index_period_w / o_gaps ×SMTC period Here: M Index_period_w / o_gaps : For UEs supporting FR2 power class 2, if the cell is reported along with the index as part of the EMR, M Index_period_w / o_gaps = 0, otherwise it is G1. G1 is a variable for identifying further specific values. The above variable labels are illustrative labels and, in the same way as the illustrative variable values, may differ from implementation to implementation or from embodiment to embodiment.

[0193] In one example, UE behavior may be indicated by the following standard specification addition. This addition may be, for example, part of the SCell and / or PSCell addition or activation requirements (and, similarly, about PSCell addition). Using SCell activation delay as an example, a new standard specification section may be introduced to specify DIRECT SCell activation delay for EMR carriers (in FR2).

[0194] 8.3.x Direct SCell Activation for EMR Target SCells The requirements of this clause apply to a UE configured in RRC reconfiguration message, TS38.331, which has at least one SCell that is provided to the network in EMR reporting and has the parameter sCellstate set for activation. The UE shall configure the SCell in an activated state by the successful completion of the RRC reconfiguration procedure within the specified delay. The UE shall send an active CSI report and take action on the directly activated SCell, slotting it.

number

[0195] If the TCI state is the case specified in clause 8.3.2 not indicated within T activation_time then N direct = T RRC_process + T activation_time + T CSI_Reporting - 3 ms; otherwise, N direct = T RRC_process + T HARQ + T activation_time + T CSI_Reporting where: Here: T RRC_Process : If the corresponding RRC message is embedded in the E-UTRA RRC message, it is the RRC procedure delay specified in clause 11.2 of TS38.331; otherwise, it is the RRC procedure delay defined in clause 12 of TS38.331, T HARQ (in ms) is the timing between DL data transmission and the positive acknowledgment as specified in TS38.213, T activation_time is: the SCell activation delay in milliseconds: T activation_time = (M pss / sss_sync_w / o_gaps_emr × SMTC period) + (M meas_period_w / o_gaps_emr × SMTC period) + (M SSB_time_index_emr_inter × SMTC period) is defined as where, when the cell is reported to the network, M PSS / SSS_sync_emr_inter = 0; otherwise, 24, when the cell is reported to the network, M SSB_measurement_period_emr_inter = Y1; otherwise, 24, when the cell is reported to the network with an index, M SSB_time_index_emr_inter = 0; otherwise, 24, And, T CSI-Reporting This is specified in Article 8.3.2, T FirstSSB and T FirstSSB_MAX The following provisions shall override existing provisions: T FirstSSB :slot

number

number

[0196] In addition to the CSI reporting provided above, when a SCell is activated, the UE shall also apply other actions related to the activation command specified in TS38.321 for the SCell at the first opportunity for the corresponding action.

[0197] This is one illustrative example. Further values ​​for X, Y1 and Y2, Z1, and G1 could be equal to 24, given the current parameters (but they could be different, or could be investigated further using the values ​​provided by the table shown above, for example).

[0198] Importantly, it should be noted that the requirements do not distinguish between known EMR SCell / PSCell and unknown EMR SCell / PSCell, but rather depend solely on whether the configured cell was reported as part of the EMR or not before configuration.

[0199] Such embodiments described above would at least aim to provide a significant reduction in FR2 SCell or SCG setup delay. Assuming reliance on connected-mode inter-frequency measurements, a reporting delay of 4160ms (the table above shows delays up to 2090ms), and the ability to reduce the delay to less than 500ms (or close to 0 or 20ms as measured from RRC setup completion), the activation time could be reduced by more than 3 seconds.

[0200] Furthermore, implementations of the embodiments described herein can also help reduce UE power consumption in connected mode. This is because one way for the network to obtain faster measurements from the UE is to prevent the UE from entering the DRX in connected mode (allowing the UE to enter the DRX generally increases neighbor cell detection and measurement). Preventing the UE from entering the DRX to ensure faster UE measurement results will increase UE power consumption compared to scenarios where the UE may enter the DRX.

[0201] The example shown in Figure 12 illustrates a graph of user throughput in Mbps for a certain range of latency and provided load. Assuming that an activated SCell is detected in idle mode and EMR information is provided to the network, only one measurement round is required, and therefore the worst-case latency is 480 ms. Adding further reporting and SCell configuration latency, it is clear from Figure 12 that setup latency can be significantly reduced compared to relying on inter-frequency measurement and reporting. Thus, it is clearly possible to lead the latency to the 760 ms performance shown in the following figure.

[0202] The above description provides a complete and helpful explanation of several examples, as non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims, taking the above description into consideration. Nevertheless, all such and similar modifications of the teachings will still fall within the scope of the claims.

[0203] In the above, different examples are described using radio access architectures based on Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) or New Radio (NR, 5G) as examples of access architectures to which the described technology may be applied, however, the examples are described without limiting the examples to such architectures. The examples may also be applied to other types of communication networks having appropriate means by appropriately adjusting parameters and procedures. Some other options for a suitable system include Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Wireless Access Network (UTRAN), Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN, or WiFi), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), Bluetooth®, Personal Communications Service (PCS), ZigBee®, Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), Ultra-Wideband (UWB) system technologies, Sensor Networks, Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANET), and Internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystems (IMS), or any combination thereof.

[0204] Various embodiments are described in the detailed description of the examples and claims, as provided herein. In general, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuitry, software code, logic, or any combination thereof. For example, some embodiments may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software code, which may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device, but the examples are not limited to these. Various embodiments may be shown and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using some other graphical descriptions, but it will be understood that these blocks, apparatus, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may, in non-limiting examples, be implemented in hardware, software code, firmware code, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0205] The example may be implemented by computer software code that is stored in memory and executable by at least one data processor of the associated entity, or by hardware, or by a combination of software code and hardware.

[0206] The memory referred to herein may be of any type suitable for the local technical 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 memory, and removable memory.

[0207] The (data) processors referenced herein may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may include, in non-limiting examples, one or more general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), FPGAs, gate-level circuits, and processors based on multicore processor architectures.

[0208] Furthermore, it should be noted that any procedure may, for example, as in Figures 11 and / 12 and / or in a manner different from those described above, describe the operation of at least one processor included in the device, or a computer program deployed by interconnected logic circuits, blocks, and functions (the computer program includes instructions for causing the device to perform at least one action, and the instructions are represented as software code stored in at least one memory), or a combination of the operation of at least one processor included in the device and the computer program deployed by logic circuits, blocks, and functions. The software code may be stored in memory, for example, in a physical medium such as a memory chip or memory block implemented in the processor, a magnetic medium (such as a hard disk or floppy disk), or an optical medium (such as a DVD and its data variant, a CD, etc.).

[0209] The memory may be of any type suitable for the local technical 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 memory, and removable memory. The data processor may be of any type suitable for the local technical environment and may comprise, in non-restrictive examples, one or more of the following: general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), gate-level circuits, and processors based on multicore processor architectures.

[0210] Additionally or alternatively, some examples may be implemented using circuits. These circuits may be configured to perform one or more of the functional and / or method steps described above. The circuits may be located within base stations and / or communication devices and / or core network entities.

[0211] As used in this application, the term “circuitry” may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) Hardware-only circuit implementation (such as implementation using only analog and / or digital circuits), (b) A combination of hardware circuitry and software, for example: (i) A combination of analog circuitry and / or digital hardware circuitry having software / firmware code, (ii) Any part of a hardware processor (or more) (including a digital signal processor (or more)) having software code, software code, and any part of memory (or more) that works together to cause a device such as a communication device or base station to perform the various functions described above, (c) Hardware circuitry(s) and / or processor(s), such as a microprocessor(s) or a part of a microprocessor(s), that requires software code (e.g., firmware) for operation, but the software may not be present when not required for operation.

[0212] 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 covers implementations of a hardware circuit or processor (or more processors) or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor and / or their associated software and / or firmware code. The term, circuit, also covers, for example, integrated devices.

[0213] Implementations of this disclosure may be carried out in various components, such as integrated circuit modules. Integrated circuit design is performed by a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to translate logic-level designs into ready-to-etch and formed semiconductor circuit designs on a semiconductor substrate.

[0214] As used herein, "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>" ) and at least one of )」, and similar phrases where 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.

[0215] As used herein, the term “non-transitory” is a limitation on the medium itself (i.e., tangible, not a signal), in contrast to a limitation on data storage persistence (e.g., RAM vs. ROM).

[0216] The scope of protection sought for the various examples of the present disclosure is set forth in the independent claims. Examples and features (if any) described herein that do not fall within the scope of the independent claims are construed as useful examples for understanding the present disclosure.

[0217] The foregoing description has provided a complete and helpful explanation of exemplary implementations of the present disclosure as non-limiting examples. However, various modifications and adaptations may become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the foregoing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the appended claims. However, all such and similar modifications of the teachings of the present disclosure still fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. In fact, there are additional implementations that include combinations of one or more of the implementations and any of the other implementations discussed above.

Claims

1. A method for an apparatus, Implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network, wherein the means for implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation within a communication network are capable of performing simultaneous measurements to serve another carrier, the other carrier being the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation target carrier, Following an idle and / or inactive operating mode, the decision to initiate a connection, The implementation involves a measurement behavior that begins with making a decision, and the measurement behavior is configured to reduce setup delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. Methods that include...

2. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. With respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, determining that the device does not have the detected cell, Measuring a second carrier based on at least a determined period for detecting the primary or secondary synchronization signal. The method according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements over at least one frequency range includes implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation in a communication network capable of performing simultaneous measurements over at least two frequency ranges, wherein the second link of the dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation uses the second frequency range.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the determined period is a gapless synchronous integer obtained by multiplying the synchronous signal block-based measurement timing configuration period or synchronous signal block period for the cell being measured.

5. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. With respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the device determines that it has one or more detected cells. Measure on the second link based on the measurement period. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

6. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. With respect to the second link of dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation, the device determines that it has valid measurements, To report valid measurements without any delay in the measurement period. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

7. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. Regarding the second link of dual connectivity, it is determined that the device has valid measurements, The measurement will be taken on the second link based on the measurement period. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising:

8. The method according to claim 5 or 7, wherein the determined measurement period is a gapless measurement integer obtained by multiplying the measurement timing configuration period or synchronization signal block period on a synchronization signal block basis for the cell being measured.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the gapless measurement integer is a first value when the measured cell is reported and otherwise a second value.

10. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. Regarding the second link of dual connectivity, the device determines whether it has valid or incomplete measurements. The verification of invalid or incomplete measurements over the verification period. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising:

11. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. The device determines that it has invalid or incomplete measurements with respect to the second link of dual connectivity, Measure on the second link based on the index read period and The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising:

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the index reading period is a gapless index reading period integer obtained by multiplying the synchronous signal block-based measurement timing configuration period or signal block-based for the cell being measured.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the gapless index read period integer is a first value when the measured cell is reported and otherwise a second value.

14. Implementing a measurement behavior that begins with a decision, wherein the measurement behavior is configured to reduce any setup or restart delays related to implementing dual connectivity and / or carrier aggregation. Regarding the second link of dual connectivity, the device determines that it has the ability to take measurements. Based on the index read period validation over the validation period, a further set of measurements will be taken on the second link. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising:

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the index read period is a gapless index read period integer obtained by multiplying the index read period by the synchronous signal block-based measurement timing configuration period for the cell being measured, and the gapless index read period integer is a first value.

16. An apparatus comprising means for performing the method described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. An apparatus comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein, when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, the apparatus causes the apparatus to perform at least one of the methods described in any one of claims 1 to 15.

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