Method and apparatus for UE data transmission and RNAU procedures in RRC inactive state

Abstract

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and apparatus for data transmission and a radio access network-based notification area update (RNAU) procedure for a user equipment (UE) in an inactive state of radio resource control (RRC). According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the method includes: entering an RRC inactive state of the UE based on RRC configuration information; starting a timer for the RNAU procedure; transmitting small data in the RRC inactive state of the UE; and restarting the timer for the RNAU procedure in response to receiving response information corresponding to the transmitted small data. The method further includes expiring the timer for the RNAU procedure after the UE triggers the small data transmission procedure. The UE may suspend the RNAU procedure. The UE may cancel or resume the RNAU procedure in response to the small data transmission procedure.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present application relates generally to wireless communication technologies, and more particularly to a method and apparatus for User Equipment (UE) data transmission and Radio access network based Notification Area Update (RNAU) procedures in Radio Resource Control (RRC) inactive state. [Background technology]

[0002] According to the 3GPP (registered trademark) (3rd Generation Partnership Project) standard documents, the RAN-based Notification Area Update (RNAU) procedure can be triggered periodically by the UE based on a configured timer. The purpose of the RNAU procedure is used to inform the network that the UE is still located in this Radio Access Network (RAN) area or cell.

[0003] In the 3GPP 5G system, the concept of small data and small data transmission procedures is introduced for some use cases. Small data can be called small data packets, small data transmission, or small size and infrequent data transmission. For example, according to the agreement of 3GPP TSG RAN Meeting #86, small data represents small size and infrequent data in the uplink (UL) of a UE that can be used for smartphone applications, including traffic from instant messaging services, or can be used for non-smartphone applications, including traffic from wearables.

[0004] In general, any device that has intermittent small data in an RRC inactive state (i.e., RRC INACTIVE, RRC_INACTIVE, RRC Inactive, RRC_Inactive, etc.) or an RRC idle state (i.e., RRC IDLE, RRC_IDLE, RRC Idle, RRC_Idle, etc.) of a UE will benefit from enabling the small data transmission procedure in the RRC inactive state or the RRC idle state.

[0005] 3GPP 5G networks are expected to increase network throughput, coverage, and robustness, and reduce latency and power consumption. With the development of 3GPP 5G networks, various aspects need to be researched and developed to perfect 5G technology. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] One objective of the embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a new mechanism for UE data transmission and RNAU procedures in an RRC inactive state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that may be performed by a UE, the method including: entering an RRC inactive state of the UE based on RRC configuration information, starting a timer for an RNAU procedure, transmitting small data in the RRC inactive state of the UE, and restarting the timer for the RNAU procedure in response to receiving response information corresponding to the transmitted small data.

[0008] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that may be performed by a UE, the method including: entering an RRC inactive state of the UE based on RRC configuration information, starting a timer for an RNAU procedure, and performing one of an RNAU procedure and a small data transmission procedure in response to expiration of the timer for the RNAU procedure and in response to determining that small data is available for transmission.

[0009] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that may be performed by a UE, the method including: entering an RRC inactive state of the UE based on RRC configuration information, starting a timer for an RNAU procedure, and triggering a small data transmission procedure.

[0010] Some embodiments of the present application provide an apparatus, including a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, and a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the receiving circuit, and the transmitting circuit, the computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform any of the above methods performed by a UE.

[0011] Some embodiments of the present application provide a method that may be performed by a base station (BS), which includes the steps of: transmitting an RRC message, where the RRC message is used to configure a UE to enter an RRC inactive state, transmitting control signaling to enable a small data transmission procedure to the UE, transmitting configuration information regarding a timer for an RNAU procedure of the UE, and starting a periodic RNAU guard timer.

[0012] Some embodiments of the present application provide an apparatus, which includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, a receiving circuit, a transmitting circuit, and a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer-readable medium, the receiving circuit, and the transmitting circuit, the computer-executable instructions causing the processor to perform any of the above methods performed by the BS.

[0013] The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

[0014] To explain how the advantages and features of the present application can be obtained, a description of the present application will be given by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the present application and therefore should not be considered as limiting its scope. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system according to some embodiments of the present application. [Diagram 2] A diagram showing a periodic RNAU procedure with UE context relocation according to some embodiments of the present application. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 illustrates a Contention-Based Random Access (CBRA) procedure using a four-step Random Access (RA) type according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates a CBRA procedure using a two-step RA type according to some embodiments of the present application. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a Configured Grant (CG) procedure according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 6]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for transmitting small data according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for starting a periodic RNAU guard timer according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 illustrates a further exemplary flowchart of a method for performing a small data transmission procedure according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 illustrates another exemplary flowchart of a method for triggering a small data transmission procedure according to some embodiments of the present application. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an example block diagram of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The detailed description of the accompanying drawings is intended as an illustration of a preferred embodiment of the present application, and is not intended to represent the only form in which the present application may be practiced. It is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the present application.

[0017] Reference will now be made in detail to some embodiments of the present application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. For ease of understanding, the embodiments are provided under specific network architectures and new service scenarios, such as 3GPP 5G, 3GPP LTE Release 8, B5G, 6G. With the development of network architectures and new service scenarios, it is contemplated that all the embodiments in the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems, and further, the terms listed in the present application may be changed, but should not affect the principles of the present application.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless communication system in accordance with some embodiments of the present application.

[0019] 1, the wireless communication system 100 includes at least one UE 101 and at least one BS 102. In particular, the wireless communication system 100 includes, for purposes of illustration, one UE 101 (e.g., UE 101a) and two BSs 102 (e.g., BS 102a and BS 102b). Although a particular number of UEs 101 and BSs 102 are shown in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that any number of UEs 101 and BSs 102 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0020] The UE 101 may include computing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smart televisions (e.g., televisions connected to the Internet), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), in-vehicle computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, and modems), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the like. According to some embodiments of the present application, the UE 101 may include portable wireless communication devices, smartphones, mobile phones, flip phones, devices with subscriber identity modules, personal computers, selective call receivers, or any other devices capable of sending and receiving communication signals over a wireless network. In some embodiments of the present application, the UE 101 includes wearable devices such as smart watches, fitness bands, optical head mounted displays, and the like. Additionally, the UE 101 may be referred to as a subscriber unit, mobile, mobile station, user, terminal, mobile terminal, wireless terminal, fixed terminal, subscriber station, user terminal, or device, or may be described using other terms used in the art. The UE 101 may communicate directly with the BS 102 via UL communication signals.

[0021] In some embodiments of the present application, each UE 101 may be deployed with IoT applications, Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB) applications, and / or Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communication (URLLC) applications. It is contemplated that the particular types of applications deployed on the UEs 101 may vary and are not limited.

[0022] The BSs 102 may be distributed across a geographic region. In certain embodiments of the present application, each BS 102 may be referred to as an access point, access terminal, base, base unit, macro cell, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), gNB, NG-RAN (next generation radio access network) node, home Node B, relay node, or device, or may be described using other terms used in the art. The BSs 102 are generally part of a radio access network, which may include one or more controllers communicatively coupled to one or more corresponding BSs 102. The BSs 102 may communicate directly with each other. For example, the BSs 102 may communicate directly with each other via an Xn interface or an X2 interface.

[0023] The wireless communication system 100 may be compatible with any type of network capable of transmitting and receiving wireless communication signals. For example, the wireless communication system 100 may be compatible with a wireless communication network, a cellular network, a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA)-based network, a Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA)-based network, an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA)-based network, an LTE network, a 3GPP-based network, a 3GPP 5G network, a satellite communication network, a high altitude platform network, and / or other communication networks.

[0024] In some embodiments of the present application, the wireless communication system 100 is compatible with the 3GPP protocol 5G New Radio (NR), with the BS 102 transmitting data using an OFDM modulation scheme on the DL and the UE 101 transmitting data on the UL using a Single-Carrier Frequency Division Multiple Access (SC-FDMA) or OFDM scheme. However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement some other open or proprietary communication protocol, e.g., WiMAX, among other protocols.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, the BS 102 may communicate using other communication protocols, such as the IEEE 802.11 family of wireless communication protocols. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the BS 102 may communicate over a licensed spectrum, while in other embodiments, the BS 102 may communicate over an unlicensed spectrum. This application is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation. Additionally, in some embodiments of the present application, the BS 102 may communicate with the UE 101 using 3GPP 5G protocols.

[0026] Each BS 102 may include one or more cells. Each UE 101 may perform a cell section procedure between different cells of different BSs. Each UE 101 may perform an RNAU procedure from a last serving cell of a BS to a cell of a current BS. For example, in a wireless communication system 100 as illustrated and shown in FIG. 1, BS 102a may function as a last serving BS and BS 102b may function as a current BS. When there is a need for handover, UE 101a as illustrated and shown in FIG. 1 may perform an RNAU procedure from a cell of BS 102a to a cell of BS 102b.

[0027] According to the agreement in the 3GPP standard documents, a UE in an RRC connected state (i.e., RRC CONNECTION, RRC_CONNECTION, RRC_CONNECTED, RRC_Connected, etc.) will enter an RRC inactive state (i.e., RRC INACTIVE, RRC_INACTIVE, RRC Inactive, RRC_Inactive, etc.) if the UE receives an RRCRelease message containing suspend configuration information (i.e., Suspend Indication). RRC_INACTIVE is a state in which the UE has a connection between the serving cell and the Access and Mobility management Function (AMF) and can move within the area configured by the NG-RAN without informing the NG-RAN. In the RRC_INACTIVE state, the last serving BS retains the UE's context as well as the UE-related NG connections with the serving AMF and User Plane Function (UPF).

[0028] After the UE transitions to the RRC_INACTIVE state, the BS may configure the UE with a periodic Radio access network based Notification Area (RNA) update timer value. The NG-RAN node uses a guard timer with a value longer than the RNA Update (RNAU) timer value provided to the UE. If the periodic RNAU timer expires without any notification from the UE, the NG-RAN BS shall initiate an Access Network (AN) release procedure if the periodic RNAU guard timer expires.

[0029] In general, a UE in RRC_INACTIVE state can be configured by the last serving NG-RAN node with an RNA. The RNA can cover a single cell or multiple cells. The RAN-based Notification Area Update (RNAU) procedure is sent periodically by the UE and also when the UE's cell reselection procedure selects a cell that does not belong to the configured RNA. The RNAU procedure can be triggered periodically. More details about the RNAU procedure are given in Figures 2 and 3.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a periodic RNAU procedure with UE context relocation according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0031] The embodiment of Figure 2 illustrates a procedure for a UE (e.g., UE 210) communicating with a base station (e.g., BS 220) and a last serving BS (e.g., last serving BS 230) operating under the control of a core network entity (e.g., AMF 240). In some examples, UE 210 may function as UE 101a in Figure 1. BS 220 may function as BS 102a in Figure 1. Last serving BS 230 may function as BS 102b in Figure 1.

[0032] 2, in operation 201, the UE 210 may send an RRC Resume Request message including an Inactive Radio Network Temporary Identifier (I-RNTI) assigned by the last serving BS 230 and an appropriate cause value. For example, the appropriate cause value is RAN Notification Area Update. In operation 202, the BS 220 sends a UE Context Get Request message to request the last serving BS 230 to provide the context of the UE 210. In operation 203, the last serving BS 230 may provide the context of the UE 210.

[0033] In operation 204, BS 220 may move UE 210 to an RRC_CONNECTED state, or return UE 210 to an RRC_IDLE state (in which case an RRCRelease message is sent by BS 220), or, as assumed below, return UE 210 to an RRC_INACTIVE state. In operation 205, BS 220 may send a path switch request message to AMF 240 to perform a path switch procedure. In operation 206, AMF 240 may send a path switch request response message to BS 220.

[0034] In operation 207, the BS 220 may keep the UE 210 in the RRC_INACTIVE state by sending an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication. In operation 208, the BS 220 may trigger the release of resources for the UE 210 in the last serving BS 230 by sending a UE Context Release message.

[0035] According to 3GPP standard documents, two types of Random Access (RA) procedures are supported: a four-step RA type with message 1 (i.e., MSG1, MSG.1, etc.) and a two-step RA type with message A (i.e., MSGA, MSG.A, etc.). Both types of RA procedures support Contention-Based Random Access (CBRA) and Contention-Free Random Access (CFRA). Details are shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4.

[0036] 3 is a Contention-Based Random Access (CBRA) procedure using a four-step Random Access (RA) type according to some embodiments of the present application. The embodiment of FIG. 3 illustrates the procedure for a UE (e.g., UE 310) communicating with a base station (e.g., BS 320). In some examples, UE 310 may function as UE 101a in FIG. 1. BS 320 may function as BS 102a or BS 102b in FIG. 1.

[0037] In the embodiment of FIG. 3, the four steps of the CBRA procedure are as follows: (1) In operation 301, the UE 310 transmits a Random Access Preamble to the BS 320 via Message 1 (ie, MSG1, MSG.1, Msg1, Msg.1, etc.). (2) At operation 302, the UE 310 receives a Random Access Response from the BS 320 via Message 2 (ie, MSG2, MSG.2, Msg2, Msg.2, etc.). (3) At operation 303, UE 310 transmits message 3 (ie, MSG3, MSG.3, Msg3, Msg.3, etc.) to the serving cell of BS 320. - For early access instructions, · The UE 310 conveys the RRC Connection Request generated by the RRC layer and sent via the Common Control Channel (CCCH). - For the RRC Connection Re-establishment procedure, · The UE 310 conveys the RRC Connection Re-establishment Request generated by the RRC layer and sent via CCCH. - For instructions on how to resume an RRC connection, see · The UE 310 conveys the RRC Connection Resume Request generated by the RRC layer and sent via CCCH. · The UE 310 conveys a Resume Identify (ID) for resuming the RRC connected state. (4) At operation 304, the UE 310 receives a message 4 (ie, MSG4, MSG.4, Msg4, Msg.4, etc.) from the BS 320 for contention resolution purposes.

[0038] 4 is a CBRA procedure using a two-step RA type according to some embodiments of the present application. The embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrates the procedure for a UE (e.g., UE 410) communicating with a base station (e.g., BS 420). In some examples, UE 410 may function as UE 101a in FIG. 1. BS 420 may function as BS 102a or BS 102b in FIG. 1.

[0039] In the embodiment of FIG. 4, a 2-step RA type message A (i.e., MSGA, MSG.A, MsgA, Msg.A, etc.) includes a preamble on the Physical Random Access Channel (PRACH) and a payload on the Physical Uplink Shared Channel (PUSCH).

[0040] After the MSGA is transmitted to the BS 420 in operations 401 and 402, the UE 410 monitors for a response (i.e., a network response) from the BS 420. In the case of CFRA, a dedicated preamble and PUSCH resources are configured for the MSGA transmission, and the UE 410 terminates the RA procedure upon receiving a response from the BS 420. In the case of CBRA, the UE 410 terminates the RA procedure assuming the contention resolution is successful upon receiving a response from the BS 420.

[0041] In operation 403, if a fallback indication is received in message B (i.e., MSGB, MSG.B, MsgB, Msg.B, etc.) from BS 420, UE 410 performs MSG3 transmission using the UL grant scheduled in the fallback indication and monitors contention resolution. If contention resolution is not successful after MSG3 (re)transmission, UE 410 reverts to MSGA transmission.

[0042] For the small data transmission procedure using a random access channel (RACH), the UL data is multiplexed with the RRCResumeRequest message, which can be included in MSG3 in Figure 3 or MSGA in Figure 4. The RRCRelease message responds to the RRCResumeRequest message and ends the small data transmission procedure. The RRCRelease message is sent in MSG4 in Figure 3 or MSGB in Figure 4.

[0043] Regarding the small data transmission procedure using Configured Grant (CG), transmission with CG allows one UL transmission from RRC_Inactive state using pre-configured UL resources without performing an RA procedure, as detailed in Figure 5.

[0044] 5 is a configured grant (CG) procedure according to some embodiments of the present application. The embodiment of FIG. 5 illustrates a procedure for a UE (e.g., UE 510) communicating with a base station (e.g., BS 520). In some examples, the UE 510 may function as the UE 101a in FIG. 1. The BS 520 may function as the BS 102a or BS 102b in FIG. 1.

[0045] In the embodiment of Figure 5, in operation 501, the UE 510 is in an RRC_INACTIVE state and CG is enabled in the battery of the UE 510. In operation 502, the UE 510 transmits an RRC Resume Request message multiplexed with data. In operation 503, the BS 520 makes a decision to return the UE 510 to an RRC_Inactive state. In operation 504, the BS 520 transmits an RRC Connection Release message including a Suspend Indication to the UE 510.

[0046] In general, there are some problems to be solved, such as how to handle the timer for the RNAU procedure after the UE in the RRC inactive state transmits small data, how to handle the guard timer in the network side (e.g., BS) considering the small data transmission for the RRC inactive state of the UE, which procedure (RNAU or small data transmission procedure) should be performed when the timer for the RNAU procedure expires before the opportunity of transmitting small data, whether RNAU should be performed when the timer for the RNAU procedure expires when the UE has an ongoing RACH procedure or CG for small data, and which RACH resource should be used for the RNAU procedure when separate RACH procedures are designed for the initial access procedure and the small data transmission procedure. The embodiments of the present application aim to solve at least one of the above problems and are described as follows.

[0047] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary flowchart of a method for transmitting small data according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0048] The method 600 illustrated in Figure 6 may be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 101, UE 210, UE 310, UE 410, or UE 510, as illustrated and shown in Figures 1-5, respectively). Although described with respect to a UE, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform methods similar to that of Figure 6.

[0049] As shown in Figure 6, in operation 601, a UE (e.g., UE 101a as illustrated and shown in Figure 1) enters an RRC inactive state based on RRC configuration information. In operation 602, the UE starts a timer for an RNAU procedure. The timer for an RNAU procedure may also be referred to as a timer for RNAU, a timer for a periodic RNAU procedure, or a timer for periodic RNAU.

[0050] In operation 603, the UE transmits small data in an RRC inactive state. In one embodiment, the UE transmits the small data in a four-step RACH procedure. In a further embodiment, the UE transmits the small data in a two-step RACH procedure. In another embodiment, the UE transmits the small data using CG.

[0051] In operation 604, if the UE receives response information corresponding to the transmitted small data, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure. In some embodiments, the response information received by the UE may include (1) an RRC release message; (2) Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request-Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback information for small data; and (3) confirmation of successful data transmission; and (4) An instruction to restart the timer for the RNAU procedure.

[0052] Specifically, according to some embodiments of the present application, since the serving cell can receive small data from the UE, the successful data transmission in the small data transmission procedure can also be used to indicate the serving cell of this UE. There are two possible indication options: · Implicit option: After the UE transmits small data using the RACH procedure or CG, the UE may receive feedback or a response from the BS. The UE can then confirm successful data transmission based on the feedback or response. Upon receiving the feedback or successful data transmission, the UE restarts the timer for the RNAU procedure. (1) In case of a small data transmission procedure in a 4-step RACH, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure when the UE receives Msg4. Msg4 may contain one RRC message, for example, an RRCRelease message, or other information indicating successful data reception. (2) In case of a small data transmission procedure in a two-step RACH, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure when the UE receives MsgB, which may contain one RRC message, such as an RRCRelease message, or other information indicating successful data reception. (3) For a small data transmission procedure in CG, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure when the UE receives one RRC message, such as an RRCRelease message, or when the UE receives an ACK / NACK indication in the physical layer of the UE if there is no feedback in the RRC layer of the UE. · Explicit option: The BS can explicitly indicate during the small data transmission procedure whether it should restart the timer for the RNAU procedure. (1) In the case of a small data transmission procedure in a 4-step RACH, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure when the UE receives an instruction in Msg4 to restart the timer for the RNAU procedure. (2) In the case of a small data transmission procedure in a two-step RACH, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure when the UE receives an instruction in MsgB to restart the timer for the RNAU procedure. (3) In the case of a small data transmission procedure in a CG, the UE may restart the timer for the RNAU procedure when the UE receives an instruction to restart the timer for the RNAU procedure.

[0053] The details described in the embodiments as shown and illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 and 7 to 10, particularly those related to specific operations for UE data transmission and RNAU procedures in RRC inactive state, are applicable to the embodiment as shown and illustrated in Figure 6. Furthermore, the details described in the embodiment of Figure 6 are applicable to all the embodiments of Figures 1 to 5 and 7 to 10.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present application, the guard timer on the network side (e.g., BS) needs to be processed while considering the small data transmission procedure for the UE in the RRC inactive state. Specifically, there can be two options as follows: · Implicit option: After the UE transmits small data using RACH resources or CG, the UE may receive feedback or a response from the BS. After the BS transmits feedback in response to receiving small data from the UE, the BS must restart the periodic RNAU guard timer. · Explicit option: The BS can explicitly indicate during the small data transmission procedure whether it should restart the timer for the RNAU procedure. The BS should restart the periodic RNAU guard timer after sending an explicit indication in response to receiving small data from the UE.

[0055] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a method for starting a periodic RNAU guard timer according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0056] The method shown in Figure 7 may be performed by a BS (e.g., BS 102a or BS 102b shown and illustrated in Figure 1). Although described with respect to a BS, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform a method similar to that of Figure 7.

[0057] As shown in Figure 7, in operation 701, a BS (e.g., BS 102a as illustrated and shown in Figure 1) transmits an RRC message. The RRC message is used to configure a UE (e.g., UE 101, UE 210, UE 310, UE 410, or UE 510 as illustrated and shown in Figures 1-5, respectively) to enter an RRC inactive state.

[0058] In operation 702, the BS sends a control signal to enable a small data transmission procedure to the UE. In operation 703, the BS sends configuration information regarding a timer for the RNAU procedure to the UE. In operation 704, the BS starts a periodic RNAU guard timer.

[0059] In some embodiments, the BS may further receive small data from the UE. Upon receiving the small data, the BS may transmit response information corresponding to the received small data to the UE. After transmitting the response information, the BS may restart a periodic RNAU guard timer.

[0060] In one embodiment, response information corresponding to the received small data includes: (1) an RRC release message; (2) HARQ-ACK feedback information corresponding to the received small data; and (3) successful data transmission confirmation information.

[0061] The details described in the embodiments as shown and illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 and 8 to 10, in particular those related to the specific operations for UE data transmission and RNAU procedures in RRC inactive state, are applicable to the embodiment as shown and illustrated in Figure 7. Furthermore, the details described in the embodiment of Figure 7 are applicable to all the embodiments of Figures 1 to 6 and 8 to 10.

[0062] The following text describes specific embodiments 1-3 of the method as shown and illustrated in Figures 6 and 7, which employ some of the implicit and explicit options described above.

[0063] EMBODIMENT 1

[0064] According to embodiment 1, a UE (e.g., UE 101a as shown and illustrated in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 102a as shown and illustrated in FIG. 1) perform a small data transmission procedure in a 4-step RACH by the following steps. (1) Step 1: The UE receives an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication, and then the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state. - An indication can be added in the RRCRelease message to enable the small data transmission procedure. - The RRCRelease message may include dedicated RACH resources. - If a timer for the RNAU procedure is configured, the UE starts this timer. (2) Step 2: The UE sends a Random Access Preamble. - If a dedicated preamble is configured, the UE shall use the dedicated preamble. (3) Step 3: The UE receives a Random Access Response (RAR). - UL grants are included in the RAR. (4) Step 4: The UE sends Msg3 to the serving cell of the BS. - The RRCResumeRequest message and the multiplexed data are transmitted in Msg3. (5) Step 5: After receiving Msg3 from the UE, the BS sends Msg4. - If the BS wants to configure the UE to return to the RRC_INACTIVE state, the BS sends an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication to the UE, and the RRCRelease message contains feedback corresponding to the small data received from the UE. - The BS may restart the periodic RNAU guard timer after sending feedback corresponding to small data received from the UE. (6) Step 6: The UE receives Msg4 for contention resolution purposes. - The UE restarts the timer for the RNAU procedure when it receives confirmation information related to the UL data transmission.

[0065] EMBODIMENT 2

[0066] According to embodiment 2, a UE (e.g., UE 101a as shown and illustrated in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 102a as shown and illustrated in FIG. 1) perform a small data transmission procedure in a two-step RACH by the following steps. (1) Step 1: The UE receives an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication, and then the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state. - An indication can be added in the RRCRelease message to enable the small data transmission procedure. - The RRCRelease message may include dedicated RACH resources. - If a timer for the RNAU procedure is configured, the UE starts this timer. (2) Step 2: The UE sends MsgA to the serving cell of the BS. - The RRCResumeRequest message and the multiplexed data are transmitted on the PUSCH. (3) Step 3: After receiving MsgA, the BS sends MsgB. - When the BS wants to configure the UE to return to the RRC_INACTIVE state, the BS sends an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication to the UE, and the RRCRelease message contains feedback corresponding to the small data received from the UE. - After the BS sends feedback corresponding to the small data received from the UE, it may restart the periodic RNAU guard timer. (4) Step 4: The UE receives MsgB for contention resolution purposes. - The UE restarts the timer for the RNAU procedure when it receives confirmation information related to the UL data transmission.

[0067] EMBODIMENT 3

[0068] According to embodiment 3, a UE (e.g., UE 101a as shown and illustrated in FIG. 1) and a BS (e.g., BS 102a as shown and illustrated in FIG. 1) perform a small data transmission procedure using CG by the following steps. (1) Step 1: The UE receives an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication, and then the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state. - An indication can be added in the RRCRelease message to enable the small data transmission procedure. - The RRCRelease message may include CG resources. - If a timer for the RNAU procedure is configured, the UE starts this timer. (2) Step 2: When UL data arrives, the UE transmits small data to the serving cell of the BS using the CG. - Send the data multiplexed with the RRCResumeRequest message. (3) Step 3: After receiving the small data included in the CG, the BS may send feedback. - When the BS wants to configure the UE to return to the RRC_INACTIVE state, the BS sends an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication to the UE, and the RRCRelease message contains feedback corresponding to the small data received from the UE. - After the BS sends feedback corresponding to the small data received from the UE, it may restart the periodic RNAU guard timer. (4) Step 4: The UE receives feedback for contention resolution purposes. - The UE restarts the timer for the RNAU procedure when it receives confirmation information related to the UL data transmission.

[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a further exemplary flowchart of a method for performing a small data transmission procedure according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0070] The method illustrated in Figure 8 may be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 101, UE 210, UE 310, UE 410, or UE 510, as illustrated and shown in Figures 1-5, respectively). Although described with respect to a UE, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform methods similar to that of Figure 8.

[0071] As shown in Figure 8, in operation 801, a UE (e.g., UE 101a as illustrated and shown in Figure 1) enters an RRC inactive state based on RRC configuration information. In operation 802, the UE starts a timer for an RNAU procedure. In operation 803, if the timer for the RNAU procedure expires and the UE determines that small data is available for transmission, the UE performs an RNAU procedure or a small data transmission procedure.

[0072] In one embodiment, if the UE performs only small data transmission procedures, the UE may send an RRC Resume Request message. The RRC Resume Request message may include a cause. The cause may be an RNA update and Mobility Origination (MO) data.

[0073] In a further embodiment, when the UE performs an RNAU procedure or a small data transmission procedure, the UE performs the RNAU procedure preferentially. For example, the UE transmits an RRC resume request message. The RRC resume request message may be multiplexed with the available small data. Alternatively, the RRC resume request message may include an indication indicating the available small data for transmission during the RNAU procedure.

[0074] Under certain scenarios, small data may be available for transmission at the UE side, but the timer for the RNAU procedure expires before the opportunity to transmit the small data. There are two possible embodiments:

[0075] In one embodiment, the small data transmission procedure is used for RNAU purpose to indicate the serving cell of this UE, since the serving cell can receive small data from the UE. Specifically, if the UE has small data available for transmission at the expiration of the timer for the RNAU procedure, the UE performs the small data transmission procedure. In this embodiment, the UE only performs the small data transmission procedure but does not perform the RNAU procedure, and the UE further transmits an RRC resume request message. New causes (e.g., RNA update and MO data) can be added to the RRC resume request message.

[0076] In another embodiment, the small data transmission procedure is not used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE, and when the UE performs one of the RNAU procedure and the small data transmission procedure, the UE performs the RNAU procedure preferentially. Specifically, the UE can transmit small data after entering the RRC connected state. In option 1 of this embodiment, the small data can be moved during the RNAU procedure. For example, the small data can be multiplexed with the RRCResumeRequest message. In option 2 of this embodiment, one indication is specified to indicate that the small data is available for transmission during the RNAU procedure. Then, the network (e.g., BS) can allow the UE to transition to the RRC connected state.

[0077] The following text describes a particular embodiment 4 of the method as shown and illustrated in FIG.

[0078] EMBODIMENT 4

[0079] According to embodiment 4, a UE (eg, the UE 101a shown in FIG. 1) and a BS (eg, the BS 102a shown in FIG. 1) perform the following steps. (1) Step 1: The UE receives an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication, and then the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state. - One instruction is added in the RRCRelease message to enable the small data transmission procedure. - The RRCRelease message may include dedicated RACH resources. - If a timer for the RNAU procedure is configured, the UE starts this timer. (2) Step 2: When the timer for the RNAU procedure expires and the UE has UL data for transmission, - Case 1: The small data transmission procedure can be used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE. · If the UE has small data available for transmission upon expiry of the timer for the RNAU procedure, the UE performs the small data transmission procedure. New causes (e.g. RNA updates and MO data) can be included in the RRCResumeRequest message. - Case 2: The small data transmission procedure cannot be used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE. The UE must perform the RNAU procedure as a priority. After entering the RRC_Connected state, the UE can transmit small data. Option 1: Small data can be transferred during the RNAU procedure. For RNAU purposes, small data can be multiplexed with the RRCResumeRequest message to indicate the serving cell of the UE. Option 2: One indication is specified to indicate that small data is available for transmission during the RNAU procedure, after which the network can allow the UE to transition to the RRC_Connected state.

[0080] The details described in the embodiments as shown and illustrated in Figures 1 to 7, 9 and 10, particularly those related to the specific operations for UE data transmission and RNAU procedures in RRC inactive state, are applicable to the embodiment as shown and illustrated in Figure 8. Furthermore, the details described in the embodiment of Figure 8 are applicable to all the embodiments of Figures 1 to 7, 9 and 10.

[0081] FIG. 9 illustrates another exemplary flowchart of a method for triggering a small data transmission procedure according to some embodiments of the present application.

[0082] The method illustrated in Figure 9 may be performed by a UE (e.g., UE 101, UE 210, UE 310, UE 410, or UE 510, as illustrated and shown in Figures 1-5, respectively). Although described with respect to a UE, it should be understood that other devices may be configured to perform methods similar to that of Figure 9.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 9, in operation 901, a UE (e.g., UE 101a as illustrated and shown in Fig. 1) enters an RRC inactive state based on RRC configuration information. In operation 902, the UE starts a timer for an RNAU procedure. In operation 903, the UE triggers a small data transmission procedure.

[0084] In some embodiments, the UE reports capabilities of small data transmission procedures, the capabilities including at least one of a four-step RACH procedure, a two-step RACH procedure, and a CG.

[0085] In some embodiments, the UE receives RRC configuration information, which may indicate that at least one of a four-step RACH procedure, a two-step RACH procedure, and a CG is permitted to be used for a small data transmission procedure in an RRC inactive state of the UE.

[0086] In some embodiments, the UE receives an RRC release message, the RRC release message including an instruction to enable the small data transmission procedure. In some embodiments, the UE aborts the RNAU procedure upon expiration of a timer for the RNAU procedure.

[0087] In some embodiments, if the UE receives response information regarding the small data transmission procedure, the UE cancels the RNAU procedure and restarts the timer for the RNAU procedure. In some other embodiments, if the UE does not receive response information after a preconfigured window in the time domain, the UE performs the RNAU procedure.

[0088] In some embodiments, if the timer for the RNAU procedure expires, the UE performs the RNAU procedure and continues the small data transmission procedure in parallel. In some other embodiments, if the timer for the RNAU procedure expires, the UE performs the RNAU procedure and stops the small data transmission procedure.

[0089] Under certain scenarios, small data is available for transmission at the UE side, but the timer for the RNAU procedure expires when the UE is waiting for a response. There are two possible embodiments:

[0090] In one embodiment, a small data transmission procedure is used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE. Specifically, the UE may suspend the RNAU procedure and continue to monitor a response from the network (e.g., BS). If the UE can receive a response from the network, the UE may cancel the RNAU procedure and restart the timer for the RNAU procedure. If the UE cannot receive a response from the network after one preconfigured or predefined time window in the time domain, the UE may perform the RNAU procedure.

[0091] In another embodiment, the small data transmission procedure is not used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE. In one option of this embodiment, the RNAU procedure and the small data transmission procedure (e.g., using CG) can be performed in parallel. In another option of this embodiment, the UE performs the RNAU procedure but stops the small data transmission procedure.

[0092] The following text describes a particular embodiment 5 of the method as shown and illustrated in FIG.

[0093] EMBODIMENT 5

[0094] According to embodiment 5, a UE (eg, the UE 101a shown in FIG. 1) and a BS (eg, the BS 102a shown in FIG. 1) perform the following steps. (1) Step 1: The UE receives an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication, and then the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state. - One instruction is added in the RRCRelease message to enable the small data transmission procedure. - The RRCRelease message may include dedicated RACH resources. - If a timer for the RNAU procedure is configured, the UE starts this timer. (2) Step 2: The UE has small data in a buffer for transmission. The UE performs a RACH procedure for small data transmission. A two-step RACH procedure, a four-step RACH procedure, or a CG may be triggered to transmit small data. (3) Step 3: When the timer for the RNAU procedure expires while the UE is performing a RACH procedure for small data transmission; - Case 1: The small data transmission procedure can be used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE. Option 1: The UE aborts the RNAU procedure and continues to monitor the response to the ongoing RACH procedure. If the UE is able to receive a response, the UE cancels the RNAU procedure and restarts the timer for the RNAU procedure. If the UE fails to receive a response after one preconfigured or predefined time window in the time domain, the UE performs the RNAU procedure. - Case 2: The small data transmission procedure cannot be used for RNAU purposes to indicate the serving cell of the UE. · Option 2: The RNAU procedure and the small data transmission procedure (e.g. by using CG) may be performed in parallel. · Option 3: The UE performs the RNAU procedure but stops the small data transmission procedure.

[0095] Details described in the embodiments as shown and illustrated in Figures 1 to 8 and 10, particularly those related to specific operations for UE data transmission and RNAU procedures in RRC inactive state, are applicable to the embodiment as shown and illustrated in Figure 9. Furthermore, details described in the embodiment of Figure 9 are applicable to all the embodiments of Figures 1 to 8 and 10.

[0096] Under some scenarios, when separate RACH resources are designed for the initial access procedure and the small data transmission procedure, it is necessary to determine which RACH resource should be used for the RNAU procedure.

[0097] According to some embodiments of the present application, when the timer for the RNAU procedure expires, if the UE has no available data for transmission, the UE may perform the RNAU procedure and use the RACH resource for the initial access procedure. The following text describes a specific embodiment 6 within these embodiments.

[0098] EMBODIMENT 6

[0099] According to embodiment 6, a UE (eg, the UE 101a shown in FIG. 1) and a BS (eg, the BS 102a shown in FIG. 1) perform the following steps. (1) Step 1: The UE receives an RRCRelease message containing a Suspend Indication, and then the UE enters the RRC_INACTIVE state. - One instruction is added in the RRCRelease message to enable the small data transmission procedure. - The RRCRelease message may include dedicated RACH resources. - If a timer for the RNAU procedure is configured, the UE starts this timer. - There are separate RACH resources for the initial RACH procedure and the small data transmission procedure. (2) Step 2: The timer for RNAU expires. (3) Step 3: If the UE has no data available for transmission when the timer for the RNAU procedure expires, the UE performs the RNAU procedure and uses the RACH resources for the initial access procedure.

[0100] 10 is a diagram illustrating an example block diagram of an apparatus according to some embodiments of the present application. In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1000 may be a UE capable of at least performing any of the methods illustrated in FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 9. In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1000 may be a BS capable of at least performing the method illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0101] As shown in FIG. 10, the apparatus 1000 may include at least one receiver 1002, at least one transmitter 1004, at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1006, and at least one processor 1008 coupled to the at least one receiver 1002, the at least one transmitter 1004, and the at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1006.

[0102] 10, elements such as at least one receiver 1002, at least one transmitter 1004, at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1006, and at least one processor 1008 are described in the singular, but the plural is contemplated unless expressly limited to the singular. In some embodiments of the present application, the at least one receiver 1002 and the at least one transmitter 1004 are combined into a single device such as a transceiver. In some embodiments of the present application, the apparatus 1000 may further include an input device, a memory, and / or other components.

[0103] In some embodiments of the present application, at least one non-transitory computer-readable medium 1006 may store computer-executable instructions programmed to perform operations of a method, such as those generally described in any of Figures 6-9, using at least one receiver 1002, at least one transmitter 1004, and at least one processor 1008.

[0104] Those skilled in the art will understand that the operations of the methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. The software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the operations of the methods may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and / or instructions on a non-transitory computer readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

[0105] Although the present disclosure has been described using its specific embodiments, it is apparent that many alternatives, modifications, and variations may be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, various components of the embodiments may be exchanged, added, or substituted in other embodiments. Also, not all elements in each figure are necessary for the operation of the disclosed embodiments. For example, a person skilled in the art can make and use the teachings of the present disclosure by simply using the elements of the independent claims. Therefore, the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0106] As used herein, the terms "includes," "including," or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. An element preceded by "a," "an," etc. does not, without more constraints, preclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element. Also, the term "another" is defined as at least two or more. The terms "having," etc., as used herein, are defined as "including." [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 100 Wireless communication system 101 User Equipment 102 Base station 210 User Equipment 220 base station 230 Last Serving Base Station 240 Access and mobility management functions 310 User Equipment 320 base station 410 User Equipment 420 base station 510 User Equipment 520 base station 1000 devices 1002 Receiver 1004 Transmitter 1006 Non-transitory computer readable medium 1008 Processor

Claims

1. entering an RRC inactive state of a user equipment (UE) based on radio resource control (RRC) configuration information; starting a timer for a Radio Access Network based Notification Area Update (RNAU) procedure; When transmitting small data using a configured grant (CG) in the RRC inactive state of the UE, restarting the timer for an RNAU procedure in response to not receiving feedback at an RRC layer and receiving an ACK / NACK indication at a physical layer. and restarting the timer for an RNAU procedure in response to receiving response information corresponding to the transmitted small data. The response information is RRC release message, Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request-Acknowledgement (HARQ-ACK) feedback information corresponding to the small data; A confirmation of successful data transmission, or 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the instruction to restart the timer for an RNAU procedure.

3. When the small data is transmitted in a four-step random access channel (RACH) procedure, or When transmitting the small data in the two-step RACH procedure The method of claim 1, comprising restarting the timer for an RNAU procedure in response to receiving response information corresponding to the transmitted small data.

4. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon; A receiving circuit; A transmission circuit; a processor coupled to the non-transitory computer readable medium, the receiving circuitry, and the transmitting circuitry; An apparatus, wherein the computer executable instructions cause the processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 3.

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