Reducing channel state information reporting time for cell activation

Abstract

A system, method, apparatus, and computer program product for reducing channel state information (CSI) reporting time for cell activation are provided. One method may include receiving from a network node one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted during activation of a secondary cell (SCell), and receiving a secondary cell (SCell) activation command and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated among the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations. The method may also include measuring a CSI reference signal (RS) using the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations indicated in the activation command, and transmitting a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report for a subset of the secondary cells (SCells) available for activation.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Some example embodiments may relate generally to communications involving mobile or wireless communication systems, such as long-term evolution (LTE) or fifth-generation (5G) radio access technologies or new radio (NR) access technologies or other communication systems. For example, some example embodiments may generally relate to systems and / or methods for reducing channel state information (CSI) reporting time for cell activation. [Background technology]

[0002] Examples of mobile or wireless communication systems include the Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (UTRAN), Long Term Evolution (LTE) Evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), MultiFire, LTE-A Pro, and / or fifth-generation (5G) radio access technology or New Radio (NR) access technology. 5G radio systems refer to next-generation (NG) radio systems and network architectures. 5G systems are primarily built on 5G New Radio (NR), but 5G (or NG) networks can also be built on E-UTRAN radio. NR is estimated to provide bit rates of approximately 10 to 20 Gbps or more and be capable of supporting at least service categories such as enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC), and massive machine-type communication (mMTC). NR is expected to provide extreme broadband, ultra-robust low-latency connectivity, and large-scale networking to support the Internet of Things (IoT). As IoT and machine-to-machine (M2M) communications become increasingly prevalent, the need for networks that meet the needs of low power, low data rates, and long battery life will likely increase. The Next Generation Radio Access Network (NG-RAN) refers to a 5G RAN that can provide both NR radio access and LTE (and LTE-Advanced) radio access.In 5G, a node capable of providing radio access functionality to user equipment (i.e., a node similar to a Node B (NB) in UTRAN or an evolved NB (eNB) in LTE) can be called a next-generation NB (gNB) if it is built on NR radio, or a next-generation eNB (NG-eNB) if it is built on E-UTRA radio. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] An embodiment may relate to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code, in conjunction with the at least one processor, are configured to at least cause the apparatus to receive from a network node one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted during activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration. The apparatus may be further caused to receive a secondary cell (SCell) activation command and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations, measure a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) using the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration indicated in the activation command, and transmit a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report for a subset of secondary cells (SCells) available for activation.

[0004] An embodiment may relate to a method that includes receiving, from a network node, one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted during activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration. The method may also include receiving a secondary cell (SCell) activation command and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations, measuring a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) using the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration indicated in the activation command, and transmitting a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report for a subset of secondary cells (SCells) available for activation.

[0005] An embodiment may relate to an apparatus including means for receiving, from a network node, one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted during activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration. The apparatus may also include means for receiving a secondary cell (SCell) activation command and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated among the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations, and means for measuring a channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) using the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration indicated in the activation command and transmitting a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report for a subset of secondary cells (SCells) available for activation.

[0006] An embodiment may relate to an apparatus including at least one processor and at least one memory including computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, may cause the apparatus to at least: provide a user equipment with one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration; and transmit to the user equipment a command for activation of the secondary cell (SCell) and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated among the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations.

[0007] An embodiment may relate to a method that includes providing a user equipment with one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration. The method may also include transmitting, to the user equipment, a command for activation of the secondary cell (SCell) and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from among the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations.

[0008] An embodiment may relate to an apparatus including means for providing one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration to a user equipment. The apparatus may also include means for transmitting a command for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to the user equipment.

[0009] For an appreciation of the example embodiments, please refer to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is an example flow diagram of a method according to some example embodiments. [Figure 2] 1 is an example flow diagram of a method according to some example embodiments. [Figure 3A] 1 is an example block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 is an example block diagram of an apparatus according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It will be readily understood that the components of the specific example embodiments, as generally illustrated and described herein, may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following detailed description of specific example embodiments of systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for reducing channel state information (CSI) reporting time for cell activation is not intended to limit the scope of the specific embodiments, but rather is representative of selected example embodiments.

[0012] The features, structures, or characteristics of example embodiments described throughout this specification may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments. For example, the use of the phrase "certain embodiments," "some embodiments," or other similar phrases throughout this specification refers to the fact that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in certain embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," or other similar phrases throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same group of embodiments, and the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more example embodiments.

[0013] Also, where appropriate, different functions or procedures described below may be performed in different orders and / or concurrently with one another. Furthermore, where appropriate, one or more of the functions or procedures described may be optional or combined. The following description should therefore be considered illustrative of the principles and teachings of particular example embodiments, and not in limitation thereof.

[0014] Further multi-RAT dual-connectivity enhancements are currently under consideration. The objectives of these enhancements include providing support for one secondary cell group (SCG) and efficient activation / deactivation mechanisms for secondary cells (SCells). Support for one SCG can apply to Next Generation (NG) E-UTRAN New Radio - Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) and 5G Dual Connectivity (NR-DC). Support for SCells can apply to NR Carrier Aggregation (CA). These objectives can apply to Frequency Range 1 (FR1) and Frequency Range 2 (FR2).

[0015] Fast cell activation is expected to be facilitated by the gNB transmitting one or two temporary reference signal (RS) bursts to enable the UE to quickly achieve synchronization on the SCell to be activated. The gNB can transmit a fast activation and temporary-RS trigger (including an indication of the number of temp-RS bursts and their timing) in a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE) message. This can assist the UE in setting automatic gain control (AGC) to fine-tune time and frequency, but the SCell is not considered active until a channel state information (CSI) report is sent by the UE. Note that, as described herein, fast cell activation can mean a reduced activation time when compared to the 3GPP Release 15 or Release 16 baseline activation time.

[0016] One of the bottlenecks to achieving fast cell activation appears to be the UE's transmission of CSI reports. Typically, the network configures the UE to perform periodic CSI reporting, and the periodicity of these reports is set to allow the network to minimize overhead and ensure optimal link adaptation. Infrequent CSI reporting can be supplemented with aperiodic CSI reporting.

[0017] Excessively frequent CSI reporting not only incurs overhead but may also limit the number of users with radio resource configuration (RRC) in the cell. For fast SCell activation, it may be desirable for the UE to send CSI reports as soon as measurements are available, but after activation, frequent reporting may not be necessary.

[0018] Current approaches to address this issue range from configuring periodic CSI reporting with one-slot periodicity to triggering aperiodic CSI. However, these approaches appear suboptimal. For example, periodic reporting with one-slot periodicity suffers from the drawbacks discussed above. On the other hand, aperiodic reporting leaves the gNB unable to determine when the UE will be ready to receive aperiodic CSI-RS transmissions for CSI measurement and reporting.

[0019] Thus, as described in detail herein, some example embodiments may address at least the problems discussed above, as well as other possible problems that may not be explicitly discussed herein.

[0020] Some example embodiments provide a methodology for reducing CSI reporting time for SCell activation, for example, based on a semi-persistent (SP) CSI reporting framework. According to certain embodiments, a UE may be configured with one or more SP CSI configurations to adopt during SCell activation, along with other default (and already specified) CSI reporting methods, such as periodic and aperiodic CSI reporting methods.

[0021] According to an embodiment, during SCell activation, the gNB may transmit information to the UE regarding the SP CSI configuration to be activated, for example within the MAC-CE. The SP CSI configuration may include details of the SP CSI-RS transmissions that the gNB will send to the UE and / or the SP CSI report resources that the UE should use to transmit the SP CSI reports.

[0022] In some embodiments, once the UE configures the AGC and achieves time and frequency synchronization with the newly activated SCell(s), it can employ an SP CSI configuration to measure CSI-RS and transmit a CSI report for a subset of the SCell(s) available for fast activation. According to one embodiment, the UE can transmit substantially the same CSI report at multiple reporting occasions. This report repetition can be linked to the periodicity of the configuration depending on how often the UE can generate a new report. For example, assuming the UE can generate a new report in the third slot, if a configuration with a one-slot periodicity is configured, substantially the same report will be repeated three times in a row. In some embodiments, if multiple SCells are available for fast activation, the UE can alternate CSI reports according to CSI report priority rules.

[0023] According to some embodiments, upon receiving a DL or UL grant for an activated SCell, the UE may deactivate SP CSI reporting and fall back to a default CSI reporting method configured for the SCell. In some embodiments, the UE may be pre-configured with transmission count and / or time-based criteria for deactivating SP-CSI reporting. Note that, according to some embodiments, activation of the SP CSI configuration via MAC-CE may apply to SP CSI reporting on both the physical uplink shared channel (PUSCH) and the physical uplink control channel (PUCCH).

[0024] FIG. 1 is an example flow diagram of a method for handling CSI reports according to an example embodiment. For example, the method of FIG. 1 may enable fast SCell activation with reduced CSI reporting time. In some example embodiments, the flow diagram of FIG. 1 may be performed by a communication device in a communication system such as LTE or 5G NR. For example, in some example embodiments, the communication device performing the method of FIG. 1 may include a UE, a sidelink (SL) UE, a wireless device, a mobile station, an IoT device, a UE-type roadside unit (RSU), or other mobile or fixed device.

[0025] As shown in the example of Figure 1, it may be assumed that the UE is in an RRC connected mode at 105, and an SCell is configured for the UE with at least two CSI reporting configurations at 110. In an embodiment, at least one of the CSI reporting configurations is an SP CSI reporting mode that is adopted during fast SCell activation. The SP CSI reporting configuration may also include criteria for determining when to deactivate the SP CSI report. For example, the criteria may be based on the number of CSI report transmissions, a release timer, and / or reception of a PDCCH for the SCell associated with a DL grant or an UL grant.

[0026] As further shown in the example of Figure 1, an SCell activation command may be received at 115, which may include an instruction to switch to a preconfigured SP CSI report. Upon receiving the SCell activation command including the instruction to switch to a preconfigured SP CSI report, the UE may start a timer related to an allowed time for which the SP CSI report is allowed, if configured, at 120. Additionally or alternatively, the UE may also transmit CSI reports using the configured SP report at 125, e.g., until it receives an uplink (UL) or downlink (DL) grant for the activated SCell from its scheduling cell.

[0027] In the example of FIG. 1 , it may be determined whether a timer related to an SP CSI report has expired, or whether the maximum number of CSI report transmissions has been reached if the UE is configured for a maximum number of CSI report transmissions, and / or whether a PDCCH for the SCell has been received with a DL or UL grant, at 130. If it is determined that a timer related to an SP CSI report has expired, or the maximum number of CSI report transmissions has been reached if the UE is configured for a maximum number of CSI report transmissions, and / or a PDCCH for the SCell has been received with a DL or UL grant, the UE may release the SP CSI reporting configuration, fall back to a default CSI reporting configuration, and proceed with SCell activation according to normal 3GPP established procedures, at 140. Note that when multiple SCells are activated, a common SP CSI report may be configured for the activated SCells, and the SP CSI report may be utilized until the UE has finished activating the SCell that is the target of fast activation. Upon deactivating SP CSI reporting, the UE falls back to the pre-configured default CSI reporting scheme for the activated SCell(s).

[0028] Note that in some embodiments, a timer and / or a maximum number of transmissions for the CSI report may not be configured or provided. In such a case, the example method of FIG. 1 may include, at 130, determining whether a PDCCH for the SCell has been received with a DL or UL grant. If it is determined that a PDCCH for the SCell has not been received with a DL or UL grant, the method may return to step 130. On the other hand, if it is determined that a PDCCH for the SCell has been received with a DL or UL grant, the method may proceed to step 140, where the SP CSI reporting configuration may be released and a default CSI reporting configuration may be switched to, as described above.

[0029] It should be noted that Figure 1 illustrates one example embodiment of a method or process. However, some embodiments are not limited to this example, and further examples are possible as described elsewhere herein. For example, some embodiments may not configure a timer, and therefore may use different criteria for deactivating or deactivating the SP CSI report.

[0030] Figure 2 is an example flow diagram of a method for handling CSI reports according to one embodiment. For example, the method of Figure 2 may enable fast SCell activation with reduced CSI reporting time. In some example embodiments, the flow diagram of Figure 2 may be performed by a network entity or network node in a communication system such as LTE or 5G NR. In some example embodiments, the network entity performing the method of Figure 2 may include a base station, an access node, a Node B, an eNB, a gNB, a gNB-DU, a gNB-CU, an NG-RAN node, a 5G node, a transmission-reception point (TRP), a high altitude platform station (HAPS), a relay station, or the like, or may include a network entity performing the method of Figure 2.

[0031] 2, the method may include configuring an SCell for the UE with a CSI reporting configuration at 205. At 210, an SCell activation command may be sent to the UE. For example, in an embodiment, during the SCell activation, information regarding the activated SP CSI configuration may be sent to the UE over a MAC CE. At 215, a receiver (Rx) for the SP CSI reporting configuration may be activated.

[0032] According to an embodiment, if a timer (e.g., timer_ue) as described with respect to FIG. 1 is configured in the UE, upon expiration of which the UE should deactivate the SP-CSI reporting configuration, the network node may have its own timer (shown as a BTS timer or timer_bts in the example of FIG. 1 ). In one embodiment, the BTS timer may be longer than the UE timer (i.e., timer_bts>timer_ue) to account for possible uncertainty about when exactly the UE activates the timer and a reasonable maximum number of transmissions that the UE should be allowed. As shown in the example of FIG. 2 , the BTS timer may be started at 220. It may be determined at 225 whether the BTS timer has expired or whether a maximum number of SP CSI reports have been received. If it is determined that the BTS timer has expired and / or a maximum number of SP CSI reports have been received, the method may include deactivating the SP CSI reporting and switching to default CSI reporting configuration(s) at 230.

[0033] As further shown in the example of FIG. 2, at 235, it may be determined whether a CSI report has been received. If not, the method may return to step 225. If a CSI report for the SCell that is subject to activation is received, at 240, the method may include scheduling the UE on the activated SCell to switch to a default pre-configured CSI reporting mode, i.e., disabling SP CSI reporting. Additionally, the UE does not need to transmit on SP CSI reporting resources configured for fast SCell activation, and therefore the serving cell does not need to consider the absence of reports for the purposes of error or failure detection scenarios.

[0034] To implement some example embodiments, the CSI-ReportingConfig information element (IE) may be modified to allow SP CSI reporting to be nested within a periodic (default) CSI reporting configuration. To reduce overhead and simplify resource management at the gNB, the SP CSI reporting configuration may be signaled using the default CSI reporting configuration as a base (e.g., with the default configuration being a subset of the SP CSI reporting configuration). In some embodiments, the CSI-ReportingConfig IE may also be modified to include a timer and transmission count criteria for deactivating the SP CSI report. In some embodiments, the reporting periodicity of the SP CSI may be reduced to at least one slot. According to some example embodiments, the MAC CE for fast SCell activation may be modified to include a code point for signaling the CSI reporting configuration to be activated. If only one SP CSI reporting configuration is configured or configurable, an additional code point may be omitted from the MAC CE. In some embodiments, the UE is not required to transmit a CSI report in at least one SP CSI reporting occasion, but may repeat substantially the same CSI report in multiple occasions, which may affect the timing of what to report in a given occasion based on the CSI computation time. Furthermore, some embodiments may deactivate the SP CSI report upon receipt of a grant, expiration of a timer, or reaching a maximum number of transmissions.

[0035] It should be noted that Figure 2 is shown as an example embodiment of a method or process. However, some embodiments are not limited to this example, and further examples are possible as described elsewhere herein. For example, some embodiments may not configure a timer, but instead use different criteria to determine when to deactivate or deactivate the SP CSI report.

[0036] 3A illustrates an example of a device 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the device 10 may be a node, host, or server in a communications network or may provide a service to such a network. For example, the device 10 may be a network node, satellite, base station, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), TRP, HAPS, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and / or WLAN access point associated with a radio access network such as an LTE network, 5G, or NR. In some example embodiments, the device 10 may be, for example, a gNB or other similar wireless node.

[0037] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, the device 10 may include an edge cloud server as a distributed computer system, and the server and wireless node may be standalone devices that communicate with each other via wireless paths or wired connections, or may be located within substantially the same entity that communicates via wired connections. For example, in some example embodiments in which the device 10 corresponds to a gNB, the device 10 may be configured with a central unit (CU) architecture and a distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the functions of the gNB. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functions such as user data forwarding, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and / or session management. The CU may control the operation of one or more DUs via a front-haul interface. The DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of gNB functions depending on a functional split option. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the device 10 may also include components or functions not shown in FIG. 3A .

[0038] As shown in the example of FIG. 3A , device 10 may include processor 12, which processes information and executes instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, processor 12 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, or any other processing means. While FIG. 3A depicts a single processor 12, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0039] Processor 12 may perform functions related to the operation of device 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including processes related to communication or management of communication resources.

[0040] Device 10 may further include or be coupled to memory 14 (internal or external) coupled to processor 12 for storing information and instructions executable by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed and / or removable memory. For example, memory 14 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine- or computer-readable medium, or any combination of other suitable storage means. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0041] In some example embodiments, device 10 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store computer programs or software executed by processor 12 and / or device 10.

[0042] In some example embodiments, device 10 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting and receiving signals and / or data to and from device 10. Device 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, multiple air interfaces that may be coupled to antenna(s) 15, or any other suitable transmission and reception means. The air interfaces may support multiple wireless access technologies, including one or more of global system for mobile communications (GSM), narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BT-LE), near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), and MultiFire, etc. The air interface may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), mappers, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules to generate symbols for transmission over one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., over an uplink).

[0043] Thus, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna(s) 15, and to demodulate information received via antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of device 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may transmit and receive signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or input / output means.

[0044] In an example embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, that provide additional functionality for device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0045] According to some example embodiments, the processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or form part of processing circuitry / means or control circuitry / means, and in some embodiments the transceiver 18 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry / means.

[0046] As used herein, the term “circuitry” can refer to a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) that includes software (including a digital signal processor) that cooperates to cause a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or a hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), or portions thereof, that uses software for operation but may be absent when not necessary for operation. As a further example, the term “circuitry” as used herein can also cover simply a hardware circuit or processor(s), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuitry can also cover baseband integrated circuits, for example, in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computer or network device.

[0047] As mentioned above, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be, or may be part of, a network element or RAN node, such as a base station, access point, Node B, eNB, gNB, TRP, HAPS, IAB node, relay node, WLAN access point, satellite, etc. In one example embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a gNB or other radio node, or a CU and / or DU of a gNB. According to some embodiments, memory 14 and processor 12 may control apparatus 10 to perform functions related to any of the embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes shown in any of the flowcharts or signaling diagrams described herein, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-2, or any other method described herein. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform procedures related to CSI reporting, such as those described herein, that can reduce CSI reporting time, for example, for fast cell activation.

[0048] According to an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 can control the apparatus 10 to provide the UE with one or more SP CSI configurations to adopt for SCell activation. In an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 can control the apparatus 10 to send a command for SCell activation to the UE and provide information regarding an SP CSI configuration to activate from the one or more provided SP CSI configurations. In one example, the information regarding the SP CSI configuration to activate can be included in a MAC CE.

[0049] According to some embodiments, the SP CSI configuration may include details of the SP CSI reference signal (RS) transmission to be transmitted by the apparatus 10 and / or the SP CSI report resource(s) to be used to transmit the SP CSI report. In an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 may receive from the UE at least one SP CSI report for an activated SCell, schedule the UE on the activated SCell, and control the apparatus 10 to disable or deactivate reporting of the SP CSI.

[0050] In some embodiments, the memory 14 and the processor 12 may control the apparatus 10 to configure criteria for determining when to deactivate the SP CSI report. For example, the configured criteria may be based on the number of permitted SP CSI report transmissions and / or a timer permitting the SP CSI report transmission. According to an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 may control the apparatus 10 to deactivate or deactivate the SP CSI configuration and switch to a default CSI report configured for the SCell when the number of permitted SP CSI report transmissions is reached or the timer expires.

[0051] 3A illustrates an example of a device 10 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the device 10 may be a node, host, or server in a communications network or may provide a service to such a network. For example, the device 10 may be a network node, satellite, base station, Node B, evolved Node B (eNB), 5G Node B or access point, next generation Node B (NG-NB or gNB), TRP, HAPS, integrated access and backhaul (IAB) node, and / or WLAN access point associated with a radio access network such as an LTE network, 5G, or NR. In some example embodiments, the device 10 may be, for example, a gNB or other similar wireless node.

[0052] It should be understood that in some example embodiments, the device 10 may include an edge cloud server as a distributed computer system, and the server and wireless node may be standalone devices that communicate with each other via wireless paths or wired connections, or may be located within substantially the same entity that communicates via wired connections. For example, in some example embodiments in which the device 10 represents a gNB, the device 10 may be configured with a central unit (CU) architecture and a distributed unit (DU) architecture that divides the functions of the gNB. In such an architecture, the CU may be a logical node that includes gNB functions such as user data forwarding, mobility control, radio access network sharing, positioning, and / or session management. The CU may control the operation of the DU(s) via a front-haul interface. The DU may be a logical node that includes a subset of gNB functions depending on a functional split option. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the device 10 may also include components or functions not shown in FIG. 3A .

[0053] As shown in the example of FIG. 3A , device 10 may include processor 12, which processes information and executes instructions or operations. Processor 12 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, processor 12 may include, by way of example, one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, or any other processing means. While FIG. 3A depicts a single processor 12, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, device 10 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 12 may represent a multiprocessor). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0054] Processor 12 may perform functions related to the operation of device 10, which may include, for example, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 10, including processes related to communication or management of communication resources.

[0055] Device 10 may further include or be coupled to memory 14 (internal or external) coupled to processor 12 for storing information and instructions executable by processor 12. Memory 14 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed and / or removable memory. For example, memory 14 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine- or computer-readable medium, or any combination of other suitable storage means. The instructions stored in memory 14 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by processor 12, enable device 10 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0056] In some example embodiments, device 10 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store computer programs or software executed by processor 12 and / or device 10.

[0057] In some example embodiments, device 10 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 15 for transmitting and receiving signals and / or data to and from device 10. Device 10 may further include or be coupled to a transceiver 18 configured to transmit and receive information. The transceiver 18 may include, for example, multiple air interfaces that may be coupled to antenna(s) 15, or any other suitable transmission and reception means. The air interfaces may support multiple wireless access technologies, including one or more of global system for mobile communications (GSM), narrow band Internet of Things (NB-IoT), LTE, 5G, WLAN, Bluetooth (BT), Bluetooth Low Energy (BT-LE), near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), ultra-wideband (UWB), and MultiFire, etc. The air interface may include components such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), mappers, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules to generate symbols for transmission over one or more downlinks and receive symbols (e.g., over an uplink).

[0058] Thus, transceiver 18 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna(s) 15, and to demodulate information received via antenna(s) 15 for further processing by other elements of device 10. In other embodiments, transceiver 18 may transmit and receive signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 10 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices) or input / output means.

[0059] In an example embodiment, memory 14 may store software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 12. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 10. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, that provide additional functionality for device 10. The components of device 10 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software.

[0060] According to some example embodiments, the processor 12 and memory 14 may be included in or form part of processing circuitry / means or control circuitry / means, and in some embodiments the transceiver 18 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry / means.

[0061] As used herein, the term “circuitry” can refer to a hardware-only circuit implementation (e.g., analog and / or digital circuitry), a combination of hardware circuitry and software, a combination of analog and / or digital hardware circuitry and software / firmware, any portion of a hardware processor(s) that includes software (including a digital signal processor) that cooperates to cause a device (e.g., device 10) to perform various functions, and / or a hardware circuit(s) and / or processor(s), or portions thereof, that uses software for operation but may be absent when not necessary for operation. As a further example, the term “circuitry” as used herein can also cover simply a hardware circuit or processor(s), or a portion of a hardware circuit or processor, and associated software and / or firmware implementation. The term circuitry can also cover baseband integrated circuits, for example, in a server, a cellular network node or device, or other computer or network device.

[0062] As mentioned above, in some example embodiments, apparatus 10 may be, or may be part of, a network element or RAN node, such as a base station, access point, Node B, eNB, gNB, TRP, HAPS, IAB node, relay node, WLAN access point, satellite, etc. In one example embodiment, apparatus 10 may be a gNB or other radio node, or a CU and / or DU of a gNB. According to some embodiments, memory 14 and processor 12 may control apparatus 10 to perform functions related to any of the embodiments described herein. For example, in some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform one or more of the processes shown in any of the flowcharts or signaling diagrams described herein, such as those shown in FIGS. 1-2, or any other method described herein. In some embodiments, apparatus 10 may be configured to perform procedures related to CSI reporting, such as those described herein, which may reduce CSI reporting time, for example, for cell activation.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 can control the apparatus 10 to provide the UE with one or more SP CSI configurations to be adopted for SCell activation, as well as a default CSI configuration. In an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 can control the apparatus 10 to send a command for SCell activation to the UE and provide information regarding an SP CSI configuration to be activated from among the one or more provided SP CSI configurations. In one example, the information regarding the SP CSI configuration to be activated can be included in the MAC CE.

[0064] According to some embodiments, the SP CSI configuration may include details of the SP CSI reference signal (RS) transmission transmitted by the apparatus 10 and / or the SP CSI report resource(s) to be used for transmitting the SP CSI report. In an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 may receive from the UE at least one SP CSI report for an activated SCell, schedule the UE on the activated SCell, and control the apparatus 10 to disable or deactivate reporting of the SP CSI.

[0065] In some embodiments, the memory 14 and the processor 12 may control the apparatus 10 to configure criteria for determining when to deactivate the SP CSI report. For example, the configured criteria may be based on the number of permitted SP CSI report transmissions and / or a timer permitting the SP CSI report transmission. According to an embodiment, the memory 14 and the processor 12 may control the apparatus 10 to deactivate or deactivate the SP CSI configuration and switch to a default CSI report configured for the SCell when the number of permitted SP CSI report transmissions is reached or the timer expires.

[0066] 3B illustrates an example of apparatus 20 according to another embodiment. In one embodiment, apparatus 20 may be a node or element within or associated with a communications network, such as a UE, communications node, mobile equipment (ME), mobile station, mobile device, fixed device, IoT device, or other device. As described herein, a UE may also be referred to as, for example, a mobile station, mobile equipment, mobile unit, mobile device, user device, subscriber station, wireless terminal, tablet, smartphone, IoT device, sensor or NB-IoT device, watch or other wearable, head-mounted display (HMD), vehicle, drone, medical device and its applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial device and its applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in the context of an industrial and / or automated processing chain), consumer electronic device, device operating on a commercial and / or industrial wireless network, etc. By way of example, apparatus 20 may be implemented as, for example, a wireless handheld device or a wireless plug-in accessory.

[0067] In some example embodiments, device 20 may include one or more processors, one or more computer-readable storage media (e.g., memory or storage), one or more wireless access components (e.g., modems or transceivers), and / or a user interface. In some embodiments, device 20 may be configured to operate using one or more wireless access technologies, such as GSM, LTE, LTE-A, NR, 5G, WLAN, WiFi, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, NFC, MultiFire, and / or any other wireless access technology. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that device 20 may include components or features not shown in FIG. 3B .

[0068] As shown in the example of FIG. 3B, device 20 may include or be coupled to a processor 22 that processes information and executes instructions or operations. Processor 22 may be any type of general-purpose or special-purpose processor. In practice, processor 22 may include one or more of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and a processor based on a multi-core processor architecture, by way of example. While FIG. 3B depicts a single processor 22, multiple processors may be utilized according to other embodiments. For example, it should be understood that in some embodiments, device 20 may include two or more processors that may form a multiprocessor system capable of supporting multiprocessing (e.g., in this case, processor 22 may represent multiple processors). In some embodiments, the multiprocessor system may be tightly coupled or loosely coupled (e.g., to form a computer cluster).

[0069] Processor 22 may perform functions related to the operation of device 20, including, as some examples, precoding of antenna gain / phase parameters, encoding and decoding of individual bits forming communication messages, formatting of information, and overall control of device 20, including processes related to management of communication resources.

[0070] The device 20 may further include or be coupled to a memory 24 (internal or external) coupled to the processor 22 for storing information and instructions executable by the processor 22. The memory 24 may be one or more memories and may be of any type suitable for the local application environment and may be implemented using any suitable volatile or non-volatile data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed and / or removable memory. For example, the memory 24 may include any combination of random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), static storage such as a magnetic or optical disk, a hard disk drive (HDD), or any other type of non-transitory machine- or computer-readable medium. The instructions stored in the memory 24 may include program instructions or computer program code that, when executed by the processor 22, enable the device 20 to perform the tasks described herein.

[0071] In some embodiments, device 20 may further include or be coupled to a drive or port (internal or external) configured to accept and read an external computer-readable storage medium, such as an optical disk, a USB drive, a flash drive, or any other storage medium. For example, the external computer-readable storage medium may store computer programs or software executed by processor 22 and / or device 20.

[0072] In some example embodiments, device 20 may include or be coupled to one or more antennas 25 for receiving downlink signals and transmitting from device 20 via an uplink. Device 20 may further include a transceiver 28 configured to transmit and receive information. Transceiver 28 may also include a radio interface (e.g., a modem) coupled to antenna 25. The radio interface may support multiple radio access technologies, including one or more of GSM, LTE, LTE-A, 5G, NR, WLAN, NB-IoT, Bluetooth, BT-LE, NFC, RFID, and UWB, etc. The radio interface may also include other components, such as filters, converters (e.g., digital-to-analog converters), symbol demappers, signal shaping components, and an inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) module, to process symbols, such as OFDMA symbols, carried by the downlink or uplink.

[0073] For example, transceiver 28 may be configured to modulate information onto a carrier waveform for transmission by antenna(s) 25 and to demodulate information received via antenna(s) 25 for further processing by other elements of device 20. In other embodiments, transceiver 28 may transmit and receive signals or data directly. Additionally or alternatively, in some embodiments, device 20 may include input and / or output devices (I / O devices). In some embodiments, device 20 may further include a user interface, such as a graphical user interface or a touch screen.

[0074] In one embodiment, memory 24 stores software modules that provide functionality when executed by processor 22. The modules may include, for example, an operating system that provides operating system functionality for device 20. The memory may also store one or more functional modules, such as applications or programs, that provide additional functionality for device 20. Components of device 20 may be implemented in hardware or as any suitable combination of hardware and software. According to an example embodiment, device 20 may be configured to communicate with device 10 via a wireless or wired communication link 70, optionally according to any radio access technology, such as NR.

[0075] According to some embodiments, processor 22 and memory 24 may be included in or form part of processing or control circuitry, and in some embodiments, transceiver 28 may be included in or form part of transceiver circuitry.

[0076] As mentioned above, according to some embodiments, apparatus 20 may be, for example, a UE, a SL UE, a relay UE, a mobile device, a mobile station, a ME, an IoT device, and / or an NB-IoT device. According to some embodiments, memory 24 and processor 22 may control apparatus 20 to perform functions associated with any of the embodiments described herein, such as one or more of the operations shown in or described with respect to FIGS. 1-2, or any other method described herein. For example, in an embodiment, apparatus 20 may be controlled to perform processes related to CSI reporting, such as those described in detail elsewhere herein, that may reduce CSI reporting time for cell activation.

[0077] In an embodiment, the memory 24 and the processor 22 may control the apparatus 20 to receive from a network node (e.g., a gNB) one or more SP CSI configurations to adopt during SCell activation, as well as a default CSI configuration. According to an embodiment, the memory 24 and the processor 22 may control the apparatus 20 to receive an SCell activation command and information regarding an SP CSI configuration to be activated from the one or more SP CSI configurations. In an embodiment, the memory 24 and the processor 22 may control the apparatus 20 to measure CSI-RS using the SP CSI configuration indicated in the activation command and to transmit an SP CSI report for a subset of SCells available for activation. According to one example, the information regarding the SP CSI configuration to be activated may be included in the MAC CE.

[0078] According to some embodiments, the SP CSI configuration may include details of the SP CSI-RS transmission from (i.e., transmitted by) the network node and / or the SP CSI report resources to be used for transmitting the SP CSI report. In some embodiments, to transmit the SP CSI report, memory 24 and processor 22 may control apparatus 20 to transmit substantially the same SP CSI report on multiple reporting occasions and / or to alternate the SP CSI reports when multiple SCells are available for fast activation.

[0079] In some embodiments, when a DL or UL grant is received for an SCell to be activated, memory 24 and processor 22 may control apparatus 20 to deactivate the SP CSI report and switch to the default CSI report configured for that SCell.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the received SP CSI configuration may include criteria for determining when to deactivate the SP CSI report. For example, these criteria may be based on the number of allowed SP CSI report transmissions, a timer allowing the SP CSI report transmission, and / or reception of a PDCCH for the SCell with a DL or UL grant. In one embodiment, the memory 24 and the processor 22 may control the apparatus 20 to deactivate the SP CSI configuration and switch to a default CSI report configured for the SCell when the number of allowed SP CSI report transmissions is reached or the timer expires.

[0081] In some example embodiments, an apparatus (e.g., apparatus 10 and / or apparatus 20) may include means for performing the methods, processes, or any variations described herein, such as one or more processors, memories, controllers, transmitters, receivers, sensors, circuits, and / or computer program code that cause any of the operations described herein to be performed.

[0082] In view of the above, some example embodiments provide several technical improvements, enhancements, and / or advantages over existing technical processes and constitute improvements at least in the field of radio network control and / or management. For example, as described in detail above, some example embodiments are configured to provide a method, apparatus, and / or system that enables fast SCell activation by reducing CSI reporting time. Some embodiments provide a way to further minimize the delay between sending an SCell activation command for an SCell and being able to schedule data on the newly activated SCell by minimizing the delay due to CSI reporting during fast SCell activation. Additionally, some embodiments introduce minimal overhead because an additional activation step is not required (it is built into the SCell activation process), deactivation is implicitly performed with the first scheduling message for the newly activated SCell, and therefore the active period of SP CSI reporting is short (if the active period of SP CSI reporting is long due to no data being scheduled on the newly activated SCell, fast SCell activation would not be necessary in the first place). Furthermore, some embodiments allow multiple configurations, thereby enabling a gNB to efficiently manage multiple UEs simultaneously.

[0083] Thus, some example embodiments may be used to improve the functionality of communication networks and nodes such as base stations, eNBs, gNBs, and / or IoT devices, UEs or mobile stations.

[0084] In some example embodiments, the functions of any of the methods, processes, signaling diagrams, algorithms or flowcharts described herein may be implemented by software and / or computer program code or portions of code stored in a memory or other computer-readable or tangible medium and executed by a processor.

[0085] In some example embodiments, a device may include or be associated with at least one software application, module, unit, or entity configured as computational operation(s) executable by at least one computing processor or controller, or as a program or part of a program (including additional or updated software routines). A program, also referred to as a program product or computer program, including software routines, applets, and macros, may be stored on any device-readable data storage medium and include program instructions for performing specific tasks. A computer program product may include one or more computer-executable components configured to perform some example embodiments when the program is executed. One or more computer-executable components may be at least one software code or part of code. Modifications and configurations necessary to implement the functionality of example embodiments may be performed as routine(s), which may be implemented as additional or updated software routine(s). In one example, the software routine(s) may be downloaded to the device.

[0086] By way of example, the software or computer program code or portions of code may be in source code form, object code form, or any intermediate form, and may be stored on any carrier, distribution medium, or computer-readable medium, which may be any entity or device capable of carrying a program. Such carriers may include, for example, recording media, computer memory, read-only memory, optical, electrical, and / or electrical carrier signals, telecommunications signals, and / or software distribution packages. The computer program may be executed in a single electronic digital computer or distributed among several computers, depending on the processing power required. The computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage medium may be a non-transitory medium.

[0087] In other example embodiments, the functionality of the example embodiments may be performed by hardware or circuitry included in the device, for example through the use of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable gate array (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any other combination of hardware and software. In yet other example embodiments, the functionality of the example embodiments may be implemented as signals, such as non-tangible means that may be carried by electromagnetic signals downloaded from the internet or other network.

[0088] According to an example embodiment, an apparatus such as a node, device, or corresponding component may be configured as a circuit, computer, or microprocessor such as a single-chip computer element, or as a chipset that may include at least a memory providing storage capacity used for computational operation(s), and / or a computational processor to perform computational operation(s).

[0089] The example embodiments described herein may apply to both singular and plural embodiments, regardless of whether the singular or plural is used in connection with describing a particular embodiment. For example, an embodiment describing the operation of a single network node may also apply to example embodiments including multiple instances of the network node, and vice versa.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the example embodiments described above may be implemented using a different sequence of steps and / or hardware elements in different configurations than those disclosed. Thus, while several embodiments have been described based on these example embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain modifications, variations, and alternative constructions will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope of the example embodiments.

[0091] Partial glossary AGC: Automatic Gain Control CE: Control Elements CSI: Channel State Information DCI: Downlink Control Information DL: Downlink MAC: Medium Access Control PUCCH: Physical uplink control channel PUSCH: Physical Uplink Shared Channel RS: Reference symbol SCell: Secondary cell SP: Semi-persistent SRS: Sounding Reference Symbol Temp:Temporary UE: User Equipment UL: Uplink ZP: Zero Power [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 105 UE is in RRC connected mode 110 Configure SCell for UE (including CSI reporting configuration) 115 SCell activation command received 120 SP Starts the timer related to CSI report cancellation, if configured. 125 Send CSI report(s) using the CSI reporting configuration indicated by the activate command 130 Has a timer expired, reached the maximum number of CSI report transmissions, and / or received a PDCCH for the SCell with a DL or UL grant? 140 SP Turn off CSI reporting and switch to default CSI report configuration(s)

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus for communications, comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, receiving from a network node one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted during activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration; receiving a secondary cell (SCell) activation command and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations; measuring channel state information (CSI) reference signals (RS) from the network node using the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration indicated in the activation command and transmitting semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports for a subset of secondary cells (SCells) available for activation; deactivating the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration and switching to the default channel state information (CSI) configuration for the secondary cell (SCell) when a downlink or uplink grant for the activated secondary cell (SCell) is received; configured to cause the device to at least execute An apparatus characterized in that

2. the information regarding the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated is contained within a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration includes at least one of details of a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) transmission from the network node or semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report resources used for transmitting semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. The transmission of the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report comprises: Transmitting the same semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report on multiple reporting occasions; or alternating the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports when multiple secondary cells (SCells) are available for activation; The apparatus of claim 1 , comprising at least one of:

5. the received semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration includes a criterion for determining when to deactivate the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration, the criterion being based on at least one of an allowed number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions, a timer allowing semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions, or reception of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a secondary cell (SCell) associated with the downlink or uplink grant.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

6. When the permitted number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions is reached or the timer expires, the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the device to at least perform the following: release the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration and switch to the default channel state information (CSI) configuration for the secondary cell (SCell).

6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. 1. A method for communication, comprising: receiving from a network node one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted during activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration; receiving a secondary cell (SCell) activation command and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations; measuring channel state information (CSI) reference signals (RS) from the network node using the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration indicated in the activation command and transmitting semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports for a subset of secondary cells (SCells) available for activation; in response to receiving a downlink or uplink grant for the secondary cell (SCell), deactivating the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration and switching to the default channel state information (CSI) configuration for the secondary cell (SCell); A method comprising:

8. the information regarding the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated is contained within a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); The method of claim 7.

9. the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration includes at least one of details of a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) transmission from the network node or semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report resources used for transmitting semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports; The method of claim 7.

10. The transmission of the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report comprises: Transmitting the same semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report on multiple reporting occasions; or alternating the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports when multiple secondary cells (SCells) are available for activation; The method of claim 7, comprising at least one of:

11. the received semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration includes a criterion for determining when to deactivate the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration, the criterion being based on at least one of an allowed number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions, a timer allowing semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions, or reception of a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) for a secondary cell (SCell) accompanied by a downlink or uplink grant; The method of claim 7.

12. When the permitted number of semi-persistent (SP) CSI report transmissions is reached or the timer expires, releasing the semi-persistent (SP) CSI configuration and switching to the default CSI configuration for the secondary cell (SCell). The method of claim 11.

13. 1. An apparatus for communications, comprising: at least one processor; at least one memory containing computer program code; wherein the at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, providing a user equipment with one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration; transmitting to the user equipment a command for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations; release the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration and switch to the default channel state information (CSI) configuration for the secondary cell (SCell) when an allowed number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions is reached or when a timer expires; configured to cause the device to at least execute An apparatus characterized in that

14. the information regarding the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated is contained within a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); 14. The apparatus of claim 13.

15. The semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration includes at least one of details of a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) transmission from the device or a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report resource used to transmit a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report.

14. The apparatus of claim 13.

16. The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, receiving at least one semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report from the user equipment for the activated secondary cell (SCell); scheduling the user equipment on the activated secondary cell (SCell); Disabling the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reporting; The apparatus of claim 13 , configured to cause the apparatus to perform at least

17. The at least one memory and computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the device to at least configure a criterion for determining when to deactivate the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration, the criterion being based on at least one of the number of allowed semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions or the timer allowing semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions.

14. The apparatus of claim 13.

18. 1. A method for communication, comprising: providing a user equipment with one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations to be adopted for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and a default channel state information (CSI) configuration; transmitting to the user equipment a command for activation of a secondary cell (SCell) and information regarding a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated from the one or more semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configurations; release the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration and switch to the default channel state information (CSI) configuration for the secondary cell (SCell) when an allowed number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions is reached or when a timer expires; A method comprising:

19. the information regarding the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration to be activated is contained within a medium access control (MAC) control element (CE); 20. The method of claim 18.

20. the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration includes at least one of details of a semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reference signal (RS) transmission to the user equipment or semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report resources used to transmit semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reports; 20. The method of claim 18.

21. receiving at least one semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report for the activated secondary cell (SCell) from the user equipment; scheduling the user equipment on the activated secondary cell (SCell); Disabling the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) reporting; 20. The method of claim 18, comprising:

22. configuring a criterion for determining when to deactivate the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report, the criterion being based on at least one of an allowed number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions or a timer allowing semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions; 20. The method of claim 18.

23. When the permitted number of semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) report transmissions is reached or the timer expires, the method includes releasing the semi-persistent (SP) channel state information (CSI) configuration and switching to the default channel state information (CSI) report configured for the secondary cell (SCell).

23. The method of claim 22.

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