Method, user equipment, and access network node

Abstract

A system is disclosed that uses a first pattern for a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) having a first period and a second pattern for an SSB having a second period. The SSBs of the first and second periods are sequentially repeated in a third period based on the combination of the first and second periods. The base station transmits to the user equipment pattern information that identifies at least one specific resource block in the first period and at least one different resource block in the second period in which the SSB is present.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless communication system operating according to 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP (registered trademark)) standards or their equivalent or derivative standards, and devices thereof. The present disclosure relates to energy saving in so-called "5G" or "New Radio" systems (also referred to as "next-generation" systems) and similar systems, although not limited thereto.

Background Art

[0002] Under 3GPP standards, a NodeB (or "eNB" in LTE, "gNB" in 5G) is a base station for a communication device (user equipment, or "UE") to connect to a core network and communicate with other communication devices or remote servers. Communication between the UE and the base station is controlled using a so-called Radio Resource Control (RRC) protocol. The communication device may be a mobile communication device such as, for example, a mobile phone, smartphone, smartwatch, personal digital assistant, laptop / tablet computer, web browser, e-book reader, etc. Such mobile (or more generally stationary) devices are usually operated by a user (thus, they are often collectively referred to as user equipment "UE"), but it is also possible to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices and similar Machine Type Communication (MTC) devices to the network. For simplicity, in this application, the term base station is used to refer to any such base station, and the terms mobile device or UE are used to refer to any such communication device.

[0003] The latest development in 3GPP standards is the so-called "5G" or "New Radio" (NR) standard, which refers to an evolving communication technology expected to support a variety of applications and services, including MTC / IoT communications, vehicle communications, autonomous vehicles, high-definition video streaming, and smart city services. 3GPP intends to support 5G through the so-called 3GPP Next Generation (NextGen) radio access network (RAN) and 3GPP NextGen core (NGC) networks. Various details of 5G networks are described, for example, in Non-Patent Document 1.

[0004] End-user communication devices are commonly referred to as User Equipment (UE) and may be operated by humans or may consist of automated (MTC / IoT) devices. Base stations of 5G / NR communication systems are commonly called New Radio Base Stations ("NR-BS") or "gNBs," but it will be understood that they may also be referred to using the term "eNB" (or 5G / NR eNB), more typically associated with Long Term Evolution (LTE) base stations (commonly also called "4G" base stations). Non-patent documents 2 and 3 define the following nodes, among other things: A node that provides protocol termination for the NR user plane and control plane toward the gNB:UE and is connected to the 5G core network (5GC) via the NG interface. ng-eNB: A node that provides protocol termination for the Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) user plane and control plane toward the UE, and is connected to 5GC via the NG interface. A node that provides protocol termination for the NR user plane and control plane toward En-gNB:UE, and functions as a secondary node in E-UTRA-NR Dual Connectivity (EN-DC). NG-RAN node: Either gNB or ng-eNB.

[0005] The terms base station or RAN node are used herein to refer to any such node.

[0006] Energy consumption at base stations and other similar access network nodes represents a significant operational cost for network operators. Various tools exist to conserve energy on the network side. For example, capacity cells (i.e., cells deployed to support specific areas during peak hours) can be turned off, and neighboring cells are aware of whether the capacity cell is available or not. This feature allows for optimization of energy consumption in deployments where, for example, capacity boosters and cells providing basic coverage can be distinguished, and E-UTRA or E-UTRA-New Radio Dual Connectivity (EN-DC) cells providing additional capacity via single or dual connectivity can be turned off when their capacity is no longer needed and reactivated as required.

[0007] Generally, if a UE can be offloaded to a neighboring cell, the network may decide to turn off the entire cell. However, this is not always feasible, for example, in a coverage cell where other cells are unavailable (since the network still has to guarantee service to the UE). Furthermore, in some cases, turning off an entire cell will cause neighboring cells to use more power (to enhance coverage) than is saved in the cell that is being turned off. This will also result in some overhead signaling related to handing over the UE to the appropriate neighboring cell.

[0008] Other methods exist for conserving energy in a network (base station). For example, certain functions may be "off" independently for relatively short periods. For instance, synchronization signals (Primary Synchronization Signal (PSS) and Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS)) and Master Information Block (MIB) may be transmitted at intervals of 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, or 160ms. Therefore, in legacy systems, it is possible to effectively turn off a cell for up to 160ms by limiting the broadcast of signaling channels and configuring data resources before and after the time the cell is on, and transmitting on these channels.

[0009] A so-called Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) refers to a resource block that carries various signals packed together as a single block that always moves together. The main components of this block are synchronization signals (including PSS and SSS) and PBCH, which contains Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) and Physical Broadcast Channel (PBCH) data. It will be understood that an SSB can also carry various other signals. An SSB is sometimes also called an "SS block" or an "SS / PBCH block".

[0010] The structure of a typical SS / PBCH block is defined in Non-Patent Document 4 (for NR). In the time domain, the SS / PBCH block consists of four Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) symbols numbered in ascending order from 0 to 3 within the SS / PBCH block. In the frequency domain, the SS / PBCH block consists of 240 consecutive subcarriers, each subcarrier numbered in ascending order from 0 to 239 within the SS / PBCH block.

[0011] The term "SS block" is not used in LTE, although LTE also groups PSS / SSS and PBCH into a single block. There are several high-level differences between LTE's SS blocks and the SSB used in NR. The time-domain transmission patterns of SS blocks in NR are more complex than those in LTE (which has only one pattern for SSB transmission). In LTE, the subframe number and the OFDM symbol number within the subframe are always the same, whereas in NR, one can choose from various time-domain patterns for SSB transmission.

[0012] NR states that Non-Patent Document 4 specifies that for a half-frame having an SS / PBCH block, the first symbol index of a candidate SS / PBCH block is determined based on the subcarrier spacing (SCS), carrier frequency, whether paired or unpaired spectra are used, and whether or not it operates using shared spectral channel access.

[0013] SS / PBCH reception occurs in half-frames within each period. The UE can be provided with the period (per serving cell) via the ssb-periodicityServingCell information element. The period refers to the half-frame period for receiving the SS / PBCH block for a given serving cell. Possible values ​​for ssb-periodicityServingCell are 5ms, 10ms, 20ms, 40ms, 80ms, and 160ms (if no parameter is provided, the UE assumes a 5ms period for half-frames).

[0014] It is not necessary to transmit all SSBs in a configured period. The so-called SSB transmission pattern defines which SSBs are transmitted using their associated bitmaps. The network can selectively transmit only a few SSBs and inform the UE which SSBs are transmitted and which are not. This transmission pattern is communicated via an RRC information element called ssb-PositionInBurst. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0015] [Non-Patent Document 1] 'NGMN 5G White Paper' V1.0, Next Generation Mobile Networks (NGMN) Alliance,<https: / / www.ngmn.org / 5g-white-paper.html> [Non-Patent Document 2] 3GPP Technical Specification(TS)38.300 V16.7.0 [Non-Patent Document 3] 3GPP TS 37.340 V16.7.0 [Non-Patent Document 4] 3GPP TS 38.211 V16.9.0 [Non-Patent Document 5] 3GPP TS 38.213 V16.13.0 [Non-Patent Document 6] 3GPP TS 22.368 V13.1.0 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] However, the current patterns and periods of SSB blocks (which SSB blocks are on / off) are somewhat limited because selecting the appropriate combination of SSB patterns and periods requires sacrificing some of the cell's potential energy savings or coverage.

[0017] Therefore, this disclosure seeks to provide methods and related apparatus that address or at least mitigate the above-mentioned problems (or at least some of them). [Means for solving the problem]

[0018] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising receiving pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0019] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by a user equipment (UE), comprising transmitting a request to a network node requesting to receive at least one of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block and minimum system information for accessing the cell, and monitoring at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block and the minimum system information based on the request.

[0020] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by an access network node, comprising transmitting pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, to at least one user equipment (UE), and identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, wherein the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0021] In one aspect, the present disclosure is a method performed by an access network node, comprising transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one user equipment (UE).

[0022] In one aspect, the present disclosure receives pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, and means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, and provides a user equipment (UE) in which the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0023] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for transmitting a request to a network node requesting to receive at least one of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block and minimum system information for accessing a cell, and means for monitoring at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block and the minimum system information based on the request, for a user equipment (UE).

[0024] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an access network node that transmits pattern information identifying two or more patterns for a plurality of resource blocks, each pattern having a respective period, to at least one user equipment (UE), and means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for identifying a further period based on a combination of the respective periods of the two or more patterns, and in which the two or more patterns are sequentially repeated in the further period.

[0025] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an access network node comprising means (e.g., a memory, a control unit, and a transceiver) for transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel via at least one resource block based on at least one of network load and a request from at least one user equipment (UE).

[0026] Aspects of this disclosure extend to computer program products such as computer-readable storage media storing the corresponding systems, devices, and instructions, which are operable to program a programmable processor to perform the methods described in each aspect, or possible methods described in the claims, and / or to program a computer appropriately adapted to provide the device described in any of the claims.

[0027] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, this disclosure will be described in detail in the context of a 3GPP system (5G network), but the principles of this disclosure can also be applied to other systems.

[0028] This disclosure is defined by the attached claims. The aspects of this disclosure are as described in the independent claims. Several optional features are described in the dependent claims.

[0029] However, each feature disclosed herein (this term includes the claims) and / or each feature shown in the drawings may be incorporated into this disclosure independently of (or in combination with) any other features disclosed and / or illustrative features. In particular, any feature of a claim dependent on a particular independent claim may be introduced into that independent claim in any combination or individually. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0030] Herein, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described as an example with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates a mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system to which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of mobile devices that form part of the system shown. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram of an access network node (e.g., a base station) that forms part of the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] This is a schematic block diagram of the core network nodes that form part of the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 5] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 6] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 7] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 8] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 9] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 10] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 11] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 12] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Figure 13] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary method by which network energy saving can be achieved in the system shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] overview Figure 1 schematically illustrates a mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications system 1 to which embodiments of the present disclosure may be applied.

[0032] In this system 1, users of mobile devices 3 (UEs) can communicate with each other and with other users via base stations 5 (and other access network nodes) and the core network 7 using appropriate 3GPP radio access technology (RAT), such as Evolved Universal Terrestrial Radio Access (E-UTRA) and / or 5G RAT. It will be understood that several base stations 5 form a (radio) access network, i.e., (R)AN. As those skilled in the art will understand, Figure 1 shows two mobile devices 3A, 3B and one base station 5 for illustrative purposes, but the system, when implemented, will typically include other base stations / (R)AN nodes and mobile devices (UEs).

[0033] Each base station 5 controls one or more associated cells 6 (either directly or via other nodes such as home base stations, relays, remote radio heads, or distributed units). Base stations 5 that support next-generation / 5G protocols may be referred to as "gNBs". It will be understood that some base stations 5 may be configured to support both 4G and 5G, and / or any other 3GPP or non-3GPP communication protocols.

[0034] The mobile device 3 and its service base station 5 are connected via an appropriate air interface (e.g., a so-called "NR" air interface, a "Uu" interface, etc.). Neighboring base stations 5 are connected to each other via appropriate inter-base station interfaces (e.g., a so-called "Xn" interface, an "X2" interface, etc.). Base stations 5 are also connected to core network nodes via appropriate interfaces (e.g., a so-called "NG-U" interface (for the user plane), a so-called "NG-C" interface (for the control plane), etc.).

[0035] The core network 7 (e.g., EPC in the case of LTE or NGC in the case of NR / 5G) typically includes logical nodes (or “functions”) for supporting communications in the telecommunications system 1, including, among other things, subscriber management, mobility management, billing, security, and call / session management. For example, the core network 7 of a “next-generation” / 5G system includes user plane entities and control plane entities, such as one or more control plane functions (CPFs) 10 and one or more user plane functions (UPFs) 11. For example, the so-called Access and Mobility Management Function (AMF) in 5G, or the Mobility Management Entity (MME) in 4G, is responsible for handling connectivity and mobility management tasks for mobile devices 3, while the Session Management Function (SMF) is responsible for handling communication sessions for mobile devices 3, such as establishing, correcting, and releasing sessions. The core network 7 is connected (via UPFs 11) to a data network 20, such as the Internet or a similar Internet Protocol (IP) based network.

[0036] In this system 1, energy savings can be achieved by using one or more of the following technologies:

[0037] A base station may be configured to transmit pattern information to the UE3 within its cell, identifying two or more patterns for multiple resource blocks (such as SSB blocks), each pattern having its own period, and identifying further periods based on the combination of the periods of the two or more patterns. The two or more patterns are then repeated sequentially in further periods.

[0038] In effect, each pattern can be used for at least i) a first signaling group containing a first set of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling (such as SSB), and ii) a second signaling group containing a second set of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling. The first and second signaling groups are repeated sequentially at a period based on a combination of the periods of the first and second signaling groups. The base station 5 transmits configuration information (pattern information) to the UE3 that identifies a first pattern associated with a first signaling group (at least one specific resource block within the first signaling group) where synchronization and broadcast signaling are present, and a second pattern associated with a second signaling group (at least one specific resource block within the second signaling group).

[0039] To achieve further energy savings, it is proposed to turn off SSB transmission (at least when energy-saving operation is enabled) and provide SSB and associated signaling, such as minimal system information, on demand. Alternatively, SSB transmission may continue, but in order to benefit from some energy savings, a pattern may be used in which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted with relatively large gaps between them. If UE3 needs to receive SSB in the cell, for example to receive minimal system information carried in MIB and SIB1, UE3 sends an appropriate request to base station 5 operating the cell (or another base station providing service to UE3) to initiate transmission of SS / PBCH blocks or to change the period or pattern associated with the SS / PBCH blocks. It will be understood that the SS / PBCH block transmission state (on / off) and associated parameters (SSB pattern / period) may be controlled based on the cell load in addition to, or instead of, the UE request.

[0040] To ensure backward compatibility, legacy UE3s that do not support enhanced pattern or energy-saving technologies may be denied access to cells (at least while incompatible patterns and / or network energy-saving features are in use).

[0041] User Equipment (UE) Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the mobile device (UE) 3 shown in Figure 1. As shown, the UE 3 includes a transceiver circuit 31 capable of transmitting signals to (one or more) nodes connected via one or more antennas 33 and receiving signals from (one or more) nodes. Although not necessarily shown in Figure 2, the UE 3 naturally has all the usual functions of a conventional mobile device (such as a user interface 35) as needed, which can be provided by hardware, software, and firmware, one or any combination thereof. The control unit 37 controls the operation of the UE 3 according to software stored in memory 39. The software may be pre-installed in memory 39 and / or downloaded, for example, via a telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 41, a communication control module 43, and an energy saving module 45.

[0042] The communication control module 43 is responsible for processing (generating / transmitting / receiving) signaling messages and uplink / downlink data packets between the UE3 and other nodes, including the (R)AN node 5 and core network nodes. Signaling may include control signaling related to energy-saving operations (e.g., via system information and RRC). It will be understood that the communication control module 43 may include several submodules ("layers" or "entities") to support specific functions. For example, the communication control module 43 may include a PHY submodule, MAC submodule, RLC submodule, PDCP submodule, SDAP submodule, IP submodule, RRC submodule, etc.

[0043] The energy saving module 45 is responsible for energy saving-related operations (by the UE3 itself and / or by network nodes such as access network nodes / base stations 5). Energy saving is typically achieved by turning off specific components (e.g., transceiver circuit 31) for a specific period of time.

[0044] Access network node (base station) Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of the base station 5 (or similar access network node) shown in Figure 1. As shown, the base station 5 includes transceiver circuitry 51 capable of transmitting signals to and receiving signals from connected UE3 (one or more) via one or more antennas 53, and transmitting signals to and receiving signals from other network nodes (directly or indirectly) via network interfaces 55. Network interfaces 55 typically include appropriate inter-base station interfaces (e.g., X2 / Xn) and appropriate base station-core network interfaces (e.g., S1 / N1 / N2 / N3). A control unit 57 controls the operation of the base station 5 according to software stored in memory 59. The software may be pre-installed in memory 59 and / or downloaded, for example, via the telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 61, a communication control module 63, and an energy saving module 65.

[0045] The communication control module 63 is responsible for processing (generating / transmitting / receiving) signaling between the base station 5 and other nodes such as the UE3 and core network nodes. The signaling may include control signaling related to energy-saving operations (e.g., via system information and RRC). It will be understood that the communication control module 63 may include several submodules ("layers" or "entities") to support specific functions. For example, the communication control module 63 may include a PHY submodule, a MAC submodule, an RLC submodule, a PDCP submodule, an SDAP submodule, an IP submodule, an RRC submodule, and so on.

[0046] The energy saving module 65 is responsible for energy saving-related operations (by the UE3, by the access network nodes, and / or by the base station 5 itself). Energy saving is typically achieved by turning off certain components (e.g., transceiver circuit 51) for a specific period of time.

[0047] Core network function Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating the main components of a typical core network function, such as the CPF10 and UPF11 shown in Figure 1. As shown, the core network function includes a transceiver circuit 71 capable of transmitting signals to and receiving signals from other nodes via the network interface 75 (including UE3, base station 5, and other core network nodes). The control unit 77 controls the operation of the core network function according to software stored in memory 79. The software may be pre-installed in memory 79 and / or downloaded, for example, via the telecommunications network 1 or from a removable data storage device (RMD). The software includes, among other things, an operating system 81, a communication control module 83, and an energy saving module 85 (which may be optional).

[0048] The communication control module 83 is responsible for handling (generating / transmitting / receiving) signaling between the core network functions and other nodes such as UE3, base station 5, and other core network nodes. The signaling may include, for example, UE context / UE capability instructions for UE3 related to energy saving.

[0049] If present, the energy saving module 85 is responsible for energy saving-related operations (e.g., by the UE3 and / or by the access network node / base station 5). For example, the energy saving module 85 may provide the base station 5 with information related to the UE's energy saving capabilities.

[0050] Detailed explanation The following is an explanation of how network energy saving can be achieved in System 1 shown in Figure 1, with reference to Figures 5 through 13. While the following detailed explanation focuses on exemplary use cases related to energy saving at base stations, these techniques may also be used for other purposes, where appropriate. Furthermore, although the explanation refers to SS / PBCH blocks, it should be understood that the following techniques may be applicable to any other resource blocks or resource sets defined in the frequency domain and / or time domain.

[0051] Beam sweeping Figure 5 schematically illustrates an exemplary method in which the so-called beam sweep function can be applied to SSB in the system shown in Figure 1. In effect, beam sweeping is implemented by changing the beam direction of each SSB transmission. This makes it possible to provide SSB coverage across the entire cell.

[0052] In SS / PBCH transmission, each SS / PBCH block index is mapped to the corresponding beam. However, the network may not transmit all SS / PBCH blocks within a cell due to applicable SSB patterns. Some patterns are beneficial for energy saving purposes, but they can result in insufficient coverage (or lack thereof) in some parts of the cell.

[0053] Depending on the network configuration, the transmitted beam is directed to the UE3 via the ssb-PositionInBurst information element of the SIB1 (in standalone mode) or via dedicated RRC signaling with an associated bitmap (in non-standalone mode). For example, the following information elements may be used: [Table 1]

[0054] If the maximum number of SS / PBCH blocks per half frame is equal to 8, all 8 bits in inOneGroup are used. If it is equal to 4, only the leftmost 4 bits are valid. When using 8 bits, the value {10101010} means that SSB#0, #2, #4, and #6 are sent, and SSB#1, #3, #5, and #7 are not sent.

[0055] The number of beams being transmitted is determined by the number of SSBs being transmitted within an SSB burst set (a set of SSBs transmitted within a 5ms window of an SSB transmission). The parameter that defines the maximum number of SSBs in an SSB set is called Lmax. For sub-6GHz, Lmax is 4 or 8, and for mmWave, Lmax is 64. In other words, for sub-6GHz carriers, up to 4 or 8 different beams may be used, and they sweep in one dimension (horizontal only or vertical only). For mmWave, up to 64 different beams may be used, and they can sweep in two dimensions (horizontal and vertical).

[0056] As shown in Figure 5, each UE detects the beam with the best signal state for it (from among the transmitted beams). In this example, the best beam for "UE1" is the beam associated with SSB index #1, and the best beam for "UE2" is the beam associated with SSB index #7.

[0057] Solution 1 - SS / PBCH pattern for energy saving Figure 6 schematically illustrates the effects of SSB period on energy savings and network coverage. In this example, based on the method defined in Non-Patent Document 5, Case (A) uses a relatively long period and Case (B) uses a relatively short period. In Figure 6, Case (A) is referred to as "Legacy Baseline Option 1" and Case (B) as "Legacy Baseline Option 2".

[0058] In such legacy technologies, the network can transmit a portion of the SS / PBCH in a predefined pattern within each SSB period to achieve energy savings. Energy savings can be further increased by increasing the number of periods. However, as shown in both case (A) and case (B), the transmitted SS / PBCH pattern in each SSB period is the same. Thus, case (A) achieves relatively large energy savings, but the available coverage is the same for both case (A) and (B). In legacy technologies, coverage can only be improved by reconfiguring cells to transmit using patterns that turn on more SSBs, thereby reducing the overall energy savings of the base station, as more SSBs are transmitted within a given period and base stations (or their transceivers) may be turned off for shorter periods between consecutive SSB transmissions. However, such reconfigurations cannot be achieved dynamically.

[0059] Case (C) in Figure 6 illustrates a general concept of a novel technique for reducing the density of transmitted SS / PBCH without compromising cell coverage or discovery. As seen in the figure, different SSBs are transmitted at different SSB periods, resulting in a more flexible SS / PBCH pattern compared to legacy techniques. However, over time, Case (C) transmits the same SSB at least once as Cases (A) and (B).

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 6, SSBs with indices 0, 2, 4, and 6 are transmitted. In cases (A) and (B), SSBs with indices 0, 2, 4, and 6 are transmitted with each SSB period. In case (C), in the first period (labeled "SSB Period 1"), SSBs with indices 0 and 6 are transmitted, and in the second period (labeled "SSB Period 2"), SSBs with indices 2 and 4 are transmitted. The pattern is repeated sequentially, i.e., in the third period ("SSB Period 3"), SSBs with indices 0 and 6 are transmitted again, and so on. In the example shown in Figure 6, two periods are combined, but it will be understood that three or more periods may be combined, if appropriate. It will also be understood that case (C) may be configured to transmit more SSBs (at least once) than cases (A) and (B), for example, by defining further patterns for one or more subsequent periods.

[0061] In effect, case (C) uses each pattern for at least i) a first signaling group having a first period and including a first plurality of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling, and ii) a second signaling group having a second period and including a second plurality of resource blocks for synchronization and broadcast signaling. The first and second signaling groups are repeated sequentially in a third period based on a combination of the first and second periods. The base station 5 transmits configuration information (pattern information) that identifies at least one specific resource block in the first signaling group and at least one different resource block in the second signaling group where synchronization and broadcast signaling exists.

[0062] Beneficially, the new solution saves up to 50% more energy compared to legacy case (B), and provides better coverage compared to legacy case (A).

[0063] This approach can be implemented by providing new parameters (new SSB period or SSB pattern parameters) that identify patterns applicable to two or more SSB periods. This solution may be further applicable on top of legacy SS / PBCH patterns. In other words, the new parameters may be provided in addition to the legacy SSB period or SSB pattern configuration.

[0064] For the purpose of saving network energy, the SS / PBCH pattern in a single "legacy" SSB period may be separated into different "legacy" SSB periods within a new SSB period (for example, in Figure 6, each new SSB period is a combination of two legacy SSB periods). The total number of transmit SSBs (within a new SSB period) can still be determined based on legacy principles (e.g., SCS, carrier frequency, etc.). The duration of a new / combined SSB period may consist of milliseconds or units of the number of legacy SSB periods that make up the new / combined SSB period.

[0065] Since UE3 needs to know which SS / PBCH blocks are being transmitted within the cell (for example, for UE power saving and measurement purposes), base station 5 is configured to signal applicable configurations (periods / patterns). For example, the new / combined SSB period may be signaled to UE3 using an appropriate information element in a System Information Block (SIB) Type 1 (SIB1) or any other SIB (including an SIB for network energy saving purposes). The new / combined SSB period may also be signaled to individual UE3 using dedicated RRC signaling.

[0066] Figures 7 through 11 schematically illustrate some ways in which the new / combined SSB period can be configured in the cell of base station 5 and instructed to UE3. In the example shown in Figure 7, each information element / bitmap is used to indicate which SS / PBCH block is transmitted in each SSB period within a combined SSB period. In effect, in this case, the combined SSB period consists of two parts, each part having its own bitmap to indicate which SSB is transmitted in that part of the combined SSB period. In the first part, the first information element (using the bitmap {1,0,0,0,0,0,1,0} in this example) may indicate a first pattern, and in the second part, the second information element (using the bitmap {0,0,1,0,1,0,0,0} in this example) may indicate a second pattern. In this case, both patterns are associated with the same SSB period and are applied sequentially. In each bitmap, the first bit indicates whether a first SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, the second bit indicates whether a second SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, and so on. In this system, a value of "1" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block will be sent, and a value of "0" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block will not be sent.

[0067] Beneficial in that this approach allows for the implementation of new combined or extended SSB periods using existing information elements and current bitmap techniques. However, this solution requires a relatively large number of bits of signaling, especially when the SSB period is a combination of several legacy SSB periods.

[0068] The example shown in Figure 8 is similar to the example in Figure 7. However, in this example, the first information element (bitmap) indicates the overall SS / PBCH block transmitted within the combined SSB period, and the second information element (bitmap) indicates a specific SS / PBCH block transmitted in a portion of the period (e.g., the first portion). Based on the two bitmaps, UE3 can derive a specific SS / PBCH block transmitted in (one or more) other portions of the period (e.g., any SS / PBCH block not transmitted in the first portion is transmitted in the second portion).

[0069] Therefore, in this case, the first information element (using the bitmap {1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0} in this example) indicates the base pattern, and the second information element (using the bitmap {1,0,0,0,0,0,1,0} in this example) indicates the pattern applicable to the first part. UE3 is configured to derive the pattern applicable to the second part (i.e., {0,0,1,0,1,0,0,0} in this example) without any additional signaling. These patterns are applied sequentially.

[0070] It will be understood that the base pattern can be provided using existing information elements and current bitmap techniques. In other words, legacy bitmaps within ssb-PositionsInBurst information elements can still be configured by the network and applied by UE3 as the base pattern. A portion of the period (e.g., part "L-1", "L") can be combined / extended. SSB A new information element / bitmap may be defined to indicate which (one or more) SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted in a portion of the period or the number of legacy SSB periods. Based on the base bitmap and the new information element / bitmap within the ssb-PositionsInBurst information element, UE3 determines which (one or more) SS / PBCH blocks were transmitted in the other (one or more) portions of the combined / extended period. In other words, since each SS / PBCH block included in the base pattern is transmitted at least once, any SS / PBCH block that does not form part of the pattern indicated via the new information element / bitmap will form part of the remaining (one or more) portions of the combined / extended period.

[0071] It will be understood that there are various ways in which the network (base station 5) can specify a pattern applicable to a particular part of the period (e.g., the first part). The example above corresponds to option (A) shown in Figure 8. In this option, the pattern applicable to the first part of the period is specified using a full bitmap {1,0,0,0,0,0,1,0} which has 1 bit for each potential SS / PBCH block transmission (regardless of the base pattern).

[0072] Another example is illustrated in option (B) of Figure 8. In this option, the pattern applicable to the first part of the period is indicated using a shortened bitmap with one bit for each SS / PBCH block transmission enabled by the base pattern. In other words, base station 5 does not need to signal information for SS / PBCH blocks that are indicated in the base pattern not to be transmitted in that period (the corresponding bitmap value is set to "0" in the base bitmap). Thus, the size of the second bitmap depends on the number of SS / PBCH blocks that are indicated in the base pattern to be transmitted (over the entire combined period).

[0073] The first bit of the second bitmap indicates whether the first enabled SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, the second bit indicates whether the second enabled SS / PBCH block is transmitted in that period, and so on. In this system, in the period to which the second bitmap is applicable, a value of "1" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is transmitted, and a value of "0" indicates that the corresponding SS / PBCH block is not transmitted (or is muted). Similar to option (A), UE3 determines (one or more) SS / PBCH blocks transmitted in (one or more) other parts of the combined / extended period based on the base bitmap and the second short bitmap. Since each SS / PBCH block included in the base pattern is transmitted at least once, any SS / PBCH blocks that do not form part of the pattern indicated via the second bitmap form part of (one or more) the remaining parts of the combined / extended period.

[0074] In this example, assuming the base pattern is constructed using the bitmap {1,0,1,0,1,0,1,0} (which can be transmitted via the legacy ssb-PositionsInBurst information element), four SS / PBCH blocks with indices 0, 2, 4, and 6 are transmitted in the combined / extended period. Thus, in this case, the four bits of the second bitmap correspond to {SS / PBCH#0, SS / PBCH#2, SS / PBCH#4, and SS / PBCH#6}, respectively. In the first period (labeled "Legacy ssb Period 1" in Figure 8), SS / PBCH blocks #0 and #6 are transmitted, which is indicated by setting the second bitmap to {1,0,0,1}. In the second period (labeled "Legacy ssb Period 2"), SS / PBCH blocks #2 and #4 are transmitted. Although not shown in Figure 8, SS / PBCH blocks #2 and #4 can be indicated by setting the second or third bitmap to {0,1,1,0}. However, since the combination / extension period has two parts and the transmitted SS / PBCH blocks (#0,6) of the first part are known, UE3 can deduce which SS / PBCH blocks will be transmitted in the second, i.e., last part of the combination / extension period without additional signaling.

[0075] The third example illustrated in Figure 8 is option (C). In this option, as with option (B), the pattern applicable to the first part of the period is indicated using a shortened bitmap with one bit for each SS / PBCH block transmission enabled by the base pattern. However, in this case, the bits in the second bitmap indicate whether each SS / PBCH block is muted (i.e., not transmitted) in that period, even if enabled by the base pattern. Thus, each bit in the bitmap of option (C) is set to "1" if the corresponding SS / PBCH block transmission configured by the base pattern is muted (not transmitted) in the relevant period, and to "0" if the corresponding SS / PBCH block transmission configured by the base pattern is not muted (i.e., transmitted) in the relevant period. In this example, the second bitmap is set to {0,1,1,0} for the first period. The combination / extended period has two parts, and the muted SS / PBCH blocks (#0,6) of the first part are known from the second bitmap, so UE3 can deduce which SS / PBCH blocks will be transmitted in the second, i.e., last part of the combination / extended period, without additional signaling. Alternatively, the muted SS / PBCH blocks may be signaled for the second part using the associated third bitmap (and further bitmaps for each subsequent period).

[0076] The advantage of options (B) and (C) is that they require less signaling overhead because the bitmap has fewer bits.

[0077] Figure 9 illustrates another method for determining the applicable SSB patterns in each part of the extended period. In this case, the number of parts (the number of different periods that make up the combination / extended period) may be fixed (e.g., defined in a standard) or implicitly determined based on cell-specific parameters. For example, an energy-saving related extended period may be defined by two parts (two legacy SSB periods), in which case it is not necessary to indicate the number of parts via system information or RRC signaling. The actual configuration of the pattern can be realized using any of the techniques described above with reference to Figures 7 and 8. However, in this example, the SSB pattern for each part of the period is determined based on a predetermined rule, for example, based on the index of the SS / PBCH block.

[0078] For example, if the index of a given SS / PBCH block is odd, the SS / PBCH block is transmitted on one side of the SSB period (e.g., the first part), and if the index is even, the corresponding SS / PBCH block is transmitted on the other side of the SSB period (e.g., the second part). It will be understood that any other suitable index or rule may be used. Since the index of the SS / PBCH block does not represent additional information, this technique can further reduce signaling overhead.

[0079] Figure 10 illustrates another method for signaling applicable SSB patterns for each part of the extended period. In this case, each possible pattern has an associated index (e.g., energy saving pattern index), and base station 5 signals (via system information or RRC signaling) which index is applicable in which part of the extended period. In this case, the length of the extended period may be implicitly indicated based on the number of pattern indices. If the same pattern is used in two or more parts of the extended period, it will be understood that the corresponding index may need to be signaled for each part (unless it can be implicitly determined). In effect, each pattern index represents a specific bitmap setting of the ssb-PositionsInBurst information element (and / or one of the other information elements / bitmaps mentioned above).

[0080] Figure 11 illustrates yet another method for signaling applicable SSB patterns for extended periods. In this case, each index (e.g., an energy-saving pattern index) is associated with each possible configuration of the extended period. In other words, a single index may specify the applicable patterns for each part of the extended period. It will be understood that by using the appropriate index, it may be possible to construct mutually exclusive SSB patterns (e.g., for different beams or different groups of UEs).

[0081] Solution 2 - On-Demand Sending In NR, SSB and minimal system information (MIB, SIB1) are defined as always-on signals, and their transmission consumes a relatively large amount of energy. While some energy savings can be achieved using appropriate SSB patterns, this solution proposes turning off SSB transmission (at least when energy-saving operation is enabled) and providing SSB and associated signaling such as MIB / SIB1 on demand.

[0082] More specifically, SSB transmission may be turned off in a cell during certain periods, for example, at night or during other low-usage periods. Alternatively, SSB transmission may use a pattern in which SS / PBCH blocks are transmitted with relatively large gaps between them, in order to benefit from some energy savings.

[0083] If UE3 needs to receive SSB within the cell, for example, to receive minimal system information carried in MIB and SIB1, UE3 sends the appropriate request to base station 5 operating the cell (or another base station providing services to UE3).

[0084] When the network receives a request from UE3, it begins sending SSB (or changes to a different pattern to increase the rate at which SS / PBCH blocks are sent). Once the SSB transmission for this request is complete, the network reverts to energy-saving mode and does not send SSB until it receives another request.

[0085] It will be understood that UE3 may request an SSB transmission via the random access channel (RACH), for example using random access procedure msg1, msg3, or msgA, via dedicated RRC signaling, or by using specific resources / signaling dedicated to SSB requests.

[0086] When an SSB request is sent, UE3 begins detecting the SSB and the information it contains (using its transceiver circuit 31 and communication control module 43).

[0087] UE3 may consist of a window for SSB detection as shown in Figure 12. In this case, the window may start after a certain amount of time has elapsed (indicated as "X") following the UE sending the request, and the window may have an associated duration (indicated as "Y").

[0088] The parameters of the SSB detection window (e.g., X, Y) may be configured by the network, or default parameters (e.g., defined in the relevant standard) may be used. Alternatively, the window may be defined in a similar manner to the system information scheduling window, in which case the network informs UE3 of the relevant SSB scheduling information.

[0089] The window start point (X) and window duration (Y) may be given in units such as ms / slot / symbol. The network may be restricted to transmitting only SSBs within the window, but transmissions may be repeated to ensure proper quality of service.

[0090] UE3 may be configured to stop SSB detection if it detects (at least one) SS / PBCH block. Alternatively, UE3 may be configured to detect multiple SSBs (e.g., between entire windows) that can assist with RRM measurements, beam training, etc.

[0091] Figure 13 illustrates two options that may be used when beamforming is used in a cell. In this case, the network can transmit SSB using multiple beams, as shown on the right side of Figure 13 (thus covering the entire cell or a large portion of the cell). To do so, the network may use an SSB pattern that allows beam sweeping. The advantage of this technique is that multiple UE3s (not just the UE3 that requested the SSB) can receive the SSB. Furthermore, if the requesting UE3 moves after sending the request, the requesting UE3 can still receive the SSB via another beam.

[0092] In the option shown on the left side of Figure 13, the network transmits the SSB using only the beam corresponding to the beam sending the request. In other words, the SSB is transmitted only in the direction of the UE3 that requested the SSB. To do this, the network may use a suitable SSB pattern that does not use beam sweeping. Beneficially, this option improves energy savings because fewer beams (fewer SSB blocks) need to be transmitted (assuming each SSB is carried over a different beam).

[0093] Regardless of which option is used by the network, UE3 can be configured to detect only SSBs transmitted using a beam in the direction of UE3. In this case, UE3 can also benefit from some energy savings. A cell with on-demand SSB capabilities may be configured as a secondary cell (SCell) of UE3.

[0094] Solution 3 - Dynamic SSB transmission As mentioned above, relatively high-density transmission of SSB and its associated minimal system information consumes more energy. On the other hand, relatively long periods result in latency.

[0095] To address these issues, this solution allows the network to dynamically control SSB transmission. For example, SSB transmission may be controlled based on cell load (or changes in cell load) and / or (similar to Solution 2) requests from UE3. The network can control whether or not SSB is transmitted and / or dynamically control the SSB transmission period. For example, the network may choose a longer SSB transmission period, or it may choose not to transmit SSB / minimal system information when cell / base station load is relatively low or when no UE is requesting higher density SSB transmission.

[0096] UE3 may, if necessary, accommodate requests for different (relatively high-density) SSB transmissions. The network (base station 5) may take the UE's requests into consideration and modify the SSB transmission period or pattern. If the period is changed, the network notifies (one or more) UE3s so that the UE3s can adjust their configurations accordingly.

[0097] UE3 may transmit network information within the request that identifies a preferred SSB transmission period or pattern. If the network decides to change the period, it may notify at least (one or more) requesting UE3, for example, through UE-specific signaling and / or resources. The network may notify (one or more) UEs of the new SSB period or indicate that the preferred SSB period has been accepted.

[0098] It will be understood that the network (base station 5) can notify all UE3s within its cell, for example, by changing system information that identifies the applicable SSB period. In this case, a system information change notification is sent first (via broadcast), followed by the transmission of the new system information.

[0099] Higher density SSB transmission may continue for a predetermined period (e.g., period Y in Figure 12), after which the network falls back to the previous, longer SSB period (or another period) to conserve energy.

[0100] If the network controls SSB transmission or SSB period / pattern based on cell load, the network may use one or more associated thresholds.

[0101] If the load exceeds a certain threshold, the network will send SSB transmissions (or switch from longer-period SSB transmissions to shorter-period / higher-density SSB patterns).

[0102] The definition of load may be limited to one or more criteria, including the following: 1) Connected UEs only: The network knows and takes into account the number of connected UEs in the cell. 2) UEs in any RRC state (idle / inactive / connected): The network does not know the number of idle / inactive UEs in a cell. However, the network can count UEs by: For example, system information changes, paging, etc., send appropriate requests / instructions to (idle / inactive) UEs for counting purposes. RRC idle / inactive UEs respond to the requests (if appropriate). Receive notifications from the UE when you camp on to a cell and / or when you leave a cell. UE uplink transmission may use pre-configured resources, such as RACH or small data, which can be used to count or estimate the number of UEs in a cell.

[0103] The network makes decisions based on the collected information and notifies UE3 whether SSB should be transmitted and / or whether the SSB period or pattern has changed. This allows the UE to detect the SSB and apply the new SSB period.

[0104] Solution 4 - Access control for energy-saving cells It should be understood that Solutions 1 and 2 may negatively impact legacy UEs (i.e., UEs that do not support the new patterns / bitmaps or network energy saving features). Legacy UEs may not be able to operate with ES (energy saving) cells.

[0105] In this solution, legacy UE3 is not allowed to access the cells (at least while incompatible patterns and / or network energy saving features are in use).

[0106] If a cell deploys an energy-saving technology or strategy that is not backward compatible, the network may exclude legacy UEs while still allowing energy-saving UEs to access the cell. For example, the network may designate a “cell barred” in the MIB, which a legacy UE would interpret as the cell being prohibited. However, a UE3 supporting the energy-saving technology used by the cell (which may be designated via MIB / SIB1) may be configured to ignore the legacy “barred cell” in the MIB. The network may also designate a compatible UE whether its cell is barred using any other appropriate informational element (e.g., in SIB1, or in a network energy-saving specific SIB, or any other SIB).

[0107] Examples of modifications and alternatives Detailed embodiments relating to a system using a first pattern for a Synchronization Signal Block (SSB) having a first period and a second pattern for an SSB having a second period have been described above. The SSBs of the first and second periods are sequentially repeated in a third period based on a combination of the first and second periods. The base station transmits pattern information to user equipment (UE) that identifies at least one specific resource block in the first period and at least one different resource block in the second period in which the SSB resides. The SSB may be transmitted on demand (at the request of the UE or based on network load). The SSB and patterns may be used for energy saving at the base station. UEs that do not support this functionality may be denied access to the base station's cells.

[0108] As those skilled in the art will understand, several modifications and substitutions can be made to the embodiments described above, while still benefiting from the embodiments embodied in this disclosure. Some of these substitutions and modifications are described herefor illustrative purposes only.

[0109] It will be understood that networks (base stations) can apply various methods to conserve energy, such as the following: Conserving spectrum: Not transmitting across the entire bandwidth (base stations use only a portion of their available spectrum by managing the bandwidth portion). Saving covered space: Not transmitting power in some areas of cell coverage (e.g., some beams), Saving power: transmitting at lower power (effectively reducing cell coverage and / or throughput), Saving time: Not transmitting for a certain period of time (in this case, the network can configure longer periods for signaling channels, e.g., every 160ms for SSS / PSS, MIB, and PRACH).

[0110] It will be understood that the above embodiments can be applied to both 5G new wireless systems and LTE systems (E-UTRAN). The above embodiments can also be applied to future systems (Beyond 5G, 6G, etc.).

[0111] Next-generation mobile networks support diverse service requirements, which are classified by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) into three categories: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low-Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications (mMTC). eMBB aims to provide enhanced support for traditional mobile broadband, focusing on services requiring high capacity and guaranteed bandwidth, such as High Definition (HD) video, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR). URLLC is a requirement for critical applications such as autonomous driving and factory automation, which require guaranteed access within very short timeframes. MMTC needs to support a vast number of connected devices, such as smart meters and environmental monitoring, but can typically tolerate a certain level of access latency. It will be understood that some of these applications may have relatively loose Quality of Service / Quality of Experience (QoS / QoE) requirements, while others may have relatively stringent QoS / QoE requirements (e.g., high bandwidth and / or low latency). It will be understood that the SSB patterns / periods described herein may be applicable to at least one of the above categories of UEs and / or at least one type of service (e.g., for energy saving). Different SSB patterns / periods (if any) may be applicable to different categories of UEs and / or different services.

[0112] In the above description, the UE, access network nodes (base stations), and core network nodes are described as having several separate modules (such as communication control modules) for ease of understanding. These modules may be provided in this way in certain applications, for example, where an existing system is modified to implement the present disclosure, but in other applications, for example, systems designed from the outset with the features of the present invention in mind, these modules may be incorporated into the overall operating system or code, and therefore these modules may not be identifiable as separate entities. These modules may also be implemented in software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0113] Each control unit may include any suitable form of processing circuitry, including, but is not limited to, one or more hardware-implemented computer processors, microprocessors, central processing units (CPUs), arithmetic logic units (ALUs), input / output (IO) circuits, internal memory / cache (programs and / or data), processing registers, communication buses (e.g., control buses, data buses and / or address buses), direct memory access (DMA) functions, hardware or software-implemented counters, pointers and / or timers.

[0114] In the embodiments described above, several software modules were explained. As those skilled in the art will understand, the software modules may be provided in compiled or uncompiled form and supplied to the UE, access network nodes (base stations), and core network nodes via a computer network or as signals on a recording medium. Furthermore, the functions performed by some or all of this software may be performed using one or more dedicated hardware circuits. However, the use of software modules is preferred because it facilitates the updating of the UE, access network nodes, and core network nodes to update their functions.

[0115] The functionality of a base station (referred to as a “distributed” base station or gNB) may be divided between one or more distributed units (DUs) and a central unit (CU), where the CU typically performs higher-level functions and communicates with the next-generation core, while the DU performs lower-level functions and communicates with neighboring UEs (i.e., within the cell operated by the gNB) via an air interface. A distributed gNB includes the following functional units: gNB Central Unit (gNB-CU): A logical node that controls the operation of one or more gNB-DUs and hosts the Radio Resource Control (RRC) layer, Service Data Adaptation Protocol (SDAP) layer, and Packet Data Convergence Protocol (PDCP) layer of the gNB (or the RRC and PDCP layers of the en-gNB). The gNB-CU terminates the so-called F1 interface connected to the gNB-DU. gNB Distributed Unit (gNB-DU): A logical node that hosts the Radio Link Control (RLC) layer, Medium Access Control (MAC) layer, and Physical (PHY) layer of a gNB or en-gNB; its operation is partially controlled by a gNB-CU. A single gNB-DU supports one or more cells. A single cell is supported by only one gNB-DU. A gNB-DU terminates an F1 interface connected to a gNB-CU. gNB-CU-Control Plane (gNB-CU-CP): A logical node that hosts the control plane portion of the RRC and PDCP protocols for the gNB-CU for en-gNB or gNB. The gNB-CU-CP terminates the so-called E1 interface connected to the gNB-CU-UP, and the F1-C (F1 control plane) interface connected to the gNB-DU. gNB-CU-User Plane (gNB-CU-UP): A logical node that hosts the user plane portion of the PDCP protocol for the gNB-CU for en-gNB, and the user plane portions of the PDCP protocol and SDAP protocol for the gNB-CU for gNB. gNB-CU-UP terminates the E1 interface connected to gNB-CU-CP and the F1-U (F1 user plane) interface connected to gNB-DU.

[0116] When a distributed base station or a similar control plane-user plane (CP-UP) partition is used, it will be understood that the base station may be divided into separate control plane entities and user plane entities, each of which may include associated transceiver circuits, antennas, network interfaces, control units, memory, operating systems, and communication control modules. If the base station comprises a distributed base station, the network interface (reference number 55 in Figure 3) also includes E1 and F1 interfaces (F1-C for the control plane and F1-U for the user plane) for signaling between the respective functions of the distributed base station. In this case, the communication control module is also responsible for communication between the control plane portion and the user plane portion of the base station (generating, transmitting, and receiving signaling messages).

[0117] The embodiments described above are also applicable to “non-mobile” or generally fixed user devices. The aforementioned mobile devices may include MTC / IoT devices, etc.

[0118] In this disclosure, user equipment (or “UE,” “Mobile Station,” “Mobile Device,” or “Radio Device”) is an entity connected to a network via a radio interface.

[0119] Please note that this disclosure is not limited to dedicated communication devices, but can be applied to any device having communication functions as described in the following paragraphs.

[0120] The terms “user equipment” or “UE” (this term is used by 3GPP), “mobile station,” “mobile device,” and “wireless device” are generally intended to be synonymous with each other and include standalone mobile stations such as terminals, cell phones, smartphones, tablets, cellular IoT devices, IoT devices, and machines. The terms “mobile station” and “mobile device” will also be understood to include devices that remain stationary for extended periods.

[0121] UE may include, for example, equipment for production or manufacturing and / or energy-related machinery (e.g., boilers; engines; turbines; solar panels; wind turbines; hydroelectric generators; thermal power generators; nuclear power generators; batteries; nuclear systems and / or related equipment; heavy electrical equipment; pumps including vacuum pumps; compressors; fans; blowers; hydraulic equipment; pneumatic equipment; metalworking machinery; manipulators; robots and / or their application systems; tools; molds or dies; rolls; conveying equipment; lifting equipment; material handling equipment; textile machinery; sewing machines; printing and / or related machinery; paperwork machinery; chemical machinery; mining and / or construction machinery and / or related equipment; machinery and / or equipment for agriculture, forestry and / or fisheries; safety and / or environmental protection equipment; tractors; precision bearings; chains; gears; power transmission equipment; lubrication equipment; valves; pipe fittings; and / or application systems for any of the aforementioned equipment or machinery).

[0122] UE may be, for example, a transport equipment item (e.g., transport equipment such as railway cars; automobiles; motorcycles; bicycles; trains; buses; carts; rickshaws; ships and other vessels; aircraft; rockets; satellites; drones; balloons, etc.).

[0123] UE may also be information and communication equipment items, for example (e.g., electronic computers and related equipment; communications and related equipment; electronic components, etc.).

[0124] UE may include, for example, refrigerators, refrigerator applications, goods and / or service industry equipment items, vending machines, automated service machines, office equipment, consumer electronics and electronic devices (e.g., consumer electrical appliances such as audio equipment; video equipment; speakers; radios; televisions; microwave ovens; rice cookers; coffee machines; dishwashers; washing machines; dryers; electronic fans or related appliances; vacuum cleaners, etc.).

[0125] UE may be, for example, an electrical application system or device (e.g., X-ray systems; particle accelerators; radioisotope equipment; sound wave equipment; electromagnetic application equipment; power application equipment, etc.).

[0126] UE may include, for example, electronic lamps, lighting fixtures, measuring instruments, analyzers, testers, or surveying or sensing equipment (e.g., surveying or sensing equipment such as smoke detectors; motion sensors; wireless tags, etc.), wristwatches or clocks, inspection equipment, optical devices, medical devices and / or systems, weapons, cutlery products, hand tools, etc.

[0127] The UE may be, for example, a wireless-equipped personal digital assistant or related device (such as a wireless card or module designed to be attached to or inserted into another electronic device, e.g., a personal computer, an electrical measuring instrument).

[0128] The UE may be part of a device or system that uses various wired and / or wireless communication technologies to provide the applications, services, and solutions described below with respect to the Internet of Things (IoT).

[0129] Internet of Things (IoT) devices (or "Things") may be equipped with appropriate electronics, software, sensors, network connectivity, etc., that enable them to collect and exchange data with each other and with other communication devices. IoT devices may include automated equipment that follows software instructions stored in internal memory. IoT devices may operate without requiring human supervision or interaction. IoT devices may also remain stationary and / or inactive for extended periods. IoT devices may be implemented (generally) as part of a stationary device. IoT devices may also be incorporated into non-stationary devices (e.g., vehicles) or attached to animals or people to be monitored / tracked.

[0130] It will be understood that IoT technology can be implemented on any communication device that can connect to a communication network to send / receive data, regardless of whether such communication devices are controlled by human input or software instructions stored in memory.

[0131] It will be understood that IoT devices are sometimes called Machine-Type Communication (MTC) devices or Machine-to-Machine (M2M) communication devices. It will be understood that a UE may support one or more IoT or MTC applications. Some examples of MTC applications are listed in the table below (Source: Non-Patent Literature 6, Annex B, whose contents are incorporated herein by reference). This list is not exhaustive and is intended to illustrate some examples of machine-type communication applications. [Table 2]

[0132] Applications, services, and solutions may include Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) services, emergency radio communication systems, Private Branch eXchange (PBX) systems, PHS / digital cordless telecommunications systems, Point of Sale (POS) systems, advertising call systems, Multimedia Broadcast and Multicast Service (MBMS), Vehicle to Everything (V2X) systems, train radio systems, location-related services, disaster / emergency radio communication services, community services, video streaming services, femtocell application services, Voice over LTE (VoLTE) services, billing services, wireless on-demand services, roaming services, activity monitoring services, telecommunications carrier / communication network selection services, function restriction services, Proof of Concept (PoC) services, personal information management services, ad hoc network / delay-tolerant networking (DTN) services, and others.

[0133] Furthermore, the UE categories described above are merely examples of applications of the technical concepts and exemplary embodiments described in this document. Needless to say, these technical concepts and embodiments are not limited to the UEs described above and can be modified in various ways.

[0134] The resources in multiple resource blocks may include resources for at least one of synchronization and broadcasting.

[0135] The pattern information may include, for each resource block in one of two or more patterns, at least one bitmap indicating whether an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist.

[0136] The pattern information may include a first bitmap indicating a first set of at least one resource block containing associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for two or more patterns, and at least one second bitmap indicating a second set of at least one resource block containing synchronization signals and broadcast channel blocks for each of the two or more patterns, wherein the second set is a subset of the first set. In this case, the first bitmap and the at least one second bitmap may define mutually exclusive resource blocks containing associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels for two or more patterns.

[0137] The pattern information may include, for two or more patterns, a first bitmap indicating a first set of at least one resource block in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist, and at least one second bitmap indicating at least one resource block in the first set in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel do not exist. In this case, the first bitmap and at least one second bitmap may define mutually exclusive resource blocks in which an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel do not exist for two or more patterns.

[0138] The pattern information may include at least one index that identifies at least one of two or more patterns. For example, at least one index may define mutually exclusive resource blocks where associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels reside for two or more patterns.

[0139] Each resource block may contain multiple symbols in the time domain and multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain.

[0140] Pattern information may be associated with energy-saving operations.

[0141] Monitoring may be performed by the UE during a time window associated with the request, the time window having an associated start point and duration. The start point may be defined based on the time the request is sent. The duration may be determined based on parameters provided by the network node.

[0142] Monitoring may be performed by the UE via at least one resource block associated with the synchronization signal and broadcast channel block. Monitoring may include monitoring at least until the synchronization signal and broadcast channel block are detected.

[0143] Monitoring may include monitoring synchronization signals and broadcast channel blocks via at least one beam. If a request is transmitted via a specific beam, monitoring may be performed via that specific beam or the corresponding beam.

[0144] Transmission may occur via a random access channel (RACH), via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or via a specific resource. Transmission may also occur via resources associated with signaling and / or synchronous and broadcast signaling blocks.

[0145] The pattern information may be applicable to at least one specific type of UE within a cell of an access network node, and the method further includes excluding that cell for any other type of UE. The pattern information may also be associated with energy-saving behavior, and the method further includes excluding UEs that do not support energy-saving behavior.

[0146] Transmitting synchronization signals and broadcast channels may include transmitting synchronization signals and broadcast channels using a first relatively low density based on network load, and then transmitting synchronization signal blocks and broadcast channels using a second relatively high density based on changes in network load and at least one of requests from at least one UE.

[0147] Transmission may be based on network load, in which case the network load may be determined based on at least one of the number of UEs serviced by the access network nodes and the number of requests from at least one UE.

[0148] The method performed by the access network node may further include modifying at least one parameter associated with sending based on network load and at least one of requests from at least one UE. The at least one parameter may indicate at least one of the following: the pattern of at least one resource block for synchronization signals and broadcast channels, the period of at least one resource block for synchronization signals and broadcast channels, and the beam used for at least one resource block for synchronization signals and broadcast channels.

[0149] A request from at least one UE may include information identifying preferred periods for synchronization and broadcast signaling, and transmission may include transmitting synchronization signals and broadcast channels based on the preferred periods.

[0150] The transmission of synchronization signals and broadcast channels may occur during a time window associated with the request, the time window having an associated start point and duration.

[0151] Various other modifications are obvious to those skilled in the art and will not be described in further detail here.

[0152] All or part of the exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be described, without limitation, as follows: (Note 1) A method performed by user equipment (UE), The system receives pattern information that identifies two or more patterns for multiple resource blocks, each pattern having its own period, and identifies further periods based on the combination of the periods of the two or more patterns. Includes, Two or more patterns are repeated sequentially in further cycles. method. (Note 2) The method according to Appendix 1, wherein the resources include resources for at least one of synchronization and broadcasting. (Note 3) The pattern information includes, for each resource block in one of two or more patterns, at least one bitmap indicating whether an associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist. The method described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 4) Pattern information, A first bitmap that indicates a first set of at least one resource block in which associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels exist for two or more patterns, For each of two or more patterns, at least one second bitmap indicates a second set of at least one resource block in which a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block reside, wherein the second set is a subset of the first set. The method described in Appendix 1 or 2, including the method described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 5) The method according to Appendix 4, wherein a first bitmap and at least one second bitmap define mutually exclusive resource blocks in which associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels reside for two or more patterns. (Note 6) Pattern information, A first bitmap that indicates a first set of at least one resource block in which associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels exist for two or more patterns, A second bitmap that points to at least one resource block in a first set of which no associated synchronization signal and broadcast channel exist, and The method described in Appendix 1 or 2, including the method described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 7) The method according to Appendix 6, wherein a first bitmap and at least one second bitmap define mutually exclusive resource blocks for two or more patterns, for which no associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels exist. (Note 8) The method according to any one of the appendices 1 to 7, wherein the pattern information includes at least one index that identifies at least one of two or more patterns. (Note 9) The method according to Appendix 8, wherein at least one index defines mutually exclusive resource blocks in which associated synchronization signals and broadcast channels reside for two or more patterns. (Note 10) The method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 9, wherein each resource block includes multiple symbols in the time domain and multiple subcarriers in the frequency domain. (Note 11) The method described in any one of the appendices 1 to 10, wherein pattern information is associated with energy-saving operations. (Note 12) A method performed by user equipment (UE), Sending a request to a network node to receive at least one of the synchronization signal and broadcast channel blocks and minimum system information for accessing the cell, Based on the requirements, monitor at least one of the synchronization signal and broadcast channel block, as well as minimal system information. Methods that include... (Note 13) Monitoring is performed during the time window associated with the request. The method according to Appendix 12, wherein the time window has an associated start point and duration. (Note 14) The method according to Appendix 13, wherein the starting point is defined based on the time of transmission of the request. (Note 15) The method according to any one of the appendices 12 to 14, wherein monitoring is performed via a synchronization signal and at least one resource block associated with a broadcast channel block. (Note 16) The method described in any one of the appendices 9 to 15, wherein monitoring is performed via the specific beam from which the request is transmitted. (Note 17) The method according to any one of the appendices 12 to 16, wherein monitoring includes monitoring at least until the detection of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel block. (Note 18) The method according to any one of the appendices 12 to 17, wherein monitoring includes monitoring the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel block through at least one beam. (Note 19) If the request is transmitted via a specific beam, monitoring is performed via that specific beam, as described in any one of the items in Appendix 12 to 18. (Note 20) The method described in any one of the appendices 12 to 19, wherein transmission is performed via a random access channel (RACH), via radio resource control (RRC) signaling, or via a specific resource. (Note 21) The method described in any one of the appendices 12 to 20, wherein transmission is performed via resources associated with signaling and / or synchronization and broadcast signaling blocks. (Note 22) A method performed by an access network node, To transmit pattern information to at least one user device (UE) that identifies two or more patterns for multiple resource blocks, each pattern having its own period, and to identify further periods based on the combination of the periods of the two or more patterns. Includes, Two or more patterns are repeated sequentially in further cycles. method. (Note 23) The pattern information is applicable to at least one specific type of UE within a cell of an access network node, The method as described in Appendix 22, further comprising excluding the cell for any other type of UE. (Note 24) The pattern information is associated with energy-saving operations. The method as described in Appendix 22, further comprising excluding UEs that do not support energy-saving operation. (Note 25) A method performed by an access network node, To transmit synchronization signals and broadcast channels through at least one resource block based on network load and requests from at least one user equipment (UE). Methods that include... (Note 26) Transmitting synchronization signals and broadcast channels Transmitting synchronization signals and broadcast channels using a first, relatively low density based on network load, Transmitting synchronous signal blocks and broadcast channels using a second relatively high density based on changes in network load and at least one of requests from at least one UE. The method described in Appendix 25, including the method described in Appendix 25. (Note 27) The transmission is performed based on network load. Network load, The number of UEs serviced by access network nodes, and Number of requests from at least one UE Determined based on at least one of the following: The method described in Appendix 25 or 26. (Note 28) The method described in any one of the appendices 25 to 27, further comprising modifying at least one parameter associated with sending based on network load and at least one of requests from at least one UE. (Note 29) At least one parameter, A pattern of at least one resource block for synchronization signals and broadcast channels. The period of at least one resource block for the synchronization signal and broadcast channel, and Beam used for synchronization signals and at least one resource block for broadcast channels The method described in Appendix 28, which indicates at least one of the following. (Note 30) The transmission is performed upon request. A request from at least one UE includes information identifying preferred periods for synchronization and broadcast signaling. The transmission includes transmitting synchronization signals and broadcast channels based on a preferred period. The method described in Appendix 25. (Note 31) The transmission is performed upon request. The transmission must be performed within the time window associated with the request. A time window has an associated start point and duration. The method described in any one of the appendices 25 to 30. (Note 32) A means for receiving pattern information that identifies two or more patterns for multiple resource blocks, each pattern having its own period, and for identifying further periods based on the combination of the periods of the two or more patterns. Equipped with, Two or more patterns are repeated sequentially in further cycles. User equipment (UE). (Note 33) Means for sending a request to a network node to receive at least one of a synchronization signal and broadcast channel blocks and minimal system information for accessing cells, A means for monitoring, upon request, at least one of the synchronization signal and broadcast channel block, as well as minimal system information. User equipment (UE) equipped with these features. (Note 34) A means for transmitting pattern information to at least one user device (UE) that identifies two or more patterns for multiple resource blocks, each pattern having its own period, and for identifying further periods based on the combination of the periods of the two or more patterns. Equipped with, Two or more patterns are repeated sequentially in further cycles. Access network node. (Note 35) A means for transmitting a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel through at least one resource block based on network load and at least one request from at least one user equipment (UE). An access network node equipped with the following features.

[0153] This application claims priority based on UK Patent Application No. 2207957.8, filed on 30 May 2022, the disclosure thereof being incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0154] 1. Mobile (cellular or wireless) telecommunications systems 3 Mobile devices 5 base station 6 cells 7 Core Network 10 control plane function (CPF) 11. User-Plane Function (UPF) 20 Data Networks 31 Transceiver Circuit 33 Antennas 35 User Interface 37 Control Unit 39 memory 41 Operating Systems 43 Communication control module 45 Energy Saving Modules 51 Transceiver Circuit 53 Antenna 55 Network Interfaces 57 Control Unit 59 memory 61 Operating Systems 63 Communication control module 65 Energy Saving Modules 71 Transceiver Circuit 75 Network Interfaces 77 Control Unit 79 memory 81 Operating Systems 83 Communication control module 85 Energy Saving Modules

Claims

1. Means for receiving pattern information from an access network node to indicate two or more time-domain patterns for multiple resource blocks for at least one of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel, The cell of the access network node includes means for identifying that the plurality of resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel are provided based on at least a first time-domain pattern and a second time-domain pattern, The pattern information includes at least a value for a first time period relating to the first time-domain pattern, a first bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the first time-domain pattern exists, and a value for a second time period relating to the second time-domain pattern, and a second bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the second time-domain pattern exists. User equipment.

2. Each of the two or more time-domain patterns corresponds to a mutually exclusive resource block within the two or more time-domain patterns. The user device according to claim 1.

3. The second time-domain pattern is a time-domain pattern for the plurality of resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, which are provided on demand in the cell based on the request of the user device. The user device according to claim 1.

4. The receiving means receives a notification from the access network node indicating a change in the time domain pattern. The user device according to claim 1.

5. Means for transmitting pattern information to a user device (UE) for instructing two or more time-domain patterns for multiple resource blocks for at least one of a synchronization signal and a broadcast channel, In a cell of an access network node, the plurality of resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel are provided by means of providing at least a first time-domain pattern and a second time-domain pattern, The pattern information includes at least a value for a first time period relating to the first time-domain pattern, a first bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the first time-domain pattern exists, and a value for a second time period relating to the second time-domain pattern, and a second bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the second time-domain pattern exists. Access network node.

6. A method performed by user equipment (UE), Receiving pattern information from an access network node to indicate two or more time-domain patterns for multiple resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, The cell of the access network node includes identifying that the plurality of resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel are provided based on at least a first time-domain pattern and a second time-domain pattern, The pattern information includes at least a value for a first time period relating to the first time-domain pattern, a first bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the first time-domain pattern exists, and a value for a second time period relating to the second time-domain pattern, and a second bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the second time-domain pattern exists. method.

7. A method performed by an access network node, Transmitting pattern information to a user device (UE) to instruct it on two or more time-domain patterns for multiple resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel, In a cell of an access network node, the plurality of resource blocks for at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel are provided based on at least a first time-domain pattern and a second time-domain pattern, The pattern information includes at least a value for a first time period relating to the first time-domain pattern, a first bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the first time-domain pattern exists, and a value for a second time period relating to the second time-domain pattern, and a second bitmap indicating the time position in a half-frame in which at least one of the synchronization signal and the broadcast channel relating to the second time-domain pattern exists. method.

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