Determining frequency priority in wireless communication

Abstract

An apparatus, method, and system for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications are disclosed. One method (500) includes receiving slice group information from a network device in a user equipment (UE). The method (500) includes determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency (504). The method (500) includes determining a reselection priority for the plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection (506).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 257,262, filed on 19 October 2021, entitled "APPARATUSES, METHODS, AND SYSTEMS FOR CELL RESELECTION BASED ON NETWORK SLICING," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The subject matter disclosed herein generally relates to wireless communications, and more specifically to determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Background technology]

[0003] In some wireless communication systems, frequency prioritization can be inefficient and / or consume a lot of power. [Overview of the project] [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications is disclosed. Apparatus and systems also perform the functions of this method. One embodiment of the method includes the step of receiving slice group information from a network device in a user equipment (UE). In some embodiments, the method includes the step of determining cell reselection priorities for a plurality of frequencies, including a first frequency and a second frequency. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of determining reselection priorities for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0005] A device for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications includes a processor. In some embodiments, the device includes a memory coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to cause the device to receive slice group information from a network device, to determine cell reselection priorities for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency, and to determine reselection priorities for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0006] Another embodiment of a method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications includes the step of receiving slice group information from a network device via NAS communication in a UE. In some embodiments, the method includes the step of determining a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0007] Another device for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications includes a processor. In some embodiments, the device includes memory coupled to the processor, and the processor is configured to cause the device to receive slice group information from network devices via NAS communication and to determine a frequency-prioritized list for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0008] A more detailed description of the embodiments briefly outlined above will be made with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. Understanding that these drawings only illustrate a few embodiments and should therefore not be considered limitations of scope, the embodiments are described and explained with further specificity and detail using the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of a wireless communication system for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication. [Figure 2]This is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of a device that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Figure 3] This is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of a device that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Figure 4] This is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of a system for cell and frequency expansion. [Figure 5] This flowchart illustrates one embodiment of a method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication. [Figure 6] This flowchart illustrates another embodiment of a method for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communications. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, aspects of the embodiments may be embodied as systems, apparatus, methods, or program products. Thus, embodiments may take the form of entirely hardware embodiments, entirely software embodiments (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or embodiments combining software and hardware aspects, all of which may generally be referred to herein as “circuits,” “modules,” or “systems.” Furthermore, embodiments may take the form of program products embodied in one or more computer-readable storage devices that store machine-readable code, computer-readable code, and / or program code, hereafter referred to as code. The storage devices may be tangible, non-temporary, and / or non-transmitting. The storage devices do not necessarily have to embody signals. In some embodiments, the storage devices merely utilize signals for accessing the code.

[0011] Some of the functional units described herein may be referred to as modules to more specifically emphasize the independence of their implementations. For example, a module may be implemented as a custom very-large-scale integration (VLSI) circuit or as a hardware circuit comprising commercially available semiconductors such as gate arrays, logic chips, transistors, or other discrete components. A module may also be implemented in a programmable hardware device, such as a field-programmable gate array, programmable array logic, or programmable logic device.

[0012] Modules may also be implemented in code and / or software for execution by various types of processors. For example, a specified module of code may contain one or more physical or logical blocks of executable code, which may be organized as objects, procedures, or functions. Nevertheless, the executable files of a specified module do not need to be physically located together and may contain separate instructions stored in different locations that, when logically joined together, contain the module and achieve the stated purpose of the module.

[0013] In fact, a module of code may be a single instruction or a number of instructions, and may even be distributed across several different code segments of different programs, spanning several memory devices. Similarly, operational data may be identified and indicated within a module as herein, may be embodied in any suitable form, and may be organized within any suitable type of data structure. Operational data may be collected as a single dataset or may be distributed in different locations, including across different computer-readable storage devices. If a module or part of a module is implemented in software, that software part may be stored in one or more computer-readable storage devices.

[0014] Any combination of one or more computer-readable media may be used. The computer-readable media may be computer-readable storage media. The computer-readable storage media may be a storage device that stores code. The storage device may be, for example, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, holographic, micromechanical, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0015] More specific examples (a non-exclusive list) of storage devices include electrical connections with one or more wires, portable computer diskettes, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the above. In the context of this document, a computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium capable of storing or storing programs used by or with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

[0016] The code for performing the actions for the embodiments may be of any number of lines and may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Python, Ruby, Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and traditional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" programming language, and / or machine languages ​​such as assembly language. The code may run entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or it may be connected to an external computer (for example, via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0017] Throughout this specification, any reference to “one embodiment,” “a certain embodiment,” or similar expression means that the specific features, structure, or characteristics described in relation to that embodiment are included in at least one embodiment. Thus, throughout this specification, any occurrence of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in a certain embodiment,” and similar expressions may, but not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment and, unless otherwise explicitly stated, mean “one or more embodiments, but not all.” The terms “include,” “equip,” “have,” and variations thereof mean “include, but not limited to,” unless otherwise explicitly stated. The enumerated list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive unless otherwise explicitly stated. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also mean “one or more,” unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0018] Furthermore, the features, structures, or characteristics described in this embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner. In the following description, numerous specific details are given, such as examples of programming, software modules, user selections, network transactions, database queries, database structures, hardware modules, hardware circuits, hardware chips, etc., in order to provide a complete understanding of the embodiment. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiment may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or in combination with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiment.

[0019] Aspects of the embodiments are described below with reference to the schematic flowchart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams of methods, apparatuses, systems, and program products according to the embodiments. It will be understood that each block of the schematic flowchart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the schematic flowchart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams, can be implemented by code. The code may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, whereby the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus create means for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the schematic flowchart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams.

[0020] Code that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to function in a particular manner may also be stored in a memory device, whereby the instructions stored in the memory device produce a manufactured article that includes instructions for implementing the functions / acts specified in one or more blocks of the schematic flowchart diagrams and / or schematic block diagrams.

[0021] Code that causes a series of action steps to be executed by a computer, other programmable device, or other device in order to generate a process to be performed by a computer may also be loaded into a computer, other programmable data processing device, or other device, so that the code executed by the computer or other programmable device provides a process to perform a function / action specified in one or more blocks of a flowchart and / or block diagram.

[0022] The schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of devices, systems, methods, and program products in various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the schematic flowcharts and / or schematic block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which contains one or more executable instructions of code for implementing a specified logical function.

[0023] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in a block may exist in an order other than that noted in the diagram. For example, depending on the functions involved, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. Other steps and methods may be devised that are equivalent in function, logic, or effect to one or more blocks, or parts thereof, of the diagram shown.

[0024] Various types of arrows and lines may be used in flowcharts and / or block diagrams, but they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiment. In practice, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only the logical flow of the embodiment shown. For example, an arrow may indicate an unspecified waiting or monitoring period between enumerated steps of the embodiment shown. It should also be noted that each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, as well as combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, may be implemented by a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or action, or a combination of dedicated hardware and code.

[0025] The descriptions of elements in each figure may refer to elements in preceding figures. Similar numbers refer to the same element in all figures, including alternative embodiments of the same element.

[0026] Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a wireless communication system 100 for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication. In one embodiment, the wireless communication system 100 includes a remote unit 102 and a network unit 104. Although a specific number of remote units 102 and network units 104 are shown in Figure 1, those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of remote units 102 and network units 104 may be included in the wireless communication system 100.

[0027] In one embodiment, the remote unit 102 may include computing devices such as desktop computers, laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs), tablet computers, smartphones, smart televisions (e.g., internet-connected televisions), set-top boxes, game consoles, security systems (including security cameras), in-vehicle computers, network devices (e.g., routers, switches, modems), aircraft, and drones. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 includes wearable devices such as smartwatches, fitness bands, and optical head-mounted displays. Furthermore, the remote unit 102 may be referred to as subscriber units, mobile, mobile stations, users, terminals, mobile terminals, fixed terminals, subscriber stations, UEs, user terminals, devices, or other terms used in the art. The remote unit 102 may communicate directly with one or more network units 104 via UL communication signals. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may communicate directly with other remote units 102 via side-link communication.

[0028] The network unit 104 may be distributed across geographical areas. In some embodiments, the network unit 104 also includes an access point, access terminal, base, base station, location server, core network (CN), radio network entity, Node-B, evolved node-B (eNB), 5G node-B (gNB), Home Node-B, relay node, device, core network, airborne server, radio access node, access point (AP), new radio (NR), network entity, access and mobility management function (AMF), unified data management (UDM), unified data repository (UDR), UDM / UDR, policy control function (PCF), radio access network (RAN), network slice selection function (NSSF), operations, administration, and management (OAM), session management function (SMF), user plane function (UPF), application function, and authentication server function. It may be referred to and / or include one or more of the following terms used in the art: function: AUSF), security anchor function: SEAF, trusted non-3GPP gateway function: TNGF, or any other terms used in the art.A network unit 104 is generally part of a wireless access network that includes one or more controllers commutably coupled to one or more corresponding network units 104. A wireless access network is generally commutably coupled to one or more core networks, which may be coupled to other networks, among others, such as the Internet and public switched telephone networks. These and other elements of the wireless access and core networks are not shown but are generally well known to those skilled in the art.

[0029] In one implementation, the wireless communication system 100 conforms to the NR protocol standardized in the Third Generation Partnership Project (3GPP®), the network unit 104 transmits downlink (DL) using OFDM modulation, and the remote unit 102 transmits uplink (UL) using single-carrier frequency division multiple access (SC-FDMA) or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). However, more generally, the wireless communication system 100 may implement any other open or proprietary communication protocol, among others, such as WiMAX, a variant of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), a variant of Long Term Evolution (LTE), Code Division Multiple Access 2000 (CDMA2000), Bluetooth®, ZigBee, or Sigfox. This disclosure is not intended to be limited to any particular wireless communication system architecture or protocol implementation.

[0030] The network unit 104 can serve several remote units 102 within a serving area, such as a cell or cell sector, via a wireless communication link. The network unit 104 transmits DL communication signals to serve the remote units 102 in the time domain, frequency domain, and / or spatial domain.

[0031] In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive slice group information from a network device. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine cell reselection priorities for multiple frequencies, including a first frequency and a second frequency. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine reselection priorities for multiple frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communications.

[0032] In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may receive slice group information from a network device via NAS communication. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection. Thus, the remote unit 102 may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communication.

[0033] Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a device 200 that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communication. The device 200 includes one embodiment of a remote unit 102. Furthermore, the remote unit 102 may include a processor 202, memory 204, an input device 206, a display 208, a transmitter 210, and a receiver 212. In some embodiments, the input device 206 and the display 208 are combined into a single device such as a touchscreen. In some embodiments, the remote unit 102 may not include the input device 206 and / or the display 208. In various embodiments, the remote unit 102 may include one or more of the processor 202, memory 204, transmitter 210, and receiver 212, and may not include the input device 206 and / or the display 208.

[0034] In one embodiment, the processor 202 may include any known controller capable of executing computer-readable instructions and / or logical operations. For example, the processor 202 may be a microcontroller, microprocessor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), auxiliary processing unit, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or similar programmable controller. In some embodiments, the processor 202 executes instructions stored in memory 204 to perform the methods and routines described herein. The processor 202 is communicatively coupled to memory 204, input device 206, display 208, transmitter 210, and receiver 212.

[0035] In one embodiment, memory 204 is a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes a volatile computer storage medium. For example, memory 204 may include RAM, including dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous dynamic RAM (SDRAM), and / or static RAM (SRAM). In some embodiments, memory 204 includes a non-volatile computer storage medium. For example, memory 204 may include a hard disk drive, flash memory, or any other suitable non-volatile computer storage device. In some embodiments, memory 204 includes both volatile and non-volatile computer storage media. In some embodiments, memory 204 also stores program code and associated data, such as an operating system or other controller algorithms running on the remote unit 102.

[0036] In one embodiment, the input device 206 may include any known computer input device, such as a touch panel, buttons, a keyboard, a stylus, or a microphone. In some embodiments, the input device 206 may be integrated with the display 208, for example, as a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. In some embodiments, the input device 206 includes a touchscreen so that text can be entered using a virtual keyboard displayed on the touchscreen and / or by writing on the touchscreen. In some embodiments, the input device 206 includes two or more different devices, such as a keyboard and a touch panel.

[0037] In one embodiment, the display 208 may include any known electrically controllable display or display device. The display 208 may be designed to output visual, audible, and / or tactile signals. In some embodiments, the display 208 includes an electronic display capable of outputting visual data to a user. For example, the display 208 may include, but is not limited to, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light-emitting diode (LED) display, an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a projector, or a similar display device capable of outputting images, text, etc., to a user. Another, but not limited, example, the display 208 may include a wearable display such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, or a head-up display. Furthermore, the display 208 may be a component of a smartphone, personal digital assistant, television, tablet computer, notebook (laptop) computer, personal computer, or vehicle dashboard.

[0038] In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more speakers for producing sound. For example, the display 208 may produce audible warnings or notifications (e.g., beeps or chimes). In some embodiments, the display 208 includes one or more haptic devices for producing vibration, motion, or other tactile feedback. In some embodiments, all or part of the display 208 may be integrated with an input device 206. For example, the input device 206 and the display 208 may form a touchscreen or similar touch-sensitive display. In other embodiments, the display 208 may be located near the input device 206.

[0039] In some embodiments, the processor 202 is configured to cause the device to receive slice group information from a network device, determine a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency, and determine a reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0040] In some embodiments, the processor 202 is configured to cause the device to receive slice group information from a network device via NAS communication and to determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0041] Although only one transmitter 210 and one receiver 212 are shown, the remote unit 102 may have any suitable number of transmitters 210 and receivers 212. The transmitters 210 and receivers 212 may be any suitable type of transmitter and receiver. In one embodiment, the transmitters 210 and receivers 212 may be part of a transceiver.

[0042] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of a device 300 that may be used to determine frequency prioritization in wireless communication. The device 300 includes one embodiment of a network unit 104. Furthermore, the network unit 104 may include a processor 302, memory 304, input device 306, display 308, transmitter 310, and receiver 312. As can be understood, the processor 302, memory 304, input device 306, display 308, transmitter 310, and receiver 312 may be substantially similar to the processor 202, memory 204, input device 206, display 208, transmitter 210, and receiver 212 of the remote unit 102, respectively.

[0043] It should be noted that one or more embodiments described herein may be combined into a single embodiment.

[0044] In some embodiments, fifth-generation (5G) network slicing is a network architecture that enables the multiplexing of virtualized, independent logical networks on the same physical network infrastructure. Each network slice is an isolated, end-to-end network adapted to meet the diverse requirements demanded by a particular application. In such embodiments, this technology plays a central role in supporting 5G mobile networks designed to efficiently accommodate a large volume of services with vastly different service level requirements (SLRs). In achieving this service-oriented purpose of the network, the concepts of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are leveraged to enable the implementation of flexible and scalable network slices on a common network infrastructure.

[0045] In some embodiments, connectivity and mobility are transformative and innovative forces in industries such as manufacturing, transportation, energy and public services, and healthcare, resulting in strong demand for wireless communications in vertical markets. These diverse vertical services can bring about a wide range of performance requirements in terms of throughput, capacity, latency, mobility, reliability, and location accuracy. New radio (NR) technology can utilize a common radio access network (RAN) platform to address current and future use cases and service challenges, not only those currently conceivable but also those yet unimaginable. Network slicing can evolve network architectures to be more flexible and scalable to a multitude of services with differing requirements.

[0046] In various embodiments, RAN may support network slicing to create tools that network operators can apply to address the challenge of developing new revenue sources beyond those derived from customer contracts. More specifically, RAN may provide network operators with technical tools to involve application providers in customizing the design, deployment, and operation of RAN with the aim of better supporting the application provider's business.

[0047] In some embodiments, slice-based cell reselection may be supported, and mechanisms and signaling may be specified for 1) assisting cell reselection by broadcasting supported slice information for the current cell and adjacent cells, and cell reselection priorities per slice, in a system information message, and / or 2) assisting cell reselection by including slice information (e.g., with information similar to that in a system information (SI) message) in a message (e.g., a radio resource control (RRC) release message).

[0048] In some embodiments, there may be slice-based cell reselection (e.g., Single (S) Network Slice Selection Assistance Information (NSSAI)) (S-NSSAI), where "slice information" (e.g., for a single slice or group of slices) to be provided to the UE using both broadcast and dedicated signaling is provided for the serving cell and adjacent frequencies. The following steps are used for slice-based cell selection and / or reselection in the Access Layer (AS) protocol: 1) Step 0: The Non-Access Layer (NAS) layer in the UE provides slice information in the UE, including slice priorities, to the AS layer. 2) Step 1: The AS sorts the slices in order of priority, starting with the highest priority slice. 3) Step 2: Selects the slices in order of priority, starting with the highest priority slice. 4) Step 3: Assigns priorities to the frequencies received from the network for the selected slices. 5) Step 4: Performs measurements starting with the highest priority frequencies. 6) Step 5: If the highest-ranked cell is optimal and supports the slice selected in Step 2, camp on to that cell and end this sequence of operations (for example, it may determine how the UE decides whether the highest-ranked cell supports the selected slice). 7) Step 6: If there are remaining frequencies, return to Step 4. 8) Step 7: If the end of the slice list has not been reached, return to Step 2. and / or 9) Step 8: Perform legacy cell re-selection.

[0049] In various embodiments, the slice-based cell reselection procedure is performed in the following manner: 1) The UE selects a slice group with the highest priority slice. 2) The UE assigns a slice frequency priority corresponding to the selected slice group for the NR frequencies received in the RRCRelease or system information message. 3) The UE performs measurements and uses the slice group-specific NR frequency priority to select the highest-priority suitable cell as a candidate for camping. 4) If the highest-priority suitable cell supports the selected slice, the UE camps on to that cell. If the highest-priority suitable cell does not support the selected slice, the UE excludes the frequency of that cell from cell reselection using the frequency priority of the selected slice group and continues searching for a suitable cell using the assigned slice group-specific frequency priority, wherever other frequencies exist. 5) If no suitable cell is found using the slice group-specific frequency priority, the UE continues performing cell reselection without considering the slice group-specific frequency priority.

[0050] In such embodiments, cell reselection for the UE cannot arbitrarily assume that slice support is uniform across frequencies (e.g., all cells on a frequency support the same set of slices). Therefore, it may not be sufficient for serving cells to broadcast slice support only for adjacent frequencies, and the UE may need to decide whether the highest-ranking cell supports the selected slice (e.g., the slice from step 2).

[0051] In some embodiments, there may be measurement rules for cell reselection. The following rules are used by the UE to limit the required measurements: 1) Serving cell is Srxlev > S intraSearchP and Squal > S intraSearchQ1) If the following conditions are met, the UE may choose not to perform an in-frequency measurement. 2) Otherwise, the UE may perform an in-frequency measurement. 3) The UE may apply the following rules to NR inter-frequency and inter-radio access technology (RAT) frequencies, which are indicated in the system information, and the UE has the following priority order for these rules: a) For NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency whose reselection priority is higher than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, the UE may perform a measurement of the higher-priority NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency. b) For NR inter-frequency frequencies whose reselection priority is less than or equal to the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, and for inter-RAT frequencies whose reselection priority is lower than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency, a1) if the serving cell is Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP and Squal > S nonIntraSearchQ a2) If the condition is met, the UE does not have to choose to perform measurements of NR interfrequency or interRAT frequency cells of equal or lower priority; otherwise, the UE may perform measurements of NR interfrequency or interRAT frequency cells of equal or lower priority.

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic block diagram showing one embodiment of system 400 for cell and frequency expansion. System 400 includes a serving cell 402 on the current frequency f0, an N-cell-B1 404 on the adjacent frequency f1, an N-cell-B2 406 on the adjacent frequency f1, an N-cell-B3 408 on the adjacent frequency f2, an N-cell-B4 410 on the adjacent frequency f2, an N-cell-B5 412 on the adjacent frequency f3, and an N-cell-B6 414 on the adjacent frequency f3.

[0053] In a certain reselection mechanism, a decision is made as to whether inter-frequency and / or inter-RAT measurements should be initiated for frequencies with higher priority, or for frequencies with lower and / or equal priority. Here, higher, lower, and / or equal frequency priorities are determined based on a comparison of the cell reselection priorities of candidate inter-frequency and / or inter-RAT frequencies (e.g., adjacent frequencies) with the cell reselection priorities of the current NR frequency. Different performance requirements apply to measurements and cell reselection at higher priority frequencies than at lower and / or equal priority frequencies. Measurements and cell reselection at lower and / or equal priority frequencies occur when the serving cell Srxlev>S nonIntraSearchP and Squal > S nonIntraSearchQ It is initiated only when the condition is no longer met. Conversely, it is performed continuously at NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency with a higher reselection priority than the current NR frequency. The UE may perform measurements of higher-priority NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency according to a predetermined procedure.

[0054] In some embodiments, it may be determined what is considered the reselection priority of the current NR frequency and adjacent frequencies. Frequency priorities for network slicing may be considered based on slice priorities and corresponding frequency priorities, and / or depend on the slices supported on the current NR frequency. Without this (e.g., priority of the current NR frequency and adjacent frequencies), it would be impossible to determine whether other adjacent frequencies are considered to have a higher priority or a lower priority (or the same priority) as the serving frequency.

[0055] In various embodiments, the legacy cell reselection priorities of the relevant frequencies (e.g., the cell reselection priorities of the current NR frequency and adjacent frequencies) may be used to determine which adjacent frequencies are considered to have a higher priority than the current frequency, and which adjacent frequencies are considered to have a lower priority than and / or the same priority as the current frequency.

[0056] In some embodiments, this can be suboptimal, leading to strange behavior where, if a UE is camped on a cell on the highest priority frequency of the highest priority slice of that UE, the UE's battery may still need to be measured because configured legacy CellReselectionPriorities in the cell lead to scenarios where some adjacent frequencies are considered to have a higher priority than the current frequency, while measuring adjacent frequencies unnecessarily consumes the UE's battery. Since the highest priority slice is UE-specific, the network has little chance of avoiding such an undesirable situation for all UEs camped on that cell.

[0057] To ensure understanding, the following terms are used herein with the following definitions: 1) Slice information (e.g., information): frequency priority mapping for each slice (e.g., slice → frequency → absolute priority of each frequency) - slice information includes three elements (e.g., slice, frequency, and absolute frequency priority) - slice information (for a slice or slice group) may be provided to the UE using both broadcast and dedicated signaling - slice information is provided for serving frequencies as well as adjacent frequencies. 2) Slice support: slices and / or slice groups supported in a particular cell or frequency.

[0058] While the term "slice" may be used herein, it should be noted that the corresponding methods and / or embodiments may be equally applicable to "slice groups." A slice group comprises one or more slices, and each slice belongs to only one slice group, with each slice group uniquely identified by a slice group identifier. This avoids the disclosure of slice identification information (e.g., S-NSSAI) in system information (SI) (for example, thereby facilitating the reduction of security and SI size issues). In various embodiments, signaling of slice grouping and slice group identification information may be indicated to the UE in NAS signaling.

[0059] In the first embodiment, the UE determines the cell reselection priority of a frequency (e.g., the current NR frequency or an adjacent frequency) as the highest frequency priority corresponding to any slice among the slices supported at the frequency in question. Table 1 shows an example of slice information broadcast or provided only for the UE.

[0060] [Table 1]

[0061] In some embodiments, the UE rearranges Table 1 into Table 2.

[0062] [Table 2]

[0063] In the next step, the UE determines the priority of a certain frequency as the highest priority assigned to that frequency corresponding to any of the slices indicated as being supported by that particular frequency, as shown in Table 3.

[0064] [Table 3]

[0065] In Table 3, p1 <p2<p3<p4である。

[0066] In the examples shown in Tables 1 through 3, a UE camped on a cell at frequency f2 decides that f3 and f4 have higher priority and will perform inter-frequency measurements of f3 and f4. However, a UE camped on a cell at frequency f3 does not need to perform any inter-frequency measurements (for example, if the serving cell is Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP and Squal > S nonIntraSearchQ Unless the condition is no longer met, and if it is not met, the UE shall measure all adjacent frequencies f1, f2, and f4 in this example, because they are considered to be equal or lower priority inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency cells.

[0067] In one partial embodiment of the first embodiment, the UE considers only information about slices that are shown by the UE-NAS as part of the UE's slice list (for example, that a slice is on an allowed slice list during the NAS registration procedure, or that the NAS shows the AS a subscribed or allowed slice list).

[0068] In a second embodiment, the UE begins by adopting the highest-priority slice in the slice list provided to the AS by the UE-NAS (e.g., the highest-priority slice on the allowed slice list), and then the cell reselection priority for a frequency is determined as the frequency priority (e.g., the cell reselection priority) for the frequency that supports this highest-priority slice. For a given frequency, a slice may not be supported on that frequency, in which case the cell reselection priority for that frequency is determined as the lowest priority (e.g., lower than any of the values ​​configured by the network). Using the example from Table 1, the applicable cell reselection priorities for a UE having only slice 1 in its list are as shown in Table 4.

[0069] [Table 4]

[0070] As a variation of the second embodiment, instead of assigning the lowest priority to frequencies that do not support the highest priority slice of a particular UE, the UE uses the next lowest priority slice to derive the frequency priority for that slice. Only if none of the UE's slices support that frequency is the cell reselection priority for that frequency determined to be the lowest (e.g., lower than any value configured by the network).

[0071] In another variation of the second embodiment, instead of the highest-priority slice of the UE, the slice supported on the most frequent frequencies (e.g., the current frequency and adjacent frequencies) is considered.

[0072] In the third embodiment, the UE only measures the serving cell and uses only legacy radio thresholds to determine whether inter-frequency measurements and / or inter-RAT measurements need to be performed. The UE does not evaluate whether an NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency has a reselection priority higher than, equal to, or lower than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency. When the serving cell no longer satisfies Srxlev > S nonIntraSearchP and Squal > S nonIntraSearchQ and / or when it does not satisfy, adjacent frequencies are measured.

[0073] In the fourth embodiment, new measurement rules for cell reselection such that the broadcast slice is supported on the serving cell are considered instead of the slice supported on the serving frequency. The support of a slice on a frequency is defined as the slice supported on any cell (e.g., an adjacent cell) on this frequency. Since cells on a certain frequency may belong to different tracking areas (TAs), slices supported on different cells on the same frequency may also be different. Thus, the serving cell may support only a subset of the slices supported by the serving frequency. The fourth embodiment depends on the slice supported in the serving cell of the UE.

[0074] In some embodiments, for adjacent frequencies, slice support is considered at the frequency level (e.g., not for a specific cell of an adjacent frequency).

[0075] In some embodiments, the remaining determination of whether an NR inter-frequency or inter-RAT frequency has a reselection priority higher than, equal to, or lower than the reselection priority of the current NR frequency is made as described in any of the embodiments described herein.

[0076] The fifth embodiment mimics the fourth embodiment, except that only slices presented to the AS by the NAS as slices of the UE (e.g., slices in the UE's allowed slice list) are considered, instead of general slices supported on the serving cell or frequency.

[0077] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of method 500 for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication. In some embodiments, method 500 is performed by a device such as a remote unit 102. In some embodiments, method 500 may be performed by a processor that executes program code, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, auxiliary processing unit, FPGA, etc.

[0078] In various embodiments, method 500 includes the step (502) of receiving slice group information from a network device. In some embodiments, method 500 includes the step (504) of determining cell reselection priorities for a plurality of frequencies, including a first frequency and a second frequency. In some embodiments, method 500 includes the step (506) of determining reselection priorities for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0079] In some embodiments, method 500 further includes the step of determining whether to perform an inter-frequency measurement. In some embodiments, method 500 further includes the step of performing an inter-frequency measurement in response to having decided to perform an inter-frequency measurement. In various embodiments, the first frequency is the current frequency.

[0080] In one embodiment, the second frequency is the frequency of the inter-frequency adjacent cell. In some embodiments, determining the reselection priority of multiple frequencies involves determining the slice group provided by the NAS with the highest priority in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information. In some embodiments, the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priority, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priority, configured slice groups and their corresponding priority, other slice groups and their corresponding priority, or a combination thereof.

[0081] In various embodiments, if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, that frequency is assigned the lowest priority. In one embodiment, method 500 further includes the step of prioritizing a plurality of frequencies based on the order of their cell reselection priorities in response to the fact that none of the plurality of frequencies support any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

[0082] Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating another embodiment of method 600 for determining frequency prioritization in wireless communication. In some embodiments, method 600 is performed by a device such as a remote unit 102. In some embodiments, method 600 may be performed by a processor that executes program code, such as a microcontroller, microprocessor, CPU, GPU, auxiliary processing unit, FPGA, etc.

[0083] In various embodiments, method 600 includes the step (602) of receiving slice group information from a network device via NAS communication. In some embodiments, method 600 includes the step (604) of determining a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0084] In some embodiments, Method 600 further includes determining a final selection list of frequencies, including any signaled frequencies, to have a higher priority than frequencies that do not have any slices in a slice list group, in response to the signaled frequency supporting at least one selected slice group in a slice list group indicated by slice group information. In some embodiments, Method 600 further includes sorting the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information of the selected slice groups. In various embodiments, frequencies that do not support any of the slice groups received from the NAS list are assigned a frequency reselection priority.

[0085] In one embodiment, a slice group corresponding to slice group information indicated to be supported at a certain frequency is a slice group supported by at least one cell at that frequency. In some embodiments, a slice group of cells corresponding to slice group information is used, and other slice groups are not used.

[0086] In one embodiment, the device for wireless communication comprises a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, wherein the processor is configured to cause the device to receive slice group information from a network device, to determine a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies comprising a first frequency and a second frequency, and to determine a reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0087] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to decide whether or not to perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0088] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to perform inter-frequency measurements in response to a decision to perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0089] In various embodiments, the first frequency is the current frequency.

[0090] In one embodiment, the second frequency is the frequency of the inter-frequency adjacent cell.

[0091] In some embodiments, a processor configured to cause the device to determine the reselection priority of multiple frequencies further comprises a processor configured to cause the device to determine the slice group provided by the NAS with the highest priority in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

[0092] In some embodiments, the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or a combination thereof.

[0093] In various embodiments, if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, that frequency is assigned the lowest priority.

[0094] In one embodiment, the processor is further configured to cause the device to prioritize multiple frequencies based on the order of their cell reselection priorities in response to the fact that none of the multiple frequencies support any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

[0095] In one embodiment, the method in the UE includes the steps of receiving slice group information from a network device, determining a cell reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies including a first frequency and a second frequency, and determining a reselection priority for a plurality of frequencies for performing slice group-based cell reselection.

[0096] In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of determining whether to perform inter-frequency measurements.

[0097] In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of performing an inter-frequency measurement in response to a decision to perform an inter-frequency measurement.

[0098] In various embodiments, the first frequency is the current frequency.

[0099] In one embodiment, the second frequency is the frequency of the inter-frequency adjacent cell.

[0100] In some embodiments, determining the reselection priority of multiple frequencies includes determining the slice group provided by the NAS with the highest priority in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

[0101] In some embodiments, the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or a combination thereof.

[0102] In various embodiments, if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, that frequency is assigned the lowest priority.

[0103] In one embodiment, the method further includes the step of prioritizing a plurality of frequencies based on the order of their cell reselection priorities in response to the fact that none of the plurality of frequencies support any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

[0104] In one embodiment, the device for wireless communication comprises a processor and memory coupled to the processor, the processor being configured to cause the device to receive slice group information from a network device via NAS communication and to determine a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0105] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to determine a final selection list of frequencies, including any signaled frequencies, that have a higher priority than frequencies that do not have any slices included in a slice list group, in response to the signaled frequency supporting at least one selected slice group included in a slice list group indicated by slice group information.

[0106] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to cause the device to sort the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and the frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information of the selected slice group.

[0107] In various embodiments, frequencies that are not supported by any of the slice groups received from the NAS list are assigned a frequency reselection priority.

[0108] In one embodiment, a slice group corresponding to slice group information that is shown to be supported at a certain frequency is a slice group that is supported by at least one cell at that frequency.

[0109] In some embodiments, a slice group of cells corresponding to slice group information is used, while other slice groups are not used.

[0110] In one embodiment, the method in the UE includes the steps of receiving slice group information from a network device via NAS communication and determining a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection.

[0111] In some embodiments, the method further includes determining a final selection list of frequencies containing any signaled frequencies as having a higher priority than frequencies that do not contain any slices included in a slice list group, in response that the signaled frequencies support at least one selected slice group included in a slice list group indicated by the slice group information.

[0112] In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of sorting the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and the frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information of the selected slice group.

[0113] In various embodiments, frequencies that are not supported by any of the slice groups received from the NAS list are assigned a frequency reselection priority.

[0114] In one embodiment, a slice group corresponding to slice group information that is shown to be supported at a certain frequency is a slice group that is supported by at least one cell at that frequency.

[0115] In some embodiments, a slice group of cells corresponding to slice group information is used, while other slice groups are not used.

[0116] Embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The embodiments described should be considered illustrative and not restrictive in any respect. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than by the above description. Any modifications that fall within the meaning and equivalence of the claims shall be included within the scope of the claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0117] 102 Remote Unit 104 Network Units 200 equipment 202 processors 204 memory 206 Input Devices 208 displays 210 Transmitter 212 Receiver 302 Processors 304 memory 306 Input Devices 308 displays 310 Transmitter 312 Receiver 402 Serving Cells 404 N-cell-B1 406 N-cell-B2 408 N-cell-B3 410 N-cell-B4 412 N-cell-B5 414 N-cell-B6

Claims

1. User equipment (UE), At least one memory, At least one processor coupled to the at least one memory, The at least one processor provides the UE, Receive slice group information from a network device. For each slice group in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information, the cell reselection priority for multiple frequencies having a first frequency and a second frequency is determined. Based on the cell reselection priority in multiple slice groups in the aforementioned slice group list, multiple frequency reselection priorities are determined for performing slice group-based cell reselection. The UE is configured in such a way.

2. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine whether to perform an inter-frequency measurement.

3. The UE according to claim 2, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to perform an inter-frequency measurement in response to a decision to perform an inter-frequency measurement.

4. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the first frequency is the current frequency and the second frequency is the frequency of the inter-frequency adjacent cell.

5. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is further configured to cause the UE to determine the slice group provided by the highest-priority network access layer (NAS) in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

6. The UE according to claim 5, wherein the slice group list includes allowed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, subscribed slice groups and their corresponding priorities, configured slice groups and their corresponding priorities, other slice groups and their corresponding priorities, or a combination thereof.

7. The UE according to claim 5, wherein if a frequency does not support any of the slice groups included in the slice group list, the lowest priority is assigned to that frequency.

8. The UE according to claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to prioritize the plurality of frequencies based on the order of their cell reselection priorities in response to any of the plurality of frequencies not supporting any of the slice groups indicated by the slice group information.

9. User equipment (UE), At least one memory, The at least one processor coupled to the at least one memory and The at least one processor provides the UE, The network device receives slice group information via non-accessible layer (NAS) communication. Based on the frequency priority in each slice group of the slice group list indicated by the slice group information, a prioritized list of frequencies for performing slice-based cell reselection is determined. The UE is configured in such a way.

10. The UE according to claim 9, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to determine a final selection list of frequencies including any signaled frequencies, which have a higher priority than frequencies that do not include any slices in the slice group list, in response that the signaled frequencies support at least one selected slice group included in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

11. The UE according to claim 10, wherein the at least one processor is configured to cause the UE to sort the final selection list of frequencies in order of priority indicated by the NAS communication to the corresponding slices used for final selection, and the frequencies at the same sorted level are further sorted in order of frequency priority available in the slice group information of the selected slice group.

12. The UE according to claim 11, wherein frequencies not supported by any of the slice groups received from the NAS are assigned a frequency reselection priority.

13. The UE according to claim 10, wherein the slice group corresponding to the slice group information shown to be supported at a certain frequency is the slice group supported by at least one cell at the frequency.

14. The UE according to claim 10, wherein the slice group of cells corresponding to the slice group information is used, and no other slice groups are used.

15. A processor for wireless communication, It comprises at least one controller coupled to at least one memory, and the at least one controller provides the processor, The network device receives slice group information via non-accessible layer (NAS) communication. A processor configured to determine a frequency-prioritized list for performing slice-based cell reselection, based on the frequency priority in each slice group of the slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

16. A processor for wireless communication, It comprises at least one controller coupled to at least one memory, and the at least one controller provides the processor, Receive slice group information from a network device. For each slice group in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information, the cell reselection priority for multiple frequencies having a first frequency and a second frequency is determined. A processor configured to determine multiple frequency reselection priorities for performing slice group-based cell reselection, based on the cell reselection priorities in multiple slice groups in the slice group list.

17. The processor according to claim 16, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to determine whether to perform an inter-frequency measurement.

18. The processor according to claim 17, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to perform an inter-frequency measurement in response to a decision to perform an inter-frequency measurement.

19. The processor according to claim 16, wherein the first frequency is the current frequency and the second frequency is the frequency of the inter-frequency adjacent cell.

20. The processor according to claim 16, wherein the at least one controller is configured to cause the processor to determine the slice group provided by the network access layer (NAS) with the highest priority in the slice group list indicated by the slice group information.

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