Cell re-selection extension

Abstract

Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a device, method, apparatus, and computer-readable storage medium for cell reselection enhancement. A first device receives cell reselection information from a second device that provides a source cell, the cell reselection information indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection. The first device receives assistance information for cell reselection from the second device, the assistance information indicating at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell on which to apply a wake-up signal (WUS), where the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. The first device performs cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on the cell reselection information and the assistance information. In this manner, a UE that supports WUS can prioritize cells or frequencies that apply WUS, thereby improving energy efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of telecommunications, and more particularly, to devices, methods, apparatuses, and computer-readable storage media for cell re-selection enhancement.

Background Art

[0002] UE energy efficiency is crucial for 5G systems. Currently, 5G devices may need to be charged weekly or daily depending on individual usage times. Generally, 5G devices consume tens of milliwatts in the RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state and hundreds of milliwatts in the RRC_CONNECTED state. Moreover, energy efficiency is even more crucial for UEs without a continuous energy source, such as UEs using small rechargeable batteries and single coin cell batteries. There is a trend to extend battery life and reduce power consumption of terminal devices to improve energy efficiency and provide a better user experience.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0003] Generally, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure provide solutions for cell re-selection enhancement.

[0004] In a first embodiment, a first device is provided. The first device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, and when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device is made to: receive cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for the first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; receive support information for cell reselection from the second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency; and perform a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on the cell reselection information and the support information.

[0005] In a second embodiment, a second device is provided, comprising at least one processor and at least one memory for storing instructions, the second device causes, when an instruction is executed by the at least one processor, to: obtain at least one indication of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is to be applied; transmit cell reselection information to a first device in a source cell provided by the second device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; and transmit support information for cell reselection to the first device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency.

[0006] In a third embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes: a first device receiving cell reselection information from a second device providing source cells for the first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; receiving support information for cell reselection from the second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency; and performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on the cell reselection information and the support information.

[0007] A fourth aspect provides a method, the method comprising: a second device obtaining at least one indication of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is to be applied; transmitting cell reselection information to a first device in a source cell provided by the second device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; and transmitting support information for cell reselection to the first device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency.

[0008] In a fifth aspect, a first apparatus is provided. The first apparatus comprises: means for receiving cell reselection information indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection from a second apparatus providing source cells for the first apparatus; means for receiving support information for cell reselection from the second apparatus, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on the cell reselection information and the support information.

[0009] In a sixth aspect, a second apparatus is provided. The second apparatus comprises: means for obtaining at least one indication of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied; means for transmitting cell reselection information to a first apparatus in a source cell provided by the second apparatus, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; and means for transmitting support information for cell reselection to the first apparatus, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency.

[0010] In the seventh aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided which stores a computer program that causes the device to perform the method according to the third aspect when executed by at least one processor of the device.

[0011] In the eighth aspect, a computer-readable medium is provided which stores a computer program that causes the device to perform the method according to the fourth aspect when executed by at least one processor of the device.

[0012] Other features and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure will also become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments, which illustrate the principles of the embodiments of this disclosure as an example, when read together with the accompanying drawings.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure are presented in illustrative terms, and their advantages are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0014] [Figure 1] This figure shows an exemplary communication environment in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. [Figure 2A]This figure shows exemplary operation of a UE supporting a wake-up signal (WUS) according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] This figure shows exemplary operation of a UE supporting a wake-up signal (WUS) according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is a flowchart of the process for cell reselection according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating exemplary methods according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart of another exemplary method according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a simplified block diagram of a device suitable for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a block diagram of an exemplary computer-readable medium according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0015] Throughout the drawing, identical or similar reference numbers represent identical or similar elements.

[0016] Next, the principles of this disclosure will be explained with reference to several exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and should be understood as helping those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosures described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0017] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0018] References to "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "an exemplary embodiment", etc. in this disclosure indicate that the described embodiments may include certain features, structures, or characteristics, but not every embodiment need include the specific features, structures, or characteristics. Further, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in relation to an exemplary embodiment, it is contended that it is within the knowledge of those skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in relation to other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0019] It should be understood that terms such as "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various elements, but these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish the functions of various elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed terms.

[0020] The technical terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" shall include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "has", "having", and / or "includes", "including", when used herein, specify the presence of the described features, elements, and / or components, etc., but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0021] In this specification, "at least one of the following: <list of two or more elements>", and "at least one of <list of two or more elements>", and similar expressions mean at least any one of the elements, or at least any two or more of the elements, or at least all of the elements when the list of two or more elements is connected by "and" or "or".

[0022] In this application, the term "circuit" may refer to one or more or all of the following: (a) A circuit implementation with only hardware (such as an implementation with only analog and / or digital circuits), and (b) (if applicable) A combination of a hardware circuit and software as follows: (i) A combination of an analog and / or digital hardware circuit and software / firmware, and (ii) Any part including a hardware processor (including a digital signal processor), software, and memory that function together to enable various functions in a device such as a mobile phone or a server, and (c) A hardware circuit and / or processor such as a microprocessor or a part of a microprocessor that requires software (such as firmware) for operation, and when software is not required for operation, the software may not be present.

[0023] This definition of circuit applies to all uses of this term in the present application, including within any claim. As another example, in the present application, the term circuit also covers a mere hardware circuit or processor (or more processors), or an implementation of a hardware circuit or processor and its (or their) accompanying software and / or firmware. The term circuit also covers, for example, a baseband integrated circuit or processor integrated circuit for a mobile device, or a similar integrated circuit in a server, cellular network device, or other computing or network device, as applicable to a particular claim element.

[0024] In this specification, the term “communication network” refers to a network conforming to any appropriate communication standard, such as fifth-generation (5G) systems, Long Term Evolution (LTE), LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (WCDMA), High-Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), and Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT). Furthermore, communication between terminal devices and network devices within a communication network may be conducted in accordance with any appropriate generation communication protocol, including, but not limited to, first-generation (1G), second-generation (2G), 2.5G, 2.75G, third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), 4.5G, fifth-generation (5G) new radio (NR) communication protocols, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Embodiments of this disclosure may be applied to a variety of communication systems. Given the rapid development of communications, there will naturally be future communication technologies and systems to which this disclosure may be embodied. It should not be understood that the scope of this disclosure is limited to the aforementioned systems only.

[0025] In this specification, the term “network device” refers to a node in a communication network through which terminal devices access and receive services from the network. Depending on the applicable terminology and technology, a network device may refer to a base station (BS) or access point (AP), such as a Node B (NodeB or NB), an evolved Node B (eNodeB or eNB), a Next Generation Node B (NR NB), a Remote Radio Unit (RRU), a Radio Header (RH), a Remote Radio Head (RRH), an Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) node, a repeater, or a low-power node such as a femto or pico node. A network device can also be defined as a portion of a gNB in ​​a CU / DU split, for example, in the case of a CU / DU split, where the network device is defined as either a gNB-CU or a gNB-DU.

[0026] The term "terminal device" refers to any end device that may be capable of wireless communication. Examples, though not limited to, terminal devices may also be called communication devices, user equipment (UE), Subscriber Station (SS), Portable Subscriber Station, Mobile Station (MS), or Access Terminal (AT). Terminal devices may include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, cellular phones, smartphones, voice over IP (VoIP) phones, wireless local loop phones, tablets, wearable devices, personal digital assistants (PDAs), portable computers, desktop computers, image capture devices such as digital cameras, gaming devices, music storage and playback appliances, in-vehicle wireless terminal devices, wireless endpoints, mobile stations, laptop embedded devices (LEEs), laptop-mounted devices (LMEs), USB dongles, smart devices, wireless customer-premises equipment (CPEs), Internet of Things (IoT) devices, watches or other wearables, head-mounted displays (HMDs), vehicles, drones, medical devices and applications (e.g., remote surgery), industrial devices and applications (e.g., robots and / or other wireless devices operating in an industrial and / or automated processing chain context), consumer electronics devices, and devices operating on commercial and / or industrial wireless networks. Terminal devices may also correspond to the Mobile Termination (MT) portion of Integrated Access and Backhaul (IAB) nodes (also known as relay nodes). In the following description, the terms “terminal device,” “communication device,” “terminal,” “user equipment,” and “UE” may be used interchangeably.

[0027] The functions described herein may be performed in fixed and / or wireless network nodes in various exemplary embodiments, but in other exemplary embodiments, the functions may be implemented in user device equipment (such as cell phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, desktop computers, mobile IoT devices, and fixed IoT devices). This user device equipment may, as necessary, have corresponding functions, for example, as described in relation to fixed and / or wireless network nodes. The user device equipment may be user equipment and / or control devices such as chipsets and processors configured to control user equipment when installed within user equipment. Examples of such functions include bootstrapping server functions and / or home subscriber servers, which may be implemented within user device equipment by providing user device equipment with software configured to cause user device equipment to perform these functions / nodes.

[0028] Exemplary environment Figure 1 shows an exemplary communication environment 100 in which exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented. As shown in Figure 1, the communication environment 100 may include a first device 110, a second device 120, a plurality of third devices 122 and 124, and a fourth device 112. The first device 110 and the fourth device 120 may be terminal devices (e.g., UEs), and may hereafter be referred to as UE110 or UE140. The second device 120 and the plurality of third devices 130 may be network devices (e.g., gNBs). The second device 120 and the plurality of third devices 112 and 114 provide cells 102, 104, and 106, respectively.

[0029] In the example in Figure 1, the first device 110 and the fourth device 112 remain on cell 102. Therefore, the first device 110 and the fourth device 112 can communicate with the second device 120. Hereafter, cell 102 may also be referred to as source cell 102 or serving cell 102. The third devices 122 and 124 act as neighbor base stations, and therefore cells 104 and 106 may also be referred to as neighbor cells 104 and 106. The second device 120 and the third devices 122 and 124 can communicate with each other.

[0030] If the first device 110 or the fourth device 112 is in the RRC_IDLE or RRC-INACTIVE state, a cell reselection procedure may be performed. The second device 120 may broadcast cell reselection information, for example, in a System Information Block (SIB). The first device 110 or the fourth device 112 may measure the attributes of the serving cell and neighboring cells to initiate the reselection process. For the discovery and measurement of inter-frequency neighboring cells, the second device 120 may need to indicate the carrier frequency. During the cell reselection procedure, the first device 110 or the fourth device 112 may identify the cell to remain (i.e., the target cell) based on the cell reselection criteria. The cell reselection criteria mainly relate to the measurement of the serving cell and neighboring cells, such as: - Reselection within frequency is based on cell ranking; - Frequency reselection is based on absolute priority, and the UE attempts to remain on the highest priority frequency available.

[0031] It should be understood that the number of devices and their connections shown in Figure 1 are for illustrative purposes only and do not imply any limitation. The communication environment 100 may include any appropriate number of devices configured to implement the exemplary embodiments of this disclosure. It should be understood that one or more additional devices, not shown, may be located in any of cells 102 to 106, and one or more additional cells may be deployed within the communication environment 100.

[0032] Although illustrated as network devices, it should be noted that the second device 120 and the third devices 122 and 124 may be other devices besides network devices. Similarly, although illustrated as terminal devices, the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 may be other devices besides terminal devices. Hereinafter, for illustrative purposes, several exemplary embodiments will be described with the first device 110 and the fourth device 140 acting as terminal devices, and the second device 120 and the third devices 122 and 124 acting as network devices. However, in some exemplary embodiments, the operations described in relation to terminal devices may be implemented in network devices or other devices, and vice versa.

[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, when the first device 110 is a terminal device and the second device 120 is a network device, the link from the second device 120 to the first device 110 is called a downlink (DL), and the link from the first device 110 to the second device 120 is called an uplink (UL). In a DL, the second device 120 is a transmit (TX) device (or transmitter), and the first device 110 is a receive (RX) device (or receiver). In a UL, the first device 110 is a TX device (or transmitter), and the second device 120 is an RX device (or receiver).

[0034] Communication within communication environment 100 may be implemented in accordance with any suitable communication protocol, including, but not limited to, cellular communication protocols such as first generation (1G), second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), fifth generation (5G), and sixth generation (6G), wireless local network communication protocols such as Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11, and / or any other protocols currently known or to be developed in the future. Furthermore, communications may utilize any suitable wireless communication technology, including but not limited to: Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Frequency Division Multiple Access (FDMA), Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Frequency Division Duplex (FDD), Time Division Duplex (TDD), Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO), Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple (OFDM), Discrete Fourier Transform Spread OFDM (DFT-s-OFDM), and / or any other technology currently known or to be developed in the future.

[0035] In network systems, the power consumption of a UE depends on the configured length of the wake-up period, for example, the paging cycle. While the use of extended discontinuous reception (eDRX) cycles is expected, this is unsuitable for services with both long battery life and low latency requirements, where high values ​​can result in higher latency. Therefore, an ultra-low power mechanism capable of supporting low latency, such as below eDRX, is needed. Currently, UEs need to wake up periodically, once per DRX cycle, which accounts for a significant portion of power consumption during periods without signaling or data traffic. Power consumption could be dramatically reduced if the UE could only wake up when triggered, for example, during paging. This can be achieved by using a wake-up signal (WUS) to trigger the main radio and a separate receiver capable of monitoring the wake-up signal with ultra-low power consumption. The main radio works for data transmission and reception and can be turned off or set to deep sleep unless turned on. The power consumption for monitoring the wake-up signal depends on the WUS design and the hardware module of the wake-up receiver used for signal detection and processing.

[0036] However, WUS may not be available on every cell or every frequency depending on the network. This can affect the normal communication and use of UEs. For example, a UE that supports WUS may not know which cells or frequencies also support WUS. As a result, a UE may not be able to utilize WUS provided by different cells, for example, during cell reselection.

[0037] Operating principles and illustrative signaling for communications According to some exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, a solution for cell reselection extension is provided. In this solution, a UE receives cell reselection information from a gNB providing source cells for the UE, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection. The UE also receives support information for cell reselection from the gNB, which indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal should be applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Thus, based on the cell reselection information and support information, the UE can perform a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. In this way, the gNB can direct the WUS-supporting UE to the appropriate cell or frequency to which WUS should be applied. Thus, power consumption is reduced, and latency and mobility performance are guaranteed.

[0038] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] Figures 2A and 2B illustrate exemplary operations 200 and 201 of a WUS-supporting UE according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A WUS-supporting UE may be, for example, a first device 110 as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, in the example of Figure 1, a fourth device 140 may be a normal UE that does not support WUS.

[0040] The first device 110 comprises a main radio 210 and a separate ultra-low power wake-up receiver 220 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as WUR220). The main radio 210 may be an NR transceiver that can operate in sleep mode or can sometimes be further powered off to conserve power. In some exemplary embodiments, the main radio 210 may be activated only when a WUS is received from the serving cell 102. For example, a second device 120 may trigger the first device 110 to wake up in an event-driven manner. In this case, the second device 120 may send a special WUS to the first device 110, which is monitored by the WUR220.

[0041] As shown in Figure 2A, if the WUR220 receives a WUS, it can trigger the wake-up of the main radio 210, and communication can begin. Otherwise, as shown in Figure 2B, the main radio 210 remains in OFF mode or in deep sleep mode. In some exemplary embodiments, the WUR220 can operate in an always-on manner with very low power consumption. Since the WUR can only receive WUS, it is possible for the WUR220 to consume significantly less power than the main radio 210.

[0042] Next, Figure 3 is referenced, which shows a flowchart of process 300 for cell reselection according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 3, process 300 involves at least a first device 110, a second device 120, and a third device 122. For discussion purposes, Figure 1 is referenced to illustrate the signaling chart 300. The first device 110, the second device 120, and the third device 122 are shown in Figure 3, but it will be understood that there may be multiple terminal devices operating similarly to the first device 110 described below, and multiple network devices operating similarly to the second device 120 or the third device 122 described below.

[0043] In the communication network 100, cells 102 through 106 and their corresponding frequencies may or may not be different from the WUS to which the WUS is applied. As previously stated, a second device 120, served as a source base station, may broadcast cell reselection information within cell 102, for example, via a SIB. To facilitate the cell reselection procedure and to take into account various link budgets for the WUS, the second device 120 may obtain at least one indication of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the WUS is applied (305). Alternatively, the second device 120 may obtain such indications from any other network device in the RAN.

[0044] The second device 120 transmits cell reselection information (310) indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection. The cell reselection information may be carried by network broadcast information, for example, SIB.

[0045] In the example in Figure 1, the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies may include cells 104 and 106 and their corresponding frequencies. In some exemplary embodiments, the cell reselection information may represent a set of cell reselection priorities for the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies.

[0046] The second device 120 transmits support information for cell reselection (315), which indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell. A set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. In the example in Figure 1, neighboring cell 104 and / or the corresponding frequency apply WUS.

[0047] The first device 110 performs a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on cell reselection information and support information (320). For example, the first device 110 may perform measurements with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. For example, the first device 110 may compare the measured values ​​and / or results with those of other cells or frequencies, such as serving cells, intra-frequency / inter-frequency, sets of cells that are not part of the set of candidate cells, and / or sets of frequencies that are not part of the set of candidate frequencies.

[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, support information may be carried via dedicated signaling, such as radio resource control (RRC) messages. For example, in cases where the first device 110 is directed to RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode, support information may be carried in an RRC release message.

[0049] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, the support information may be carried by network broadcast information, such as a Social Impact Band (SIB). For example, an existing SIB may be reused to carry the support information. In another example, a new SIB may be used specifically to carry the support information. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0050] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may be in the form of a list of cells or frequencies to which WUS is applied. In the example in Figure 1, the support information may indicate cell 104 or its corresponding frequency.

[0051] In some exemplary embodiments, support information for cell reselection carried by dedicated signaling may take precedence over support information for cell reselection carried by broadcast signaling. In this case, the first device 110 performs a cell reselection evaluation based on the support information via dedicated signaling, but may ignore the support information via broadcast signaling.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, support information for cell reselection carried by broadcast signaling may take precedence over support information for cell reselection carried by dedicated signaling. In this case, the first device 110 performs a cell reselection evaluation based on the support information via broadcast signaling, but may ignore the information via dedicated signaling.

[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, when the first device 110 is directed to RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode, support information for cell reselection carried by dedicated signaling may take precedence only within the cell that was the primary cell of the first device 110. Otherwise, support information for cell reselection carried by broadcast signaling may take precedence.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device 120 may provide different support information to different terminal devices. For example, the support information may be associated with a public land mobile network (PLMN). In other words, support information specific to the PLMN may be provided.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and support information. Specifically, the first device 110 supporting WUS may rank frequencies to which WUS is applied with a higher priority than any other frequencies to which WUS is not applied. For example, the frequency corresponding to cell 104 may be ranked as the highest priority for cell reselection.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may include separate absolute priorities for the frequencies to which WUS is applied. These absolute priorities can only be applied by UEs that support WUS, i.e., the first device 120. Furthermore, UEs that support WUS may ignore legacy absolute priorities for frequencies for which absolute priorities for WUS are provided.

[0057] As an addition or alternative, in some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may apply at least one offset priority to the absolute priority of each frequency to which WUS is applied, as indicated by the supporting information. For example, in the case where a frequency supports WUS, the first device 110 may determine the target priority of the frequency by increasing the absolute priority value of that frequency by an offset priority such as 1, 2, etc. In other words, the priority for frequencies that support WUS may differ for UEs that support WUS and UEs that do not support WUS.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, an offset value for cell ranking is applied by the first device 110 for at least one frequency on which WUS is supported. The offset value may include, but is not limited to, Reference Signal Received Power (RSRP), Reference Signal Received Quality (RSRQ), Signal to Interference plus Noise Ratio (SINR), offset, or a combination thereof.

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, a cell quality threshold (e.g., Qrxlevmin) for cell reselection may be adjusted based on an offset value. For example, the first device 110 may increase or decrease by an offset value.

[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, cell quality may be adjusted based on an offset value. For example, the offset value may be used to determine that the cell quality used for cell reselection is an et value that is better or worse than the measured cell quality.

[0061] In some exemplary embodiments, the offset value may be provided by the second device 120, for example, through broadcast signaling (e.g., SIB) or dedicated signaling (e.g., RRC).

[0062] In some exemplary embodiments, frequency or cell-specific offset values ​​may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, a common offset value may be provided for each cell supporting WUS.

[0063] In some exemplary embodiments, the offset value may be predetermined in the first device 110 and the second device 120. For example, the offset value may be pre-configured by the second device 120, or alternatively, specified in the relevant standard. In this way, the UE can determine at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the WUS applies based on the supporting information. The UE can then apply at least one offset value for cell reselection.

[0064] In some exemplary embodiments, in cases where a first device 110 supporting WUS remains on a serving cell (e.g., cell 102) that supports WUS, the threshold for the first device 110 to initiate in-frequency or inter-frequency measurements for cell reselection may differ for a fourth device 140 that does not support WUS. This is because the link budget may differ for WUS compared to any other signaling.

[0065] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may correspond to the device type of the first device 110. For example, the device type may include either a RedCap device or a non-RedCap device. In this case, the gNB may provide different support information to different types of UEs.

[0066] According to exemplary embodiments of this disclosure, information on at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied may be provided to the UE. This information assists the UE supporting WUS in cell reselection evaluation. Such information does not affect the cell reselection principle of a UE that does not support WUS. In this way, the energy efficiency of the UE may be improved. Furthermore, mobility performance is ensured by taking into account different link budgets for WUS.

[0067] It should be understood that some of the steps in Process 300 are optional and may be omitted, and the order of the steps is given for illustrative purposes only. Additionally, some of the steps may be performed in parallel with others. Therefore, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited in this respect.

[0068] Figure 4 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 400 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 400 may be implemented in a terminal device, for example, the first device 110 described with reference to Figure 1. For discussion purposes, Method 400 will be described with reference to Figure 1. However, in some other embodiments, Method 400 may also be implemented in any other device, for example, network devices such as gNBs, CUs, and DUs. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0069] At 410, the first device 110 receives cell reselection information from the second device 120, which provides the source cell 102 for the first device 110, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection. In the example in Figure 1, the candidate cells may include cells 104 and 106, and the candidate frequencies may include at least one frequency on which cells 104 and 106 operate.

[0070] At 420, the first device 110 receives support information for cell reselection from the second device 120. In this case, the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS applies, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, support information may be carried via at least one of the following: an SIB, or an RRC message such as an RRC release message. For example, an existing SIB may be reused to carry support information. In another example, a new SIB may be used specifically to carry support information. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may include at least one of the following: a cell list containing at least one cell to which WUS is applied, or a frequency list containing at least one frequency to which WUS is applied.

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information may be carried in a SIB. Alternatively, support information may be carried in an RRC message. In other words, cell reselection information may be broadcast within cell 102, and support information may be provided to the UE via dedicated signaling.

[0074] At 430, the first device 110 performs a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies, based on cell reselection information and support information.

[0075] In some exemplary embodiments where cell reselection information is carried in SIB and support information is carried in RRC messages, the first device 110 may determine that the information carried via RRC messages takes precedence over the information carried via SIB. Based on this determination, the first device 110 may perform a cell reselection evaluation based on the support information. In this case, the first device 110 may ignore the information carried in SIB.

[0076] In some exemplary embodiments, where, as an addition or alternative, cell reselection information is carried in an SIB and support information is carried in an RRC message, the first device 110 may determine that the information carried via the SIB takes precedence over the information carried via the RRC message. Similarly, based on this determination, the first device 110 may perform a cell reselection evaluation based on the cell reselection information. In this case, the first device 110 may ignore the information carried in the RRC message.

[0077] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine that source cell 102 was a PCell before the first device 110 is directed to RRC_INACTIVE mode or RRC_IDLE mode. Based on the determination that source cell 102 was a PCell, the first device 110 may perform a cell reselection evaluation based on supporting information. Additionally or alternatively, the first device 110 may determine that source cell 102 was a non-PCell cell. Based on the determination that source cell 102 was not a PCell, the first device 110 may perform a cell reselection evaluation based on cell reselection information.

[0078] In other words, in cases where the first device 110 is directed to RRC_IDLE mode or RRC_INACTIVE mode, support information via dedicated signaling may take precedence only within the cell that was the UE's PCell. Otherwise, cell reselection information via broadcast signaling will take precedence.

[0079] In some exemplary embodiments, support information may be associated with at least one PLMN; that is, different support information may be provided for UEs associated with different PLMNs.

[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and support information.

[0081] In some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may rank at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell (i.e., 104) to which WUS is applied with a higher priority than the rest of the set of candidate cells or frequencies to which WUS is not applied, for example, cell 106 in this example.

[0082] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information may indicate a set of cell reselection priorities assigned to devices that do not support WUS, and support information may indicate at least one cell reselection priority assigned to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0083] In addition, in some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine that it supports WUS or has the capability to process WUS. Based on the determination that the first device 110 supports WUS, the first device 110 may determine the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on cell reselection information.

[0084] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell reselection information may indicate a set of cell reselection priorities for a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies, and the support information may indicate at least one priority offset for at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0085] Additionally, in some exemplary embodiments, the first device 110 may determine that it supports WUS. Based on the determination that the first device 110 supports WUS, the first device 110 may determine the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies by applying at least one priority offset to the priority of at least one cell reselection priority of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied. For example, a UE that supports WUS may increase the absolute priority value of a frequency by 1, 2, etc., when the frequency also supports WUS. In this case, the priority of frequencies that support WUS may differ for UEs that support WUS and UEs that do not support WUS.

[0086] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may be associated with at least one offset value for ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied, and the at least one offset value includes at least one of the following: at least one offset associated with RSRP, or at least one offset associated with RSRQ, or at least one offset associated with SINR, etc.

[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information may indicate a cell quality threshold, and supporting information may be associated with at least one offset value for determining a target cell quality threshold for cell reselection. For example, the first device 110 may determine a target cell quality threshold by increasing the cell quality threshold by at least one offset value. Alternatively, in some other examples, the first device 110 may determine a target cell quality threshold by decreasing the cell quality threshold by at least one offset value.

[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may be associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality for cell reselection. For example, the first device 110 may determine whether the target cell quality for cell reselection is at least one offset value better than the measured cell quality. Alternatively, in some other examples, the first device 110 may determine whether the target cell quality is at least one offset value worse than the measured cell quality.

[0089] In some exemplary embodiments, the supporting information may indicate at least one of the following: an offset value specific to the frequency or neighboring cell to which WUS is applied, or an offset value common to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0090] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one offset value may be predetermined in the first device 110 and the second device 120. For example, at least one offset value may be pre-configured by the second device 120, or alternatively, specified in the relevant standard. Thus, the first device 110 may determine, based on supporting information, that at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell applies WUS. Based on the determination that at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell applies WUS, the first device 110 may apply at least one offset value for cell reselection.

[0091] In some exemplary embodiments in which the first device 110 supports WUS and the source cell 102 applies WUS, the first device 110 may determine that a first threshold has been reached to trigger a cell reselection evaluation. Based on this determination, the first device 110 may perform a cell reselection evaluation. In this case, the first threshold is different from a second threshold for cell reselection that would be assigned to a device 112 that does not support WUS.

[0092] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may correspond to the device type of the first device 110. For example, the device type may include either a RedCap device or a non-RedCap device.

[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, one of the first device 110 or the second device 120 may include a terminal device (e.g., a UE), and the other of the first device 110 or the second device 120 may include a network device (e.g., a gNB).

[0094] Figure 5 shows a flowchart of an exemplary method 500 according to some exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Method 500 may be implemented in a network device, for example, the second device 120 described with reference to Figure 1. For discussion purposes, method 500 will be described with reference to Figure 1. However, in some other embodiments, method 500 may be implemented in any other device. Therefore, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0095] At 510, the second device 120 obtains at least one indication of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0096] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one indication may be obtained from at least one third device that provides at least one neighbor cell or operates at at least one frequency. In the example in Figure 1, a third device 122 that provides a neighbor cell 104 supporting WUS may transmit such an indication.

[0097] At 520, the second device 120 transmits cell reselection information to the first device 110 in the source cell 102 provided by the second device 120, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection. In the example in Figure 1, the candidate cells may include cells 104 and 106, and the candidate frequencies may include at least one frequency on which cells 104 and 106 operate.

[0098] At 530, the second device 120 transmits support information for cell reselection to the first device 110. In this case, the support information may indicate at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency.

[0099] In some exemplary embodiments, support information may be carried via at least one of the following: an SIB, or an RRC message such as an RRC release message. For example, an existing SIB may be reused to carry support information. In another example, a new SIB may be used specifically to carry support information. Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may include at least one of the following: a cell list containing at least one cell to which WUS is applied, or a frequency list containing at least one frequency to which WUS is applied.

[0101] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information may be carried in a SIB. Alternatively, support information may be carried in an RRC message. In other words, cell reselection information may be broadcast by a gNB, and support information may be provided to the UE via dedicated signaling.

[0102] In some exemplary embodiments, information carried via RRC messages may take precedence over information carried via SIB. In this case, the first device 110 determines the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on the support information, but may ignore the information carried in the SIB.

[0103] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, information carried via SIB may take precedence over information carried via RRC messages. In this case, the first device 110 determines the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on cell reselection information, but may ignore the information carried in RRC messages.

[0104] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may be associated with at least one PLMN. That is, the gNB may provide different support information to UEs associated with different PLMNs.

[0105] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information may indicate a set of cell reselection priorities assigned to devices that do not support WUS, and support information may indicate at least one cell reselection priority assigned to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0106] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell reselection information may indicate a set of cell reselection priorities for a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies, and the support information may indicate at least one priority offset for at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0107] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may be associated with at least one offset value for ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied, and the at least one offset value includes at least one of the following: at least one offset associated with RSRP, or at least one offset associated with RSRQ, or at least one offset associated with SINR, etc.

[0108] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information may indicate a cell quality threshold, and supporting information may be associated with at least one offset value for determining a target cell quality threshold for cell reselection.

[0109] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality for cell reselection.

[0110] In some exemplary embodiments, the supporting information may indicate at least one of the following: an offset value specific to the frequency or neighboring cell to which WUS is applied, or an offset value common to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which WUS is applied.

[0111] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one offset value may be predetermined in the first device 110 and the second device 120. For example, at least one offset value may be pre-configured by the second device 120, or alternatively, specified in the relevant standard. In this way, the UE may determine at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the WUS applies based on the supporting information. The UE may then apply at least one offset value for cell reselection.

[0112] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information may correspond to the device type of the first device 110. For example, the device type may include either a RedCap device or a non-RedCap device. In this case, the gNB may provide different support information to different types of UEs.

[0113] In some exemplary embodiments, one of the first device 110 or the second device 120 may include a terminal device (e.g., a UE), and the other of the first device 110 or the second device 120 may include a network device (e.g., a gNB).

[0114] According to an exemplary embodiment, support information for cell reselection is provided to the UE. Based on the support information, the WUS-supporting UE is enabled to prioritize cells or frequencies that also support WUS. In this way, better energy efficiency can be achieved in the UE. Furthermore, the support information may have an effect only on the WUS-supporting UE without affecting the non-WUS-supporting UE. By taking into account different link budgets for WUS, the mobility performance of the RAN is ensured.

[0115] In some exemplary embodiments, a first apparatus (e.g., a first device 110) capable of performing Method 400 may comprise means for performing each step of Method 400. The means can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. In some embodiments, the means may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to operate.

[0116] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus includes: means for receiving cell reselection information from a second apparatus providing source cells for the first apparatus, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; means for receiving support information for cell reselection from the second apparatus, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on the cell reselection information and the support information.

[0117] In some exemplary embodiments, support information is transported via at least one of the following: a system information block or a wireless resource control message.

[0118] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information includes at least one of the following: a cell list containing at least one cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, or a frequency list containing at least one frequency to which a wake-up signal is applied.

[0119] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information is carried in a system information block, and support information is carried in a wireless resource control message.

[0120] In some exemplary embodiments, means for performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for determining that information carried via radio resource control messages takes precedence over information carried via system information blocks; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation based on support information, on the determination that information carried via radio resource control messages takes precedence over information carried via system information blocks.

[0121] In some exemplary embodiments, means for performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for determining that information carried via a system information block takes precedence over information carried via a radio resource control message; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation based on cell reselection information, based on the determination that information carried via a system information block takes precedence over information carried via a radio resource control message.

[0122] In some exemplary embodiments, means for performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for determining whether a source cell was a primary cell before the first device is directed to a radio resource control inactive mode or a radio resource control idle mode; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation based on supporting information, on the determination that the source cell was a primary cell.

[0123] In some exemplary embodiments, means for performing a cell reselection evaluation with respect to at least a portion of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for determining that a source cell was a cell other than a primary cell; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation based on cell reselection information, based on the determination that the source cell was a cell other than a primary cell.

[0124] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one public land mobile network.

[0125] In some exemplary embodiments, the first apparatus further comprises means for determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and support information.

[0126] In some exemplary embodiments, means for determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied with a higher priority than the rest of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies to which the wake-up signal is not applied.

[0127] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information indicates a set of cell reselection priorities assigned to devices that do not support wake-up signals, and support information indicates at least one cell reselection priority assigned to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which wake-up signals are applied.

[0128] In some exemplary embodiments, means for determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for determining that a first device supports a wake-up signal; and means for determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on cell reselection information, based on the determination that the first device supports a wake-up signal.

[0129] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell reselection information indicates a set of cell reselection priorities for a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies, and the support information indicates at least one priority offset for at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied.

[0130] In some exemplary embodiments, means for determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies include: means for determining that a first device supports a wake-up signal; and means for determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies by applying at least one priority offset to the cell reselection priority of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied, based on the determination that the first device supports a wake-up signal.

[0131] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one offset value for ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the at least one offset value includes at least one of the following: at least one offset associated with reference signal received power, or at least one offset associated with reference signal received quality, or at least one offset associated with the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio.

[0132] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information indicates a cell quality threshold, supporting information is associated with at least one offset value for determining a target cell quality threshold for cell reselection, and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation comprises one of the following: means for determining a target cell quality threshold by increasing the cell quality threshold by at least one offset value, or means for determining a target cell quality threshold by decreasing the cell quality threshold by at least one offset value.

[0133] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality for cell reselection, and the means for performing the cell reselection evaluation comprises one of the following: means for determining whether the target cell quality for cell reselection is at least one offset value better than the measured cell quality; or means for determining whether the target cell quality is at least one offset value worse than the measured cell quality.

[0134] In some exemplary embodiments, the supporting information indicates at least one of the following: an offset value specific to the frequency to which the wake-up signal is applied or to a neighboring cell; or an offset value common to at least one frequency or to at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied.

[0135] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one offset value is predetermined in the first and second devices, and the means for performing cell reselection evaluation includes: means for determining, based on support information, that at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell applies a wake-up signal; and means for applying at least one offset value for cell reselection based on the determination that at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell applies a wake-up signal.

[0136] In some exemplary embodiments, a first device supports a wake-up signal, a source cell applies the wake-up signal, and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation include: means for determining that a first threshold for triggering a cell reselection evaluation has been reached; and means for performing a cell reselection evaluation based on the determination that the first threshold has been reached, wherein the first threshold is different from a second threshold for cell reselection assigned for devices that do not support a wake-up signal.

[0137] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information corresponds to the device type of the first apparatus, the device type includes either a reduction function device or a non-reduction function device.

[0138] In some exemplary embodiments, one of the first and second devices includes a terminal device, and the other of the first and second devices includes a network device.

[0139] In some exemplary embodiments, a second apparatus (e.g., a second device 120) capable of performing method 500 may comprise means for performing each step of method 500. The means can be implemented in any suitable form. For example, the means may be implemented in a circuit or a software module. In some embodiments, the means may comprise at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code. The at least one memory and the computer program code, together with the at least one processor, are configured to cause the apparatus to be implemented.

[0140] In some exemplary embodiments, the second device includes: means for obtaining at least one indication of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied; means for transmitting cell reselection information to the first device in a source cell provided by the second device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection; and means for transmitting support information for cell reselection to the first device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency.

[0141] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one indication is obtained from at least one third device that provides at least one neighboring cell or operates at at least one frequency.

[0142] In some exemplary embodiments, support information is transported via at least one of the following: a system information block or a wireless resource control message.

[0143] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information includes at least one of the following: a cell list containing at least one cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, or a frequency list containing at least one frequency to which a wake-up signal is applied.

[0144] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information is carried in a system information block, and support information is carried in a wireless resource control message.

[0145] In some exemplary embodiments, information carried via wireless resource control messages takes precedence over information carried via system information blocks.

[0146] In some exemplary embodiments, information carried via system information blocks takes precedence over information carried via wireless resource control messages.

[0147] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one public land mobile network.

[0148] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information indicates a set of cell reselection priorities assigned to devices that do not support wake-up signals, and support information indicates at least one cell reselection priority assigned to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which wake-up signals are applied.

[0149] In some exemplary embodiments, the cell reselection information indicates a set of cell reselection priorities for a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies, and the support information indicates at least one priority offset for at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied.

[0150] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one offset value for ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the at least one offset value includes at least one of the following: at least one offset associated with reference signal received power, or at least one offset associated with reference signal received quality, or at least one offset associated with the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio.

[0151] In some exemplary embodiments, cell reselection information indicates a cell quality threshold, and supporting information is associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality threshold for cell reselection.

[0152] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information is associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality for cell reselection.

[0153] In some exemplary embodiments, the supporting information indicates at least one of the following: an offset value specific to the frequency to which the wake-up signal is applied or to a neighboring cell, or an offset value common to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied.

[0154] In some exemplary embodiments, at least one offset value is predetermined in the first and second devices.

[0155] In some exemplary embodiments, the support information corresponds to the device type of the first apparatus, the device type includes either a reduction function device or a non-reduction function device.

[0156] In some exemplary embodiments, one of the first and second devices includes a terminal device, and the other of the first and second devices includes a network device.

[0157] Figure 6 is a simplified block diagram of a device 600 suitable for implementing an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 600 may be provided for implementing a communication device, for example, a first device 110 or a second device 120 as shown in Figure 1. As shown, the device 600 includes one or more processors 610, one or more memories 620 coupled to the processors 610, and one or more transmitters and / or receivers (TX / RX) 640 (i.e., communication modules 640) coupled to the processors 610.

[0158] The TX / RX640 is for bidirectional communication. The TX / RX640 has at least one antenna to facilitate communication. The communication interface may represent any interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0159] The processor 610 may be any type suitable for a local technical network and may include one or more of the following:, as non-limiting examples, general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and processors based on multi-core processor architectures. The device 600 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that operate as slaves in time to a clock synchronized with the main processor.

[0160] Memory 620 may include one or more non-volatile memories and one or more volatile memories. Examples of non-volatile memories include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM) 624, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, hard disks, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), and other magnetic and / or optical storage. Examples of volatile memories include, but are not limited to, random-access memory (RAM) 622, and other volatile memories that do not persist during power-down periods.

[0161] The computer program 630 includes computer executable instructions that are executed by the associated processor 610. The program 630 may be stored in ROM 624. The processor 610 can perform any appropriate actions and processes by loading the program 630 into RAM 622.

[0162] Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented by program 630 so that device 600 can perform any process of the disclosure discussed with reference to Figures 2-5. Embodiments of the disclosure can also be implemented by hardware or by a combination of software and hardware.

[0163] In some embodiments, the program 630 may be tangibly contained in a computer-readable medium that may be contained within device 600 (such as in memory 620), or in another storage device accessible by device 600. Device 600 may load the program 630 from the computer-readable medium into RAM 622 for execution. The computer-readable medium may include any type of tangible non-volatile storage, such as ROM, EPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD, or DVD. Figure 7 shows an example of a computer-readable medium 700 in the form of a CD or DVD. The computer-readable medium stores the program 630.

[0164] In general, various embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented in hardware, dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. Various embodiments of this disclosure are illustrated and described as block diagrams, flowcharts, or using any other pictorial representation, but it should be understood that any blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented, in non-limiting examples, in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuitry or logic, general-purpose hardware or controllers, or other computing devices, or any combination thereof.

[0165] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as those contained within a program module, which are executed on a target real or virtual processor in a device to perform the methods 400 or 500 described above with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Generally, a program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that implement a particular task or a particular abstract data type. The functionality of the program modules can be combined or divided among the program modules as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions for the program modules can be executed in a local device or a distributed device. In a distributed device, the program modules can reside in both local and remote storage media.

[0166] Program code for performing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. This program code may be provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device, thereby causing the program code, when executed by the processor or controller, to implement functions / operations specified in flowcharts and / or block diagrams. The program code may run entirely on a machine, partially on a machine as a standalone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0167] In the context of this disclosure, computer program code or associated data may be carried by any suitable carrier to enable a device, device, or processor to perform the various processes and operations described above. Examples of carriers include signals, computer-readable media, and the like.

[0168] Computer-readable media may be computer-readable signal media or computer-readable storage media. Computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices, or any appropriate combination thereof. More specific examples of computer-readable storage media include electrical connections having 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), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any appropriate combination thereof.

[0169] Furthermore, while the operations are presented in a specific order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in a specific order or sequence, or that all presented operations be performed, in order to achieve the desired result. In some environments, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Similarly, while some specific implementation details are included in the above discussion, these should not be interpreted as limitations on the scope of this disclosure, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to a particular embodiment. Some features described in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented separately in multiple embodiments or in any suitable subcombination.

[0170] Although this disclosure is described using terminology specific to structural features and / or methodological behavior, it should be understood that the disclosure as defined in the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or behaviors described herein. Rather, the specific features and behaviors described herein are disclosed as exemplary forms that implement the claims.

Claims

1. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Cell reselection information is carried in a system information block, and support information is carried in a wireless resource control message. Performing a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the candidate cell or candidate frequency set is possible. It is determined that information carried via wireless resource control messages takes precedence over information carried via system information blocks, Based on the determination that information carried via wireless resource control messages takes precedence over information carried via system information blocks, a cell reselection evaluation is performed based on the support information. A first device, including the following.

2. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Cell reselection information is carried in a system information block, and support information is carried in a wireless resource control message. Performing a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the candidate cell or candidate frequency set is possible. It is determined that information transmitted via system information blocks takes precedence over information transmitted via wireless resource control messages. Based on the determination that information transmitted via system information blocks takes precedence over information transmitted via wireless resource control messages, a cell reselection evaluation is performed based on cell reselection information. A first device, including the following.

3. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Cell reselection information is carried in a system information block, and support information is carried in a wireless resource control message. Performing a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the candidate cell or candidate frequency set is possible. Before the first device is directed to the radio resource control inactive mode or radio resource control idle mode, it is determined that the source cell was a primary cell, Based on the determination that the source cell was a primary cell, a cell re-selection evaluation will be conducted based on supporting information. A first device, including the following.

4. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Cell reselection information is carried in a system information block, and support information is carried in a wireless resource control message. Performing a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the candidate cell or candidate frequency set is possible. The determination that the source cell was a cell other than a primary cell, Based on the determination that the source cell was a cell other than the primary cell, a cell reselection evaluation will be performed based on the cell reselection information. A first device, including the following.

5. Support information, A list of cells that include at least one cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, or A frequency list containing at least one frequency to which the wake-up signal is applied. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one of the above.

6. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein support information is associated with at least one public land mobile network.

7. When at least one memory stores an instruction and the instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device, Prioritizing a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and supporting information. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further enabling the following:

8. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, When at least one memory stores an instruction and the instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device, Prioritizing a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and supporting information. Let them do it further, Determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies is Ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied with a higher priority than the rest of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies to which the wake-up signal is not applied. A first device, including the following.

9. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, When at least one memory stores an instruction and the instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device, Prioritizing a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and supporting information. Let them do it further, A first device wherein cell reselection information indicates a set of cell reselection priorities assigned to devices that do not support wake-up signals, and support information indicates at least one cell reselection priority assigned to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied.

10. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, When at least one memory stores an instruction and the instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device, Prioritizing a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and supporting information. Let them do it further, Determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies is The first device determines that it supports the wake-up signal, Based on the determination that the first device supports the wake-up signal, the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies is determined based on the cell reselection information. A first device, including the following.

11. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, When at least one memory stores an instruction and the instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device, Prioritizing a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies based on at least one of cell reselection information and supporting information. Let them do it further, A first device wherein cell reselection information indicates a set of cell reselection priorities for a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies, and support information indicates at least one priority offset for at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied.

12. Determining the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies is The first device determines that it supports the wake-up signal, Based on the determination that the first device supports a wake-up signal, the priority of a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies is determined by applying at least one priority offset to the cell reselection priority of at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied. The first device according to claim 11, including

13. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Support information is associated with at least one offset value for ranking at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied, and the at least one offset value is At least one offset associated with the reference signal received power, or At least one offset associated with the quality of the reference signal reception, or At least one offset associated with the signal-to-interference plus noise ratio A first device comprising at least one of the following.

14. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Cell reselection information indicates a cell quality threshold, and supporting information is associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality threshold for cell reselection. Performing a cell re-selection evaluation is possible. Determining the target cell quality threshold by increasing the cell quality threshold by at least one offset value, or The target cell quality threshold is determined by reducing the cell quality threshold by at least one offset value. A first device, which includes one of the following.

15. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, Supporting information is associated with at least one offset value for determining the target cell quality for cell reselection. Performing a cell re-selection evaluation is possible. To determine whether the target cell quality for cell reselection is at least one offset value better than the measured cell quality, or To determine whether the target cell quality is at least one offset value worse than the measured cell quality. A first device, which includes one of the following.

16. Support information, The frequency to which the wake-up signal is applied, or an offset value specific to neighboring cells, or An offset value common to at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which the wake-up signal is applied. The first device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein at least one of the above is represented.

17. At least one offset value is predetermined in the first device and the second device. Performing a cell re-selection evaluation is possible. Based on the supporting information, it is determined that at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell will apply the wake-up signal. Applying at least one offset value for cell reselection based on the fact that at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell has decided to apply a wake-up signal. The first device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, including

18. At least one processor, A first device comprising at least one memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device has at least, Receiving cell reselection information from a second device that provides source cells for a first device, indicating a set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies for cell reselection, Receiving support information for cell reselection from a second device, wherein the support information indicates at least one frequency or at least one neighboring cell to which a wake-up signal is applied, and the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies includes at least one neighboring cell or at least one frequency. Based on cell reselection information and supporting information, perform a cell reselection evaluation for at least a portion of the set of candidate cells or candidate frequencies. Have them do it, When at least one memory stores an instruction and the instruction is executed by at least one processor, the first device, The first device supports the wake-up signal, and the source cell applies the wake-up signal. Performing a cell re-selection evaluation is possible. Determining that a first threshold has been reached to trigger a cell reselection evaluation, A cell reselection evaluation is performed based on the determination that a first threshold has been reached, wherein the first threshold is different from a second threshold for cell reselection assigned to devices that do not support wake-up signals. A first device, including the following.

19. The first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 8 to 11, 13 to 15 and 18, wherein the support information corresponds to the device type of the first device, and the device type includes either a reduction function device or a non-reduction function device.

20. A first device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, 8 to 11, 13 to 15 and 18, wherein one of the first and second devices includes a terminal device and the other of the first and second devices includes a network device.

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